WO2020109227A1

WO2020109227A1 - Large particles

Info

Publication number: WO2020109227A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/082415
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uday BAVISKAR; Soham BHATTACHARYA; Sailee Sunil GUNDEWAR; Sambhamurthy NURANI PADMANABHAN; Aditya Shrikant PAWAR; Neetu Verma
Original assignee: Unilever N.V.; Unilever Plc; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2018-11-28
Filing date: 2019-11-25
Publication date: 2020-06-04

Abstract

The present invention provides for a laundry adjunct particle for incorporation in solid laundry detergent composition, particularly concentrated solid laundry detergent composition having a large particle size. The present invention has for its object to provide a laundry adjunct particle which has high levels of crystalline acid component and yet is easily processable and has good dissolution profile and aesthetic properties. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a laundry adjunct particle having optimal bleachable stain performance. The present inventors have found that incorporating a polymer component along with high content of crystalline acid component where the polymer component and the crystalline acid component are within specific ratio ranges provides large adjunct particles with improved bleachable stain removal benefits and such particle are easily processable to provide aesthetically appealing particle appearance and having good dissolution properties.

Description

Large particles

Field of the invention

The present invention provides for a laundry adjunct particle for incorporation in solid laundry detergent composition, particularly concentrated solid laundry detergent composition having a large particle size.

Background of the invention

In today’s fast paced world, the consumers are keen to use laundry detergent compositions which provides good cleaning performance with minimal efforts and which also makes washing simpler and easier. To meet this demand formulators are constantly evolving the solid laundry detergent composition and providing detergent composition having newer benefits. The laundry detergent compositions are constantly moving towards concentrated formats in order to drive more sustainable products. One such product is the large detergent composition in the form of lenticles which has specific shape and size offering the consumer convenience of use. These lenticular detergent compositions have high active content and provides improved cleaning benefits.

A typical problem observed with the concentrated compositions is that they may still show inferior performance with respect to bleachable stains. Some work has been conducted in the past to enhance the performance on bleachable stains by

incorporating bleach and bleach activators in compositions which are in the form of large lenticular particles.

One such document is WO2017/005386 (Unilever) which discloses a bleaching adjunct having a bleaching agent PAP with specific particle size. The composition of the bleach adjunct includes an acidic component preferably citric acid in an amount of 10% by weight of the bleach adjunct. However, it was found that to produce such bleach adjunct requires continuous monitoring of the process conditions like temperature and pressure required during the extrusion. It is also known to provide organic acid and other common ingredients used in laundry composition for bringing down the pH and maintaining the pH of the composition in the range from 7.2 to 10 along with 20 to 39wt% detersive surfactant in a large detergent particle. However, the present inventors have noticed that such large detergent particle including high content of alkaline detergent active when used along with an acid component for lowering pH, did not provide optimal performance on difficult to remove bleachable stains.

Yet another prior art which relates to improving the bleachable stain performance is W09855574 A1 (Henkel, 1998) which discloses use of organic acids, especially citric acid in a substantially bleach free granular detergent composition to aid in the removal of bleachable soils on fabric. The composition includes organic acid (citric acid) in an unprocessed form that is the organic acid is either added separately or subsequently admixed to the processed granular detergent composition.

While use of citric acid as an aid in the removal of bleachable soil on fabric is known, the processing of the citric acid or other crystalline acid component have been known to presents certain challenges. One such problem as identified in EP0612843 A1 (Unilever, 1994) is that granulating crystalline organic acid material using water or polymer solution presents difficulties unlike many particulate materials. As explained in this document, in absence of pores in the crystalline structure of the solid acid component the added liquid during granulation process results in a mass which becomes sluggish and does not bind. Also, it is believed that most crystalline solid acid ingredients are sticky (gellish), and sensitive to work (e. g., thinning/gelling in response to shear) and these inherent properties slow down or even stop the extrusion/plodding and tend to give undesired mushiness and softness to extruded particles.

EP 2639291 A1 (Unilever) discloses a particulate concentrated detergent composition with controlled flow of the composition. The particle includes a core comprising surfactant and a shell coating. WO 2013/149754 A1 (Unilever) discloses a large coated laundry detergent particle with pigments in the core which gives low levels of staining. The large coated detergent particles include lower levels of citric acid. While investigating ways of providing desirable bleachable stain removal benefits using compositions having large particle structure, the present inventors have found that an improvement in bleachable stain removal benefits is seen when the incorporation levels of the crystalline acid component such as citric acid is in the range from 15wt% to 50wt% and at these high levels some commonly encountered processing issue faced include an increase in the mixing time and drying time and in that the extrudable mass has higher tackiness during granulating and extrusion of the composition.

It is also desired to provide a laundry composition in the form of large particles which includes high levels of detersive active content and which also provides optimal bleaching performance. It is further desirable to provide laundry composition having large particle providing optimal bleaching performance while such particles are easily processable and have good dissolution profile and aesthetic properties.

Thus, the present inventors have investigated ways of improving the laundry adjunct particle having a large particle size which performs adequately and gives the benefits of good cleaning performance, improved bleaching performance and fabric care performance.

It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a laundry adjunct particle which has high levels of crystalline acid component and yet is easily processable and has good dissolution profile and aesthetic properties.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a laundry adjunct particle having optimal bleachable stain performance.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a laundry adjunct particle which provides good perfume stability over extended storage periods. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition having the laundry adjunct particle along with a laundry detergent particle with improved cleaning performance and fabric care performance. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide solid laundry detergent composition which uses fewer chemicals per wash while providing increased cleaning performance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition which provides a detergent composition which removes stains effectively with less mess than a powder but with the care and intense freshness of a liquid, all in one product.

Summary of the invention

The present inventors have found that in a laundry adjunct particle incorporating a polymer component along with high content of crystalline acid component where the polymer component and the crystalline acid component are within specific ratio ranges provides the large laundry adjunct particle with improved bleachable stain removal benefits and such particle are easily processable to provide aesthetically appealing particle appearance and having good dissolution properties.

The present inventors have thus sought to provide a laundry adjunct particle which provides improved bleachable stain removal performance while maintaining an aesthetically appealing particle appearance with perpendicular dimension x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.5 to 2 mm, y is from 2 to 8 mm, and z is from 2 to 8 mm and which composition includes 15wt% to 50wt% crystalline acid component and wherein the ratio of the crystalline acid component and polymer component is in the range from 0.1 :1 to 1 :1 and where the laundry adjunct particle has a pH ranging from 2.5 to 7.5. Further it was surprisingly found that while crystalline acid component is generally non absorbing and also tend to cause deterioration of perfume resulting in off-odour and eventually total loss of perfume on storage in the inventive laundry adjunct particle combining the crystalline acid component with the polymer in specific ratio ranges showed good perfume stability over extended storage periods.

