WO1998040455A1 - Adjuvant au carbonate de calcium cristallin selectionne utilise dans des compositions detergentes - Google Patents

Adjuvant au carbonate de calcium cristallin selectionne utilise dans des compositions detergentes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998040455A1
WO1998040455A1 PCT/US1998/004469 US9804469W WO9840455A1 WO 1998040455 A1 WO1998040455 A1 WO 1998040455A1 US 9804469 W US9804469 W US 9804469W WO 9840455 A1 WO9840455 A1 WO 9840455A1
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Prior art keywords
calcium carbonate
detergent composition
builder
crystalline
sodium
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PCT/US1998/004469
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English (en)
Inventor
Eugene Joseph Pancheri
Robert Henry Rohrbaugh
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The Procter & Gamble Company
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Publication date
Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to JP53964498A priority Critical patent/JP2001514698A/ja
Priority to BR9808237-0A priority patent/BR9808237A/pt
Priority to EP98909018A priority patent/EP0972000A1/fr
Priority to US09/380,906 priority patent/US6610645B2/en
Publication of WO1998040455A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998040455A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/02—Inorganic compounds ; Elemental compounds
    • C11D3/12—Water-insoluble compounds
    • C11D3/1233—Carbonates, e.g. calcite or dolomite

Definitions

  • the invention is directed to an inexpensive builder material for use in detergent compositions. More particularly, the invention provides a selected crystalline calcium carbonate material substantially having a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • This very inexpensive builder material is especially suitable for use in detergent compositions used in fabric laundering, bleaching, automatic or hand dishwashing, hard surface cleaning and in any other application which requires the use of a builder material to remove water hardness.
  • formulators of cleaning compositions to include, in addition to a cleaning active material, a builder to remove hardness cations (e.g. calcium cations and magnesium cations) from washing solution which would otherwise reduce the efficiency of the cleaning active material (e.g. surfactant) and render certain soils more difficult to remove.
  • a builder to remove hardness cations (e.g. calcium cations and magnesium cations) from washing solution which would otherwise reduce the efficiency of the cleaning active material (e.g. surfactant) and render certain soils more difficult to remove.
  • laundry detergent compositions typically contain an anionic surfactant and a builder to reduce the effects of hardness cations in wash solutions.
  • the builder sequesters or "ties up" the hardness cations so as to prevent them from hindering the cleaning action of the anionic surfactant in the detergent composition.
  • water-soluble phosphate materials have been used extensively as detergency builders. However for a variety of reasons, including eutrophication of surface waters allegedly caused by phosphates, there has been a desire to use other builder materials in many geographic areas.
  • Other known builders include water-soluble builder salts, such as sodium carbonate, which can form precipitates with the hardness cations found in washing solutions.
  • water-soluble builder salts such as sodium carbonate
  • calcite typically has to be produced in a very small particle size in order to have a larger surface area which is harder to poison. This, however, renders the very small calcite particle dusty and difficult to handle.
  • the required particle sizes are so small (at least having 15 m ⁇ /g or more of surface area) that manufacturing of such calcite particles is extremely expensive.
  • production of such small calcite particles may require a controlled "growing" process which is extremely expensive.
  • Another problem associated with the use of calcite as a "seed crystal" for the poisons and precipitates in washing solutions is the difficulty experienced in adequately dispersing the calcite in the washing solution so that it does not deposit on fabrics or articles which have been subjected to cleaning operations. Such deposits or residues are extremely undesirable for most any cleaning operation, especially in fabric laundering and tableware cleaning situations.
  • the prior art is replete with suggestions for dealing with the handling and dispersability problems associated with calcite.
  • the present invention which provides a detergent builder in the form of a calcium carbonate that is in an especially selected crystalline form.
  • the crystalline calcium carbonate has a substantially rhombohedral crystal structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • the crystalline calcium carbonate can be calcite that has been specially modified to the rhombohedral crystal structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ indices.
  • the crystalline calcium carbonate of the present invention is extremely inexpensive because it can be readily formed from inexpensive naturally occurring calcite and it performs well even when used at large median particle sizes.
  • a detergent composition is provided.
  • the detergent composition comprises: (a) an effective amount of crystalline calcium carbonate, the crystalline calcium carbonate substantially having a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices; and (b) at least about 1% by weight of a detersive surfactant.
  • a detergent composition having especially preferred features is provided.
  • This detergent composition comprises: (a) from about 0.1% to about 80% by weight of crystalline calcium carbonate, the crystalline calcium carbonate substantially having a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices and a surface area of from about 0.01 rn ⁇ /g to about 4 m ⁇ /g; (b) at least about 1% by weight of a detersive surfactant; and (c) from about 1% to about 80% by weight of sodium carbonate, wherein the sodium carbonate and the crystalline calcium carbonate are in a weight ratio of about 1 :5 to about 5:1.
  • This detergent composition is substantially free of phosphates.
  • the invention also provides a method for laundering soiled fabrics comprising the steps of contacting the soiled fabrics with an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of a detergent composition as described herein. Also provided is a method for cleaning surfaces comprising the steps of contacting the surfaces with an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of a detergent composition as described herein. Any of the detergent compositions described herein may be in the form of a laundry bar. In yet another method aspect of the invention, a method of removing calcium hardness ions from an aqueous solution is provided.
  • This method comprises the step of dispersing crystalline calcium carbonate substantially having a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices into the aqueous solution, the calcium hardness ions crystallizing on the crystalline calcium carbonate resulting in the removal of the calcium hardness ions from the aqueous solution.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a crystalline calcium carbonate structure in accordance with the invention
  • Figs. 2-8 illustrate naturally occurring crystalline calcium carbonate structures that are commonly found in nature (Fig. 8 is a partial perspective depicting only the top portion of the crystal), all of which are outside the scope of the invention.
  • the detergent composition of the invention can be used in a variety of applications including but not limited to fabric laundering, fabric or surface bleaching, automatic or hand dishwashing, hard surface cleaning and any other application which requires the use of a builder material to remove water hardness.
  • the phrase “effective amount” means that the level of the builder material in the composition is sufficient to sequester an adequate amount of hardness in the washing solution such that the detersive surfactant is not overly inhibited.
  • the word “crystalline” means a mixture or material having a regularly repeating internal arrangement (i.e., “lattice") of its atoms and external plane faces.
  • the phrase “substantially having a rhombohedral crystalline structure” means a crystal having the form of a parallelogram and no right angles (e.g., as depicted in Fig. 1).
  • crystallographic indices refers to a specific set of crystal planes on a hexagonal coordinate system which defines a selected crystalline structure (also referenced as the "Miller indices” for a hexagonal coordinate system).
  • crystalline calcium carbonate refers to the chemical entity, calcium carbonate, in crystalline form, of which the most common form is referenced as "calcite”. Also see standard texts on all of these subjects, such as Blackburn et al, Principles of Mineralogy, 2nd Ed., pp. 21-51 (1994) and Klein et al, Manual of Mineralogy, p. 405 et seq ( ⁇ 911).
  • Crystalline Calcium Carbonate Builder The crystalline calcium carbonate used in the detergent composition of the present invention has a substantially rhombohedral crystalline structure 10 as depicted in Fig. 1.
  • This crystalline calcium carbonate is defined by ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic or Miller indices. It has been surprisingly found that by judiciously selecting a crystalline calcium carbonate of such a crystalline configuration, superior builder performance (i.e., removal of water hardness) can be achieved when used in typical detergent compositions for laundering soiled clothes.
  • the median particle size of this crystalline calcium carbonate as detailed hereinafter is not required to be in the very small range (e.g., less than about 2 microns with a surface areas at least about 15 m ⁇ /g).
