Abstract: Process incorporating an organic solvent and being composed of detergent components present together within specific ranges have now been found so as to produce a non-aqueous liquid detergent composition without the attendant drawbacks of non-aqueous liquids. In particular, this process produces a liquid detergent composition which is easy to handle in bulk, has excellent long-term stability and is readily soluble in a wash liquor.

Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.

Abstract: A process for preparing detergent particles having a coating layer of water-soluble inorganic material is provided. The detergent particle comprises a particle core of a detergent active material. This particle core is then at least partially covered by a particle coating layer of a water soluble inorganic material. Particularly preferred are non-hydrate inorganic coating materials including double salt combinations of alkali metal carbonates, and sulfates. The particle coating layer may also include detergent adjunct ingredients such as brighteners, chelants, nonionic surfactants, co-builders, etc. The process includes the steps of passing the particle core through a coating mixer such as a low speed mixer of fluid bed mixer and coating the particle core with a coating solution or slurry of the water soluble inorganic material.

Abstract: A granular component for use in a particulate detergent composition, the granules of which comprise an active substance and comprise an incomplete coating wherein less than 70% of the surface area of the component is coated. Preferably the granules are partially coated in a water-soluble partially hydrophobic coating.

Abstract: Detergent compositions or components are formulated with certain hydrophobically modified cellulosic materials, which provide protection of fabrics, whereof at least 80% or even at least 90% have a particle size of below 1000 microns or even below 850 or even 710 microns. Selection of materials of this particle size results in improved dispersability of the cellulosic material and imparts improved appearance and integrity benefits to fabrics and textiles laundered in washing solutions from such compositions.

Abstract: In an agglomeration process for the preparation of granules encapsulating a hydrophobic active material, the active material and a molten binder which has a melting point above ambient temperature are sprayed onto water soluble carrier particles while agitating the particles. A liquid which interacts exothermically with the carrier particles is sprayed onto the carrier particles separately from and just before or simultaneously with the active material and binder, so that the heat generated by the interaction reduces the cooling rate of the binder during the agglomeration process. For example the liquid can be water when the carrier particles have a positive heat of hydration and/or solution by water.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing industrial detergents and industrial detergent components in granular or agglomerate form on a dry basis in an essentially horizontally oriented fluidized bed. The finished detergent granulates or agglomerates are distinguished by a homogenous composition of the individual raw material components, including the binder and the moisture content, have a high resistance to mechanical stress, are readily dispersible in water, and are low in dust or almost dust-free. In the process a binder and/or components in the form of solutions, suspensions, or melts are added to the solid material in the fluidized bed via a spray or injection system. Through the energy introduced via the process air, drying and compacting of the agglomerate granulate forming in the injection area of the fluidized bed occur. The supply temperature of the process air is in a range of about 20° C. up to the decomposition temperature of the individual materials.

Abstract: A process for forming a non-staining colored composite particle suitable for incorporation in a bleach-containing or a non-bleach-containing liquid detergent composition is disclosed. The process includes the steps of forming a colored liquid dispersion of pigment particles in a first liquid medium wherein the size of the pigment particles in the colored liquid dispersion is no greater than about 5 &mgr;m. The process includes the step of mixing the colored liquid dispersion with a polymeric material and a second liquid medium to form a sprayable colored polymeric material. The process also includes the step of spraying the colored polymeric material on a composite particle and forming a colored polymeric coating on the composite particle. A non-staining colored particle and a liquid ADW detergent composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid detergent composition comprising a clay system, said clay system comprises a hectorite clay and a dioctahedral smectite clay, wherein the weight ratio of said hectorite clay to said dioctahedral smectite clay is less than 1:1. The two clay types may be present in a solid detergent composition in the form of an agglomerate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving the dispensing of a detergent composition or component thereof, comprising a surfactant and other detergent components, by providing a detergent composition comprising an intimate mixture of the surfactant component or part thereof and a crystalline layered silicate.

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 application.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing effervescence component comprises grinding a coarse acid source to obtain an acid source whereof at least 75% has a particle size from 0.1 to 150 microns, mixing the ground acid source and the carbon dioxide source and optionally the binder and/or other actives to form a mixture, and submitting the mixture to a granulation step, preferably comprising a compaction step and/or an agglomeration step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel granulation method, wherein a surface active foam obtained by foaming a flowable component that contains a surface active agent with a gaseous medium is used as granulation adjuvant. The surface active foam has an average pore size of less than 10 mm.

Abstract: A process for preparing a free-flowing granular detergent composition with improved storage stability involves granulation of a solid starting material comprising a hydratable salt with a liquid binder and treating the resulting granules in a low shear mixer with from 0.5 to 20 wt % of water.

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 invention relates to detergent compositions comprising from 10-60 wt % of a surfactant system and having a maximum Residues Index of 25 and a maximum Secondary Residues Index of 15. The detergents claim provide good performance in the wash based on the quantities of detergent components in the compositions.

