Abstract: Process for enhancing the cleaning properties of an aqueous cleaning composition comprising at least one surfactant, intended for cleaning a surface which has been soiled with soiling, by adding to said cleaning composition, at least one polymer (P) comprising: hydrophobic monomer units that are uncharged or nonionizable at the working pH of the composition of the invention and optionally at least one hydrophilic monomer unit. Preferably, the polymer employed is a copolymer containing sulfur-containing functions in the ionic form (preferably containing sulfonated or sulfated functions).

Abstract: A process for the soil release treatment of surfaces of textile and nontextile materials, in which cationically modified hydrophilic nanoparticles based on crosslinked polymers of (a) 60 to 99.99% by weight of one or more carboxyl-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomers or salts thereof, (b) 0 to 40% by weight of one or more water-insoluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, (c) 0.

Abstract: Composition for fabric care, in particular for cotton-based fabrics, comprising nanoparticles or a nanolatex of a polymer which is insoluble under the direct and/or indirect working conditions of the said composition in an aqueous or wet medium. The composition may be a solid or liquid detergent formulation, a liquid rinsing and/or softening formulation, a tumble dryer additive placed in contact with the wet fabrics in a tumble dryer, an aqueous ironing formulation or a prespotter placed on the dry fabrics prior to a washing operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fabric care composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a textile compatible carrier, a method of treating fabric with such a composition as part of a laundering process and the use of a thermoplastic elastomer or a composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer to improve the crease recovery properties and/or elasticity and/or shape retention of a fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabric and textile conditioning compositions with improved particulate soil cleaning, containing particular combinations of cationic polymers and anionic surfactants in combination with a polyvinylpyrrolidone/amphiphilic carboxy containing polymer anti-redeposition system. The cationic polymers are preferably below a particular molecular weight to afford optimal cleaning and conditioning, and must be present in an effective amount to yield a substantial conditioning benefit. A method of conditioning articles using the inventive compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel textile finishing compositions for finishing textile articles are provided via the present invention. The textile finishing compositions disclosed herein comprise a cross-linking agent and a catalytic amount of an esterification agent. The cross-linking agents employed herein are selected from a number of phosphorous containing materials derived from maleic acid. Also provided via the present invention are methods for applying the aforementioned finishing compositions to textile articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fabric care composition comprising a polycarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, a catalyst and a thermoplastic elastomer, a method of treating fabric with such a composition and the use of such a composition to increase the tensile strength (especially the tear strength) of a fabric, to reduce creasing and/or wrinkling of a fabric and/or to improve the elasticity and/or shape retention of a fabric.

Abstract: Described are microcapsule formulations comprising microcapsules having a core of a hydrophobic material, which encloses at least one fragrance or perfume, and a capsule shell which is obtainable by either i) free-radical polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising: from 30 to 100% by weight of one or more C1-C24 alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid, from 0 to 70% by weight of a bi- or polyfunctional monomer, from 0 to 40% by weight of other monomers; or ii) acid-induced condensation of melamine-formaldehyde precondensates and/or their C1-C4 alkyl ethers. Also described are laundry detergent or cleaning product compositions which comprise the microcapsules.

Abstract: Solid laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and cleaners which are obtained by mixing gemini surfactants of the formula (I), R1CH(OH)CHR3(OCH2CH2)nOCHR4CH(OH)R2??(I) in which R1 and R2,independently of one another, are linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl radicals having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, R3 and R4, independent of one another, each represents a hydrogen or an alk(en)yl radical having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms and n is a number from 5 to 400, with inorganic or organic carriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising polymeric suds volume and suds duration enhancers. These polymeric materials provide enhanced suds volume and suds duration during cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions which comprise radical scavengers, for effective cleaning and improved storage stability. These compositions are suitable for use in various laundry applications including hand and machine laundry methods.

