Abstract: Method for cleaning fabrics using laundry detergents and bleaching systems which comprise substituted benzoyl caprolactam bleach activators are presented. The bleach activators are effective under mixed soil conditions, especially mixtures of hydrophobic and hydrophilic soils and stains.

Abstract: A unit (4) consumes hydrogen peroxide at a predetermined concentration C1 and at a rate variable from 0 to D1. The apparatus (1) generates hydrogen peroxide at a concentration C2>C1 and at a rate variable between two values D2 and D3. The generated hydrogen peroxide is fed to a buffer (2) from which a variable flow is drawn, optionally diluted (at 3) and fed to the consumer unit (4). The system is useful for delivering hydrogen peroxide to paper pulp bleaching units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the bleaching of chemical pulp, wherein the pulp is delignified and/or bleached with chlorine dioxide or with a combination of chlorine dioxide and a per-compound, and additionally the pulp is chelated in order to bind heavy metals, such as Fe, Mn and/or Cu, to a chelate complex. The chelate complex is selected from the group made up of N-bis-[(1,2-dicarboxylethoxy)-ethyl]-amine, N-bis[(1,2-dicarboxylethoxy)-ethyl]-aspartic acid and N-tris-[(1,2-dicarboxylethoxy)-ethyl]-amine, and the alkali metal and earth-alkali metal salts of these, and the chelating treatments are carried out simultaneously by combining the chelating chemical with the pulp in the same bleaching stage as chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removal of excess dye from newly manufactured printed or dyed fabric or yarn, comprising treatment with a rinse liquor comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of enzymes exhibiting peroxidase activity or laccase activity, an oxidation agent, and at least one mediator selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cyclo-aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic compounds containing the moiety >N—OH, in particular 1-hydroxybenzotriazole.

Abstract: Laundry or cleaning composition comprising: a) an effective amount of a bleach activator and/or organic percarboxylic acid; b) a catalytically effective amount of a transition-metal bleach catalyst which is a complex of a transition-metal and a cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligand; and c) at least about 0.1% of one or more laundry or cleaning adjunct materials. Preferred compositions are laundry compositions and automatic dishwashing detergents which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits through the use of such catalysts in combination with bleach activators and/or organic perearboxylic acids.

Abstract: A flowable pulverulent bleaching or dyeing composition for human hair with improved properties of use, particularly dustlessness and good miscibility with water or aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, is obtained by addition, preferably by a melting or spraying process, of about 5% to about 30% by wt. of at least one wax compound having a melting point between about 40° C. and about 130° C., preferably a C12-C18-fatty acid mono- and (or) dialkanolamide, between about 40° C. and about 130° C. to a powder comprising at least one solid compound exerting bleaching activity upon application on human hair or at least one direct hair dye.

Abstract: A method for bleaching stained fabrics is provided by washing a stained fabric in an aqueous wash liquor in the presence of a wash additive that comprises a ligand that forms a transition metal complex as bleach catalyst, the complex catalysing bleaching of stains by atmospheric oxygen. The wash additive preferably comprises an iron complex comprising the ligand N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)-1,1-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1-aminoethane. One or both of the wash additive and the wash liquor are substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system. The wash additive provides improved or broader stain profile bleaching.

Abstract: A process for removing turmeric stains from nylon or wool articles comprising (a) applying a solution of an oxidizing agent to the stained area, and (b) exposing the stained area to light of ultraviolet wavelength is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method to delignify fibrous material comprising an aqueous suspension of fibers which has a consistency between 5%-40%, with a peroxy compound that is used in amounts between 0.