According to a first aspect of the present invention disclosed is a laundry adjunct particle having a perpendicular dimension x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, y is from 2 mm to 8 mm, and z is from 2 mm to 8 mm, said particle comprising: i. from 15 wt.% to 50 wt.% crystalline acid component;

ii. from 5 wt.% to 60 wt.% polymer component;

wherein the ratio by weight of the crystalline acid component to the polymer component is from 0.1 :1 to 1 :1 and wherein at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C, the particle has an equilibrium pH in the range from 2.5 to 7.5.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a laundry composition comprising the laundry adjunct particle as disclosed in the invention. Disclosed is a laundry composition comprising:

i. a coated detergent particle having a core and a coating enveloping the core, the coated detergent particle has a perpendicular dimensions x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, y is from 2 mm to 8 mm, and z is from 2 mm to 8 mm, wherein the particle comprises:

a) from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.% surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant; b) from 10 wt.% to 40 wt.% water-soluble material selected from inorganic salt, organic salt or mixtures thereof; and,

wherein the core comprises 95 parts to 100 parts of the total surfactant content and the coating comprises from 3 parts to 100 parts of the total water-soluble material; and, ii. from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.% laundry adjunct particle according to the first aspect of the present invention,

wherein at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C, the composition has a pH in the range from 6.5 to 9.5. Detailed description of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention disclosed is a laundry adjunct particle which includes crystalline acid component and a polymer component. Laundry adjunct particle

The laundry adjunct particle according to the first aspect of the present invention has a perpendicular dimension x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, y is from 2 mm to 8 mm, and z is from 2 mm to 8 mm.

The laundry adjunct particle comprises from 15 wt.% to 50 wt.% crystalline acid component and from 5 wt.% to 60 wt.% polymer component.

The ratio by weight of the crystalline acid component to the polymer component in the laundry adjunct particle is from 0.1 :1 to 1 :1. Preferably the weight ratio is from 0.3:1 to 1 :1 , still preferably from 0.5:1 to 1 :1.

The laundry adjunct particle when measured at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C, the particle has an equilibrium pH in the range from 2.5 to 7.5, preferably the pH is in the range from 4 to 7, still preferably from 4 to 6.5, further preferably from 4 to 6.

The adjunct particle preferably comprises from 0 wt.% to 15 wt.% water, more preferably 0 wt.% to 10 wt.%, most preferably from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.% water, at 293K and 50% relative humidity. This facilitates the storage stability of the particle and its mechanical properties.

Preferably the laundry adjunct particle is an extruded particle.

Crystalline acid component:

According to a first aspect, the present invention discloses a laundry adjunct particle having from 15wt% to 50wt% crystalline acid component. Preferably the crystalline acid component is selected from the group consisting of (i) acid form of an organic acid, an inorganic acid, a mineral acid or mixtures thereof; (ii) salt form or anhydride form of an organic acid having a pH measured at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C of 6 or less than 6 or mixtures thereof. Preferably the crystalline acid component is an acid form or a salt form of organic acid, preferably where the organic acid is citric acid. Preferably, in the context of the present invention, in an aqueous solution at 25°C and 1 atmosphere pressure, the crystalline acid component has dissociable hydrogen ion or has a maximum pKa (pKa1 ,2,3) of less than 6.5, preferably the maximum pKa is from 2 to 6. pKa is the dissociation constant of a particular hydrogen atom in a molecule and meaures how acidic (or not) a given hydrogen atom in a molecule is. Reference to “maximum” pKa is necessary because compounds with more than one carboxylic acid group may have a different pKa value for each. Thus, for example, citric acid has respective pKa values which have been reported as about 3.1 , about 4.8 and as highest value about 5.4 but a value for the last figure as high as 6.4 has also been reported.

Preferably in the context of the present invention, the crystalline acid component can be considered as water soluble if at 25°C, it has a solubility of at least 1wt%, more preferably at least 2wt%, still more preferably at least 5wt% (i.e. 100g of a saturated aqueous solution would contain 5g of the dissolved solid and 95g water).

Preferably in the context of the present invention, the crystalline acid component can be considered to be crystalline if it can yield a crystal structure when solidified out of aqueous solution and is a solid having a highly regular chemical structure.

As used herein, the term "acid component" refers to any compound or material that can serve as a proton source. The acid component can have more than one acid dissociation constant, i.e. more than one acid functional group. The acid component can be any organic or inorganic acid in the form of a free acid, acid anhydride and acid salt form. An acidic source which is in solid state at room temperatures and has an equilibrium pH 6 or less than 6 when measured at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C, or its acid alkali metal salts (e.g. sodium salt, potassium salt, etc.) having a pH of 6 or less than 6 can be employed. Both organic and inorganic acids have been found to be generally useful as crystalline solid acid component. Examples of organic acid component includes those which are selected from

(poly)carboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acids, monomeric organic carboxylic acid preferably monomeric organic polycarboxylic acid, straight-chain fatty acids, aliphatic acids, acidic amino acids, oxyacids or mixtures thereof.

Suitable examples of such organic acid component include organic acids listed herein and their salt forms such as alkali hydrogen acid salts having a pH of 6 or less than 6. The organic acids includes but is not limited to hydroxyacetic (glycolic) acid, citric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, trichloroacetic acid, urea hydrochloride and benzoic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, itaconic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, pimelic acid, phthalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, terephthalic acid, caprylic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, chloroacetic acid, lactic acid, glyoxylic acid, glycolic acid, acetoacetic acid, adipic acid, phenylacetic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, ascorbic acid, amino acids such as lysine, glycine, alanine, valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine, nicotinic acid, picolinic acid, fumaric acid, tannic acid, glycolic acid, chloroacetic acid, phenoxyacetic acid, 1 ,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, ortho- toulene sulfonic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, ooxybutyric acid, glyceric acid, tartronic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, cinnamic acid, phenylacetic acid, kainic acid, sorbic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, trimellitic acid, pyromellitic acid, benzenesulfone acid, toluenesulfonic acid.

Among the above-mentioned acid component, those having a relatively large acid dissociation constant (103 or more) and a small hygroscopicity (critical humidity at 30°C is 40% RH or more) are preferably employed.

