Abstract: Speckled detergent compositions with colored glassy phosphates and conventional detergent ingredients.

Abstract: An &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester and polyalkoxylated alkanolamide composition and method. The &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester is formed into an ester portion, and the polyalkoxylated alkanolamide is formed into an alkanolamide portion. Both portions can optionally include other detergent components. Each portion comprises a plurality of particles, such as a powder or beads, pellets, granules, and the like. Each portion is formed separately, and then the portions are mixed. The portions can be combined in any suitable ratios, according to the desired properties of the final composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of substantially alumosilicate-free detergents containing a soluble builder system which provides free-flowing and storage-stable granules. In this process for the production of a particulate, substantially alumosilicate-free detergent, an anionic surfactant acid is sprayed onto a detergent component containing anionic surfactant and builders in order to increase the anionic surfactant content.

Abstract: A foam control agent, comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane material having at least one silicon-bonded substituent of the formula X-Ph, wherein X denotes a divalent aliphatic organic group bonded to silicon through a carbon atom and Ph denotes an optionally substituted aromatic group, (B) a water-insoluble organic fluid, (C) an organosilicon resin and (D) a hydrophobic filler. The foam control agent may be provided as an emulsion or as a particulate material. It is especially useful as a detergent foam control agent.

Abstract: A foam control agent comprises (A) an organopolysiloxane material having at least one silicon-bonded substituent of the formula X—Ph, wherein X denotes a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group and Ph denotes an optionally substituted aromatic group, (B) an organosilicon resin and (C) a hydrophobic filler. The organosilicon resin (B) preferably consists of siloxane units of the formula R′aSiO4−a/2 wherein R′ denotes a hydroxyl, hydrocarbon or hydrocarbonoxy group, particularly trialkylsiloxy units and SiO4/2 units, wherein a has a value of from 0.5 to 2.4. The foam control agent may be provided as an emulsion or as a particulate material. It is especially useful as a detergent foam control agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to laundry detergent products, such as heavy duty aqueous and/or non-aqueous and/or gelled liquid laundry detergents and granular and/or powder laundry detergents, which include one or more low density particles and one or more particulate solids, such as enzymes, bleaching agents, builders, chelants, alkalinity sources, anti-redeposition agents, catalysts, surfactants, and other detergent ingredients, and optionally one or more conventional cleaning adjunct materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pellets comprising one or more active ingredients; and either one or both of: (a) one or more binders incorporated within the body of the pellet; and (b) one or more coating materials on the surface of the pellet; characterized in that either one or both of the binders and the coating materials comprise one or more polymers with a Tg in the range −85 to +35°C., and, optionally, wherein the coating and/or binder materials comprise at least one multi-phase polymer and further wherein at least one of the phases of the multi-phase polymer has a Tg in the range −85 to +35° C.

Abstract: A composition having a plasma-induced, graft polymerized, water-soluble coating for controlling solubility, chemical stability and physical properties is disclosed. A process for making such a composition is also disclosed which involves subjecting a particulate material to plasma after which a water-soluble organic monomer is graft polymerized onto at least a portion of the particulate material. The compositions are particulate or non-particulate in form and can be used in shampoos, skin care and other cosmetic products, deodorant products, laundry, dishwashing, carwashing or other similar detergent products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a granulated bleaching activator having a high solubility, that is, a granulated bleaching activator comprising (a) a bleaching activator and (b) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant (b1) having a melting point less than 20° C. and an alkylene oxide addition type nonionic surfactant (b2) having a melting point less than 20° C., (b1) fulfilling the specific requirements concerning solubility, in a specific ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional pellet aid including one or more binders, wherein at least one binder is an acrylic based polymer having a Tg ranging from −20° C. to +95° C., one or more inorganic solids and one or more organic solids; the particle size of the pellet aid ranging from 100 &mgr;m to 3000 &mgr;m. Adding 0.25 to 10% by weight of the multifunctional pellet aid, based on the total weight of the pellet, to a plurality of ingredients and compacting the pellet aid and ingredients to form a pellet, affords a pellet having improved mechanical strength as a solid and rapidly disintegrating upon contact with an aqueous system.