Abstract: N,N diacyl O-substituted imide bleach activators and compositions employing them are provided. Bleach additive and bleaching compositions including the bleach activators and methods of cleaning fabrics are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of liquid or gel detergents. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for removing stains and/or odors and for disinfecting fabrics by applying a liquid or gel detergent composition to the fabric and subjecting the fabric to microwaves. This method provides enhanced cleaning and improved stain removal. These cleaning compositions comprise a bleaching agent, preferably diacyl peroxide in a liquid or gel detergent formulation. These compositions in combination with the method of microwaving are also very effective in disinfecting and deodorizing fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing wool or animal hair material with improved properties such as shrink-proofed (anti-felting tendency), increased whiteness, improved dyeability, increased softness and/or reduced pilling tendency, the method comprising the steps of treating wool, wool fibers or animal hair material in a process selected from the group consisting of plasma treatment processes and the Delhey process, and subjecting the wool or animal hair material to a treatment with a proteolytic enzyme (a protease), preferably a serine protease, more preferably a subtilisin, in an amount effective for improving the properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to particles comprising a peroxy compound with capability of realeasing hydrogen peroxide or peroxy acids in aqueous solutions and an amino acid of the formula (HOOC)2N—CnHmCOOH—R in which R is H, CH2OH OR CH3, n is 1, 2 or 3 and m is 0-2n; or a salt thereof. The invention also relates to use of the particles and a composition comprising such particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removal of excess dye from newly manufactured printed or dyed fabric or yarn, comprising treatment with a rinse liquor comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of enzymes exhibiting peroxidase activity or laccase activity, an oxidation agent, and at least one mediator selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cyclo-aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic compounds containing the moiety >N—OH, in particular 1-hydroxybenzotriazole.

Abstract: A method of treating a textile such as a laundry fabric is provided, in which the textile is contacted with an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, whereby the complex catalyses bleaching of the textile by atmospheric oxygen after the treatment. The organic substance may be used in dry form, or in a liquor that is then dried, such as an aqueous spray-on fabric treatment fluid or a wash liquor for laundry cleaning, or a non-aqueous dry cleaning fluid or spray-on aerosol fluid. The method can confer cleaning benefits to the textile after the treatment. Also provided is a dry textile having an organic substance applied or deposited thereon, whereby bleaching by atmospheric oxygen is catalyzed on the textile.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel composition and method for removing or reducing levels of recalcitrant constituents from an effluent, such as lignin chromophores, AOX species, such as chlorinated phenols, dioxins, dibenzofurans, biphenyls, and high molecular weight material produced in the pulp and paper bleaching operations which includes using a composition comprised of (a) an amount of a source of an oxidant effective for oxidizing and thereby reducing the levels of such constituents and (b) an oxidatively stable oxidant activator having the structure wherein Y1, Y3 and Y4 each represent a bridging group having zero, one, two or three carbon containing nodes for substitution, and Y2 is a bridging group having at least one carbon containing node for substitution, each said node containing a C(R), C(R1)(R2), or a C(R)2 unit and each R substituent is the same or different from the remaining R substituents; M is a transition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII or VIII or

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytically bleaching substrates, especially laundry fabrics, with atmospheric oxygen or air. A method of bleaching a substrate is provided that comprises applying to the substrate, in an aqueous medium, an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of the substrate by atmospheric oxygen. Also provided is a bleaching composition comprising, in an aqueous medium, atmospheric oxygen and an organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, the complex catalysing bleaching of the substrate by the atmospheric oxygen, wherein the aqueous medium is substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system.

Abstract: A bleaching or washing composition comprising a peroxy compound and a specified cobalt compound is disclosed, as well as a process for bleaching or washing a fabric or dishes by contacting them with said bleaching or washing composition.

Abstract: A process for dyeing cellulosic containing textile materials with fiber reactive dyestuffs whereby from the scouring thru the after-scouring's final rinse less than 5 hours are required and only from 5 to 6 liquor baths are used. Material to be dyed is prepared for dyeing in 10 to 15 minutes at the boil, dyeing is performed in the next bath with no intermediate rinse. Glacial acetic acid, auxiliaries, and dyestuffs are added to the dye bath along with specified amounts of electrolyte, and after the required dyeing temperature is reached specified amounts of alkali are added to the dye bath and the materials subjected thereto at proper time-temperature relationships for level dyeing of a particular shade. Dyestuffs, electrolyte, and alkali are added to the dye bath in one portion with no dosing in a time period of from about 5 to 10 minutes each. The material is neutralized and soaped simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing cork articles, in particular cork stoppers for wine bottles, which involves treating cork with a phenol oxidizing enzyme. Preferred phenol oxidizing enzymes are laccase, peroxidase, catechol oxidase, and o-aminophenol oxidase. The treatment with a phenol oxidizing enzyme reduces the characteristic cork taint/astringency which is frequently imparted to the bottled wine.