Preferably, the organic acid is selected from the group citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, and formic acids and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid.

Preferred examples of crystalline organic acid component include strong acid component such as maleic acid and weaker acid components such as adipic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, citric acid. Preferably, the organic acid is selected from the group citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, and formic acids and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the acid is citric acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid. Also preferred is the monosodium citrate or a mixture of citric acid and monosodium citrate.

Preferably the organic acid component includes adipic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, fumaric acid.

Examples of inorganic acid component includes those which are selected from a solid water-soluble Bronsted acid, a liquid acid or an acid anhydride that can be converted to a solid, inorganic mineral acids.

Suitable examples of such inorganic acid component include solid inorganic acids listed herein and their acidic salts such as alkali hydrogen acid salts having a pH of 6 or less than 6. The inorganic acids include but is not limited to boric acid, sodium bisulfate, potassium bisulfate, sodium phosphate monobasic, potassium phosphate monbasic, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, methylsulfamic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, and nitric acid, phosphoric acid, potassium dihydrogenphosphate, sodium dihydrogenphosphate, sodium sulfite, sulphamic acid, potassium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite (sodium metabisulfite), Potassium metabisulfite, acidic sodium hexametaphosphate, potassium acid hexametaphosphate, sodium acid

pyrophosphate, acidic potassium biphosphate, sulfamic acid. These acids may also be used in combination with other inorganic acids or with those organic acids mentioned above. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is substantially free of inorganic acids. And, even in the case of an acid substance such as phosphoric acid or pyrophosphoric acid or other inorganic acids which is liquid or in liquid state at room temperature, when their acid alkali metal salts are solid at room temperature, those acid alkali metal salts having a pH of 6 or less than 6 can be employed as the acid component.

The acids preferably do not include phosphates or silicates and the composition is preferably substantially free of the same. An acidic component also includes the salt form or anhydride form of the acid, wherein the salt form, anhydride form has a pH of less than 6 or less than 6 at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C. Preferably the salt form of organic acid is monosodium citrate. The above-listed crystalline acidic components are merely illustrative and non- limiting. Specific embodiments include those wherein the crystalline acidic component is selected from the group consisting of: hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid and a combination thereof. The crystalline acid component may also be a combination of, two or more inorganic acids, or two or more organic acids or a combination of at least one inorganic acid and an organic acid.

The adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from 15wt% to 50wt% crystalline acid component. Preferably the adjunct particle comprises at least 15.5wt% crystalline acid component based on the weight of the adjunct particle, still preferably at least 16wt%, still preferably at least 18wt%, most preferably at least 20wt%, still more preferably at least 25wt%, further more preferably at least 27wt%, still further preferably at least 30wt% but typically not more than 45wt%, still preferably not more than 40wt%, most preferably not more than 35wt% crystalline acid component based on the weight of the adjunct particle. Carboxylate acid builder:

The laundry adjunct particle may preferably include a crystalline acid component which also serves as a carboxylate builder which can be selected from the group consisting of: glutamic acid N, N diacetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine diacectic acid (MGDA), ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA), diethyl triamine pentacetic acid (DTPA), nitrilo triacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS), imino disuccinic acid (IDS), iminodiacetic acid (IDA), ethanol diglycinate (EDG), aspartic acid N, N-diacetic acid (ASDA), hydroxyethylethylenediamine triacetate (HEDTA),

hydroxyethyliminodisuccinate (HIDS), hydroxyethyliminodiacetate (HEIDA), and mixtures thereof. Particularly suitable carboxylate builders can be selected from the group consisting of: N, N diacetic acid (GLDA), and mixtures thereof. Preferably the levels of the carboxylate acid builder is not more than 5wt%, still preferably not more than 4wt%, further preferably not more than 3wt% by weight of the adjunct particle. Polymer component

The laundry adjunct particle according to the present invention includes a polymer component. Suitable polymers for use herein are water-soluble. By water-soluble, it is meant herein that the polymers have a solubility greater than 5g/L at 20°C.

Suitable polymers for use herein have a weight average molecular weight ranging from 1000 to 2,80,000, preferably from 1500 to 150,000, preferably, suitable polymers for use herein have a melting point superior to 30°C. Preferably the polymer component is in a solid form at room temperature.

The polymer component includes but is not limited to soil release polymer, carboxylate polymers, antiredeposition polymers, suds supressing polymers, cellulosic polymers, care polymers, dye-transfer inhibiting polymer, amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers, clay soil cleaning polymers, soil suspending polymers or mixtures thereof.

Preferably the polymer component is selected from the group consisting of soil release polymer, anti-redeposition polymer, suds supressing polymer, dye-transfer inhibiting polymer or mixtures thereof, still preferably the polymer material is selected from the group consisting of soil release polymer, anti-redeposition polymer, suds supressing polymer or mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the polymer component is a mixture of soil release polymer, anti-redeposition polymer and suds supressing polymer.

Preferably the mixture includes acidic polymers.

The adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from 5wt% to 60wt% polymer component. Preferably the adjunct particle comprises at least 10wt% polymer component based on the weight of the adjunct particle, still preferably at least 30wt%, still preferably at least 35wt%, most preferably at least 45wt%, but typically not more than 58wt%, still preferably not more than 56wt%, most preferably not more than 55wt% of the polymer component. Carboxylate polymer:

The polymer component according to the present invention is preferably a carboxylate polymer. Suitable carboxylate polymer includes polymers such as a maleate/acrylate random copolymer or polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers includes polyacrylate homopolymers having a molecular weight of from 4,000 Da to 9,000 Da; maleate/acrylate random copolymers having a molecular weight of from 30,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or from 50,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or from 60,000 Da to 80,000 Da. Also suitable are homopolymeric or copolymeric carboxylic acids, such as polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid or Methacrylic acid with maleic acid and maleic acid with vinyl methyl ether, these polymeric acids being present as free acids or preferably as sodium salts. Preferred representatives of this group are sodium polyacrylate and sodium salts of acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymers having a weight ratio of acrylic acid: maleic acid of 10: 1 to 1 : 1 , preferably 7: 1 to 2: 1. These compounds generally have molecular weights of 3,000 to 150,000, preferably 5,000 to 100,000.