Abstract: This invention discloses laundering and dishwashing products which can be incorporated in a single compartment water soluble film sachet, the formulation comprising a granulated percarbonate compound mixed with and encapsulated in an encapsulating blend comprising sulfate, carboxy methyl cellulose and nonionic surfactant, wherein the detergent composition does not include zeolites or perborates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated granular sodium percarbonate for detergent and its manufacturing process, and more particularly to a coated granular sodium percarbonate and its manufacturing process, wherein the surface of said sodium percarbonate establishes a multiple coating layer by being internally coated with a specific composition containing alkali metal silicate while externally coated with a specific composition containing alkali metal sulfate on upper part of said internally coated layer thus providing said sodium percarbonate an excellent dissolving rate in water as well as a good storage stability, preventing it from caking during delivery or storage, and being ultimately utilized as an effective detergent bleach containing zeolite as its detergent builder.

Abstract: A detergent composition having a plasma-induced, water-soluble coating for controlling solubility, chemical stability, and physical properties is disclosed. A process for making such a detergent composition is also disclosed which involves subjecting a detergent material to a plasma glow zone in which an organic hydrophilic monomer is introduced such that it ultimately deposits on the detergent material to form a water-soluble coating. The detergent compositions are particulate or non-particulate and can be used for laundry, dishwashing, or other similar applications.

Abstract: Modified starch encapsulated High Impact Accord (HIA) perfume particles are disclosed. The particles consist of a modified starch and perfume oil encapsulated by the starch and comprised of at least two HIA perfume ingredients which have a boiling point at 760 mm Hg, of 275° C. of lower, a calculated ClogP of 2.0 or higher, and an odor detection threshold less than or equal to 50 parts per billion (ppb). The encapsulated perfume particles are particularly useful in laundry compositions.

Abstract: A non-spray-dried granular component suitable for use in a particulate zero-phosphate laundry detergent composition comprises from 10 to 30 wt % of organic surfactant and from 20 to 50 wt % of zeolite MAP, the component having a bulk density not exceeding 700 g/l. The component may be prepared by a mixing and agglomeration process using a high-speed mixer, a moderate- or low-speed mixer, and a gas fluidization granulator. The component may be used in conjunction with a spray-dried granular component of lower bulk density, for example, a spray-dried detergent base powder containing organic surfactant and zeolite A, or a spray-dried sodium-carbonate-based adjunct.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing particles of amine reaction product by means of a carrier having a melting point between 30 degrees Celsius and 135 degrees Celsius, optionally followed by a coating step. Processed amine reaction products and finished compositions incorporating such processed product are also herein provided.

Abstract: An active-containing granule is provided which comprises a lubricant on the outer surface of the granule, wherein the lubricant is in liquid form at 25° C. and has a viscosity of less than 5000 centipoise at 25° C.

Abstract: A composition having a plasma-induced, graft polymerized, water-soluble coating for controlling solubility, chemical stability and physical properties is disclosed. A process for making such a composition is also disclosed which involves subjecting a particulate material to plasma after which a water-soluble organic monomer is graft polymerized onto at least a portion of the particulate material. The compositions are particulate or non-particulate in form and can be used in shampoos, skin care and other cosmetic products, deodorant products, laundry, dishwashing, or other similar detergent products.

Abstract: The invention set out to improve the oxidizing and bleaching effect of inorganic peroxygen compounds in dishwashing, more particularly machine dishwashing, in terms of their storage stability. This was essentially achieved by using particulate compounds corresponding to formula R1R2R3N−CH2CN X+, in which R1, R2, and R3 independently of one another represent an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, in addition to which the groups R2 and R3 may even be part of a heterocycle including the N atom and optionally other hetero atoms, and X is a charge-equalizing anion. Dishwashing detergents, more particularly machine dishwashing detergents, contain about 1% by weight to 10% by weight of this bleach-boosting agent.

Abstract: A particulate zero-phosphate laundry detergent powder, preferably of bulk density 600-900 g/l, contains zeolite MAP and zeolite A in a weight ratio of at least 1:1. The powder may contain at least two different granular components containing organic surfactant and zeolite builder. A first granular component, which is preferably non-spray-dried and has a bulk density of 550-900 g/l, contains zeolite MAP, while a second granular component, which is preferably spray-dried and has a bulk density of 200-450 g/l, contains zeolite A.

