WO1998053037A1 - Process for preparation of granular detergent composition or component comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant - Google Patents
Process for preparation of granular detergent composition or component comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant Download PDFInfo
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- WO1998053037A1 WO1998053037A1 PCT/IB1998/000712 IB9800712W WO9853037A1 WO 1998053037 A1 WO1998053037 A1 WO 1998053037A1 IB 9800712 W IB9800712 W IB 9800712W WO 9853037 A1 WO9853037 A1 WO 9853037A1
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- Prior art keywords
- water
- weight
- cationic surfactant
- detergent composition
- soluble
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000003093 cationic surfactant Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims description 24
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 title claims description 22
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 title claims description 5
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Orthosilicate Chemical compound [O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004115 Sodium Silicate Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 150000003242 quaternary ammonium salts Chemical group 0.000 claims description 6
- NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium silicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052911 sodium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 125000002768 hydroxyalkyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 5
- KKCBUQHMOMHUOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Na2O Inorganic materials [O-2].[Na+].[Na+] KKCBUQHMOMHUOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052681 coesite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052906 cristobalite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 235000012239 silicon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052682 stishovite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052905 tridymite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 125000002704 decyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])* 0.000 claims description 3
- 125000003187 heptyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 claims description 3
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 10
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 9
- 125000003342 alkenyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 6
- 150000004760 silicates Chemical class 0.000 description 6
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical group C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 description 4
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001694 spray drying Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sulfate Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910021653 sulphate ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Sulfate Chemical group [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 239000007844 bleaching agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 optical brighteners Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000019351 sodium silicates Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000503 Na-aluminosilicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004902 Softening Agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021536 Zeolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000323 aluminium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003945 anionic surfactant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000003118 aryl group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002738 chelating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- NGXROVHZXLJEJG-UHFFFAOYSA-M ethyl-hydroxy-dimethylazanium;chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].CC[N+](C)(C)O NGXROVHZXLJEJG-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005469 granulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008202 granule composition Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000000623 heterocyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical group [H]* 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-] XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910010272 inorganic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011147 inorganic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000004433 nitrogen atom Chemical group N* 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000004430 oxygen atom Chemical group O* 0.000 description 1
- 239000002304 perfume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003856 quaternary ammonium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000015227 regulation of liquid surface tension Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000429 sodium aluminium silicate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012217 sodium aluminium silicate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium aluminosilicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Al+3].[O-][Si]([O-])=O.[O-][Si]([O-])=O URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 159000000000 sodium salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052938 sodium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011152 sodium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 125000001424 substituent group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000004434 sulfur atom Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 239000000375 suspending agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010457 zeolite Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
- C11D1/38—Cationic compounds
- C11D1/62—Quaternary ammonium compounds
-
- 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
- C11D11/00—Special methods for preparing compositions containing mixtures of detergents
- C11D11/02—Preparation in the form of powder by spray drying
-
- 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
- C11D3/04—Water-soluble compounds
- C11D3/08—Silicates
Definitions
- the present invention provides a process for the preparation of granular detergent composition or component comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant, and also provides granular detergent composition or component obtainable by the process.
- Cationic surfactants are well-known detergent ingredients which are used, in particular, for imparting a soft feel to fabrics after they have been washed.
- the most commonly used cationic surfactants are commercially available as aqueous solutions, typically with a surfactant activity of about 35% or 40%.
- EP-A-0 714 976 published on 5th June 1996, describes a process for spray drying cationic surfactant in the presence of low levels of anionic surfactants.
- the counter-current spray drying process described requires high temperatures which can cause some cationic surfactants to degrade.
- the object of the invention is to provide a process for incorporating aqueous solutions of cationic surfactants into free-flowing, high bulk density, high active detergent granules and to avoid any degredation of the cationic surfactants, especially those with alkyl chains of C10 or less, due to high temperatures.
- a further object of the invention is to provide detergent granule composition which comprise cationic surfactants and which provide good dispensing properties when used as a component of a laundry product.
- a process which comprises the steps of : drying an aqueous solution or dispersion, the aqueous solution or dispersion comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant, in the presence of a drying gas wherein the maximum temperature of the drying gas is less than 250°C.