Another suitable carboxylate polymer is a co-polymer that comprises: (i) from 50 to less than 98 wt% structural units derived from one or more monomers comprising carboxyl groups; (ii) from 1 to less than 49 wt% structural units derived from one or more monomers comprising sulfonate moieties; and (iii) from 1 to 49 wt% structural units derived from one or more types of monomers selected from ether bond-containing monomers represented by formulas (I) and (II):

formula (I):

wherein in formula (I), Ro represents a hydrogen atom or CH3 group, R represents a CH2 group, CH2CH2 group or single bond, X represents a number 0-5 provided X represents a number 1-5 when R is a single bond, and Ri is a hydrogen atom or Ci to C20 organic group; formula (II)

wherein in formula (II), Ro represents a hydrogen atom or CH₃ group, R represents a CH2 group, CH2CH2 group or single bond, X represents a number 0 to 5, and Ri is a hydrogen atom or Ci to C2₀ organic group. It may be preferred that the polymer has a weight average molecular weight of at least 30kDa, or at least 50kDa, or even at least 70kDa. Preferably the adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from 15wt% to 45wt% carboxylate polymer. Preferably the adjunct particle comprises at least 16wt% carboxylate polymer based on the weight of the adjunct particle, still preferably at least 17wt%, still preferably at least 18wt%, most preferably at least 20wt%, but typically not more than 40wt%, still preferably not more than 35wt%, most preferably not more than 30wt%.

Soil release polymer:

The polymer according to the present invention is preferably a soil release polymer. Soil release polymers are designed to modify the surface of the fabric to facilitate the ease of removal of soil. Typically soil release polymers are based on or derivatives of polyethylene glycol/vinyl acetate copolymers or polyethylene glycol terephthalate polyesters and combinations thereof.

Preferred soil release polymer includes polymers of aromatic dicarboxylic acids and alkylene glycols (including polymers containing polyalkylene glycols), as described in WO2009/153184, EP2692842 and WO2014/019903. A suitable soil release polymer has a structure as defined by one of the following structures (I), (II) or (III):

wherein:

a, b and c are from 1 to 200;

d, e and f are from 1 to 50;

Ar is a 1 ,4-substituted phenylene;

sAr is 1 ,3-substituted phenylene substituted in position 5 with SCDMe;

Me is Li, K, Mg/2, Ca/2, AI/3, ammonium, mono-, di, tetraalkylammonium wherein the alkyl groups are Ci to Cis alkyl or C2 to C10 hydroxyalkyl, or mixtures thereof;

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from H or C1-C1₈ n- or iso-alkyl; and R⁷ is a linear or branched C1-C1₈ alkyl, or a linear or branched C2-C₃₀ alkenyl, or a cycloalkyl group with 5 to 9 carbon atoms, or a C₈-C₃₀ aryl group, or a C₆-C₃₀ arylalkyl group.

Suitable soil release polymers are sold by Clariant under the TexCare® series of polymers, e.g. TexCare® SRN240, TexCare® SRN 100, TexCare® SRN170,

TexCare® SRN300, TexCare® SRN325, TexCare® SRA100 and TexCare® SRA300. Other suitable soil release polymers are sold by Rhodia under the Repel-o-Tex® series of polymers, e.g. Repel-o-Tex® SF2, Repel-o-Tex® SRP6 and Repel-o-Tex® Crystal.

More preferably the polymer component is a polyester soil release polymer. Suitable polyester soil release polymers may be selected from terephthalate polymers, amine polymers or mixtures thereof. Preferably the polymer component is a polyester soil release polymer having the structure:

wherein n is from 1 to 10; m is from 1 to 15; X is H or SOsMe;

Wherein Me is H, Na⁺, Li⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺, ammonium, mono-, di-, tri-, or tetra- alkylammonium; wherein the alkyl groups are Ci to Cie alkyl or C2 to C10 hydroxyalkyl, or any mixtures thereof;

Ri are independently selected from H or Ci to Cie n- or iso-alkyl.

The composition may comprise a polyester soil release polymer consisting of structure units (1 ) to (3):

wherein a, b and c are from 1 to 10;

x, y is from 1 to 10;

z is from 0.1 to 10;

Ri are independently selected from H or Ci to Cie n- or iso-alkyl

R2 are is a linear or branched Ci to Cie n- or iso-alkyl, or linear or branched C2 to C30 alkenyl, or a cycloalkyl group with 5 to 9 carbon atoms, or a Ce to C30 aryl group, or a C₆ to C30 arylalkyl group.

A preferred adjunct particle includes a polymer component selected from the group consisting of polyester soil release polymer, both end-capped and non-end-capped sulphonated PET/POET polymers, both end-capped and non-end-capped

unsulphonated PET/POET polymers or combinations thereof. Preferably the levels of these soil release polymer in the adjunct particle is from 3 wt.% to 15wt.% at least 5 wt%, still preferably at least 6wt%, still preferably at least 6.5wt%, most preferably at least 7wt%, but typically not more than 14wt%, still preferably not more than 13wt%, most preferably not more than 12wt%. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the presence of the soil release polymer in the polymer component of the laundry adjunct particle improves the processability of the adjunct particle and provides it desired acceptable appearance.

Some other classes of soil release polymer includes simple copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate, see US 3,959,230 and US 3,893,929; cellulosic derivatives such as the hydroxyether cellulosic polymers available as METHOCEL from Dow; the C1-C4 alkyl celluloses and C4 hydroxyalkyl celluloses, see US 4,000,093, and the methyl cellulose ethers having an average 10 degree of substitution (methyl) per anhydroglucose unit from about 1.6 to about 2.3 and a solution viscosity of from about 80 to about 120 centipoise measured at 20°C as a 2% aqueous solution. Such materials are available as METOLOSE SM100 and METOLOSE SM200, which are the trade names of methyl cellulose ethers manufactured by Shin-etsu Kagaku Kogyo KK.

Additional classes of soil release polymer include (1 ) nonionic terephthalates using diisocyanate coupling agents to link polymeric ester structures, see US 4,201 ,824, Violland et al. and U.S. 4,240,918 Lagasse et al.; and (II) soil release polymer with carboxylate terminal groups made by adding trimellitic anhydride to known soil release polymer to convert terminal hydroxyl groups to trimellitate esters. With the proper selection of catalyst, the trimellitic anhydride forms linkages to the terminals of the polymer through an ester of the isolated carboxylic acid of trimellitic anhydride rather than by opening of the anhydride linkage. Either nonionic or anionic soil release polymer may be used as starting materials as long as they have hydroxyl terminal groups which may be esterified. See U.S. 4,525,524 Tung et al. Other classes include: (III) anionic terephthalate-based soil release polymer of the urethane-linked variety, see U.S. 4,201 ,824, Violland et al.

