Abstract: Solid composition useful for the production of dishwashing, laundry or cleaning compositions are comprised of (a) a hydroxy mixed ether of the formula (I) wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, R2 is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, R3 is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl group having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, each of n1 and n2 independently is a number from 0 to 60 and m is 0 or a number from 0.5 to 5, with the provisos that the total number of carbon atoms in the substituents R1 and R2 is at least 6 and the sum (n1+m+n2) is greater than 0; and (b) a polymer. The compositions according to the invention can optionally contain additional nonionic surfactants, carriers, auxiliaries and additives typically found in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and cleaning compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaped detergent composition, said composition comprising: (a) a surfactant; and (b) a plurality of discrete particles comprising benefit agent, said particles having a average particle size of at least 1.2 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 10 mm, more preferably from 2.0 mm to 5 mm, even more preferably from 2.3 mm to 4 mm. The compositions of the present invention can be effectively dosed via the dispensing drawer of standard washing machines without being caught up in the mechanism of the.

Abstract: A process for making a non-phosphate, zeolite-built detergent tablet, the process comprising a first step of providing a detergent composition, a second step of forming a particulate material comprising the detergent composition, and a third step of compressing the particulate material in a tablet form, the process being characterized in that it further comprises a step of cooling the detergent composition below ambient temperature between the first and the third step.

Abstract: Surfactant granules are made by the process comprising the steps of (1) mixing an aqueous nonionic surfactant paste and an aqueous solution of an organic polymeric carrier; (2) simultaneously granulating and drying the mixture from step (1) in a fluidized bed to form a granulated nonionic surfactant. The surfactant granules are dust-free, flowable, storage-stable, show no tendency toward clumping and are readily soluble in cold water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing soluble polymer granules which are suitable for use in washing and/or cleaning surfactants. According to said method, an aqueous preparation of the polymer which contains at least 30% by weight polymer, optionally in admixture with other washing and/or cleaning surfactant ingredients, is granulated and at the same time dried batchwise or continuously, preferably continuously, in a circular fluidized bed. In said fluidized bed, an eddy flow about the vertical axis of the apparatus is produced above the ground of the fluidized bed by means of an air inlet. The invention also relates to soluble, spherical polymer granules with a polymer content of 50 to 95% by weight and to washing or cleaning surfactants containing the inventive granules.

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 present invention relates to washing- or cleaning-active shaped bodies, in particular tablets such as detergent tablets, dishwashing tablets, stain removal tablets or water softening tablets, comprising polysuccinimide in combination with polyethylene glycols and/or phosphoric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to granules comprising a core and a coating, wherein the core comprises an active compound and the coating comprises a wax composition with a wide molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The laundry detergent composition of the invention contains a combination of a soap, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, optionally a builder system, and optionally other detergent ingredients. The surfactant system comprises from 5 to 85 wt % in which the amount of soap is from 20 to 50 wt %, the amount of anionic is from 10 to 65 wt %, and the amount of nonionic is from 15 to 70 wt %, and wherein from 75 wt % to 100 wt % of the soap is present in the form of a granule which is dry-mixed with the other components, and the soap granule has a concentration of soap of at least 75 wt % based on the weight of the granule.

Abstract: The dimensionally stable alkaline solid block warewashing detergent uses an E-form binder forming a solid comprising a sodium carbonate source of alkalinity, a sequestrant, a surfactant package and other optional material. The solid block is dimensionally stable and highly effective in removing soil from the surfaces of dishware in the institutional and industrial environment. The E-form hydrate comprises an organic phosphonate and a hydrated carbonate.

Abstract: Water soluble granules or particles of saldimine-type manganese complexes that are suitable as catalysts in reactions with peroxy compounds are described. The granules are used especially in washing agents. They are distinguished by retarded disssolution of and improved action of the manganese complexes.

Abstract: A tablet of compacted particulate cleaning composition has about 0.5-10% by wt. of a composite disintegrant blend of, by weight, (a) about 20-80% of a water soluble salt, (b) about 80-20% of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP), the tablet having a disintegration rate of at least 40 g/min.