Abstract: Polymers of a poly(meth)acrylic acid main chain in which, based on the main chain, 0 to 30% by weight of the (meth)acrylic acid basic building blocks may be replaced by maleic acid (anhydride) basic building blocks, fumaric acid basic building blocks or mixtures thereof and 0 to 10% by weight of the (meth)acrylic acid basic building blocks may be replaced by other copolymerizable ethylenic basic building blocks, and C1-30-alkylpoly-C2-4-alkylene glycols, bonded to the main chain via ester groups, having an average molecular weight of from 250 to 10 000 as side chains, where, based on the polymer, 1 to 19% by weight of the main chain and 81 to 99% by weight of the side chains are present and this ratio and the average molecular weight of the side chains are chosen such that free carboxyl groups are present in the polymer, are used as controllable dispersants for detergents or cleaners or constituents thereof.

Abstract: An anionic surfactant of the formula (I): R2—Y—(O)C—(HR)C—C(HR1)—C(O)—(OA)n—X wherein one of R and R1 is a C6 to C22 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and the other is hydrogen; Y is O, or NH, or —NH—CH2—C(?CH2)—, or —N(CH2—CR3(?CH2))—CH2—C(?CH2)— where R3 is hydrogen or methyl; when Y is O, R2 is hydrogen, or a salt, or a C1 to C6 linear or branched alkyl, or an optionally substituted C3 to C10 linear or branched alkenyl; when Y is NH, or —NH—CH2—(?CH2)—, or —N(CH2—CR3(?CH2))—CH2—C(?CH2)— where R3 is hydrogen or methyl, R2 is hydrogen or methyl; OA is an oxyalkylene group; n is 2 to 100; and X is a group comprising at least one acidic H atom, or a salt thereof, and the use thereof in free radical initiated addition polymerisation, particularly emulsion polymerisation.

Abstract: A description is given of a microcapsule formulation comprising microcapsules having a core of a hydrophobic material and a capsule shell of an addition polymer containing in copolymerized form at least 1% by weight of cationogenic monomers and/or polyethylenically unsaturated monomers whose unsaturated sites are connected via successive chemical bonds of which at least one bond is acid-hydrolyzable. A description is further given of a microcapsule formulation comprising microcapsules having a core of a hydrophobic material, which comprises at least one fragrance or perfume, and a shell of an addition polymer containing in copolymerized form at least 1% by weight of anionogenic monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and/or polyethylenically unsaturated monomers whose unsaturated sites are connected via successive chemical bonds of which at least one bond is base-hydrolyzable. The microcapsule formulations are employed in laundry detergents or cleaning products.

Abstract: Body-cleansing compositions are claimed which comprise oligoesters obtained by condensation of one or more dicarboxylic acids or esters thereof and one or more polyhydric alcohols.

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: A solventless cleaning and treating composition for carpet is described. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a stainblocking polymer, a silsesquioxane anti-soiling polymer, a surfactant and optionally a sequesting agent or salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a specific water-soluble polymer exhibiting a high calcium-ion-scavenging function and further exhibiting a high clay-dispersing function even in high-hardness water; a detergent composition comprising the water-soluble polymer; and uses, other than the detergent composition, by making the best use of the characteristics of the water-soluble polymer. The specific water-soluble polymer, according to the present invention, has a calcium ion scavengeability of not less than 0.40 and further has a clay dispersibility of not less than 0.50 in high-hardness water and, preferably, includes polymers A and B as essential components wherein the polymer A has a calcium ion scavengeability of not less than 0.45 and wherein the polymer B has a clay dispersibility of not less than 0.65 in high-hardness water. The detergent composition comprising this water-soluble polymer has a good detergency even in high-hardness water.

Abstract: A low-molecular (meth)acrylic acid (salt)-based polymer having a good color tone is obtained by polymerizing an aqueous solution of at least one monomer component of a high concentration in the presence of an alkaline substance, wherein: 100 to 95 mol % of the at least one monomer component is a monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid (salt) monomer (a) having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; and 0 to 5 mol % of the at least one monomer component is a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer (b) copolymerizable with the monomer (a) (wherein the total of (a) and (b) is 100 mol % ); and wherein: a persulfate salt and hydrogen peroxide are used together as polymerization catalysts; and the entirety of the alkaline substance as used is set not to be more than 99 mol % of the amount which is necessary for neutralizing all acid groups of the at least one monomer component; and wherein: the dropwise addition of the hydrogen peroxide is completed at the latest 10 minutes earlier than the completion time of the dropwise ad

Abstract: Anionic, hydrophobic polysaccharides useful as soil release agents in detergent compositions are graft copolymers of a polysaccharide having anionic substituents with an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, the copolymer having a polysaccharide backbone carrying grafted hydrophobic vinyl polymeric groups derived from the ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and anionic substituents. The polymers exhibit enhanced release of both oily and particulate soil from both polyester and cotton.