Abstract: A detergent tablet for fabric washing is compacted from a particulate composition containing detergent active compound, detergency builder, a bleach system comprising coated sodium percarbonate and at least one bleach activator, and optionally other detergent ingredients, where the tablet comprises a plurality of discrete regions, and wherein the bleach activator and the coated sodium percarbonate are concentrated in respective different regions of the tablet. This separation of activator and percarbonate increases the stability of the bleach activator.

Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating sodium acetate trihydrate, potassium acetate or a mixture thereof. To inhibit caking and facilitate handling during manufacture, smaller particles of another substance are preferably provided at the surface of the crystals of the acetate or citrate.

Abstract: Coatings are applied to particulate detergent components or compositions to improve free-flow properties, improve dispensing and avoid dust formation. This is achieved by a two-step coating process, wherein the first coating step comprises mixing the detergent composition or component with a finely divided particulate material which is preferably aluminosilicate, and the second coating step comprises applying a coating agent. Suitable coating agents for the second step comprise from 5% to 95% by weight of cellulosic polymer; from 5% to 95%, by weight of sugar; and optionally, from 0% to 30% by weight of plasticizer.

Abstract: A detergent additive is described, which comprises at least one swellable layered silicate, an antimicrobial active substance and a surfactant and, optionally, an alkali salt. This detergent additive is distinguished in that it protects the antimicrobial active substance from oxidation by the bleaches which are usually present in detergents and in that said active substance is only released during the washing process.

Abstract: A detergent tablet which contains a bleach activator is disclosed. The bleach activator is in particulate form and has a particle size in a range of from about 100 microns to about 4000 microns. The bleach activator is present in a range of from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the detergent tablet.

Abstract: An enzyme granule and means for producing the enzyme granule is presented. The enzyme granule is composed of an enzyme, a carrier material, and a coating system of 5 to 70 percent by weight fine-particle inorganic water-insoluble pigment, 45 to 90 percent by weight of a water-soluble organic substance having a melting point of from 40 to 70° C., and 0 to 30 percent by weight of a flow improver. The granule can be produced by mixing an aqueous enzyme liquid with an inorganic or organic carrier material to form an enzyme compound, extruding the enzyme compound, spheronizing the extrudate, and applying an outer coating layer of the coating system listed above to form an enzyme granule having a mean particle size of 0.8 to 1.4 millimeters. The coated enzyme granule has increased storage stability, even coloration, reduced odor, and releases enzyme activity quickly in water. The enzyme granule is useful in solid detergents.

Abstract: A detergent tablet having at least two discrete regions each compacted from particulate composition, wherein a first said region consists of a compacted particulate composition containing swelling disintegrant such that the region increases in volume on contact with water, and in at least one direction through said region is flanked on both sides by one or more other regions which swell to a lesser extent on contact with water than said first region.

Abstract: In the detergent granules including 10% by weight or more of a nonionic surfactant and 1% by weight or more of a crystalline alkali metal silicate having an average particle size of from 1 to 60 &mgr;m, the detergent granules characterized in that a proportion of the nonionic surfactant to the crystalline alkali metal silicate is in a weight ratio of from 20/1 to 1/20, and that the iron content calculated as Fe in the crystalline alkali metal silicate is 140 ppm or less. The granular detergent composition characterized in that the granular detergent composition includes the detergent granules described above.

Abstract: A water-containing solid detergent having a delayed, controllable and variable hardening time after addition of all the components produced by providing a) aqueous 42 to 55% lye, in a quantity of 21 to 70% by weight, b) mixing with the aqueous lye a compound selected from the group corresponding to formula (I): HOCH2CH(R1)OR2  (I) in which R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R2, independent of R1, is a hydrogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl group, a group CH2CH(R3)0R4 or a group CH2CH(R5)OCH2—CH(R6)OR7, where R3, R5, and R6 represent hydrogen atoms or methyl groups and R4and R7 represent hydrogen atoms or C1-4 alkyl groups, and compounds corresponding to formula II: [HOCH2CH(R8)3−xNHx  (II) in which R8 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and x is the number 0, 1 or 2, in a total quantity of 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone as an additive to compact, particulate detergents and cleansers for the purpose of increasing the rate of disintegration thereof when brought into contact with water, to the particles of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone having a particle size of from 50 to 400 &mgr;m, to a process for the preparation of the compact, particulate detergents and cleansers, and also to the compact, particulate detergents and cleansers themselves.