  • Figs 2-8 define crystal structures of crystalline calcium carbonate or calcite which do not substantially have a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1 ,0,- 1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • Fig. 2 depicts a crystalline calcium carbonate having a rhombohedral structure 18, but with ⁇ 0,1,-1,2 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates crystalline calcium carbonate or calcite in a cubic crystal structure 20 having ⁇ 0,2,-2,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a hexagonal crystal structure 22 with ⁇ 1,0,-1,0 ⁇ and ⁇ 0,0,0,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices
  • Fig. 5 shows a prismatic structure 24 with ⁇ 1,0,- 1,0 ⁇ and ⁇ 0,1,-1,2 ⁇ crystallographic indices
  • Fig. 6 depicts a crystalline calcium carbonate structure 26 having ⁇ 2,1,-3,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a scalenohedral calcite crystal structure 28 with ⁇ 2,1,-3,1 ⁇ and small faces with the preferred ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates a top partial perspective view of yet another calcium carbonate crystalline structure 30 which has ⁇ 0,1,-1,2 ⁇ , ⁇ 2,1,-3,1 ⁇ and ⁇ 1,0,-1,0 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 7 depict the most common calcite crystals found in nature. It should be understood that none of these calcite crystal structures are in the form of Fig. 1 which is within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it is believed that the calcite crystal structures of Figs. 2-8 do not perform as well as the Fig. 1 structure because the Figs. 2-8 structures have a high population of calcium atoms at their respective crystal planes (i.e., outer surfaces), thereby resulting in poor performance relative to water hardness cation sequestration. To the contrary, as mentioned previously, the calcite crystal depicted in Fig.
  • the "crystalline" nature of the builder material can be detected by X-ray Diffraction techniques known by those skilled in the art.
  • X-ray diffraction patterns are commonly collected using Cu K a ip na radiation on an automated powder diffractometer with a nickel filter and a scintillation counter to quantify the diffracted X-ray intensity.
  • the X-ray diffraction diagrams are typically recorded as a pattern of lattice spacings and relative X-ray intensities.
  • X-ray diffraction diagrams of corresponding preferred builder materials include, but are not limited to, the following numbers: 5-0586 and 17-0763.
  • the actual amount of crystalline calcium carbonate builder used in the detergent composition of the invention will vary widely depending upon the particular application. However, typical amounts are from about 0.1% to about 80%, more typically from about 4% to about 60%, and most typically from about 6% to about 40%, by weight of the detergent composition.
  • the median particle size of the builder is preferably from about 0.2 microns to about 20 microns, more preferably from about 0.3 microns to about 15 microns, even more preferably from about 0.4 microns to about 10 microns, and most preferably from about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns. While the crystalline calcium carbonate builder used in the detergent composition herein performs at any median particle size, it has been found that optimum overall performance can be achieved within the aforementioned median particle size ranges.
  • median particle size means the particle size as measured by the particle's diameter of a given builder in which 50% by weight of the population has a higher particle size and 50% has a lower particle size.
  • the median particle size is measured at its usage concentration in water (after 10 minutes of exposure to this water solution at a temperature of 50F to 130F) as determined by conventional analytical techniques such as, for example, microscopic determination using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Coulter Counter or Malvern particle size instruments.
  • SEM scanning electron microscope
  • Coulter Counter Coulter Counter
  • Malvern particle size instruments Malvern particle size instruments.
  • the particle size of the builder not at its usage concentration in water can be any convenient size.
  • the crystalline calcium carbonate builder preferably has selected surface area for optimal performance. More specifically, the crystalline calcium carbonate has a surface area of from about 0.01 m ⁇ /g to about 12 rn ⁇ /g, more preferably from about 0.1 rn ⁇ /g to about 10 m ⁇ /g, even more preferably from about 0.2 irfilg to about 5 m ⁇ /g, and most preferably from about 0.2 m ⁇ /g to about 4 m ⁇ /g. Other suitable surface area ranges include from about 0.1 ⁇ /g to about 4 m ⁇ /g and from about 0.01 m ⁇ /g to about 4 m ⁇ /g.
  • the surface areas can be measured by standard techniques including by nitrogen adsorption using the standard Bruauer, Emmet & Teller (BET) method.
  • BET Bruauer, Emmet & Teller
  • a suitable machine for this method is a Carlo Erba Sorpty 1750 instrument operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • the crystalline calcium carbonate builder used in the detergent composition herein also unexpectedly has improved builder performance in that it has a high calcium ion exchange capacity.
  • the builder material has a calcium ion exchange capacity, on an anhydrous basis, of at least about 100 mg equivalent of calcium carbonate hardness/gram, more preferably at least about 200 mg, and even more preferably at least about 300 mg, and most preferably from at least about 400 mg, equivalent of calcium carbonate hardness per gram of builder.
  • the builder unexpectedly has an improved calcium ion exchange rate.
  • the builder material has a calcium carbonate hardness exchange rate of at least about 5 ppm, more preferably from about 10 ppm to about 150 ppm, and most preferably from about 20 ppm to about 100 ppm, CaC03/minute per 200 ppm of the builder material.
  • a wide variety of test methods can be used to measure the aforementioned properties including the procedure exemplified hereinafter and the procedure disclosed in Corkill et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,605,509 (issued August 12, 1986), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the detergent composition is substantially free of phosphates and phosphonates.
  • substantially free means has less than 0.05% by weight of a given material.
  • the detergent composition is substantially free of soluble silicates, especially if magnesium cations are part of the water hardness composition in the particular use and the detergent composition of the invention does not include an auxiliary builder to sequester such cations.
  • superior performance of the detergent composition containing the aforedescribed builder can be achieved if the detergent composition is substantially free of polycarboxylates, polycarboxylic oligomer/polymers and the like. It has also been found that optimal performance can be achieved using such materials in the detergent composition so long as the polycarboxylate is pre-blended with the surfactant before exposure to the crystalline calcium carbonate, either during manufacture of the detergent composition or during use.
  • the detergent composition is substantially free of potassium salts, or if they are present, are included at very low levels.
  • the potassium salts are included at levels of about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably at about 0.01% to about 2% by weight of the detergent composition.
  • sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate are included in the detergent composition, they are preferably in a weight ratio of about 1:50 to about 2:1, more preferably from about 1 :40 to about 1 :1, most preferably from about 1 :20 to about 1 : 1 of sodium sulfate to sodium carbonate. While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that excessive amounts of sulfate relative to carbonate may interfere with the builder performance of the crystalline calcium carbonate.
  • sodium carbonate is included in the detergent composition, it is included preferably in a weight ratio of about 1 : 1 to about 20: 1 , more preferably from about 1 : 1 to about 10:1, most preferably from about 1 : 1 to about 5:1 of sodium carbonate to crystalline calcium carbonate builder. Additionally or in the alternative, sodium carbonate is present in the detergent composition in an amount of from about 2% to about 80%, more preferably from about 5% to about 70%, and most preferably from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the detergent composition.
  • the crystalline calcium carbonate in accordance with the invention can be made in a variety of ways so long as the resulting crystal substantially has a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices.
  • the starting ingredient is crystalline calcium carbonate which does not have the aforementioned crystal structure.
  • naturally occurring calcite such as the one depicted in Fig. 5 can be mined or commercially purchased and subjected to the process described hereinafter.
  • milling means crushing, grinding or otherwise affecting the physical structure of the crystalline calcium carbonate.
  • the process first involves feeding starting crystalline calcium carbonate into an apparatus having an internal chamber and air nozzles directed into the chamber.
  • An Alpine Fluid Bed Jet Mill Model 100 AFG Fluid Bed Jet Mill commercially available from Hosokawa Micron - Alpine, Germany.
  • Other suitable apparatus are commercially available from Hosokawa Micron - Alpine, Germany are sold under the trade names Table Top Roller Mill, Aeroplex, Ecoplex and Turboplex.
  • the starting crystalline calcium carbonate is milled in such apparatus by inputting and grinding with air at a pressure from about 1 bar to about 50 bar, more preferably from about 1.5 bar to about 10 bar, and most preferably from about 2.5 bar to about 5 bar.
  • the starting crystalline calcium carbonate is converted to a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1 ,0,- 1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices, thereby forming the detergent builder.
  • This selected milling process step in which the starting ingredient (e.g., calcite) is milled involves crushing and/or grinding the starting crystalline calcium carbonate such that it is cleaved to form the aforementioned crystalline calcite structure (Fig. 1). While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices define "low stress" planes of larger naturally occurring calcite along which cleavage can occur if milled with selected process parameters.
  • auxiliary builders can be used in conjunction with the crystalline calcium carbonate builder described herein to further improve the performance of the detergent composition described herein.
  • the auxiliary builder can be selected from the group consisting of aluminosilicates, crystalline layered silicates, MAP zeolites, citrates, polycarboxylates, sodium carbonates and mixtures thereof.
  • Other suitable auxiliary builders are described hereinafter.
  • the detergent compositions of the invention can contain all manner of organic, water-soluble detergent compounds, inasmuch as the builder material are compatible with all such materials.