Abstract: A solventless cleaning and treating composition for carpet is described. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a stainblocking polymer, a silsesquioxane anti-soiling polymer, a surfactant and optionally a sequesting agent or salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry detergent compositions providing dye protection benefits to fabric comprising: a) from about 4% to about 70% by weight, of a surfactant; b) from about 0.01% by weight, of a dye maintenance polymer or oligomer, said polymer or copolymer comprising one or more linearly polymerizing monomers, cyclically polymerizing monomers, and mixtures thereof; and c) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising: (a) at least 5 wt % of a calcium-tolerant non-soap anionic surfactant system which comprises an alpha-olefin sulphonate; (b) at least 0.1 wt % of a cationic surfactant system in a weight ratio of (a):(b) of from 17:3 to 9:10, preferably from 3:1 to 1:1; and (c) the balance, if any, being other detergent ingredients.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising: (a) more than 10 wt % of a calcium-tolerant non-soap anionic surfactant system; (b) from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 0.5% to 10%, more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of a strong builder system selected from phosphate builders and aluminosilicate builders and mixtures thereof; and (c) the balance, if any, being other detergent ingredients wherein said composition comprises less than 35 wt %, preferably less than 25 wt %, more preferably less than 15 wt % of non-functional non-alkaline water soluble inorganic salt.

Abstract: Disclosed are a detersive composition comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible block copolymer preparable by controlled free-radical polymerization, a process for preparing such a detersive composition and the use of water-soluble or water-dispersible block copolymers preparable by controlled free-radical polymerization for preparing detersive compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a copolymer or a mixture of copolymers as foam-protecting agents in detergent or cosmetic formulations, comprising at least one monomer (I) selected from the acids, diacids or unsaturated C3-C5 anhydrides; or at least one monomer (II) selected from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; or at least one monomer (III) selected from the linear or branched C4-C8 hydrocarbons, comprising at least one ethenoid unsaturation; or at least one monomer (IV) of formula R1 —COO—R2, where R1 is a possibly substituted linear or branched C1-C3 hydrocarbon radical; R2 is a linear or branched C1-C4 hydrocarbon radical which is possibly substituted by an anionic radical or a hydroxyl group; and the monomer (IV) further comprises at least one ethenoid unsaturation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crosslinked, carboxylic acid-based copolymer having good water absorbability and biodegradability, and a method for producing it; to an unsaturated carboxylic acid polymer having good detergency and its use; and to a biodegradable builder, a detergent composition and a dispersant. The invention includes (1) a crosslinked product of a copolymer from a monomer component that comprises an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid monomer and a specific amount of a quinone; and (2) an unsaturated carboxylic acid polymer which gives specific peaks in proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and which has a specific number-average molecular weight and has calcium ion-sequestering ability, or an unsaturated carboxylic acid polymer having a specific structure.

Abstract: An aqueous fabric care composition for use in the wash or rinse cycle of a washing machine for cleaning or softening of fabrics concomitant with providing improved benefits to treated fabrics relating to moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, soil removal, reduced wrinkling prior to ironing and better appearance after ironing, said composition comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 30%, by weight, of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and cationic surfactants, and wherein said surfactant is not derived from hydrazine; (b) from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of (i) a polymer derived from a polycarboxylic acid; and (ii) a compound derived from urea; and (c) balance water and adjuvants.

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: A composition comprising A) from about 0.1% by weight of a polymer, copolymer, or mixtures thereof, said polymer or copolymer comprising one or more monomers having a cationic group and which is capable of attenuating and/or abating the loss of fabric dye; and B) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients.