Preferably the adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from 5wt% to 15wt% soil release polymer. Preferably the adjunct particle comprises at least 5.5wt% soil release polymer based on the weight of the adjunct particle, still preferably at least 6wt%, still preferably at least 6.5wt%, most preferably at least 7wt%, but typically not more than 14wt%, still preferably not more than 13wt%, most preferably not more than 12wt%.

Antiredeposition polymer:

The polymer according to the present invention is preferably an anti-redeposition polymer. Anti-redeposition polymers are designed to suspend or disperse soil.

Typically, antiredeposition polymers are polyethylene glycol polymers, polycarboxylate polymers, polyethyleneimine polymers or mixtures thereof.

Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers include random graft co-polymers comprising: (i) hydrophilic backbone comprising polyethylene glycol; and (ii) hydrophobic side chain(s) selected from the group consisting of: C4-C25 alkyl group, polypropylene, polybutylene, vinyl ester of a saturated C1-C6 mono-carboxylic acid, C1-C6 alkyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers have a polyethylene glycol backbone with random grafted polyvinyl acetate side chains. The average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol backbone can be in the range of from 2,000 Da to 20,000 Da, or from 4,000 Da to 8,000 Da. The molecular weight ratio of the polyethylene glycol backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains can be in the range of from 1 :1 to 1 :5, or from 1 :1.2 to 1 :2. The average number of graft sites per ethylene oxide units can be less than 1 , or less than 0.8, the average number of graft sites per ethylene oxide units can be in the range of from 0.5 to 0.9, or the average number of graft sites per ethylene oxide units can be in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5, or from 0.2 to 0.4.

Suitable polycarboxylate polymers useful in the present invention include those having the following empirical formula I:

Wherein X is O or Chh; Y is a comonomer or comonomer mixture; R¹ and R² are bleach-stable polymer-end groups; R³ is H, OH or C1-4 alkyl; M is H, and mixtures thereof with alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium; p is from 0 to 2; and n is at least 10, and mixtures thereof.

In the above, n, the degree of polymerization of the polymer can be determined from the weight average polymer molecular weight by dividing the latter by the average monomer molecular weight. Thus, for a maleic-acrylic copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 15,500 and comprising 30 mole % of maleic acid derived units, n is 182 (i.e. 15,500/(1 16 x 0.3 + 72 x 0.7). Polymers according to formula I are known in the field of laundry detergents, preferred polycarboxylate polymers fall into several categories.

A first category belongs to the class of copolymeric polycarboxylate polymers which, formally at least, are formed from an unsaturated polycarboxylic acid such as maleic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid and mesaconic acid as first monomer, and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid such as acrylic acid or an alpha C- alkyl acrylic acid as second monomer. Referring to formula I therefore, preferred polycarboxylate polymers of this type are those in which X is Chh, R³ is H or C- alkyl, especially methyl, p is from 0.1 to 1.9, preferably from 0.2 to 1.5, n averages from 10 to 1500, preferably from 50 to 1000, more preferably from 100 to 800, especially from 120 to 400 and Y comprises monomer units of Formula II

Such polymers are available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan^®CP5

(neutralised form) and Sokalan^®CP45 (acidic form). A second category belongs to the class of polycarboxylate polymers in which, referring to formula I, X is CFh, R³ is OH, p is from 0 to 0.1 , preferably 0, n averages from 50 to 1500, preferably from 100 to 1000. Y, if present, can be a polycarboxylic acid such as II above or an ethylene oxide moiety. A third category belongs to the class of acetal polycarboxylate polymers in which, referring to formula I X is (OR⁴)2 where R⁴ is C- alkyl, R³ is H, p is from 0 to 0.1 , preferably 0 and n averages from 10 to 500. If present, Y again can be a polycarboxylic acid such as II above or an ethyleneoxide moiety.

A fourth category belongs to the class of polycarboxylate polymers in which referring to formula I, X is CFh, F¾ is H or C- alkyl, p is 0 and n averages from about 10 to 1500, preferably from about 500 to 1000.

A fifth category of polycarboxylate polymers has the formula I in which X is CFh, F¾ is H or Ci-₄ alkyl, especially methyl, p is from 0.01 to 0.09, preferably from 0.02 to 0.06, n averages from about 10 to about 1500, preferably from about 15 to about 300 and Y is a polycarboxylic acid formed from maleic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid or mesaconic acid, highly preferred being maleic acid-derived comonomers of formula II above. Suitable antiredeposition polymers are ethoxylated and or propoxylated polyethylene imine or polycarboxylate materials, for example, acrylic acid-based homo or copolymers available under the trade mark ACUSOL from Dow Chemical, Alcosperse from Akzonobel or Sokolan from BASF. Preferably the adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from

20wt% to 40wt% anti-redeposition polymer. Preferably the adjunct particle comprises at least 20.5wt% anti-redeposition polymer based on the weight of the adjunct particle, still preferably at least 22wt%, still preferably at least 23wt%, most preferably at least 24wt%, but typically not more than 38wt%, still preferably not more than 35wt%, most preferably not more than 32wt%.

Suds suppressing polymer:

The polymer according to the present invention is preferably a suds supressing polymer. Suitable suds supressing polymer for use herein includes any polymer or mixtures of polymer which acts such as to depress the foaming or subsiding the foam produced by a solution of a composition having a surfactant, particularly in the presence of agitation of the solution. Particularly preferred suds suppressing polymer for use herein are silicone polymer or derivatives thereof. The term "silicone" as used herein, and in general throughout the industry, encompasses a variety of relatively high molecular weight polymers containing siloxane units and hydrocarbyl group of various types. Preferred silicone polymer are the siloxanes, particularly the polydimethylsiloxanes having trimethylsilyl end blocking units. Suitable silicones include polydimethylsiloxane and amino-silicones. Suitable silicones are described in W005075616. Preferably the silicone polymer is an organopolysiloxanes or derivatives thereof, preferably a polydimethylsiloxane. It is preferred that the silicone polymer is a polyether-modified siloxane preferably polyether-polysiloxane copolymers, which may be linear or branched polymers. Such polyether-polysiloxane copolymers are state of the art Technique and known to the skilled person.