  • at least one suitable adjunct detergent ingredient is preferably included in the detergent composition.
  • the adjunct detergent ingredient is preferably selected from the group consisting of auxiliary builders, enzymes, bleaching agents, bleach activators, suds suppressors, soil release agents, brighteners, perfumes, hydrotropes, dyes, pigments, polymeric dispersing agents, pH controlling agents, chelants, processing aids, crystallization aids, and mixtures thereof.
  • the following list of detergent ingredients and mixtures thereof which can be used in the compositions herein is representative of the detergent ingredients, but is not intended to be limiting.
  • the detergent compositions herein comprise at least about 1%, preferably from about 1% to about 55%, and most preferably from about 10 to 40%, by weight, of a detersive surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures.
  • a detersive surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures.
  • Nonlimiting examples of surfactants useful herein include the conventional C j ⁇ -C ⁇ g alkyl benzene sulfonates ("LAS") and primary, branched-chain and random C10-C20 alkyl sulfates ("AS"), the Cio-Cjg secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH 3 (CH 2 ) x (CHOS0 3 ⁇ M + ) CH 3 and CH 3 (CH 2 ) y (CHOS0 3 " M + ) CH 2 CH 3 where x and (y + 1) are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, the CiQ-Cj alkyl alkoxy sulfates 0'AE ⁇ S"; especially EO 1-7 ethoxy sulfates), Ci o-C j g alkyl alkoxy carboxylates
  • the conventional nonionic and amphoteric surfactants such as the C ⁇ -Cj alkyl ethoxylates ("AE") including the so- called narrow peaked alkyl ethoxylates and Cg-C ⁇ alkyl phenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxy/propoxy), C j 2 -C i g betaines and sulfobetaines ("sultaines”), Ci j-Ci g amine oxides, and the like, can also be included in the overall compositions.
  • the C i Q-C i g N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides can also be used.
  • Typical examples include the C ⁇ -C i g N-methylglucamides. See WO 9,206, 154.
  • Other sugar-derived surfactants include the N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C i Q-C ⁇ g N-(3- methoxypropyl) glucamide.
  • the N-propyl through N-hexyl C ⁇ 2 -C ⁇ g glucamides can be used for low sudsing.
  • C ⁇ -C 2 n conventional soaps may also be used. If high sudsing is desired, the branched-chain C j Q-C 15 soaps may be used. Mixtures of anionic and nonionic surfactants are especially useful. Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts.
  • LAS alkyl benzene sulfonates
  • sugar based surfactants are less preferred, although they may be included in the compositions herein, in that they may interfere or otherwise act as a poison with respect to the builder material.
  • Adjunct Ingredients Auxiliary Detersive Builder - Auxiliary detergent builders can optionally be included with the aforedescribed builder material in the compositions herein to assist further in controlling mineral hardness in the washing solutions.
  • Inorganic as well as organic builders can be used.
  • crystalline as well as amorphous builder materials can be used.
  • Builders are typically used in fabric laundering compositions to assist in the removal of paniculate soils.
  • the level of builder can vary widely depending upon the end use of the composition and its desired physical form. When present, the compositions will typically comprise at least about 1% builder. Granular formulations typically comprise from about 10% to about 80%, more typically from about 15% to about 50% by weight, of the detergent builder. Lower or higher levels of builder, however, are not meant to be excluded.
  • Inorganic or phosphorous-containing detergent builders include, but are not limited to, the alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates (exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta- phosphates), phosphonates, phytic acid, silicates, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulphates, and aluminosilicates.
  • polyphosphates exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta- phosphates
  • phosphonates phosphonates
  • phytic acid e.g., silicates, carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulphates, and aluminosilicates.
  • non-phosphate builders are required in some locales.
  • compositions herein function surprisingly well even in the presence of the so-called "weak” builders (as compared with phosphates) such as citrate, or in the so-called “underbuilt” situation that may occur with zeolite or layered silicate builders.
  • phosphate builders should be excluded, but if used, are present at less than about 10% of the composition.
  • Layered silicates and sodium carbonate are the most preferred co-builders for the instant builder.
  • silicate builders are the alkali metal silicates, particularly those having a Si0 2 :Na 2 0 ratio in the range 1.6: 1 to 3.2: 1 and layered silicates, such as the layered sodium silicates described in U.S. Patent 4,664,839, issued May 12, 1987 to H. P. Rieck. NaSKS-6 is the trademark for a crystalline layered silicate marketed by Hoechst
  • NaSKS-6 Unlike zeolite builders, the Na SKS-6 silicate builder does not contain aluminum. NaSKS-6 has the delta-Na Si ⁇ 5 morphology form of layered silicate. It can be prepared by methods such as those described in German DE-A- 3,417,649 and DE-A-3, 742,043. SKS-6 is a highly preferred layered silicate for use herein, but other such layered silicates, such as those having the general formula
  • NaMSi x 0 2x + ⁇ yH 2 0 wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4, preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0 can be used herein.
  • Various other layered silicates from Hoechst include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-11, as the alpha, beta and gamma forms.
  • the delta-Na 2 Si ⁇ 5 (NaSKS-6 form) is most preferred for use herein.
  • Examples of carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321,001 published on November 15, 1973.
  • aluminosilicate builders are useful auxiliary builders in the present invention.
  • Aluminosilicate builders are of great importance in most currently marketed heavy duty granular detergent compositions, and can also be a significant builder ingredient in liquid detergent formulations.
  • Aluminosilicate builders include those having the empirical formula:
  • aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally- occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. A method for producing aluminosilicate ion exchange materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,985,669, Krummei, et al, issued October 12, 1976. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials useful herein are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite MAP and Zeolite X. In an especially preferred embodiment, the crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange material has the formula:
  • This material is known as Zeolite A.
  • the aluminosilicate has a particle size of about 0.1-10 microns in diameter.
  • polycarboxylate refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates.
  • 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 utilized in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred.
  • polycarboxylate builders include a variety of categories of useful materials.
  • One important category of polycarboxylate builders encompasses the ether polycarboxylates, including oxydisuccinate, as disclosed in Berg, U.S. Patent 3,128,287, issued April 7, 1964, and Lamberti et al, U.S. Patent 3,635,830, issued January 18, 1972. See also "TMS/TDS" builders of U.S. Patent 4,663,071, issued to Bush et al, on May 5, 1987.
  • Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly alicyclic compounds, such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,923,679; 3,835,163; 4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.
  • detergency builders include the ether hydroxypolycarboxyla.es, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1, 3, 5-trihydroxy benzene-2, 4, 6-trisulphonic acid, and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, as well as polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5- tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.
  • polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid
  • polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid
  • Citrate builders e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders which are suitable due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradability. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and/or 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- dicarboxy-4-oxa-l,6-hexanedioates and the related compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,566,984, Bush, issued January 28, 1986.
  • Useful succinic acid builders include the C5- C o alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof.
  • a particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenylsuccinic acid.
  • succinate builders include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate (preferred), 2- pentadecenylsuccinate, and the like. Laurylsuccinates are the preferred builders of this group, and are described in European Patent Application 86200690.5/0,200,263, published November 5, 1986. Other similar polycarboxylates are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,144,226, Crutchfield et al, issued March 13, 1979 and in U.S. Patent 3,308,067, Diehl, issued March 7, 1967. See also Diehl U.S. Patent 3,723,322.
  • Fatty acids e.g., C ⁇ 2 -C ⁇ g monocarboxylic acids
  • Such use of fatty acids will generally result in a diminution of sudsing, which should be taken into account by the formulator.
  • the various alkali metal phosphates such as the well-known sodium tripolyphosphates, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium orthophosphate can be used at low levels.
  • Phosphonate builders such as ethane- 1 -hydroxy- 1,1-diphosphonate and other known phosphonates (see, for example, U.S. Patents 3,159,581; 3,213,030; 3,422,021; 3,400,148 and 3,422,137) can also be used at low levels, although elimination of such materials from the composition is preferred.
  • Enzymes - Enzymes can be included in the formulations herein for a wide variety of fabric laundering purposes, including removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains, for example, and for the prevention of refugee dye transfer, and for fabric restoration.
  • the additional enzymes to be incorporated include cellulases, proteases, amylases, Upases, and peroxidases, as well as mixtures thereof.
