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: 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 present invention relates to a process for preparing granular detergent products in which a liquid binder component comprising an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant and a hydrotrope is contacted with a solid particulate starting material comprising a neutralizing agent in a low shear mixer and the mixture granulated, the hydrotrope being present at a level of at least 1% by weight of the acid precursor of the anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating a benefit agent and/or colorant for personal care or detergent compositions, the process comprising immersing an emulsion or a dispersion containing the benefit agent and/or colorant into an aqueous curing solution containing a high HLB surfactant and/or a super-wetting agent. The preferred process further includes increasing the density of the droplets, to allow for easier penetration into the curing solution.

Abstract: A process for stabilising particulate alkali metal percarbonate involves coating it with an aqueous solution, preferably concentrated, of a non-reducing oligomeric saccharide, preferably sucrose and especially together with an inorganic salt co-coating agent. The preferred co-coating agents are alkali metal silicate, sulphate, carbonate and carbonate chloride. Coated percarbonate is provided having an excellent combination of solubility, and stability, even with low amounts of coating agent.

Abstract: A process of washing textiles is presented involving the delayed release of ingredients from a detergent composition. The process involves first dissolving the detergent in water resulting in a pH below 8, slowly dissolving the coating on a coated alkalizing agent to raise the pH to above 8.5, and dissolving the polymeric acid coating on a detergent ingredient, due to the pH above 8.5, to release the ingredient into the wash water.

Abstract: A detergent composition is described which is a solid homogeneous, evenly dispersed composition containing anionic and nonionic surfactants, soil suspending agents, chelating or sequestering agents, and alkaline builders. The detergent compositions will contain either active enzymes, an oxygen releasing bleaching agent or both. The active enzymes can be protease, amylase or lipase enzymes. Said composition can be used for laundry washing or hard surface cleaning. Manufacturing procedures and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A detergent composition is described which is a solid homogeneous, evenly dispersed composition containing anionic and nonionic surfactants, soil suspending agents, chelating or sequestering agents, and alkaline builders. The detergent compositions will contain either active enzymes, an oxygen releasing bleaching agent or both. The active enzymes can be protease, amylase or lipase enzymes. Said composition can be used for laundry washing or hard surface cleaning. Manufacturing procedures and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing a granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, while wetting the surfactant coated with the fine powder with finely atomized liquid, in a mixer, and (b) thoroughly mixing the agglomerates in a mixer. Step (b) can also be followed by further step (c), i.e., granulating the agglomerates from step (b) in one or more fluidizing apparatus, during which further coating can be used to prevent over-agglomeration.

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: 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: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: A personal washing composition containing a) surfactant selected from anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic and cationic surfactants, soaps and mixes thereof; b) polymeric deposition aid; c) encapsulated sunscreen.

Abstract: Detergent tablets containing a compressed portion and a non-compressed portion comprising a perfume component. The non-compressed portion preferably dissolves at a faster rate than the compressed portion, which preferably contains a bleaching agent. A process for preparing the detergent tablet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a low density detergent composition is provided. The process involves: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and dry starting detergent material in a first high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a second high speed mixer to obtain built-up agglomerates; and (c) feeding the built-up agglomerates and a binder into a fluid bed dryer to form detergent agglomerates having a density in a range from about 300 g/l to about 550 g/l, the fluid bed dryer being operated at a Stokes Number of less than about 1, wherein Stokes Number=8&rgr;&ngr;d/9&mgr;, &rgr; is the apparent particle density of the built-up agglomerates, &ngr; is the excess velocity of the built-up agglomerates, d is the mean particle diameter of the built-up agglomerates and &mgr; is the viscosity of the binder.

Abstract: A tablet comprising a combination of a means for providing effervescency upon contact with water, as well as a soluble salt selected from the group consisting of acetate, urea, and mixtures thereof is disclosed. The means for providing effervescence upon contact with water preferably comprises citric acid and a carbonate salt, such as a bicarbonate salt. Also disclosed is a process for making tablets according to the present invention.

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: This invention relates to an enzyme containing granular composition comprising: a) an enzyme containing core and b) a protective substantially continuous layer or coating encapsulating the core comprising at least 60% of a water soluble compound, having a molecular weight below 500 grams per mole, a pH below 11 and a constant humidity at 20° C. of more than 81%. The invention provides an improved stability of enzymes upon storage.

Abstract: Partially coated laundry detergent and cleaning product tablets having advantageous properties such as high hardnesses without adverse effect on short disintegration times and high resistance to edge fracture are achieved with relatively small amounts of coating agents if the coating covers only mechanically sensitive parts of the tablets.

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 system for forming and releasing an aqueous peracid solution is disclosed. The system includes a container and a peracid forming composition provided within the container. The container is permeable to the passage of water and aqueous peracid solution. The peracid forming composition includes a peracid precursor and a peroxygen source. Preferably, the peracid forming composition includes a chemical heater capable of releasing heat upon hydration. When placed in water, water enters the container and interacts with the peracid forming composition provided within the container. The water combines with the peracid precursor and peroxygen source to provide an aqueous peracid composition. The presence of a chemical heater within the container provides for the generation of heat within the container which enhances the rate of peracid formation. The peracid solution leaves the container and forms an effective sanitizing amount of sanitizer.

