Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed body adhesively contained within the mould, and wherein the second phase comprises an enzyme. The multi-phase tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.

Abstract: A multi-phase detergent tablet comprising: a) a first phase in the form of a shaped body having at least one mould therein; and b) a second phase in the form of a compressed, body adhesively contained within the mould, wherein the tablet composition comprises one or more detergent actives which is predominantly concentrated in the second phase, and wherein the second phase additionally comprises a disrupting agent. The multi-phases tablets provide improved dissolution and cleaning characteristics together with excellent tablet integrity and strength.

Abstract: The invention provides a single-dose soap for use only once, as a disposable soap unit, the soap unit having a high solubility in order to be quickly dissolved during a washing operation, the soap unit comprising lauryl sodium sulfate, a first hydrophilic disintegrating agent, an agglutinating agent, and a second hydrophilic disintegrating agent for causing a sudden disintegration and dissolution of the soap when contacting with a liquid for the washing operation. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the soap unit.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-dispersible non-particulate detergent product includes the step of providing a particulate detergent composition. The process further includes the step of adding a flow aid to the particulate detergent composition in a range of from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of the particulate detergent composition. The process then includes the step of compacting the particulate detergent composition having the flow aid by applying a pressure in an amount sufficient to form the water-dispersible non-particulate detergent product having a density of at least about 1000 g/l. This process enables the manufacture of a rapidly dispersing non-particulate detergent composition that sinks in water.

Abstract: A mechanical granulation process for the production of detergent granules, the process comprising dosing to a mechanical granulation apparatus an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, a non-surfactant acid and a solid carbonated neutralising agent wherein the amount of salt formed in situ in the resultant detergent granules by reaction between the non-surfactant acid and the neutralising agent is at least 5% by weight, preferably at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 25% by weight, most preferably at least 50% by weight of those granules.

Abstract: A composition for use in a dishwasher is characterized by a base composition in the form of a tablet which becomes active substantially during the main wash cycle of the dishwasher. At least one separate zone in or on said tablet is provided with a substance that becomes active substantially during the rinse cycle of the dishwasher and with at least one substance that prevents lime scale build-up in the dishwasher and/or on the washed articles. The composition further includes agents that guarantee that at least the substance that becomes active substantially during the rinse cycle of the dishwasher is at least mainly released at the beginning of the rinse cycle at the earliest.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composite powder comprising (A) an alkali metal silicate particle having an average particle size of from 1 to 500 &mgr;m; and (B) a water-soluble salt particle having an average particle size of from 0.01 to 50 &mgr;m, of which solubility to water at 20° C. is 1 g/100 g or more, wherein the alkali metal silicate particle has a composition formula in an anhydride form represented by: xM2O.ySiO2.zMeO (I) wherein M stands for Na and/or K; Me stands for Ca and/or Mg; y/x is from 0.5 to 4.0; z/x is from 0 to 1.0; and Mg/Ca in MeO is from 0 to 10, and wherein the composite powder has a (A)/(B) weight ratio of from 1/9 to 99/1; and a detergent composition comprising the composite powder. The composite powder is a composite powder having a remarkably enhanced storage stability of the alkali metal silicate without impairing the ion exchange capacity owned by the alkali metal silicate.

Abstract: A detergent composition is provided in tablet form which contains at least one tablet. Each tablet contains a substantially complete detergent formulation for a washing application and weighs about 5 to about 700 mg.

Abstract: Detergent tablets for use in fabric washing are made by mixing: (i) particles which contain non-soap organic surfactant and other materials, especially detergency builder, with (ii) material which is other than soap or organic surfactant and which has a solubility in water of at least 10 gm/liter at 20° C., followed by compacting the mixture into a tablet or a region of a tablet using an applied pressure in a range from 3.0 to 35 MPa. Such a pressure, used with the specified mixture, leads to tablets with good strength which also disintegrates with satisfactory speed.

