Abstract: A detergent composition is described which is a solid homogeneous, evenly dispersed composition containing anionic and nonionic surfactants, soil suspending agents, chelating or sequestering agents, and alkaline builders. The detergent compositions will contain either active enzymes, an oxygen releasing bleaching agent or both. The active enzymes can be protease, amylase or lipase enzymes. Said composition can be used for laundry washing or hard surface cleaning. Manufacturing procedures and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A method of treating fabric comprising the step of applying to the fabric a fabric treatment composition comprising a coated particles comprising: a solid core having a D3,2 average particle size in the range from 10 to 700 nm, and a coating of silicone polymer covalently bonded to the solid core.

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

Abstract: A process for improving aesthetics of a liquid dishwashing detergent product is disclosed. The process includes the steps of providing a liquid dishwashing detergent composition and adding solid particles to the liquid dishwashing detergent composition. The particles are coated with a polymeric coating. The coating is prepared from materials which are insoluble in the liquid dishwashing detergent composition but soluble in dishwashing wash solution.

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: The present invention relates to an improved controlled delivery system that can be incorporated in dry granular, or powder, fabric care products, such as laundry detergents, tumble dryer sheets, rinse added products, and other fabric care products, to enhance fragrance performance. The controlled delivery system of the present invention comprises substantially free-flowing, powder formed of solid hydrophobic, positively charged, nano-spheres of encapsulated active ingredients, such as a fragrance, that are encapsulated in a moisture sensitive micro-spheres, solid spheres. The high cationic charge density of the nano-sphere improves fragrance deposition onto the laundered fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles for supporting a surfactant and a process for preparing the same. Further, the present invention relates to high-density detergent particles using the particles for supporting a surfactant, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Concentrated stock composition of capsules for incorporation into detergent or personal care composition, the stock composition comprising a high concentration of capsules comprising a hydrophobic material for forming the capsules, and a supernatant comprising water and a high HLB surfactant and/or a super-wetting agent.

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: The invention relates to an air bleaching catalyst that has been coated with a polymer that serves to promote the stability of the air bleaching catalyst. The invention also provides a method of coating the air bleaching catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent tablet comprising a core and a coating, the core having a diametral fracture stress of less than 15 kPa, and the core comprising a non-gelling binder, wherein the coated detergent tablet has a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a detergent tablet having a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa, the tablet giving less than 18 g residue at the end of the washing machine cycle under stressed test, the stressed test consisting of three tablets, each tablet weighing 60 g, being placed in the bottom of the drum of a Miele® W831 washing machine, 2.5 kg of mixed fabric load being placed in the drum on top of the tablets, and the machine being run using a “whites/colors” short cycle of 30° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to detergent compositions comprising from 10-60 wt % of a surfactant system and having a maximum Residues Index of 25 and a maximum Secondary Residues Index of 15. The detergents claim provide good performance in the wash based on the quantities of detergent components in the compositions.

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 process for producing coated bleach activator granules in which bleach activator base granules are coated with a coating substance and are simultaneously and/or subsequently thermally conditioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing process of a coated granular sodium percarbonate, wherein the surface of said sodium percarbonate establishes a multiple coating layer by being internally coated with a specific composition containing alkali metal silicate while externally coated with a specific composition containing alkali metal sulfate on upper part of said internally coated layer thus providing said sodium percarbonate an excellent dissolving rate in water as well as a good storage stability, preventing it from caking during delivery or storage, and being ultimately utilized as an effective detergent bleach containing zeolite as its detergent builder.

Abstract: Low-density enzyme-carrying granules are low dusting and/or storage-stable, and especially suitable for use in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as non-aqueous liquid laundry detergents. Preferred granules of the invention include a relatively high content of one or more low-density fillers, such as perlite or starch, to provide a desired product density. In one embodiment, the granules have a true density within a range of from about 1 to about 1.4 g/cm3. The granules can be economically produced in commercial quantities using fluidized bed technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfumed detergent tablet, the tablet comprising a clay mineral compound, and the perfume comprising less than 0.6% of Schiff-base by weight of the perfume composition.

