WO1999006522A1 - Detergent tablet - Google Patents

Detergent tablet Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999006522A1
WO1999006522A1 PCT/US1998/016144 US9816144W WO9906522A1 WO 1999006522 A1 WO1999006522 A1 WO 1999006522A1 US 9816144 W US9816144 W US 9816144W WO 9906522 A1 WO9906522 A1 WO 9906522A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
detergent
compressed portion
compressed
acid
detergent tablet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/016144
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Barry Rowland
Alasdair Duncan Mcgregor
Michael Crombie Addison
Lynda Anne Speed
Original Assignee
The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=10816870&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=WO1999006522(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to BR9815605-5A priority Critical patent/BR9815605A/en
Priority to DE69808885T priority patent/DE69808885T2/en
Priority to AT98938306T priority patent/ATE226626T1/en
Priority to DK98938306T priority patent/DK0960187T3/en
Priority to CA002298510A priority patent/CA2298510C/en
Priority to JP2000505266A priority patent/JP2001512177A/en
Priority to US09/485,138 priority patent/US6451754B1/en
Priority to EP98938306A priority patent/EP0960187B1/en
Publication of WO1999006522A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999006522A1/en

Links

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
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/37—Polymers
    • 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
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0047—Detergents in the form of bars or tablets
    • C11D17/0065—Solid detergents containing builders
    • C11D17/0073—Tablets
    • C11D17/0078—Multilayered tablets
    • 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
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0047—Detergents in the form of bars or tablets
    • C11D17/0065—Solid detergents containing builders
    • C11D17/0073—Tablets
    • C11D17/0091—Dishwashing tablets
    • 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
    • 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
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
    • C11D3/22—Carbohydrates or derivatives thereof
    • C11D3/222—Natural or synthetic polysaccharides, e.g. cellulose, starch, gum, alginic acid or cyclodextrin
    • 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
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/38—Products with no well-defined composition, e.g. natural products
    • C11D3/384—Animal products
    • 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
    • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
    • C11D3/38—Products with no well-defined composition, e.g. natural products
    • C11D3/386—Preparations containing enzymes, e.g. protease or amylase
    • 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
    • C11D3/39—Organic or inorganic per-compounds