The suds suppressing polymer may be present in a suds suppressing composition comprising the siloxane polymer and an additional defoaming additive selected from group consisting of silica, aluminosilicate, monocarboxylic fatty acids and

polycarboxylic polymers, high molecular weight fatty acids esters, fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, non-ionic surfactants, soap and combination thereof. Preferably the adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from 0wt% to 40wt% suds suppressing polymer. Preferably the adjunct particle comprises at least 1wt% suds suppressing polymer based on the weight of the adjunct particle, still preferably at least 1 5wt%, still preferably at least 5wt%, most preferably at least 10wt%, but typically not more than 35wt%, still preferably not more than 30wt%, most preferably not more than 20wt% of the suds suppressing polymer. Preferably the adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from 0wt% to 20wt% suds suppressing polymer.

Dye transfer inhibiting polymer:

The polymer according to the present invention is preferably a dye transfer inhibiting polymer selected from polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers or combinations thereof, whereby these polymers can be cross-linked polymers. Preferably the laundry adjunct particle includes from 0.01 % to 10%, preferably from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of dye transfer inhibiting polymer. Care polymers:

Suitable care polymers include cellulosic polymers that are cationically modified or hydrophobically modified. Such modified cellulosic polymers can provide anti- abrasion benefits and dye lock benefits to fabric during the laundering cycle. Suitable cellulosic polymers include cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Other suitable care polymers include dye lock polymers, for example the condensation oligomer produced by the condensation of imidazole and epichlorhydrin, preferably in ratio of 1 :4:1. A suitable commercially available dye lock polymer is Polyquart® FDI (Cognis). Preferably the adjunct particle includes from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of care polymer.

Cellulosic polymer:

Suitable cellulosic polymers includes substituted cellulose such as alkyl cellulose, alkyl alkoxyalkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose, alkyl carboxyalkyl cellulose, sulphoalkyl cellulose, more preferably selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixures thereof. Suitable substituted cellulose has a degree of substitution from 0.01 to 0.99 and includes those described in W02009/154933. Preferably the adjunct particle according to the present invention comprises from 0.01 wt% to 40wt% anti-redeposition polymer. Preferably the laundry adjunct particle comprises at least 20.5wt% anti-redeposition polymer based on the weight of the laundry adjunct particle, still preferably at least 22wt%, still preferably at least 23wt%, most preferably at least 24wt%, but typically not more than 38wt%, still preferably not more than 35wt%, most preferably not more than 32wt%.

Sequestering polymers

Examples of suitable sequestering polymers are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering polymers sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates. The laundry adjunct particle according to the present invention may include from 0wt% to 3 wt% phosphate based sequestering polymers. The particle is preferably substantially free of phosphate based sequestering polymers. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no phosphate based sequestering polymers is deliberately added.

Other ingredients in the laundry adjunct particle

The laundry adjunct particle according to the present invention may comprise alkaline component such as silicate salt particles, especially sodium silicate particles; and/or carbonate salt particles, especially sodium bicarbonate particles. However, it may be preferred for the adjunct particle to be free of silicate salt particles, especially free of sodium silicate particles. It may also be preferred for the particle to be free of carbonate salt particles, especially free of sodium carbonate particles.

The laundry adjunct particle according to the present invention may include from 0wt% to 5wt% carbonate salt. The composition is preferably substantially free of carbonate salt. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no carbonate salt is deliberately added. Suitable carbonate salts include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

The laundry adjunct particle according to the present invention may include from 0wt% to 5wt% silicate salt. The particle is preferably substantially free of silicate salt. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no silicate salt is deliberately added. Suitable silicate salts include sodium silicate, especially sodium silicate having Na20:SiC>2 ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8, preferably from 1.6 to 2.0. The laundry adjunct particle according to the present invention may include from 0wt% to 5wt% detersive surfactant, preferably less than 4.5 wt%, still preferably less than 3wt%, further preferably less than 2wt% and furthermore preferably less than 1 wt%, most preferably the laundry particle according to the present invention are substantially free from the surfactant. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no detersive surfactant is deliberately added. Suitable detersive surfactant includes anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, especially anionic surfactant. The laundry adjunct particle according to the present invention may include from 0wt% to less than 5wt% of bleaching agents. The composition is preferably substantially free of bleaching agents. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no bleaching agent is deliberately added. Suitable bleaching agents includes PAP, TAED, GLDA, MGDA, especially PAP.

Hueing agent:

The laundry adjunct particle preferably includes a hueing agent. The hueing agent may preferably have the following structure:

Wherein:

Ri and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of: H; alkyl; alkoxy; alkyleneoxy; alkyl capped alkyleneoxy; urea; and amido;

R₃ is a substituted aryl group; X is a substituted group comprising sulfonamide moiety and optionally an alkyl and/or aryl moiety, and wherein the substituent group comprises at least one alkyleneoxy chain that comprises an average molar distribution of at least four alkyleneoxy moieties.

Preferably the composition may comprise a hueing agent having the following structure:

wherein the index values x and y are independently selected from 1 to 10. The composition may comprise a hueing agent selected from Acid Violet 50, Direct Violet 9, 66 and 99, Solvent Violet 13 and any combination thereof.

Suitable hueing agents include small molecule dyes, typically falling into the Colour Index (C.l.) classifications of Acid, Direct, Basic, Reactive (including hydrolysed forms thereof) or Solvent or Disperse dyes, for example classified as Blue, Violet, Red, Green or Black, and provide the desired shade either alone or in combination. Preferred such hueing agents include Acid Violet 50, Direct Violet 9, 66 and 99, Solvent Violet 13 and any combination thereof.

Many hueing agents are known and described in the art which may be suitable for the present invention, such as hueing agents described in WO2014/089386.

Suitable hueing agents include phthalocyanine and azo dye conjugates, such as described in W02009/069077.

Suitable hueing agents may be alkoxylated. Such alkoxylated compounds may be produced by organic synthesis that may produce a mixture of molecules having different degrees of alkoxylation. Such mixtures may be used directly to provide the hueing agent or may undergo a purification step to increase the proportion of the target molecule. Suitable hueing agents include alkoxylated bis-azo dyes, such as described in WO2012/054835, and/or alkoxylated thiophene azo dyes, such as described in W02008/087497 and WO2012/166768. The hueing agent may be incorporated into the detergent composition as part of a reaction mixture which is the result of the organic synthesis for a dye molecule, with optional purification step(s). Such reaction mixtures generally comprise the dye molecule itself and in addition may comprise un-reacted starting materials and/or by products of the organic synthesis route. Suitable hueing agents can be incorporated into hueing dye particles, such as described in WO 2009/069077.