Abstract: A single-dose quick dissolving cleansing agent, also with preventing and treating activity for disorders and diseases in human beings and animals, wherein the agent comprises a surfactant, a first and second disintegrating agents combined for causing a sudden disintegration and dissolution of the agent upon contacting the agent with a liquid medium, an agglutinating agent, a phyto-therapeutic extract providing the preventing and treating activity, and bactericide, essences and colorants.

Abstract: An alkaline detergent composition is provided including a source of alkalinity and an effective soil removing amount of a nonionic surfactant blend. The nonionic surfactant blend includes a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic and an (EO) group and a nonionic silicone surfactant. The detergent composition provides for the removal of waxy-fatty soil.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of fluid detergent product comprising an anionic surfactant in which the acid precursor of the anionic surfactant is fed through at least two mixing devices, sufficient neutralising agent to neutralise 25-75 wt % of the acid precursor being fed to the first mixing device, and sufficient neutralising agent to complete neutralisation being added to the mixture from the first mixing device to substantially complete neutralisation by the time the process stream exits the final mixing device, wherein the initial liquid component and the process stream are kept at pumpable temperature at all times during the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid or fluid composition, kit and method for treating and/or cleaning surfaces. In one aspect, the composition contains a nanoparticle component, selected from the group consisting of metal oxyhydroxides, modified metal oxyhydroxides and mixtures thereof; and a buffer/modifying agent component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a granule comprising a core and a coating, wherein the core comprises an active compound, and the coating comprises filaments prepared from atomizing a liquid coating composition having the property that said liquid coating composition forms filaments upon atomization.

Abstract: A process for producing coated bleach activator granules in which bleach activator base granules are coated with a coating substance and are simultaneously and/or subsequently thermally conditioned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparation of a chelant composition by a non-spray-drying process, a process for improving one or more of flowability and scoopability of a laundry detergent composition, and a chelant agglomerate useful as an ad-mix in a particulate laundry detergent. In one aspect of the present invention, the process for preparation of a chelant composition by a non-spray-drying process includes the steps of admixing a transition metal chelant and an inorganic compound to form a mixture, aglomerating the mixture in an aqueous medium to form a chelant agglomerate and drying the chelant agglomerate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel controlled release carrier system for pH or salt triggered release and targeted delivery of fragrances and other active ingredients onto fabric, hair, skin, and other biological surfaces and which provides prolonged release of fragrances and other active ingredients over an extended period of time, or yields a high impact fragrance “burst” upon treating the target surface with heat (blow drying the hair, ironing the fabric). The controlled delivery system of the present invention is substantially a free-flowing powder formed of solid hydrophobic nano-spheres comprising the fragrance and other active ingredients that are encapsulated in a pH or salt sensitive micro-spheres. Also described are processes for preparing such compositions and processes for using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cationic particle containing an aqueous cationic surfactant solution adsorbed to a water-insoluble high absorbing material. Preferably, the water-insoluble high absorbing material has an oil absorption (using d-butyl phthalate) of from about 140 mL/100 g to about 400 mL/100 g. A process for making the cationic particle is also described herein. The cationic particle can be incorporated into a particulate detergent composition.

Abstract: A surfactant agglomerate is disclosed which has a reduced tendency to gel upon contact with water, and has an improved dissolution profile in water. The surfactant agglomerate comprises a water-soluble salt of acetate in close proximity with the surfactant.

Abstract: A solid cleaning composition comprises a source of active oxygen agent within a binder complex. The solid is formed by a binding agent that forms the ingredients into a solid. The binding agent is a composition formed by the solidification of a mixture of an organic sequestrant, including phosphonate or aminocarboxylic acid or mixtures thereof, an active oxygen compound, and water. The solid composition can be dissolved in an aqueous solution creating an aqueous concentrate of the active oxygen at a useful concentration. The binding agent can also be used to bind additional functional materials and form a solid cleaning composition comprising the source of stabilized active oxygen as well as the additional functional material.

Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a detergent composition comprising from 0.5 to 60% by weight of an agglomerate comprising from 35 to 68% by weight of the agglomerate of a crystalline layered silicate, from 32 to 55% by weight of the agglomerate of an anionic surfactant and comprising less than 10% by weight of the agglomerate of free moisture.