Definitions

  • the present invention provides a detergent tablet comprising a compressed portion and a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion.
  • detergent compositions in tablet form are known in the art. It is understood that detergent compositions in tablet form hold several advantages over detergent compositions in particulate form, such as ease of handling, transportation and storage.
  • Detergent tablets are most commonly prepared by pre-mixing components of a detergent composition and forming the pre-mixed detergent components into a tablet using a tablet press. Tablets are typically formed by compression of the components of the detergent composition into a tablet. However, the Applicant has found that some components of a detergent composition are adversely affected by the compression pressure used to form the tablets. These components could not previously be included in a detergent tablet composition without sustaining a loss in performance. In some cases the components may even have become unstable or inactive as a result of the compression.
  • EP-A 0,224,135 describes a dishwashing detergent in a form which comprises a warm water-soluble melt, into which is pressed a cold water-soluble tablet.
  • the document teaches a detergent composition that consists of two parts, the first part dissolving in the pre-rinse and the second part dissolving in the main wash of the dishwasher.
  • EP-B-0,055,100 describes a lavatory block formed by combining a slow dissolving shaped body with a tablet.
  • the lavatory block is designed to be placed in the cistern of a lavatory and dissolves over a period of days, preferably weeks.
  • solubility control agents are paradichlorobenzene, waxes, long chain fatty acids and alcohols and esters thereof and fatty alkylamides.
  • Detergent tablets for use in laundry or automatic dishwashing must substantially dissolve within one cycle of the washing or dishwashing machine, i.e. within 30 to 120 minutes.
  • the Applicant has found that by providing a detergent tablet comprising a compressed portion and a non-encapsulating, non-compressed portion detergent components previously considered to be unacceptable for detergent tablets, can be incorporated into a detergent tablet. In addition, potentially reactive components of the detergent composition can be effectively separated.
  • a further advantage of using a detergent tablet as described herein, is the performance benefits which may be achieved in being able to prepare the detergent tablet so that if required, the compressed portion and the non-compressed portion have different rates of dissolution. Such performance benefits are achieved by selectively delivering active detergent components into the wash solution at different times.
  • a detergent tablet comprising:
  • a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight ratio of compressed to non-compressed portion is greater than 0.5:1 and the detergent tablet comprises silicate.
  • a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight ratio of compressed to non-compressed portion is greater than 0.5:1 and the detergent tablet has a dissolution rate of greater than 0.33 g/min as determined using the SOTAX dissolution test method described herein.
  • active detergent components of a detergent tablet previously adversely affected by the compression pressure used to form the tablets can now be included in a detergent tablet.
  • these components include bleaching agents and enzymes.
  • active detergent components of a detergent tablet may be separated from one another by having one or more compatible components contained in a compressed portion and one or more compatible components contained in a non-compressed portion of the tablet. Examples of components that may interact and may therefore require separation include bleaching agents, bleach activators or catalyst and enzymes; bleaching agents and bleach catalysts or activators; bleaching agents and surfactants; alkalinity sources and enzymes.
  • the compressed and the non- compressed portions such that they dissolve in wash water with different dissolution rates.
  • rate of dissolution of each portion relative to one another, and by selection of the active detergent components in the respective portions, their order of release into the wash water can be controlled and the cleaning performance of the detergent tablet may be improved.
  • enzymes are delivered to the wash prior to bleaching agent and/or bleach activator.
  • a source of alkalinity is released into the wash water more rapidly than other components of the detergent tablet.
  • the tablet may comprise a plurality of compressed or non- compressed portions.
  • a plurality of compressed portions may be arranged in layers and/or a plurality of non-compressed portions may be present as discrete sections of the tablet separated by a compressed portion.
  • Such a plurality of compressed or non-compressed portions may be advantageous, enabling a tablet to be produced which has for example, a first and second and optional subsequent portions so that they have different rates of dissolution.
  • Such performance benefits are achieved by selectively delivering active detergent components into the wash water at different times.
  • the detergent tablets described herein are preferably between 15g and lOOg in weight, more preferably between 18g and 80g in weight, even more preferably between 20g and 60g in weight.
  • the detergent tablet described herein that are suitable for use in automatic dishwashing methods are most preferably between 20g and 40g in weight
  • Detergent tablets suitable for use in fabric laundering methods are most preferably between 40g and 1 OOg, more preferably between 40g and 80g, most preferably between 40g and 65g in weight.
  • the weight ratio of compressed portion to non-compressed portion is generally greater than 0.5:1, preferably greater than 1 :1, more preferably greater than 2:1, even more preferably greater than 3 : 1 or even 4:1, most preferably at least 5:1.
  • the detergent tablets described herein have Child Bite Strength (CBS) which is generally greater than 1 OKg, preferably greater than 12Kg, most preferably greater than 14Kg. CBS is measured as per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Test Specification.
  • Child Bite Strength Test Method According to this method the tablet is placed horizontally between two strips/plates of metal.
  • the upper and lower plates are hinged on one side, such that the plates resemble a human jaw.
  • An increasing downward force is applied to the upper plate, mimicking the closing action of the jaw, until the tablet breaks.
  • the CBS of the tablet is a measure of the force in Kilograms, required to break the tablet.
  • the detergent tablets described herein generally have a dissolution rate of faster than 0.33 g/min, preferably faster than 0.5 g/min, more preferably faster than 1.00 g/min, even more preferably faster than 2.00 g/m, most preferably faster than 2.73 g/min.
  • Dissolution rate is measured using the SOTAX dissolution test method.
  • dissolution of detergent tablets is achieved using a SOTAX (tradename) machine; model number AT7 available from SOTAX.
  • the SOTAX machine consists of a temperature controlled waterbath with lid. 7 pots are suspended in the water bath. 7 electric stirring rods are suspended from the underside of the lid, in positions corresponding to the position of the pots in the waterbath.
  • the lid of the waterbath also serves as a lid on the pots.
  • the SOTAX waterbath is filled with water and the temperature gauge set to 50°C. Each pot is then filled with 1 litre of deionised water and the stirrer set to revolve at 250rpm.
  • the lid of the waterbath is closed, allowing the temperature of the deionised water in the pots to equilibrate with the water in the waterbath for 1 hour.
  • the tablets are weighed and one tablet is placed in each pot, the lid is then closed. The tablet is visually monitored until it completely dissolves. The time is noted when the tablet has completely dissolved.
  • the dissolution rate of the tablet is calculated as the average weight (g) of tablet dissolved in deionised water per minute.
  • the compressed portion of the detergent tablet comprises at least one active detergent component but may comprise a mixture of more than one active detergent components, which are compressed.
  • Any detergent tablet component conventionally used in known detergent tablets is suitable for incorporation into the compressed portion of the detergent tablets of this invention.
  • Suitable active detergent components are described hereinafter.
  • Preferred active detergent components include builder compound, surfactant, bleaching agent, bleach activator, bleach catalyst, enzyme and an alkalinity source.
  • Active detergent component(s) present in the compressed layer may optionally be prepared in combination with a carrier and/or a binder for example water, polymer (e.g. PEG), liquid silicate.
  • the active detergent components are preferably prepared in particulate form (i.e. powder or granular form) and may be prepared by any known method, for example conventional spray drying, granulation or agglomeration.
  • the particulate active detergent component(s) are then compressed using any suitable equipment suitable for forming compressed tablets, blocks, bricks or briquettes; described in more detail hereafter.
  • the non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprises at least one active detergent component, but may comprise a mixture of more than one active detergent components.
  • Active detergent components suitable for incorporation in the non-compressed portion include components that interact with one or more detergent components present in the compressed portion.
  • preferred components of the non-compressed portion are those that are adversely affected by compression pressure of for example a compression tablet press.
  • active detergent components include, but are not limited to, surfactant, bleaching agent, bleach activator, bleach catalyst, enzyme, corrosion inhibitor, perfume and an alkalinity source. These components are described in more detail below.
  • the active detergent component(s) may be in any form for example particulate (i.e. powder or granular), gel or liquid form.
  • the non-compressed portion in addition to comprising an active detergent component, may also optionally comprise a carrier component.
  • the active detergent component may be present in the form of a solid, gel or liquid, prior to combination with a carrier component.
  • the non-compressed portion of the detergent tablet may be in solid, gel or liquid form.
  • the detergent tablet of the present invention requires that the non-compressed portion be delivered to the compressed portion such that the compressed portion and non-compressed portion contact each other.
  • the non-compressed portion may be delivered to the compressed portion in solid or flowable form. Where the non- compressed portion is in solid form, it is pre-prepared, optionally shaped and then delivered to the compressed portion.
  • the non-compressed portion is then affixed to a pre-formed compressed portion, for example by adhesion or by insertion of the non-compressed portion to a co-operating surface of the compressed portion.
  • the compressed portion comprises a pre-prepared depression or mould into which the non-compressed portion is delivered.
  • the non-compressed portion is preferably delivered to the compressed portion in flowable form.
  • the non-compressed portion is then affixed to the compressed portion for example by adhesion, by forming a coating over the non-compressed layer to secure it to the compressed portion, or by hardening, for example (i) by cooling to below the melting point where the flowable composition becomes a solidified melt; (ii) by evaporation of a solvent; (iii) by crystallisation; (iv) by polymerisation of a polymeric component of the flowable non-compressed portion; (v) through pseudo-plastic properties where the flowable non-compressed portion comprises a polymer and shear forces are applied to the non-compressed portion; (vi) combining a binding agent with the flowable non-compressed portion.
  • the flowable non-compressed portion may be an extrudate that is affixed to the compressed portion by for example any of the mechanism described above or by expansion of the extrudate to the parameters of a mould provided by the compressed portion.
  • the compressed portion comprises a pre-prepared depression or mould (hereafter referred to as 'mould') into which the non-compressed portion is delivered.
  • the surface of the compressed portion comprises more than one mould into which the non-compressed portion may be delivered.
  • the mould(s) preferably at least partially accommodates one or more non-compressed portions. The non-compressed portion(s) is then delivered into the mould and affixed to the compressed portion as described above.
  • the non-compressed portion may comprise particulates.
  • the particulates may be prepared by any known method, for example conventional spray drying, granulation, encapsulation or agglomeration. Particulates may be affixed to the compressed portion by incorporating a binding agent or by forming a coating layer over the non- compressed portion.
  • the first and second and optional subsequent non-compressed portions may comprise particulates having substantially different average particle size.
  • substantially different average particle size we mean that the difference between the average particle size of the first and second and/or subsequent compositions is greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10%, more preferably greater than 15% or even 20% of the smaller average particle size.
  • the average particle size of the particulate detergent active components used herein is calculated using a series of Tyler sieves.
  • the series consists of a number of sieves each having a different aperture size.
  • Samples of a composition of active detergent components are sieved through the series of sieves (typically 5 sieves).
  • the weight of a sample of composition retained in the sieve is plotted against the aperture size of the sieve.
  • the average particle size of the composition is defined as the aperture size through which 50% by weight of the sample of composition would pass.
  • first and second and optional subsequent compositions of active detergent components have substantially different density such that the difference between the density of the first and second and/or subsequent compositions is greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10%, more preferably greater than 15% or even 20% of the smaller density.
  • Density of the particulate composition of active detergent components can be measured by any known method suitable for measuring density of particulate material.
  • the density of the composition of active detergent components is measured using a simple funnel and cup device consisting of a conical funnel moulded rigidly on a base and provided with a flap valve at its lower extremity to allow the contents of the funnel to be emptied into an axially aligned cylindrical cup disposed below the funnel.
  • the funnel is 130 mm high and has internal diameters of 130 mm and 40 mm at its respective upper and lower extremities. It is mounted so that the lower extremity is 140 mm above the upper surface of the base.
  • the cup has an overall height of 90 mm, an intemal height of 87 mm and an intemal diameter of 84 mm. Its nominal volume is 500 ml.
  • a density measurement is taken by hand pouring the composition into the funnel. Once the funnel is filled, the flap valve is opened and powder allowed to run through the funnel, overfilling the cup. The filled cup is removed from the frame and excess powder removed from the cup by passing a straight edged implement e.g. a knife, across its upper edge. The filled cup is then weighed and the value obtained for the weight of powder doubled to provide a bulk density in grams/litre. Replicate measurements are made as required.
  • Tablets in which one or more of the non-compressed portions comprise particulates and the average particle size and/or density of the first and second and optionally subsequent non-compressed portions are substantially different are preferred where the first and second and optionally subsequent non-compressed portions are required to have different rates of dissolution.
  • the melt is prepared by heating a composition comprising a detergent active component and optional carrier component(s) to above its melting point to form a flowable melt.
  • the flowable melt is then poured into a mould and allowed to cool. As the melt cools it becomes solid, taking the shape of the mould at ambient temperature.
  • the composition comprises one or more carrier components
  • the carrier component(s) may be heated to above their melting point, and then an active detergent component may be added.
  • Carrier components suitable for preparing a solidified melt are typically non-active components that can be heated to above melting point to form a liquid and cooled to form an intermolecular matrix that can effectively trap active detergent components.
  • a preferred non-active carrier component is an organic polymer that is solid at ambient temperature.
  • the non-active detergent components is polyethylene glycol (PEG).
  • the compressed portion of the detergent tablet preferably provides a mould to accommodate the melt.
  • the flowable non-compressed portion may be in a form comprising a dissolved or suspended active detergent component.
  • the flowable non-compressed portion may harden over time to form a solid, semi solid or highly viscous liquid non-compressed portion by any of the methods described above.
  • the flowable non- compressed portion may harden by evaporation of a solvent.
  • Solvents suitable for use herein may include any known solvent in which a binding agent is soluble.
  • Preferred solvents may be polar or non-polar and may include water, alcohol, (for example ethanol, acetone) and alcohol derivatives. In an alternative embodiment more than one solvent may be used.
  • the flowable non-compressed portion may comprise one or more binding agents.
  • Any binding agent that has the effect of causing the composition to become solid, semi-solid or highly viscous over time is envisaged for use herein.
  • mechanisms by which the binding agent causes a non-solid composition to become solid, semi-solid or highly viscous include: chemical reaction (such as chemical cross linking), or effect interaction between two or more components of the flowable compositions either; chemical or physical interaction of the binding agent with a component of the composition.
  • Preferred binding agents include a sugar/gelatine combination, starch, glycerol and organic polymers.
  • the sugar may be any monosaccharide (e.g. glucose), disaccharide (e.g.
  • sucrose or maltose or polysaccharide.
  • the most preferred sugar is commonly available sucrose.
  • type A or B gelatine may be used, available from for example Sigma.
  • Type A gelatine is preferred since it has greater stability in alkaline conditions in comparison to type B.
  • Preferred gelatine also has a bloom strength of between 65 and 300, most preferably between 75 and 100.
  • Preferred organic polymers include polyethylene glycol (PEG) of molecular weight from 500 to 10,000, preferably from 750 to 8000, most preferably from 1000 to 6000 available from Hoechst. Where the non-compressed portion is an extrudate, the extmdate is prepared by premixing the active detergent components with optional carrier components to form a viscous paste.
  • the viscous paste is then extruded using any suitable commonly available extrusion equipment such as for example a single or twin screw extruder available from for example APV Baker, Peterborough, U.K.
  • the extmdate is then cut to size either after delivery to the compressed portion, or prior to delivery to the compressed portion of the detergent tablet.
  • the compressed portion of the tablet preferably comprises a mould into which the extruded non-compressed portion may be delivered.
  • the non-compressed portion is coated with a coating layer.
  • the coating may be used to affix a non-compressed portion to the compressed portion. This may be particularly advantageous where the non-compressed portion comprises flowable particulates, gels or liquids.
  • the coating layer preferably comprises a material that becomes solid on contacting the compressed and/or the non-compressed portions within preferably less than 15 minutes, more preferably less than 10 minutes, even more preferably less than 5 minutes, most preferably less than 60 seconds.
  • the coating layer is water-soluble.
  • Preferred coating layers comprise materials selected from the group consisting of fatty acids, alcohols, diols, esters and ethers, adipic acid, carboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyacetic acid (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred carboxylic or dicarboxylic acids preferably comprise an even number of carbon atoms.
  • carboxylic or dicarboxylic acids comprise at least 4, more preferably at least 6, even more preferably at least 8 carbon atoms, most preferably between 8 and 13 carbon atoms.
  • Preferred dicarboxylic acids include adipic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, subacic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecandioic acid, tridecanedioic and mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred fatty acids are those having a carbon chain length of from C12 to C22, most preferably from C18 to C22.
  • the coating layer may also preferably comprise a dismpting agent. Where present the coating layer generally present at a level of at least 0.05%, preferably at least 0.1%, more preferably at least 1%, most preferably at least 2% or even at least 5% of the detergent tablet.
  • the coating layer may encapsulate the detergent tablet.
  • the coating layer is present at a level of at least 4%, more preferably at least 5%, most preferably at least 10% of the detergent tablet.
  • the compressed and/or non-compressed portions and/or coating layer additionally comprise a disrupting agent.
  • the disrupting agent may be a disintegrating or effervescing agent.
  • Suitable disintegrating agents include agents that swell on contact with water or facilitated water influx and/or efflux by forming channels in compressed and or non-compressed portions . Any known disintegrating or effervescing agent suitable for use in laundry or dishwashing applications is envisaged for use herein.
  • Suitable disintegrating agent include starch, starch derivatives, alginates, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), CMC-based polymers, sodium acetate, aluminium oxide.
  • Suitable effervescing agents are those that produce a gas on contact with water.
  • Suitable effervesing agents may be oxygen, nitrogen dioxide or carbon dioxide evolving species.
  • Examples of preferred effervesing agents may be selected from the group consisting of perborate, percarbonate, carbonate, bicarbonate and carboxylic acids such as citric or maleic acid.
  • An advantage of including a disrupting agent in the detergent tablet of the present invention is the transport, storage and handling benefits that can be achieved by increasing the hardness of the detergent tablet without adversely affecting the cleaning performance.
  • a process for preparing a detergent tablet comprising the steps of: a) compressing an active detergent component to form a compressed portion; and b) delivering a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component to the compressed portion.
  • the detergent tablets described herein are prepared by separately preparing the composition of active detergent components forming the respective compressed portion and the non-compressed portion, then delivering or adhering the composition of the non-compressed portion to the compressed portion.
  • the compressed portion is prepared by obtaining at least one active detergent component and optionally premixing with carrier components. Any pre-mixing will be carried out in a suitable mixer; for example a pan mixer, rotary dmm, vertical blender or high shear mixer.
  • a suitable mixer for example a pan mixer, rotary dmm, vertical blender or high shear mixer.
  • dry particulate components are admixed in a mixer, as described above, and liquid components are applied to the dry particulate components, for example by spraying the liquid components directly onto the dry particulate components.
  • the resulting composition is then formed into a compressed portion in a compression step using any known suitable equipment.
  • the composition is formed into a compressed portion using a tablet press, wherein the tablet is prepared by compression of the composition between an upper and a lower punch.
  • the composition is delivered into a punch cavity of a tablet press and compressed to form a compressed
  • the compressed portion provides a mould to receive the non-compressed portion
  • the compressed portion is prepared using a modified tablet press comprising modified upper and/or lower punches.
  • the upper and lower punches of the modified tablet press are modified such that the compressed portion provides one or more indentations which form a mould(s) to which the non-compressed portion is delivered.
  • the non-compressed portion comprises at least one active detergent component. Where the non-compressed portion comprises more than one active detergent component the components are pre-mixed using any known suitable mixing equipment. In addition the non-compressed portion may optionally comprise a carrier with which the active detergent components are combined.
  • the non- compressed portion may be prepared in solid or flowable form. Once prepared the composition is delivered to the compressed portion.
  • the non-compressed portion may be delivered to the compressed portion by manual delivery or using a nozzle feeder or extruder. Where the compressed portion comprises a mould, the non- compressed portion is preferably delivered to the mould using accurate delivery equipment, for example a nozzle feeder, such as a loss in weight screw feeder available from Optima, Germany or an extruder.
  • the process comprises delivering a flowable non-compressed portion to the compressed portion in a delivery step and then coating at least a portion of the non-compressed portion with a coating layer such that the coating layer has the effect of substantially adhering the non-compressed portion to the compressed portion.
  • the process comprises a delivery step in which the flowable non-compressed portion is delivered to the compressed portion and a subsequent conditioning step, wherein the non-compressed portion hardens.
  • a conditioning step may comprise drying, cooling, binding, polymerisation etc. of the non-compressed portion, during which the non-compressed portion becomes solid, semi-solid or highly viscous.
  • Heat may be used in a drying step.
  • Heat, or exposure to radiation may be used to effect polymerisation in a polymerisation step.
  • the compressed portion may be prepared having a plurality of moulds. The plurality of moulds are then filled with a non-compressed portion. It is also envisaged that each mould can be filled with a different non-compressed portion or alternatively, each mould can be filled with a plurality of different non- compressed portions.
  • the compressed portion of the detergent tablets described herein are prepared by compression composition of active detergent components.
  • a suitable composition may include a variety of different detergent active components including builder compounds, surfactants, enzymes, bleaching agents, alkalinity sources, colourants, perfume, lime soap dispersants, organic polymeric compounds including polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, heavy metal ion sequestrants, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilisers, corrosion inhibitors, suds suppressers, solvents, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners and hydrotropes.
  • Highly preferred active detergent components include a builder compound, a surfactant, an enzyme and a bleaching agent.
  • the detergent tablets of the present invention preferably contain a builder compound, typically present at a level of from 1% to 80% by weight, preferably from 10% to 70% by weight, most preferably from 20% to 60% by weight of the composition of active detergent components.
  • a builder compound typically present at a level of from 1% to 80% by weight, preferably from 10% to 70% by weight, most preferably from 20% to 60% by weight of the composition of active detergent components.
  • Suitable water-soluble builder compounds include the water soluble monomeric polycarboxylates, or their acid forms, homo or copolymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxylic radicals separated from each other by not more that two carbon atoms, carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, phosphates, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.
  • the carboxylate or polycarboxylate builder can be monomeric or oligomeric in type although monomeric polycarboxylates are generally preferred for reasons of cost and performance.
  • Suitable carboxylates containing one carboxy group include the water soluble salts of lactic acid, glycolic acid and ether derivatives thereof.
  • Polycarboxylates containing two carboxy groups include the water-soluble salts of succinic acid, malonic acid, (ethylenedioxy) diacetic acid, maleic acid, diglycolic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid and fumaric acid, as well as the ether carboxylates and the sulfinyl carboxylates.
  • Polycarboxylates containing three carboxy groups include, in particular, water-soluble citrates, aconitrates and citraconates as well as succinate derivatives such as the carboxymethyloxysuccinates described in British Patent No.
  • Polycarboxylates containing four carboxy groups include oxydisuccinates disclosed in British Patent No. 1,261,829, 1 , 1 ,2,2-ethane tetracarboxylates, 1,1,3,3-propane tetracarboxylates and 1,1, 2,3 -propane tetracarboxylates.
  • Polycarboxylates containing sulfo substituents include the sulfosuccinate derivatives disclosed in British Patent Nos. 1,398,421 and 1,398,422 and in U.S. Patent No. 3,936,448, and the sulfonated pyrolysed citrates described in British Patent No. 1 ,439,000.
  • Alicyclic and heterocyclic polycarboxylates include cyclopentane-cis,cis,cis- tetracarboxylates, cyclopentadienide pentacarboxylates, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofuran - cis, cis, cis-tetracarboxylates, 2,5-tetrahydrofuran - cis - dicarboxylates, 2,2,5,5- tetrahydrofuran - tetracarboxylates, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexane - hexacarboxylates and carboxymethyl derivatives of polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol.
  • Aromatic polycarboxylates include mellitic acid, pyromellitic acid and the phthalic acid derivatives disclosed in British Patent No. 1,425,343.
  • the preferred polycarboxylates are hydroxycarboxylates containing up to three carboxy groups per molecule, more particularly citrates.
  • the parent acids of the monomeric or oligomeric polycarboxylate chelating agents or mixtures thereof with their salts e.g. citric acid or citrate/citric acid mixtures are also contemplated as useful builder components.
  • Borate builders, as well as builders containing borate-forming materials that can produce borate under detergent storage or wash conditions can also be used but are not preferred at wash conditions less that 50°C, especially less than 40°C.
  • carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates, including sodium carbonate and sesqui-carbonate and mixtures thereof with ultra- fine calcium carbonate as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321 ,001 published on November 15, 1973.
  • Highly preferred builder compounds for use in the present invention are water- soluble phosphate builders.
  • water-soluble phosphate builders are the alkali metal tripolyphosphates, sodium, potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium polymeta/phosphate in which the degree of polymerisation ranges from 6 to 21, and salts of phytic acid.
  • water-soluble phosphate builders are the alkali metal tripolyphosphates, sodium, potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium polymeta/phosphate in which the degree of polymerization ranges from 6 to 21, and salts of phytic acid.
  • Partially soluble or insoluble builder compound Partially soluble or insoluble builder compound
  • the detergent tablets of the present invention may contain a partially soluble or insoluble builder compound.
  • Partially soluble and insoluble builder compounds are particularly suitable for use in tablets prepared for use in laundry cleaning methods.
  • partially water soluble builders include the crystalline layered silicates as disclosed for example, in EP-A-0164514, DE-A-3417649 and DE-A-3742043. Preferred are the crystalline layered sodium silicates of general formula
  • Crystalline layered sodium silicates of this type preferably have a two dimensional 'sheet' structure, such as the so called ⁇ -layered structure, as described in EP 0 164514 and EP 0 293640.
  • x in the general formula above has a value of 2,3 or 4 and is preferably 2.
  • the most preferred crystalline layered sodium silicate compound has the formula ⁇ - Na2Si2U5 , known as NaSKS-6 (trade name), available from Hoechst AG.
  • the crystalline layered sodium silicate material is preferably present in granular detergent compositions as a particulate in intimate admixture with a solid, water- soluble ionisable material as described in PCT Patent Application No. WO92/18594.
  • the solid, water-soluble ionisable material is selected from organic acids, organic and inorganic acid salts and mixtures thereof, with citric acid being preferred.
  • Examples of largely water insoluble builders include the sodium aluminosilicates.
  • Suitable aluminosilicates include the aluminosilicate zeolites having the unit cell formula Na z [(AlO2) z (SiO2)y]. XH2O wherein z and y are at least 6; the molar ratio of z to y is from 1.0 to 0.5 and x is at least 5, preferably from 7.5 to 276, more preferably from 10 to 264.
  • the aluminosilicate material are in hydrated form and are preferably crystalline, containing from 10% to 28%, more preferably from 18% to 22% water in bound form.
  • the aluminosilicate zeolites can be naturally occurring materials, but are preferably synthetically derived. Synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite B, Zeolite P, Zeolite X, Zeolite HS and mixtures thereof.
  • a preferred method of synthesizing aluminosilicate zeolites is that described by Schoeman et al (published in Zeolite (1994) 14(2), 110-116), in which the author describes a method of preparing colloidal aluminosilicate zeolites.
  • the colloidal aluminosilicate zeolite particles should preferably be such that no more than 5% of the particles are of size greater than 1 ⁇ m in diameter and not more than 5% of particles are of size less then 0.05 ⁇ m in diameter.
  • the aluminosilicate zeolite particles have an average particle size diameter of between 0.01 ⁇ m and l ⁇ m, more preferably between 0.05 ⁇ m and 0.9 ⁇ m, most preferably between O.l ⁇ m and 0.6 ⁇ m.
  • Zeolite A has the formula
  • Zeolite X has the formula Nagg [(AlO 2 )86( siO 2)l06]- 76 H 2°- Zeolite MAP, as disclosed in EP-B-384,070 is a preferred zeolite builder herein.
  • Preferred aluminosilicate zeolites are the colloidal aluminosilicate zeolites.
  • colloidal aluminosilicate zeolites especially colloidal zeolite A, provide enhanced builder performance in terms of providing improved stain removal.
  • Enhanced builder performance is also seen in terms of reduced fabric encrustation and improved fabric whiteness maintenance; problems believed to be associated with poorly built detergent compositions.
  • mixed aluminosilicate zeolite detergent compositions comprising colloidal zeolite A and colloidal zeolite Y provide equal calcium ion sequestration performance versus an equal weight of commercially available zeolite A.
  • Another surprising finding is that mixed aluminosilicate zeolite detergent compositions, described above, provide improved magnesium ion sequestration performance versus an equal weight of commercially available zeolite A.
  • Surfactants are preferred detergent active components of the compositions described herein. Suitable surfactants are selected from anionic, cationic, nonionic ampholytic and zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Automatic dishwashing machine products should be low foaming in character and thus the foaming of the surfactant system for use in dishwashing methods must be suppressed or more preferably be low foaming, typically nonionic in character. Sudsing caused by surfactant systems used in laundry cleaning methods need not be suppressed to the same extent as is necessary for dishwashing.
  • the surfactant is typically present at a level of from 0.2%) to 30% by weight, more preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the composition of active detergent components.
  • any nonionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can be included in the detergent tablet.
  • Preferred, non-limiting classes of useful nonionic surfactants are listed below.
  • alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use herein.
  • the alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.
  • Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms with from 2 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
  • a suitable endcapped alkyl alkoxylate surfactant is the epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols represented by the formula: R 1 O[CH 2 CH(CH3)O] x [CH2CH 2 O] y [CH2CH(OH)R2] (I)
  • Ri is a linear or branched, aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 4 to 18 carbon atoms
  • R2 is a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 26 carbon atoms
  • x is an integer having an average value of from 0.5 to 1.5, more preferably 1
  • y is an integer having a value of at least 15, more preferably at least 20.
  • the surfactant of formula I at least 10 carbon atoms in the terminal epoxide unit [CH2CH(OH)R2J.
  • Suitable surfactants of formula I, according to the present invention are Olin Corporation's POLY-TERGENT® SLF-18B nonionic surfactants, as described, for example, in WO 94/22800, published October 13, 1994 by Olin Corporation.
  • Preferred surfactants for use herein include ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols having the formula:
  • R ⁇ and R 2 are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms;
  • R ⁇ is H, or a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms;
  • x is an integer having an average value from 1 to 30, wherein when x is 2 or greater R ⁇ may be the same or different and k and j are integers having an average value of from 1 to 12, and more preferably 1 to 5.
  • Rl and R 2 are preferably linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms with 8 to 18 carbon atoms being most preferred. H or a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 2 carbon atoms is most preferred for R->.
  • x is an integer having an average value of from 1 to 20, more preferably from 6 to 15.
  • R ⁇ may be the same or different. That is, R- may vary between any of the alklyeneoxy units as described above. For instance, if x is 3, R ⁇ may be be selected to form ethlyeneoxy(EO) or propyleneoxy(PO) and may vary in order of (EO)(PO)(EO), (EO)(EO)(PO); (EO)(EO)(EO); (PO)(EO)(PO); (PO)(PO)(EO) and (PO)(PO)(PO).
  • the integer three is chosen for example only and the variation may be much larger with a higher integer value for x and include, for example, mulitple (EO) units and a much small number of (PO) units.
  • Particularly preferred surfactants as described above include those that have a low cloud point of less than 20°C. These low cloud point surfactants may then be employed in conjunction with a high cloud point surfactant as described in detail below for superior grease cleaning benefits.
  • ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants are those wherein k is 1 and j is 1 so that the surfactants have the formula:
  • Rl, R 2 and R ⁇ are defined as above and x is an integer with an average value of from 1 to 30, preferably from 1 to 20, and even more preferably from 6 to 18.
  • Most preferred are surfactants wherein R and R 2 range from 9 to 14, R ⁇ is H forming ethyleneoxy and x ranges from 6 to 15.
  • the ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants comprise three general components, namely a linear or branched alcohol, an alkylene oxide and an alkyl ether end cap.
  • the alkyl ether end cap and the alcohol serve as a hydrophobic, oil- soluble portion of the molecule while the alkylene oxide group forms the hydrophilic, water-soluble portion of the molecule.
  • surfactants exhibit significant improvements in spotting and filming characteristics and removal of greasy soils, when used in conjunction with high cloud point surfactants, relative to conventional surfactants.
  • the ether-capped poly(oxyalkylene) alcohol surfactants of the present invention may be produced by reacting an aliphatic alcohol with an epoxide to form an ether which is then reacted with a base to form a second epoxide. The second epoxide is then reacted with an alkoxylated alcohol to form the novel compounds of the present invention. Examples of methods of preparing the ether- capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants are described below:
  • a C12/14 fatty alcohol (100.00 g, 0.515 mol.) and tin (IV) chloride (0.58 g, 2.23 mmol, available from Aldrich) are combined in a 500 mL three-necked round- bottomed flask fitted with a condenser, argon inlet, addition funnel, magnetic stirrer and intemal temperature probe. The mixture is heated to 60 °C. Epichlorhydrin (47.70 g, 0.515 mol, available from Aldrich) is added dropwise so as to keep the temperature between 60-65 °C. After stirring an additional hour at 60 °C, the mixture is cooled to room temperature.
  • the mixture is treated with a 50% solution of sodium hydroxide (61.80 g, 0.773 mol, 50%) while being stirred mechanically. After addition is completed, the mixture is heated to 90 °C for 1.5 h, cooled, and filtered with the aid of ethanol. The filtrate is separated and the organic phase is washed with water (100 mL), dried over MgSOzi, filtered, and concentrated. Distillation of the oil at 100-120 °C (0.1 mm Hg) providing the glycidyl ether as an oil.
  • the mixture After stirring for 18 h at 60 °C, the mixture is cooled to room temperature and dissolved in an equal portion of dichloromethane. The solution is passed through a 1 inch pad of silica gel while eluting with dichloromethane. The filtrate is concentrated by rotary evaporation and then stripped in a kugelrohr oven (100 °C, 0.5 mm Hg) to yield the surfactant as an oil.
  • the ethoxylated Cg-Ci g fatty alcohols and Cg-Cjg mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols are suitable surfactants for use herein, particularly where water soluble.
  • the ethoxylated fatty alcohols are the C ⁇ Q-CI 8 ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 50, most preferably these are the Cl2" l8 ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation from 3 to 40.
  • the mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols have an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 30 and a degree of propoxy lation of from 1 to 10.
  • the condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol are suitable for use herein.
  • the hydrophobic portion of these compounds preferably has a molecular weight of from 1500 to 1800 and exhibits water insolubility.
  • Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially-available Pluronic ⁇ M surfactants, marketed by BASF.
  • condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine are suitable for use herein.
  • the hydrophobic moiety of these products consists of the reaction product of ethylenediamine and excess propylene oxide, and generally has a molecular weight of from 2500 to 3000.
  • this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially available Tetronic compounds, marketed by BASF.
  • the detergent tablet comprises a mixed nonionic surfactant system comprising at least one low cloud point nonionic surfactant and at least one high cloud point nonionic surfactant.
  • Cloud point is a well known property of nonionic surfactants which is the result of the surfactant becoming less soluble with increasing temperature, the temperature at which the appearance of a second phase is observable is referred to as the “cloud point” (See Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3 rd Ed. Vol. 22, pp. 360-379).
  • a "low cloud point" nonionic surfactant is defined as a nonionic surfactant system ingredient having a cloud point of less than 30°C, preferably less than 20°C, and most preferably less than 10°C.
  • Typical low cloud point nonionic surfactants include nonionic alkoxylated surfactants, especially ethoxylates derived from primary alcohol, and polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene (PO/EO/PO) reverse block polymers.
  • low cloud point nonionic surfactants include, for example, ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohol (e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF18), epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols (e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF18B series of nonionics, as described, for example, in WO 94/22800, published October 13, 1994 by Olin Corporation)and the ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants.
  • ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohol e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF18
  • epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF18B series of nonionics, as described, for example, in WO 94/22800, published October 13, 1994 by Olin Corporation
  • ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants ethoxyl
  • Nonionic surfactants can optionally contain propylene oxide in an amount up to 15% by weight.
  • Other preferred nonionic surfactants can be prepared by the processes described in U.S. Patent 4,223,163, issued September 16, 1980, Builloty, inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • Low cloud point nonionic surfactants additionally comprise a polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block polymeric compound.
  • Block polyoxyethylene- polyoxypropylene polymeric compounds include those based on ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane and ethylenediamine as initiator reactive hydrogen compound.
  • Certain of the block polymer surfactant compounds designated PLURONIC®, REVERSED PLURONIC®, and TETRONIC® by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., Wyandotte, Michigan, are suitable in ADD compositions of the invention.
  • Preferred examples include REVERSED PLURONIC® 25R2 and TETRONIC® 702, Such surfactants are typically useful herein as low cloud point nonionic surfactants.
  • a "high cloud point" nonionic surfactant is defined as a nonionic surfactant system ingredient having a cloud point of greater than 40°C, preferably greater than 50°C, and more preferably greater than 60°C.
  • the nonionic surfactant system comprises an ethoxylated surfactant derived from the reaction of a monohydroxy alcohol or alkylphenol containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, with from 6 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkyl phenol on an average basis.
  • Such high cloud point nonionic surfactants include, for example, Tergitol 15S9 (supplied by Union Carbide), Rhodasurf TMD 8.5 (supplied by Rhone Poulenc), and Neodol 91-8 (supplied by Shell).
  • the high cloud point nonionic surfactant further have a hydrophile-lipophile balance ("HLB"; see Kirk Othmer hereinbefore) value within the range of from 9 to 15, preferably 11 to 15.
  • HLB hydrophile-lipophile balance
  • Such materials include, for example, Tergitol 15S9 (supplied by Union Carbide), Rhodasurf TMD 8.5 (supplied by Rhone Poulenc), and Neodol 91-8 (supplied by Shell).
  • high cloud point nonionic surfactant is derived from a straight or preferably branched chain or secondary fatty alcohol containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms (C6-C20 alcohol), including secondary alcohols and branched chain primary alcohols.
  • high cloud point nonionic surfactants are branched or secondary alcohol ethoxylates, more preferably mixed C9/1 1 or Cl 1/15 branched alcohol ethoxylates, condensed with an average of from 6 to 15 moles, preferably from 6 to 12 moles, and most preferably from 6 to 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
  • the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant so derived has a narrow ethoxylate distribution relative to the average.
  • the detergent tablet comprising such a mixed surfactant system also comprises an amount of water-soluble salt to provide conductivity in deionised water measured at 25°C greater than 3 milli Siemens/cm, preferably greater than 4 milli Siemens/cm, most preferably greater than 4.5 milli Siemens/cm as described in co-pending GB Patent Application (attorney docket number CM 1573F).
  • the mixed surfactant system dissolves in water having a hardness of 1.246mmol/L in any suitable cold-fill automatic dishwasher to
  • the high cloud point and low cloud point surfactants of the mixed surfactant system are separated such that one of either the high cloud point or low cloud point surfactants is present in a first matrix and the other is present in a second matrix as described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application (attorney docket number 6252).
  • the first matrix may be a first particulate and the second matrix may be a second particulate.
  • a surfactant may be applied to a particulate by any suitable known method, preferably the surfactant is sprayed onto the particulate.
  • the first matrix is the compressed portion and the second matrix is the non-compressed portion of the detergent tablet of the present invention.
  • the low cloud point surfactant is present in the compressed portion and the high cloud point surfactant is present in the non-compressed portion of the detergent tablet of the present invention.
  • anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes are suitable. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of the anionic sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and sarcosinate surfactants. Anionic sulfate surfactants are preferred.
  • anionic surfactants include the isethionates such as the acyl isethionates, N- acyl taurates, fatty acid amides of methyl tauride, alkyl succinates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C ⁇ -C, monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C fi -C , 4 diesters), N-acyl sarcosinates.
  • Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil.
  • Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use herein include the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, fatty oleoyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C5-C17 acyl-N-(Cj-C4 alkyl) and -N-(C]-C2 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described herein).
  • Alkyl sulfate surfactants are preferably selected from the linear and branched primary C1 Q-C ⁇ g alkyl sulfates, more preferably the C ⁇ ⁇ -C ⁇ branched chain alkyl sulfates and the C12- 14 linear chain alkyl sulfates.
  • Alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants are preferably selected from the group consisting of the Cjo-Ci 8 alkyl sulfates which have been ethoxylated with from 0.5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. More preferably, the alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactant is a C] 1 -Cj , most preferably Ci 1-C15 alkyl sulfate which has been ethoxylated with from 0.5 to 7, preferably from 1 to 5, moles of ethylene oxide per molecule.
  • a particularly preferred aspect of the invention employs mixtures of the preferred alkyl sulfate and alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants. Such mixtures have been disclosed in PCT Patent Application No. WO 93/18124.
  • Anionic sulfonate surfactant Anionic sulfonate surfactant
  • Anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use herein include the salts of C5-C20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ester sulfonates, Cg-C22 primary or secondary alkane sulfonates, Cg-C24 olefin sulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids, alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfonates, and any mixtures thereof.
  • Anionic carboxylate surfactant Suitable anionic carboxylate surfactants include the alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, the alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and the soaps ('alkyl carboxyls'), especially certain secondary soaps as described herein.
  • Suitable alkyl ethoxy carboxylates include those with the formula RO(CH2CH2 ⁇ ) x CH2C00"M + wherein R is a Cg to Ci g alkyl group, x ranges from O to 10, and the ethoxylate distribution is such that, on a weight basis, the amount of material where x is 0 is less than 20 % and M is a cation.
  • Suitable alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants include those having the formula RO-(CHRj-CHR2-O)-R3 wherein R is a Cg to Ci g alkyl group, x is from 1 to 25, Ri and R2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl acid radical, succinic acid radical, hydroxysuccinic acid radical, and mixtures thereof, and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon having between 1 and 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable soap surfactants include the secondary soap surfactants which contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon.
  • Preferred secondary soap surfactants for use herein are water-soluble members selected from the group consisting of the water-soluble salts of 2-methyl-l-undecanoic acid, 2-ethyl-l-decanoic acid, 2- propyl-1-nonanoic acid, 2-butyl-l-octanoic acid and 2-pentyl-l-heptanoic acid. Certain soaps may also be included as suds suppressors.
  • alkali metal sarcosinates of formula R- CON (Rl) CH2 COOM, wherein R is a C5-C17 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, R is a C1-C4 alkyl group and M is an alkali metal ion.
  • R is a C5-C17 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group
  • R is a C1-C4 alkyl group
  • M is an alkali metal ion.
  • Amphoteric surfactant Suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include the amine oxide surfactants and the alkyl amphocarboxylic acids.
  • Suitable amine oxides include those compounds having the formula R3(OR4) X NO(R5)2 wherein R ⁇ is selected from an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acylamidopropoyl and alkyl phenyl group, or mixtures thereof, containing from 8 to 26 carbon atoms; R ⁇ is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof; x is from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 3; and each R5 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from 1 to 3, or a polyethylene oxide group containing from 1 to 3 ethylene oxide groups.
  • Preferred are CjQ- ig alkyl dimethylamine oxide, and Ci Q-18 acylamido alkyl dimethylamine oxide.
  • a suitable example of an alkyl aphodicarboxylic acid is Miranol(TM) C2M Cone, manufactured by Miranol, Inc., Dayton, NJ.
  • Zwitterionic surfactants can also be inco ⁇ orated into the detergent compositions hereof. These surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quatemary ammonium, quatemary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary zwitterionic surfactants for use herein.
  • Suitable betaines are those compounds having the formula R(R')2N + R 2 COO ⁇ wherein R is a Cg-Ci g hydrocarbyl group, each Rl is typically Ci -C3 alkyl, and R 2 is a C1-C5 hydrocarbyl group.
  • Preferred betaines are C 12- 18 dimethyl-ammonio hexanoate and the C j O- 18 acylamidopropane (or ethane) dimethyl (or diethyl) betaines.
  • Complex betaine surfactants are also suitable for use herein.
  • Cationic surfactants used in this invention are preferably water dispersible compound having surfactant properties comprising at least one ester (i.e. -COO-) linkage and at least one cationically charged group.
  • Other suitable cationic ester surfactants including choline ester surfactants, have for example been disclosed in US Patents No.s 4228042, 4239660 and 4260529.
  • Suitable cationic surfactants include the quatemary ammonium surfactants selected from mono Cg-Ci 6, preferably Cg-Ci Q N-alkyl or alkenyl ammonium surfactants wherein the remaining N positions are substituted by methyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl groups.
  • an enzyme is an essential feature of the detergent tablet.
  • an enzyme is an optional detergent active component.
  • said enzymes are selected from the group consisting of cellulases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, gluco- amylases, amylases, xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, ⁇ -glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase or mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred enzymes include protease, amylase, lipase, peroxidases, cutinase and/or cellulase in conjunction with one or more plant cell wall degrading enzymes.
  • the cellulases usable in the present invention include both bacterial or fungal cellulase. Preferably, they will have a pH optimum of between 5 and 12 and an activity above 50 CEVU (Cellulose Viscosity Unit).
  • CEVU Cellulose Viscosity Unit
  • Suitable cellulases are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, J61078384 and WO96/02653 which disclose fungal cellulases produced respectively from Humicola insolens, Trichoderma, Thielavia and Sporotrichum.
  • EP 739 982 describes cellulases isolated from novel Bacillus species. Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A- 2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275; DE-OS-2.247.832 and WO95/26398.
  • cellulases examples include cellulases produced by a strain of Humicola insolens (Humicola grisea var. thermoidea), particularly the Humicola strain DSM 1800.
  • Other suitable cellulases are cellulases originated from Humicola insolens having a molecular weight of 50KDa, an isoelectric point of 5.5 and containing 415 amino acids; and a ⁇ 43kD endoglucanase derived from Humicola insolens, DSM 1800, exhibiting cellulase activity; a preferred endoglucanase component has the amino acid sequence disclosed in PCT Patent Application No. WO 91/17243.
  • suitable cellulases are the EGIII cellulases from Trichoderma longibrachiatum described in WO94/21801, Genencor, published September 29, 1994. Especially suitable cellulases are the cellulases having color care benefits. Examples of such cellulases are cellulases described in European patent application No. 91202879.2, filed November 6, 1991 (Novo). Carezyme and Celluzyme (Novo Nordisk A S) are especially useful. See also WO91/17244 and WO91/21801. Other suitable cellulases for fabric care and/or cleaning properties are described in WO96/34092, WO96/17994 and WO95/24471.
  • Said cellulases are normally inco ⁇ orated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition.
  • 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, WO89/09813 and in European Patent application EP No. 91202882.6, filed on November 6, 1991 and EP No. 96870013.8, filed February 20, 1996. Also suitable is the laccase enzyme.
  • Preferred enhancers are substitued phenthiazine and phenoxasine 10- Phenothiazinepropionicacid (PPT), 10-ethylphenothiazine-4-carboxylic acid (EPC), 10-phenoxazinepropionic acid (POP) and 10-methylphenoxazine (described in WO 94/12621) and substitued syringates (C3-C5 substitued alkyl syringates) and phenols.
  • Sodium percarbonate or perborate are preferred sources of hydrogen peroxide.
  • Said cellulases and/or peroxidases are normally inco ⁇ orated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition.
  • 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.
  • Suitable lipases include those which show a positive immunological cross-reaction with the antibody of the lipase, produced by the microorganism Pseudomonas fluorescent IAM 1057. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, under the trade name Lipase P "Amano,” hereinafter referred to as "Amano-P".
  • lipases include Amano-CES, lipases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g. Chromobacter viscosum var. lipolyticum NRRLB 3673 from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japan; Chromobacter viscosum lipases from U.S. Biochemical Co ⁇ ., U.S.A. and Disoynth Co., The Netherlands, and lipases ex Pseudomonas gladioli.
  • lipases such as Ml Lipase ⁇ an( l Lipoma ⁇ R (Gist-Brocades) and LipolaseR- and Lipolase Ultra ⁇ (Novo) which have found to be very effective when used in combination with the compositions of the present invention.
  • hpolytic enzymes described in EP 258 068, WO 92/05249 and WO 95/22615 by Novo Nordisk and in WO 94/03578, WO 95/35381 and WO 96/00292 by Unilever.
  • cutinases [EC 3.1.1.50] which can be considered as a special kind of lipase, namely lipases which do not require interfacial activation. Addition of cutinases to detergent compositions have been described in e.g. WO-A-88/09367 (Genencor); WO 90/09446 (Plant Genetic System) and WO 94/14963 and WO 94/14964 (Unilever).
  • the lipases and/or cutinases are normally inco ⁇ orated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition.
  • Suitable proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (subtilisin BPN and BPN').
  • One suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the pH range of 8-12, developed and sold as ESPERASE® by Novo Industries A/S of Denmark, hereinafter "Novo". The preparation of this enzyme and analogous enzymes is described in GB 1,243,784 to Novo.
  • Other suitable proteases include ALCALASE®, DURAZYM® and SAVINASE® from Novo and MAXATASE®, MAXACAL®, PROPERASE® and MAXAPEM® (protein engineered Maxacal) from Gist-Brocades.
  • Proteolytic enzymes also encompass modified bacterial serine proteases, such as those described in European Patent Application Serial Number 87 303761.8, filed April 28, 1987 (particularly pages 17, 24 and 98), and which is called herein "Protease B", and in European Patent Application 199,404, Venegas, published October 29, 1986, which refers to a modified bacterial serine protealytic enzyme which is called "Protease A” herein.
  • Protease C is a variant of an alkaline serine protease from Bacillus in which lysine replaced arginine at position 27, tyrosine replaced valine at position 104, serine replaced asparagine at position 123, and alanine replaced threonine at position 274.
  • Protease C is described in EP 90915958:4, corresponding to WO 91/06637, Published May 16, 1991. Genetically modified variants, particularly of Protease C, are also included herein.
  • a preferred protease referred to as "Protease D” is a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived from a precursor carbonyl hydrolase by substituting a different amino acid for a plurality of amino acid residues at a position in said carbonyl hydrolase equivalent to position +76, preferably also in combination with one or more amino acid residue positions equivalent to those selected from the group consisting of +99, +101, +103, +104, +107, +123, +27, +105, +109, +126, +128, +135, +156, +166, +195, +197, +204, +206, +210, +216, +217, +218, +222, +260, +265, and/or +274 according to the numbering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subtilisin, as described in WO95/10591 and in the patent application of C. Ghosh, et al, "Bleaching Compositions Comprising Protease Enzymes
  • proteases described in patent applications EP 251 446 and WO 91/06637, protease BLAP® described in WO91/02792 and their variants described in WO 95/23221.
  • protease from Bacillus sp. NCIMB 40338 described in WO 93/18140 A to Novo.
  • Enzymatic detergents comprising protease, one or more other enzymes, and a reversible protease inhibitor are described in WO 92/03529 A to Novo.
  • a protease having decreased adso ⁇ tion and increased hydrolysis is available as described in WO 95/07791 to Procter & Gamble.
  • a recombinant trypsin-like protease for detergents suitable herein is described in WO 94/25583 to Novo.
  • Other suitable proteases are described in EP 516 200 by Unilever.
  • protease enzymes which are a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived by replacement of a plurality of amino acid residues of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase with different amino acids, wherein said plurality of amino acid residues replaced in the precursor enzyme correspond to position +210 in combination with one or more of the following residues: +33, +62, +67, +76, +100, +101, +103, +104, +107, +128, +129, +130, +132, +135, +156, +158, +164, +166, +167, +170, +209, +215, +217, +218 and +222, where the numbered positions correspond to naturally- occurring subtilisin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or to equivalent amino acid residues in other carbonyl hydrolases or subtilisins (such as Bacillus lentus subtilisin).
  • Preferred enzymes of this type include those having position changes +210, +76
  • the proteolytic enzymes are inco ⁇ orated in the detergent compositions of the present invention a level of from 0.0001% to 2%, preferably from 0.001% to 0.2%, more preferably from 0.005%) to 0.1% pure enzyme by weight of the composition.
  • Amylases can be included for removal of carbohydrate-based stains.
  • WO94/02597 Novo Nordisk A/S published February 03, 1994, describes cleaning compositions which inco ⁇ orate mutant amylases. See also WO95/10603, Novo Nordisk A/S, published April 20, 1995.
  • Other amylases known for use in cleaning compositions include both ⁇ - and ⁇ -amylases.
  • ⁇ -Amylases are known in the art and include those disclosed in US Pat. no. 5,003,257; EP 252,666; WO/91/00353; FR 2,676,456; EP 285,123; EP 525,610; EP 368,341; and British Patent specification no. 1,296,839 (Novo).
  • amylases are stability-enhanced amylases described in WO94/18314, published August 18, 1994 and WO96/05295, Genencor, published February 22, 1996 and amylase variants having additional modification in the immediate parent available from Novo Nordisk A S, disclosed in WO 95/10603, published April 95. Also suitable are amylases described in EP 277 216, WO95/26397 and WO96/23873 (all by Novo Nordisk).
  • ⁇ -amylases examples are Purafect Ox Am® from Genencor and Termamyl®, Ban® ,Fungamyl® and Duramyl®, all available from Novo Nordisk A S Denmark.
  • WO95/26397 describes other suitable amylases : ⁇ -amylases characterised by having a specific activity at least 25% higher than the specific activity of Termamyl® at a temperature range of 25°C to 55°C and at a pH value in the range of 8 to 10, measured by the Phadebas® ⁇ -amylase activity assay. Suitable are variants of the above enzymes, described in WO96/23873 (Novo Nordisk). Other amylolytic enzymes with improved properties with respect to the activity level and the combination of thermostability and a higher activity level are described in WO95/35382.
  • Preferred amylase enzymes include those described in WO95/26397 and in copending application by Novo Nordisk PCT/DK96/00056.
  • amylolytic enzymes are inco ⁇ orated in the detergent compositions of the present invention a level of from 0.0001%) to 2%, preferably from 0.00018% to 0.06%, more preferably from 0.00024% to 0.048%) pure enzyme by weight of the composition
  • detergent tablets of the present invention comprise amylase enzymes, particularly those described in WO95/26397 and copending application by Novo Nordisk PCT/DK96/00056 in combination with a complementary amylase.
  • complementary it is meant the addition of one or more amylase suitable for detergency pu ⁇ oses.
  • Examples of complementary amylases ( ⁇ and/or ⁇ ) are described below.
  • WO94/02597 and WO95/10603, Novo Nordisk A/S describe cleaning compositions which inco ⁇ orate mutant amylases.
  • Other amylases known for use in cleaning compositions include both ⁇ - and ⁇ -amylases.
  • ⁇ -Amylases are known in the art and include those disclosed in US Pat. no. 5,003,257; EP 252,666; WO/91/00353; FR 2,676,456; EP 285,123; EP 525,610; EP 368,341 ; and British Patent specification no.