  • Other types of enzymes may also be included. They may be of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin. However, their choice is governed by several factors such as pH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, stability versus active detergents, builders as well as their potential to cause malodors during use.
  • bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases.
  • Enzymes are normally incorporated at levels sufficient to provide up to about 5 mg by weight, more typically about 0.01 mg to about 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the composition.
  • the compositions herein will typically comprise from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably 0.01%-1% by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation.
  • Protease enzymes are usually present in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0.005 to 0.1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of composition.
  • the cellulase suitable for the present invention include both bacterial or fungal cellulase. Preferably, they will have a pH optimum of between 5 and 9.5.
  • Suitable cellulases are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, issued March 6, 1984, which discloses fungal cellulase produced from Humicola insolens and Humicola strain DSM 1800 or a cellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk (Dolabella Auricula Solander), suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A-2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832.
  • cellulase especially suitable for use herein are disclosed in WO 92-13057 (Procter & Gamble).
  • the cellulases used in the instant detergent compositions are purchased commercially from NOVO Industries A/S under the product names CAREZYME® and CELLUZYME®.
  • Suitable examples of proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B. subtilis and B. licheniforms.
  • Another suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the pH range of 8-12, developed and sold by Novo Industries A/S under the registered trade name ESPERASE. The preparation of this enzyme and analogous enzymes is described in British Patent Specification No. 1,243,784 of Novo.
  • Proteolytic enzymes suitable for removing protein- based stains include those sold under the trade names ALCALASE and SAVTNASE by Novo Industries A/S (Denmark) and MAXATASE by International Bio-Synthetics, Inc. (The Netherlands).
  • Other proteases include Protease A (see European Patent Application 130,756, published January 9, 1985) and Protease B (see European Patent Application Serial No. 87303761.8, filed April 28, 1987, and European Patent Application 130,756, Bott et al, published January 9, 1985).
  • Amylases include, for example, ⁇ -amylases described in British Patent Specification No. 1,296,839 (Novo), RAPIDASE, International Bio- Synthetics, Inc. and TERMAMYL, Novo Industries.
  • Suitable lipase enzymes for detergent usage include those produced by microorganisms of the Pseudomonas group, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, as disclosed in British Patent 1,372,034. See also Upases in Japanese Patent Application 53,20487, laid open to public inspection on February 24, 1978. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co.
  • Amano-P Lipase P
  • Other commercial Upases include Amano- CES, Upases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g. Chromobacter viscosum var. lipolyticum NRRLB 3673, commercially available from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japan; and further Chromobacter viscosum Upases from U.S. Biochemical Corp., U.S.A. and Disoynth Co., The Netherlands, and Upases ex Pseudomonas gladioli.
  • the LIPOLASE enzyme derived from Humicola lanuginosa and commercially available from Novo is a preferred lipase for use herein.
  • Peroxidase enzymes are used in combination with oxygen sources, e.g., percarbonate, perborate, persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, etc. They are used for "solution bleaching," i.e. to prevent transfer of dyes or pigments removed from substrates during wash operations to other substrates in the wash solution.
  • Peroxidase enzymes are known in the art, and include, for example, horseradish peroxidase, ligninase, and haloperoxidase such as chloro- and bromo-peroxidase.
  • Peroxidase-containing detergent compositions are disclosed, for example, in PCT International Application WO 89/099813, published October 19, 1989, by O. Kirk, assigned to Novo Industries A/S.
  • Enzyme stabilization techniques are disclosed and exemplified in U.S. Patent 3,600,319, issued August 17, 1971 to Gedge, et al, and European Patent Application Publication No. 0 199 405, Application No. 86200586.5, published October 29, 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilization systems are also described, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,519,570. Enzyme Stabilizers - The enzymes employed herein are stabilized by the presence of water-soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions in the finished compositions which provide such ions to the enzymes.
  • Typical detergents especially liquids, will comprise from about 1 to about 30, preferably from about 2 to about 20, more preferably from about 5 to about 15, and most preferably from about 8 to about 12, millimoles of calcium ion per liter of finished composition. This can vary somewhat, depending on the amount of enzyme present and its response to the calcium or magnesium ions.
  • the level of calcium or magnesium ions should be selected so that there is always some minimum level available for the enzyme, after allowing for complexation with builders, fatty acids, etc., in the composition.
  • Any water-soluble calcium or magnesium salt can be used as the source of calcium or magnesium ions, including, but not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium malate, calcium maleate, calcium hydroxide, calcium formate, and calcium acetate, and the corresponding magnesium salts.
  • a small amount of calcium ion generally from about 0.05 to about 0.4 millimoles per liter, is often also present in the composition due to calcium in the enzyme slurry and formula water.
  • the formulation may include a sufficient quantity of a water- soluble calcium ion source to provide such amounts in the laundry liquor. In the alternative, natural water hardness may suffice.
  • compositions herein will typically comprise from about 0.05% to about 2% by weight of a water-soluble source of calcium or magnesium ions, or both.
  • the amount can vary, of course, with the amount and type of enzyme employed in the composition.
  • compositions herein may also optionally, but preferably, contain various additional stabilizers, especially borate-type stabilizers.
  • additional stabilizers especially borate-type stabilizers.
  • such stabilizers will be used at levels in the compositions from about 0.25% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.75% to about 3%, by weight of boric acid or other borate compound capable of forming boric acid in the composition (calculated on the basis of boric acid).
  • Boric acid is preferred, although other compounds such as boric oxide, borax and other alkali metal borates (e.g., sodium ortho-, meta- and pyroborate, and sodium pentaborate) are suitable.
  • Substituted boric acids e.g., phenylboronic acid, butane boronic acid, and p-bromo phenylboronic acid
  • the compositions herein may also include ammonium salts and other chlorine scavengers such those disclosed by Pancheri et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,810,413 (issued March 7, 1989), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • bleaching agents may be at levels of from about 1% to about 30%, more typically from about 5% to about 20%, of the detergent composition, especially for fabric laundering. If present, the amount of bleach activators will typically be from about 0.1% to about 60%, more typically from about 0.5% to about 40% of the bleaching composition comprising the bleaching agent-plus-bleach activator.
  • the bleaching agents used herein can be any of the bleaching agents useful for detergent compositions in textile cleaning, hard surface cleaning, or other cleaning purposes that are now known or become known. These include oxygen bleaches as well as other bleaching agents.
  • Perborate bleaches e.g., sodium perborate (e.g., mono- or tetra- hydrate) can be used herein.
  • bleaching agent that can be used without restriction encompasses percarboxylic acid bleaching agents and salts thereof. Suitable examples of this class of agents include magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, the magnesium salt of metachloro perbenzoic acid, 4-nonylamino-4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid.
  • Such bleaching agents are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,483,781, Hartman, issued November 20, 1984, U.S. Patent Application 740,446, Burns et al, filed June 3, 1985, European Patent Application 0,133,354, Banks et al, published February 20, 1985, and U.S. Patent 4,412,934, Chung et al, issued November 1, 1983.
  • Highly preferred bleaching agents also include 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid as described in U.S. Patent 4,634,551, issued January 6, 1987 to Bums et al.
  • Peroxygen bleaching agents can also be used. Suitable peroxygen bleaching compounds include sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate and equivalent "percarbonate" bleaches, sodium pyrophosphate peroxyhydrate, urea peroxyhydrate, and sodium peroxide. Persulfate bleach (e.g., OXONE, manufactured commercially by DuPont) can also be used. A preferred percarbonate bleach comprises dry particles having an average particle size in the range from about 500 micrometers to about 1,000 micrometers, not more than about 10% by weight of said particles being smaller than about 200 micrometers and not more than about 10% by weight of said particles being larger than about 1,250 micrometers. Optionally, the percarbonate can be coated with silicate, borate or water- soluble surfactants. Percarbonate is available from various commercial sources such as FMC, Solvay and Tokai Denka. Mixtures of bleaching agents can also be used.
  • Peroxygen bleaching agents, the perborates, the percarbonates, etc. are preferably combined with bleach activators, which lead to the in situ production in aqueous solution (i.e., during the washing process) of the peroxy acid corresponding to the bleach activator.
  • bleach activators Various nonlimiting examples of activators are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,915,854, issued April 10, 1990 to Mao et al, and U.S. Patent 4,412,934.