- a drying gas wherein the maximum temperature of the drying gas is less than 250°C.
- the drying step is carried out in a co-current spray dryer and the drying gas is air.
- the aqueous solution or dispersion also comprises water- soluble silicate.
- a suitable water-soluble silicate is sodium silicate having a ratio of SiO2 to Na2O is from 0.5 to 3.3, preferably from 1.0 to 2.4.
- the water-soluble cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium salt having the general formula
- the invention also relates to a granular detergent composition or component comprising: from 15% to 40%, preferably 25% to 40% by weight of water- soluble cationic surfactant; from 5% to 85%, preferably 50% to 70% by weight of water- soluble silicate; and from 0% to 20%, preferably 5% to 10% by weight of water.
- the aqueous solution or dispersion of cationic surfactant is dried to remove water and form a free-flowing granular product.
- the drying step is carried out with a drying gas having a temperature of less than 250°C, preferably in a co-current spray dryer.
- a drying gas having a temperature of less than 250°C, preferably in a co-current spray dryer.
- the aqueous solution or dispersion is atomised to form droplets, and the droplets are directed into a hot gas entering the drying chamber.
- spray evaporation is rapid, the hot drying gas cools accordingly, and evaporation times are short.
- the cationic surfactant is not subject to heat degradation.
- Both rotary and nozzle-type atomizers can be used in co-current spray dryers. Most commonly the hot drying gas is air.
- An alternative arrangement is a counter-current spray dryer in which the droplets and the hot gas pass through the drying chamber in generally opposite directions.
- this arrangement often results in temperatures greater than 250°C which falls outside of the scope of the present invention.
- spray-granulation Another such means is spray-granulation, which may be particularly advantageous because the maximum temperature may be kept below 200°C, and preferably below
- Cationic surfactants useful in the present invention include water- soluble quaternary ammonium compounds of the form R1 R2R3R4N + X-, in which R 1 is a hydroxyalkyl group having no greater than 6 carbon atoms; each of R ⁇ and R3 is independently selected from C1-.4 alkyl or alkenyl; R ⁇ is a C5.1 1 alkyl or alkenyl; and X " is a counterion.
- the cationic surfactant comprises a mixture of cationic surfactants of formula I:
- R ⁇ is a hydroxyalkyl group having no greater than 6 carbon atoms; each of R ⁇ and R ⁇ is independently selected from C1.4 alkyl or alkenyl; R ⁇ is a 05.1 - alkyl or alkenyl; and X " is a counterion which does not substantially exchange with a hydroxide ion in a 0.5% by weight aqueous solution of the detergent composition at 20°C and wherein, in the mixture of cationic surfactants of formula I , at least 10%, preferably at least 20 % or event at least 50% by weight of the cationic surfactant has R 4- which is C5.9 alkyl or alkenyl.
- the cationic surfactant comprises a mixture of surfactants of formula I wherein there is a longer alkyl chain surfactant having R ⁇ with n carbon atoms where n is from 8 to 1 1 and a shorter alkyl chain surfactant having (n-2) carbon atoms.
- alkyl or alkenyl as used herein may be branched, linear or substituted.
- Substituents may be for example, aromatic groups, heterocyclic groups containing one or more N, S or O atoms, or halo substituents.
- Silicates are well-known detergent components, and are optional components of the present invention.
- sodium silicate is often added to detergent compositions in order to act as a corrosion inhibitor.
- Water-soluble silicates which are suitable for use in the present invention may be amorphous or layered.
- Such silicates may be characterised by the ratio of Si ⁇ 2 to Na2 ⁇ in their structure. In the present invention, this ratio may typically be less than 3.3:1 , preferably less than 2.8:1 , more preferably less than 2.4:1 , most preferably about 2.0: 1 .
- amorphous silicates are preferred to crystalline silicates.
- crystalline silicates may be included in the paste compositions of the invention. Crystalline layered sodium silicates have the general formula
- Preferred examples of this formula comprise the ⁇ -, ⁇ -, ⁇ -, ⁇ - forms of Na2Si2 ⁇ 5- These materials are available from Hoechst AG, Germany, as, respectively, NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7, NaSKS-1 1 and NaS S-6. The most preferred material is ⁇ - Na2Si2 ⁇ 5, NaSKS-6.
