Abstract: The method relates to functional absorbent materials that are profiled through cutting and heating to form flow channels, and in one embodiment to form bellows which rise above the flow channels. Additionally, the flow channels which are partially cut into an absorbent material may also function as hinge means for that material as regards bending and conformity of fit. In one embodiment, functional absorbent material is provided with discrete heating and cutting, e.g., by a laser, by which channels and bellows are simultaneously formed. In another embodiment using a discrete heating and cutting means, e.g., a laser, is used to provide channels partially through the surface of a functional absorbent material.

Abstract: A detergent paste composition comprising: from 50% to 94% by weight of an anionic surfactant; from 1% to 30% by weight of an alkyl ethoxy sulfate and from 5% to 35% by weight of water. The paste has a viscosity greater than 10 Pa.s at a temperature of 70.degree. C. and measured at a shear rate of 25 s.sup.-1. The paste has rheological properties making it well-suited to the further processing into high active detergent agglomerate suitable for use in free flowing granular detergent compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a free flowing granular detergent comprising: conditioning of an aqueous surfactant paste having a detergency activity of at least 40%; rapidly forming a uniform stiff paste from said mix at a paste temperature of from 20.degree. to 90.degree. C.; granulating said paste upon mixing with a dry detergent powder.