Abstract: The solid component comprises a finely divided component, preferably a sensitiser, and a specific polymeric component, whereby the solid component has a tressed Heubach Index of less than 1000. The solid component is preferably present in the detergent composition, preferably in a granular composition, a tablet or bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to an enzyme containing granular composition comprising: a) an enzyme containing core and b) a protective substantially continuous layer or coating encapsulating the core comprising at least 60% of a water soluble compound, having a molecular weight below 500 grams per mole, a pH below 11 and a constant humidity at 20° C. of more than 81%. The invention provides an improved stability of enzymes upon storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing uni-core detergent particles having a degree of particle growth of 1.5 or less and a bulk density of 500 g/L or more, comprising the steps of (A-I) mixing base particles for supporting a surfactant which have an average particle size of from 150 to 500 &mgr;m and a bulk density of 400 g/L or more [Component (a)] with a surfactant composition [Component (c)]; (A-II) mixing a mixture obtained in Step (A-I) with a powdery builder [Component (b)] of which primary average particle size is from 3 to 30 &mgr;m; and (A-III) mixing a mixture obtained in Step (A-II) with a fine powder [Component (d)] of which primary average particle size is smaller than that of Component (b). By using the process of the present invention, the uni-core detergent particles which are excellent in the dissolubility and the flowability properties can be prepared.

Abstract: A granule having high stability and low dust is described. The granule includes a hydrated barrier material having moderate or high water activity. Also described are methods of producing the granules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a granular detergent composition comprising the steps of: (a) granulating a detersive material comprising a detergent surfactant and a builder; and (b) coating an inorganic aqueous solution on the granules substantially to coat the granules.

Abstract: A granular detergent component comprising a high level of surfactant, for example, cationic surfactant, and an inorganic carrier material is prepared by a process involving spraying an aqueous solution of the surfactant onto moving granules of the inorganic carrier material in the presence of a drying gas, preferably air, at a temperature within the range of from 65 to 200° C. The process is preferably carried out in a fluidised bed. Preferred inorganic carrier materials are sodium carbonate and zeolite MAP.

Abstract: A granular detergent composition comprising from about 0.01% to about 50% by weight of an anionic sulphonate surfactant, from about 0.01% to about 45% by weight of a hydrotrope, and from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of a cationic surfactant. The granular detergent composition is substantially free from anionic sulphate surfactant.

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) a compacted granular fabric softener composition or (b) an encapsulated liquid and/or granular fabric softener composition, the amount of (a) or (b) being sufficient to form a unit dose capable of providing effective softening or conditioning of fabrics in the wash cycle of said washing machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-density compositions, as well as particulates formed, at least in part, from such compositions. Preferred low-density materials include, for example, hollowspheres, low-density minerals, and low-density wood materials (e.g., sawdust). The low-density compositions of the invention can be formed as particulates, or cores, suitable for use in forming enzyme granules, e.g., marums, layered granules, prills, drum granules, agglomerated granules, or the like. Granules are disclosed having advantageous properties, e.g., low dusting, storage stable, fast enzyme-release profile, low true density, etc. The granules of the invention are especially useful, for example, in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as predominantly aqueous, liquid laundry detergents. In one embodiment, granules are provided having a true, or volumetric, density within a range of from about 0.95 to about 1.4 g/cm3.

Abstract: A water-soluble package comprises a composition such as a liquid detergent composition enclosed within a water-soluble film. The film, or at least a substantial portion thereof, is dusted with a powder such as talc, starch, calcium stearate or zinc stearate by passing the package through a cloud or fluidized bed of the particles.