- aqueous solution or dispersion of the water-soluble cationic surfactant and the silicate, where present, in the process of the present invention may be carried out using any suitable mixing equipment.
- One particularly suitable piece of mixing equipment is known in the industry as a "crutcher”.
- Other materials may be added to the crutcher at this stage, especially inorganic materials such as aluminosilicate, sulphate etc.
- the free-flowing granular product may be dry mixed or otherwise blended with other detergent components to form a finished detergent composition.
- Typical components of a finished detergent composition include surfactants, soluble and insoluble builders, chelating agents, anti-redeposition and soil suspension agents, bleach and bleach activators, optical brighteners, soil release agents, suds suppressors, enzymes, fabric softening agents including clays, perfumes and colours, as well as other ingredients known to be useful in laundry detergents.
- Granular detergent compositions were prepared as follows :
- Quaternary ammonium salt is C8-C10 dimethyl hydroxy ethyl ammonium chloride.
- Sodium alkyl sulphate is the sodium salt of a sulphated C12-C14 linear alcohol.
- Filler is sodium sulphate or sodium aluminosilicate (zeolite 4A).
- composition of Examples 1 to 3 were made by mixing aqueous solution of the quaternary ammonium salt (50% active) with an aqueous solution of the sodium silicate (45% active), and forming a homogeneous single phase mixture. The mixture was then passed through an atomising nozzle within a co-current spray-drying tower having an inlet air temperature of about 200°C. The hot granular compositions were collected at the bottom of the spray-drying tower and allowed to cool to ambient temperature. The resulting granular compositions were found to be free-flowing.
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- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
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- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
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Abstract
The invention provides a process which comprises the step of drying an aqueous solution or dispersion, the aqueous solution or dispersion comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant, in the presence of a drying gas wherein the maximum temperature of the drying gas is less than 250 °C. Preferably the drying step is carried out in a co-current spray dryer and the drying gas is air.
Description
PROCESS FOR PREPARATION OF GRANULAR DETERGENT COMPOSITION OR COMPONENT COMPRISING A WATER-SOLUBLE
CATIONIC SURFACTANT
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of granular detergent composition or component comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant, and also provides granular detergent composition or component obtainable by the process.
Cationic surfactants are well-known detergent ingredients which are used, in particular, for imparting a soft feel to fabrics after they have been washed. The most commonly used cationic surfactants are commercially available as aqueous solutions, typically with a surfactant activity of about 35% or 40%.
Various techniques are known to dry the aqueous solutions to form powders, however these techniques have a number of disadvantages. Expensive equipment may be required, and the process may require temperatures which cause the cationic surfactant to degrade. The products prepared in this way tend to be sticky which makes subsequent handling and processing difficult. Furthermore, simply adding cationic surfactant in the form a fine powder to a granular detergent matrix significantly impairs the dispensing properties of the product for example by forming sticky, viscous gels upon contact with water.
EP-A-0 714 976, published on 5th June 1996, describes a process for spray drying cationic surfactant in the presence of low levels of anionic surfactants. However the counter-current spray drying process
described requires high temperatures which can cause some cationic surfactants to degrade.
The object of the invention is to provide a process for incorporating aqueous solutions of cationic surfactants into free-flowing, high bulk density, high active detergent granules and to avoid any degredation of the cationic surfactants, especially those with alkyl chains of C10 or less, due to high temperatures.
A further object of the invention is to provide detergent granule composition which comprise cationic surfactants and which provide good dispensing properties when used as a component of a laundry product.
Summary of the Invention According to the invention these objects are achieved by a process which comprises the steps of : drying an aqueous solution or dispersion, the aqueous solution or dispersion comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant, in the presence of a drying gas wherein the maximum temperature of the drying gas is less than 250°C. Preferably the drying step is carried out in a co-current spray dryer and the drying gas is air.