  • amylases are stability- enhanced amylases described in WO94/18314, and WO96/05295, Genencor and amylase variants having additional modification in the immediate parent available from Novo Nordisk A/S, disclosed in WO 95/10603. Also suitable are amylases described in EP 277 216 (Novo Nordisk). Examples of commercial ⁇ -amylases products are Purafect Ox Am® from Genencor and Termamyl®, Ban® ,Fungamyl® and Duramyl®, all available from Novo Nordisk A/S Denmark.
  • WO95/26397 describes other suitable amylases : ⁇ -amylases characterised by having a specific activity at least 25% higher than the specific activity of Termamyl® at a temperature range of 25°C to 55°C and at a pH value in the range of 8 to 10, measured by the Phadebas® ⁇ -amylase activity assay. Suitable are variants of the above enzymes, described in WO96/23873 (Novo Nordisk). Other amylolytic enzymes with improved properties with respect to the activity level and the combination of thermostability and a higher activity level are described in WO95/35382.
  • Preferred complementary amylases for the present invention are the amylases sold under the tradename Purafect Ox Am R described in WO 94/18314, WO96/05295 sold by Genencor; Termamyl®, Fungamyl®, Ban® and Duramyl®, all available from Novo Nordisk A/S and Maxamyl® by Gist-Brocades.
  • Said complementary amylase is generally inco ⁇ orated in the detergent compositions of the present invention a level of from 0.0001% to 2%, preferably from 0.00018%) to 0.06%, more preferably from 0.00024% to 0.048% pure enzyme by weight of the composition.
  • a weight of pure enzyme ratio of specific amylase to the complementary amylase is comprised between 9:1 to 1 :9, more preferably between 4:1 to 1:4, and most preferably between 2:1 and 1 :2.
  • the above-mentioned enzymes may be of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin. Origin can further be mesophilic or extremophilic (psychrophilic, psychrotrophic, thermophilic, barophilic, alkalophilic, acidophilic, halophilic, etc.). Purified or non-purified forms of these enzymes may be used. Also included by definition, are mutants of native enzymes. Mutants can be obtained e.g. by protein and/or genetic engineering, chemical and/or physical modifications of native enzymes. Common practice as well is the expression of the enzyme via host organisms in which the genetic material responsible for the production of the enzyme has been cloned.
  • Said enzymes are normally inco ⁇ orated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition.
  • the enzymes can be added as separate single ingredients (prills, granulates, stabilized liquids, etc... containing one enzyme ) or as mixtures of two or more enzymes ( e.g. cogranulates ).
  • enzyme oxidation scavengers which are described in Copending European Patent application 92870018.6 filed on January 31, 1992.
  • enzyme oxidation scavengers are ethoxylated tetraethylene polyamines.
  • a range of enzyme materials and means for their inco ⁇ oration into synthetic detergent compositions is also disclosed in WO 9307263 A and WO 9307260 A to Genencor International, WO 8908694 A to Novo, and U.S. 3,553,139, January 5, 1971 to McCarty et al. Enzymes are further disclosed in U.S. 4,101,457, Place et al, July 18, 1978, and in U.S. 4,507,219, Hughes, March 26, 1985. Enzyme materials useful for liquid detergent formulations, and their inco ⁇ oration into such formulations, are disclosed in U.S. 4,261,868, Hora et al, April 14, 1981. Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilised by various techniques.
  • Enzyme stabilisation techniques are disclosed and exemplified in U.S. 3,600,319, August 17, 1971, Gedge et al, EP 199,405 and EP 200,586, October 29, 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilisation systems are also described, for example, in U.S. 3,519,570. A useful Bacillus, sp. AC13 giving proteases, xylanases and cellulases, is described in WO 9401532 A to Novo.
  • Bleaching agent A highly preferred component of the composition of active detergent components is a bleaching agent. Suitable bleaching agents include chlorine and oxygen-releasing bleaching agents.
  • the oxygen-releasing bleaching agent contains a hydrogen peroxide source and an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor compound.
  • the production of the organic peroxyacid occurs by an in situ reaction of the precursor with a source of hydrogen peroxide.
  • Preferred sources of hydrogen peroxide include inorganic perhydrate bleaches.
  • a preformed organic peroxyacid is inco ⁇ orated directly into the composition.
  • Compositions containing mixtures of a hydrogen peroxide source and organic peroxyacid precursor in combination with a preformed organic peroxyacid are also envisaged.
  • compositions of active detergent components preferably include a hydrogen peroxide source, as an oxygen-releasing bleach.
  • Suitable hydrogen peroxide sources include the inorganic perhydrate salts.
  • the inorganic perhydrate salts are normally inco ⁇ orated in the form of the sodium salt at a level of from 1%> to 40%) by weight, more preferably from 2% to 30% by weight and most preferably from 5% to 25% by weight of the compositions.
  • inorganic perhydrate salts include perborate, percarbonate, pe ⁇ hosphate, persulfate and persilicate salts.
  • the inorganic perhydrate salts are normally the alkali metal salts.
  • the inorganic perhydrate salt may be included as the crystalline solid without additional protection.
  • the preferred executions of such granular compositions utilize a coated form of the material which provides better storage stability for the perhydrate salt in the granular product.
  • Sodium perborate can be in the form of the monohydrate of nominal formula NaB ⁇ 2H2U2 or the tetrahydrate NaB ⁇ 2H 2 ⁇ 2.3H2 ⁇ .
  • Alkali metal percarbonates, particularly sodium percarbonate are preferred perhydrates for inclusion in compositions in accordance with the invention.
  • Sodium percarbonate is an addition compound having a formula corresponding to 2Na2CO3.3H2O2, and is available commercially as a crystalline solid.
  • Sodium percarbonate, being a hydrogen peroxide addition compound tends on dissolution to release the hydrogen peroxide quite rapidly which can increase the tendency for localised high bleach concentrations to arise.
  • the percarbonate is most preferably inco ⁇ orated into such compositions in a coated form which provides in-product stability.
  • a suitable coating material providing in product stability comprises mixed salt of a water soluble alkali metal sulphate and carbonate.
  • the weight ratio of the mixed salt coating material to percarbonate lies in the range from 1 : 200 to 1 : 4, more preferably from 1 : 99 to 1 : 9, and most preferably from 1 : 49 to 1 : 19.
  • the mixed salt is of sodium sulphate and sodium carbonate which has the general formula Na2SO4.n.Na2CO3 wherein n is from 0.1 to 3, preferably n is from 0.3 to 1.0 and most preferably n is from 0.2 to 0.5.
  • Another suitable coating material providing in product stability comprises sodium silicate of Si ⁇ 2 : Na2 ⁇ ratio from 1.8 : 1 to 3.0 : 1, preferably 1.8:1 to 2.4:1, and/or sodium metasilicate, preferably applied at a level of from 2% to 10%, (normally from 3% to 5%>) of Si ⁇ 2 by weight of the inorganic perhydrate salt.
  • Magnesium silicate can also be included in the coating.
  • Coatings that contain silicate and borate salts or boric acids or other inorganics are also suitable.
  • Other coatings which contain waxes, oils, fatty soaps can also be used advantageously within the present invention.
  • Potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt of utility in the compositions herein.
  • Peroxyacid bleach precursors are compounds which react with hydrogen peroxide in a perhydrolysis reaction to produce a peroxyacid.
  • peroxyacid bleach precursors may be represented as
  • L is a leaving group and X is essentially any functionality, such that on perhydrolysis the stmcture of the peroxyacid produced is
  • Peroxyacid bleach precursor compounds are preferably inco ⁇ orated at a level of from 0.5% to 20% by weight, more preferably from 1%> to 10% by weight, most preferably from 1.5% to 5% by weight of the compositions.
  • Suitable peroxyacid bleach precursor compounds typically contain one or more N- or O-acyl groups, which precursors can be selected from a wide range of classes.
  • Suitable classes include anhydrides, esters, imides, lactams and acylated derivatives of imidazoles and oximes. Examples of useful materials within these classes are disclosed in GB-A-1586789.
  • Suitable esters are disclosed in GB-A-836988, 864798, 1147871, 2143231 and EP-A-0170386. Leaving groups
  • L group The leaving group, hereinafter L group, must be sufficiently reactive for the perhydrolysis reaction to occur within the optimum time frame (e.g., a wash cycle). However, if L is too reactive, this activator will be difficult to stabilise for use in a bleaching composition.
  • Preferred L groups are selected from the group consisting of:
  • R is an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms
  • R is an alkyl chain containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms
  • R is H or R
  • R5 is an alkenyl chain containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms
  • Y is H or a solubilizing group.
  • Any of R 1 , R3 and R 4 may be substituted by essentially any functional group including, for example alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, halogen, amine, nitrosyl, amide and ammonium or alkyl ammonium groups.
  • the preferred solubilizing groups are -SO 3 " M + , -CO 2 " M + , -SO 4 " M + , -N + (R 3 ) 4 X "
  • M and -CO- M wherein R is an alkyl chain containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, M is a cation which provides solubility to the bleach activator and X is an anion which provides solubility to the bleach activator.
  • M is an alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, with sodium and potassium being most preferred, and X is a halide, hydroxide, methylsulfate or acetate anion.
  • Perbenzoic acid precursor compounds provide perbenzoic acid on perhydrolysis.
  • Suitable O-acylated perbenzoic acid precursor compounds include the substituted and unsubstituted benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonates, including for example benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonate:
  • benzoylation products of sorbitol, glucose, and all saccharides with benzoylating agents including for example:
  • Perbenzoic acid precursor compounds of the imide type include N-benzoyl succinimide, tetrabenzoyl ethylene diamine and the N-benzoyl substituted ureas.
  • Suitable imidazole type perbenzoic acid precursors include N-benzoyl imidazole and N-benzoyl benzimidazole and other useful N-acyl group-containing perbenzoic acid precursors include N-benzoyl pyrrolidone, dibenzoyl taurine and benzoyl pyroglutamic acid.
  • perbenzoic acid precursors include the benzoyl diacyl peroxides, the benzoyl tetraacyl peroxides, and the compound having the formula:
  • Phthalic anhydride is another suitable perbenzoic acid precursor compound herein:
  • Suitable N-acylated lactam perbenzoic acid precursors have the formula:
  • n is from 0 to 8, preferably from 0 to 2
  • R is a benzoyl group.
  • Perbenzoic acid derivative precursors provide substituted perbenzoic acids on perhydrolysis.
  • Suitable substituted perbenzoic acid derivative precursors include any of the herein disclosed perbenzoic precursors in which the benzoyl group is substituted by essentially any non-positively charged (i.e.; non-cationic) functional group including, for example alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, halogen, amine, nitrosyl and amide groups.
  • a preferred class of substituted perbenzoic acid precursor compounds are the amide substituted compounds of the following general formulae:
  • R is an aryl or alkaryl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms
  • R 2 is an arylene, or alkarylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms
  • R ⁇ is H or an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and L can be essentially any leaving group.
  • R preferably contains from 6 to 12 carbon atoms.
  • R 2 preferably contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms.
  • R may be aryl, substituted aryl or alkylaryl containing branching, substitution, or both and may be sourced from either synthetic sources or natural sources including for example, tallow fat. Analogous stmctural variations are permissible for R 2 .
  • substitution can include alkyl, aryl, halogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other typical substituent groups or organic compounds.
  • R ⁇ is preferably H or methyl.
  • R and R ⁇ should not contain more than 18 carbon atoms in total.
  • Amide substituted bleach activator compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386. Cationic peroxyacid precursors
  • Cationic peroxyacid precursor compounds produce cationic peroxyacids on perhydrolysis.
  • cationic peroxyacid precursors are formed by substituting the peroxyacid part of a suitable peroxyacid precursor compound with a positively charged functional group, such as an ammonium or alkyl ammonium group, preferably an ethyl or methyl ammonium group.
  • Cationic peroxyacid precursors are typically present in the compositions as a salt with a suitable anion, such as for example a halide ion or a methylsulfate ion.
  • the peroxyacid precursor compound to be so cationically substituted may be a perbenzoic acid, or substituted derivative thereof, precursor compound as described hereinbefore.
  • the peroxyacid precursor compound may be an alkyl percarboxylic acid precursor compound or an amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursor as described hereinafter
  • Cationic peroxyacid precursors are described in U.S. Patents 4,904,406; 4,751,015; 4,988,451 ; 4,397,757; 5,269,962; 5,127,852; 5,093,022; 5,106,528; U.K. 1,382,594; EP 475,512, 458,396 and 284,292; and in JP 87-318,332.
  • Suitable cationic peroxyacid precursors include any of the ammonium or alkyl ammonium substituted alkyl or benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonates, N-acylated caprolactams, and monobenzoyltetraacetyl glucose benzoyl peroxides.
  • a preferred cationically substituted benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonate is the 4-(trimethyl ammonium) methyl derivative of benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonate:
  • a preferred cationically substituted alkyl oxybenzene sulfonate has the formula:
  • Preferred cationic peroxyacid precursors of the N-acylated caprolactam class include the trialkyl ammonium methylene benzoyl caprolactams, particularly trimethyl ammonium methylene benzoyl caprolactam:
  • N-acylated caprolactam class examples include the trialkyl ammonium methylene alkyl caprolactams:
  • n is from 0 to 12, particularly from 1 to 5.
  • Another preferred cationic peroxyacid precursor is 2-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) ethyl sodium 4-sulphophenyl carbonate chloride.
  • Alkyl percarboxylic acid bleach precursors form percarboxylic acids on perhydrolysis.
  • Preferred precursors of this type provide peracetic acid on perhydrolysis.
  • Preferred alkyl percarboxylic precursor compounds of the imide type include the N- ,N,N N tetra acetylated alkylene diamines wherein the alkylene group contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, particularly those compounds in which the alkylene group contains 1, 2 and 6 carbon atoms. Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) is particularly preferred.
  • TAED Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine
  • alkyl percarboxylic acid precursors include sodium 3,5,5-tri-methyl hexanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (iso-NOBS), sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS), sodium acetoxybenzene sulfonate (ABS) and penta acetyl glucose.
  • Amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursor compounds are also suitable, including those of the following general formulae:
  • R is an alkyl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms
  • R 2 is an alkylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms
  • R ⁇ is H or an alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and L can be essentially any leaving group.
  • Rl preferably contains from 6 to 12 carbon atoms.
  • R 2 preferably contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms.
  • R may be straight chain or branched alkyl containing branching, substitution, or both and may be sourced from either synthetic sources or natural sources including for example, tallow fat. Analogous structural variations are permissible for R 2 .
  • the substitution can include alkyl, halogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other typical substituent groups or organic compounds.
  • R ⁇ is preferably H or methyl.
  • R and R ⁇ should not contain more than 18 carbon atoms in total. Amide substituted bleach activator compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386.
  • precursor compounds of the benzoxazin-type as disclosed for example in EP-A-332,294 and EP-A-482,807, particularly those having the formula:
  • R is H, alkyl, alkaryl, aryl, arylalkyl, and wherein R ⁇ , R.,, R., and R ⁇ - may be the same or different substituents selected from H, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, amino, alkyl amino, COOR fi (wherein R fi is H or an alkyl group) and carbonyl functions.
  • R fi is H or an alkyl group
  • the organic peroxyacid bleaching system may contain, in addition to, or as an alternative to, an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor compound, a preformed organic peroxyacid , typically at a level of from 0.5% to 25% by weight, more preferably from 1% to 10%> by weight of the composition.
  • a preferred class of organic peroxyacid compounds are the amide substituted compounds of the following general formulae:
  • R is an alkyl, aryl or alkaryl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms
  • R 2 is an alkylene, arylene, and alkarylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms
  • R is H or an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
  • Rl preferably contains from 6 to 12 carbon atoms.
  • R 2 preferably contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms.
  • R may be straight chain or branched alkyl, substituted aryl or alkylaryl containing branching, substitution, or both and may be sourced from either synthetic sources or natural sources including for example, tallow fat. Analogous structural variations are permissible for R 2 .
  • substitution can include alkyl, aryl, halogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other typical substituent groups or organic compounds.
  • R ⁇ is preferably H or methyl.
  • R and R ⁇ should not contain more than 18 carbon atoms in total. Amide substituted organic peroxyacid compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386.
  • organic peroxyacids include diacyl and tetraacylperoxides, especially diperoxydodecanedioc acid, diperoxytetradecanedioc acid, and diperoxyhexadecanedioc acid.
  • Dibenzoyl peroxide is a preferred organic peroxyacid herein.
  • Mono- and diperazelaic acid, mono- and diperbrassylic acid, and N- phthaloylaminoperoxicaproic acid are also suitable herein.
  • Controlled rate of release - means
  • a means may be provided for controlling the rate of release of bleaching agent, particularly oxygen bleach to the wash solution.
  • Means for controlling the rate of release of the bleach may provide for controlled release of peroxide species to the wash solution.
  • Such means could, for example, include controlling the release of any inorganic perhydrate salt, acting as a hydrogen peroxide source, to the wash solution.
  • Suitable controlled release means can include confining the bleach to either the compressed or non-compressed portions. Where more than one non-compressed portions are present, the bleach may be confined to the first and/or second and/or optional subsequent non-compressed portions.
  • Another mechanism for controlling the rate of release of bleach may be by coating the bleach with a coating designed to provide the controlled release.
  • the coating may therefore, for example, comprise a poorly water soluble material, or be a coating of sufficient thickness that the kinetics of dissolution of the thick coating provide the controlled rate of release.
  • the coating material may be applied using various methods. Any coating material is typically present at a weight ratio of coating material to bleach of from 1 :99 to 1 :2, preferably from 1 :49 to 1 :9.
  • Suitable coating materials include triglycerides (e.g. partially) hydrogenated vegetable oil, soy bean oil, cotton seed oil) mono or diglycerides, microcrystalline waxes, gelatin, cellulose, fatty acids and any mixtures thereof.
  • suitable coating materials can comprise the alkali and alkaline earth metal sulphates, silicates and carbonates, including calcium carbonate and silicas.
  • a preferred coating material particularly for an inorganic perhydrate salt bleach source, comprises sodium silicate of Si ⁇ 2 : Na2 ⁇ ratio from 1.8 : 1 to 3.0 : 1, preferably 1.8:1 to 2.4:1, and/or sodium metasihcate, preferably applied at a level of from 2% to 10%, (normally from 3% to 5%) of Si ⁇ 2 by weight of the inorganic perhydrate salt.
  • Magnesium silicate can also be included in the coating.
  • Suitable binders include the C10-C20 alcohol ethoxylates containing from 5 - 100 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol and more preferably the C15-C20 primary alcohol ethoxylates containing from 20 - 100 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
  • binders include certain polymeric materials.
  • Polyvinylpyrrolidones with an average molecular weight of from 12,000 to 700,000 and polyethylene glycols (PEG) with an average molecular weight of from 600 to 5 x 10 ⁇ preferably 1000 to 400,000 most preferably 1000 to 10,000 are examples of such polymeric materials.
  • Copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene, methylvinyl ether or methacrylic acid, the maleic anhydride constituting at least 20 mole percent of the polymer are further examples of polymeric materials useful as binder agents.
  • polymeric materials may be used as such or in combination with solvents such as water, propylene glycol and the above mentioned C ⁇ 0-C20 alcohol ethoxylates containing from 5 - 100 moles of ethylene oxide per mole.
  • solvents such as water, propylene glycol and the above mentioned C ⁇ 0-C20 alcohol ethoxylates containing from 5 - 100 moles of ethylene oxide per mole.
  • binders include the Ci 0-C20 mono- and diglycerol ethers and also the Ci 0-C20 f att Y acids.
  • Cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose, and homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts are other examples of binders suitable for use herein.
  • One method for applying the coating material involves agglomeration.
  • Preferred agglomeration processes include the use of any of the organic binder materials described hereinabove. Any conventional agglomerator/mixer may be used including, but not limited to pan, rotary drum and vertical blender types. Molten coating compositions may also be applied either by being poured onto, or spray atomized onto a moving bed of bleaching agent.
  • Suitable means of providing the required controlled release include mechanical means for altering the physical characteristics of the bleach to control its solubility and rate of release. Suitable protocols could include compression, mechanical injection, manual injection, and adjustment of the solubility of the bleach compound by selection of particle size of any particulate component.
  • particle size Whilst the choice of particle size will depend both on the composition of the particulate component, and the desire to meet the desired controlled release kinetics, it is desirable that the particle size should be more than 500 micrometers, preferably having an average particle diameter of from 800 to 1200 micrometers. Additional protocols for providing the means of controlled release include the suitable choice of any other components of the detergent composition matrix such that when the composition is introduced to the wash solution the ionic strength environment therein provided enables the required controlled release kinetics to be achieved.
  • compositions described herein which contain bleach as an active detergent component may additionally contain as a preferred component, a metal containing bleach catalyst.
  • a metal containing bleach catalyst is a transition metal containing bleach catalyst, more preferably a manganese or cobalt-containing bleach catalyst.
  • a suitable type of bleach catalyst is a catalyst comprising a heavy metal cation of defined bleach catalytic activity, such as copper, iron cations, an auxiliary metal cation having little or no bleach catalytic activity, such as zinc or aluminium cations, and a sequestrant having defined stability constants for the catalytic and auxiliary metal cations, particularly ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) and water-soluble salts thereof.
  • a heavy metal cation of defined bleach catalytic activity such as copper, iron cations
  • an auxiliary metal cation having little or no bleach catalytic activity such as zinc or aluminium cations
  • a sequestrant having defined stability constants for the catalytic and auxiliary metal cations, particularly ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) and water-soluble salts thereof.
  • Preferred types of bleach catalysts include the manganese-based complexes disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,246,621 and U.S. Pat. 5,244,594. Preferred examples of these catalysts include Mnl v 2(11-0)3 (1,4,7-trimethyl- l,4,7-triazacyclononane)2- (PF6)2, Mn ⁇ 2(u-O) ⁇ (u-OAc)2(l ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)2-(Cl ⁇ 4)2, Mn IV 4(u-O) 6 (l,4,7-triazacyclononane)4-(ClO 4 )2, Mn ⁇ Mn IV (u-O) 1 (u-OAc)2- (1 ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)2-(Cl ⁇ 4)3, and mixtures thereof.
  • ligands suitable for use herein include l,5,9-trimethyl-l,5,9-triazacyclododecane, 2- methyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane, 2-methyl-l ,4,7-triazacyclononane, 1 ,2,4,7- tetramethyl- 1,4,7- triazacyclononane, and mixtures thereof.
  • bleach catalysts useful in the compositions herein may also be selected as appropriate for the present invention.
  • suitable bleach catalysts see U.S. Pat. 4,246,612 and U.S. Pat. 5,227,084. See also U.S. Pat. 5,194,416 which teaches mononuclear manganese (IV) complexes such as Mn(l,4,7-trimethyl-l,4,7- triazacyclononane)(OCH3)3_(PF6).
  • Still another type of bleach catalyst is a water- soluble complex of manganese (III), and/or (IV) with a ligand which is a non- carboxylate polyhydroxy compound having at least three consecutive C-OH groups.
  • Preferred ligands include sorbitol, iditol, dulsitol, mannitol, xylithol, arabitol, adonitol, meso-erythritol, meso-inositol, lactose, and mixtures thereof.
  • U.S. Pat. 5,114,611 teaches a bleach catalyst comprising a complex of transition metals, including Mn, Co, Fe, or Cu, with an non-(macro)-cyclic ligand.
  • Said ligands are of the formula:
  • Preferred ligands include pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, imidazole, pyrazole, and triazole rings.
  • said rings may be substituted with substituents such as alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, halide, and nitro.
  • Particularly preferred is the ligand 2,2'-bispyridylamine.
  • Preferred bleach catalysts include Co, Cu, Mn, Fe,-bispyridylmethane and - bispyridylamine complexes.
  • Highly preferred catalysts include Co(2,2'- bispyridylamine)Cl2, Di(isothiocyanato)bispyridylamine-cobalt (II), trisdipyridylamine-cobalt(II) perchlorate, Co(2,2-bispyridylamine)2 ⁇ 2Cl ⁇ 4, Bis- (2,2'-bispyridylamine) copper(II) perchlorate, tris(di-2-pyridylamine) iron(II) perchlorate, and mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred examples include binuclear Mn complexes with tetra-N-dentate and bi-N- dentate ligands, including N4MnHI(u-O)2MnI v N4) + and [Bipy2Mn III (u- O) 2 MnI bipy2]-(ClO 4 )3.
  • the bleach-catalyzing manganese complexes of the present invention have not been elucidated, it may be speculated that they comprise chelates or other hydrated coordination complexes which result from the interaction of the carboxyl and nitrogen atoms of the ligand with the manganese cation.
  • the oxidation state of the manganese cation during the catalytic process is not known with certainty, and may be the (+11), (+III), (+IV) or (+V) valence state.
  • bleach catalysts are described, for example, in European patent application, publication no. 408,131 (cobalt complex catalysts), European patent applications, publication nos. 384,503, and 306,089 (metallo-po ⁇ hyrin catalysts), U.S. 4,728,455 (manganese/multidentate ligand catalyst), U.S. 4,711,748 and European patent application, publication no. 224,952, (absorbed manganese on aluminosilicate catalyst), U.S. 4,601,845 (aluminosilicate support with manganese and zinc or magnesium salt), U.S. 4,626,373 (manganese/ligand catalyst), U.S. 4,119,557 (ferric complex catalyst), German Pat.
  • Preferred cobalt catalysts of this type have the formula:
  • the preferred cobalt catalyst of this type useful herein are cobalt pentaamine chloride salts having the formula [Co(NH3)5Cl] Yy, and especially [Co(NH 3 ) 5 Cl]Cl 2 .
  • T are selected from the group consisting of chloride, iodide, I3", formate, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, sulfite, citrate, acetate, carbonate, bromide, PF5", BF4", B(Ph)4", phosphate, phosphite, silicate, tosylate, methanesulfonate, and combinations thereof.
  • T can be protonated if more than one anionic group exists in T, e.g., HPO4 2" , HCO3", H2PO4", etc.
  • T may be selected from the group consisting of non-traditional inorganic anions such as anionic surfactants (e.g., linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), alkyl sulfates (AS), alkylethoxysulfonates (AES), etc.) and/or anionic polymers (e.g., polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, etc.).
  • anionic surfactants e.g., linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), alkyl sulfates (AS), alkylethoxysulfonates (AES), etc.
  • anionic polymers e.g., polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, etc.
  • the M moieties include, but are not limited to, for example, F", SO4 "2 , NCS", SCN", S2O3" 2 , NH3, PO ⁇ ', and carboxylates (which preferably are mono-carboxylates, but more than one carboxylate may be present in the moiety as long as the binding to the cobalt is by only one carboxylate per moiety, in which case the other carboxylate in the M moiety may be protonated or in its salt form).
  • carboxylates which preferably are mono-carboxylates, but more than one carboxylate may be present in the moiety as long as the binding to the cobalt is by only one carboxylate per moiety, in which case the other carboxylate in the M moiety may be protonated or in its salt form).
  • M can be protonated if more than one anionic group exists in M (e.g., HPO4 2 ", HCO3", H2PO4-, HOC(O)CH2C(O)O-, etc.)
  • Preferred M moieties are substituted and unsubstituted C1-C30 carboxylic acids having the formulas:
  • R is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Ci -C30 (preferably C1 -C18) unsubstituted and substituted alkyl, C6-C30 (preferably Cg- Cjg) unsubstituted and substituted aryl, and C3-C30 (preferably C5-C18) unsubstituted and substituted heteroaryl, wherein substituents are selected from the group consisting of -NR'3, -NR' 4 +, -C(O)OR', -OR', -C(O)NR' 2 , wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cj-Cg moieties.
  • Such substituted R therefore include the moieties -(CH2) n OH and -(CH2) n R'4 + , wherein n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably from 2 to 10, and most preferably from 2 to 5.
  • M are carboxylic acids having the formula above wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, straight or branched C4-C12 alkyl, and benzyl. Most preferred R is methyl.
  • Preferred carboxylic acid M moieties include formic, benzoic, octanoic, nonanoic, decanoic, dodecanoic, malonic, maleic, succinic, adipic, phthalic, 2-ethylhexanoic, naphthenoic, oleic, palmitic, triflate, tartrate, stearic, butyric, citric, acrylic, aspartic, fumaric, lauric, linoleic, lactic, malic, and especially acetic acid.
  • the B moieties include carbonate, di- and higher carboxylates (e.g., oxalate, malonate, malic, succinate, maleate), picolinic acid, and alpha and beta amino acids (e.g., glycine, alanine, beta-alanine, phenylalanine).
  • carboxylates e.g., oxalate, malonate, malic, succinate, maleate
  • picolinic acid e.g., glycine, alanine, beta-alanine, phenylalanine.
  • Cobalt bleach catalysts useful herein are known, being described for example along with their base hydrolysis rates, in M. L. Tobe, "Base Hydrolysis of Transition- Metal Complexes", Adv. Inorg. Bioinorg. Mech.. (1983), 2, pages 1-94.
  • cobalt pentaamine acetate salts having the formula [Co(NH3)5OAc] T y , wherein OAc represents an acetate moiety, and especially cobalt pentaamine acetate chloride, [Co(NH3)5OAc]Cl2; as well as [Co(NH 3 ) 5 OAc](OAc)2; [Co(NH 3 ) 5 OAc](PF 6 )2; [Co(NH 3 ) 5 OAc](SO 4 ); [Co. (NH3) 5 OAc](BF 4 )2; and [Co(NH 3 ) 5 OAc](NO 3 )2 (herein "PAC").
  • PAC cobalt pentaamine acetate salts having the formula [Co(NH3)5OAc] T y , wherein OAc represents an acetate moiety, and especially cobalt pentaamine acetate chloride, [Co(NH3)5OAc]Cl2; as well as [Co(NH 3
  • Cobalt catalysts suitable for inco ⁇ oration into the detergent tablets of the present invention may be produced according to the synthetic routes disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,559,261, 5,581,005, and 5,597,936, the disclosures of which are herein inco ⁇ orated by reference. These catalysts may be co-processed with adjunct materials so as to reduce the colour impact if desired for the aesthetics of the product, or to be included in enzyme-containing particles as exemplified hereinafter, or the compositions may be manufactured to contain catalyst "speckles".
  • Organic polymeric compounds may be added as preferred components of the detergent tablets in accord with the invention.
  • organic polymeric compound it is meant essentially any polymeric organic compound commonly found in detergent compositions having dispersant, anti-redeposition, soil release agents or other detergency properties.
  • Organic polymeric compound is typically inco ⁇ orated in the detergent compositions of the invention at a level of from 0.1% to 30%, preferably from 0.5% to 15%, most preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of the compositions.
  • organic polymeric compounds include the water soluble organic homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic acids, modified polycarboxylates or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl radicals separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms. Polymers of the latter type are disclosed in GB-A-1 ,596,756.
  • salts are polyacrylates of molecular weight 2000-10000 and their copolymers with any suitable other monomer units including modified acrylic, fumaric, maleic, itaconic, aconitic, mesaconic, citraconic and methylenemalonic acid or their salts, maleic anhydride, acrylamide, alkylene, vinylmethyl ether, styrene and any mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred are the copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic anhydride having a molecular weight of from 20,000 to 100,000.
  • Preferred commercially available acrylic acid containing polymers having a molecular weight below 15,000 include those sold under the tradename Sokalan PA30, PA20, PA15, PA10 and Sokalan CP10 by BASF GmbH, and those sold under the tradename Acusol 45N, 480N, 460N by Rohm and Haas.
  • Preferred acrylic acid containing copolymers include those which contain as monomer units: a) from 90% to 10%, preferably from 80% to 20% by weight acrylic acid or its salts and b) from 10%> to 90%, preferably from 20% to 80% by weight of a substituted acrylic monomer or its salts having the general formula -[CR2- CR ⁇ (CO-O-R3)]- wherein at least one of the substituents Ri , R2 or R3, preferably R ⁇ or R2 is a 1 to 4 carbon alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, Rj or R2 can be a hydrogen and R3 can be a hydrogen or alkali metal salt.
  • Most preferred is a substituted acrylic monomer wherein Ri is methyl, R2 is hydrogen (i.e. a methacrylic acid monomer).
  • the most preferred copolymer of this type has a molecular weight of 3500 and contains 60% to 80%> by weight of acrylic acid and 40% to 20% by weight of methacrylic acid.
  • polyamine and modified polyamine compounds are useful herein including those derived from aspartic acid such as those disclosed in EP-A-305282, EP-A- 305283 and EP-A-351629.
  • Other optional polymers may polyvinyl alcohols and acetates both modified and non-modified, cellulosics and modified cellulosics, polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes, and copolymers thereof, both modified and non-modified, terephthalate esters of ethylene or propylene glycol or mixtures thereof with polyoxyalkylene units.
  • Suitable polymeric soil release agents 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 30 oxypropylene units, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more hydrophobe components comprising (i) C3 oxyalkylene terephthalate segments, wherein, if said hydrophobe components also comprise oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of
  • the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have a degree of polymerization of from 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to 150, more preferably from 6 to 100.
  • Suitable oxy C4-Cg alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as M ⁇ 3S(CH2) n OCH2CH2 ⁇ -, 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 herein 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 Ci -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., C ⁇ -Cg vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene oxide backbones.
  • poly(vinyl ester) e.g., C ⁇ -Cg vinyl esters
  • poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones such as polyethylene oxide backbones.
  • Another suitable soil release agent is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate.
  • the molecular weight of this polymeric soil release agent is in the range of from 25,000 to 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 suitable 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.
  • Another suitable 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
  • block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. Patent 4,702,857 issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.
  • Other 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.
  • Another soil release agent is an oligomer with repeat units of terephthaloyl units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-l,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 one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1 ,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of from 1.7 to 1.8, and two end-cap units of sodium 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate.
  • the detergent tablets of the invention preferably contain as an optional component a heavy metal ion sequestrant.
  • heavy metal ion sequestrant it is meant herein components which act to sequester (chelate) heavy metal ions. These components may also have calcium and magnesium chelation capacity, but preferentially they show selectivity to binding heavy metal ions such as iron, manganese and copper.
  • Heavy metal ion sequestrants are generally present at a level of from 0.005% to 20%, preferably from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.25% to 7.5% and most preferably from 0.5%) to 5%> by weight of the compositions.
  • Heavy metal ion sequestrants which are acidic in nature, having for example phosphonic acid or carboxylic acid functionalities, may be present either in their acid form or as a complex/salt with a suitable counter cation such as an alkali or alkaline metal ion, ammonium, or substituted ammonium ion, or any mixtures thereof.
  • a suitable counter cation such as an alkali or alkaline metal ion, ammonium, or substituted ammonium ion, or any mixtures thereof.
  • any salts/complexes are water soluble.
  • the molar ratio of said counter cation to the heavy metal ion sequestrant is preferably at least 1:1.
  • Suitable heavy metal ion sequestrants for use herein include organic phosphonates, such as the amino alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonates), alkali metal ethane 1- hydroxy disphosphonates and nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates.
  • organic phosphonates such as the amino alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonates), alkali metal ethane 1- hydroxy disphosphonates and nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates.
  • Preferred among the above species are diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), ethylene diamine tri (methylene phosphonate) hexamethylene diamine tetra (methylene phosphonate) and hydroxy-ethylene 1,1 diphosphonate.
  • Suitable heavy metal ion sequestrant for use herein include nitrilotriacetic acid and polyaminocarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminotetracetic acid, ethylenetriamine pentacetic acid, ethylenediamine disuccinic acid, ethylenediamine diglutaric acid, 2-hydroxypropylenediamine disuccinic acid or any salts thereof.
  • EDDS ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid
  • alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof Especially preferred is ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) or the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof.
  • Preferred EDDS compounds are the free acid form and the sodium or magnesium salt or complex thereof.
  • the detergent tablets preferably contain a crystal growth inhibitor component, preferably an organodiphosphonic acid component, inco ⁇ orated preferably at a level of from 0.01% to 5%, more preferably from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the compositions.
  • a crystal growth inhibitor component preferably an organodiphosphonic acid component
  • organo diphosphonic acid it is meant herein an organo diphosphonic acid which does not contain nitrogen as part of its chemical structure. This definition therefore excludes the organo aminophosphonates, which however may be included in compositions of the invention as heavy metal ion sequestrant components.
  • the organo diphosphonic acid is preferably a C1-C4 diphosphonic acid, more preferably a C2 diphosphonic acid, such as ethylene diphosphonic acid, or most preferably ethane 1 -hydroxy- 1,1 -diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and may be present in partially or fully ionized form, particularly as a salt or complex.
  • HEDP ethane 1 -hydroxy- 1,1 -diphosphonic acid
  • the detergent tablet optionally contains a water-soluble sulfate salt.
  • the water-soluble sulfate salt is at the level of from 0.1 %> to 40%>, more preferably from 1% to 30%), most preferably from 5% to 25%> by weight of the compositions.
  • the water-soluble sulfate salt may be essentially any salt of sulfate with any counter cation.
  • Preferred salts are selected from the sulfates of the alkali and alkaline earth metals, particularly sodium sulfate.
  • an alkali metal silicate is an essential component of the detergent tablet.
  • the presence of an alkali metal silicate is optional.
  • a preferred alkali metal silicate is sodium silicate having an SiO2:Na2O ratio of from 1.8 to 3.0, preferably from 1.8 to 2.4, most preferably 2.0.
  • Sodium silicate is preferably present at a level of less than 20%, preferably from 1% to 15%, most preferably from 3% to 12% by weight of Si ⁇ 2-
  • the alkali metal silicate may be in the form of either the anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt.
  • Alkali metal silicate may also be present as a component of an alkalinity system.
  • the alkalinity system also preferably contains sodium metasihcate, present at a level of at least 0.4% Si ⁇ 2 by weight.
  • Sodium metasihcate has a nominal Si ⁇ 2 : Na2 ⁇ ratio of 1.0.
  • the weight ratio of said sodium silicate to said sodium metasihcate, measured as Si ⁇ 2, is preferably from 50:1 to 5:4, more preferably from 15:1 to 2:1, most preferably from 10:1 to 5:2.
  • Colourant means any substance that absorbs specific wavelengths of light from the visible light spectrum. Such colourants when added to a detergent composition have the effect of changing the visible colour and thus the appearance of the detergent composition. Colourants may be for example either dyes or pigments. Preferably the colourants are stable in composition in which they are to be inco ⁇ orted. Thus in a composition of high pH the colourant is preferably alkali stable and in a composition of low pH the colourant is preferably acid stable.
  • the compressed portion and/or non compressed may contain a colourant, a mixture of colourants, coloured particles or mixture of coloured particles such that the compressed portion and the non-compressed portion have different visual appearances.
  • a colourant a mixture of colourants, coloured particles or mixture of coloured particles such that the compressed portion and the non-compressed portion have different visual appearances.
  • one of either the compressed portion or the non- compressed comprises a colourant.
  • the non-compressed portion comprises two or more compositions of active detergent components, preferably at least one of either the first and second and/or subsequent compositions comprises a colourant. Where both the first and second and/or subsequent compositions comprise a colourant it is preferred that the colourants have a different visual appearance.
  • the coating layer preferably comprises a colourant.
  • the compressed portion and the coating layer comprise a colourant, it is preferred that the colourants provide a different visual effect.
  • suitable dyes include reactive dyes, direct dyes, azo dyes.
  • Preferred dyes include phthalocyanine dyes, anthraquinone dye, quinoline dyes, monoazo, disazo and polyazo. More preferred dyes include anthraquinone, quinoline and monoazo dyes.
  • Preferred dyes include SANDOLAN E-HRL 180% (tradename), SANDOLAN MILLING BLUE (tradename), TURQUOISE ACID BLUE (tradename) and SANDOLAN BRILLIANT GREEN (tradename) all available from Clariant UK, HEXACOL QUINOLINE YELLOW (tradename) and HEXACOL BRILLIANT BLUE (tradename) both available from Pointings, UK, ULTRA MARINE BLUE (tradename) available from Holliday or LEVAFIX TURQUISE BLUE EBA (tradename) available from Bayer, USA.
  • the colourant may be inco ⁇ orated into the compressed and/or non-compressed portion by any suitable method. Suitable methods include mixing all or selected active detergent components with a colourant in a drum or spraying all or selected active detergent components with the colourant in a rotating dmm.
  • Colourant when present as a component of the compressed portion is present at a level of from 0.001% to 1.5%, preferably from 0.01% to 1.0%, most preferably from 0.1%) to 0.3%.
  • colourant is generally present at a level of from 0.001% to 0.1%, more preferably from 0.005% to 0.05%, most preferably from 0.007% to 0.02%.
  • colourant is present at a level of from 0.01% to 0.5%), more preferably from 0.02% to 0.1%, most preferably from 0.03% to 0.06%.
  • the detergent tablets of the present invention suitable for use in dishwashing methods may contain corrosion inhibitors preferably selected from organic silver coating agents, particularly paraffin, nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds and Mn(II) compounds, particularly Mn(II) salts of organic ligands.
  • corrosion inhibitors preferably selected from organic silver coating agents, particularly paraffin, nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds and Mn(II) compounds, particularly Mn(II) salts of organic ligands.
  • Organic silver coating agents are described in PCT Publication No. WO94/16047 and copending European application No. EP-A-690122. Nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds are disclosed in copending European Application no. EP-A-634,478. Mn(II) compounds for use in corrosion inhibition are described in copending European Application No. EP-A-672 749. Organic silver coating agent may be inco ⁇ orated at a level of from 0.05% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5%> by weight of the total composition.
  • the functional role of the silver coating agent is to form 'in use' a protective coating layer on any silverware components of the washload to which the compositions of the invention are being applied.
  • the silver coating agent should hence have a high affinity for attachment to solid silver surfaces, particularly when present in as a component of an aqueous washing and bleaching solution with which the solid silver surfaces are being treated.
  • Suitable organic silver coating agents herein include fatty esters of mono- or polyhydric alcohols having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.
  • the fatty acid portion of the fatty ester can be obtained from mono- or polycarboxylic acids having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.
  • monocarboxylic fatty acids include behenic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, Valerie acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid and ⁇ , ⁇ '- dihydroxyisobutyric acid.
  • suitable polycarboxylic acids include: n- butyl-malonic acid, isocitric acid, citric acid, maleic acid, malic acid and succinic acid.
  • the fatty alcohol radical in the fatty ester can be represented by mono- or polyhydric alcohols having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.
  • suitable fatty alcohols include; behenyl, arachidyl, cocoyl, oleyl and lauryl alcohol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol, isopropanol, vinyl alcohol, diglycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan.
  • the fatty acid and/or fatty alcohol group of the fatty ester adjunct material have from 1 to 24 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.
  • Preferred fatty esters herein are ethylene glycol, glycerol and sorbitan esters wherein the fatty acid portion of the ester normally comprises a species selected from behenic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid or myristic acid.
  • glycerol esters are also highly preferred. These are the mono-, di- or tri-esters of glycerol and the fatty acids as defined above.
  • fatty alcohol esters for use herein include: stearyl acetate, palmityl di-lactate, cocoyl isobutyrate, oleyl maleate, oleyl dimaleate , and tallowyl proprionate.
  • Fatty acid esters useful herein include: xylitol monopalmitate, pentaerythritol monostearate, sucrose monostearate, glycerol monostearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, sorbitan esters.
  • Suitable sorbitan esters include sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan monobehenate, sorbitan mono-oleate, sorbitan dilaurate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan dibehenate, sorbitan dioleate, and also mixed tallowalkyl sorbitan mono- and di-esters.
  • Glycerol monostearate glycerol mono-oleate, glycerol monopalmitate, glycerol monobehenate, and glycerol distearate are preferred glycerol esters herein.
  • Suitable organic silver coating agents include triglycerides, mono or diglycerides, and wholly or partially hydrogenated derivatives thereof, and any mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable sources of fatty acid esters include vegetable and fish oils and animal fats.
  • Suitable vegetable oils include soy bean oil, cotton seed oil, castor oil, olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, grapeseed oil, palm oil and com oil.
  • Waxes including microcrystalline waxes are suitable organic silver coating agents herein.
  • Preferred waxes have a melting point in the range from 35°C to 110°C and comprise generally from 12 to 70 carbon atoms.
  • Preferred are petroleum waxes of the paraffin and microcrystalline type which are composed of long-chain saturated hydrocarbon compounds.
  • Alginates and gelatin are suitable organic silver coating agents herein.
  • Dialkyl amine oxides such as Ci 2-C20 methylamine oxide, and dialkyl quatemary ammonium compounds and salts, such as the C 12-C20 methylammonium halides are also suitable.
  • organic silver coating agents include certain polymeric materials.
  • Polyvinylpyrrolidones with an average molecular weight of from 12,000 to 700,000, polyethylene glycols (PEG) with an average molecular weight of from 600 to 10,000, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N- vinylimidazole, and cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose are examples of such polymeric materials.
  • perfume materials particularly those demonstrating a high substantivity for metallic surfaces, are also useful as the organic silver coating agents herein.
  • Polymeric soil release agents can also be used as an organic silver coating agent.
  • a preferred organic silver coating agent is a paraffin oil, typically a predominantly branched aliphatic hydrocarbon having a number of carbon atoms in the range of from 20 to 50; preferred paraffin oil selected from predominantly branched C25.45 species with a ratio of cyclic to noncyclic hydrocarbons of from 1 :10 to 2:1, preferably from 1 :5 to 1 :1.
  • Suitable nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds include imidazole and derivatives thereof such as benzimidazole, 2-heptadecyl imidazole and those imidazole derivatives described in Czech Patent No. 139, 279 and British Patent GB-A- 1,137,741, which also discloses a method for making imidazole compounds.
  • nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds are pyrazole compounds and their derivatives, particularly those where the pyrazole is substituted in any of the 1, 3, 4 or 5 positions by substituents Ri , R3, R4 and R5 where R j is any of H, CH OH, CONH3, or COCH3, R 3 and R5 are any of C1-C20 alkyl or hydroxyl, and R4 is any of H, NH2 or NO2.
  • nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds include benzotriazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 1 -phenyl-5-mercapto-l ,2,3,4-tetrazole, thionalide, mo ⁇ holine, melamine, distearylamine, stearoyl stearamide, cyanuric acid, aminotriazole, aminotetrazole and indazole.
  • Nitrogen-containing compounds such as amines, especially distearylamine and ammonium compounds such as ammonium chloride, ammonium bromide, ammonium sulphate or diammonium hydrogen citrate are also suitable.
  • the detergent tablets may contain an Mn(II) corrosion inhibitor compound.
  • the Mn(II) compound is preferably inco ⁇ orated at a level of from 0.005%) to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.01 % to 1%, most preferably from 0.02% to 0.4%> by weight of the compositions.
  • the Mn(II) compound is inco ⁇ orated at a level to provide from 0.1 ppm to 250 ppm, more preferably from 0.5 ppm to 50 ppm, most preferably from 1 ppm to 20 ppm by weight of Mn(II) ions in any bleaching solution.
  • the Mn (II) compound may be an inorganic salt in anhydrous, or any hydrated forms.
  • Suitable salts include manganese sulphate, manganese carbonate, manganese phosphate, manganese nitrate, manganese acetate and manganese chloride.
  • the Mn(II) compound may be a salt or complex of an organic fatty acid such as manganese acetate or manganese stearate.
  • the Mn(II) compound may be a salt or complex of an organic ligand.
  • the organic ligand is a heavy metal ion sequestrant.
  • the organic ligand is a crystal growth inhibitor.
  • additional corrosion inhibitor compounds include, mercaptans and diols, especially mercaptans with 4 to 20 carbon atoms including lauryl mercaptan, thiophenol, thionapthol, thionalide and thioanthranol. Also suitable are saturated or unsaturated Ci Q-C20 fatty acids, or their salts, especially aluminium tristearate. The C12-C20 hydroxy fatty acids, or their salts, are also suitable. Phosphonated octa-decane and other anti-oxidants such as betahydroxytoluene (BHT) are also suitable.
  • BHT betahydroxytoluene
  • Copolymers of butadiene and maleic acid particularly those supplied under the trade reference no. 07787 by Polysciences Inc have been found to be of particular utility as corrosion inhibitor compounds.
  • Another preferred active detergent component for use in the present invention is a hydrocarbon oil, typically a predominantly long chain, aliphatic hydrocarbons having a number of carbon atoms in the range of from 20 to 50; preferred hydrocarbons are saturated and/or branched; preferred hydrocarbon oil selected from predominantly branched C25.45 species with a ratio of cyclic to noncyclic hydrocarbons of from 1 : 10 to 2 : 1 , preferably from 1 : 5 to 1 : 1.
  • a preferred hydrocarbon oil is paraffin.
  • a paraffin oil meeting the characteristics as outlined above, having a ratio of cyclic to noncyclic hydrocarbons of 32:68, is sold by Wintershall, Salzbergen, Germany, under the trade name WINOG 70.
  • the detergent tablets of the present invention suitable for use in dishwashing methods may contain a water-soluble bismuth compound, preferably present at a level of from 0.005%> to 20%, more preferably from 0.01% to 5%, most preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight of the compositions.
  • the water-soluble bismuth compound may be essentially any salt or complex of bismuth with essentially any inorganic or organic counter anion.
  • Preferred inorganic bismuth salts are selected from the bismuth trihalides, bismuth nitrate and bismuth phosphate.
  • Bismuth acetate and citrate are preferred salts with an organic counter anion.
  • Preferred enzyme-containing compositions herein may comprise from 0.001% to 10%, preferably from 0.005% to 8%, most preferably from 0.01% to 6%, by weight of an enzyme stabilizing system.
  • the enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive enzyme.
  • Such stabilizing systems can comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acid, boronic acid, chlorine bleach scavengers and mixtures thereof.
  • Such stabilizing systems can also comprise reversible enzyme inhibitors, such as reversible protease inhibitors.
  • compositions of active detergent components may contain a lime soap dispersant compound, preferably present at a level of from 0.1 % to 40% by weight, more preferably 1 %> to 20% by weight, most preferably from 2% to 10%> by weight of the compositions.
  • a lime soap dispersant is a material that prevents the precipitation of alkali metal, ammonium or amine salts of fatty acids by calcium or magnesium ions.
  • Preferred lime soap disperant compounds are disclosed in PCT Application No. WO93/08877.
  • the detergent tblets of the present invention when formulated for use in machine washing compositions, preferably comprise a suds suppressing system present at a level of from 0.01%> to 15%, preferably from 0.05%> to 10%>, most preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the composition.
  • Suitable suds suppressing systems for use herein may comprise essentially any known antifoam compound, including, for example silicone antifoam compounds, 2- alkyl and alcanol antifoam compounds.
  • Preferred suds suppressing systems and antifoam compounds are disclosed in PCT Application No. WO93/08876 and EP- A-705 324.
  • the detergent tablets herein may also comprise from 0.01% to 10 %, preferably from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents.
  • the polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents are preferably selected from polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinylpyrrohdonepolymers or combinations thereof.
  • the detergent tablets suitable for use in laundry washing methods as described herein also optionally contain from 0.005% to 5% by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners.
  • Hydrophilic optical brighteners useful herein include those having the structural formula:
  • Rj is selected from anilino, N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl
  • R2 is selected from N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino, mo ⁇ hilino, chloro and amino
  • M is a salt-forming cation such as sodium or potassium.
  • Rj is anilino
  • R2 is N-2-bis-hydroxy ethyl 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 tradename Tinopal-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Co ⁇ oration. Tinopal-UNPA-GX is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein.
  • R ⁇ is anilino
  • R2 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 tradename Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Co ⁇ oration.
  • R ⁇ is anilino
  • R2 is mo ⁇ hilino
  • M is a cation such as sodium
  • the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-mo ⁇ hilino-s-triazine-2- yl)amino]2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid, sodium salt.
  • This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Co ⁇ oration.
  • the detergent tablets suitable for use in laundry cleaning methods may contain a clay softening system comprising a clay mineral compound and optionally a clay flocculating agent.
  • the clay mineral compound is preferably a smectite clay compound.
  • Smectite clays are disclosed in the US Patents No.s 3,862,058, 3,948,790, 3,954,632 and 4,062,647.
  • European Patents No.s EP-A-299,575 and EP-A-313,146 in the name of the Procter and Gamble Company describe suitable organic polymeric clay flocculating agents.
  • Cationic fabric softening agents can also be inco ⁇ orated into compositions in accordance with the present invention which are suitable for use in methods of laundry washing.
  • Suitable cationic fabric softening agents include the water insoluble tertiary amines or dilong chain amide materials as disclosed in GB-A-1 514 276 and EP-B-0 011 340.
  • Cationic fabric softening agents are typically inco ⁇ orated at total levels of from 0.5% to 15% by weight, normally from 1% to 5% by weight.
  • Other optional ingredients are typically inco ⁇ orated at total levels of from 0.5% to 15% by weight, normally from 1% to 5% by weight.
  • compositions of the invention include perfumes and filler salts, with sodium sulfate being a preferred filler salt.
  • the detergent tablets of the present invention are preferably not formulated to have an unduly high pH, in preference having a pH measured as a 1% solution in distilled water of from 8.0 to 12.5, more preferably from 9.0 to 11.8, most preferably from 9.5 to 11.5.
  • the compressed and non-compressed portions are formulated to deliver different pH.
  • a preferred machine dishwashing method comprises treating soiled articles selected from crockery, glassware, silverware, metallic items, cutlery and mixtures thereof, with an aqueous liquid having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of a detergent tablet in accord with the invention.
  • an effective amount of the detergent tablet it is meant from 8g to 60g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 3 to 10 litres, as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine dishwashing methods.
  • the detergent tablets are from 15g to 40g in weight, more preferably from 20g to 35g in weight.
  • Machine laundry methods herein typically comprise treating soiled laundry with an aqueous wash solution in a washing machine having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of a machine laundry detergent tablet composition in accord with the invention.
  • an effective amount of the detergent tablet composition it is meant from 40g to 300g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 5 to 65 litres, as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine laundry methods.
  • a dispensing device is employed in the washing method.
  • the dispensing device is charged with the detergent product, and is used to introduce the product directly into the drum of the washing machine before the commencement of the wash cycle. Its volume capacity should be such as to be able to contain sufficient detergent product as would normally be used in the washing method.
  • the dispensing device containing the detergent product is placed inside the dmm.
  • water is introduced into the dmm and the dmm periodically rotates.
  • the design of the dispensing device should be such that it permits containment of the dry detergent product but then allows release of this product during the wash cycle in response to its agitation as the dmm rotates and also as a result of its contact with the wash water.
  • the device may possess a number of openings through which the product may pass.
  • the device may be made of a material which is permeable to liquid but impermeable to the solid product, which will allow release of dissolved product.
  • the detergent product will be rapidly released at the start of the wash cycle thereby providing transient localised high concentrations of product in the dmm of the washing machine at this stage of the wash cycle.
  • Preferred dispensing devices are reusable and are designed in such a way that container integrity is maintained in both the dry state and during the wash cycle.
  • the dispensing device may be a flexible container, such as a bag or pouch.
  • the bag may be of fibrous constmction coated with a water impermeable protective material so as to retain the contents, such as is disclosed in European published Patent Application No. 0018678.
  • it may be formed of a water-insoluble synthetic polymeric material provided with an edge seal or closure designed to rupture in aqueous media as disclosed in European published Patent Application Nos. 0011500, 0011501, 0011502, and 0011968.
  • a convenient form of water frangible closure comprises a water soluble adhesive disposed along and sealing one edge of a pouch formed of a water impermeable polymeric film such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Examples
  • Citric Acid Anhydrous Citric acid
  • Silicate Amo ⁇ hous Sodium Silicate (SiO2:Na2O ratio 1.6-3.2)
  • Plurafac 13-C15 mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohol with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3.8 and an average degree of propoxylation of 4.5, sold under the tradename
  • TAED Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine HEDP Ethane 1 -hydroxy- 1,1 -diphosphonic acid DETPMP Diethyltriamine penta (methylene) phosphonate, marketed by monsanto under the tradename Dequest 2060
  • Example 1 In the following examples all levels are quoted as %> by weight of the compressed portion, the non-compressed portion or the coating layer:
  • the compressed portion is prepared by delivering the composition of active detergent components to a punch cavity of a modified 12 head rotary tablet press and compressing the composition at a pressure of 13KN/cm 2 .
  • the modified tablet press provides tablet wherein the compressed portion has a mould.
  • the non-compressed portion is in particulate form.
  • the non- compressed portion is accurately delivered to the mould of the compressed portion using a nozzle feeder.
  • the non-compressed portion is adhered to the compressed portion by coating the non-compressed portion with a coating layer which contacts the compressed portion.
  • the compressed portion is prepared by delivering the composition of active detergent components to a punch cavity of a modified 12 head rotary tablet press and compressing the composition at a pressure of 13KN/cm 2 .
  • the modified tablet press provides tablet wherein the compressed portion has a mould.
  • the non-compressed portion comprises active detergent components and a binding agent.
  • the non-compressed portion is then poured into the mould of the compressed portion.
  • the detergent tablet is then subjected to a conditioning step, during which time the non-compressed portion hardens.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (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)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Cosmetics (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides a detergent tablet comprising: a) a compressed portion comprising active detergent components; b) a non compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising active detergent components. Detergent components which are sensitive to compression can be incorporated into tablets and greater control of washing processes can be achieved.