Abstract: Recycled paper pulp having at least two different types of paper which consume widely different amounts of bleaching chemical, or mixed hardwood and soft-wood pulps, are treated in a manner that enhances distribution and redistribution of bleaching chemical to enhance uniformity of the bleaching treatment. The pulp is intensely mixed to provide a homogenous mixture of fibrous material and bleaching chemical, and then is continuously or intermittently subjected to mechanical action (such as in low intensity mixers, or by agitating pulp in a retention tank) of sufficient intensity and duration so as to enhance distribution and redistribution of a bleaching chemical. Also, recycled pulp will have cleanliness which varies significantly over time, and this is accommodated by sensing at least one of the brightness, color, or lignin content (e.g.

Abstract: A bleach composition and a method for bleaching stains is provided, the composition including a C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 aromatic aldehyde and a transition metal salt. Air is employed as source of oxygen which combines with the aldehyde to form the bleach active species. Peroxides, inorganic persalts and bleach precursors are unnecessary elements for the bleach systems of this invention.

Abstract: A method of bleaching lignocellulosic fibers is disclosed which comprises the step of treating the lignocellulosic fibers with a bleaching composition comprising at least one oxidizing bleaching agent in aqueous solution in the presence of at least one additive which activates delignification or bleaching wherein the activating additive is a phenanthroline selected from the group consisting of 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline-disulfonic acid-disodium salt-hydrate, and 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline.

Abstract: Micro-particles of transition metals or their compounds can be generated as an integral part of a fiber by first attaching a nucleating agent to the fiber, and then adding a solution of metal ions. The ions are reduced by the nucleating agent in the fiber, and micro-particles are generated in or on the fiber. Because of the strong color signal resulting from a low concentration of metal micro-particles, the method is cost effective even when using gold or titanium ions. Various colors were generated by changing the size and spacing of the micro-particles, the metal or metal complex used, and the characteristics of the fiber. The dyed fibers displayed colors ranging from pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, peach, brown, gold, silver, grey, green, and black. These colors resisted bleaching by either chemicals or light.

Abstract: A process for decolorizing a cellulose textile bearing oxidized vat dye comprising contacting the cellulose textile with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide containing an amount of a hydrogen peroxide catalyst sufficient to oxidize vat dye in the fabric until the dye is decolorized by oxidation. Then the cellulose textile is separated from the aqueous solution. The hydrogen peroxide catalyst can be a water-soluble lower alkyl quaternary amine salt such as a dihydroxypropyltrimethylammonium halide, chlorohydroxypropyltrimethylammonium halide or epoxypropyltrimethylammonium halide, or it can be a transition metal ion such as a cupric or stannous metal ion present in an amount of from 0.1 to 2 ppm. The process is suitable for decolorizing denim bearing vat dyes such as indigo, and is particularly suitable for decolorizing denim scrap.

Abstract: Use of compounds of the formula ##STR1## where the radicals R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and A are as defined in the description, as bleach activators in bleaching detergents and cleaners.

Abstract: A stabilizing agent for peroxide-bleaching procedure includes (A) a component including a homopolymer or copolymer of .alpha.-hydroxyacrylic acid or water soluble salt or polylactone of the homo- or co-polymer, (B) a component including a homopolymer or copolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and/or maleic acid and water-soluble salt of the homo- or co-polymer, (C) a component including DTPA, TTHA or water-soluble salt thereof and optionally (D) a component including a water-soluble inorganic Mg salt and is used to pretreat a fiber material with a pretreating liquid containing the stabilizing agent before bleaching with peroxide, or to bleach the fiber material by a bleaching liquid containing a peroxide bleaching agent and the stabilizing agent.

Abstract: A rapid bleaching process for cellulosic materials such as cotton and cotton blends. The bleaching liquor includes a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, potassium hydroxide and a stabilizer combined with controlled time and temperature to produce a rapid bleach in about 10 minutes or less. The resulting textile goods are soft, absorbent, mote-free with a Hunter Scale Whiteness Value of greater than about 110 and less than about 0.65% extractable solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the improvement of the sun protection factor (SPF) of textile fiber material, comprising applying to the textile fiber material a detergent comprising at least one fluorescent whitening agent, which absorbs radiation in the wavelength range 280-400 nm, preferably by washing the textile fiber material with a detergent containing said fluorescent whitening agent.