Abstract: A particulate detergent or cleaning product in the form of a direct spray drying product that has an apparent weight in the range from 220 g/l to 500 g/l and a particle diameter d50 in the range from 0.12 mm to 0.6 mm. Also, a method of producing the particulate product using a spray drying apparatus.

Abstract: A process for preparing detergent particles having a coating layer of a 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-hydratable 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 or fluid bed mixer and coating the particle core with a coating solution or slurry of the water soluble inorganic material.

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: Surfactant mixtures comprising (a) a nonionic surfactant mixture present in an amount greater than 60% by weight, based on the weight of the surfactant mixture, the nonionic surfactant mixture comprising: (i) at least one alk(en)yl oligoglycoside of the general formula (I), R1O—[G]p  (I) wherein R1 represents an alk(en)yl radical having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms, G represents a sugar radical having 5 or 6 carbon atoms and p represents a number from 1 to 10; and (ii) at least one nonionic surfactant of the general formula (II) R2O(CH2CHRO)xH  (II) wherein x represents a number of from 1 to 30, each R independently represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a methyl group and an ethyl group, and R2 represents a linear alkyl radical having from 16 to 22 carbon atoms; and (b) up to 6% by weight, based on the weight of the surfactant mixture, of one or more anionic surfactants; are described.

Abstract: A process for coating laundry detergent or cleaning product tablets that contain builder(s) and also, if desired, further laundry detergent and cleaning product ingredients, by transporting the tablets on a conveyor belt provided with a multiplicity of apertures and forcing coating material through the conveyor belt apertures from below with a force such that the coating material forced over the conveying plane forms a surge through which the tablets are transported.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a tablet, especially a detergent tablet, which includes at least one first and one second layer. The method comprises the following steps: (a) introducing a first metered quantity of a first particulate composition into a molding cavity of a tablet press; (b) compacting the first metered quantity with a first mold pressure by means of a molding punch that has at least one convexity on its pressing surface, to produce a first compacted layer that has one or more respective indentations in its upper surface that corresponds to a convexity/convexities on the molding punch; (c) introducing a second metered quantity of a second particulate composition into the molding cavity of the tablet press on top of the first compacted layer; and (d) compacting the second metered quantity with a second mold pressure by means of a molding punch, to produce a second compacted layer with one or more respective indentations in its upper surface.

Abstract: Composition for use in a water tank in the kitchen or sanitary sector, characterized by a basic composition essentially evolving its function following addition to a first water filling of the water tank, in the form of a tablet and at least one particle, with at least one core, which comprises at least one substance evolving its function essentially following an at least partial emptying of the first water filling from the water tank and the inflow of fresh water and a covering substantially completely surrounding the core or cores comprising at least one compound, whose solubility increases with decreasing concentration of a specific ion in the surrounding medium, the at least one particle being so arranged in or on the tablet that the surface of the particle or particles is at most only partly in direct contact with the surface of the basic composition surrounding the same and the concentration of the specific ion in the local environment of the particle or particles is sufficiently high up to a substantia

Abstract: Composition for use in a water tank in the kitchen or sanitary sectors characterized by a basic composition essentially evolving its function following addition to a first water filling of the water tank, in the form of a tablet and at least one particle, with at least one core, which comprises at least one substance evolving its function essentially following an at least partial emptying of the first water filling from the water tank Ad and the inflow of fresh water and a covering substantially completely surrounding the core or cores comprising at least one compound, whose solubility increases with decreasing concentration of a specific ion in the surrounding medium, the at least one particle being so arranged in or on the tablet that the surface of the particle or particles is at most only partly in direct contact with the surface of the basic composition surrounding the same and the concentration of the specific ion in the local environment of the particle or particles is sufficiently high up to a substan

Abstract: Coated solid bodies comprising a core of an active composition and having a water-soluble or dispersible micro-porous or net-coating. The coating improves the mechanical characteristics of the solid body and allows for good dissolution. The coated solid bodies preferably take the form of detergent tablets.