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: Personal and household care compositions that deliver an audible crackling or popping sound during use. The sound is created by the release of pressurized carbon dioxide that has been encapsulated in a water-soluble structure. The carbon dioxide gas is released as the encapsulating material dissolves or when it is ruptured by mechanical action. The popping or crackling sound helps create consumer interest by signaling the presence and continued action of the product.

Abstract: Detergent tablets containing a compressed portion and a non-compressed portion wherein: a) the compressed portion comprises compressed detergent components and a cavity extending from a first exterior surface of the compressed portion to a second exterior surface of the compressed portion; and b) the non-compressed portion is retained within said cavity. The non-compressed portion preferably dissolves at a faster rate than the compressed portion. A process for preparing the detergent tablet is also disclosed.

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: Granular detergent compositions are prepared by an agglomeration process and impregnated with a water-insoluble disintegrant to improve water solubility. Laundry detergent compositions are described.

Abstract: The resin granule of the present invention for washing comprises a resin granule, a detergent component and, optionally, a third component, wherein the external surface of each particle of the resin granule is coated with the detergent component.

Abstract: This invention relates to an enzyme containing granular composition comprising: a) an enzyme containing core and b) a protective substantially continuous layer or coating encapsulating the core comprising at least 60% of a water soluble compound, having a molecular weight below 500 grams per mole, a pH below 11 and a constant humidity at 20° C. of more than 81%. The invention provides an improved stability of enzymes upon storage.

Abstract: During the desizing and enzymatic stonewashing of denim fabric and/or garments, redeposition of blue color often occurs back onto the surfaces of the denim. The invention relates to a redepositing or backstain inhibiting composition and a method requiring the inclusion of an added protease prior to, during or subsequent to the stonewashing process which reduces the redeposition of the blue dye and hence improves the stonewashing process when using redepositing or backstaining cellulases to give an appearance closer to that when using stones alone or nonredepositing cellulases in the stonewashing process.

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: 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: The present invention relates to tablets comprising a core and a coating, the core being formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising surfactant and detergent builder, and the coating comprising a material, or mixture of materials, such as a fatty alcohol, which is substantially insoluble in water at 25° C. The tablets are provided with means, such as effervescent agents, which aid in their disintegration in wash liquors.

Abstract: A dispersion of polymer particles in a liquid detergent concentrate is stabilized by covalent reaction of a stabilizer on to reactive groups on the polymer particles.

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: There is provided a process for applying a coating to a base particle comprising a hygroscopic material, particularly sodium silicate, comprising the steps of (i) spraying an aqueous mixture comprising organic binder and optionally a dyestuff onto the base particle; and (ii) drying the particle to obtain a finished particle wherein the weight ratio of hygroscopic material to organic binder in the finished particle is from 1000:1 to 10:1, expressed on a dry weight basis. Detergent compositions containing the resulting particles are also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of pourable and free-flowing granular detergent composition components containing an active substance at least partly liquid at room temperature and a fine-particle carrier material for that active substance wherein the carrier material has a mean particle size of 3 &mgr;m to 0.5 mm by dropping the carrier material onto a rotating disk where it is radially accelerated by vanes arranged on the upper surface of said disk, and applying the liquid active substance to a stream of the carrier particles through an annular die formed by the outer edge of the rotating disk and a stator surrounding the disk.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent compositions having a density of at least of about 600 g/l comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, while wetting the surfactant coated with the fine powder with finely atomized liquid, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed and (b) granulating the first agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus.

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: 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: An automatic dishwashing composition which is in the form of a tablet generally comprises an alkali metal phosphate detergent builder salt, an alkali metal carbonate, a lubricant, a dialkali metal disilicate, a nonionic surfactant, a polymer containing sulfonic acid groups, a wax coated chlorine bleach compound, and optionally an anionic surfactant.

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: A process for making a detergent composition comprising solid components which form a total particulate base detergent matrix and a liquid hydrocarbon component, the process comprises the steps of applying liquid hydrocarbon onto a high porosity fraction selected from the total particulate base detergent matrix.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tablets comprising a core and a coating, the core being formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising surfactant and detergent builder, and the tablet further comprising a disintegrant, at least some of the disintegrant being in the coating. The invention also relates to processes for making the tablets.

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: An automatic dishwashing composition which is in the form of a tablet which generally comprises an alkali metal phosphate detergent builder salt, an alkali metal carbonate, a lubricant, a dialkali metal disilicate, a nonionic surfactant, a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer, a wax coated chlorine bleach compound, and optionally an anionic surfactant.

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 non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a low density, preferably about 300 g/l to about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) (i) dispersing an aqueous or non-aqueous surfactant, and (ii) coating the surfactant with fine powders having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in the mixer which is operated under certain conditions to obtain irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders and, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders from step (a), in a mixer which is operated under certain conditions to bind the excessive fine powders onto the irregular-shaped granules.