  • NOBS nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate
  • TAED tetraacetyl ethylene diamine
  • amido-derived bleach activators are those of the formulae: R 1 N(R 5 )C(0)R 2 C(0)Lor R J C(0)N(R 5 )R 2 C(0)L wherein R ⁇ is an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms, R 2 is an alkylene containing from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, R ⁇ is H or alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl containing from about 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, and L is any suitable leaving group.
  • a leaving group is any group that is displaced from the bleach activator as a consequence of the nucleophilic attack on the bleach activator by the perhydrolysis anion.
  • a preferred leaving group is phenyl sulfonate.
  • bleach activators of the above formulae include (6- octanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-nonanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-decanamido-caproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof as described in U.S. Patent 4,634,551, incorporated herein by reference.
  • Another class of bleach activators comprises the benzoxazin-type activators disclosed by Hodge et al in U.S. Patent 4,966,723, issued October 30, 1990, incorporated herein by reference.
  • a highly preferred activator of the benzoxazin-type is:
  • Still another class of preferred bleach activators includes the acyl lactam activators, especially acyl caprolactams and acyl valerolactams of the formulae:
  • R° is H or an alkyl, aryl, alkoxyaryl, or alkaryl group containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms.
  • Highly preferred lactam activators include benzoyl caprolactam, octanoyl caprolactam, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl caprolactam, nonanoyl caprolactam, decanoyl caprolactam, undecenoyl caprolactam, benzoyl valerolactam, octanoyl valerolactam, decanoyl valerolactam, undecenoyl valerolactam, nonanoyl valerolactam, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl valerolactam and mixtures thereof.
  • the bleaching compounds can be catalyzed by means of a manganese compound.
  • a manganese compound Such compounds are well known in the art and include, for example, the manganese-based catalysts disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,246,621, U.S. Pat. 5,244,594; U.S. Pat. 5,194,416; U.S. Pat. 5,114,606; and European Pat. App. Pub. Nos.
  • Preferred examples of these catalysts include Mn ⁇ 2 (u- 0) 3 ( 1 ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane) 2 (PF6) 2 , Mn I ⁇ 2 (u-0) ⁇ (u-OAc) 2 ( 1 ,4,7- trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane) 2 .(Cl ⁇ 4) 2 , Mn IV 4(u-0)6( 1 ,4,7- triazacyclononane)4(C104)4, Mn ⁇ Mn IV 4(u-0) i (u-OAc) 2 .( 1 ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7- triazacyclononane) 2 (C104) 3 , Mn ⁇ ( 1 ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)- (0CH 3 ) (PF6) 2 , Mn I ⁇ 2 (u-0) ⁇ (u-OAc) 2 ( 1 ,4,
  • metal-based bleach catalysts include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. 4,430,243 and U.S. Pat. 5,1 14,61 1.
  • the use of manganese with various complex ligands to enhance bleaching is also reported in the following United States Patents: 4,728,455; 5,284,944; 5,246,612; 5,256,779; 5,280,1 17; 5,274,147; 5,153,161; 5,227,084.
  • compositions and processes herein can be adjusted to provide on the order of at least one part per ten million of the active bleach catalyst species in the aqueous washing liquor, and will preferably provide from about 0.1 ppm to about 700 ppm, more preferably from about 1 ppm to about 500 ppm, of the catalyst species in the laundry liquor.
  • the detergent composition of the present invention includes at least about 5 ppm of perborate or percarbonate.
  • Polymeric Soil Release Agent Any polymeric soil release agent known to those skilled in the art can optionally be employed in the compositions and processes of this invention.
  • Polymeric soil release agents are characterized by having both hydrophilic segments, to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments, to deposit upon hydrophobic fibers and remain adhered thereto through completion of washing and rinsing cycles and, thus, serve as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains occurring subsequent to treatment with the soil release agent to be more easily cleaned in later washing procedures.
  • the polymeric soil release agents useful herein especially include those soil release agents having: (a) one or more nonionic hydrophile components consisting essentially of (i) polyoxyethylene segments with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (ii) oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 10, wherein said hydrophile segment does not encompass any oxypropylene unit unless it is bonded to adjacent moieties at each end by ether linkages, or (iii) a mixture of oxyalkylene units comprising oxyethylene and from 1 to about 30 oxypropylene units wherein said mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such that the hydrophile component has hydrophilicity great enough to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces upon deposit of the soil release agent on such surface, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least about 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having about 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least about 50% oxyethylene units; or
  • the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have a degree of polymerization of from about 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to about 150, more preferably from 6 to about 100.
  • Suitable oxy C4-C alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as M0 3 S(CH ) n OCH 2 CH 2 0-, where M is sodium and n is an integer from 4-6, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink.
  • Polymeric soil release agents useful in the present invention also include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate, and the like. Such agents are commercially available and include hydroxyethers of cellulose such as METHOCEL (Dow). Cellulosic soil release agents for use herein also include those selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkyl and C4 hydroxyalkyl cellulose; see U.S. Patent 4,000,093, issued December 28, 1976 to Nicol, et al.
  • Soil release agents characterized by poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), e.g., C1-C6 vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene oxide backbones.
  • poly(vinyl ester) e.g., C1-C6 vinyl esters
  • poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones such as polyethylene oxide backbones.
  • Commercially available soil release agents of this kind include the SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (Germany).
  • One type of preferred soil release agent is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate.
  • This polymeric soil release agent is in the range of from about 25,000 to about 55,000. See U.S. Patent 3,959,230 to Hays, issued May 25, 1976 and U.S. Patent 3,893,929 to Basadur issued July 8, 1975.
  • Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a polyester with repeat units of ethylene terephthalate units contains 10-15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate units together with 90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000.
  • this polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from DuPont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). See also U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.
  • Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone.
  • These soil release agents are described fully in U.S. Patent 4,968,451 , issued November 6, 1990 to J. J. Scheibel and E. P. Gosselink.
  • Other suitable polymeric soil release agents include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Patent 4,711,730, issued December 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, the anionic end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Patent 4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.
  • Preferred polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agents of U.S. Patent 4,877,896, issued October 31, 1989 to Maldonado et al, which discloses anionic, especially sulfoarolyl, end-capped terephthalate esters.
  • soil release agents will generally comprise from about 0.01 % to about 10.0%, by weight, of the detergent compositions herein, typically from about 0.1% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.2% to about 3.0%.
  • Still another preferred soil release agent is an oligomer with repeat units of terephthaloyl units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy- 1 ,2-propylene units.
  • the repeat units form the backbone of the oligomer and are preferably terminated with modified isethionate end-caps.
  • a particularly preferred soil release agent of this type comprises about one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy- 1,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of from about 1.7 to about 1.8, and two end-cap units of sodium 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate.
  • Said soil release agent also comprises from about 0.5% to about 20%, by weight of the oligomer, of a crystalline-reducing stabilizer, preferably selected from the group consisting of xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof.
  • Chelating Agents may also optionally contain one or more iron and/or manganese chelating agents.
  • Such chelating agents can be selected from the group consisting of amino carboxylates, amino phosphonates, polyfunctionally- substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixtures therein, all as hereinafter defined. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the benefit of these materials is due in part to their exceptional ability to remove iron and manganese ions from washing solutions by formation of soluble chelates.
  • Amino carboxylates useful as optional chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetracetates, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetates, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts therein and mixtures therein.
  • amino phosphonates may be used, and include ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylenephosphonates) as DEQUEST. Preferred, these amino phosphonates to not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than about 6 carbon atoms.
  • Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents are also useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al.
  • Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2- dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.
  • EDDS ethylenediamine disuccinate
  • [S,S] isomer as described in U.S. Patent 4,704,233, November 3, 1987, to Hartman and Perkins. If utilized, these chelating agents will generally comprise from about 0.1% to about
  • the chelating agents will comprise from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of such compositions.
  • compositions of the present invention can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and antiredeposition properties.
  • Granular detergent compositions which contain these compounds typically contain from about 0.01% to about 10.0% by weight of the water-soluble ethoxylates amines.
  • the most preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agent is ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine.
  • Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S.
  • Another group of preferred clay soil removal-antiredeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 1 1 1,965, Oh and Gosselink, published June 27, 1984.
  • Other clay soil removal antiredeposition agents which can be used include the ethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 1 1 1,984, Gosselink, published June 27, 1984; the zwitterionic polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 1 12,592, Gosselink, published July 4, 1984; and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,548,744, Connor, issued October 22, 1985.