Abstract: An &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester and polyalkoxylated alkanolamide composition and method. The &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester is formed into an ester portion, and the polyalkoxylated alkanolamide is formed into an alkanolamide portion. Both portions can optionally include other detergent components. Each portion comprises a plurality of particles, such as a powder or beads, pellets, granules, and the like. Each portion is formed separately, and then the portions are mixed. The portions can be combined in any suitable ratios, according to the desired properties of the final composition.

Abstract: The surfactant composition of the present invention is a surfactant composition which is capable of being formulated for use in a non-liquid detergent composition, the surfactant composition comprising a) a nonionic surfactant having a melting point of 30° C.

Abstract: A detergent composition is provided in tablet form which contains at least two types of tablets having different compositions, in which at least one tablet type is manufactured by a process in which substantially no pressure is applied.

Abstract: In order to improve the dispersion of nonionic surfactant into wash water from a granule in which the nonionic surfactant is carried on a water-insoluble granular material, the nonionic surfactant is intimately blended with a water-insoluble liquid. Preferred water-insoluble liquids include hydrocarbons, for example, paraffins.

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: The present invention relates to a delivery system for additives, which are incorporated in a variety of consumer products, including detergents and cleaning compositions, room deodorizers, insecticidal compositions, carpet cleaners and deodorizers, wherein the additive is protected from release until exposed to a wet or moist environment. Specifically, the present additive delivery system is a particle comprising a core of porous carrier material containing an additive, such as a perfume, in its pores; and a coating of a water-soluble or water-dispersible, but oil-insoluble, material, such as starch or modified starch, encapsulating the core. The present delivery particle can be used to deliver laundry and cleaning agents either to or through the wash cycle. A laundry additive delivery particle according to the present invention effectively delivers perfume ingredients through the wash to a fabric surface.

Abstract: A drainage slime remover capable of spreading a solution of a solid over slime generated wall surface portions, comprising a solid containing a microorganism growth retarding substance and a container which has a shape for permitting the installation thereof at the inlet or upper portion of a drain outlet and stores the solid, characterized in that the container has drain flow-in holes having an opening capable of controlling a drain flow-in amount and provided in the upper surface or the upper side portion of the container and solution flow-out holes having an opening capable of controlling a flow-out amount if a solid solution and provided in the bottom or the lower side portion of the container or additionally in the side surface thereof; and a slime preventing/removing agent which can remove slime from portions such as kitchen sinks and bathroom drain outlets where slime is grown by metabolites such as miscellaneous germs and mildews and which can prevent the occurrence of slime safely and for an extended

Abstract: A solid detergent composition is provided including an effective amount of a cleaning agent to provide soil removal and a binding agent dispersed throughout the solid detergent composition. The binding agent comprises a result of mixing alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonate, and water. The binding agent preferably includes alkali metal sesquicarbonate. A method for solidifying a detergent composition is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfactant granulates containing fatty alcohol oxylates, obtained by alkoxylating plant based fatty alcohols and anionic surfactants and, optionally, other non-ionic surfactants and dispersing agents. The invention also relates to methods for the production of the inventive surfactant granulates and the use thereof in washing, rinsing and cleaning agents.

Abstract: The invention provides disintegrant granules and a tablet of compacted particulate detergent composition comprising non-soap surfactant and detergency builder, wherein the tablet or a discrete region thereof comprises disintegrant granules comprising a water-swelling clay, a water-insoluble inorganic material and a water-swellable agent. The inorganic material is preferably silica or a crystalline aluminosilicate. The tablets show good disintegration properties, even upon storage. Especially good disintegration is obtained for tablets comprising disintegrant granules which comprise the water-swellable agent, which in its anhydrous state, comprises no more than 20% by weight of the combined weight of the swelling clay, the inorganic material and the water-swellable agent. A method of making the tablets is also provided.

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: Disintegration adjunct particles for use in detergents and cleaning agents include an alkali layer silicate and a water swellable compound. The adjunct particles provide increased disintegration of solid particles in detergents and cleaning agents by facilitating the penetration of water into the adjunct particles and hence increase the expansion rate of the water swellable compound. The adjunct particles may also include a readily soluble, non-bleaching active detergent substance to thereby increase the disintegration rate.