Abstract: A multi-layer enzyme granule for use in liquid detergents and cleaners is produced, comprising a seed or carrier particle; an outer coating; and, between the particle and the coating layer, a low-density filler and an enzyme, wherein the granule has a density of less than 1.4 g/cm3. Also disclosed are methods for making such enzyme-containing granules including using fluidized bed technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially anhydrous effervescent particle, having an average particle size of from 75 microns to 2 cm, comprising an anhydrous particle core, which comprises one or more components of an effervescence system intimately mixed with a substantially anhydrous stabilizing agent.

Abstract: A system in the form of an aqueous dispersion or granules containing at least one liquid, waxy or pasty non-ionic surfactant and an alkali metal silicate. The system is prepared using a concentrated aqueous alkali metal silicate solution as the continuous liquid phase optionally containing glycerol, in which is dispersed at least one liquid, pasty or waxy non-ionic surfactant that is non-miscible or poorly compatible with said concentrated alkali metal silicate solution, and at least one non-ionic or anionic surfactant that is compatible with said concentrated alkali metal silicate solution and capable of causing the dispersion of said liquid, pasty or waxy non-ionic surfactant(s) in said concentrated alkali metal silicate solution. The resulting dispersion is optionally dried to produce a rigid alkali metal silicate shell encapsulating droplets or particles of the liquid, pasty or waxy non-ionic surfactant(s).

Abstract: The problem addressed by the invention was to provide granules which would have a high content of liquid nonionic surfactants, more particularly above 20% by weight, but which would have little need for a water-insoluble carrier material and would be eminently suitable for incorporation in detergents. It has been found that granules of nonionic surfactants liquid at room temperature which contain a solidified polymer melt as carrier material and less than 10% by weight of inorganic carrier satisfy these requirements.

Abstract: A particulate free-flowing laundry detergent composition comprises at least two different granular components: a granular component containing anionic surfactant, and a granular nonionic surfactant component comprising from 20 to 30 wt % of nonionic surfactant on a non-spray-dried particulate carrier material comprising sodium sesquicarbonate. The nonionic surfactant component is preferably prepared by in-situ neutralisation of sodium carbonate with a water-soluble organic acid in the presence of the nonionic surfactant, in a high- or moderate-shear mixer.

Abstract: A laundry agent delivery particle and granular compositions including the particle are provided. The particle comprises a porous carrier selected from the group consisting of Zeolite X, Zeolite Y and mixtures thereof with the porous carrier including a number of pore openings. The laundry release inhibitor is then incorporated into the porous carrier so that the cross-sectional area of the release inhibitor is larger than the cross-sectional area of the pore openings of the porous carrier. The laundry release inhibitor includes the residue of a deliverable agent such as a perfume component. The deliverable agent is then entrapped in the porous carrier until the release inhibitor is hydrolyzed thereby releasing the deliverable agent and allowing it to escape from the porous carrier.

Abstract: Detergent compositions containing certain acetals or ketals which hydrolyze upon exposure of surfaces washed in solution of said compositions to a reduction in pH, thereby releasing a fragrance which is characteristic of one or more of the hydrolysis products. The acetals and ketals themselves also form part of the invention; they have a molecular weight of at least about 350; a ClogP of about 4, and a half-life of less than 60 minutes when measured at pH=0 by the pro-fragrant hydrolysis test.

Abstract: A detergent or rinse aid composition which reduces spotting and filming on glassware cleaned in an automatic dishwashing machine is described. The composition contains an effective amount of a water soluble cationic or amphoteric polymer having at least one monomer unit having a cationic charge over a portion of the pH range of about 2 to about 11 in the wash or rinse cycle.

Abstract: A laundry additive particle having multiple coatings and compositions employing the particle are provided. The laundry additive particle comprises a central core particle with the core particle comprising a porous carrier core material and a glassy encapsulating material intermixed with the carrier material. The glassy encapsulating material is derived from one or more at least partially water-soluble hydroxylic compounds having an anhydrous, nonplasticized, glass transition temperature, Tg, of at least about 0° C. An optional intermediate encapsulating material may be coated on the central core particle. The intermediate encapsulating material may comprise a carbohydrate material having an anhydrous nonplasticized, glass transition temperature, Tg of at least about 130° C. Lastly, an external coating material is coated on the core particle or the intermediate encapsulating material which provides the laundry additive particle with a substantially non-tacky surface.