Abstract: A bleach composition and a method for bleaching stains is provided, the composition including a C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 aromatic aldehyde and an imide, the latter being particularly N-hydroxyphthalimide. Air is employed as a source of oxygen which combines with the aldehyde to form the bleach active species. Peroxides, inorganic persalts and bleach precursors are unnecessary elements for the bleach systems of this invention.

Abstract: There is provided an enzymatic bleach composition comprising one or more surfactants and an enzyme of extracellular origin, capable of oxidizing substrates by the build-in of one or more oxygen atoms into the substrate using molecular oxygen, in particular a dioxygenase from extracellular origin, and a process for bleaching stains present on fabrics comprising treating the stained fabrics with said composition.

Abstract: A bleach and oxidation catalyst is provided comprising a catalytically active iron complex which can activate hydrogen peroxide or peroxy acids, for example.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel bleaching composition comprising:(a) an oxidatively stable bleach activator having the structure ##STR1## wherein Y.sub.1, Y.sub.3 and Y.sub.4 each represents a bridging group, i.e., zero, one, two or three carbon containing nodes for substitution while Y.sub.2 is a bridging group of at least one carbon containing node for substitution, each said node containing a C(R), C(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2), or a C(R).sub.2 unit and each R substituent is the same or different from the remaining R substituent and is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, or phenoxy, CH.sub.2 CF.sub.3, CF.sub.1 and combinations thereof, or form a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring of which two carbon atoms in the ring form notes in the Y unit, or together with a paired R substituent bound to the same carbon atom form a cycloalkyl or cyloalkenyl ring, which may include an atom other than carbon, e.g.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing soils and stains from fabrics and other surfaces employ bleaching activators and aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid (ATMP) at a pH of from greater than 0 to about 6. Compositions comprising ATMP and various sources of peroxide and various types of activators are disclosed.

Abstract: Raw native fibers and textile products therefrom can be simultaneously washed and bleached in one liquor if the liquor has added to it a combination product ofa) one or more bleach stabilizers,b) one or more surfactants from the group of the nonionic, amphoteric and cationic surfactants,c) optionally one or more dispersants andd) optionally further components.

Abstract: The present invention discloses asymmetrical bleach activators for use in both solid and liquid additive, bleaching and detergent compositions. The asymmetrical bleach activators display the unique ability to form both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bleaching agents in aqueous liquors such as bleaching solutions. Thus, fabrics, hard surfaces or dishes having hydrophobic stains such as dingy and or hydrophilic stains such as beverages can be effectively cleaned or bleached using the bleach activators of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the bleaching of fabrics with liquid compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach and a solvent system comprising a hydrophilic solvent and a hydrophobic solvent. These compositions deliver improved stain removal on a variety of stains including bleachable stains, greasy stains, enzymatic stains and mud/clay stains.

Abstract: A method for bleaching laundry and household surfaces is provided which iudes preparing a wash medium with a bleaching composition incorporating polyoxometalates and being free of any effective amount of a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide, organic peracids, inorganic peracids, organic persalts, inorganic persalts, Caro's acid, Caroates and mixtures thereof. A second step involves contacting a stained substrate such as a fabric, kitchenware or a household hard surface for a time and in an amount sufficient to remove the stains. Air is employed as a primary source of oxygen atoms for bleaching.

Abstract: A liquid composition, comprising: (A) a peroxygen bleach, or a source thereof, (B) a liquid hydrophobic bleach activator, the liquid hydrophobic bleach activator being acetyl triethyl citrate, (C) a long chain acyl sarcosinate; (D) the composition having a pH from 0 to 6; and (E) the composition being formulated either as an emulsion or as a microemulsion.