Description

Detergent Tablet
Technical Field
The present invention provides a detergent tablet comprising a compressed portion and a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion.
Background
Detergent compositions in tablet form are known in the art. It is understood that detergent compositions in tablet form hold several advantages over detergent compositions in particulate form, such as ease of handling, transportation and storage.
Detergent tablets are most commonly prepared by pre-mixing components of a detergent composition and forming the pre-mixed detergent components into a tablet using a tablet press. Tablets are typically formed by compression of the components of the detergent composition into a tablet. However, the Applicant has found that some components of a detergent composition are adversely affected by the compression pressure used to form the tablets. These components could not previously be included in a detergent tablet composition without sustaining a loss in performance. In some cases the components may even have become unstable or inactive as a result of the compression.
Furthermore as the components of the detergent composition are compressed, the components are brought into close proximity with each other. A result of the close proximity of the components can be that certain of the components react with each other, becoming unstable, inactive or exhausted. A solution to this problem, as seen in the prior art, has been to separate components of the detergent composition that may potentially react with each other when the detergent composition is compressed into tablet form. Separation of the components has been achieved by, for example, preparing multiple-layer tablets wherein the components that may potentially react with each other are contained in different layers of the tablet. Multiple-layer tablets, are traditionally prepared using multiple compression steps. Layers of the tablet that are subjected to more than one compression step are subjected to a cumulative and potentially greater overall compression pressure. An increase in compression pressure of the tabletting press is known to decrease the rate of dissolution of the tablet with the effect that such multiple layer may not dissolve satisfactorily in use.
Other methods of achieving separation of detergent components have been described. For example EP-A 0,224,135 describes a dishwashing detergent in a form which comprises a warm water-soluble melt, into which is pressed a cold water-soluble tablet. The document teaches a detergent composition that consists of two parts, the first part dissolving in the pre-rinse and the second part dissolving in the main wash of the dishwasher.
EP-B-0,055,100 describes a lavatory block formed by combining a slow dissolving shaped body with a tablet. The lavatory block is designed to be placed in the cistern of a lavatory and dissolves over a period of days, preferably weeks. As a means of controlling the dissolution of the lavatory block, the document teaches admixing one or more solubility control agents. Examples of such solubility control agents are paradichlorobenzene, waxes, long chain fatty acids and alcohols and esters thereof and fatty alkylamides. Detergent tablets for use in laundry or automatic dishwashing must substantially dissolve within one cycle of the washing or dishwashing machine, i.e. within 30 to 120 minutes.
The Applicant has found that by providing a detergent tablet comprising a compressed portion and a non-encapsulating, non-compressed portion detergent components previously considered to be unacceptable for detergent tablets, can be incorporated into a detergent tablet. In addition, potentially reactive components of the detergent composition can be effectively separated. A further advantage of using a detergent tablet as described herein, is the performance benefits which may be achieved in being able to prepare the detergent tablet so that if required, the compressed portion and the non-compressed portion have different rates of dissolution. Such performance benefits are achieved by selectively delivering active detergent components into the wash solution at different times.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention there is provided a detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the detergent tablet comprises an enzyme.
In an alternative embodiment there is also provided a detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight ratio of compressed to non-compressed portion is greater than 0.5:1 and the detergent tablet comprises silicate.
In another alternative embodiment there is provided a detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight ratio of compressed to non-compressed portion is greater than 0.5:1 and the detergent tablet has a dissolution rate of greater than 0.33 g/min as determined using the SOTAX dissolution test method described herein.
In yet another alternative embodiment there is provided a detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and (b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight of the detergent tablet is less than 40g and the detergent tablet has a dissolution rate of greater than 0.33 g/min as determined using the SOTAX dissolution test method described herein.
In yet another alternative embodiment there is provided a detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component wherein the compressed portion provides a mould to accommodate the non-compressed portion.
In addition there is also provided a process for preparing the detergent tablets described herein.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Thus, in accordance with the present invention it has been found that active detergent components of a detergent tablet previously adversely affected by the compression pressure used to form the tablets can now be included in a detergent tablet. Examples of these components include bleaching agents and enzymes. In addition, in accordance with the present invention, it has been found that active detergent components of a detergent tablet may be separated from one another by having one or more compatible components contained in a compressed portion and one or more compatible components contained in a non-compressed portion of the tablet. Examples of components that may interact and may therefore require separation include bleaching agents, bleach activators or catalyst and enzymes; bleaching agents and bleach catalysts or activators; bleaching agents and surfactants; alkalinity sources and enzymes. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to provide the compressed and the non- compressed portions such that they dissolve in wash water with different dissolution rates. By controlling the rate of dissolution of each portion relative to one another, and by selection of the active detergent components in the respective portions, their order of release into the wash water can be controlled and the cleaning performance of the detergent tablet may be improved. For example it is often preferred that enzymes are delivered to the wash prior to bleaching agent and/or bleach activator. It may also be preferred that a source of alkalinity is released into the wash water more rapidly than other components of the detergent tablet. It is also envisaged that it may be advantageous to prepare a detergent tablet according to the present invention wherein the release of certain components of the tablet is delayed relative to other components.
It is also envisaged that the tablet may comprise a plurality of compressed or non- compressed portions. For example, a plurality of compressed portions may be arranged in layers and/or a plurality of non-compressed portions may be present as discrete sections of the tablet separated by a compressed portion. Thus, there may be a first and a second and optional subsequent compressed and/or non-compressed portions, each comprising an active detergent component and where at least the first and second portions may comprise different active detergent components or mixtures of components. Such a plurality of compressed or non-compressed portions may be advantageous, enabling a tablet to be produced which has for example, a first and second and optional subsequent portions so that they have different rates of dissolution. Such performance benefits are achieved by selectively delivering active detergent components into the wash water at different times.
The detergent tablets described herein are preferably between 15g and lOOg in weight, more preferably between 18g and 80g in weight, even more preferably between 20g and 60g in weight. The detergent tablet described herein that are suitable for use in automatic dishwashing methods are most preferably between 20g and 40g in weight Detergent tablets suitable for use in fabric laundering methods are most preferably between 40g and 1 OOg, more preferably between 40g and 80g, most preferably between 40g and 65g in weight. The weight ratio of compressed portion to non-compressed portion is generally greater than 0.5:1, preferably greater than 1 :1, more preferably greater than 2:1, even more preferably greater than 3 : 1 or even 4:1, most preferably at least 5:1.
The detergent tablets described herein have Child Bite Strength (CBS) which is generally greater than 1 OKg, preferably greater than 12Kg, most preferably greater than 14Kg. CBS is measured as per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Test Specification.
Child Bite Strength Test Method: According to this method the tablet is placed horizontally between two strips/plates of metal. The upper and lower plates are hinged on one side, such that the plates resemble a human jaw. An increasing downward force is applied to the upper plate, mimicking the closing action of the jaw, until the tablet breaks. The CBS of the tablet is a measure of the force in Kilograms, required to break the tablet.
The detergent tablets described herein generally have a dissolution rate of faster than 0.33 g/min, preferably faster than 0.5 g/min, more preferably faster than 1.00 g/min, even more preferably faster than 2.00 g/m, most preferably faster than 2.73 g/min. Dissolution rate is measured using the SOTAX dissolution test method. For the purposes of the present invention dissolution of detergent tablets is achieved using a SOTAX (tradename) machine; model number AT7 available from SOTAX.
SOTAX Dissolution Test Method: The SOTAX machine consists of a temperature controlled waterbath with lid. 7 pots are suspended in the water bath. 7 electric stirring rods are suspended from the underside of the lid, in positions corresponding to the position of the pots in the waterbath. The lid of the waterbath also serves as a lid on the pots. The SOTAX waterbath is filled with water and the temperature gauge set to 50°C. Each pot is then filled with 1 litre of deionised water and the stirrer set to revolve at 250rpm. The lid of the waterbath is closed, allowing the temperature of the deionised water in the pots to equilibrate with the water in the waterbath for 1 hour.
The tablets are weighed and one tablet is placed in each pot, the lid is then closed. The tablet is visually monitored until it completely dissolves. The time is noted when the tablet has completely dissolved. The dissolution rate of the tablet is calculated as the average weight (g) of tablet dissolved in deionised water per minute.
Compressed portion
The compressed portion of the detergent tablet comprises at least one active detergent component but may comprise a mixture of more than one active detergent components, which are compressed. Any detergent tablet component conventionally used in known detergent tablets is suitable for incorporation into the compressed portion of the detergent tablets of this invention. Suitable active detergent components are described hereinafter. Preferred active detergent components include builder compound, surfactant, bleaching agent, bleach activator, bleach catalyst, enzyme and an alkalinity source.
Active detergent component(s) present in the compressed layer may optionally be prepared in combination with a carrier and/or a binder for example water, polymer (e.g. PEG), liquid silicate. The active detergent components are preferably prepared in particulate form (i.e. powder or granular form) and may be prepared by any known method, for example conventional spray drying, granulation or agglomeration. The particulate active detergent component(s) are then compressed using any suitable equipment suitable for forming compressed tablets, blocks, bricks or briquettes; described in more detail hereafter. Non-Compressed. Non-Encapsulating Portion
The non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion (hereinafter non-compressed portion) comprises at least one active detergent component, but may comprise a mixture of more than one active detergent components. Active detergent components suitable for incorporation in the non-compressed portion include components that interact with one or more detergent components present in the compressed portion. In particular, preferred components of the non-compressed portion are those that are adversely affected by compression pressure of for example a compression tablet press. Examples of such active detergent components include, but are not limited to, surfactant, bleaching agent, bleach activator, bleach catalyst, enzyme, corrosion inhibitor, perfume and an alkalinity source. These components are described in more detail below. The active detergent component(s) may be in any form for example particulate (i.e. powder or granular), gel or liquid form. The non-compressed portion in addition to comprising an active detergent component, may also optionally comprise a carrier component. The active detergent component may be present in the form of a solid, gel or liquid, prior to combination with a carrier component.
The non-compressed portion of the detergent tablet may be in solid, gel or liquid form.
The detergent tablet of the present invention requires that the non-compressed portion be delivered to the compressed portion such that the compressed portion and non-compressed portion contact each other. The non-compressed portion may be delivered to the compressed portion in solid or flowable form. Where the non- compressed portion is in solid form, it is pre-prepared, optionally shaped and then delivered to the compressed portion. The non-compressed portion is then affixed to a pre-formed compressed portion, for example by adhesion or by insertion of the non-compressed portion to a co-operating surface of the compressed portion. Preferably the compressed portion comprises a pre-prepared depression or mould into which the non-compressed portion is delivered.
The non-compressed portion is preferably delivered to the compressed portion in flowable form. The non-compressed portion is then affixed to the compressed portion for example by adhesion, by forming a coating over the non-compressed layer to secure it to the compressed portion, or by hardening, for example (i) by cooling to below the melting point where the flowable composition becomes a solidified melt; (ii) by evaporation of a solvent; (iii) by crystallisation; (iv) by polymerisation of a polymeric component of the flowable non-compressed portion; (v) through pseudo-plastic properties where the flowable non-compressed portion comprises a polymer and shear forces are applied to the non-compressed portion; (vi) combining a binding agent with the flowable non-compressed portion. In an alternative embodiment the flowable non-compressed portion may be an extrudate that is affixed to the compressed portion by for example any of the mechanism described above or by expansion of the extrudate to the parameters of a mould provided by the compressed portion.
Preferably the compressed portion comprises a pre-prepared depression or mould (hereafter referred to as 'mould') into which the non-compressed portion is delivered. In an alternative embodiment the surface of the compressed portion comprises more than one mould into which the non-compressed portion may be delivered. The mould(s) preferably at least partially accommodates one or more non-compressed portions. The non-compressed portion(s) is then delivered into the mould and affixed to the compressed portion as described above.
The non-compressed portion may comprise particulates. The particulates may be prepared by any known method, for example conventional spray drying, granulation, encapsulation or agglomeration. Particulates may be affixed to the compressed portion by incorporating a binding agent or by forming a coating layer over the non- compressed portion. Where the detergent tablet comprises more than one non-compressed portion, the first and second and optional subsequent non-compressed portions may comprise particulates having substantially different average particle size. By substantially different average particle size we mean that the difference between the average particle size of the first and second and/or subsequent compositions is greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10%, more preferably greater than 15% or even 20% of the smaller average particle size.
The average particle size of the particulate detergent active components used herein is calculated using a series of Tyler sieves. The series consists of a number of sieves each having a different aperture size. Samples of a composition of active detergent components are sieved through the series of sieves (typically 5 sieves). The weight of a sample of composition retained in the sieve is plotted against the aperture size of the sieve. The average particle size of the composition is defined as the aperture size through which 50% by weight of the sample of composition would pass.
In another embodiment the first and second and optional subsequent compositions of active detergent components have substantially different density such that the difference between the density of the first and second and/or subsequent compositions is greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10%, more preferably greater than 15% or even 20% of the smaller density. Density of the particulate composition of active detergent components can be measured by any known method suitable for measuring density of particulate material.
Preferably the density of the composition of active detergent components is measured using a simple funnel and cup device consisting of a conical funnel moulded rigidly on a base and provided with a flap valve at its lower extremity to allow the contents of the funnel to be emptied into an axially aligned cylindrical cup disposed below the funnel. The funnel is 130 mm high and has internal diameters of 130 mm and 40 mm at its respective upper and lower extremities. It is mounted so that the lower extremity is 140 mm above the upper surface of the base. The cup has an overall height of 90 mm, an intemal height of 87 mm and an intemal diameter of 84 mm. Its nominal volume is 500 ml.
A density measurement is taken by hand pouring the composition into the funnel. Once the funnel is filled, the flap valve is opened and powder allowed to run through the funnel, overfilling the cup. The filled cup is removed from the frame and excess powder removed from the cup by passing a straight edged implement e.g. a knife, across its upper edge. The filled cup is then weighed and the value obtained for the weight of powder doubled to provide a bulk density in grams/litre. Replicate measurements are made as required.
Tablets in which one or more of the non-compressed portions comprise particulates and the average particle size and/or density of the first and second and optionally subsequent non-compressed portions are substantially different are preferred where the first and second and optionally subsequent non-compressed portions are required to have different rates of dissolution.
Where the non-compressed portion comprises a solidified melt, the melt is prepared by heating a composition comprising a detergent active component and optional carrier component(s) to above its melting point to form a flowable melt. The flowable melt is then poured into a mould and allowed to cool. As the melt cools it becomes solid, taking the shape of the mould at ambient temperature. Where the composition comprises one or more carrier components, the carrier component(s) may be heated to above their melting point, and then an active detergent component may be added. Carrier components suitable for preparing a solidified melt are typically non-active components that can be heated to above melting point to form a liquid and cooled to form an intermolecular matrix that can effectively trap active detergent components. A preferred non-active carrier component is an organic polymer that is solid at ambient temperature. Preferably the non-active detergent components is polyethylene glycol (PEG). The compressed portion of the detergent tablet preferably provides a mould to accommodate the melt.
The flowable non-compressed portion may be in a form comprising a dissolved or suspended active detergent component. The flowable non-compressed portion may harden over time to form a solid, semi solid or highly viscous liquid non-compressed portion by any of the methods described above. In particular, the flowable non- compressed portion may harden by evaporation of a solvent. Solvents suitable for use herein may include any known solvent in which a binding agent is soluble. Preferred solvents may be polar or non-polar and may include water, alcohol, (for example ethanol, acetone) and alcohol derivatives. In an alternative embodiment more than one solvent may be used.
The flowable non-compressed portion may comprise one or more binding agents. Any binding agent that has the effect of causing the composition to become solid, semi-solid or highly viscous over time is envisaged for use herein. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that mechanisms by which the binding agent causes a non-solid composition to become solid, semi-solid or highly viscous include: chemical reaction (such as chemical cross linking), or effect interaction between two or more components of the flowable compositions either; chemical or physical interaction of the binding agent with a component of the composition. Preferred binding agents include a sugar/gelatine combination, starch, glycerol and organic polymers. The sugar may be any monosaccharide ( e.g. glucose), disaccharide (e.g. sucrose or maltose) or polysaccharide. The most preferred sugar is commonly available sucrose. For the purposes of the present invention type A or B gelatine may be used, available from for example Sigma. Type A gelatine is preferred since it has greater stability in alkaline conditions in comparison to type B. Preferred gelatine also has a bloom strength of between 65 and 300, most preferably between 75 and 100. Preferred organic polymers include polyethylene glycol (PEG) of molecular weight from 500 to 10,000, preferably from 750 to 8000, most preferably from 1000 to 6000 available from Hoechst. Where the non-compressed portion is an extrudate, the extmdate is prepared by premixing the active detergent components with optional carrier components to form a viscous paste. The viscous paste is then extruded using any suitable commonly available extrusion equipment such as for example a single or twin screw extruder available from for example APV Baker, Peterborough, U.K. The extmdate is then cut to size either after delivery to the compressed portion, or prior to delivery to the compressed portion of the detergent tablet. The compressed portion of the tablet preferably comprises a mould into which the extruded non-compressed portion may be delivered.
In a preferred embodiment the non-compressed portion is coated with a coating layer. The coating may be used to affix a non-compressed portion to the compressed portion. This may be particularly advantageous where the non-compressed portion comprises flowable particulates, gels or liquids.
The coating layer preferably comprises a material that becomes solid on contacting the compressed and/or the non-compressed portions within preferably less than 15 minutes, more preferably less than 10 minutes, even more preferably less than 5 minutes, most preferably less than 60 seconds. Preferably the coating layer is water-soluble. Preferred coating layers comprise materials selected from the group consisting of fatty acids, alcohols, diols, esters and ethers, adipic acid, carboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyacetic acid (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and mixtures thereof. Preferred carboxylic or dicarboxylic acids preferably comprise an even number of carbon atoms. Preferably carboxylic or dicarboxylic acids comprise at least 4, more preferably at least 6, even more preferably at least 8 carbon atoms, most preferably between 8 and 13 carbon atoms. Preferred dicarboxylic acids include adipic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, subacic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecandioic acid, tridecanedioic and mixtures thereof. Preferred fatty acids are those having a carbon chain length of from C12 to C22, most preferably from C18 to C22. The coating layer may also preferably comprise a dismpting agent. Where present the coating layer generally present at a level of at least 0.05%, preferably at least 0.1%, more preferably at least 1%, most preferably at least 2% or even at least 5% of the detergent tablet.
As an alternative embodiment the coating layer may encapsulate the detergent tablet. In this embodiment the coating layer is present at a level of at least 4%, more preferably at least 5%, most preferably at least 10% of the detergent tablet.
In a preferred embodiment the compressed and/or non-compressed portions and/or coating layer additionally comprise a disrupting agent. The disrupting agent may be a disintegrating or effervescing agent. Suitable disintegrating agents include agents that swell on contact with water or facilitated water influx and/or efflux by forming channels in compressed and or non-compressed portions . Any known disintegrating or effervescing agent suitable for use in laundry or dishwashing applications is envisaged for use herein. Suitable disintegrating agent include starch, starch derivatives, alginates, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), CMC-based polymers, sodium acetate, aluminium oxide. Suitable effervescing agents are those that produce a gas on contact with water. Suitable effervesing agents may be oxygen, nitrogen dioxide or carbon dioxide evolving species. Examples of preferred effervesing agents may be selected from the group consisting of perborate, percarbonate, carbonate, bicarbonate and carboxylic acids such as citric or maleic acid.
An advantage of including a disrupting agent in the detergent tablet of the present invention is the transport, storage and handling benefits that can be achieved by increasing the hardness of the detergent tablet without adversely affecting the cleaning performance. Process
According to the present invention there is also provided a process for preparing a detergent tablet comprising the steps of: a) compressing an active detergent component to form a compressed portion; and b) delivering a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component to the compressed portion.
As described above, the detergent tablets described herein are prepared by separately preparing the composition of active detergent components forming the respective compressed portion and the non-compressed portion, then delivering or adhering the composition of the non-compressed portion to the compressed portion.
The compressed portion is prepared by obtaining at least one active detergent component and optionally premixing with carrier components. Any pre-mixing will be carried out in a suitable mixer; for example a pan mixer, rotary dmm, vertical blender or high shear mixer. Preferably dry particulate components are admixed in a mixer, as described above, and liquid components are applied to the dry particulate components, for example by spraying the liquid components directly onto the dry particulate components. The resulting composition is then formed into a compressed portion in a compression step using any known suitable equipment. Preferably the composition is formed into a compressed portion using a tablet press, wherein the tablet is prepared by compression of the composition between an upper and a lower punch. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition is delivered into a punch cavity of a tablet press and compressed to form a compressed
2 portion using a pressure of preferably greater than 6.3KN/cm , more preferably greater than 9KN/cm 2 , most preferably greater than 14.4KN/cm 2.
In order to form a preferred tablet of the invention, wherein the compressed portion provides a mould to receive the non-compressed portion, the compressed portion is prepared using a modified tablet press comprising modified upper and/or lower punches. The upper and lower punches of the modified tablet press are modified such that the compressed portion provides one or more indentations which form a mould(s) to which the non-compressed portion is delivered.
The non-compressed portion comprises at least one active detergent component. Where the non-compressed portion comprises more than one active detergent component the components are pre-mixed using any known suitable mixing equipment. In addition the non-compressed portion may optionally comprise a carrier with which the active detergent components are combined. The non- compressed portion may be prepared in solid or flowable form. Once prepared the composition is delivered to the compressed portion. The non-compressed portion may be delivered to the compressed portion by manual delivery or using a nozzle feeder or extruder. Where the compressed portion comprises a mould, the non- compressed portion is preferably delivered to the mould using accurate delivery equipment, for example a nozzle feeder, such as a loss in weight screw feeder available from Optima, Germany or an extruder.
Where the flowable non-compressed portion is in particulate form the process comprises delivering a flowable non-compressed portion to the compressed portion in a delivery step and then coating at least a portion of the non-compressed portion with a coating layer such that the coating layer has the effect of substantially adhering the non-compressed portion to the compressed portion.
Where the flowable non-compressed portion is affixed to the compressed portion by hardening, the process comprises a delivery step in which the flowable non- compressed portion is delivered to the compressed portion and a subsequent conditioning step, wherein the non-compressed portion hardens. Such a conditioning step may comprise drying, cooling, binding, polymerisation etc. of the non-compressed portion, during which the non-compressed portion becomes solid, semi-solid or highly viscous. Heat may be used in a drying step. Heat, or exposure to radiation may be used to effect polymerisation in a polymerisation step. It is also envisaged that the compressed portion may be prepared having a plurality of moulds. The plurality of moulds are then filled with a non-compressed portion. It is also envisaged that each mould can be filled with a different non-compressed portion or alternatively, each mould can be filled with a plurality of different non- compressed portions.
Active Detergent Components
The compressed portion of the detergent tablets described herein are prepared by compression composition of active detergent components. A suitable composition may include a variety of different detergent active components including builder compounds, surfactants, enzymes, bleaching agents, alkalinity sources, colourants, perfume, lime soap dispersants, organic polymeric compounds including polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, heavy metal ion sequestrants, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilisers, corrosion inhibitors, suds suppressers, solvents, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners and hydrotropes.
Highly preferred active detergent components include a builder compound, a surfactant, an enzyme and a bleaching agent.
Builder compound
The detergent tablets of the present invention preferably contain a builder compound, typically present at a level of from 1% to 80% by weight, preferably from 10% to 70% by weight, most preferably from 20% to 60% by weight of the composition of active detergent components. Water-soluble builder compound
Suitable water-soluble builder compounds include the water soluble monomeric polycarboxylates, or their acid forms, homo or copolymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxylic radicals separated from each other by not more that two carbon atoms, carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, phosphates, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.
The carboxylate or polycarboxylate builder can be monomeric or oligomeric in type although monomeric polycarboxylates are generally preferred for reasons of cost and performance.
Suitable carboxylates containing one carboxy group include the water soluble salts of lactic acid, glycolic acid and ether derivatives thereof. Polycarboxylates containing two carboxy groups include the water-soluble salts of succinic acid, malonic acid, (ethylenedioxy) diacetic acid, maleic acid, diglycolic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid and fumaric acid, as well as the ether carboxylates and the sulfinyl carboxylates. Polycarboxylates containing three carboxy groups include, in particular, water-soluble citrates, aconitrates and citraconates as well as succinate derivatives such as the carboxymethyloxysuccinates described in British Patent No. 1 ,379,241, lactoxysuccinates described in British Patent No. 1 ,389,732, and aminosuccinates described in Netherlands Application 7205873, and the oxypolycarboxylate materials such as 2-oxa- 1,1, 3 -propane tricarboxylates described in British Patent No. 1,387,447.
Polycarboxylates containing four carboxy groups include oxydisuccinates disclosed in British Patent No. 1,261,829, 1 , 1 ,2,2-ethane tetracarboxylates, 1,1,3,3-propane tetracarboxylates and 1,1, 2,3 -propane tetracarboxylates. Polycarboxylates containing sulfo substituents include the sulfosuccinate derivatives disclosed in British Patent Nos. 1,398,421 and 1,398,422 and in U.S. Patent No. 3,936,448, and the sulfonated pyrolysed citrates described in British Patent No. 1 ,439,000. Alicyclic and heterocyclic polycarboxylates include cyclopentane-cis,cis,cis- tetracarboxylates, cyclopentadienide pentacarboxylates, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofuran - cis, cis, cis-tetracarboxylates, 2,5-tetrahydrofuran - cis - dicarboxylates, 2,2,5,5- tetrahydrofuran - tetracarboxylates, 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexane - hexacarboxylates and carboxymethyl derivatives of polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol. Aromatic polycarboxylates include mellitic acid, pyromellitic acid and the phthalic acid derivatives disclosed in British Patent No. 1,425,343.
Of the above, the preferred polycarboxylates are hydroxycarboxylates containing up to three carboxy groups per molecule, more particularly citrates.
The parent acids of the monomeric or oligomeric polycarboxylate chelating agents or mixtures thereof with their salts, e.g. citric acid or citrate/citric acid mixtures are also contemplated as useful builder components.
Borate builders, as well as builders containing borate-forming materials that can produce borate under detergent storage or wash conditions can also be used but are not preferred at wash conditions less that 50°C, especially less than 40°C.
Examples of carbonate builders are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates, including sodium carbonate and sesqui-carbonate and mixtures thereof with ultra- fine calcium carbonate as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321 ,001 published on November 15, 1973.
Highly preferred builder compounds for use in the present invention are water- soluble phosphate builders. Specific examples of water-soluble phosphate builders are the alkali metal tripolyphosphates, sodium, potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium polymeta/phosphate in which the degree of polymerisation ranges from 6 to 21, and salts of phytic acid. Specific examples of water-soluble phosphate builders are the alkali metal tripolyphosphates, sodium, potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium polymeta/phosphate in which the degree of polymerization ranges from 6 to 21, and salts of phytic acid.
Partially soluble or insoluble builder compound
The detergent tablets of the present invention may contain a partially soluble or insoluble builder compound. Partially soluble and insoluble builder compounds are particularly suitable for use in tablets prepared for use in laundry cleaning methods. Examples of partially water soluble builders include the crystalline layered silicates as disclosed for example, in EP-A-0164514, DE-A-3417649 and DE-A-3742043. Preferred are the crystalline layered sodium silicates of general formula
NaMSixO2+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 preferably have a two dimensional 'sheet' structure, such as the so called δ-layered structure, as described in EP 0 164514 and EP 0 293640.
Methods for preparation of crystalline layered silicates of this type are disclosed in DE-A-3417649 and DE-A-3742043. 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.
The most preferred crystalline layered sodium silicate compound has the formula δ- Na2Si2U5 , known as NaSKS-6 (trade name), available from Hoechst AG.
The crystalline layered sodium silicate material is preferably present in granular detergent compositions as a particulate in intimate admixture with a solid, water- soluble ionisable material as described in PCT Patent Application No. WO92/18594. The solid, water-soluble ionisable material is selected from organic acids, organic and inorganic acid salts and mixtures thereof, with citric acid being preferred.
Examples of largely water insoluble builders include the sodium aluminosilicates. Suitable aluminosilicates include the aluminosilicate zeolites having the unit cell formula Naz[(AlO2)z(SiO2)y]. XH2O wherein z and y are at least 6; the molar ratio of z to y is from 1.0 to 0.5 and x is at least 5, preferably from 7.5 to 276, more preferably from 10 to 264. The aluminosilicate material are in hydrated form and are preferably crystalline, containing from 10% to 28%, more preferably from 18% to 22% water in bound form.
The aluminosilicate zeolites can be naturally occurring materials, but are preferably synthetically derived. Synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite B, Zeolite P, Zeolite X, Zeolite HS and mixtures thereof.
A preferred method of synthesizing aluminosilicate zeolites is that described by Schoeman et al (published in Zeolite (1994) 14(2), 110-116), in which the author describes a method of preparing colloidal aluminosilicate zeolites. The colloidal aluminosilicate zeolite particles should preferably be such that no more than 5% of the particles are of size greater than 1 μm in diameter and not more than 5% of particles are of size less then 0.05 μm in diameter. Preferably the aluminosilicate zeolite particles have an average particle size diameter of between 0.01 μm and lμm, more preferably between 0.05 μm and 0.9 μm, most preferably between O.lμm and 0.6 μm.
Zeolite A has the formula
Na i2 [Alθ2) i2 (SiO2)i2]. H2O wherein x is from 20 to 30, especially 27. Zeolite X has the formula Nagg [(AlO2)86(siO2)l06]- 76 H2°- Zeolite MAP, as disclosed in EP-B-384,070 is a preferred zeolite builder herein.
Preferred aluminosilicate zeolites are the colloidal aluminosilicate zeolites. When employed as a component of a detergent composition colloidal aluminosilicate zeolites, especially colloidal zeolite A, provide enhanced builder performance in terms of providing improved stain removal. Enhanced builder performance is also seen in terms of reduced fabric encrustation and improved fabric whiteness maintenance; problems believed to be associated with poorly built detergent compositions.
A surprising finding is that mixed aluminosilicate zeolite detergent compositions comprising colloidal zeolite A and colloidal zeolite Y provide equal calcium ion sequestration performance versus an equal weight of commercially available zeolite A. Another surprising finding is that mixed aluminosilicate zeolite detergent compositions, described above, provide improved magnesium ion sequestration performance versus an equal weight of commercially available zeolite A.
Surfactant
Surfactants are preferred detergent active components of the compositions described herein. Suitable surfactants are selected from anionic, cationic, nonionic ampholytic and zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Automatic dishwashing machine products should be low foaming in character and thus the foaming of the surfactant system for use in dishwashing methods must be suppressed or more preferably be low foaming, typically nonionic in character. Sudsing caused by surfactant systems used in laundry cleaning methods need not be suppressed to the same extent as is necessary for dishwashing. The surfactant is typically present at a level of from 0.2%) to 30% by weight, more preferably from 0.5% to 10% by weight, most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the composition of active detergent components.
A typical listing of anionic, nonionic, ampholytic and zwitterionic classes, and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S.P. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December, 30, 1975. A list of suitable cationic surfactants is given in U.S.P. 4,259,217 issued to Murphy on March 31,1981. A listing of surfactants typically included in automatic dishwashing detergent compositions is given for example, in EP-A-0414 549 and PCT Applications No.s WO 93/08876 and WO 93/08874.
Nonionic surfactant
Essentially any nonionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes can be included in the detergent tablet. Preferred, non-limiting classes of useful nonionic surfactants are listed below.
Nonionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant
The alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use herein. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms with from 2 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
End-capped alkyl alkoxylate surfactant
A suitable endcapped alkyl alkoxylate surfactant is the epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols represented by the formula: R1O[CH2CH(CH3)O]x[CH2CH2O]y[CH2CH(OH)R2] (I)
wherein Ri is a linear or branched, aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 4 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 is a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 26 carbon atoms; x is an integer having an average value of from 0.5 to 1.5, more preferably 1 ; and y is an integer having a value of at least 15, more preferably at least 20.
Preferably, the surfactant of formula I, at least 10 carbon atoms in the terminal epoxide unit [CH2CH(OH)R2J. Suitable surfactants of formula I, according to the present invention, are Olin Corporation's POLY-TERGENT® SLF-18B nonionic surfactants, as described, for example, in WO 94/22800, published October 13, 1994 by Olin Corporation.
Ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated^ alcohols
Preferred surfactants for use herein include ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols having the formula:
RlO[CH2CH(R3)O]x[CH2]kCH(OH)[CH2]jOR2
wherein R^ and R2 are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms; R^ is H, or a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; x is an integer having an average value from 1 to 30, wherein when x is 2 or greater R^ may be the same or different and k and j are integers having an average value of from 1 to 12, and more preferably 1 to 5.
Rl and R2 are preferably linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms with 8 to 18 carbon atoms being most preferred. H or a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 2 carbon atoms is most preferred for R->. Preferably, x is an integer having an average value of from 1 to 20, more preferably from 6 to 15.
As described above, when, in the preferred embodiments, and x is greater than 2, R^ may be the same or different. That is, R- may vary between any of the alklyeneoxy units as described above. For instance, if x is 3, R^may be be selected to form ethlyeneoxy(EO) or propyleneoxy(PO) and may vary in order of (EO)(PO)(EO), (EO)(EO)(PO); (EO)(EO)(EO); (PO)(EO)(PO); (PO)(PO)(EO) and (PO)(PO)(PO). Of course, the integer three is chosen for example only and the variation may be much larger with a higher integer value for x and include, for example, mulitple (EO) units and a much small number of (PO) units.
Particularly preferred surfactants as described above include those that have a low cloud point of less than 20°C. These low cloud point surfactants may then be employed in conjunction with a high cloud point surfactant as described in detail below for superior grease cleaning benefits.
Most preferred ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants are those wherein k is 1 and j is 1 so that the surfactants have the formula:
Rl O[CH2CH(R3)O]xCH2CH(OH)CH2θR2
where Rl, R2 and R^ are defined as above and x is an integer with an average value of from 1 to 30, preferably from 1 to 20, and even more preferably from 6 to 18. Most preferred are surfactants wherein R and R2 range from 9 to 14, R^ is H forming ethyleneoxy and x ranges from 6 to 15.
The ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants comprise three general components, namely a linear or branched alcohol, an alkylene oxide and an alkyl ether end cap. The alkyl ether end cap and the alcohol serve as a hydrophobic, oil- soluble portion of the molecule while the alkylene oxide group forms the hydrophilic, water-soluble portion of the molecule.
These surfactants exhibit significant improvements in spotting and filming characteristics and removal of greasy soils, when used in conjunction with high cloud point surfactants, relative to conventional surfactants.
Generally speaking, the ether-capped poly(oxyalkylene) alcohol surfactants of the present invention may be produced by reacting an aliphatic alcohol with an epoxide to form an ether which is then reacted with a base to form a second epoxide. The second epoxide is then reacted with an alkoxylated alcohol to form the novel compounds of the present invention. Examples of methods of preparing the ether- capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants are described below:
Preparation of C 12/1 alkyl glycidyl ether
A C12/14 fatty alcohol (100.00 g, 0.515 mol.) and tin (IV) chloride (0.58 g, 2.23 mmol, available from Aldrich) are combined in a 500 mL three-necked round- bottomed flask fitted with a condenser, argon inlet, addition funnel, magnetic stirrer and intemal temperature probe. The mixture is heated to 60 °C. Epichlorhydrin (47.70 g, 0.515 mol, available from Aldrich) is added dropwise so as to keep the temperature between 60-65 °C. After stirring an additional hour at 60 °C, the mixture is cooled to room temperature. The mixture is treated with a 50% solution of sodium hydroxide (61.80 g, 0.773 mol, 50%) while being stirred mechanically. After addition is completed, the mixture is heated to 90 °C for 1.5 h, cooled, and filtered with the aid of ethanol. The filtrate is separated and the organic phase is washed with water (100 mL), dried over MgSOzi, filtered, and concentrated. Distillation of the oil at 100-120 °C (0.1 mm Hg) providing the glycidyl ether as an oil.
Preparation of C 12/ 14 alkyl-Cc;/ι \ ether capped alcohol surfactant Neodol® 91-8 (20.60 g, 0.0393 mol ethoxylated alcohol available from the Shell chemical Co.) and tin (IV) chloride (0.58 g, 2.23 mmol) are combined in a 250 mL three-necked round-bottomed flask fitted with a condenser, argon inlet, addition funnel, magnetic stirrer and intemal temperature probe. The mixture is heated to 60 °C at which point C]2/14 alkyl glycidyl ether (11.00 g, 0.0393 mol) is added dropwise over 15 min. After stirring for 18 h at 60 °C, the mixture is cooled to room temperature and dissolved in an equal portion of dichloromethane. The solution is passed through a 1 inch pad of silica gel while eluting with dichloromethane. The filtrate is concentrated by rotary evaporation and then stripped in a kugelrohr oven (100 °C, 0.5 mm Hg) to yield the surfactant as an oil.
Nonionic ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant
The ethoxylated Cg-Ci g fatty alcohols and Cg-Cjg mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols are suitable surfactants for use herein, particularly where water soluble. Preferably the ethoxylated fatty alcohols are the C^Q-CI 8 ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 50, most preferably these are the Cl2" l8 ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation from 3 to 40. Preferably the mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols have an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 30 and a degree of propoxy lation of from 1 to 10.
Nonionic EO/PO condensates with propylene glycol
The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol are suitable for use herein. The hydrophobic portion of these compounds preferably has a molecular weight of from 1500 to 1800 and exhibits water insolubility. Examples of compounds of this type include certain of the commercially-available Pluronic^M surfactants, marketed by BASF. Nonionic EO condensation products with propylene oxide/ethylene diamine adducts
The condensation products of ethylene oxide with the product resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine are suitable for use herein. The hydrophobic moiety of these products consists of the reaction product of ethylenediamine and excess propylene oxide, and generally has a molecular weight of from 2500 to 3000. Examples of this type of nonionic surfactant include certain of the commercially available Tetronic compounds, marketed by BASF.