Abstract: Mixtures comprising: (a) a gemini surfactant of the formula (I) R1—CHOH—CH2—[OCH2CH2]x—O—CH2—CHOH—R  (I) wherein each of R and R1 is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl group having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms and x is a number from about 5 to about 400; (b) polyethylene glycol are useful as components in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and cleaners and for improving the wetting behavior on various surfaces.

Abstract: Laundry detergent or cleaning product shaped bodies which comprise two or more noncompressed parts.

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

Abstract: A surfactant composition containing: (a) from about 75 to 97% by weight of a fatty alcohol sulfate; and (b) from about 3 to 25% by weight of an olefin sulfonate, all weights being based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the composition is in granular form.

Abstract: Compositions and method of making compositions comprising &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester and other detergent components. The &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester is formed into a first portion, and the other detergent components are formed into a second portion. The first portion is post-added to the second portion.

Abstract: A process of making particulate foam regulating granulates by spraying an aqueous foam regulating emulsion containing 16% to 70% by weight of a foam regulating active ingredient based on paraffin wax or silicone oil, 2% by weight to 15% by weight of a nonionic and/or anionic emulsifier, and not more than 80% by weight of water onto a solid carrier material, wherein the carrier material comprises an alkali metal carbonate and a Brønsted acid.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet comprising a first phase in adhesive contact with one or more second phases, and wherein at least the first phase is in the form of a compressed particulate solid incorporating a cogranulated detergency additive composition comprising polymeric polycarboxylate and inorganic carrier. The multi-phase tablets provide improved interphase adhesivity, robustness and strength together with excellent dissolution and cleaning characteristics.

Abstract: A washing composition is disclosed which includes an &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester and a silicate builder to control water hardness while reducing builder deposits on clothing. The composition is free of added inorganic phosphate builders and insoluble zeolite builders, yet provides comparable cleaning performance to detergents containing such builders.

Abstract: Visible light reflecting particles comprise one or more detergent ingredients and a light reflecting component, which results in the particle having a specular visible light reflection which is greater in intensity than the specular visible light reflection of the ingredients per se. Preferably, the reflection is greater than the reflection of sodium citrate dihydrate, as defined herein. The reflecting particle preferably comprises the light reflecting component evenly applied on its surface. The particles are particularly suitable for incorporation into laundry or dish washing compositions, fabric conditioning compositions or hard-surface cleaning compositions.

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 light duty liquid compositions comprising &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester, hydrotrope, and nonionic surfactant. The &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester and the hydrotrope stabilize the composition, by reducing pH drift and/or solubilizing the &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester in solution. Methods are also disclosed for making such compositions.

Abstract: The inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in a laundry detergent product is described. The benefits are delivered to the laundered item during the cleaning step and, therefore, reduces the need for further wrinkle reducing steps when the items are taken from the dryer or after hang drying.

Abstract: A particulate laundry detergent composition having an equilibrium relative humidity value at 25° C. and 1 atmosphere of at least 10% and comprising an effervescent granule, the effervescent granule comprising an acid source, a carbonate source and a desiccant is provided. The granules are stable even though they are contained within a humid environment.

Abstract: A solid-shaped detergent comprising particles for detergent, wherein the particles have a dissolution rate of 90% or more, under conditions where the particles are supplied in water at 5° C.; stirred for 60 seconds under the stirring conditions that 1 g of the particles are supplied to a 1-L beaker having an inner diameter of 105 mm which is charged with 1 L of hard water having 71.

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: A tablet or pellet for cleaning mineral deposits from the interior of a dishwasher machine is placed within the machine, and the machine is run through its normal dishwashing cycle. The pellet or tablet is formed of a mixture of a binder matrix and a chelating agent capable of carrying out chelation solubilization on the mineral deposits. The pellet or tablet withstands substantial dissolving during the initial rinse cycle or cycles, and then dissolves to provide a pH no greater than 6 during the wash cycle.