  • Other clay soil removal and/or anti redeposition agents known in the art can also be utilized in the compositions herein.
  • CMC carboxy methyl cellulose
  • Polymeric Dispersing Agents can advantageously be utilized at levels from about 0.1% to about 7%, by weight, in the compositions herein, especially in the presence of zeolite and/or layered silicate builders.
  • Suitable polymeric dispersing agents include polymeric polycarboxylates and polyethylene glycols, although the polcarboxylates should be used at very low levels, eliminated, or premixed with the surfactant as discussed previously.
  • polymeric dispersing agents enhance overall detergent builder performance, when used in combination with other builders (including lower molecular weight polycarboxylates) by crystal growth inhibition, particulate soil release peptization, and anti- redeposition.
  • One such polymeric material which is especially suitable for the current composition is polyethylene glycol (PEG).
  • PEG can exhibit dispersing agent performance as well as act as a clay soil removal-antiredeposition agent.
  • Typical molecular weight ranges for these purposes range from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1,000 to about 50,000, more preferably from about 1,500 to about 10,000.
  • Polyaspartate and polyglutamate dispersing agents may also be used, especially in conjunction with zeolite builders. Dispersing agents such as polyaspartate preferably have a molecular weight (avg.) of about 10,000.
  • Brightener Any optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents known in the art can be incorporated at levels typically from about 0.05% to about 1.2%, by weight, into the detergent compositions herein.
  • Commercial optical brighteners which may be useful in the present invention can be classified into subgroups, which include, but are not necessarily limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiphene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents", M. Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982).
  • optical brighteners which are useful in the present compositions are those identified in U.S. Patent 4,790,856, issued to Wixon on December 13, 1988. These brighteners include the PHORWHITE series of brighteners from Verona. Other brighteners disclosed in this reference include: Tinopal UNPA, Tinopal CBS and Tinopal 5BM; available from Ciba-Geigy; Artie White CC and Artie White CWD, available from Hilton-Davis, located in Italy; the 2-(4-stryl-phenyl)-2H-napthol[l,2- d]triazoles; 4,4'-bis- ( 1 ,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-stil- benes; 4,4'-bis(stryl)bisphenyls; and the aminocoumarins.
  • these brighteners include 4-methyl-7-diethyl- amino coumarin; l,2-bis(-venzimidazol-2-yl)ethylene; 1,3-diphenyl-phrazolines; 2,5- bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene; 2-stryl-napth-[l,2-d]oxazole; and 2-(stilbene-4-yl)-2H- naphtho- [l,2-d]triazole. See also U.S. Patent 3,646,015, issued February 29, 1972 to Hamilton. Anionic brighteners are preferred herein.
  • compositions of the present invention may also include one or more materials effective for inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during the cleaning process.
  • dye transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N- vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. If used, these agents typically comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, and more preferably from about 0.05% to about 2%.
  • Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine and derivatives thereof.
  • the N-0 group can be represented by the following general structures:
  • the amine oxide unit of the polyamine N-oxides has a pKa ⁇ 10, preferably pKa ⁇ 7, more preferred pKa ⁇ 6. Any polymer backbone can be used as long as the amine oxide polymer formed is water-soluble and has dye transfer inhibiting properties.
  • suitable polymeric backbones are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethers, polyamide, polyimides, polyacrylates and mixtures thereof. These polymers include random or block copolymers where one monomer type is an amine N-oxide and the other monomer type is an N-oxide.
  • the amine N-oxide polymers typically have a ratio of amine to the amine N-oxide of 10: 1 to 1 : 1 ,000,000.
  • the number of amine oxide groups present in the polyamine oxide polymer can be varied by appropriate copolymerization or by an appropriate degree of N-oxidation.
  • the polyamine oxides can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. Typically, the average molecular weight is within the range of 500 to 1,000,000; more preferred 1,000 to 500,000; most preferred 5,000 to 100,000. This preferred class of materials can be referred to as "PVNO".
  • poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) which as an average molecular weight of about 50,000 and an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of about 1 :4.
  • Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers are also preferred for use herein.
  • the PVPVI has an average molecular weight range from 5,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and most preferably from 10,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight range is determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al., Chemical Analysis. Vol 113.
  • the PVPVI copolymers typically have a molar ratio of N- vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1: 1 to 0.2:1, more preferably from 0.8: 1 to 0.3: 1, most preferably from 0.6: 1 to 0.4: 1. These copolymers can be either linear or branched.
  • compositions also may employ a polyvinylpyrrolidone (“PVP”) having an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 400,000, preferably from about 5,000 to about 200,000, and more preferably from about 5,000 to about 50,000.
  • PVP's are known to persons skilled in the detergent field; see, for example, EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696, incorporated herein by reference.
  • Compositions containing PVP can also contain polyethylene glycol (“PEG”) having an average molecular weight from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1,000 to about 10,000.
  • the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions is from about 2: 1 to about 50: 1, and more preferably from about 3: 1 to about 10: 1.
  • the detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain from about 0.005% to 5% by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners which also provide a dye transfer inhibition action. If used, the compositions herein will preferably comprise from about 0.01% to 1% by weight of such optical brighteners.
  • hydrophilic optical brighteners useful in the present invention are those having the structural formula:
  • Rj is selected from anilino, N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl
  • R 2 is selected from N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino, morphilino, chloro and amino
  • M is a salt-forming cation such as sodium or potassium.
  • Rj is anilino
  • R is N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and M is a cation such as sodium
  • the brightener is 4,4',-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl)-s- triazine-2-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid and disodium salt.
  • This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the trade name Tinopal-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. Tinopal-UNPA-GX is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein.
  • Rj is anilino
  • R 2 is N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2- methylamino
  • M is a cation such as sodium
  • the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2- hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt.
  • This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the trade name Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation.
  • Rj is anilino
  • R 2 is morphilino
  • M is a cation such as sodium
  • the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-morphilino-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]2,2'- stilbenedisulfonic acid, sodium salt.
  • This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the trade name Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation.
  • the specific optical brightener species selected for use in the present invention provide especially effective dye transfer inhibition performance benefits when used in combination with the selected polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents hereinbefore described.
  • the combination of such selected polymeric materials (e.g., PVNO and/or PVPVI) with such selected optical brighteners (e.g., Tinopal UNPA-GX, Tinopal 5BM-GX and or Tinopal AMS-GX) provides significantly better dye transfer inhibition in aqueous wash solutions than does either of these two detergent composition components when used alone. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such brighteners work this way because they have high affinity for fabrics in the wash solution and therefore deposit relatively quick on these fabrics.
  • the extent to which brighteners deposit on fabrics in the wash solution can be defined by a parameter called the "exhaustion coefficient".
  • the exhaustion coefficient is in general as the ratio of a) the brightener material deposited on fabric to b) the initial brightener concentration in the wash liquor. Brighteners with relatively high exhaustion coefficients are the most suitable for inhibiting dye transfer in the context of the present invention.
  • suds suppressors A wide variety of materials may be used as suds suppressors, and suds suppressors are well known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430-447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979).
  • One category of suds suppressor of particular interest encompasses monocarboxylic fatty acid and soluble salts therein. See U.S. Patent 2,954,347, issued September 27, 1960 to Wayne St. John.
  • the monocarboxylic fatty acids and salts thereof used as suds suppressor typically have hydrocarbyl chains of 10 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
  • Suitable salts include the alkali metal salts such as sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, and ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.
  • the detergent compositions herein may also contain non-surfactant suds suppressors.
  • non-surfactant suds suppressors include, for example: high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, aliphatic C i -C4Q ketones (e.g., stearone), etc.
  • suds inhibitors include N- alkylated amino triazines such as tri- to hexa-alkylmelamines or di- to tetra-alkyldiamine chlortriazines formed as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary amine containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, propylene oxide, and monostearyl phosphates such as monostearyl alcohol phosphate ester and monostearyl di-alkali metal (e.g., K, Na, and Li) phosphates and phosphate esters, the latter phosphates only being used at very low levels.
  • the hydrocarbons such as paraffin and haloparaffin can be utilized in liquid form.
  • the liquid hydrocarbons will be liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and will have a pour point in the range of about -40°C and about 50°C, and a minimum boiling point not less than about 110°C (atmospheric pressure). It is also known to utilize waxy hydrocarbons, preferably having a melting point below about 100°C.