Abstract: A non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition, the process comprising the following steps: (i) fluidizing powder materials in a high-speed mixer/granulator having both a stirring action and a cutting action, the powder materials comprising: particulate solid water-soluble alkaline inorganic material in an amount in excess of that required for neutralization, optionally in admixture with one or more other particulate solids, and recycled fines, the powder materials having a total surface area; (ii) adding the liquid detersive materials to the high-speed mixer/granulator, the liquid detersive materials comprising: a liquid acid precursor, optionally in admixture with one or more other liquid materials, whereby neutralization of the acid precursor by the water-soluble alkaline inorganic material occurs; and (iii) granulating the mixture in the high-speed mixer/granulator to form detergent particles, wherein the ratio of the total surface area of the powder materials to the amount of liquid d

Abstract: Detergent compositions comprise a water-soluble builder, an enzyme and a polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agent, wherein a means is provided for delaying the release of the enzyme relative to the release of the water-soluble builder to the wash solution. The time to achieve a concentration that is 50% of the ultimate concentration of the water-soluble builder is less than 60 seconds, and the time to achieve a concentration that is 50% of the ultimate concentration of the enzyme is more than 90 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-soluble and/or a water-dispersible particle having: a mean particle diameter of less than 20 mm, preferably less than 2 mm; a hardness (H) of 500 MPa or less, when measured at a temperature of 20° C., a relative humidity of 40%; and a fracture toughness (Kc) of 0.04 MPa.m1/2 or greater, when measured at a temperature of 20° C., a relative humidity of 40% and a strain rate of from 1×10−4 to 1×104 s−1, said particle comprises an active ingredient and a matrix suitable for delivering said active ingredient to an aqueous environment, said particle is not freeze dried.

Abstract: A detergent tablet comprising i) a compressed solid body portion having therein at least one mould in said compressed solid body portion; and ii) at least one non-compressed, non-encapsulating portion mounted in said at least one mould of said compressed solid body portion, having an area of B, said at least one non-compressed, non-encapulating portion comprising at least one detergent active; wherein surface area of said detergent tablet, excluding area of said at least one mould, is A; and wherein further ratio of B to A is from about 1:50 to about 4:1, by area.

Abstract: The invention concerns solid granulates of a system comprising at least a hydrophobic organic active substance (for example an active detergent substance) encapsulated in solid particles of an alkali-water soluble organic polymer derived by emulsion polymerisation, said particles being dispersed in and encapsulated by a matrix in a water soluble or water dispersible dry organic compound. The invention also concerns the use of said granulates in detergent compositions, in particular for cleaning hard surfaces or for washing clothes and the detergent compositions.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a process for forming an agglomerated particle containing the steps of providing at least one alkaline material, a core material, and at least one acid active. The alkaline material and the core material are added to a mixer and agglomerated therein, to form an agglomerated particle comprising an interior and an exterior. The acid active is then added to the mixer. The core material is concentrated into the interior of the agglomerated particle by adding substantially all of the core material to the alkaline material before more than about 50% of the acid active is added to the mixer.

Abstract: The present invention may include a cleanser having a liposome and greater than about 40 weight percent of a solvent. The liposome may be loaded with the solvent more than about 7 days after the manufacture of the liposome. The solvent may be an isoprenoid or ester solvent. Furthermore, the solvent may be d-limonene or a dibasic ester. In addition, the liposome may be selected from the group consisting of large unilamellar vesicles, multilamellar vesicles, paucilamellar vesicles, and small unilamellar vesicles. Desirably, the liposome is a paucilamellar vesicle. Desirably, the cleanser may have a solvent weight percent greater than about 60. More desirably, the cleanser may have a weight percent of solvent greater than about 80. Moreover, the solvent is about a 1:1 weight ratio of d-limonene and dibasic ester.

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 provides a granulated bleaching activator having a high solubility, that is, a granulated bleaching activator comprising (a) a bleaching activator and (b) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant (b1) having a melting point less than 20° C. and an alkylene oxide addition type nonionic surfactant (b2) having a melting point less than 20° C., (b1) fulfilling the specific requirements concerning solubility, in a specific ratio.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-particulate laundry detergent comprises the steps of providing a powdered porous carrier material, adsorbing a perfume onto the powdered porous carrier material, and depositing the powdered porous carrier material having adsorbed perfume on the non-particulate detergent product. In another aspect of the invention, a process for producing a non-particulate detergent product having a perfume loaded carrier material coating includes the step of providing a non-particulate detergent composition having an electrically conductive surface. The process further includes grounding the electrically conductive surface of the non-particulate detergent composition. Still further, the process includes providing an electrostatically chargeable carrier material having a perfume adsorbed therein.

