Abstract: A free-flowing particulate detergent composition or component therefor comprises(i) a particulate carrier material comprising from 10 to 100 wt % (anhydrous basis) of maximum aluminum zeolite P (zeolite MAP), and(ii) a liquid, viscous-liquid, oily or waxy detergent ingredient, for example, a nonionic surfactant, the weight ratio of the ingredient (ii) to the zeolite MAP being at least 0.01:1, preferably 0.01:1 to 1.4:1, and more preferably from 0.1:1 to 1:1.

Abstract: Sensitive and/or chemically reactive detergent additives can be shaped in the form of spherical particles having the desirable properties of being non-friable, non-dusty and at the same time fast-dissolving. The process comprises the steps of treating a mixture comprising said detergent additive and a hydratable material with a polymeric material of high Tg in a high-speed mixer/granulator. A preferred detergent additive is a peroxyacid bleach precursor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a free-flowing detergent powder comprises the steps of (i) mixing a detergent base powder with finely divided zeolite in a weight ratio of the zeolite (hydrated basis) to the base powder of from 0.13:1 to 0.40:1, whereby the small zeolite particles are adhered to the outer surface of the larger base powder particles, and (ii) spraying a liquid composition comprising nonionic surfactant onto the mixture formed in step (i), at a weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to alkali metal aluminosilicate of at least 0.25:1. This improves flow properties, increases bulk density, and improves dispensing in an automatic washing machine.

Abstract: Particulate detergent compositions containing a detergent active system, sodium carbonate and a calcite seed crystal exhibit improved dispensibility from automatic washing machines when the mean particle size is at least 500 microns, such as above 700 microns and the level of particles with a size below 50 microns is less than 2% by weight of the overall composition. The Rosin-Rammler distribution n value should be at least 4 when the means particle size is 700 microns but may be as low as 2 when the mean is 1200 microns. When the sodium carbonate and calcite are in separate particles, the sizes thereof should be similar.

Abstract: A process for producing aluminosilicate-built spray-dried detergent powders containing silicate comprises spraying a detergent slurry containing aluminosilicate into a spray-drying tower and simultaneously spraying in an aqueous solution of sodium silicate The resulting powders contain characteristic composite granules.

Abstract: Powders prepared by drying a slurry and suitable for use as detergent powders or components thereof contain (or consist of) sodium carbonate and/or the sodium carbonate/sodium sulphate double salt Burkeite the crystal forms of which have been modified by means of a low level of an organic polycarboxylate. The powders are able to absorb and retain very high levels of liquid components such as nonionic surfactants.

Abstract: Granular spray-dried detergent compositions containing a crystal-growth-modified carbonate-based structurant salt are produced by a process in which separate slurries of the structurant salt and of the main detergent composition are prepared in different vessels, then mixed and spray-dried. The structural salt is preferably the sodium carbonate/sodium sulphate double salt Burkeite, crystal-growth-modified by means of a polymeric polycarboxylate.

Abstract: Granular spray-dried detergent compositions including a liquid component unsuitable for spray-drying are prepared by co-spray-drying a slurry of a porous crystal-growth-modified carbonate-based carrier salt and a detergent slurry containing detergent-active compounds, builders and other suitable ingredients, and then treating the resulting composite powder with the liquid component. The porous carrier salt is preferably the sodium carbonate/sodium sulphate double salt Burkeite, crystal-growth-modified by means of a polymeric polycarboxylate.

Abstract: A spray-dried detergent powder contains from 15 to 40% by weight of anionic surfactant, from 20 to 70% by weight of sodium carbonate, from 5 to 20% by weight of sodium silicate and from 1 to 7.5% by weight of sodium bicarbonate, the weight ratio of sodium bicarbonate to sodium silicate being within the range of from 0.20:1 to 0.45:1. Optionally further sodium bicarbonate (up to 15% by weight) is postdosed to the spray-dried powder. The benefits of the invention are improved powder properties and, when further sodium bicarbonate is postdosed, mildness to hands.

Abstract: A particulate detergent composition is prepared by spray drying a slurry containing a surfactant system, which may contain anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and/or soap, a non-phosphate builder such as an aluminosilicate or an alkalimetal carbonate and a sugar such as sucrose or sorbitol. The sugar provides the powders with adequate structure without the necessity to utilize sodium silicate.

Abstract: The friability of spray-dried detergent powder containing a relatively high level of anionic surfactant and a relatively low level of inorganic material is reduced by the use of hydrated starch. The preferred amount of hydrated starch is from 1 to 5% and the invention is particularly applicable to powders containing 5% or more of sodium silicate, 20-30% by weight of detergent active compound and an amount of phosphate builder compound of less than about 7% by weight of the spray-dried powder, calculated as phosphorus.