Abstract: A method for providing multi-phase cleaning and washing agent shaped bodies is provided. A particulate premix ix compressed to form a shaped body containing a cavity and the cavity is filled with a molten suspension or emulsion of a matrix material with a melting point above 30% and at least one active material dispersed or suspended in the matrix material.

Abstract: A process for making beads of dry material for detergents, resulting in more robust beads, by contacting the beads with water to introduce very small levels of moisture to the beads. Colored beads, detergent formulations containing these beads and, in particular, softening through the wash compositions containing clay and the beads are disclosed.

Abstract: A unit dose wash cycle fabric softening composition for softening or conditioning fabrics in the wash cycle of an automatic washing machine, said unit dose comprising a compacted granular fabric softener composition formed from granules of softener, which granules are formed from a powder of said clay component wherein the amount of moisture in said clay component is from about 3% to about 10%, by weight, and wherein the total amount of moisture in the compacted fabric softener composition is from about 3% to about 25% by weight.

Abstract: Laundry detergent or cleaning product shaped bodies which comprise two or more noncompressed parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for use in a dishwasher which is provided in the form of a tablet. The inventive composition is characterized by a base composition which essentially carries out its function during the main cleaning cycle of the dishwasher, and is also characterized by at least one particle. Said particle has at least one core that comprises at least one substance which essentially carries out its function during the rinse cycle of the dishwasher. The particle also has a coating which, for the most part, completely surrounds the core(s). Said coating comprises at least one compound whose solubility increases with a declining concentration of a specific ion in the surrounding medium. The at least one particle is arranged in or on the tablet in such a way that the surface of the particle(s) is, at most, partially in direct contact with the surface of the base composition surrounding this/these particles.

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 composition is provided for use in a dishwashing machine and in the form of a tablet. The composition is characterized by having at least two small parts, which are placed in or on the tablet, and in which at least one functional substance is concentrated in each case thus enabling the respective small part to be released by dissolution at a determined point in time during the dishwashing cycle. The small parts are produced by using at least two different methods.

Abstract: A tablet of compacted particulate cleaning composition, wherein the tablet or a discrete region thereof contains detergency builder, characterized by containing about 0.5-10% by wt. of a composite disintegrant blend comprising, by weight, (a) about 20-80% of a water soluble salt, (b) about 80-20% of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP), said tablet having a disintegration rate of at least 40 g/min.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for use in a washing machine. The composition is characterised by a base composition that becomes active essentially during the main wash cycle of the washing machine; and by at least one particle with at least one core which contains at least one substance which becomes active essentially during the rinse cycles of the washing machine and with a coating which essentially fully encloses the core(s) and contains at least one compound whose solubility increases as the concentration of a specific compound in the surrounding medium decreases. The invention provides for means that prevent a significant dissolution of the coating or a significant detachment of the coating from the core(s) until the rinse cycles have begun. The invention also relates to a method for carrying out a wash cycle in a washing machine using the inventive composition.

Abstract: A composition for use in a dishwasher is characterized by a base composition in the form of a tablet which becomes active substantially during the main wash cycle of the dishwasher. At least one separate zone in or on the tablet is provided with a substance that becomes active substantially during the rinse cycle of the dishwasher and with at least one substance that prevents lime scale build-up in the dishwasher and/or on the washed articles. The composition further includes agents that guarantee that at least the substance that becomes active substantially during the rinse cycle of the dishwasher is at least mainly released at the beginning of the rinse cycle at the earliest.

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: An effervescent granule for use in particulate detergent compositions which comprises (a) a particulate acid source; and (b) a particulate carbonate source characterised in that the ratio of the d50 particle size of the acid source to the carbonate source is from less than 2:1 to greater than 1:1 is provided. The granules are surprisingly more effective if the particle sizes of the reacting constituents are similar.

Abstract: An acidic liquid peroxide bleach formulation for laundry comprising particles in stable suspension said particles comprising, as a core, at least one fatty acid and/or salt thereof, and a coating which is insoluble in the bleach formulation, but becomes rapidly soluble upon raising the pH of the environment-above about 7.