Mixed Nonionic Surfactant System
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the detergent tablet comprises a mixed nonionic surfactant system comprising at least one low cloud point nonionic surfactant and at least one high cloud point nonionic surfactant.
"Cloud point", as used herein, is a well known property of nonionic surfactants which is the result of the surfactant becoming less soluble with increasing temperature, the temperature at which the appearance of a second phase is observable is referred to as the "cloud point" (See Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Ed. Vol. 22, pp. 360-379).
As used herein, a "low cloud point" nonionic surfactant is defined as a nonionic surfactant system ingredient having a cloud point of less than 30°C, preferably less than 20°C, and most preferably less than 10°C. Typical low cloud point nonionic surfactants include nonionic alkoxylated surfactants, especially ethoxylates derived from primary alcohol, and polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene (PO/EO/PO) reverse block polymers. Also, such low cloud point nonionic surfactants include, for example, ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohol (e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF18), epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols (e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF18B series of nonionics, as described, for example, in WO 94/22800, published October 13, 1994 by Olin Corporation)and the ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants.
Nonionic surfactants can optionally contain propylene oxide in an amount up to 15% by weight. Other preferred nonionic surfactants can be prepared by the processes described in U.S. Patent 4,223,163, issued September 16, 1980, Builloty, incoφorated herein by reference.
Low cloud point nonionic surfactants additionally comprise a polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block polymeric compound. Block polyoxyethylene- polyoxypropylene polymeric compounds include those based on ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane and ethylenediamine as initiator reactive hydrogen compound. Certain of the block polymer surfactant compounds designated PLURONIC®, REVERSED PLURONIC®, and TETRONIC® by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., Wyandotte, Michigan, are suitable in ADD compositions of the invention. Preferred examples include REVERSED PLURONIC® 25R2 and TETRONIC® 702, Such surfactants are typically useful herein as low cloud point nonionic surfactants.
As used herein, a "high cloud point" nonionic surfactant is defined as a nonionic surfactant system ingredient having a cloud point of greater than 40°C, preferably greater than 50°C, and more preferably greater than 60°C. Preferably the nonionic surfactant system comprises an ethoxylated surfactant derived from the reaction of a monohydroxy alcohol or alkylphenol containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, with from 6 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkyl phenol on an average basis. Such high cloud point nonionic surfactants include, for example, Tergitol 15S9 (supplied by Union Carbide), Rhodasurf TMD 8.5 (supplied by Rhone Poulenc), and Neodol 91-8 (supplied by Shell).
It is also preferred for purposes of the present invention that the high cloud point nonionic surfactant further have a hydrophile-lipophile balance ("HLB"; see Kirk Othmer hereinbefore) value within the range of from 9 to 15, preferably 11 to 15. Such materials include, for example, Tergitol 15S9 (supplied by Union Carbide), Rhodasurf TMD 8.5 (supplied by Rhone Poulenc), and Neodol 91-8 (supplied by Shell).
Another preferred high cloud point nonionic surfactant is derived from a straight or preferably branched chain or secondary fatty alcohol containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms (C6-C20 alcohol), including secondary alcohols and branched chain primary alcohols. Preferably, high cloud point nonionic surfactants are branched or secondary alcohol ethoxylates, more preferably mixed C9/1 1 or Cl 1/15 branched alcohol ethoxylates, condensed with an average of from 6 to 15 moles, preferably from 6 to 12 moles, and most preferably from 6 to 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Preferably the ethoxylated nonionic surfactant so derived has a narrow ethoxylate distribution relative to the average.
In a preferred embodiment the detergent tablet comprising such a mixed surfactant system also comprises an amount of water-soluble salt to provide conductivity in deionised water measured at 25°C greater than 3 milli Siemens/cm, preferably greater than 4 milli Siemens/cm, most preferably greater than 4.5 milli Siemens/cm as described in co-pending GB Patent Application (attorney docket number CM 1573F).
In another preferred embodiment the mixed surfactant system dissolves in water having a hardness of 1.246mmol/L in any suitable cold-fill automatic dishwasher to
2 provide a solution with a surface tension of less than 4 Dynes/cm at less than 45°C, preferably less than 40°C, most preferably less than 35°C as described in co-pending
U.S. Patent Application (attorney docket number 6252).
In another preferred embodiment the high cloud point and low cloud point surfactants of the mixed surfactant system are separated such that one of either the high cloud point or low cloud point surfactants is present in a first matrix and the other is present in a second matrix as described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application (attorney docket number 6252). For the purposes of the present invention, the first matrix may be a first particulate and the second matrix may be a second particulate. A surfactant may be applied to a particulate by any suitable known method, preferably the surfactant is sprayed onto the particulate. In a preferred aspect the first matrix is the compressed portion and the second matrix is the non-compressed portion of the detergent tablet of the present invention. Preferably the low cloud point surfactant is present in the compressed portion and the high cloud point surfactant is present in the non-compressed portion of the detergent tablet of the present invention.
Anionic surfactant
Essentially any anionic surfactants useful for detersive purposes are suitable. These can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts) of the anionic sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and sarcosinate surfactants. Anionic sulfate surfactants are preferred.
Other anionic surfactants include the isethionates such as the acyl isethionates, N- acyl taurates, fatty acid amides of methyl tauride, alkyl succinates and sulfosuccinates, monoesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C^-C, monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C fi-C , 4 diesters), N-acyl sarcosinates. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil.
Anionic sulfate surfactant
Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use herein include the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxysulfates, fatty oleoyl glycerol sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, the C5-C17 acyl-N-(Cj-C4 alkyl) and -N-(C]-C2 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described herein).
Alkyl sulfate surfactants are preferably selected from the linear and branched primary C1 Q-C^g alkyl sulfates, more preferably the C\ \-C ζ branched chain alkyl sulfates and the C12- 14 linear chain alkyl sulfates.
Alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants are preferably selected from the group consisting of the Cjo-Ci 8 alkyl sulfates which have been ethoxylated with from 0.5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. More preferably, the alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactant is a C] 1 -Cj , most preferably Ci 1-C15 alkyl sulfate which has been ethoxylated with from 0.5 to 7, preferably from 1 to 5, moles of ethylene oxide per molecule.
A particularly preferred aspect of the invention employs mixtures of the preferred alkyl sulfate and alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants. Such mixtures have been disclosed in PCT Patent Application No. WO 93/18124.
Anionic sulfonate surfactant
Anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use herein include the salts of C5-C20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ester sulfonates, Cg-C22 primary or secondary alkane sulfonates, Cg-C24 olefin sulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids, alkyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfonates, and any mixtures thereof.
Anionic carboxylate surfactant Suitable anionic carboxylate surfactants include the alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, the alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and the soaps ('alkyl carboxyls'), especially certain secondary soaps as described herein.
Suitable alkyl ethoxy carboxylates include those with the formula RO(CH2CH2θ)x CH2C00"M+ wherein R is a Cg to Ci g alkyl group, x ranges from O to 10, and the ethoxylate distribution is such that, on a weight basis, the amount of material where x is 0 is less than 20 % and M is a cation. Suitable alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants include those having the formula RO-(CHRj-CHR2-O)-R3 wherein R is a Cg to Ci g alkyl group, x is from 1 to 25, Ri and R2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl acid radical, succinic acid radical, hydroxysuccinic acid radical, and mixtures thereof, and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon having between 1 and 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable soap surfactants include the secondary soap surfactants which contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon. Preferred secondary soap surfactants for use herein are water-soluble members selected from the group consisting of the water-soluble salts of 2-methyl-l-undecanoic acid, 2-ethyl-l-decanoic acid, 2- propyl-1-nonanoic acid, 2-butyl-l-octanoic acid and 2-pentyl-l-heptanoic acid. Certain soaps may also be included as suds suppressors.
Alkali metal sarcosinate surfactant
Other suitable anionic surfactants are the alkali metal sarcosinates of formula R- CON (Rl) CH2 COOM, wherein R is a C5-C17 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, R is a C1-C4 alkyl group and M is an alkali metal ion. Preferred examples are the myristyl and oleoyl methyl sarcosinates in the form of their sodium salts.
Amphoteric surfactant Suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include the amine oxide surfactants and the alkyl amphocarboxylic acids.
Suitable amine oxides include those compounds having the formula R3(OR4)XNO(R5)2 wherein R^ is selected from an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acylamidopropoyl and alkyl phenyl group, or mixtures thereof, containing from 8 to 26 carbon atoms; R^ is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof; x is from 0 to 5, preferably from 0 to 3; and each R5 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from 1 to 3, or a polyethylene oxide group containing from 1 to 3 ethylene oxide groups. Preferred are CjQ- ig alkyl dimethylamine oxide, and Ci Q-18 acylamido alkyl dimethylamine oxide.
A suitable example of an alkyl aphodicarboxylic acid is Miranol(TM) C2M Cone, manufactured by Miranol, Inc., Dayton, NJ.
Zwitterionic surfactant
Zwitterionic surfactants can also be incoφorated into the detergent compositions hereof. These surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quatemary ammonium, quatemary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary zwitterionic surfactants for use herein.
Suitable betaines are those compounds having the formula R(R')2N+R2COO~ wherein R is a Cg-Ci g hydrocarbyl group, each Rl is typically Ci -C3 alkyl, and R2 is a C1-C5 hydrocarbyl group. Preferred betaines are C 12- 18 dimethyl-ammonio hexanoate and the C j O- 18 acylamidopropane (or ethane) dimethyl (or diethyl) betaines. Complex betaine surfactants are also suitable for use herein.
Cationic surfactants Cationic ester surfactants used in this invention are preferably water dispersible compound having surfactant properties comprising at least one ester (i.e. -COO-) linkage and at least one cationically charged group. Other suitable cationic ester surfactants, including choline ester surfactants, have for example been disclosed in US Patents No.s 4228042, 4239660 and 4260529.
Suitable cationic surfactants include the quatemary ammonium surfactants selected from mono Cg-Ci 6, preferably Cg-Ci Q N-alkyl or alkenyl ammonium surfactants wherein the remaining N positions are substituted by methyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl groups.
Enzymes
In an embodiment of the present invention an enzyme is an essential feature of the detergent tablet. In other embodiments of the present invention an enzyme is an optional detergent active component. Where present said enzymes are selected from the group consisting of cellulases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, gluco- amylases, amylases, xylanases, lipases, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, keratanases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, β-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase or mixtures thereof.
Preferred enzymes include protease, amylase, lipase, peroxidases, cutinase and/or cellulase in conjunction with one or more plant cell wall degrading enzymes.
The cellulases usable in the present invention include both bacterial or fungal cellulase. Preferably, they will have a pH optimum of between 5 and 12 and an activity above 50 CEVU (Cellulose Viscosity Unit). Suitable cellulases are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,435,307, Barbesgoard et al, J61078384 and WO96/02653 which disclose fungal cellulases produced respectively from Humicola insolens, Trichoderma, Thielavia and Sporotrichum. EP 739 982 describes cellulases isolated from novel Bacillus species. Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A- 2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275; DE-OS-2.247.832 and WO95/26398.
Examples of such cellulases are cellulases produced by a strain of Humicola insolens (Humicola grisea var. thermoidea), particularly the Humicola strain DSM 1800. Other suitable cellulases are cellulases originated from Humicola insolens having a molecular weight of 50KDa, an isoelectric point of 5.5 and containing 415 amino acids; and a ~43kD endoglucanase derived from Humicola insolens, DSM 1800, exhibiting cellulase activity; a preferred endoglucanase component has the amino acid sequence disclosed in PCT Patent Application No. WO 91/17243. Also suitable cellulases are the EGIII cellulases from Trichoderma longibrachiatum described in WO94/21801, Genencor, published September 29, 1994. Especially suitable cellulases are the cellulases having color care benefits. Examples of such cellulases are cellulases described in European patent application No. 91202879.2, filed November 6, 1991 (Novo). Carezyme and Celluzyme (Novo Nordisk A S) are especially useful. See also WO91/17244 and WO91/21801. Other suitable cellulases for fabric care and/or cleaning properties are described in WO96/34092, WO96/17994 and WO95/24471.
Said cellulases are normally incoφorated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition.
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, WO89/09813 and in European Patent application EP No. 91202882.6, filed on November 6, 1991 and EP No. 96870013.8, filed February 20, 1996. Also suitable is the laccase enzyme.
Preferred enhancers are substitued phenthiazine and phenoxasine 10- Phenothiazinepropionicacid (PPT), 10-ethylphenothiazine-4-carboxylic acid (EPC), 10-phenoxazinepropionic acid (POP) and 10-methylphenoxazine (described in WO 94/12621) and substitued syringates (C3-C5 substitued alkyl syringates) and phenols. Sodium percarbonate or perborate are preferred sources of hydrogen peroxide.
Said cellulases and/or peroxidases are normally incoφorated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition.
Other preferred enzymes that can be included in the detergent compositions of the present invention include lipases. 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. Suitable lipases include those which show a positive immunological cross-reaction with the antibody of the lipase, produced by the microorganism Pseudomonas fluorescent IAM 1057. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, under the trade name Lipase P "Amano," hereinafter referred to as "Amano-P". Other suitable commercial lipases include Amano-CES, lipases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g. Chromobacter viscosum var. lipolyticum NRRLB 3673 from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japan; Chromobacter viscosum lipases from U.S. Biochemical Coφ., U.S.A. and Disoynth Co., The Netherlands, and lipases ex Pseudomonas gladioli. Especially suitable lipases are lipases such as Ml Lipase^ an(l LipomaχR (Gist-Brocades) and LipolaseR- and Lipolase Ultra^(Novo) which have found to be very effective when used in combination with the compositions of the present invention. Also suitables are the hpolytic enzymes described in EP 258 068, WO 92/05249 and WO 95/22615 by Novo Nordisk and in WO 94/03578, WO 95/35381 and WO 96/00292 by Unilever.
Also suitable are cutinases [EC 3.1.1.50] which can be considered as a special kind of lipase, namely lipases which do not require interfacial activation. Addition of cutinases to detergent compositions have been described in e.g. WO-A-88/09367 (Genencor); WO 90/09446 (Plant Genetic System) and WO 94/14963 and WO 94/14964 (Unilever).
The lipases and/or cutinases are normally incoφorated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition.
Suitable proteases are the subtilisins which are obtained from particular strains of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis (subtilisin BPN and BPN'). One suitable protease is obtained from a strain of Bacillus, having maximum activity throughout the pH range of 8-12, developed and sold as ESPERASE® by Novo Industries A/S of Denmark, hereinafter "Novo". The preparation of this enzyme and analogous enzymes is described in GB 1,243,784 to Novo. Other suitable proteases include ALCALASE®, DURAZYM® and SAVINASE® from Novo and MAXATASE®, MAXACAL®, PROPERASE® and MAXAPEM® (protein engineered Maxacal) from Gist-Brocades. Proteolytic enzymes also encompass modified bacterial serine proteases, such as those described in European Patent Application Serial Number 87 303761.8, filed April 28, 1987 (particularly pages 17, 24 and 98), and which is called herein "Protease B", and in European Patent Application 199,404, Venegas, published October 29, 1986, which refers to a modified bacterial serine protealytic enzyme which is called "Protease A" herein. Suitable is what is called herein "Protease C", which is a variant of an alkaline serine protease from Bacillus in which lysine replaced arginine at position 27, tyrosine replaced valine at position 104, serine replaced asparagine at position 123, and alanine replaced threonine at position 274. Protease C is described in EP 90915958:4, corresponding to WO 91/06637, Published May 16, 1991. Genetically modified variants, particularly of Protease C, are also included herein.
A preferred protease referred to as "Protease D" is a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived from a precursor carbonyl hydrolase by substituting a different amino acid for a plurality of amino acid residues at a position in said carbonyl hydrolase equivalent to position +76, preferably also in combination with one or more amino acid residue positions equivalent to those selected from the group consisting of +99, +101, +103, +104, +107, +123, +27, +105, +109, +126, +128, +135, +156, +166, +195, +197, +204, +206, +210, +216, +217, +218, +222, +260, +265, and/or +274 according to the numbering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subtilisin, as described in WO95/10591 and in the patent application of C. Ghosh, et al, "Bleaching Compositions Comprising Protease Enzymes" having US Serial No. 08/322,677, filed October 13, 1994.
Also suitable for the present invention are proteases described in patent applications EP 251 446 and WO 91/06637, protease BLAP® described in WO91/02792 and their variants described in WO 95/23221.
See also a high pH protease from Bacillus sp. NCIMB 40338 described in WO 93/18140 A to Novo. Enzymatic detergents comprising protease, one or more other enzymes, and a reversible protease inhibitor are described in WO 92/03529 A to Novo. When desired, a protease having decreased adsoφtion and increased hydrolysis is available as described in WO 95/07791 to Procter & Gamble. A recombinant trypsin-like protease for detergents suitable herein is described in WO 94/25583 to Novo. Other suitable proteases are described in EP 516 200 by Unilever.
Other preferred protease enzymes include protease enzymes which are a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived by replacement of a plurality of amino acid residues of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase with different amino acids, wherein said plurality of amino acid residues replaced in the precursor enzyme correspond to position +210 in combination with one or more of the following residues: +33, +62, +67, +76, +100, +101, +103, +104, +107, +128, +129, +130, +132, +135, +156, +158, +164, +166, +167, +170, +209, +215, +217, +218 and +222, where the numbered positions correspond to naturally- occurring subtilisin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or to equivalent amino acid residues in other carbonyl hydrolases or subtilisins (such as Bacillus lentus subtilisin). Preferred enzymes of this type include those having position changes +210, +76, +103, +104, +156, and +166.
The proteolytic enzymes are incoφorated in the detergent compositions of the present invention a level of from 0.0001% to 2%, preferably from 0.001% to 0.2%, more preferably from 0.005%) to 0.1% pure enzyme by weight of the composition.
Amylases ( and/or β) can be included for removal of carbohydrate-based stains. WO94/02597, Novo Nordisk A/S published February 03, 1994, describes cleaning compositions which incoφorate mutant amylases. See also WO95/10603, Novo Nordisk A/S, published April 20, 1995. Other amylases known for use in cleaning compositions include both α- and β-amylases. α-Amylases are known in the art and include those disclosed in US Pat. no. 5,003,257; EP 252,666; WO/91/00353; FR 2,676,456; EP 285,123; EP 525,610; EP 368,341; and British Patent specification no. 1,296,839 (Novo). Other suitable amylases are stability-enhanced amylases described in WO94/18314, published August 18, 1994 and WO96/05295, Genencor, published February 22, 1996 and amylase variants having additional modification in the immediate parent available from Novo Nordisk A S, disclosed in WO 95/10603, published April 95. Also suitable are amylases described in EP 277 216, WO95/26397 and WO96/23873 (all by Novo Nordisk).
Examples of commercial α-amylases products are Purafect Ox Am® from Genencor and Termamyl®, Ban® ,Fungamyl® and Duramyl®, all available from Novo Nordisk A S Denmark. WO95/26397 describes other suitable amylases : α-amylases characterised by having a specific activity at least 25% higher than the specific activity of Termamyl® at a temperature range of 25°C to 55°C and at a pH value in the range of 8 to 10, measured by the Phadebas® α-amylase activity assay. Suitable are variants of the above enzymes, described in WO96/23873 (Novo Nordisk). Other amylolytic enzymes with improved properties with respect to the activity level and the combination of thermostability and a higher activity level are described in WO95/35382.
Preferred amylase enzymes include those described in WO95/26397 and in copending application by Novo Nordisk PCT/DK96/00056.
The amylolytic enzymes are incoφorated in the detergent compositions of the present invention a level of from 0.0001%) to 2%, preferably from 0.00018% to 0.06%, more preferably from 0.00024% to 0.048%) pure enzyme by weight of the composition
In a particularly preferred embodiment, detergent tablets of the present invention comprise amylase enzymes, particularly those described in WO95/26397 and copending application by Novo Nordisk PCT/DK96/00056 in combination with a complementary amylase.
By "complementary" it is meant the addition of one or more amylase suitable for detergency puφoses. Examples of complementary amylases (α and/or β) are described below. WO94/02597 and WO95/10603, Novo Nordisk A/S describe cleaning compositions which incoφorate mutant amylases. Other amylases known for use in cleaning compositions include both α- and β-amylases. α-Amylases are known in the art and include those disclosed in US Pat. no. 5,003,257; EP 252,666; WO/91/00353; FR 2,676,456; EP 285,123; EP 525,610; EP 368,341 ; and British Patent specification no. 1,296,839 (Novo). Other suitable amylases are stability- enhanced amylases described in WO94/18314, and WO96/05295, Genencor and amylase variants having additional modification in the immediate parent available from Novo Nordisk A/S, disclosed in WO 95/10603. Also suitable are amylases described in EP 277 216 (Novo Nordisk). Examples of commercial α-amylases products are Purafect Ox Am® from Genencor and Termamyl®, Ban® ,Fungamyl® and Duramyl®, all available from Novo Nordisk A/S Denmark. WO95/26397 describes other suitable amylases : α-amylases characterised by having a specific activity at least 25% higher than the specific activity of Termamyl® at a temperature range of 25°C to 55°C and at a pH value in the range of 8 to 10, measured by the Phadebas® α-amylase activity assay. Suitable are variants of the above enzymes, described in WO96/23873 (Novo Nordisk). Other amylolytic enzymes with improved properties with respect to the activity level and the combination of thermostability and a higher activity level are described in WO95/35382. Preferred complementary amylases for the present invention are the amylases sold under the tradename Purafect Ox AmR described in WO 94/18314, WO96/05295 sold by Genencor; Termamyl®, Fungamyl®, Ban® and Duramyl®, all available from Novo Nordisk A/S and Maxamyl® by Gist-Brocades.
Said complementary amylase is generally incoφorated in the detergent compositions of the present invention a level of from 0.0001% to 2%, preferably from 0.00018%) to 0.06%, more preferably from 0.00024% to 0.048% pure enzyme by weight of the composition. Preferably a weight of pure enzyme ratio of specific amylase to the complementary amylase is comprised between 9:1 to 1 :9, more preferably between 4:1 to 1:4, and most preferably between 2:1 and 1 :2.
The above-mentioned enzymes may be of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and yeast origin. Origin can further be mesophilic or extremophilic (psychrophilic, psychrotrophic, thermophilic, barophilic, alkalophilic, acidophilic, halophilic, etc.). Purified or non-purified forms of these enzymes may be used. Also included by definition, are mutants of native enzymes. Mutants can be obtained e.g. by protein and/or genetic engineering, chemical and/or physical modifications of native enzymes. Common practice as well is the expression of the enzyme via host organisms in which the genetic material responsible for the production of the enzyme has been cloned.
Said enzymes are normally incoφorated in the detergent composition at levels from 0.0001% to 2% of active enzyme by weight of the detergent composition. The enzymes can be added as separate single ingredients (prills, granulates, stabilized liquids, etc... containing one enzyme ) or as mixtures of two or more enzymes ( e.g. cogranulates ).
Other suitable detergent ingredients that can be added are enzyme oxidation scavengers which are described in Copending European Patent application 92870018.6 filed on January 31, 1992. Examples of such enzyme oxidation scavengers are ethoxylated tetraethylene polyamines.
A range of enzyme materials and means for their incoφoration into synthetic detergent compositions is also disclosed in WO 9307263 A and WO 9307260 A to Genencor International, WO 8908694 A to Novo, and U.S. 3,553,139, January 5, 1971 to McCarty et al. Enzymes are further disclosed in U.S. 4,101,457, Place et al, July 18, 1978, and in U.S. 4,507,219, Hughes, March 26, 1985. Enzyme materials useful for liquid detergent formulations, and their incoφoration into such formulations, are disclosed in U.S. 4,261,868, Hora et al, April 14, 1981. Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilised by various techniques. Enzyme stabilisation techniques are disclosed and exemplified in U.S. 3,600,319, August 17, 1971, Gedge et al, EP 199,405 and EP 200,586, October 29, 1986, Venegas. Enzyme stabilisation systems are also described, for example, in U.S. 3,519,570. A useful Bacillus, sp. AC13 giving proteases, xylanases and cellulases, is described in WO 9401532 A to Novo.
Bleaching agent A highly preferred component of the composition of active detergent components is a bleaching agent. Suitable bleaching agents include chlorine and oxygen-releasing bleaching agents.
In one preferred aspect the oxygen-releasing bleaching agent contains a hydrogen peroxide source and an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor compound. The production of the organic peroxyacid occurs by an in situ reaction of the precursor with a source of hydrogen peroxide. Preferred sources of hydrogen peroxide include inorganic perhydrate bleaches. In an alternative preferred aspect a preformed organic peroxyacid is incoφorated directly into the composition. Compositions containing mixtures of a hydrogen peroxide source and organic peroxyacid precursor in combination with a preformed organic peroxyacid are also envisaged.
Inorganic perhydrate bleaches
The compositions of active detergent components preferably include a hydrogen peroxide source, as an oxygen-releasing bleach. Suitable hydrogen peroxide sources include the inorganic perhydrate salts.
The inorganic perhydrate salts are normally incoφorated in the form of the sodium salt at a level of from 1%> to 40%) by weight, more preferably from 2% to 30% by weight and most preferably from 5% to 25% by weight of the compositions.
Examples of inorganic perhydrate salts include perborate, percarbonate, peφhosphate, persulfate and persilicate salts. The inorganic perhydrate salts are normally the alkali metal salts. The inorganic perhydrate salt may be included as the crystalline solid without additional protection. For certain perhydrate salts however, the preferred executions of such granular compositions utilize a coated form of the material which provides better storage stability for the perhydrate salt in the granular product. Sodium perborate can be in the form of the monohydrate of nominal formula NaBθ2H2U2 or the tetrahydrate NaBθ2H2θ2.3H2θ.
Alkali metal percarbonates, particularly sodium percarbonate are preferred perhydrates for inclusion in compositions in accordance with the invention. Sodium percarbonate is an addition compound having a formula corresponding to 2Na2CO3.3H2O2, and is available commercially as a crystalline solid. Sodium percarbonate, being a hydrogen peroxide addition compound tends on dissolution to release the hydrogen peroxide quite rapidly which can increase the tendency for localised high bleach concentrations to arise. The percarbonate is most preferably incoφorated into such compositions in a coated form which provides in-product stability.
A suitable coating material providing in product stability comprises mixed salt of a water soluble alkali metal sulphate and carbonate. Such coatings together with coating processes have previously been described in GB- 1,466,799, granted to Interox on 9th March 1977. The weight ratio of the mixed salt coating material to percarbonate lies in the range from 1 : 200 to 1 : 4, more preferably from 1 : 99 to 1 : 9, and most preferably from 1 : 49 to 1 : 19. Preferably, the mixed salt is of sodium sulphate and sodium carbonate which has the general formula Na2SO4.n.Na2CO3 wherein n is from 0.1 to 3, preferably n is from 0.3 to 1.0 and most preferably n is from 0.2 to 0.5.
Another suitable coating material providing in product stability, comprises sodium silicate of Siθ2 : Na2θ ratio from 1.8 : 1 to 3.0 : 1, preferably 1.8:1 to 2.4:1, and/or sodium metasilicate, preferably applied at a level of from 2% to 10%, (normally from 3% to 5%>) of Siθ2 by weight of the inorganic perhydrate salt. Magnesium silicate can also be included in the coating. Coatings that contain silicate and borate salts or boric acids or other inorganics are also suitable. Other coatings which contain waxes, oils, fatty soaps can also be used advantageously within the present invention.
Potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt of utility in the compositions herein.
Peroxyacid bleach precursor
Peroxyacid bleach precursors are compounds which react with hydrogen peroxide in a perhydrolysis reaction to produce a peroxyacid. Generally peroxyacid bleach precursors may be represented as
O X- C - L
where L is a leaving group and X is essentially any functionality, such that on perhydrolysis the stmcture of the peroxyacid produced is
O X- C - OOH
Peroxyacid bleach precursor compounds are preferably incoφorated at a level of from 0.5% to 20% by weight, more preferably from 1%> to 10% by weight, most preferably from 1.5% to 5% by weight of the compositions.
Suitable peroxyacid bleach precursor compounds typically contain one or more N- or O-acyl groups, which precursors can be selected from a wide range of classes. Suitable classes include anhydrides, esters, imides, lactams and acylated derivatives of imidazoles and oximes. Examples of useful materials within these classes are disclosed in GB-A-1586789. Suitable esters are disclosed in GB-A-836988, 864798, 1147871, 2143231 and EP-A-0170386. Leaving groups
The leaving group, hereinafter L group, must be sufficiently reactive for the perhydrolysis reaction to occur within the optimum time frame (e.g., a wash cycle). However, if L is too reactive, this activator will be difficult to stabilise for use in a bleaching composition.
Preferred L groups are selected from the group consisting of:
Figure imgf000049_0001
O Λ O
N-C-R1 — N N -N-C-CH-R4 R3 Y
R3 Y I
I
O-CH=C- CH= =CH2 -o- CH- =C- -CH= =CH2
Figure imgf000049_0002
R3 O Y
1 A II I ,
-0-C=CHR4 , and — N-S-CH-R4
L H R3 O and mixtures thereof, wherein R is an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R is an alkyl chain containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R is H or R , R5 is an alkenyl chain containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and Y is H or a solubilizing group. Any of R 1 , R3 and R 4 may be substituted by essentially any functional group including, for example alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, halogen, amine, nitrosyl, amide and ammonium or alkyl ammonium groups.
The preferred solubilizing groups are -SO3 "M+, -CO2 "M+, -SO4 "M+, -N+(R3)4X"
3 - + - + 3 and O<~N(R ),, and most preferably -SO., M and -CO- M wherein R is an alkyl chain containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, M is a cation which provides solubility to the bleach activator and X is an anion which provides solubility to the bleach activator. Preferably, M is an alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, with sodium and potassium being most preferred, and X is a halide, hydroxide, methylsulfate or acetate anion.
Perbenzoic acid precursor
Perbenzoic acid precursor compounds provide perbenzoic acid on perhydrolysis.
Suitable O-acylated perbenzoic acid precursor compounds include the substituted and unsubstituted benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonates, including for example benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonate:
Figure imgf000050_0001
Also suitable are the benzoylation products of sorbitol, glucose, and all saccharides with benzoylating agents, including for example:
Figure imgf000051_0001
Ac = COCH3; Bz = Benzoyl
Perbenzoic acid precursor compounds of the imide type include N-benzoyl succinimide, tetrabenzoyl ethylene diamine and the N-benzoyl substituted ureas. Suitable imidazole type perbenzoic acid precursors include N-benzoyl imidazole and N-benzoyl benzimidazole and other useful N-acyl group-containing perbenzoic acid precursors include N-benzoyl pyrrolidone, dibenzoyl taurine and benzoyl pyroglutamic acid.
Other perbenzoic acid precursors include the benzoyl diacyl peroxides, the benzoyl tetraacyl peroxides, and the compound having the formula:
Figure imgf000051_0002
Phthalic anhydride is another suitable perbenzoic acid precursor compound herein:
Figure imgf000052_0001
Suitable N-acylated lactam perbenzoic acid precursors have the formula:
Figure imgf000052_0002
wherein n is from 0 to 8, preferably from 0 to 2, and R is a benzoyl group.
Perbenzoic acid derivative precursors
Perbenzoic acid derivative precursors provide substituted perbenzoic acids on perhydrolysis.
Suitable substituted perbenzoic acid derivative precursors include any of the herein disclosed perbenzoic precursors in which the benzoyl group is substituted by essentially any non-positively charged (i.e.; non-cationic) functional group including, for example alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, halogen, amine, nitrosyl and amide groups.
A preferred class of substituted perbenzoic acid precursor compounds are the amide substituted compounds of the following general formulae:
R1 — — Cc —- - NN — — R R2 — - Cc- - L R P — NN — -c R
O R5 O or R5 O O
wherein R is an aryl or alkaryl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 is an arylene, or alkarylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and R^ is H or an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and L can be essentially any leaving group. R preferably contains from 6 to 12 carbon atoms. R2 preferably contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms. R may be aryl, substituted aryl or alkylaryl containing branching, substitution, or both and may be sourced from either synthetic sources or natural sources including for example, tallow fat. Analogous stmctural variations are permissible for R2. The substitution can include alkyl, aryl, halogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other typical substituent groups or organic compounds. R^ is preferably H or methyl. R and R^ should not contain more than 18 carbon atoms in total. Amide substituted bleach activator compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386. Cationic peroxyacid precursors
Cationic peroxyacid precursor compounds produce cationic peroxyacids on perhydrolysis.
Typically, cationic peroxyacid precursors are formed by substituting the peroxyacid part of a suitable peroxyacid precursor compound with a positively charged functional group, such as an ammonium or alkyl ammonium group, preferably an ethyl or methyl ammonium group. Cationic peroxyacid precursors are typically present in the compositions as a salt with a suitable anion, such as for example a halide ion or a methylsulfate ion.
The peroxyacid precursor compound to be so cationically substituted may be a perbenzoic acid, or substituted derivative thereof, precursor compound as described hereinbefore. Alternatively, the peroxyacid precursor compound may be an alkyl percarboxylic acid precursor compound or an amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursor as described hereinafter
Cationic peroxyacid precursors are described in U.S. Patents 4,904,406; 4,751,015; 4,988,451 ; 4,397,757; 5,269,962; 5,127,852; 5,093,022; 5,106,528; U.K. 1,382,594; EP 475,512, 458,396 and 284,292; and in JP 87-318,332.
Suitable cationic peroxyacid precursors include any of the ammonium or alkyl ammonium substituted alkyl or benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonates, N-acylated caprolactams, and monobenzoyltetraacetyl glucose benzoyl peroxides.
A preferred cationically substituted benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonate is the 4-(trimethyl ammonium) methyl derivative of benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonate:
Figure imgf000055_0001
A preferred cationically substituted alkyl oxybenzene sulfonate has the formula:
Figure imgf000055_0002
Preferred cationic peroxyacid precursors of the N-acylated caprolactam class include the trialkyl ammonium methylene benzoyl caprolactams, particularly trimethyl ammonium methylene benzoyl caprolactam:
O O
Figure imgf000055_0003
Other preferred cationic peroxyacid precursors of the N-acylated caprolactam class include the trialkyl ammonium methylene alkyl caprolactams:
O O
Figure imgf000055_0004
where n is from 0 to 12, particularly from 1 to 5. Another preferred cationic peroxyacid precursor is 2-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) ethyl sodium 4-sulphophenyl carbonate chloride.
Alkyl percarboxylic acid bleach precursors
Alkyl percarboxylic acid bleach precursors form percarboxylic acids on perhydrolysis. Preferred precursors of this type provide peracetic acid on perhydrolysis.
Preferred alkyl percarboxylic precursor compounds of the imide type include the N- ,N,N N tetra acetylated alkylene diamines wherein the alkylene group contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, particularly those compounds in which the alkylene group contains 1, 2 and 6 carbon atoms. Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) is particularly preferred.
Other preferred alkyl percarboxylic acid precursors include sodium 3,5,5-tri-methyl hexanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (iso-NOBS), sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS), sodium acetoxybenzene sulfonate (ABS) and penta acetyl glucose.
Amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursors
Amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursor compounds are also suitable, including those of the following general formulae:
R c- - NN —— RR2 - -c- - L R P N N — C R
O R5 O or R5 O O
wherein R is an alkyl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and R^ is H or an alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and L can be essentially any leaving group. Rl preferably contains from 6 to 12 carbon atoms. R2 preferably contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms. R may be straight chain or branched alkyl containing branching, substitution, or both and may be sourced from either synthetic sources or natural sources including for example, tallow fat. Analogous structural variations are permissible for R2. The substitution can include alkyl, halogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other typical substituent groups or organic compounds. R^ is preferably H or methyl. R and R^ should not contain more than 18 carbon atoms in total. Amide substituted bleach activator compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386.
Benzoxazin organic peroxyacid precursors
Also suitable are precursor compounds of the benzoxazin-type, as disclosed for example in EP-A-332,294 and EP-A-482,807, particularly those having the formula:
Figure imgf000057_0001
including the substituted benzoxazins of the type
Figure imgf000057_0002
wherein R, is H, alkyl, alkaryl, aryl, arylalkyl, and wherein R~, R.,, R., and R<- may be the same or different substituents selected from H, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, amino, alkyl amino, COORfi (wherein Rfi is H or an alkyl group) and carbonyl functions. An especially preferred precursor of the benzoxazin-type is:
Figure imgf000058_0001
Preformed organic peroxyacid
The organic peroxyacid bleaching system may contain, in addition to, or as an alternative to, an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor compound, a preformed organic peroxyacid , typically at a level of from 0.5% to 25% by weight, more preferably from 1% to 10%> by weight of the composition.
A preferred class of organic peroxyacid compounds are the amide substituted compounds of the following general formulae:
R C N — R2 C OOH
O R5 O or
R - — N — C - R2 - — C — OOH
R5 0 O
wherein R is an alkyl, aryl or alkaryl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R2 is an alkylene, arylene, and alkarylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and R is H or an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Rl preferably contains from 6 to 12 carbon atoms. R2 preferably contains from 4 to 8 carbon atoms. R may be straight chain or branched alkyl, substituted aryl or alkylaryl containing branching, substitution, or both and may be sourced from either synthetic sources or natural sources including for example, tallow fat. Analogous structural variations are permissible for R2. The substitution can include alkyl, aryl, halogen, nitrogen, sulphur and other typical substituent groups or organic compounds. R^ is preferably H or methyl. R and R^ should not contain more than 18 carbon atoms in total. Amide substituted organic peroxyacid compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386.
Other organic peroxyacids include diacyl and tetraacylperoxides, especially diperoxydodecanedioc acid, diperoxytetradecanedioc acid, and diperoxyhexadecanedioc acid. Dibenzoyl peroxide is a preferred organic peroxyacid herein. Mono- and diperazelaic acid, mono- and diperbrassylic acid, and N- phthaloylaminoperoxicaproic acid are also suitable herein.
Controlled rate of release - means
A means may be provided for controlling the rate of release of bleaching agent, particularly oxygen bleach to the wash solution.
Means for controlling the rate of release of the bleach may provide for controlled release of peroxide species to the wash solution. Such means could, for example, include controlling the release of any inorganic perhydrate salt, acting as a hydrogen peroxide source, to the wash solution.
Suitable controlled release means can include confining the bleach to either the compressed or non-compressed portions. Where more than one non-compressed portions are present, the bleach may be confined to the first and/or second and/or optional subsequent non-compressed portions.
Another mechanism for controlling the rate of release of bleach may be by coating the bleach with a coating designed to provide the controlled release. The coating may therefore, for example, comprise a poorly water soluble material, or be a coating of sufficient thickness that the kinetics of dissolution of the thick coating provide the controlled rate of release.
The coating material may be applied using various methods. Any coating material is typically present at a weight ratio of coating material to bleach of from 1 :99 to 1 :2, preferably from 1 :49 to 1 :9.
Suitable coating materials include triglycerides (e.g. partially) hydrogenated vegetable oil, soy bean oil, cotton seed oil) mono or diglycerides, microcrystalline waxes, gelatin, cellulose, fatty acids and any mixtures thereof.
Other suitable coating materials can comprise the alkali and alkaline earth metal sulphates, silicates and carbonates, including calcium carbonate and silicas.
A preferred coating material, particularly for an inorganic perhydrate salt bleach source, comprises sodium silicate of Siθ2 : Na2θ ratio from 1.8 : 1 to 3.0 : 1, preferably 1.8:1 to 2.4:1, and/or sodium metasihcate, preferably applied at a level of from 2% to 10%, (normally from 3% to 5%) of Siθ2 by weight of the inorganic perhydrate salt. Magnesium silicate can also be included in the coating.
Any inorganic salt coating materials may be combined with organic binder materials to provide composite inorganic salt/organic binder coatings. Suitable binders include the C10-C20 alcohol ethoxylates containing from 5 - 100 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol and more preferably the C15-C20 primary alcohol ethoxylates containing from 20 - 100 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
Other preferred binders include certain polymeric materials. Polyvinylpyrrolidones with an average molecular weight of from 12,000 to 700,000 and polyethylene glycols (PEG) with an average molecular weight of from 600 to 5 x 10^ preferably 1000 to 400,000 most preferably 1000 to 10,000 are examples of such polymeric materials. Copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene, methylvinyl ether or methacrylic acid, the maleic anhydride constituting at least 20 mole percent of the polymer are further examples of polymeric materials useful as binder agents. These polymeric materials may be used as such or in combination with solvents such as water, propylene glycol and the above mentioned C \ 0-C20 alcohol ethoxylates containing from 5 - 100 moles of ethylene oxide per mole. Further examples of binders include the Ci 0-C20 mono- and diglycerol ethers and also the Ci 0-C20 fattY acids.
Cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose, and homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts are other examples of binders suitable for use herein.
One method for applying the coating material involves agglomeration. Preferred agglomeration processes include the use of any of the organic binder materials described hereinabove. Any conventional agglomerator/mixer may be used including, but not limited to pan, rotary drum and vertical blender types. Molten coating compositions may also be applied either by being poured onto, or spray atomized onto a moving bed of bleaching agent.
Other means of providing the required controlled release include mechanical means for altering the physical characteristics of the bleach to control its solubility and rate of release. Suitable protocols could include compression, mechanical injection, manual injection, and adjustment of the solubility of the bleach compound by selection of particle size of any particulate component.