  • the hydrocarbons constitute a preferred category of suds suppressor for detergent compositions. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al.
  • the hydrocarbons thus, include aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons having from about 12 to about 70 carbon atoms.
  • the term "paraffin,” as used in this suds suppressor discussion, is intended to include mixtures of true paraffins and cyclic hydrocarbons.
  • Non-surfactant suds suppressors comprises silicone suds suppressors.
  • This category includes the use of polyorganosiloxane oils, such as polydimethylsiloxane, dispersions or emulsions of polyorganosiloxane oils or resins, and combinations of polyorganosiloxane with silica particles wherein the polyorganosiloxane is chemisorbed or fused onto the silica.
  • Silicone suds suppressors are well known in the art and are, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al and European Patent Application No. 89307851.9, published February 7, 1990, by Starch, M. S.
  • silicone and silanated silica are described, for instance, in German Patent Application DOS 2,124,526.
  • Silicone defoamers and suds controlling agents in granular detergent compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,933,672, Bartolotta et al, and in U.S. Patent 4,652,392, Baginski et al, issued March 24, 1987.
  • An exemplary silicone based suds suppressor for use herein is a suds suppressing amount of a suds controlling agent consisting essentially of:
  • polydimethylsiloxane fluid having a viscosity of from about 20 cs. to about 1,500 cs. at 25°C; (ii) from about 5 to about 50 parts per 100 parts by weight of (i) of siloxane resin composed of (CH 3 ) SiO ⁇ / units of Si0 2 units in a ratio of from (CH ) 3 SiO 2 units and to Si0 2 units of from about 0.6:1 to about 1.2: 1; and (iii) from about 1 to about 20 parts per 100 parts by weight of (i) of a solid silica gel.
  • the solvent for a continuous phase is made up of certain polyethylene glycols or polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymers or mixtures thereof (preferred), or polypropylene glycol.
  • the primary silicone suds suppressor is branched/crosslinked and preferably not linear.
  • typical liquid laundry detergent compositions with controlled suds will optionally comprise from about 0.001 to about 1, preferably from about 0.01 to about 0.7, most preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.5, weight % of said silicone suds suppressor, which comprises (1) a nonaqueous emulsion of a primary antifoam agent which is a mixture of (a) a polyorganosiloxane, (b) a resinous siloxane or a silicone resin-producing silicone compound, (c) a finely divided filler material, and (d) a catalyst to promote the reaction of mixture components (a), (b) and (c), to form silanolates; (2) at least one nonionic silicone surfactant; and (3) polyethylene glycol or a copolymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol having a solubility in water at room temperature of more than about 2 weight %; and without polypropylene glycol.
  • a primary antifoam agent which is a mixture of (a) a polyorganosi
  • the silicone suds suppressor herein preferably comprises polyethylene glycol and a copolymer of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol, all having an average molecular weight of less than about 1,000, preferably between about 100 and 800.
  • the polyethylene glycol and polyethylene/polypropylene copolymers herein have a solubility in water at room temperature of more than about 2 weight %, preferably more than about 5 weight %.
  • the preferred solvent herein is polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of less than about 1,000, more preferably between about 100 and 800, most preferably between 200 and 400, and a copolymer of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol, preferably PPG 200/PEG 300.
  • Preferred is a weight ratio of between about 1 : 1 and 1 :10, most preferably between 1 :3 and 1 :6, of polyethylene glycol opoiymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol.
  • the preferred silicone suds suppressors used herein do not contain polypropylene glycol, particularly of 4,000 molecular weight. They also preferably do not contain block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, like PLURONIC L101.
  • Other suds suppressors useful herein comprise the secondary alcohols (e.g., 2-alkyl alkanols) and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils, such as the silicones disclosed in U.S. 4,798,679, 4,075,118 and EP 150,872.
  • the secondary alcohols include the C -C16 alkyl alcohols having a Cj-C ⁇ chain.
  • a preferred alcohol is 2-butyl octanol, which is available from Condea under the trademark ISOFOL 12. Mixtures of secondary alcohols are available under the trademark ISALCHEM 123 from Enichem.
  • Mixed suds suppressors typically comprise mixtures of alcohol + silicone at a weight ratio of 1 :5 to 5: 1.
  • suds should not form to the extent that they overflow the washing machine.
  • Suds suppressors when utilized, are preferably present in a "suds suppressing amount.
  • Suds suppressing amount is meant that the formulator of the composition can select an amount of this suds controlling agent that will sufficiently control the suds to result in a low- sudsing laundry detergent for use in automatic laundry washing machines.
  • the compositions herein will generally comprise from 0% to about 5% of suds suppressor. When utilized as suds suppressors, monocarboxylic fatty acids, and salts therein, will be present typically in amounts up to about 5%, by weight, of the detergent composition.
  • fatty monocarboxylate suds suppressor is utilized.
  • Silicone suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts up to about 2.0%, by weight, of the detergent composition, although higher amounts may be used. This upper limit is practical in nature, due primarily to concern with keeping costs minimized and effectiveness of lower amounts for effectively controlling sudsing.
  • from about 0.01% to about 1% of silicone suds suppressor is used, more preferably from about 0.25% to about 0.5%.
  • these weight percentage values include any silica that may be utilized in combination with polyorganosiloxane, as well as any adjunct materials that may be utilized.
  • Monostearyl phosphate suds suppressors are generally utilized in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 2%, by weight, of the composition. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts ranging from about 0.01% to about 5.0%, although higher levels can be used. The alcohol suds suppressors are typically used at 0.2%-3% by weight of the finished compositions.
  • Fabric Softeners Various through-the-wash fabric softeners, especially the impalpable smectite clays of U.S. Patent 4,062,647, Storm and Nirschl, issued December 13, 1977, as well as other softener clays known in the art, can optionally be used typically at levels of from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight in the present compositions to provide fabric softener benefits concurrently with fabric cleaning.
  • Clay softeners can be used in combination with amine and cationic softeners as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,375,416, Crisp et al, March 1, 1983 and U.S. Patent 4,291,071, Harris et al, issued September 22, 1981.
  • compositions herein A wide variety of other ingredients useful in detergent compositions can be included in the compositions herein, including other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments, solvents for liquid formulations, solid fillers for bar compositions, etc.
  • suds boosters such as the C ⁇ Q-C ⁇ 6 alkanolamides can be incorporated into the compositions, typically at 1%-10% levels.
  • the C ⁇ Q-C 14 monoethanol and diethanol amides illustrate a typical class of such suds boosters.
  • Use of such suds boosters with high sudsing adjunct surfactants such as the amine oxides, betaines and sultaines noted above is also advantageous.
  • soluble magnesium salts such as MgCl 2 , MgS ⁇ 4, and the like, can be added at levels of, typically, 0.1%-2%, to provide additional suds and to enhance grease removal performance although addition of magnesium ions is not conducive to the highest levels of performance from the builder material described herein.
  • Various detersive ingredients employed in the present compositions optionally can be further stabilized by absorbing said ingredients onto a porous hydrophobic substrate, then coating said substrate with a hydrophobic coating.
  • the detersive ingredient is admixed with a surfactant before being absorbed into the porous substrate. In use, the detersive ingredient is released from the substrate into the aqueous washing liquor, where it performs its intended detersive function.
  • a porous hydrophobic silica (trademark SIPERNAT D10, DeGussa) is admixed with a proteolytic enzyme solution containing 3%- 5% of C]3_i5 ethoxylated alcohol (EO 7) nonionic surfactant.
  • the enzyme/surfactant solution is 2.5 X the weight of silica.
  • the resulting powder is dispersed with stirring in silicone oil (various silicone oil viscosities in the range of 500-12,500 can be used).
  • silicone oil various silicone oil viscosities in the range of 500-12,500 can be used.
  • the resulting silicone oil dispersion is emulsified or otherwise added to the final detergent matrix.
  • ingredients such as the aforementioned enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, photo activators, dyes, fluorescers, fabric conditioners and hydrolyzable surfactants can be "protected” for use in detergents, including liquid laundry detergent compositions.