Abstract: A detergent composition which has improved solubility or dissolution in laundering solutions, especially in solutions kept at cold temperatures (i.e., less than about 30° C.), is disclosed. The granular detergent composition is aesthetically pleasing to consumers and has improved flowability. The granular detergent composition has optimally selected level of particles having a judiciously selected median particle size diameter with a selected standard deviation. The granular detergent composition also has carefully tailored physical properties such as uniformity parameter, whiteness, circularity and aspect ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent system comprising at least one solid detergent composition in the form of a tablet and at least one liquid or gel filled water-soluble pouch composition packaged together in a water-insoluble film wrap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing uni-core detergent particles having a degree of particle growth of 1.5 or less and a bulk density of 500 g/L or more, comprising the steps of (A-I) mixing base particles for supporting a surfactant which have an average particle size of from 150 to 500 &mgr;m and a bulk density of 400 g/L or more [Component (a)] with a surfactant composition [Component (c)]; (A-II) mixing a mixture obtained in Step (A-I) with a powdery builder [Component (b)] of which primary average particle size is from 3 to 30 &mgr;m; and (A-III) mixing a mixture obtained in Step (A-II) with a fine powder [Component (d)] of which primary average particle size is smaller than that of Component (b). By using the process of the present invention, the uni-core detergent particles which are excellent in the dissolubility and the flowability properties can be prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a granular detergent composition comprising the steps of: (a) granulating a detersive material comprising a detergent surfactant and a builder; and (b) coating an inorganic aqueous solution on the granules substantially to coat the granules.

Abstract: A granular detergent component comprising a high level of surfactant, for example, cationic surfactant, and an inorganic carrier material is prepared by a process involving spraying an aqueous solution of the surfactant onto moving granules of the inorganic carrier material in the presence of a drying gas, preferably air, at a temperature within the range of from 65 to 200° C. The process is preferably carried out in a fluidised bed. Preferred inorganic carrier materials are sodium carbonate and zeolite MAP.

Abstract: A multi-step process for making a granular detergent composition. The processing steps include adding to a mixer a first feed stream selected from a first powder, a first liquid, and mixtures thereof, to form a second feed stream. The second feed stream is added to a fluid bed dryer to form the granular detergent composition, and optionally, a third feed stream selected from a second powder, a second liquid, and mixtures thereof can be added to the fluid bed dryer. The granular detergent composition contains at least about 50% by weight of particles having a geometric mean particle diameter of from about 500 microns to about 1500 microns with a geometric standard deviation of from about 1 to about 2. Further, at least a portion of the particles contain a detersive surfactant or a detergent builder.

Abstract: The invention is a solid chemical concentrate system of at least two cooperative shapes. The first shape is an inwardly curved bar having an inner opening. The second shape is an insert which is capable of interlocking with the bar by insertion into the bar inner opening. The solid chemical concentrate provides chemical systems having active constituents which may be the same, different but compatible or functionally and chemically incompatible combined within one matrix to provide at least one substantially continuous surface. The system may also comprise an aqueous soluble or dispersible polymeric film cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-density compositions, as well as particulates formed, at least in part, from such compositions. Preferred low-density materials include, for example, hollowspheres, low-density minerals, and low-density wood materials (e.g., sawdust). The low-density compositions of the invention can be formed as particulates, or cores, suitable for use in forming enzyme granules, e.g., marums, layered granules, prills, drum granules, agglomerated granules, or the like. Granules are disclosed having advantageous properties, e.g., low dusting, storage stable, fast enzyme-release profile, low true density, etc. The granules of the invention are especially useful, for example, in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as predominantly aqueous, liquid laundry detergents. In one embodiment, granules are provided having a true, or volumetric, density within a range of from about 0.95 to about 1.4 g/cm3.

Abstract: Particulate detergent components comprising a bleaching agent and detergent compositions containing them are described. The invention relates to the problem of localised build-up of bleaching components and provides bleaching granules comprising no more than 50 wt. % of a particulate bleach component selected from bleach activators, pre-formed peracids, bleach catalysts and mttres thereof, in addition to further detergent ingredients. The geometric mean particle diameter of the particulate bleach component is below 500 &mgr;m. A method for making a bleach granule comprises in a mixing step, mixing the particulate bleach component with builders and/or surfactants and optionally other detergent ingredients and/or fillers in a high, moderate or low shear mixer to produce the bleach granules. Preferably, the bleach granules are produced in a moderate to low shear mixer.

Abstract: A water-soluble package comprises a composition such as a liquid detergent composition enclosed within a water-soluble film. The film, or at least a substantial portion thereof, is dusted with a powder such as talc, starch, calcium stearate or zinc stearate by passing the package through a cloud or fluidized bed of the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particulate detergent compositions and methods for making them. Such detergent compositions may be used for any cleaning purposes, in particular for dishwashing or laundry detergents. A combination of first and second particulate detergent components are formed into a single particle. The first and second particulate being of different colors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions or components comprising certain cyclic amine based polymers and certain anionic cellulose materials. This combination imparts improved appearance and integrity benefits to fabrics and textiles laundered in washing solutions formed from such compositions, whilst also providing improved whiteness and/or brightness maintenance.