Whilst the choice of particle size will depend both on the composition of the particulate component, and the desire to meet the desired controlled release kinetics, it is desirable that the particle size should be more than 500 micrometers, preferably having an average particle diameter of from 800 to 1200 micrometers. Additional protocols for providing the means of controlled release include the suitable choice of any other components of the detergent composition matrix such that when the composition is introduced to the wash solution the ionic strength environment therein provided enables the required controlled release kinetics to be achieved.
Metal-containing bleach catalyst
The compositions described herein which contain bleach as an active detergent component may additionally contain as a preferred component, a metal containing bleach catalyst. Preferably the metal containing bleach catalyst is a transition metal containing bleach catalyst, more preferably a manganese or cobalt-containing bleach catalyst.
A suitable type of bleach catalyst is a catalyst comprising a heavy metal cation of defined bleach catalytic activity, such as copper, iron cations, an auxiliary metal cation having little or no bleach catalytic activity, such as zinc or aluminium cations, and a sequestrant having defined stability constants for the catalytic and auxiliary metal cations, particularly ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) and water-soluble salts thereof. Such catalysts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. 4,430,243.
Preferred types of bleach catalysts include the manganese-based complexes disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,246,621 and U.S. Pat. 5,244,594. Preferred examples of these catalysts include Mnl v 2(11-0)3 (1,4,7-trimethyl- l,4,7-triazacyclononane)2- (PF6)2, Mnι 2(u-O)ι (u-OAc)2(l ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)2-(Clθ4)2, MnIV4(u-O)6(l,4,7-triazacyclononane)4-(ClO4)2, Mnι MnIV (u-O)1(u-OAc)2- (1 ,4,7-trimethyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane)2-(Clθ4)3, and mixtures thereof. Others are described in European patent application publication no. 549,272. Other ligands suitable for use herein include l,5,9-trimethyl-l,5,9-triazacyclododecane, 2- methyl- 1 ,4,7-triazacyclononane, 2-methyl-l ,4,7-triazacyclononane, 1 ,2,4,7- tetramethyl- 1,4,7- triazacyclononane, and mixtures thereof.
The bleach catalysts useful in the compositions herein may also be selected as appropriate for the present invention. For examples of suitable bleach catalysts see U.S. Pat. 4,246,612 and U.S. Pat. 5,227,084. See also U.S. Pat. 5,194,416 which teaches mononuclear manganese (IV) complexes such as Mn(l,4,7-trimethyl-l,4,7- triazacyclononane)(OCH3)3_(PF6).
Still another type of bleach catalyst, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,114,606, is a water- soluble complex of manganese (III), and/or (IV) with a ligand which is a non- carboxylate polyhydroxy compound having at least three consecutive C-OH groups. Preferred ligands include sorbitol, iditol, dulsitol, mannitol, xylithol, arabitol, adonitol, meso-erythritol, meso-inositol, lactose, and mixtures thereof.
U.S. Pat. 5,114,611 teaches a bleach catalyst comprising a complex of transition metals, including Mn, Co, Fe, or Cu, with an non-(macro)-cyclic ligand. Said ligands are of the formula:
R2 R3
Figure imgf000063_0001
wherein Rl, R2, R->, and R^ can each be selected from H, substituted alkyl and aryl groups such that each Rl-N=C-R2 and R3-C=N-R4 form a five or six-membered ring. Said ring can further be substituted. B is a bridging group selected from O, S. CR5R6, NR7 and C=O, wherein R5, R6, and R7 can each be H, alkyl, or aryl groups, including substituted or unsubstituted groups. Preferred ligands include pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, imidazole, pyrazole, and triazole rings. Optionally, said rings may be substituted with substituents such as alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, halide, and nitro. Particularly preferred is the ligand 2,2'-bispyridylamine. Preferred bleach catalysts include Co, Cu, Mn, Fe,-bispyridylmethane and - bispyridylamine complexes. Highly preferred catalysts include Co(2,2'- bispyridylamine)Cl2, Di(isothiocyanato)bispyridylamine-cobalt (II), trisdipyridylamine-cobalt(II) perchlorate, Co(2,2-bispyridylamine)2θ2Clθ4, Bis- (2,2'-bispyridylamine) copper(II) perchlorate, tris(di-2-pyridylamine) iron(II) perchlorate, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred examples include binuclear Mn complexes with tetra-N-dentate and bi-N- dentate ligands, including N4MnHI(u-O)2MnIvN4)+and [Bipy2MnIII(u- O)2MnI bipy2]-(ClO4)3.
While the st ctures of the bleach-catalyzing manganese complexes of the present invention have not been elucidated, it may be speculated that they comprise chelates or other hydrated coordination complexes which result from the interaction of the carboxyl and nitrogen atoms of the ligand with the manganese cation. Likewise, the oxidation state of the manganese cation during the catalytic process is not known with certainty, and may be the (+11), (+III), (+IV) or (+V) valence state. Due to the ligands' possible six points of attachment to the manganese cation, it may be reasonably speculated that multi-nuclear species and/or "cage" stmctures may exist in the aqueous bleaching media. Whatever the form of the active Mn-ligand species which actually exists, it functions in an apparently catalytic manner to provide improved bleaching performances on stubborn stains such as tea, ketchup, coffee, wine, juice, and the like.
Other bleach catalysts are described, for example, in European patent application, publication no. 408,131 (cobalt complex catalysts), European patent applications, publication nos. 384,503, and 306,089 (metallo-poφhyrin catalysts), U.S. 4,728,455 (manganese/multidentate ligand catalyst), U.S. 4,711,748 and European patent application, publication no. 224,952, (absorbed manganese on aluminosilicate catalyst), U.S. 4,601,845 (aluminosilicate support with manganese and zinc or magnesium salt), U.S. 4,626,373 (manganese/ligand catalyst), U.S. 4,119,557 (ferric complex catalyst), German Pat. specification 2,054,019 (cobalt chelant catalyst) Canadian 866,191 (transition metal-containing salts), U.S. 4,430,243 (chelants with manganese cations and non-catalytic metal cations), and U.S. 4,728,455 (manganese gluconate catalysts).
Other preferred examples include cobalt (III) catalysts having the formula:
Co[(NH3)nM'mB'bT'tQqPp] Yy
wherein cobalt is in the +3 oxidation state; n is an integer from 0 to 5 (preferably 4 or 5; most preferably 5); M' represents a monodentate ligand; m is an integer from 0 to 5 (preferably 1 or 2; most preferably 1); B' represents a bidentate ligand; b is an integer from 0 to 2; T' represents a tridentate ligand; t is 0 or 1 ; Q is a tetradentate ligand; q is 0 or 1 ; P is a pentadentate ligand; p is 0 or 1 ; and n + m + 2b + 3t + 4q + 5p = 6; Y is one or more appropriately selected counteranions present in a number y, where y is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 2 to 3; most preferably 2 when Y is a -1 charged anion), to obtain a charge-balanced salt, preferred Y are selected from the group consisting of chloride, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, citrate, acetate, carbonate, and combinations thereof; and wherein further at least one of the coordination sites attached to the cobalt is labile under automatic dishwashing use conditions and the remaining co-ordination sites stabilise the cobalt under automatic dishwashing conditions such that the reduction potential for cobalt (III) to cobalt (II) under alkaline conditions is less than 0.4 volts (preferably less than 0.2 volts) versus a normal hydrogen electrode.
Preferred cobalt catalysts of this type have the formula:
[Co(NH3)n(M')m] Yy
wherein n is an integer from 3 to 5 (preferably 4 or 5; most preferably 5); M' is a labile coordinating moiety, preferably selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, hydroxide, water, and (when m is greater than 1 ) combinations thereof; m is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 1 or 2; most preferably 1); m+n = 6; and Y is an appropriately selected counteranion present in a number y, which is an integer from 1 to 3 (preferably 2 to 3; most preferably 2 when Y is a -1 charged anion), to obtain a charge-balanced salt.
The preferred cobalt catalyst of this type useful herein are cobalt pentaamine chloride salts having the formula [Co(NH3)5Cl] Yy, and especially [Co(NH3)5Cl]Cl2.
More preferred are the present invention compositions which utilize cobalt (III) bleach catalysts having the formula:
[Co(NH3)n(M)m(B)b] Ty
wherein cobalt is in the +3 oxidation state; n is 4 or 5 (preferably 5); M is one or more ligands coordinated to the cobalt by one site; m is 0, 1 or 2 (preferably 1); B is a ligand co-ordinated to the cobalt by two sites; b is 0 or 1 (preferably 0), and when b=0, then m+n = 6, and when b=l, then m=0 and n=4; and T is one or more appropriately selected counteranions present in a number y, where y is an integer to obtain a charge-balanced salt (preferably y is 1 to 3; most preferably 2 when T is a -1 charged anion); and wherein further said catalyst has a base hydrolysis rate constant of less than 0.23 M"1 s"1 (25°C).
Preferred T are selected from the group consisting of chloride, iodide, I3", formate, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, sulfite, citrate, acetate, carbonate, bromide, PF5", BF4", B(Ph)4", phosphate, phosphite, silicate, tosylate, methanesulfonate, and combinations thereof. Optionally, T can be protonated if more than one anionic group exists in T, e.g., HPO42", HCO3", H2PO4", etc. Further, T may be selected from the group consisting of non-traditional inorganic anions such as anionic surfactants (e.g., linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), alkyl sulfates (AS), alkylethoxysulfonates (AES), etc.) and/or anionic polymers (e.g., polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, etc.).
The M moieties include, but are not limited to, for example, F", SO4"2, NCS", SCN", S2O3"2, NH3, PO^', and carboxylates (which preferably are mono-carboxylates, but more than one carboxylate may be present in the moiety as long as the binding to the cobalt is by only one carboxylate per moiety, in which case the other carboxylate in the M moiety may be protonated or in its salt form). Optionally, M can be protonated if more than one anionic group exists in M (e.g., HPO42", HCO3", H2PO4-, HOC(O)CH2C(O)O-, etc.) Preferred M moieties are substituted and unsubstituted C1-C30 carboxylic acids having the formulas:
RC(O)O-
wherein R is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Ci -C30 (preferably C1 -C18) unsubstituted and substituted alkyl, C6-C30 (preferably Cg- Cjg) unsubstituted and substituted aryl, and C3-C30 (preferably C5-C18) unsubstituted and substituted heteroaryl, wherein substituents are selected from the group consisting of -NR'3, -NR'4+, -C(O)OR', -OR', -C(O)NR'2, wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and Cj-Cg moieties. Such substituted R therefore include the moieties -(CH2)nOH and -(CH2)n R'4+, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 16, preferably from 2 to 10, and most preferably from 2 to 5.
Most preferred M are carboxylic acids having the formula above wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, straight or branched C4-C12 alkyl, and benzyl. Most preferred R is methyl. Preferred carboxylic acid M moieties include formic, benzoic, octanoic, nonanoic, decanoic, dodecanoic, malonic, maleic, succinic, adipic, phthalic, 2-ethylhexanoic, naphthenoic, oleic, palmitic, triflate, tartrate, stearic, butyric, citric, acrylic, aspartic, fumaric, lauric, linoleic, lactic, malic, and especially acetic acid. The B moieties include carbonate, di- and higher carboxylates (e.g., oxalate, malonate, malic, succinate, maleate), picolinic acid, and alpha and beta amino acids (e.g., glycine, alanine, beta-alanine, phenylalanine).
Cobalt bleach catalysts useful herein are known, being described for example along with their base hydrolysis rates, in M. L. Tobe, "Base Hydrolysis of Transition- Metal Complexes", Adv. Inorg. Bioinorg. Mech.. (1983), 2, pages 1-94. For example, Table 1 at page 17, provides the base hydrolysis rates (designated therein as koH) f°r cobalt pentaamine catalysts complexed with oxalate (k()H= 2.5 x 10"4 M-l s- (25°C)), NCS" (k0H= 5-0 x 10"4 M"l s"l (25°C)), formate (k0H= 5.8 x 10' 4 M- s- (25°C)), and acetate (k0H= 9.6 x 10" M"l s"l (25°C)). The most preferred cobalt catalyst useful herein are cobalt pentaamine acetate salts having the formula [Co(NH3)5OAc] Ty, wherein OAc represents an acetate moiety, and especially cobalt pentaamine acetate chloride, [Co(NH3)5OAc]Cl2; as well as [Co(NH3)5OAc](OAc)2; [Co(NH3)5OAc](PF6)2; [Co(NH3)5OAc](SO4); [Co. (NH3)5OAc](BF4)2; and [Co(NH3)5OAc](NO3)2 (herein "PAC").
These cobalt catalysts are readily prepared by known procedures, such as taught for example in the Tobe article hereinbefore and the references cited therein, in U.S. Patent 4,810,410, to Diakun et al, issued March 7,1989, J. Chem. Ed. (19891 66 (12), 1043-45; The Synthesis and Characterization of Inorganic Compounds, W.L. Jolly (Prentice-Hall; 1970), pp. 461-3; Inorg. Chem..18, 1497-1502 (1979); Inorg. Chem.. 21, 2881-2885 (1982); Inorg. Chem..18, 2023-2025 (1979); Inorg. Synthesis, 173-176 (1960); and Journal of Physical Chemistry. 56. 22-25 (1952); as well as the synthesis examples provided hereinafter.
Cobalt catalysts suitable for incoφoration into the detergent tablets of the present invention may be produced according to the synthetic routes disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,559,261, 5,581,005, and 5,597,936, the disclosures of which are herein incoφorated by reference. These catalysts may be co-processed with adjunct materials so as to reduce the colour impact if desired for the aesthetics of the product, or to be included in enzyme-containing particles as exemplified hereinafter, or the compositions may be manufactured to contain catalyst "speckles".
Organic polymeric compound
Organic polymeric compounds may be added as preferred components of the detergent tablets in accord with the invention. By organic polymeric compound it is meant essentially any polymeric organic compound commonly found in detergent compositions having dispersant, anti-redeposition, soil release agents or other detergency properties.
Organic polymeric compound is typically incoφorated in the detergent compositions of the invention at a level of from 0.1% to 30%, preferably from 0.5% to 15%, most preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of the compositions.
Examples of organic polymeric compounds include the water soluble organic homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic acids, modified polycarboxylates or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl radicals separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms. Polymers of the latter type are disclosed in GB-A-1 ,596,756. Examples of such salts are polyacrylates of molecular weight 2000-10000 and their copolymers with any suitable other monomer units including modified acrylic, fumaric, maleic, itaconic, aconitic, mesaconic, citraconic and methylenemalonic acid or their salts, maleic anhydride, acrylamide, alkylene, vinylmethyl ether, styrene and any mixtures thereof. Preferred are the copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic anhydride having a molecular weight of from 20,000 to 100,000. Preferred commercially available acrylic acid containing polymers having a molecular weight below 15,000 include those sold under the tradename Sokalan PA30, PA20, PA15, PA10 and Sokalan CP10 by BASF GmbH, and those sold under the tradename Acusol 45N, 480N, 460N by Rohm and Haas.
Preferred acrylic acid containing copolymers include those which contain as monomer units: a) from 90% to 10%, preferably from 80% to 20% by weight acrylic acid or its salts and b) from 10%> to 90%, preferably from 20% to 80% by weight of a substituted acrylic monomer or its salts having the general formula -[CR2- CRι(CO-O-R3)]- wherein at least one of the substituents Ri , R2 or R3, preferably R\ or R2 is a 1 to 4 carbon alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, Rj or R2 can be a hydrogen and R3 can be a hydrogen or alkali metal salt. Most preferred is a substituted acrylic monomer wherein Ri is methyl, R2 is hydrogen (i.e. a methacrylic acid monomer). The most preferred copolymer of this type has a molecular weight of 3500 and contains 60% to 80%> by weight of acrylic acid and 40% to 20% by weight of methacrylic acid.
The polyamine and modified polyamine compounds are useful herein including those derived from aspartic acid such as those disclosed in EP-A-305282, EP-A- 305283 and EP-A-351629.
Other optional polymers may polyvinyl alcohols and acetates both modified and non-modified, cellulosics and modified cellulosics, polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes, and copolymers thereof, both modified and non-modified, terephthalate esters of ethylene or propylene glycol or mixtures thereof with polyoxyalkylene units.
Suitable examples are disclosed in US patent Nos. 5,591,703 , 5,597,789 and 4,490,271.
Soil Release Agents Suitable polymeric soil release agents 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 30 oxypropylene units, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more hydrophobe components comprising (i) C3 oxyalkylene terephthalate segments, wherein, if said hydrophobe components also comprise oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of oxyethylene terephthalate:C3 oxyalkylene terephthalate units is 2:1 or lower, (ii) C4~C alkylene or oxy C4-C alkylene segments, or mixtures therein, (iii) poly (vinyl ester) segments, preferably polyvinyl acetate, having a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (iv) Ci -C4 alkyl ether or C4 hydroxyalkyl ether substituents, or mixtures therein, wherein said substituents are present in the form of C1-C4 alkyl ether or C4 hydroxyalkyl ether cellulose derivatives, or mixtures therein, or a combination of (a) and (b).
Typically, the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have a degree of polymerization of from 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to 150, more preferably from 6 to 100. Suitable oxy C4-Cg alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as Mθ3S(CH2)nOCH2CH2θ-, 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 herein 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 Ci -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., C^-Cg vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048, published April 22, 1987 by Kud, et al.
Another suitable soil release agent is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate. The molecular weight of this polymeric soil release agent is in the range of from 25,000 to 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 suitable 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.
Another suitable 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. Other 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.
Another soil release agent is an oligomer with repeat units of terephthaloyl units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-l,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 one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1 ,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of from 1.7 to 1.8, and two end-cap units of sodium 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate.
Heavy metal ion sequestrant
The detergent tablets of the invention preferably contain as an optional component a heavy metal ion sequestrant. By heavy metal ion sequestrant it is meant herein components which act to sequester (chelate) heavy metal ions. These components may also have calcium and magnesium chelation capacity, but preferentially they show selectivity to binding heavy metal ions such as iron, manganese and copper.
Heavy metal ion sequestrants are generally present at a level of from 0.005% to 20%, preferably from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.25% to 7.5% and most preferably from 0.5%) to 5%> by weight of the compositions.
Heavy metal ion sequestrants, which are acidic in nature, having for example phosphonic acid or carboxylic acid functionalities, may be present either in their acid form or as a complex/salt with a suitable counter cation such as an alkali or alkaline metal ion, ammonium, or substituted ammonium ion, or any mixtures thereof. Preferably any salts/complexes are water soluble. The molar ratio of said counter cation to the heavy metal ion sequestrant is preferably at least 1:1.
Suitable heavy metal ion sequestrants for use herein include organic phosphonates, such as the amino alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonates), alkali metal ethane 1- hydroxy disphosphonates and nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates. Preferred among the above species are diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), ethylene diamine tri (methylene phosphonate) hexamethylene diamine tetra (methylene phosphonate) and hydroxy-ethylene 1,1 diphosphonate.
Other suitable heavy metal ion sequestrant for use herein include nitrilotriacetic acid and polyaminocarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminotetracetic acid, ethylenetriamine pentacetic acid, ethylenediamine disuccinic acid, ethylenediamine diglutaric acid, 2-hydroxypropylenediamine disuccinic acid or any salts thereof.
Especially preferred is ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) or the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. Preferred EDDS compounds are the free acid form and the sodium or magnesium salt or complex thereof.
Crystal growth inhibitor component
The detergent tablets preferably contain a crystal growth inhibitor component, preferably an organodiphosphonic acid component, incoφorated preferably at a level of from 0.01% to 5%, more preferably from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the compositions.
By organo diphosphonic acid it is meant herein an organo diphosphonic acid which does not contain nitrogen as part of its chemical structure. This definition therefore excludes the organo aminophosphonates, which however may be included in compositions of the invention as heavy metal ion sequestrant components. The organo diphosphonic acid is preferably a C1-C4 diphosphonic acid, more preferably a C2 diphosphonic acid, such as ethylene diphosphonic acid, or most preferably ethane 1 -hydroxy- 1,1 -diphosphonic acid (HEDP) and may be present in partially or fully ionized form, particularly as a salt or complex.
Water-soluble sulfate salt
The detergent tablet optionally contains a water-soluble sulfate salt. Where present the water-soluble sulfate salt is at the level of from 0.1 %> to 40%>, more preferably from 1% to 30%), most preferably from 5% to 25%> by weight of the compositions.
The water-soluble sulfate salt may be essentially any salt of sulfate with any counter cation. Preferred salts are selected from the sulfates of the alkali and alkaline earth metals, particularly sodium sulfate.
Alkali Metal Silicate
According to an embodiment of the present invention an alkali metal silicate is an essential component of the detergent tablet. In other embodiments of the present invention the presence of an alkali metal silicate is optional. A preferred alkali metal silicate is sodium silicate having an SiO2:Na2O ratio of from 1.8 to 3.0, preferably from 1.8 to 2.4, most preferably 2.0. Sodium silicate is preferably present at a level of less than 20%, preferably from 1% to 15%, most preferably from 3% to 12% by weight of Siθ2- The alkali metal silicate may be in the form of either the anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt.
Alkali metal silicate may also be present as a component of an alkalinity system.
The alkalinity system also preferably contains sodium metasihcate, present at a level of at least 0.4% Siθ2 by weight. Sodium metasihcate has a nominal Siθ2 : Na2θ ratio of 1.0. The weight ratio of said sodium silicate to said sodium metasihcate, measured as Siθ2, is preferably from 50:1 to 5:4, more preferably from 15:1 to 2:1, most preferably from 10:1 to 5:2.
Colourant The term 'colourant', as used herein, means any substance that absorbs specific wavelengths of light from the visible light spectrum. Such colourants when added to a detergent composition have the effect of changing the visible colour and thus the appearance of the detergent composition. Colourants may be for example either dyes or pigments. Preferably the colourants are stable in composition in which they are to be incoφorted. Thus in a composition of high pH the colourant is preferably alkali stable and in a composition of low pH the colourant is preferably acid stable.
The compressed portion and/or non compressed may contain a colourant, a mixture of colourants, coloured particles or mixture of coloured particles such that the compressed portion and the non-compressed portion have different visual appearances. Preferably one of either the compressed portion or the non- compressed comprises a colourant.
Where the non-compressed portion comprises two or more compositions of active detergent components, preferably at least one of either the first and second and/or subsequent compositions comprises a colourant. Where both the first and second and/or subsequent compositions comprise a colourant it is preferred that the colourants have a different visual appearance.
Where present the coating layer preferably comprises a colourant. Where the compressed portion and the coating layer comprise a colourant, it is preferred that the colourants provide a different visual effect.
Examples of suitable dyes include reactive dyes, direct dyes, azo dyes. Preferred dyes include phthalocyanine dyes, anthraquinone dye, quinoline dyes, monoazo, disazo and polyazo. More preferred dyes include anthraquinone, quinoline and monoazo dyes. Preferred dyes include SANDOLAN E-HRL 180% (tradename), SANDOLAN MILLING BLUE (tradename), TURQUOISE ACID BLUE (tradename) and SANDOLAN BRILLIANT GREEN (tradename) all available from Clariant UK, HEXACOL QUINOLINE YELLOW (tradename) and HEXACOL BRILLIANT BLUE (tradename) both available from Pointings, UK, ULTRA MARINE BLUE (tradename) available from Holliday or LEVAFIX TURQUISE BLUE EBA (tradename) available from Bayer, USA.
The colourant may be incoφorated into the compressed and/or non-compressed portion by any suitable method. Suitable methods include mixing all or selected active detergent components with a colourant in a drum or spraying all or selected active detergent components with the colourant in a rotating dmm.
Colourant when present as a component of the compressed portion is present at a level of from 0.001% to 1.5%, preferably from 0.01% to 1.0%, most preferably from 0.1%) to 0.3%. When present as a component of the non-compressed portion, colourant is generally present at a level of from 0.001% to 0.1%, more preferably from 0.005% to 0.05%, most preferably from 0.007% to 0.02%. When present as a component of the coating layer, colourant is present at a level of from 0.01% to 0.5%), more preferably from 0.02% to 0.1%, most preferably from 0.03% to 0.06%.
Corrosion inhibitor compound
The detergent tablets of the present invention suitable for use in dishwashing methods may contain corrosion inhibitors preferably selected from organic silver coating agents, particularly paraffin, nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds and Mn(II) compounds, particularly Mn(II) salts of organic ligands.
Organic silver coating agents are described in PCT Publication No. WO94/16047 and copending European application No. EP-A-690122. Nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds are disclosed in copending European Application no. EP-A-634,478. Mn(II) compounds for use in corrosion inhibition are described in copending European Application No. EP-A-672 749. Organic silver coating agent may be incoφorated at a level of from 0.05% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5%> by weight of the total composition.
The functional role of the silver coating agent is to form 'in use' a protective coating layer on any silverware components of the washload to which the compositions of the invention are being applied. The silver coating agent should hence have a high affinity for attachment to solid silver surfaces, particularly when present in as a component of an aqueous washing and bleaching solution with which the solid silver surfaces are being treated.
Suitable organic silver coating agents herein include fatty esters of mono- or polyhydric alcohols having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.
The fatty acid portion of the fatty ester can be obtained from mono- or polycarboxylic acids having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain. Suitable examples of monocarboxylic fatty acids include behenic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, Valerie acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid and β,β'- dihydroxyisobutyric acid. Examples of suitable polycarboxylic acids include: n- butyl-malonic acid, isocitric acid, citric acid, maleic acid, malic acid and succinic acid.
The fatty alcohol radical in the fatty ester can be represented by mono- or polyhydric alcohols having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain. Examples of suitable fatty alcohols include; behenyl, arachidyl, cocoyl, oleyl and lauryl alcohol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, ethanol, isopropanol, vinyl alcohol, diglycerol, xylitol, sucrose, erythritol, pentaerythritol, sorbitol or sorbitan.
Preferably, the fatty acid and/or fatty alcohol group of the fatty ester adjunct material have from 1 to 24 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Preferred fatty esters herein are ethylene glycol, glycerol and sorbitan esters wherein the fatty acid portion of the ester normally comprises a species selected from behenic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid or myristic acid.
The glycerol esters are also highly preferred. These are the mono-, di- or tri-esters of glycerol and the fatty acids as defined above.
Specific examples of fatty alcohol esters for use herein include: stearyl acetate, palmityl di-lactate, cocoyl isobutyrate, oleyl maleate, oleyl dimaleate , and tallowyl proprionate. Fatty acid esters useful herein include: xylitol monopalmitate, pentaerythritol monostearate, sucrose monostearate, glycerol monostearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, sorbitan esters. Suitable sorbitan esters include sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monomyristate, sorbitan monobehenate, sorbitan mono-oleate, sorbitan dilaurate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan dibehenate, sorbitan dioleate, and also mixed tallowalkyl sorbitan mono- and di-esters.
Glycerol monostearate, glycerol mono-oleate, glycerol monopalmitate, glycerol monobehenate, and glycerol distearate are preferred glycerol esters herein.
Suitable organic silver coating agents include triglycerides, mono or diglycerides, and wholly or partially hydrogenated derivatives thereof, and any mixtures thereof. Suitable sources of fatty acid esters include vegetable and fish oils and animal fats. Suitable vegetable oils include soy bean oil, cotton seed oil, castor oil, olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, grapeseed oil, palm oil and com oil.
Waxes, including microcrystalline waxes are suitable organic silver coating agents herein. Preferred waxes have a melting point in the range from 35°C to 110°C and comprise generally from 12 to 70 carbon atoms. Preferred are petroleum waxes of the paraffin and microcrystalline type which are composed of long-chain saturated hydrocarbon compounds.
Alginates and gelatin are suitable organic silver coating agents herein.
Dialkyl amine oxides such as Ci 2-C20 methylamine oxide, and dialkyl quatemary ammonium compounds and salts, such as the C 12-C20 methylammonium halides are also suitable.
Other suitable organic silver coating agents include certain polymeric materials. Polyvinylpyrrolidones with an average molecular weight of from 12,000 to 700,000, polyethylene glycols (PEG) with an average molecular weight of from 600 to 10,000, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N- vinylimidazole, and cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose are examples of such polymeric materials.
Certain perfume materials, particularly those demonstrating a high substantivity for metallic surfaces, are also useful as the organic silver coating agents herein.
Polymeric soil release agents can also be used as an organic silver coating agent.
A preferred organic silver coating agent is a paraffin oil, typically a predominantly branched aliphatic hydrocarbon having a number of carbon atoms in the range of from 20 to 50; preferred paraffin oil selected from predominantly branched C25.45 species with a ratio of cyclic to noncyclic hydrocarbons of from 1 :10 to 2:1, preferably from 1 :5 to 1 :1. A paraffin oil meeting these characteristics, having a ratio of cyclic to noncyclic hydrocarbons of 32:68, is sold by Wintershall, Salzbergen, Germany, under the trade name WINOG 70. Nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds
Suitable nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds include imidazole and derivatives thereof such as benzimidazole, 2-heptadecyl imidazole and those imidazole derivatives described in Czech Patent No. 139, 279 and British Patent GB-A- 1,137,741, which also discloses a method for making imidazole compounds.
Also suitable as nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds are pyrazole compounds and their derivatives, particularly those where the pyrazole is substituted in any of the 1, 3, 4 or 5 positions by substituents Ri , R3, R4 and R5 where Rj is any of H, CH OH, CONH3, or COCH3, R3 and R5 are any of C1-C20 alkyl or hydroxyl, and R4 is any of H, NH2 or NO2.
Other suitable nitrogen-containing corrosion inhibitor compounds include benzotriazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 1 -phenyl-5-mercapto-l ,2,3,4-tetrazole, thionalide, moφholine, melamine, distearylamine, stearoyl stearamide, cyanuric acid, aminotriazole, aminotetrazole and indazole.
Nitrogen-containing compounds such as amines, especially distearylamine and ammonium compounds such as ammonium chloride, ammonium bromide, ammonium sulphate or diammonium hydrogen citrate are also suitable.
MnfID corrosion inhibitor compounds
The detergent tablets may contain an Mn(II) corrosion inhibitor compound. The Mn(II) compound is preferably incoφorated at a level of from 0.005%) to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.01 % to 1%, most preferably from 0.02% to 0.4%> by weight of the compositions. Preferably, the Mn(II) compound is incoφorated at a level to provide from 0.1 ppm to 250 ppm, more preferably from 0.5 ppm to 50 ppm, most preferably from 1 ppm to 20 ppm by weight of Mn(II) ions in any bleaching solution. The Mn (II) compound may be an inorganic salt in anhydrous, or any hydrated forms. Suitable salts include manganese sulphate, manganese carbonate, manganese phosphate, manganese nitrate, manganese acetate and manganese chloride. The Mn(II) compound may be a salt or complex of an organic fatty acid such as manganese acetate or manganese stearate.
The Mn(II) compound may be a salt or complex of an organic ligand. In one preferred aspect the organic ligand is a heavy metal ion sequestrant. In another preferred aspect the organic ligand is a crystal growth inhibitor.
Other corrosion inhibitor compounds
Other suitable additional corrosion inhibitor compounds include, mercaptans and diols, especially mercaptans with 4 to 20 carbon atoms including lauryl mercaptan, thiophenol, thionapthol, thionalide and thioanthranol. Also suitable are saturated or unsaturated Ci Q-C20 fatty acids, or their salts, especially aluminium tristearate. The C12-C20 hydroxy fatty acids, or their salts, are also suitable. Phosphonated octa-decane and other anti-oxidants such as betahydroxytoluene (BHT) are also suitable.
Copolymers of butadiene and maleic acid, particularly those supplied under the trade reference no. 07787 by Polysciences Inc have been found to be of particular utility as corrosion inhibitor compounds.
Hydrocarbon oils
Another preferred active detergent component for use in the present invention is a hydrocarbon oil, typically a predominantly long chain, aliphatic hydrocarbons having a number of carbon atoms in the range of from 20 to 50; preferred hydrocarbons are saturated and/or branched; preferred hydrocarbon oil selected from predominantly branched C25.45 species with a ratio of cyclic to noncyclic hydrocarbons of from 1 : 10 to 2 : 1 , preferably from 1 : 5 to 1 : 1. A preferred hydrocarbon oil is paraffin. A paraffin oil meeting the characteristics as outlined above, having a ratio of cyclic to noncyclic hydrocarbons of 32:68, is sold by Wintershall, Salzbergen, Germany, under the trade name WINOG 70.
Water-soluble bismuth compound
The detergent tablets of the present invention suitable for use in dishwashing methods may contain a water-soluble bismuth compound, preferably present at a level of from 0.005%> to 20%, more preferably from 0.01% to 5%, most preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight of the compositions.
The water-soluble bismuth compound may be essentially any salt or complex of bismuth with essentially any inorganic or organic counter anion. Preferred inorganic bismuth salts are selected from the bismuth trihalides, bismuth nitrate and bismuth phosphate. Bismuth acetate and citrate are preferred salts with an organic counter anion.
Enzyme Stabilizing System
Preferred enzyme-containing compositions herein may comprise from 0.001% to 10%, preferably from 0.005% to 8%, most preferably from 0.01% to 6%, by weight of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive enzyme. Such stabilizing systems can comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acid, boronic acid, chlorine bleach scavengers and mixtures thereof. Such stabilizing systems can also comprise reversible enzyme inhibitors, such as reversible protease inhibitors.
Lime soap dispersant compound The compositions of active detergent components may contain a lime soap dispersant compound, preferably present at a level of from 0.1 % to 40% by weight, more preferably 1 %> to 20% by weight, most preferably from 2% to 10%> by weight of the compositions.
A lime soap dispersant is a material that prevents the precipitation of alkali metal, ammonium or amine salts of fatty acids by calcium or magnesium ions. Preferred lime soap disperant compounds are disclosed in PCT Application No. WO93/08877.
Suds suppressing system
The detergent tblets of the present invention, when formulated for use in machine washing compositions, preferably comprise a suds suppressing system present at a level of from 0.01%> to 15%, preferably from 0.05%> to 10%>, most preferably from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the composition.
Suitable suds suppressing systems for use herein may comprise essentially any known antifoam compound, including, for example silicone antifoam compounds, 2- alkyl and alcanol antifoam compounds. Preferred suds suppressing systems and antifoam compounds are disclosed in PCT Application No. WO93/08876 and EP- A-705 324.
Polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents
The detergent tablets herein may also comprise from 0.01% to 10 %, preferably from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents. The polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents are preferably selected from polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinylpyrrohdonepolymers or combinations thereof.
Optical brightener
The detergent tablets suitable for use in laundry washing methods as described herein, also optionally contain from 0.005% to 5% by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners.
Hydrophilic optical brighteners useful herein include those having the structural formula:
Figure imgf000087_0001
wherein Rj is selected from anilino, N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R2 is selected from N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino, moφhilino, chloro and amino; and M is a salt-forming cation such as sodium or potassium.
When in the above formula, Rj is anilino, R2 is N-2-bis-hydroxy ethyl 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 tradename Tinopal-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Coφoration. Tinopal-UNPA-GX is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein.
When in the above formula, R\ is anilino, R2 is N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2- methylamino and 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 tradename Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Coφoration.
When in the above formula, R\ is anilino, R2 is moφhilino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-moφhilino-s-triazine-2- yl)amino]2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid, sodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Coφoration.
Clay softening system
The detergent tablets suitable for use in laundry cleaning methods may contain a clay softening system comprising a clay mineral compound and optionally a clay flocculating agent.
The clay mineral compound is preferably a smectite clay compound. Smectite clays are disclosed in the US Patents No.s 3,862,058, 3,948,790, 3,954,632 and 4,062,647. European Patents No.s EP-A-299,575 and EP-A-313,146 in the name of the Procter and Gamble Company describe suitable organic polymeric clay flocculating agents.
Cationic fabric softening agents
Cationic fabric softening agents can also be incoφorated into compositions in accordance with the present invention which are suitable for use in methods of laundry washing. Suitable cationic fabric softening agents include the water insoluble tertiary amines or dilong chain amide materials as disclosed in GB-A-1 514 276 and EP-B-0 011 340.
Cationic fabric softening agents are typically incoφorated at total levels of from 0.5% to 15% by weight, normally from 1% to 5% by weight. Other optional ingredients
Other optional ingredients suitable for inclusion in the compositions of the invention include perfumes and filler salts, with sodium sulfate being a preferred filler salt.
pH of the compositions
The detergent tablets of the present invention are preferably not formulated to have an unduly high pH, in preference having a pH measured as a 1% solution in distilled water of from 8.0 to 12.5, more preferably from 9.0 to 11.8, most preferably from 9.5 to 11.5.
In another aspect of the present invention the compressed and non-compressed portions are formulated to deliver different pH.
Machine dishwashing method
Any suitable methods for machine washing or cleaning soiled tableware are envisaged.
A preferred machine dishwashing method comprises treating soiled articles selected from crockery, glassware, silverware, metallic items, cutlery and mixtures thereof, with an aqueous liquid having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of a detergent tablet in accord with the invention. By an effective amount of the detergent tablet it is meant from 8g to 60g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 3 to 10 litres, as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine dishwashing methods. Preferably the detergent tablets are from 15g to 40g in weight, more preferably from 20g to 35g in weight.
Laundry washing method
Machine laundry methods herein typically comprise treating soiled laundry with an aqueous wash solution in a washing machine having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of a machine laundry detergent tablet composition in accord with the invention. By an effective amount of the detergent tablet composition it is meant from 40g to 300g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 5 to 65 litres, as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine laundry methods.
In a preferred use aspect a dispensing device is employed in the washing method. The dispensing device is charged with the detergent product, and is used to introduce the product directly into the drum of the washing machine before the commencement of the wash cycle. Its volume capacity should be such as to be able to contain sufficient detergent product as would normally be used in the washing method. Once the washing machine has been loaded with laundry the dispensing device containing the detergent product is placed inside the dmm. At the commencement of the wash cycle of the washing machine water is introduced into the dmm and the dmm periodically rotates. The design of the dispensing device should be such that it permits containment of the dry detergent product but then allows release of this product during the wash cycle in response to its agitation as the dmm rotates and also as a result of its contact with the wash water.
To allow for release of the detergent product during the wash the device may possess a number of openings through which the product may pass. Alternatively, the device may be made of a material which is permeable to liquid but impermeable to the solid product, which will allow release of dissolved product. Preferably, the detergent product will be rapidly released at the start of the wash cycle thereby providing transient localised high concentrations of product in the dmm of the washing machine at this stage of the wash cycle.
Preferred dispensing devices are reusable and are designed in such a way that container integrity is maintained in both the dry state and during the wash cycle.
Alternatively, the dispensing device may be a flexible container, such as a bag or pouch. The bag may be of fibrous constmction coated with a water impermeable protective material so as to retain the contents, such as is disclosed in European published Patent Application No. 0018678. Alternatively it may be formed of a water-insoluble synthetic polymeric material provided with an edge seal or closure designed to rupture in aqueous media as disclosed in European published Patent Application Nos. 0011500, 0011501, 0011502, and 0011968. A convenient form of water frangible closure comprises a water soluble adhesive disposed along and sealing one edge of a pouch formed of a water impermeable polymeric film such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Examples
Abbreviations used in Examples
In the detergent compositions, the abbreviated component identifications have the following meanings:
STPP Sodium tripolyphosphate
Citrate Tri-sodium citrate dihydrate
Bicarbonate Sodium hydrogen carbonate
Citric Acid Anhydrous Citric acid
Carbonate Anhydrous sodium carbonate
Silicate Amoφhous Sodium Silicate (SiO2:Na2O ratio = 1.6-3.2)
Metasihcate Sodium metasihcate (SiO2:Na2O ratio = 1.0)
PB1 Anhydrous sodium perborate monohydrate
PB4 Sodium perborate tetrahydrate of nominal formula
NaBO2.3H2θ.H2O2
Plurafac 13-C15 mixed ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohol with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3.8 and an average degree of propoxylation of 4.5, sold under the tradename
Plurafac by BASF
Tergitol Nonionic surfactant available under the tradename Tergitol
15S9 from Union Carbide
SLF18 Epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol of Example III of
WO 94/22800 wherein 1 ,2-epoxydodecane is substituted for
1 ,2-epoxydecane available under the tradename Polytergent
SLF18D from OLIN.
TAED Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine HEDP Ethane 1 -hydroxy- 1,1 -diphosphonic acid DETPMP Diethyltriamine penta (methylene) phosphonate, marketed by monsanto under the tradename Dequest 2060
PAAC Pentaamine acetate cobalt (III) salt BzP Benzoyl Peroxide
Paraffin Paraffin oil sold under the tradename Winog 70 by
Wintershall.
Protease Proteolytic enzyme Amylase Amylolytic enzyme. BTA Benzotriazole PA30 Polyacrylic acid of average molecular weight approximately
4,500
480N Random copolymer of 7:3 acrylate/methacrylate, average molecular weight 3,500
Sulphate Anhydrous sodium sulphate. PEG 3000 Polyethylene Glycol molecular weight approximately 3000 available from Hoechst
PEG 6000 Polyethylene Glycol molecular weight approximately 6000 available from Hoechst
Sugar Household sucrose
Gelatine Gelatine Type A, 65 bloom strength available from Sigma
CMC Carboxymethylcellulose
Dodecandioic Acid C12 dicarboxylic acid
Adipic Acid C6 dicarboxylic acid
Laurie Acid C12 monocarboxylic acid
pH Measured as a 1% solution in distilled water at 20°C
In the following examples all levels are quoted as %> by weight of the compressed portion, the non-compressed portion or the coating layer: Example 1
The following illustrates examples detergent tablets of the present invention suitable for use in a dishwashing machine. The compressed portion is prepared by delivering the composition of active detergent components to a punch cavity of a modified 12 head rotary tablet press and compressing the composition at a pressure of 13KN/cm2. The modified tablet press provides tablet wherein the compressed portion has a mould. For the puφoses of Example A to F the non-compressed portion is in particulate form. The non- compressed portion is accurately delivered to the mould of the compressed portion using a nozzle feeder. The non-compressed portion is adhered to the compressed portion by coating the non-compressed portion with a coating layer which contacts the compressed portion.
Figure imgf000094_0001
Figure imgf000095_0001
Example 2
The compressed portion is prepared by delivering the composition of active detergent components to a punch cavity of a modified 12 head rotary tablet press and compressing the composition at a pressure of 13KN/cm2. The modified tablet press provides tablet wherein the compressed portion has a mould. For the puφoses of Examples G to K the non-compressed portion comprises active detergent components and a binding agent. The non-compressed portion is then poured into the mould of the compressed portion. The detergent tablet is then subjected to a conditioning step, during which time the non-compressed portion hardens.
Figure imgf000096_0001
Figure imgf000097_0001