  • the detergent compositions herein will preferably be formulated such that, during use in aqueous cleaning operations, the wash water will have a pH of between about 6.5 and about 1 1, preferably between about 7.5 and 10.5. Laundry products are typically at pH 9-1 1. Techniques for controlling pH at recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis, acids, etc., and are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • processing aids such as sugars, for example those sugars disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,908,159, Davies et al, issued March 13, 1990, and starches can be used in the compositions herein.
  • Other suitable processing aids include those described in U.S. Patent 4,013,578, Child et al, issued March 22, 1977.
  • crystallization aids such as those described in U.S. Patent 3,957,695, Davies et al, issued May 18, 1976, can be used in the composition herein, as well.
  • Hydrotropes may also be used in the compositions of the invention such as those described in U.S. Patent 5,478,503, Swift, issued December 26, 1995. Further, combinations of admixed citric acid and sodium carbonate may be included as described in U.S. Patent 5,338,476, Pancheri et al, August 16, 1994.
  • Calcium Sequestration and Rate of Sequestration Test The following illustrates a step-by-step procedure for determining the amount of calcium sequestration and the rate thereof for the crystalline calcium carbonate builder used in the compositions described herein.
  • step 9 Collect an alliquot of solution at 30 seconds, quickly filter it through a 0.22 micron filter, quickly acidify it to pH 2.0 - 3.5 and seal the container; 10. Repeat step 9 at 1 minute, 2 minutes, 4 minutes, 8 minutes, and 16 minutes;
  • the Sequestration rate in ppm CaC0 3 sequestered per 200 ppm of builder is 171 minus the CaC0 3 concentration at one minute; 13. Amount of sequestration (in ppm CaC0 per gram/liter of builder) is 171 minus the CaC0 3 concentration at 16 minutes times five.
  • the base granule is prepared by a conventional spray drying process in which the starting ingredients are formed into a slurry and passed though a spray drying tower having a countercurrent stream of hot air (200-300°C) resulting in the formation of porous granules.
  • the admixed agglomerates are formed from two feed streams of various starting detergent ingredients which are continuously fed, at a rate of 1400 kg/hr, into a L ⁇ dige CB-30 mixer/densifier, one of which comprises a surfactant paste containing surfactant and water and the other stream containing starting dry detergent material containing aluminosilicate and sodium carbonate.
  • the rotational speed of the shaft in the L ⁇ dige CB-30 mixer/densifier is about 1400 rpm and the mean residence time is about 1-10 seconds.
  • L ⁇ dige CB-30 mixer/densifier are continuously fed into a L ⁇ dige KM-600 mixer/densifier for further agglomeration during which the mean residence time is about 6 minutes.
  • the resulting detergent agglomerates are then fed to a fluid bed dryer and to a fluid bed cooler before being admixed with the spray dried granules.
  • the remaining adjunct detergent ingredients are sprayed on or dry added to the blend of agglomerates and granules.
  • Admix c 12-15 alkvl ethoxylate (EO 7) 2.0 2.0 0.5
  • Termamyl amylase 60 KNU/g 4 0.3 0.3 -
  • Termamyl amylase 60 KNU/g 3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Sodium sulfate 3.0 3.0 5.0
  • Ci2-13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate Na 3.0 3.0
  • Alcalase protease 3 (3.0 AU/g) 0.5 0.5 1.0
  • Lipolase lipase 3 (100.000 LU/1) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
  • Termamyl amylase 3 ( 60KNU/g) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
  • Termamyl amylase 60 KNU/g 4 0.5 0.5 0.5
  • Admix c 12-15 alkvl ethoxylate (EO 5) 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
  • Lipolase lipase ( 100,000LU/g) 6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
  • Termamyl amylase 60 KNU/g 6 0.1 0.1 CAREZYME® cellulase (1000 CEVU/g) 6 0.1 0.1 Savinase (4.0 KNPU/g) 6 1.0 1.0 NOBS 5 4.0 4.0
  • EXAMPLE XXII The following detergent composition according to the invention is in the form of a laundry bar which is particularly suitable for handwashing operations.
  • Acusol 988N (480N + HEDP) 1 15.0 15.0
  • Lipolase lipase 2 (100,000 LU/g) 0.1 0.1
  • Protease 3 (34 g/L) 1.0 - Savinase 2 (44.0 KNPU/g) - 2.0
  • This Example illustrates the process of making the builder of the present invention.
  • 2.5 kg/hr of calcite commercially purchased from Omya, Inc.
  • calcite commercially purchased from Omya, Inc.
  • the Fluid Bed Jet Mill and Air Classifier apparatus are operated with the valve (El 2) set open, throttle flap valve set to adjust air chamber to 0 air pressure, Air Classifier speed set at 8000 rpms, grinding valve set at 5 bar pressure, and the product feed screw set at 35% of maximum.
  • the air pressure of the rinse air in the Fluid Bed Jet Mill are set at 0.5 to 0.6 bars, after which the desired crystalline calcium carbonate builder having a rhombohedral crystalline structure with ⁇ 1,0,-1,1 ⁇ crystallographic indices is obtained.

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  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une composition détergente contenant un adjuvant pour détergent bon marché,sous forme de carbonate de calcium cristallin sélectionné. Le carbonate de calcium cristallin présente, en particulier, une structure de cristal sensiblement rhomboédrique avec des indices cristallographiques {1,0-1,1}. Le carbonate de calcium cristallin peut être une calcite spécial ement modifiée pour adopter une structure de cristal rhomboédrique avec des indices {1,0,-1,1}. Le carbonate de calcium cristallin de la présente invention est extrêmement bon marché du fait qu'on peut facilement le fabriquer à partir d'une calcite naturelle bon marché et il est efficace même lorsque la taille moyenne de ses particules est importante.
PCT/US1998/004469 1997-03-11 1998-03-06 Adjuvant au carbonate de calcium cristallin selectionne utilise dans des compositions detergentes WO1998040455A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

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JP53964498A JP2001514698A (ja) 1997-03-11 1998-03-06 洗剤組成物用の選択された結晶性炭酸カルシウムビルダー
BR9808237-0A BR9808237A (pt) 1997-03-11 1998-03-06 Builder de carbonato de cálcio cristalino selecionado para uso em composições detergentes
EP98909018A EP0972000A1 (fr) 1997-03-11 1998-03-06 Adjuvant au carbonate de calcium cristallin selectionne utilise dans des compositions detergentes
US09/380,906 US6610645B2 (en) 1998-03-06 1998-03-06 Selected crystalline calcium carbonate builder for use in detergent compositions

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US3668097P 1997-03-11 1997-03-11
US60/036,680 1997-03-11

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6100232A (en) * 1998-03-02 2000-08-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for making a granular detergent composition containing a selected crystalline calcium carbonate builder
WO2008135450A1 (fr) * 2007-05-03 2008-11-13 Unilever Plc Système adjuvant de détergence ('builder') destiné à une composition détergente

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7759299B2 (en) * 2006-07-24 2010-07-20 Ecolab Inc. Warewashing composition for use in automatic dishwashing machines
EP2866895B1 (fr) * 2012-05-30 2016-08-31 Clariant International Ltd Solutions tensioactives contenant des n-méthyl-n-oleylglucamines et des n-méthyl-n-c12-c14-acylglucamines

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2240949A2 (fr) * 1973-08-15 1975-03-14 Unilever Nv
FR2296594A1 (fr) * 1974-09-27 1976-07-30 Procter & Gamble Granules contenant du carbonate de calcium et seches par pulverisation
US4076653A (en) * 1973-08-08 1978-02-28 Lever Brothers Company Detergent compositions
EP0245551A1 (fr) * 1985-05-10 1987-11-19 Unilever N.V. Détergents granulés

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4076653A (en) * 1973-08-08 1978-02-28 Lever Brothers Company Detergent compositions
FR2240949A2 (fr) * 1973-08-15 1975-03-14 Unilever Nv
FR2296594A1 (fr) * 1974-09-27 1976-07-30 Procter & Gamble Granules contenant du carbonate de calcium et seches par pulverisation
EP0245551A1 (fr) * 1985-05-10 1987-11-19 Unilever N.V. Détergents granulés

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6100232A (en) * 1998-03-02 2000-08-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for making a granular detergent composition containing a selected crystalline calcium carbonate builder
WO2008135450A1 (fr) * 2007-05-03 2008-11-13 Unilever Plc Système adjuvant de détergence ('builder') destiné à une composition détergente

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CN1254366A (zh) 2000-05-24
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BR9808237A (pt) 2000-05-16

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