Abstract: The granular detergent composition for clothes washing including a surfactant, a metal ion capturing agent, a crystalline alkali metal silicate, and an acidic ingredient, wherein the granular detergent composition includes at least two different granules: a first granule containing the crystalline alkali metal silicate, and a second granule, which is an acidic granule, containing the acidic ingredient. In the granular detergent composition, the crystalline alkali metal silicate and the acidic ingredient are being present in different granules, and the granular detergent composition shows alkaline property in distilled water at 25° C. and has a bulk density of 650 g/L or more. Since each of an acidic ingredient and a crystalline alkali metal silicate is included in a different granule, the initial rise in the pH at initial washing can be adjusted, so that a further improved detergency against the sebum dirt stains is exhibited.

Abstract: New enzyme granulates are described which contain an organic disulfide compound (R—S—S—R), particularly they contain the free amino acid cystine, optionally mixed with the amino acid cysteine. The new enzyme granulates are for us in detergent and cleanser compositions, particularly in dishwasher compositions, and they have properties. For example, insofar as protecting objects made of silver against tarnishing, for example, dishes, cutlery, and other objects to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition containing zeolite, ethoxylated nonionic surfactant and an alkali metal carbonate.

Abstract: A solid bleach precursor composition is provided comprising a bleach precursor and a surfactant system, whereby the composition exhibits effective solublisation of its bleach precursor component.

Abstract: Perfume is absorbed within organic polymer particles which have a further polymer at their exterior. The further polymer incorporates free hydroxyl groups and serves to promote deposition of the particles from a wash or rinse liquor. The further polymer may be part of an encapsulating shell, but more conveniently is used as a stabilizer during polymerization of the particles. Highly hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol is preferred.

Abstract: A free-flowing agglomerated powder detergent process and the resulting composition includes from about 5% to about 80% of an alkali metal carbonate; from about 5% to about 50% of a detergent surfactant, and, up to about 25% of an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid, wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from the group of carboxylic acids that, below a first temperature, have a greater water solubility than the water solubility of its corresponding alkali-metal salt. The alkali metal salt is preferably provided solely by the reaction of (a) a premix comprising the alkali metal carbonate coated with the surfactant (b) a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, and mixtures thereof, and (c) water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a particulate foam control agent comprising from 1 to 30 parts by weight of a silicone antifoam, from 70 to 99 parts by weight of a zeolite carrier for the antifoam, from 1 to 60% by weight of the silicone antifoam of a surface active agent which has been deposited on the zeolite carrier not later than the silicone antifoam and from 1 to 40 parts by weight of a polycarboxylate-type binder or encapsulant, whereby the polycarboxylate-type binder has a pH of 3 or less when dissolved in water. The invention also relates to a detergent composition comprising the particulate foam control agent and a method for the preparation of the foam control agent.

Abstract: Foam control granules, for use in particulate laundry detergent compositions, comprise a mobile hydrophobic foam control agent, preferably silicone oil in admixture with hydrophobic silica, optionally combined with a mixture of a hydrocarbon such as petroleum jelly and an alkylphosphoric acid salt, sorbed onto a porous absorbent inorganic carrier comprising or consisting of anhydrous sodium carbonate, preferably light soda ash. When such granules are prepared by mixing and granulating in a high shear mixer/granulator, the addition of from 1 to 10 wt % water after mixing and granulation results in granules having improved flow properties.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprises detergent particles, each particle having a substantially anhydrous coating comprising a fluorescent whitening agent and a nonionic surfactant. A process for the preparation of the said detergent composition comprises spraying base detergent particles with a substantially anhydrous mixture comprising the fluorescent whitening agent and the nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A process for making a detergent composition comprises the steps of: (i) mixing together at least two non-surfactant additives to form a premix; (ii) spraying all of the nonionic surfactant on to the premix to form a first intermediate particle; (iii) subsequently mixing the first intermediate particle with a second intermediate particle, wherein the second intermediate particle comprises anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing a fragrance-containing solid particle, capable of controllably releasing the fragrance to the environment in which the particle is contained, for incorporation into laundry detergents, fabric softener compositions and drier-added fabric softener articles.