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the detergent tablet comprises an enzyme.
2. A detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight ratio of compressed to non-compressed portion is greater than 0.5:1 and the detergent tablet comprises silicate.
3. A detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and (b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight ratio of compressed to non-compressed portion(s) is greater than 0.5:1 and the detergent tablet has a dissolution rate of greater than
0.33 g/min as determined using the SOTAX dissolution test method described herein.
4. A detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component, wherein the weight of the detergent tablet is less than 40g and the detergent tablet has a dissolution rate of greater than 0.33 g/min as determined using the SOTAX dissolution test method described herein.
5. A detergent tablet comprising:
(a) a compressed portion comprising an active detergent component; and
(b) a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion comprising an active detergent component wherein the compressed portion provides a mould and the non- compressed portion is at least partially contained in the mould.
6. A detergent tablet according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the non-compressed portion is in solid, gel or liquid form.
7. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim comprising a first and a second and optionally subsequent non-compressed portions.
8. A detergent tablet according to claim 7, when dependant on claim 6, wherein the compressed portion provides a plurality of moulds and each non-compressed portion is at least partially contained in a mould.
9. A detergent tablet according to either of claims 7 or 8 wherein at least two of the first, second and optional subsequent non-compressed portions comprises at least one different active detergent component.
10. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the non-compressed portion is coated with a coating layer.
11. A detergent tablet according to claim 10 wherein the coating layer affixes the non-compressed portion to the compressed portion.
12. A detergent tablet according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the coating layer is water- soluble.
13. A detergent tablet according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the coating layer comprises a component selected from the group consisting of fatty acids, alcohols, diols, esters and ethers, adipic acid, carboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyacetic acid (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and mixtures thereof.
14. A detergent tablet according to claim 13 wherein the coating layer comprises a component selected from the group consisting of adipic acid, lauric acid suberic acid, azelaic acid, subacic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecandioic acid, tridecanedioic acid and mixtures thereof.
15. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the non-compressed portion is in particulate form.
16. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the non-compressed portion comprises a solidified melt.
17. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the non-compressed portion comprises a binding agent selected from the group consisting of sugar, starch, gelatine, and organic polymers.
18. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the compressed portion comprises a compressed particulate active detergent component.
19. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the dissolution rate of the non-compressed portion is greater than the dissolution rate of the compressed portion measured using the SOTAX dissolution test method described herein.
20. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the dissolution rate of the compressed portion is greater than the dissolution rate of the non-compressed portion measured using the SOTAX dissolution test method described herein.
21. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim comprising an enzyme wherein the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of amylases, proteases, cellulases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, lipases, phospholipases and mixtures thereof.
22. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim comprising an alkali metal silicate.
23. A detergent tablet according to claim 22 wherein the silicate is a sodium silicate having a SiO2:Na2O ratio of from 1.0 to 3.0.
24. A detergent tablet according to any preceding claim wherein the detergent tablet additionally comprises a dismpting agent which is a disintegrating agent, an effervescing agent or mixtures thereof.
25. A detergent tablet according to claim 24 wherein the dismpting agent is selected from the group consisting of starch, starch derivatives, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based polymers, sodium acetate, aluminium oxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof.
26. A process for preparing a detergent tablet according to any preceding comprising the steps of: a) compressing a composition comprising an active detergent component to form a compressed portion; and b) delivering a composition comprising an active detergent component to the compressed portion to form a non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion.
27. A process according to claim 26 wherein the process comprises the steps of: a) compressing active detergent components to form a compressed portion having a mould; and b) delivering a composition comprising active detergent components to the mould.
28. A process according to either of Claims 26 or 27 additionally comprising a subsequent coating step wherein at least a portion of the non-compressed portion is coated with a coating layer such that the non-compressed portion substantially adheres to the compressed portion.
29. A process according to any of claims 26 to 28 additionally comprising a subsequent conditioning step, wherein the non-compressed portion and/or optionally the coating layer hardens.
30. Use of a detergent tablet according to any of claims 1 to 25 in a method for dishwashing.
31. Use of a detergent tablet according to any of claims 1 to 25 in a method for fabric laundering.
PCT/US1998/016144 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Detergent tablet WO1999006522A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR9815605-5A BR9815605A (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Detergent tablet
DE69808885T DE69808885T2 (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 METHOD FOR RINSING DISHES
AT98938306T ATE226626T1 (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 METHOD FOR WASHING DISHES
DK98938306T DK0960187T3 (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Washing Method
CA002298510A CA2298510C (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Detergent tablet
JP2000505266A JP2001512177A (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Tablet detergent
US09/485,138 US6451754B1 (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Process for preparing detergent tablet
EP98938306A EP0960187B1 (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Dishwashing method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9716351.3 1997-08-02
GB9716351A GB2327949A (en) 1997-08-02 1997-08-02 Detergent tablet