Preferably the aqueous solution or dispersion also comprises water- soluble silicate. A suitable water-soluble silicate is sodium silicate having a ratio of SiO2 to Na2O is from 0.5 to 3.3, preferably from 1.0 to 2.4. Preferably the water-soluble cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium salt having the general formula
R1 R2R3R4 N +
and wherein R1 is a C6 to C10 alkyl chain and R2, R3, and R4 are C1 to C7 alkyl or hydroxy alkyl chains
The invention also relates to a granular detergent composition or component comprising: from 15% to 40%, preferably 25% to 40% by weight of water- soluble cationic surfactant; from 5% to 85%, preferably 50% to 70% by weight of water- soluble silicate; and from 0% to 20%, preferably 5% to 10% by weight of water.
Detailed Description of the Invention In the process of the invention the aqueous solution or dispersion of cationic surfactant (and silicate, when present), is dried to remove water and form a free-flowing granular product. The drying step is carried out with a drying gas having a temperature of less than 250°C, preferably in a co-current spray dryer. In a spray dryer the aqueous solution or dispersion is atomised to form droplets, and the droplets are directed into a hot gas entering the drying chamber. In typical co- current spray dryers the droplets and the hot drying gas pass through the spray dryer in the same direction. Spray evaporation is rapid, the hot drying gas cools accordingly, and evaporation times are short. The cationic surfactant is not subject to heat degradation. Both rotary and nozzle-type atomizers can be used in co-current spray dryers. Most commonly the hot drying gas is air.
An alternative arrangement, is a counter-current spray dryer in which the droplets and the hot gas pass through the drying chamber in
generally opposite directions. However this arrangement often results in temperatures greater than 250°C which falls outside of the scope of the present invention.
Other means of drying the aqueous solution or dispersion of cationic surfactant may also be used provided that the maximum temperature that the cationic surfactant is exposed to does not exceed 250°C.
Another such means is spray-granulation, which may be particularly advantageous because the maximum temperature may be kept below 200°C, and preferably below
150°C.
Cationic surfactants useful in the present invention include water- soluble quaternary ammonium compounds of the form R1 R2R3R4N + X-, in which R1 is a hydroxyalkyl group having no greater than 6 carbon atoms; each of R^ and R3 is independently selected from C1-.4 alkyl or alkenyl; R^ is a C5.1 1 alkyl or alkenyl; and X" is a counterion.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cationic surfactant comprises a mixture of cationic surfactants of formula I:
R1 R2 R3 R4 N + x- (I)
in which R^ is a hydroxyalkyl group having no greater than 6 carbon atoms; each of R^ and R^ is independently selected from C1.4 alkyl or alkenyl; R^ is a 05.1 - alkyl or alkenyl; and X" is a counterion which does not substantially exchange with a hydroxide ion in a 0.5% by weight aqueous solution of the detergent composition at 20°C and
wherein, in the mixture of cationic surfactants of formula I , at least 10%, preferably at least 20 % or event at least 50% by weight of the cationic surfactant has R4- which is C5.9 alkyl or alkenyl.
In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the invention, the cationic surfactant comprises a mixture of surfactants of formula I wherein there is a longer alkyl chain surfactant having R^ with n carbon atoms where n is from 8 to 1 1 and a shorter alkyl chain surfactant having (n-2) carbon atoms.
Unless otherwise stated alkyl or alkenyl as used herein may be branched, linear or substituted. Substituents may be for example, aromatic groups, heterocyclic groups containing one or more N, S or O atoms, or halo substituents.
Silicates are well-known detergent components, and are optional components of the present invention. In particular sodium silicate is often added to detergent compositions in order to act as a corrosion inhibitor. Water-soluble silicates which are suitable for use in the present invention may be amorphous or layered.
Such silicates may be characterised by the ratio of Siθ2 to Na2θ in their structure. In the present invention, this ratio may typically be less than 3.3:1 , preferably less than 2.8:1 , more preferably less than 2.4:1 , most preferably about 2.0: 1 .