Abstract: A detergent composition containing at least 0.1% by weight of at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of 1) a polycarboxylic acid-based polymer containing a polyalkylene glycol chain in the structure thereof, 2) a sulfonic acid group-terminated (meth)acrylic acid-based polymer, and 3) an acrylic acid (salt)-maleic acid (salt)-based copolymer having a clay dispersibility under a condition of 50 ppm of calcium carbonate of 0.3 or more; and at least 0.5% by weight of a longer alkyl chain mid-chain branched surfactant compound. The detergent composition can enhance anti-gelling properties to calcium ions, improve the dispersibility to solid particles at low temperatures or under high-hardness conditions, and improve detergency against stains such as mud and carbon black.

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: A detergent composition containing an inexpensive detergent builder in the form of a selected crystalline calcium carbonate is provided. Specifically, the crystalline calcium carbonate has a substantially rhombohedral crystal structure with {1,0-1,1} crystallographic indices. The crystalline calcium carbonate can be calcite that has been specially modified to a rhombohedral crystal structure with {1,0-1,1} indices. The crystalline calcium carbonate of the present invention is extremely inexpensive because it can be readily formed from inexpensive naturally occurring calcite, and it performs well even when used at large median particle sizes.

Abstract: Detergent compositions and fabric conditioning compositions which include from about 0.01% to about 5.0%, by weight, of polyelectolyte complexes having a compatible charge-balancing polymeric anion with at least 3 anionic groups and a total net charge of at least 4 negative charges.

Abstract: Disclosed are a detersive composition comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible block copolymer preparable by controlled free-radical polymerization, a process for preparing such a detersive composition and the use of water-soluble or water-dispersible block copolymers preparable by controlled free-radical polymerization for preparing detersive compositions.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions and methods for cleaning carpets and other materials are disclosed. The cleaning compositions contain nanolatexes and the methods for cleaning carpets and other materials use such compositions.

Abstract: A polymer for use in a composition or method of laundry treatment is a copolymer of: (a) one or more anionic monomer units; (b) one or more cationic monomer units; and (c) optionally, one or more uncharged monomer units; wherein, the number ratio of the total of all negative charges on the anionic monomer unit(s) to the total of all positive charges on the cationic monomer unit(s) is from 10:1 to 3:1, especially from 17:3 to 3:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrate comprising fabric, the substrate treated with a composition comprising: a) an aldehyde, said aldehyde a mono-functional aldehyde, a di-functional aldehyde, or mixtures thereof; b) a polyethylene glycol having the formula: R(OCH2CH2)xOR  wherein R is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof, and the index x has a value of 15 to 45; c) an acid catalyst; and d) optionally, a surface modifying agent; wherein the treated substrate has at least three enhanced fabric benefits, said benefits selected from the group consisting of: i) durable press; ii) hand feel; iii) anti-abrasion; iv) anti-shrinkage; and v) anti-yellowing. The present invention further relates to a system and a process for providing a substrate having the above described enhanced fabric benefits.

Abstract: Novel liquid amphilphile polymers based on polyesters having condensed acetal groups which are liquid at room temperature, the polymers being useful in powder or liquid detergents and cleaning agents and in textile processing.

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: A foam control agent, comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane material having at least one silicon-bonded substituent of the formula X-Ph, wherein X denotes a divalent aliphatic organic group bonded to silicon through a carbon atom and Ph denotes an optionally substituted aromatic group, (B) a water-insoluble organic fluid, (C) an organosilicon resin and (D) a hydrophobic filler. The foam control agent may be provided as an emulsion or as a particulate material. It is especially useful as a detergent foam control agent.

Abstract: Detergent formulations incorporating crystalline alkali metal silicate granules provide enhanced performance in removing sebum dirt stains at low dosages of detergent in the wash. The detergent formulations are prepared by combining an alkali metal silicate having a high pH value with a nonionic surfactant and an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant capable of having a lamellar orientation. The formulation is granulated by tumbling in an agitating mixer while increasing the bulk density at elevated temperatures to yield alkali metal silicate granules having a bulk density of from 0.6 to 1.2 g/ml.