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999006522A1 true WO1999006522A1 (en) 1999-02-11

Family

ID=10816870

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/016144 WO1999006522A1 (en) 1997-08-02 1998-08-03 Detergent tablet

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (3) EP1162258B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2001512177A (en)
CN (1) CN1218029C (en)
AT (3) ATE226626T1 (en)
BR (1) BR9815605A (en)
CA (1) CA2298510C (en)
DE (3) DE69836835T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0960187T3 (en)
ES (3) ES2142782T3 (en)
GB (1) GB2327949A (en)
PT (1) PT960187E (en)
WO (1) WO1999006522A1 (en)

Cited By (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1043390A1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2000-10-11 The Procter & Gamble Company Detergent tablet
WO2001036290A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2001-05-25 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Injection-moulded water-soluble container
DE19961367A1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-07-05 Henkel Kgaa Preparation of multi-phase shaped detergent bodies, which can include regions of temperature/pressure-sensitive components, by pressing core shaped bodies and particulate premix
US6306814B1 (en) 1999-01-26 2001-10-23 Unilever Home & Personal Care, Usa Detergent compositions
DE10023812A1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2001-11-29 Reckitt Benckiser Nv Widening the choice of materials for multi-phase molded pieces, especially detergent tablets, even to pressure-sensitive materials comprises using a non-particulate matrix in the second phase of manufacture in a rotary press
EP0979864B1 (en) * 1998-07-17 2002-01-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for preparing detergent tablets
DE19964225C2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2002-01-24 Henkel Kgaa Pressing process for multi-phase moldings
WO2002016207A1 (en) 2000-08-25 2002-02-28 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process and mould for thermoforming containers
WO2002038722A2 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-05-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Reprocessing of detergent tablets
EP0960188B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2002-06-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Dishwashing method
EP1215278A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-06-19 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Transportable tablet cores
GB2371010A (en) * 2000-11-29 2002-07-17 Reckitt Benckiser Nv A process for preparing a detergent tablet
WO2002074628A1 (en) 2001-03-16 2002-09-26 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process for producing a water soluble package
WO2002085707A1 (en) 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process for preparing a water-soluble thermeformed container
WO2003062085A1 (en) * 2002-01-26 2003-07-31 Aquasol Limited Cutting or perforating water-soluble film
WO2003089329A1 (en) 2002-04-20 2003-10-30 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Water-soluble containers
EP1371721A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2003-12-17 Unilever N.V. Detergent tablets
US6737390B2 (en) 2000-03-04 2004-05-18 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Multiphase laundry detergent and cleaning product shaped bodies having noncompressed parts
EP1469061A1 (en) * 2003-04-16 2004-10-20 Unilever N.V. Multiphase cleaning tablet comprising a smooth phase and process for the preparation thereof
US6809073B2 (en) * 1999-05-17 2004-10-26 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Method of producing a multi-layer detergent tablet
US6956016B2 (en) 2001-05-14 2005-10-18 The Procter & Gamble Company Cleaning product
WO2005121302A1 (en) 2004-06-11 2005-12-22 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Process for preparing water-soluble articles
WO2006095190A2 (en) 2005-03-10 2006-09-14 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Process for the preparation of a package containing compacted composition and the package obtained with this process
US7256168B2 (en) 2000-05-17 2007-08-14 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Washing or cleaning agent shaped bodies
US7407923B2 (en) 2002-02-26 2008-08-05 Reckitt Bencklser N.V. Packaged detergent composition
WO2009016370A2 (en) 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Improvements in or relating to compositions
US7507698B2 (en) 2002-02-27 2009-03-24 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Textile articles for washing and cleaning applications
US7543707B2 (en) 2003-05-20 2009-06-09 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Water soluble container
EP2103679A2 (en) 2003-08-01 2009-09-23 Reckitt-Benckiser (UK) Limited Cleaning tablets or water-softening tablets and their manufacture
US7598217B2 (en) 2001-04-25 2009-10-06 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Multilayered detergent shaped bodies with viscoelastic phase
EP2208602A1 (en) 2005-11-16 2010-07-21 Beckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited Container from water-soluble polymer and method of ware washing
EP1292663B2 (en) † 2000-06-23 2011-02-16 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Multi-phase laundry tablets and methods for producing them
US7891515B2 (en) 2002-08-07 2011-02-22 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Water soluble container with rigid spacer
EP1157090B2 (en) † 1999-03-03 2014-08-27 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Method of preparing multi-phase moulded detergent and/or cleaning agent articles
WO2015158369A1 (en) 2014-04-15 2015-10-22 Ecolab Usa Inc. Novel solid block comprising one or more domains of prismatic or cylindrical shape and production thereof
US9249380B2 (en) 2009-08-07 2016-02-02 Robert McBride Ltd. Dosage form detergent products

Families Citing this family (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999027069A1 (en) 1997-11-26 1999-06-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Detergent tablet
US6399564B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2002-06-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Detergent tablet
ATE276350T1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2004-10-15 Procter & Gamble METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DETERGENT TABLET
DE29823750U1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2000-01-13 The Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio Detergent tablet
DE19758171A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-01 Henkel Kgaa Dishwasher detergent tablets with a specific volume ratio
DE19758183A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-01 Henkel Kgaa Washable molded body with a specific surface
DE19758176A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-01 Henkel Kgaa Dishwasher detergent tablets with surfactants
DE19758173A1 (en) * 1997-12-30 1999-07-01 Henkel Kgaa Dishwasher detergent tablets with specific geometry
US6589932B1 (en) * 1998-07-17 2003-07-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Detergent tablet
US6544944B1 (en) * 1998-07-17 2003-04-08 Procter & Gamble Company Detergent tablet
DE29911484U1 (en) * 1998-07-17 2000-02-24 The Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio Detergent tablet
US6551981B1 (en) * 1998-07-17 2003-04-22 Patrizio Ricci Detergent tablet
EP0979865B1 (en) * 1998-07-17 2002-04-10 THE PROCTER &amp; GAMBLE COMPANY Detergent tablet
IES990570A2 (en) * 1998-07-17 2000-03-08 Procter & Gamble Detergent tablet
GB9815525D0 (en) * 1998-07-17 1998-09-16 Procter & Gamble Detergent tablet
GB2348435A (en) * 1999-04-01 2000-10-04 Procter & Gamble Softening compositions
DE19944218A1 (en) * 1999-09-15 2001-03-29 Cognis Deutschland Gmbh Detergent tablets
GB9927901D0 (en) * 1999-11-25 2000-01-26 Unilever Plc Laundry product
DE60001795T2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2003-10-23 Unilever N.V., Rotterdam Use of detergents
GB0005785D0 (en) * 2000-03-11 2000-05-03 Mcbride Robert Ltd Detergent tablets
DE10209157A1 (en) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-18 Henkel Kgaa Perfumed detergent tablets
DE10209156A1 (en) * 2002-03-01 2003-09-18 Henkel Kgaa Shaped body with subsequent surfactant dosage
DE10221559B4 (en) * 2002-05-15 2009-04-30 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Detergent and detergent tablets with active phase
AU2003242641A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2003-12-22 Unilever Plc Detergent tablets
EP1642961A1 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-05 Unilever N.V. Detergent compositions in tablet form
GB2430617A (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-04-04 Anthony John Collier A shower system with washing dispenser
JP6434722B2 (en) * 2014-06-27 2018-12-05 株式会社日新化学研究所 Transfer dye remover for polyvinyl chloride products
CN106833934B (en) * 2017-01-16 2020-04-10 广州立白企业集团有限公司 Enzyme-containing sheet detergent and preparation method thereof
CN106916659B (en) * 2017-01-24 2020-05-12 纳爱斯集团有限公司 Multilayer laundry tablet and preparation method thereof
EP3825392A1 (en) 2019-11-21 2021-05-26 Dalli-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Detergent tablet comprising an effervescent system
WO2021191175A1 (en) 2020-03-24 2021-09-30 Basf Se Detergent formulation in form of a three dimensional body
EP4166638A1 (en) 2021-10-13 2023-04-19 CLARO Products GmbH Cleaning tablet for cleaning spectacles

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0055100A1 (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-06-30 Jeyes Group Limited Lavatory cleansing blocks
EP0224135A2 (en) * 1985-11-21 1987-06-03 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Compact detergents
EP0481793A1 (en) * 1990-10-19 1992-04-22 Unilever Plc Detergent composition in tablet form
JPH05331497A (en) * 1992-05-29 1993-12-14 Lion Corp Tablet detergent composition
JPH07102300A (en) * 1993-10-07 1995-04-18 Lion Corp Tabletted detergent composition

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5133892A (en) * 1990-10-17 1992-07-28 Lever Brothers Company, Division Of Conopco, Inc. Machine dishwashing detergent tablets
CA2107356C (en) * 1991-05-14 2002-09-17 Elizabeth J. Gladfelter Two part solid detergent chemical concentrate
US5316688A (en) * 1991-05-14 1994-05-31 Ecolab Inc. Water soluble or dispersible film covered alkaline composition
US5529788A (en) * 1994-10-07 1996-06-25 Southland, Ltd. Enzyme containing effervescent cleaning tablet
EP0737738B1 (en) * 1995-04-12 2003-06-25 Cleantabs A/S Bleach tablets

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0055100A1 (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-06-30 Jeyes Group Limited Lavatory cleansing blocks
EP0224135A2 (en) * 1985-11-21 1987-06-03 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Compact detergents
EP0481793A1 (en) * 1990-10-19 1992-04-22 Unilever Plc Detergent composition in tablet form
JPH05331497A (en) * 1992-05-29 1993-12-14 Lion Corp Tablet detergent composition
JPH07102300A (en) * 1993-10-07 1995-04-18 Lion Corp Tabletted detergent composition

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE WPI Section Ch Week 9403, Derwent World Patents Index; Class D16, AN 94-023143, XP002021385 *
DATABASE WPI Section Ch Week 9524, Derwent World Patents Index; Class D25, AN 95-183247, XP002083072 *

Cited By (49)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0960188B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2002-06-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Dishwashing method
EP0979864B1 (en) * 1998-07-17 2002-01-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for preparing detergent tablets
US6339059B1 (en) 1999-01-26 2002-01-15 Unilever Home & Personal Care, Division Of Conopco, Inc. Detergent compositions
US6306814B1 (en) 1999-01-26 2001-10-23 Unilever Home & Personal Care, Usa Detergent compositions
EP1157090B2 (en) † 1999-03-03 2014-08-27 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Method of preparing multi-phase moulded detergent and/or cleaning agent articles
EP1043390A1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2000-10-11 The Procter & Gamble Company Detergent tablet
WO2000061717A1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2000-10-19 The Procter Gamble Company Detergent tablet
US6809073B2 (en) * 1999-05-17 2004-10-26 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Method of producing a multi-layer detergent tablet
WO2001036290A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2001-05-25 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Injection-moulded water-soluble container
EP1647494A2 (en) 1999-11-17 2006-04-19 Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited Injection moulded water-soluble container
EP1447343A2 (en) 1999-11-17 2004-08-18 Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited Injection moulded water-soluble container
EP2266889A2 (en) 1999-11-17 2010-12-29 Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited Injection-moulded water-soluble container
DE19964225C2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2002-01-24 Henkel Kgaa Pressing process for multi-phase moldings
DE19961367A1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-07-05 Henkel Kgaa Preparation of multi-phase shaped detergent bodies, which can include regions of temperature/pressure-sensitive components, by pressing core shaped bodies and particulate premix
US6737390B2 (en) 2000-03-04 2004-05-18 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Multiphase laundry detergent and cleaning product shaped bodies having noncompressed parts
US7300911B2 (en) 2000-03-04 2007-11-27 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Method of preparing multiphase laundry detergent and cleaning product shaped bodies having noncompressed parts
DE10023812A1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2001-11-29 Reckitt Benckiser Nv Widening the choice of materials for multi-phase molded pieces, especially detergent tablets, even to pressure-sensitive materials comprises using a non-particulate matrix in the second phase of manufacture in a rotary press
US7256168B2 (en) 2000-05-17 2007-08-14 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Washing or cleaning agent shaped bodies
EP1292663B2 (en) † 2000-06-23 2011-02-16 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Multi-phase laundry tablets and methods for producing them
WO2002016207A1 (en) 2000-08-25 2002-02-28 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process and mould for thermoforming containers
WO2002038722A2 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-05-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Reprocessing of detergent tablets
WO2002038722A3 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-08-29 Procter & Gamble Reprocessing of detergent tablets
GB2371010B (en) * 2000-11-29 2003-05-14 Reckitt Benckiser Nv A process for preparing a detergent tablet
GB2371010A (en) * 2000-11-29 2002-07-17 Reckitt Benckiser Nv A process for preparing a detergent tablet
EP1215278A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-06-19 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Transportable tablet cores
WO2002074628A1 (en) 2001-03-16 2002-09-26 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process for producing a water soluble package
WO2002085707A1 (en) 2001-04-20 2002-10-31 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process for preparing a water-soluble thermeformed container
US7598217B2 (en) 2001-04-25 2009-10-06 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Multilayered detergent shaped bodies with viscoelastic phase
US7078462B2 (en) 2001-05-14 2006-07-18 The Procter & Gamble Company Cleaning product
US6956016B2 (en) 2001-05-14 2005-10-18 The Procter & Gamble Company Cleaning product
WO2003062085A1 (en) * 2002-01-26 2003-07-31 Aquasol Limited Cutting or perforating water-soluble film
US7407923B2 (en) 2002-02-26 2008-08-05 Reckitt Bencklser N.V. Packaged detergent composition
US7507698B2 (en) 2002-02-27 2009-03-24 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Textile articles for washing and cleaning applications
WO2003089329A1 (en) 2002-04-20 2003-10-30 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Water-soluble containers
EP1371721A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2003-12-17 Unilever N.V. Detergent tablets
US7891515B2 (en) 2002-08-07 2011-02-22 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Water soluble container with rigid spacer
EP1469061A1 (en) * 2003-04-16 2004-10-20 Unilever N.V. Multiphase cleaning tablet comprising a smooth phase and process for the preparation thereof
US7543707B2 (en) 2003-05-20 2009-06-09 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Water soluble container
EP2208605A1 (en) 2003-08-01 2010-07-21 Reckitt-Benckiser (UK) Limited Method of Lubricating a Particulate Material
EP2103679A2 (en) 2003-08-01 2009-09-23 Reckitt-Benckiser (UK) Limited Cleaning tablets or water-softening tablets and their manufacture
EP2208777A1 (en) 2003-08-01 2010-07-21 Beckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited Cleaning tablets or water-softening tablets and their manufacture
EP2752481A1 (en) 2004-06-11 2014-07-09 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Process for preparing water-soluble articles
WO2005121302A1 (en) 2004-06-11 2005-12-22 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Process for preparing water-soluble articles
WO2006095190A2 (en) 2005-03-10 2006-09-14 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Process for the preparation of a package containing compacted composition and the package obtained with this process
EP2944578A1 (en) 2005-03-10 2015-11-18 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Process for the preparation of a package containing compacted composition and the package obtained with this process
EP2208602A1 (en) 2005-11-16 2010-07-21 Beckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited Container from water-soluble polymer and method of ware washing
WO2009016370A2 (en) 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Reckitt Benckiser N.V. Improvements in or relating to compositions
US9249380B2 (en) 2009-08-07 2016-02-02 Robert McBride Ltd. Dosage form detergent products
WO2015158369A1 (en) 2014-04-15 2015-10-22 Ecolab Usa Inc. Novel solid block comprising one or more domains of prismatic or cylindrical shape and production thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE226626T1 (en) 2002-11-15
CN1218029C (en) 2005-09-07
DE69836835T2 (en) 2007-10-11
EP1162258B1 (en) 2007-01-03
DE69808885D1 (en) 2002-11-28
GB9716351D0 (en) 1997-10-08
DK0960187T3 (en) 2003-02-24
ES2142782T1 (en) 2000-05-01
EP1134281B1 (en) 2003-10-08
EP1134281A1 (en) 2001-09-19
DE69818871T2 (en) 2004-07-22
PT960187E (en) 2003-03-31
ATE251665T1 (en) 2003-10-15
DE69808885T2 (en) 2003-06-18
ATE350456T1 (en) 2007-01-15
JP2001512177A (en) 2001-08-21
DE69818871D1 (en) 2003-11-13
ES2280302T3 (en) 2007-09-16
GB2327949A (en) 1999-02-10
CA2298510C (en) 2004-05-11
EP1162258A2 (en) 2001-12-12
DE69836835D1 (en) 2007-02-15
EP1162258A3 (en) 2004-01-14
ES2206365T3 (en) 2004-05-16
EP0960187A1 (en) 1999-12-01
ES2142782T3 (en) 2003-05-01
EP0960187B1 (en) 2002-10-23
CA2298510A1 (en) 1999-02-11
BR9815605A (en) 2001-11-20
CN1272875A (en) 2000-11-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1162258B1 (en) Detergent tablet
US6303561B1 (en) Detergent tablet
US6274538B1 (en) Detergent compositions
US6399564B1 (en) Detergent tablet
US6599871B2 (en) Detergent tablet
EP0960188B1 (en) Dishwashing method
US6451754B1 (en) Process for preparing detergent tablet
US20080113893A1 (en) Process for preparing detergent tablet
WO1999006521A1 (en) Detergent tablet
WO2000004129A2 (en) Detergent tablet
EP1097191A2 (en) Detergent tablet
US6551982B1 (en) Detergent tablet
US6551981B1 (en) Detergent tablet
EP1113071B1 (en) Detergent compositions
WO1998047997A1 (en) Detergent tablet
WO2000004115A2 (en) Detergent tablet
CA2296354C (en) Detergent compositions
EP1097192A2 (en) Detergent tablet
US6544943B1 (en) Detergent tablet
AU4978599A (en) Detergent tablet
US6544944B1 (en) Detergent tablet
EP1184450A2 (en) Detergent tablet
WO2000012671A1 (en) Detergent tablet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 98809752.4

Country of ref document: CN

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BR CA CN JP MX US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1998938306

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1998938306

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2298510

Country of ref document: CA

Ref document number: 2298510

Country of ref document: CA

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: PA/a/2000/001179

Country of ref document: MX

Ref document number: 09485138

Country of ref document: US

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1998938306

Country of ref document: EP