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: A process for producing high density detergent compositions is provided. The process is a continuous process during which high density detergent agglomerates are produced by feeding a surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a moderate speed mixer/densifier having a centrally positioned rotating shaft and at least one high speed chopper. The surfactant paste is inputted at least one location along the length of the moderate speed mixer/densifier to achieve optimal build-up agglomeration. The proces produces a free flowing, high density detergent composition which can be commercially sold as a low dosage or “compact” detergent composition.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising a granulated percarbonate and a blend which encapsulates the percarbonate is describe. The blend comprises a sulphate, carboxymethyl cellulose and a nonionic surfactant. The detergent composition comprises sodium metasilicate and does not include a zeolite, a perborate or a phosphate. The composition is capable of being stored in a water-soluble PVA film packaging for at least nine months and wherein the composition comprises between 1% and 15% percarbonate. The composition can include a phosphate substitute such as a polyacrylate. The composition can be compressed into a tablet format and used as a laundering product.

Abstract: Synthetic detergent formulations are made by spray drying an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a synthetic detergent and a hydrophobic plasticizer and optionally a filler to produce a particulate product. In particular the synthetic detergent includes mild surfactants such as fatty isethionate or sulphosuccinate surfactants. By spray drying the emulsion or dispersion, a particularly uniform product is made which can readily be formed into synthetic detergent bars which may include soap to form combination bar products (combi-bars).

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated granular sodium percarbonate for detergent and its manufacturing process, and more particularly to a coated granular sodium percarbonate and its manufacturing process, wherein the surface of said sodium percarbonate establishes a multiple coating layer by being internally coated with a specific composition containing alkali metal silicate while externally coated with a specific composition containing alkali metal sulfate on upper part of said internally coated layer thus providing said sodium percarbonate an excellent dissolving rate in water as well as a good storage stability, preventing it from caking during delivery or storage, and being ultimately utilized as an effective detergent bleach containing zeolite as its detergent builder.

Abstract: The invention concerns water dispersible granulates comprising at least a hydrophobic organic active substance (MA) solid or with melting point less than 100° C., in the form of particles, finely divided inside and encapsulated by a solid matrix and a water soluble or water dispersible polypeptide (PP) synthetic or of plant origin and at least an ionic or amphoteric dispersing agent (D) at the active substance/matrix interface. The invention also concerns the method for preparing said granulates in two steps, the first step consisting in preparing a dispersion in water comprising at least a hydrophobic active substance, at least an ionic or amphoteric dispersing agent (D) and at least a water soluble or water dispersible polypeptide (PP) synthetic or of plant origin, and the second step consisting in drying the dispersion until a granulate is formed.

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 applications.

Abstract: Modified starch encapsulated High Impact Accord (HIA) perfume particles are disclosed. The particles consist of a modified starch and perfume oil encapsulated by the starch and comprised of at least two HIA perfume ingredients which have a boiling point at 760 mm Hg, of 275° C. of lower, a calculated ClogP of 2.0 or higher, and an odor detection threshold less than or equal to 50 parts per billion (ppb). The encapsulated perfume particles are particularly useful in laundry compositions.

Abstract: A process for applying relatively volatile ingredients, such as perfume, to powdered detergents minimizes the loss of the ingredients to the atmosphere and increases plant efficiency.

Abstract: A non-spray-dried granular component suitable for use in a particulate zero-phosphate laundry detergent composition comprises from 10 to 30 wt % of organic surfactant and from 20 to 50 wt % of zeolite MAP, the component having a bulk density not exceeding 700 g/l. The component may be prepared by a mixing and agglomeration process using a high-speed mixer, a moderate- or low-speed mixer, and a gas fluidization granulator. The component may be used in conjunction with a spray-dried granular component of lower bulk density, for example, a spray-dried detergent base powder containing organic surfactant and zeolite A, or a spray-dried sodium-carbonate-based adjunct.