Abstract: A process for the production of detergent particles, comprises feeding an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant and a neutralising agent into a horizontal thin-film evaporator/drier comprising a mixing region, a drying region and a cooling region. The resultant detergent particles are graded to separate an oversize granule fraction in which at least 70 wt % of the particles have a minimum diameter of 1000 &mgr;m. This fraction is fed back into the process.

Abstract: In process for producing detergent particles, an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant and a neutralizing agent are fed into a horizontal thin-film evaporator/drier where they are neutralized, granulated and dried. The neutralizing agent is present in an amount equal to or in excess that required for stoichiometric neutralization and has a D50 mean particle size of less than 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to detergent tablets which are characterized in that they contain tenside granulates obtained by granulating and compacting non-ionic hydroxy mixed-ether-type tensides in the presence of disintegrants.

Abstract: A granule with an allergenic component has reduced dust by including antifoam added during the production of the granule. The antifoam may be dispersed throughout the granule or added to one of the components of the granule. The granule with antifoam produces at least 30% less dust than a comparable granule produced according to a process in which no antifoam is added.

Abstract: A process for the production of detergent particles comprises feeding an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, a neutralizing agent and aluminosilicate detergency builder into a horizontal thin-film evaporator/drier. The evaporator/drier comprises a mixing region, a drying region and a cooling region. Neutralization of the acid precursor is effected, together with granulation, drying and cooling, to form the detergent particles. At least some of the aluminosilicate builder is fed into the thin-film evaporator/drier between the drying region and the cooling region and/or into the cooling region. When all of he aluminosilicate builder is fed into the cooling region, the aluminosilicate is in an amount of more than 20% by weight of the particles exiting the cooling region.

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 application.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid detergents containing hydroxy mixed-ether-type non-ionic tensides.

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 a water-soluble and/or water-dispersible particle comprising an active ingredient uniformly dispersed, preferably an enzyme, in a matrix comprising from 20-95% by weight of the particle of polyvinyl alcohol of a molecular weight of 10-30K daltons. The present invention further relates to a process to obtain a particle, to a detergent composition comprising the particle and to the use of particle to minimize, reduce or prevent the generation of dust while providing excellent cleaning on enzyme sensitive stains and soils and on particulate stains, improved thermostability and fabric softness performance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for a composition comprising at least one &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester in a first portion and at least one basic material in a second, different portion. After preparing the first and second portions separately, the first and second portions are joined to form a final composition. The first and second portions are joined together to form the final composition in a manner to minimize contact, thereby reducing the formation of additional di-salts, and thereby improving the properties of the composition.

Abstract: A surfactant composition containing: (a) from about 5 to 50% by weight of an alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycoside; (b) from about 5 to 30% by weight of an alcohol polyglycol ether; (c) optionally, up to about 50% by weight of a fatty acid and/or fatty acid alkali metal salt; and (d) remainder, up to 100% by weight, of a builder, all weights being based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the composition is in granular form.

Abstract: A process for making a detergent tablet by forming a disintegrating agent by compacting cellulose or a cellulose derivative, forming disintegrating agent particles comprising the disintegrating agent, dry mixing a washing- or cleaning-active substance and an amount of the disintegrating agent particles effective to rapidly dissolve or disperse the composition in water, and shaping the resulting mixture into a tablet. The disintegrating agent particles have a particle size distribution of less than 10% by weight smaller than about 0.2 mm particle size and no more than 1% by weight of dust-fine particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to cogranulates comprising phyllosilicates and disintegrants, in particular cellulose, and to detergents and cleaners which comprise these cogranulates, preferably in tablet form.

Abstract: There is provided powder detergent containing a surfactant, a powder modifier, a fragrance and a builder, in which the powder modifier comprises a RB ceramics powder and/or CRB ceramics powder at least as one component thereof. The present powder detergent exhibits high stain removability and powder properties as well as improved long term fragrance stability.