Abstract: A foam control agent comprises (A) an organopolysiloxane material having at least one silicon-bonded substituent of the formula X—Ph, wherein X denotes a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group and Ph denotes an optionally substituted aromatic group, (B) an organosilicon resin and (C) a hydrophobic filler. The organosilicon resin (B) preferably consists of siloxane units of the formula R′aSiO4−a/2 wherein R′ denotes a hydroxyl, hydrocarbon or hydrocarbonoxy group, particularly trialkylsiloxy units and SiO4/2 units, wherein a has a value of from 0.5 to 2.4. The foam control agent may be provided as an emulsion or as a particulate material. It is especially useful as a detergent foam control agent.

Abstract: A liquid laundry detergent formulation is described including a surfactant, a polycarboxylate builder and a 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol carrier solvent. A particularly preferred builder comprises a non-hydrophobically modified, acrylic/polyether comb-branched copolymer, wherein the polyether portion comprises moieties derived from at least two constituents selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pellets comprising one or more active ingredients; and either one or both of: (a) one or more binders incorporated within the body of the pellet; and (b) one or more coating materials on the surface of the pellet; characterized in that either one or both of the binders and the coating materials comprise one or more polymers with a Tg in the range −85 to +35°C., and, optionally, wherein the coating and/or binder materials comprise at least one multi-phase polymer and further wherein at least one of the phases of the multi-phase polymer has a Tg in the range −85 to +35° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional pellet aid including one or more binders, wherein at least one binder is an acrylic based polymer having a Tg ranging from −20° C. to +95° C., one or more inorganic solids and one or more organic solids; the particle size of the pellet aid ranging from 100 &mgr;m to 3000 &mgr;m. Adding 0.25 to 10% by weight of the multifunctional pellet aid, based on the total weight of the pellet, to a plurality of ingredients and compacting the pellet aid and ingredients to form a pellet, affords a pellet having improved mechanical strength as a solid and rapidly disintegrating upon contact with an aqueous system.

Abstract: The invention provides a detergent formulations comprising at least one water soluble polymer, or salt thereof, bearing at least one phosphonate group. Suitable polymers comprise: wherein X is H, Na, K or A; and A is a polymer, copolymer, or water soluble salt thereof, comprising, one or more of the following monomers in polymerized form: carboxylic acids of the formula wherein R1 is H, OH, C1-C9 alkyl or alkoxy or acetoxy or acetate R2 is H, C1-C3 alkyl or alkoxy, COOR3 R3 is H, Na, K or C1-C10 alkyl; hydroxypropyl acrylate, propyl methacrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-propane sulphonic acid, sodium styrene sulphonate, sodium allylsulphonate, sodium methyl sulphonate, vinyl sulphonic acid, and salts thereof; acrylamide, methacrylamide, tert-butylacrylamide, (meth)acrylonitrile, styrene, vinyl acetate allyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl sulphonate and dialkylacrylamide.

Abstract: This invention relates to laundry detergent compositions, and, more particularly, to such compositions containing water soluble poly(vinylpyridine) betaine polymers containing a quaternary nitrogen and a carboxylic acid group, which polymers have effective dye complexing properties therein.

Abstract: A process for improving storage stability and solubility of a laundry detergent powder includes the steps of: (a) forming a builder agglomerate which is free of sodium carbonate and (b) adding the builder agglomerate to a laundry detergent powder composition. The builder agglomerate is present in an amount in a range of from about 14% to about 21% by weight of the laundry detergent powder composition. The builder agglomerate has a composition including an aluminosilicate ion exchange and a binder selected from the group consisting of surfactants, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylates, and mixtures thereof. The builder agglomerate also includes sodium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) and balance water but the builder agglomerate is free of sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A washing method is described which has excellent washing power and a low surfactant concentration. The described clothes washing method comprises the use of a phosphorus-free clothes detergent composition comprising (a) one or more surfactants, (b) one or more alkali metal silicates, and (c) one or more metal ion capturing agents other than the alkali metal silicate (b). The above detergent composition is added to water in an amount sufficient to produce a washing liquid having the following washing conditions (1) a pH of not less than 10.60; (2) containing a material having an ion capturing capacity in an amount sufficient for theoretically changing the water hardness of said water to be not more than 0.5° DH; and (3) having a surfactant concentration of from 0.07 to 0.17 g/L.