In terms of the present invention, amorphous silicates are preferred to crystalline silicates. However, crystalline silicates may be included in the paste compositions of the invention. Crystalline layered sodium silicates have the general formula
NaMSixθ2χ + i . yH2θ wherein m is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4 and y is a number from 0 to 20. Crystalline layered sodium silicates of this type are disclosed in EP-A 164 514 and methods for their preparation are disclosed in DE-A 34 17 649 and DE-A 37 42 043. For the purpose of the present invention, x in the general formula above has a value of 2, 3 or 4 and is preferably 2. More preferably M is sodium. Preferred examples of this formula comprise the α-, β-, γ-, δ- forms of Na2Si2θ5- These materials are available from Hoechst AG, Germany, as, respectively, NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7, NaSKS-1 1 and NaS S-6. The most preferred material is δ- Na2Si2θ5, NaSKS-6.
The aqueous solution or dispersion of the water-soluble cationic surfactant and the silicate, where present, in the process of the present invention may be carried out using any suitable mixing equipment. One particularly suitable piece of mixing equipment is known in the industry as a "crutcher". Other materials may be added to the crutcher at this stage, especially inorganic materials such as aluminosilicate, sulphate etc.
Finally the free-flowing granular product may be dry mixed or otherwise blended with other detergent components to form a finished detergent
composition. Typical components of a finished detergent composition include surfactants, soluble and insoluble builders, chelating agents, anti-redeposition and soil suspension agents, bleach and bleach activators, optical brighteners, soil release agents, suds suppressors, enzymes, fabric softening agents including clays, perfumes and colours, as well as other ingredients known to be useful in laundry detergents.
Examples
Granular detergent compositions were prepared as follows :
Example Example Example Comparative
1 2 3 Example 4
Quaternary ammonium salt 20 28 28 20
Sodium alkyl sulphate - - - 1.6
Sodium silicate (Ratio = 28 64 - -
2.0)
Filler 44 - 65 balance
Water 8 8 7 5
In these examples the following abbreviations have been used :
Quaternary ammonium salt is C8-C10 dimethyl hydroxy ethyl ammonium chloride.
Sodium alkyl sulphate is the sodium salt of a sulphated C12-C14 linear alcohol.
Filler is sodium sulphate or sodium aluminosilicate (zeolite 4A).
The composition of Examples 1 to 3 were made by mixing aqueous solution of the quaternary ammonium salt (50% active) with an aqueous solution of the sodium silicate (45% active), and forming a homogeneous single phase mixture. The mixture was then passed through an atomising nozzle within a co-current spray-drying tower having an inlet air temperature of about 200°C. The hot granular compositions were collected at the bottom of the spray-drying tower
and allowed to cool to ambient temperature. The resulting granular compositions were found to be free-flowing.
Claims
1. A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component comprising a step of drying an aqueous solution or dispersion, the aqueous solution or dispersion comprising a water- soluble cationic surfactant, wherein the drying step is carried out using a drying gas, and characterised in that the drying gas has a maximum temperature of less than 250┬░C.
2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the drying step is carried out in a co-current spray dryer.
3. A process according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the aqueous solution or dispersion further comprises water-soluble sodium silicate, and wherein the ratio of SiO2 to Na2O is from 0.5 to 3.3.
4. A process according to claim 3 wherein the ratio of SiO2 to Na2O is from 1.0 to 2.4.
5. A process according to claim 1 wherein the water-soluble cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium salt having the general formula
R1 R2R3R4 N + and wherein R1 is a C6 to C10 alkyl chain and R2, R3, and R4 are C1 to C7 alkyl or hydroxy alkyl chains.
6. A granular detergent composition or component comprising: from 15% by weight to 40% by weight of water-soluble cationic surfactant; from 5% by weight to 85% by weight of water-soluble silicate; and optionally, up to 20% by weight of water.
7. A granular detergent composition or component according to claim 6 wherein the water-soluble silicate is sodium silicate, and wherein the ratio of SiO2 to Na2O is from 0.5 to 3.3, preferably from 1 .0 to 2.4.
8. A granular detergent composition or component according to claim 6 wherein the water-soluble cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium salt having the general formula
R1 R2R3R4 N + and wherein R1 is a C6 to C10 alkyl chain and R2, R3, and R4 are C1 to C7 alkyl or hydroxy alkyl chains.
