Abstract: The physical stability of liquid gel-like compositions based on thixotropic thickener is greatly improved by incorporating in the composition small amounts, such as 0.1 to 0.2 weight percent of long chain fatty acids and salts thereof. The aqueous compositions containing inorganic builder salts and other functional inorganic salts, chlorine bleach, bleach stable detergent, at least one thixotropic thickener and a fatty acid or alkali metal salt of the fatty acid as a physical stabilizer exhibit a significant increase in apparent viscosity and remain stable against phase separation for an extended period of time. The thixotropic properties can be retained or improved using smaller levels of the thixotropic thickener than in the absence of the physical stabilizer. The stability, chlorine-bleach loss and cleaning ability of the compositions is further improved, when the composition pH is at least 11.2, when added to an aqueous wash both at a concentration of about 10 grams per liter.

Abstract: An aqueous thixotropic automatic dishwasher composition comprising tripolyphosphate, a chlorine bleach compound, silicates, a thixotropic thickener and entrained air in an amount of 2% to 10% by volume.The composition preferably also contains a long chain fatty acid or its salt, an organic detergent active material, a foam depressant and an alkali metal carbonate. Also disclosed is a process for preparing aqueous thixotropic dishwasher detergent compositions having improved physical stability by entraining air into the composition in an amount such that the bulk and liquid phase specific gravities of the dishwasher detergent composition are approximately equal.

Abstract: A scented aqueous thixotropic dishwasher composition comprising tripolyphosphate, a chlorine bleach compound, a thixotropic thickener, a chlorine bleach stable fragrance and air in an amount of 2% to 10% by volume. The composition preferably also contains a long chain fatty acid or its salt, an organic detergent active material, a foam depressant and an alkali metal carbonate. Also disclosed is a process for preparing aqueous thixotropic dishwater detergent compositions having improved physical stability by entraining air into the composition in an amount such that the bulk and liquid phase specific gravities of the dishwasher detergent composition are approximately equal.