Abstract: A method that produces a powdered fabric cleaner is disclosed. The cleaner has a reduced level of fines. One introduces at least one particulate material and at least one liquid material into a mixing vessel to form a mixture, blends the mixture for a first period of time, chops the mixture for at least a portion of the first period of time, and thereafter blends the mixture without chopping for a second period of time. In one form the cleaning composition has at least 80% by weight of inorganic salt carrier particulates, 1-10% by weight of flow agent particulates, and 0.1-15% by weight of a liquid active material, such as a fragrance, a surfactant, a solvent, or a pesticide. At least 90.0% of the composition particulates have a particle size greater than 0.105 millimeters.

Abstract: A non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition, the process comprising the following steps: (i) fluidizing powder materials in a high-speed mixer/granulator having both a stirring action and a cutting action, the powder materials comprising: particulate solid water-soluble alkaline inorganic material in an amount in excess of that required for neutralization, optionally in admixture with one or more other particulate solids, and recycled fines, the powder materials having a total surface area; (ii) adding the liquid detersive materials to the high-speed mixer/granulator, the liquid detersive materials comprising: a liquid acid precursor, optionally in admixture with one or more other liquid materials, whereby neutralization of the acid precursor by the water-soluble alkaline inorganic material occurs; and (iii) granulating the mixture in the high-speed mixer/granulator to form detergent particles, wherein the ratio of the total surface area of the powder materials to the amount of liquid d

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of coated granular sodium percarbonate having a low TAM value. The preparation is carried out by fluidized-bed spray granulation at a temperature TG in the range from 45 to 75° C., and the coating is effected by the spray application of an aqueous solution containing at least one coating component in a fluidized bed at a temperature TU in the range from 35 to 100° C. According to the invention, a) after the fluidized-bed spray granulation but before the coating, drying is carried out at TNT of greater than TG, or b) the fluidized-bed granulation is carried out in at least two steps at TG1, TG2 . . . TGn, TG2 or TGn being higher than TG1, and drying being unnecessary if ⅔ of the granulate have been formed at TG1, or c) drying takes place not after the granulation but after the coating, at TUNT, TUNT being at least 20° C. higher than TG.

Abstract: A particulate laundry detergent composition having a bulk density of 550 to 900 g/l comprises at least two different granular multiingredient components. A first granular component (preferably non-spray-dried) has a bulk density of 550 to 1000 g/l and has a weight ratio of a first ingredient type to a second ingredient type of r; a second granular component (preferably spray-dried) has a bulk density of from 300 to 550 g/l and has a weight ratio of the first ingredient type to the second ingredient type of r′, wherein the ratio of r to r′ is within the range of from 1.25:1 to 1:1.25.

Abstract: A speckle composition for use in particulate laundry detergent compositions comprising a porous granular carrier, and at least 0.01 wt % photobleach, preferably at least 0.05 wt %, more preferably at least 0.1 wt %, based on the active ingredient the composition being layered with a finely divided high carrying capacity particulate material and/or a water-soluble material. The most preferred photobleach is a blend of Zn and Al sulphonated phthalocyanine.

Abstract: A coloured speckle composition for use in particulate laundry detergent compositions comprising a porous granular carrier and at least 0.01 wt % photobleach, preferably at least 0.05 wt %, more preferably at least 0.1 wt %, based on the active ingredient, the composition having an average bulk density of at most 600 g/l, preferably at most 500 g/l, most preferably at most 400 g/l. The carrier system reduces the staining tendency of the photobleach. The most preferred carrier is spray dried detergent base powder. The most preferred photobleach is a blend of Zn and Al sulphonated phthalocyanine.

Abstract: A multi-step process for making a granular detergent composition. The processing steps include adding to a first fluid bed dryer a first feed stream selected from a first powder, a first liquid, and mixtures thereof, to form a second feed stream. The second feed stream is added to a mixer to form a fourth feed stream, and optionally, a third feed stream selected from a second powder, a second liquid, and mixtures thereof can be added to the mixer. The fourth feed stream is added to a second fluid bed dryer to form the granular detergent composition. The granular detergent composition contains at least about 50% by weight of particles having a geometric mean particle diameter of from about 500 microns to about 1500 microns with a geometric standard deviation of from about 1 to about 2. Further, at least a portion of the particles contain a detersive surfactant or a detergent builder.

Abstract: The invention provides a single-dose soap for use only once, as a disposable soap unit, the soap unit having a high solubility in order to be quickly dissolved during a washing operation, the soap unit comprising lauryl sodium sulfate, a first hydrophilic disintegrating agent, an agglutinating agent, and a second hydrophilic disintegrating agent for causing a sudden disintegration and dissolution of the soap when contacting with a liquid for the washing operation. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the soap unit.

Abstract: A detergent in agglomerate form is described, characterized by the fact that it contains at least one swellable layer silicate and at least one optical brightener in intimate contact with each other.