Abstract: Acylated carbohydrates with at least one carboxyalkyl group etherified with the carbohydrate of the following general formulaKH(--O--CHR.sub.1 --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --(COOH or COO.sup.-)).sub.n (--O--CO--R.sub.2).sub.m,wherein KH (carbohydrate) is a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide or polysaccharide, and whereinif KH is a monosaccharide, then n=1 to 4 and m=1 to 4 with n+m=2 to 5;if KH is a disaccharide, then n=1 to 7 and m=1 to 7 with n+m=2 to 8;if KH is a trisaccharide, then n=1 to 10 and m=1 to 10 with n+m=2 to 11; andif KH is a polysaccharide, then n=0.2 to 2.8 and m=0.2 to 2.8 with n+m=0.4 to 3 (with polysaccharide referred to the monosaccharide unit of the KH), and whereinR1 is=H or a moiety with 1-9 carbon atoms, in particular an alkyl or acyl moiety, andR2 is a moiety with 1-9 carbon atoms, in particular an alkyl or acyl moiety, and wherein p=0 to 9.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for bleaching of a substrate which includes adding a molecular oxygen activating system to an aqueous wash liquor and bleaching the substrate with the molecular oxygen activating system in the aqueous wash liquor. Significant substrate cleaning results can be obtained by molecular oxygen obtained from air even in the absence of any usually applied active oxygen ingredients such as perborate or percarbonate.

Abstract: Iminodisuccinic acids of the formula ##STR1## the substituents of which have the meaning given in the description, are bleaching regulators in H.sub.2 O.sub.2 bleaching of textile-forming natural plant fibers or silk, wool and their mixtures with synthetics.

Abstract: A method of treating wool, wool fibers or animal hair with a proteolytic enzyme and a transglutaminase. The described method results in improved shrink-resistance, handle, appearance, wettability, reduction of felting tendency, increased whiteness, reduction of pilling, improved softness, tensile strength retention, improved stretch, improved burst strength, and improved dyeing characteristics such as dye uptake and dye washfastness. Furthermore, relative to treatments with proteolytic enzymes alone (no transglutaminase), the described method results in reduced weight loss, reduced fiber damage, and improved strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removal of excess dye from newly manufactured printed or dyed fabric or yarn, comprising treatment with a rinse liquor comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of enzymes exhibiting peroxidase activity or laccase activity, an oxidation agent, and at least one mediator selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cyclo-aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic compounds containing the moiety >N--OH, in particular 1-hydroxybenzotriazole.

Abstract: A method of forming reactive oxygen species by solubilizing a metal ion from a metal oxy(hydr)oxide compound with an iron oxy(hydr)oxide solubilizing chelator to yield a first soluble metal ion chelate complex. The metal ion is transferred from the chelate complex to a free redox cycling chelator to form a second metal ion chelate complex which reduces the metal ion to a reduced metal species. The reduced metal species is reacted with an oxygen containing oxidant to yield a free redox cycling chelator and a reactive oxygen species. The reactive oxygen species may be used to oxidize a target substrate. The preferred metal ion is a cationic transition metal, such as iron or manganese. A preferred iron oxy(hydr)oxide solubilizing chelator is oxalic acid. The method is generally performed at acidic pH.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the two-step direct dyeing of keratin fibres, comprising bleaching the keratin fibres; and applying to the keratin fibres a dye composition comprising at least one partially dissolved basic direct dye and an aqueous medium, wherein the dye composition is ready to use or results from mixing, at the time of use, at least one pulverulent composition (P) comprising at least one basic direct dye and an aqueous composition (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to an indigo-dyed fabric which comprises at least one organopolysiloxane and at least one alkyl polyglycoside.

Abstract: There is provided a process of desizing textiles with enzymes together with a subsequent step of deactivating any residual enzymes to prevent degradation of the textiles. There is further provided a step or removal of any residual sizing and/or decolorizing dyed garments with ozone.

Abstract: Stains are removed from fabrics by means of metallo-hydroperoxides during an otherwise conventional laundering process. Hydroperoxides based on silicon, tin and antimony are used to effect stain removal without reducing the tensile strength of said fabrics.

Abstract: A cleaning composition including a terpene such as D-limonene and hydrogen peroxide in a surfactants based aqueous solution. The composition in various specific formulations is a micro-emulsion useful for a variety of materials and for both industrial and household applications.