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: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.

Abstract: A composition having a plasma-induced, graft polymerized, water-soluble coating for controlling solubility, chemical stability and physical properties is disclosed. A process for making such a composition is also disclosed which involves subjecting a particulate material to plasma after which a water-soluble organic monomer is graft polymerized onto at least a portion of the particulate material. The compositions are particulate or non-particulate in form and can be used in shampoos, skin care and other cosmetic products, deodorant products, laundry, dishwashing, carwashing or other similar detergent products.

Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating granules containing acetate (sodium acetate and/or potassium acetate) along with at least one other ingredient. Such tablets are provided, as are, methods of making the granules.

Abstract: An improved powdered soap is disclosed. The powdered soap has a composition that includes a surfactant/soap system, which should comprise in the range of about 64% to 99% of the powdered soap composition, and an anti-itch/anti-dryness ingredient. Optionally, but preferably, the powdered soap includes at least one flow agent and one or more of each of a fragrance, a colorant, a foam booster, and an exfoliant.

Abstract: Particulate bleach activators comprising 15 to 60% by weight of an acetonitrile, 20 to 70% by weight of a silicon-containing carrier material and 20 to 30% by weight of water, which are obtained by applying an aqueous solution, saturated at 10 to 40° C., of an acetonitrile onto the carrier material without subsequent drying, where the amount of saturated aqueous solution is measured such that the given limits for acetonitrile, carrier material and water are observed.

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 application relates to the inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in a laundry detergent product. The benefits are delivered to the laundered item during the cleaning step and, therefore, reduces the need for further wrinkle reducing steps when the items are taken from the dryer or after hang drying.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-dispersible non-particulate detergent product includes the step of providing a particulate detergent composition. The process further includes the step of adding a flow aid to the particulate detergent composition in a range of from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of the particulate detergent composition. The process then includes the step of compacting the particulate detergent composition having the flow aid by applying a pressure in an amount sufficient to form the water-dispersible non-particulate detergent product having a density of at least about 1000 g/l. This process enables the manufacture of a rapidly dispersing non-particulate detergent composition that sinks in water.

Abstract: Solid automatic dishwasher detergent tablets have a chlorine source to most preferably provide 0.5 to 5 percent available chlorine; and a chlorine stability enhancing effective amount of preferably between about 0.

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 present invention relates to a solid enzyme cleaning composition in which the enzyme is stable in the presence of mixtures of carbonate and bicarbonate at alkaline pH, and methods employing this composition. The enzyme cleaning composition preferably employs weight ratios of carbonate and bicarbonate to stabilize one or more enzymes in a solid, a concentrate, and/or a use composition, and at temperatures higher than ambient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition suitable for cleaning and sanitising carpets, comprising a peroxygen bleach, said composition being packaged in a container adapted to deliver the composition onto the carpet in the form of a spray of droplets having a particle size distribution with a mean diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 microns. The present invention provides excellent cleaning performance as well as sanitising properties on the carpet, while reducing colour damage on carpets.

Abstract: Detergent tablet of compacted particulate composition containing; (a) particles which contain organic surfactant together with detergency builder, and (b) water-insoluble but water-swellable particles of plant material which contain both cellulose and lignin, obtainable by fragmentation of plant material without separation of its fibres into a liquid dispersion. Also provided is process of making this tablet which comprises mixing water-insoluble, water-swellable disintegration-promoting material as defined above with other particulate ingredients so as to form a particulate detergent composition and compacting a quantity of the particulate composition in a mold so that it forms a tablet or a region of a tablet. The detergent tablets exhibit good disintegration together with adequate mechanical strength.

Abstract: A process for producing granules of anionic surfactant, preferably PAS by in situ neutralisation of a precursor acid to form the surfactant, heating the surfactant to a temperature in excess of 130° C. and subsequently cooling the to provide surfactant granules is disclosed. Detergent compositions containing such granules are also disclosed.