Preferably the adjunct particle comprises from 0 to 100 ppm shading dye, more preferably from 0 to 50 ppm by weight of the adjunct particle. Process for preparing the laundry adjunct particle

Preferably the crystalline acid component is admixed with the polymer component and the resulting mixture is extruded through a die slot and the extrudate emerging from the die slot is cut into discrete particles. In this preferred embodiment, the mixture is extruded through, for example, a screw type extruder. Although the die slot and therefore the extrudate may take any suitable shape, spaghetti shape is more preferred. Optionally, a plasticizer may be included in an amount to provide for a softer end product. The plasticizer may be any of the well-known plasticizers in the extrusion art such as water, mineral oil, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, alkoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated alcohols, including the salts of the fatty alcohols, fatty acids, alkoxylated fatty acids, and alkoxylated alcohols, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the plasticizer is included at a level of no more than about 5%, more preferably no more than about 3wt% of the adjunct particle.

Preferably, the crystalline acid component and the polymer component, and, optionally the plasticizer and other laundry ingredients, are mixed in the desired amounts to form a substantially homogeneous mass which can be worked according to well-known techniques until it is sufficiently "doughy" or plastic to be in suitable form for, preferably, extrusion or other process, e.g., pelleting, granulation, stamping and pressing. As an example, the crystalline acid component and polymer component may be charged to a mixer where they are mixed while being sprayed with the plasticizer. The wetted mixture is then formed into discrete particles. Alternatively, the crystalline acid component may be continuously metered to a mixing tank separately from the polymer component which is also continuously metered to the mixing tank where the crystalline acid component and the polymer component are mixed while being sprayed. An amount of the wetted mixture is continuously removed from the mixing tank and formed into discrete particles by, for example, an extrusion process.

Preferably, the mixture is extruded through, for example, a screw type extruder. When the mixture is extruded, it is extruded at a die exit temperature of about 100° F. (38° C.) to about 180° F. (82° C.), preferably at a die exit temperature of about 130° F. (54° C.) to about 160° F. (71 ° C.). The extrusion die head may be selected in accordance with the desired shape, i.e., geometric form, desired in the extrudate. For example, the extrudate may take the shape of spaghetti or noodles, although other shaped forms such as flakes, tablets, pellets, ribbons, threads and the like are suitable alternatives. The die slot diameter determines the diameter of the resulting particle and in the process of the present invention the diameter of the resulting particle is approximately the same as the die slot diameter. Laundry detergent composition

According to a second aspect of the present invention provided is a laundry

composition comprising:

a) from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.% surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant; b) from 10 wt.% to 40 wt.% water-soluble material selected from inorganic salt, organic salt or mixtures thereof; and, wherein the core comprises 95 parts to 100 parts of the total surfactant content and the coating comprises from 3 parts to 100 parts of the total water-soluble material; and, ii. from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.% laundry adjunct particle according to the first

aspect,

wherein at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C, the composition has a pH in the range from 6.5 to 9.5, preferably the pH is in the range from 6.5 to 8.5, still preferably from 7.5 to 8.5.

Preferably the laundry detergent composition comprises 50wt% to 95wt% coated detergent particle, still preferably 60wt% to 95wt% coated detergent particle and further preferably from 70wt% to 95wt% of the coated detergent particle. Preferably the laundry detergent composition comprises from 5wt% to 50wt% adjunct particle, still preferably from 10wt% to 50wt% adjunct particle, further preferably from 15wt% to 50wt% adjunct particle and furthermore preferably from 20wt% to 45wt% adjunct particle in the laundry detergent composition. Shape:

Disclosed coated detergent particle and the adjunct particle has perpendicular dimensions x, y and z, where x is from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, y is from 2 mm to 8 mm, and z is from 2 mm to 8 mm.

Preferably in a detergent formulation having the particle according to the present invention at least 90 to 100 % of the particle in the x, y and z dimensions are within a 20 %, preferably 10%, variable from the largest to the smallest detergent particle. The coated detergent particle and the adjunct particle are larger and less spherical than conventional detergent powders. Preferably the detergent particle is curved.

The detergent particle may be shaped as a disc, oblate spheroid or is lenticular (shaped like a whole dried lentil), an oblate ellipsoid, where z and y are the

equatorial diameters and x is the polar diameter; preferably y = z. The size is such that y and z are at least 2 mm, preferably at least 2.5 mm, still preferably at least 3mm, more preferably at least 4 mm, and x lies in the range 0.2 to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm, more preferably 1 to 2 mm, still preferably 0.6 to 1 6mm. Preferred ranges of y lies in the range from 3 to 8 mm, more preferably from 4 to 6 mm, still preferably from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm. Preferred ranges of z lies in the range from 3 to 8 mm, more preferably from 4 to 6 mm, still preferably from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm. Preferably the coated detergent particle does not have hole; that is to say, the detergent particle does not have a conduit passing there through that passes through the core, i.e., the coated detergent particle has a topologic genus of zero.

Perfume:

Preferably the composition according to the present invention preferably includes a perfume. The perfume preferably comprises from 60wt% to 85wt% ester perfume raw materials having the structure:

Wherein Ri and F¾ are independently selected from Ci to C30 linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, saturated or un-saturated, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl. The composition may comprise: (a) alkyl ethoxylated sulphate having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 2.0; (b) perfume, wherein the perfume comprises from 60wt% to 85wt% ester perfume raw materials having the structure:

Wherein Ri and R2 are independently selected from Ci to C30 linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic, saturated or un-saturated, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl.

Suitable perfumes comprise perfume materials selected from the group: (a) perfume materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of less than 250°C (quadrant 1 perfume materials); (b) perfume materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of 250°C or greater (quadrant 2 perfume materials); (c) perfume materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of less than 250°C (quadrant 3 perfume materials); (d) perfume materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of 250°C or greater (quadrant 4 perfume materials); and (e) mixtures thereof.

It may be preferred for the perfume to be in the form of a perfume delivery technology.

Such delivery technologies further stabilize and enhance the deposition and release of perfume materials from the laundered fabric. Such perfume delivery technologies can also be used to further increase the longevity of perfume release from the laundered fabric. Suitable perfume delivery technologies include: perfume microcapsules, pro perfumes, polymer assisted deliveries, molecule assisted deliveries, fiber assisted deliveries, amine assisted deliveries, cyclodextrin, starch encapsulated accord, zeolite and other inorganic carriers, and any mixture thereof. A suitable perfume microcapsule is described in W02009/101593. Preferably the laundry adjunct particle and/or the coated detergent particle is coated with a perfume. The perfume is preferably a mixture of free oil and encapsulated perfume. More preferably the laundry adjunct particle and/or the coated detergent particle is first coated with a layer of free oil and subsequently with a layer of encapsulated perfume. Preferably the perfume is spray coated.

