Abstract: The invention provides novel low temperature detergent mull compositions comprising:A detergent composition which comprises (a) solid builder, (b) liquid surfactant and, optionally, (c) one or more adjuncts, in the form of a low-temperature wash water dispersible, phase stable mull whose solid phase consists essentially of particulate solid builder having an average particle size greater than 10 microns and whose liquid phase consists essentially of at least one non-ionic surfactant, wherein said liquid phase has a pour point of less than 75.degree. F., thereby rendering said mull readily dispersible in cold wash water, and wherein said mull is rendered phase stable by the presence thereby of (i) a weight percent amount of said particulate builder which exceeds the weight percent of said liquid nonionic surfactant, or (ii) 0.1% to 5% by weight of the mull of added water, or (iii) both.

Abstract: A polymeric film material for the rinse release of wash additives comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and an alkyl cellulose. A metalloid oxide cross-linking agent is present in an amount sufficient to sharply reduce the solubility rate of the film blend in an alkaline wash, yet allow dissolution in a less alkaline rinse. Optionally, a hydrophobic cationic species is included to further reduce the dissolution rate in the wash pH. The films remain intact during normal wash cycles and over a range of typical water temperatures, then rapidly dissolve in the rinse. The film can be used to microencapsulate an additive, or made into a water-soluble pouch, or as a soluble seal for a pouch or container.

Abstract: A PVA film modified with anionic comonomers is provided for use as a water-soluble seal or pouch for alkaline or borate-containing cleaning compositions. The films comprise copolymers of 90-100% hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol with a nonhydrolyzable anionic comonomer, and have molecular weights characterized by a viscosity range of 4-35 cPs. The films are resistant to insolubilization caused by alkaline or borate-containing additives, are storage stable over a wide range of temperature and humidity storage conditions, rapidly and fully solubilize in a wash solution, and do not significantly impair cleaning performance of an additive enclosed within.

Abstract: Conventional polyvinyl alcohol envelopes will not readily dissolve in wash water which has a significant borate concentration and a pH frequently encountered in wash liquors. Herein, such films are rendered sufficiently soluble in such solutions. In the preferred embodiment this is done by utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol film wherein at least a portion of the polyvinyl alcohol has a number average molecular weight below about 50,000, or a polyvinyl alcohol film containing a polyhydroxy compound having a binding constant with borate of at least about 800M.sup.-2, or utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol film having an acid having an acid dissociation constant of 10.sup.-9 M or larger; or a polyvinyl alcohol film containing mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A polymeric film material for the rinse release of wash additives comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and an alkyl cellulose. A metalloid oxide cross-linking agent is present in an amount sufficient to sharply reduce the solubility rate of the film blend in an alkaline wash, yet allow dissolution in a less alkaline rinse. Optionally, a hydrophobic cationic species is included to further reduce the dissolution rate in the wash pH. The films remain intact during normal wash cycles and over a range of typical water temperatures, then rapidly dissolve in the rinse. The film can be used to microencapsulate an additive, or made into a water-soluble pouch, or as a soluble seal for a pouch or container.

Abstract: The invention provides a homogenous, reduced scratching, liquid abrasive scouring cleanser comprising:(1) about 10-90% by weight scouring abrasive particles with a Mohs hardness of about 2 to 4, wherein a triple tiered weight distribution of said particles comprises(a) about 20-99% of the weight of said particles being particles having a diameter of greater than about 100 microns;(b) about 5-50% of the weight of said particles being particles having a diameter greater than abut 250 microns; and(c) about 0-30% of the weight of said particles being particles having a diameter greater than 300 microns;(2) a soil removal and suspension effective amount of a surfactant system comprising a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants; and(3) the remainder, water.Standard adjuncts known to those skilled in the art, namely buffers, colorants, fragrances, thickeners, viscosity modifiers and further surfactants can be added to these cleansers.

Abstract: An ionomeric film is provided for use as a water-soluble seal or pouch for alkaline or borate-containing cleaning compositions. The films comprise copolymers of 90-100% hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol with a nonhydrolyzable anionic comonomer, and have molecular weights characterized by a viscosity range of 4-35 cP. The films are resistant to insolubilization caused by alkaline or borate-containing additives, are storage stable over a wide range of temperature and humidity storage conditions, rapidly and fully solubilize in a wash solution, and do not impair cleaning performance of an additive enclosed within.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides novel low-temperature-effective non-phosphate detergent paste compositions comprising:A concentrated non-phosphate, detergent paste composition which is rapidly soluble in cold water comprising, by weight:(a) about 10-50% of at least one nonionic surfactant;(b) about 5-70% of at least one water insoluble non-phosphate builder;(c) about 0-70% of at lest one water soluble non-phosphate builder;wherein the ratio of (b+c): a is greater than or equal to about 1.0; andwherein the ratio of b:a is less than about 2.0.The novel detergent paste compositions provide good removal of oily and particulate soils from both natural and synthetic fibers and yet surprisingly are rapidly soluble/dispersible in cold water.

Abstract: Conventional polyvinyl alcohol envelopes will not readily dissolve in wash water which has a significant borate concentration and a pH frequently encountered in wash liquors. Herein, such films are rendered sufficiently soluble in such solutions. In the preferred embodiment this is done by utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol film wherein at least a portion of the polyvinyl alcohol has a number average molecular weight below about 50,000, or a polyvinyl alcohol film containing a polyhydroxy compound having a binding constant with borate of at least about 800M.sup.-2, or utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol film having an acid having an acid dissociation constant of 10.sup.-9 M or larger; or a polyvinyl alcohol film containing mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A PVA film modified with anionic comonomers is provided for use as a water-soluble seal or pouch for alkaline or borate-containing cleaning compositions. The films comprise copolymers of 90-100% hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol with a nonhydrolyzable anionic comonomer, and have molecular weights characterized by a viscosity range of 4-35 cPs. The films are resistant to insolubilization caused by alkaline or borate-containing additives, are storage stable over a wide range of temperature and humidity storage conditions, rapidly and fully solubilize in a wash solution, and do not significantly impair cleaning performance of an additive enclosed within.