9. A granular detergent composition or component according to any of claims 6 to 8 consisting essentially of : from 25% by weight to 40% by weight of water-soluble cationic surfactant; from 50% by weight to 70% by weight of water-soluble silicate; and from 5% by weight to 10% by weight of water.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP97201517.6 | 1997-05-21 | ||
| EP97201517A EP0879876A1 (en) | 1997-05-21 | 1997-05-21 | Process for preparation of granular detergent composition or component comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1998053037A1 true WO1998053037A1 (en) | 1998-11-26 |
Family
ID=8228334
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB1998/000712 WO1998053037A1 (en) | 1997-05-21 | 1998-05-13 | Process for preparation of granular detergent composition or component comprising a water-soluble cationic surfactant |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0879876A1 (en) |
| AR (1) | AR015327A1 (en) |
| MA (1) | MA24550A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998053037A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001081528A1 (en) * | 2000-04-20 | 2001-11-01 | Unilever Plc | Granular detergent component and process for its preparation |
| US6573229B2 (en) | 2000-04-12 | 2003-06-03 | Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa Division Of Conopco Inc. | Laundry wash compositions |
| WO2010124823A1 (en) * | 2009-04-28 | 2010-11-04 | Clariant International Ltd | Laundry detergent compositions |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4347168A (en) * | 1977-11-17 | 1982-08-31 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Spray-dried granular detergent compositions for improved greasy soil removal |
| US4806253A (en) * | 1984-11-13 | 1989-02-21 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Laundry compositions |
| US5259964A (en) * | 1991-12-18 | 1993-11-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Co. | Free-flowing powder fabric softening composition and process for its manufacture |
| US5703037A (en) * | 1994-04-20 | 1997-12-30 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process for the manufacture of free-flowing detergent granules |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1355187A (en) * | 1970-07-10 | 1974-06-05 | Unilever Ltd | Production of detergent compositions |
| US4073735A (en) * | 1976-02-19 | 1978-02-14 | Colgate Palmolive Company | Rinse cycle fabric softener |
| SU732376A1 (en) * | 1977-09-23 | 1980-05-05 | Всесоюзный Научно-Исследовательский Институт Жиров | Method of producing powdered synthetic detergent |
| JPS5710699A (en) * | 1980-06-24 | 1982-01-20 | Dainichiseika Color Chem | Production of additive for powder detergent |
| DE3437721A1 (en) * | 1984-10-15 | 1986-04-17 | Süd-Chemie AG, 8000 München | DETERGENT ADDITIVE |
| DE3833648A1 (en) * | 1988-10-04 | 1990-04-05 | Henkel Kgaa | METHOD FOR PRODUCING PARTICLE-DETERGENT DETERGENTS |
| DE4139551A1 (en) * | 1991-11-30 | 1993-06-03 | Henkel Kgaa | POWDERED SURFACE BLEND |
-
1997
- 1997-05-21 EP EP97201517A patent/EP0879876A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1998
- 1998-05-13 WO PCT/IB1998/000712 patent/WO1998053037A1/en active Search and Examination
- 1998-05-20 MA MA25083A patent/MA24550A1/en unknown
- 1998-05-21 AR ARP980102359 patent/AR015327A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4347168A (en) * | 1977-11-17 | 1982-08-31 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Spray-dried granular detergent compositions for improved greasy soil removal |
| US4806253A (en) * | 1984-11-13 | 1989-02-21 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Laundry compositions |
| US5259964A (en) * | 1991-12-18 | 1993-11-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Co. | Free-flowing powder fabric softening composition and process for its manufacture |
| US5703037A (en) * | 1994-04-20 | 1997-12-30 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Process for the manufacture of free-flowing detergent granules |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6573229B2 (en) | 2000-04-12 | 2003-06-03 | Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa Division Of Conopco Inc. | Laundry wash compositions |
| WO2001081528A1 (en) * | 2000-04-20 | 2001-11-01 | Unilever Plc | Granular detergent component and process for its preparation |
| US6596684B2 (en) | 2000-04-20 | 2003-07-22 | Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa Divison Of Conopco, Inc. | Granular detergent component and process for its preparation |
| WO2010124823A1 (en) * | 2009-04-28 | 2010-11-04 | Clariant International Ltd | Laundry detergent compositions |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0879876A1 (en) | 1998-11-25 |
| MA24550A1 (en) | 1998-12-31 |
| AR015327A1 (en) | 2001-05-02 |
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