Coated detergent particle

The coated detergent particle is described in the following patent applications:

WO/2012/048950; WO/2012/048947; WO/2012/048949; WO/2012/048951 ;

WO/2012/048948; WO/2012/049178; WO/2012/048926; WO/2012/048945;

WO/2012/048909; WO/2012/049033; WO/2012/048910; WO2013/149754;

WO2013/149755; WO2013/149753; WO2013/149752; and, WO2014/048857. In particular, WO2010/122050 describes a process for the preparation of a coated detergent particle.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments and examples.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 : Preparation of the laundry adjunct particle

Laundry adjunct particle having the crystalline acid component and the polymer component in amounts as provided in Table 1 were manufactured by an extrusion process substantially as described in WO2010/122050. The particle were oblate ellipsoids which had the following approximate dimensions with x = 1.0 mm, y = 4.0 mm and z = 5.0 mm. Table 1

It was found that when the above formulation was shaped in an extruder it provided a laundry adjunct particle which was easily processable and cut into the desired shape. It was further found that the laundry adjunct particle had improved aesthetic.

Example 2

Another set of experiments were conducted to prepare laundry adjunct particle with different levels of crystalline acid component and the polymer component. The amount of the crystalline acid component and the polymer component in the various compositions was as provided in Table 2. These compositions were manufactured by an extrusion process substantially as described in WO2010/122050 to provide laundry adjunct particle which had the following approximate dimensions with x = 1.0 mm, y = 4.0 mm and z = 5.0 mm.

Further the extruded laundry adjunct particles were visually examined to determine the shape, aesthetic properties and the processability of the compositions were also studied. The observations are provided in Table 2 below. Table 2

& = SokalanTM from BASF

* = Repel-o-tex SF2 from Rhodia As seen in the table 2, the laundry adjunct particle prepared according to the comparative example (Example A) having a ratio of crystalline acid component:

polymer component of 1.48:1 produced particle with undesirable breakage in the particle and was not aesthetically pleasing in appearance. In contrast the laundry adjunct particle of Example 2 and Example 3 prepared in accordance with the present invention having a ratio of crystalline acid component: polymer component of 0.95:1 and 0.65: 1 respectively produced good particle which were oblate ellipsoid in shape and were aesthetically pleasing in appearance.

It was further found that when the amount of soil release polymer present in the polymer component is from 5.5 wt% to 15wt% of the laundry adjunct particle the aesthetic appearance of the resulting laundry adjunct particle is improved. Example 3: Evaluation of the bleachable stain removal performance of the laundry adjunct particle

Stained cloths were washed using a Bosch front loading automatic washing machine using the machine programmed 40° C cotton cycle. The washing experiment was carried out using water at a total hardness of 25°FH (4:1 Ca:Mg). Washes were carried out at a liquor to cloth ratio of 4:1 with a total load weight of 3 Kg. The wash composition comprised of a mix of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The laundry detergent composition as described in Table 3 below was added at 32 g to the wash. The laundry detergent composition included a mix of laundry detergent particle and the laundry adjunct particle which was mixed in a ratio of 75:25.

After washing, the clothes are left to dry in the dark overnight. The reflection measurements are then taken and DE, with respect to the white tile measurement, is recorded. The DE results are determined in accord with“Colour Physics for Industry”, published by the Society of Dyers and Colourists 1997).

Stain removal index (SRI) is then calculated according to:

SRI = 100 - DE (after washing)

The value of the stain removal index is indicative of the amount of stain removed. A comparison of the SRI values for a number of different bleachable stains washed with the composition as given in Table 3 is provided below.

Table 3

As is evident from the table above the laundry detergent composition according to the present invention having the laundry adjunct particle provide good bleachable stain performance.

Claims

1 A laundry adjunct particle having a perpendicular dimension x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.5 to 2 mm, y is from 2 to 8mm, and z is from 2 to 8 mm, said particle comprising:

i. from 15 wt% to 50 wt % crystalline acid component;

ii. from 5 wt% to 60wt% polymer component;

2 A particle according to claim 1 wherein the crystalline acid component is selected from the group consisting of (i) acid form of an organic acid, an inorganic acid or a mineral acid, (ii) a salt form or anhydride form of an organic acid having a pH of 6 or less than 6 and mixtures thereof.

3 A particle according to claim 2 wherein the organic acid is selected from the

group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid and GLDA.

4 A particle according to claim 1 wherein the polymer component is selected from the group consisting of soil release polymer, suds suppressing polymer, anti redeposition polymer, dye transfer inhibiting polymer or mixtures thereof.

5 A particle according to claim 5 wherein the soil release polymer is a polyester soil release polymer preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol terephthalate polyesters thereof, polyethylene glycol/vinyl acetate copolymers or derivatives and combinations thereof, preferably PET-POET polymer.

6 A particle according to claim 5 wherein the suds suppressing polymer is a

silicone polymer or derivatives thereof. A particle according to claim 5 wherein the antiredeposition polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol polymers, polycarboxylate polymers, polyethyleneimine polymers or mixtures thereof. A particle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the suds supressing polymer is present in an amount from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.%. A particle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the polyester soil release polymer is present in an amount from 5 wt.% to 15wt%. A particle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the particle comprises from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% water. A particle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the particle is an extruded particle. A laundry composition comprising:

i. a coated detergent particle having a core and a coating enveloping the core, the coated detergent particle has a perpendicular dimensions x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, y is from 2 mm to 8mm, and z is from 2 mm to 8 mm, wherein the coated particle comprises:

a) from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.% surfactant comprising an anionic surfactant; b) from 10 wt.% to 40 wt.% water-soluble material selected from

inorganic salt, organic salt or mixtures thereof; and,

wherein the core comprises 95 parts to 100 parts of the total surfactant content and the coating comprises from 3 parts to 100 parts of the total water-soluble material; and,

ii. from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.% laundry adjunct particle according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 1 1 ;

wherein at 1wt% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C, the composition has a pH in the range from 6.5 to 9.5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein either or both of the laundry adjunct particle and the coated detergent particle has a coating of perfume. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the perfume is a mixture of free oil and encapsulated perfume. A plurality of particles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least 90 to 100 % of the particles in the in the x, y and z dimensions are within a 20 % variable from the largest to the smallest particle.