U.S. patent application number 13/201668 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-22 for percarbonate containing detergent product.
This patent application is currently assigned to RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.. Invention is credited to Roberto Casonati, Ralf Wiedemann.
Application Number | 20120067764 13/201668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40565509 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120067764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wiedemann; Ralf ; et
al. |
March 22, 2012 |
PERCARBONATE CONTAINING DETERGENT PRODUCT
Abstract
A detergent product comprises a container containing a detergent
composition. The composition includes a percarbonate compound in an
amount of greater than 20 wt %, preferably greater than 35%. The
container is formed of an insoluble material. The detergent
composition comprises a silicate in an amount of greater than 0.5
wt %.
Inventors: |
Wiedemann; Ralf; (Mira,
IT) ; Casonati; Roberto; (Mira, IT) |
Assignee: |
RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.
WT HOOFDDORP
NL
|
Family ID: |
40565509 |
Appl. No.: |
13/201668 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
February 19, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB10/00291 |
371 Date: |
September 30, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 17/042 20130101;
C11D 3/3942 20130101; C11D 3/08 20130101; C11D 17/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/84 20060101
B65D085/84 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 23, 2009 |
GB |
0902959.6 |
Claims
1. A detergent product comprising a container containing a
detergent composition, which includes a percarbonate compound in an
amount of greater than 20 wt %, the container being formed of an
insoluble material, wherein the detergent composition comprises a
silicate in an amount of greater than 0.5 wt %.
2. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the container
comprises from 100 g to 5000 g of the detergent composition.
3. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the
composition comprises from 0.01 to 30% wt, of bleach
precursors.
4. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein a surfactant
is present in the composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 50%
wt.
5. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the
composition comprises cleaning agents selected from the group
consisting of, fillers, builders, chelating agents, activators,
fragrances, enzymes or a mixture thereof.
6. A detergent product according to claim 1 wherein the composition
comprises from 2 to 20% wt. of bleach precursors.
7. A detergent product according to claim 2 wherein the composition
comprises from 2 to 20% wt. of bleach precursors.
9. A detergent product according to claim 2, wherein a surfactant
is present in the composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 50%
wt.
10. A detergent product according to claim 3, wherein a surfactant
is present in the composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 50%
wt.
11. A detergent product according to claim 6, wherein a surfactant
is present in the composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 50%
wt.
12. A detergent product according to claim 7, wherein a surfactant
is present in the composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 50%
wt.
13. A detergent product according to claim 3, wherein the
percarbonate compound is present in an amount of greater than
35%.
14. A detergent product according to claim 4, wherein the
percarbonate compound is present in an amount of greater than 35%.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a product and to its use in a
machine washing method.
[0002] Many different delivery formats and packaging methods for
detergent compositions for use in automatic washing formulations
have been proposed and are used. These include solid detergent in
the form of tablets or a granular composition, liquids and packaged
compositions. The packaged compositions may be packaged in
cardboard boxes, tubs, bags, bottles, flow wrappers or other
packaging means.
[0003] For detergent compositions packaged in cardboard storage
stability has proven to be an issue when the compositions are
hygroscopic. Bottles and tubs provide good protection against
moisture but use a lot of plastic. Bags are a reasonable compromise
on plastic use and moisture barrier but due to their transparency
to light are susceptible to discoloration in case the packed
material is reactive.
[0004] This poor colour stability is often exacerbated by the
contents of the package which can be aggressive towards the package
materials, e.g. bleach components such as percarbonate compounds,
which as oxidising agents are typically aggressive to the packaging
materials.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to obviate/mediate
the problems outlined above.
[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a detergent product comprising a container
containing a detergent composition, which includes a percarbonate
compound in an amount of greater than 20 wt %, preferably greater
than 35% the container being formed of an insoluble material,
wherein the detergent composition comprises a silicate in an amount
of greater than 0.5 wt %.
[0007] The packaging may comprise from 100 g to 5000 g of the
composition. Preferably from 300 g to 2000 g.
[0008] With the combination of a silicate/percarbonate in the
detergent composition it has been found that the detrimental
interaction of the detergent composition with the packaging
material is greatly reduced. This has knock-on effects in that the
overall stability of the package and hence its associated efficacy
in a washing operation is greatly enhanced.
[0009] Without being bound to theory we believe that the silicate
helps to passivate packaging material surfaces as well as
interaction between granules of the composition.
[0010] As well as the percarbonate other bleaches may be present in
the composition. Examples of bleaches that may be used are oxygen
bleaches.
[0011] Peroxygen bleaching actives are: perborates, peroxides,
peroxyhydrates, persulfates. A preferred compound is sodium
percarbonate and especially the coated grades that have better
stability. The percarbonate can be coated with silicates, borates,
waxes, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and surfactants solid at
room temperature.
[0012] Optionally, the compositions may additionally comprise from
0.01 to 30% wt, preferably from 2 to 20% wt of bleach precursors.
Suitable bleach precursors are peracid precursors, i.e. compounds
that upon reaction with hydrogen peroxide product peroxyacids.
Examples of peracid precursors suitable for use can be found among
the classes of anhydrides, amides, imides and esters such as acetyl
triethyl citrate (ATC), tetra acetyl ethylene diamine (TAED),
succinic or maleic anhydrides.
[0013] When a surfactant is present in the composition, it may be
present in an amount of, for example, from 0.01 to 50% wt, ideally
0.1 to 30% wt and preferably 0.5 to 10% wt.
[0014] Suitable surfactants that may be employed include anionic or
nonionic surfactants or mixture thereof. The nonionic surfactant is
preferably a surfactant having a formula
RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nH wherein R is a mixture of linear, even
carbon-number hydrocarbon chains ranging from C.sub.12H.sub.25 to
C.sub.16H.sub.33 and n represents the number of repeating units and
is a number of from about 1 to about 12. Examples of other
non-ionic surfactants include higher aliphatic primary alcohol
containing about twelve to about 16 carbon atoms which are
condensed with about three to thirteen moles of ethylene oxide per
mole of alcohol (i.e. equivalents).
[0015] Other examples of nonionic surfactants include primary
alcohol ethoxylates (available under the Neodol tradename from
Shell Co.), such as C.sub.11 alkanol condensed with 9 equivalents
of ethylene oxide (Neodol 1-9), C.sub.12-13 alkanol condensed with
6.5 equivalents ethylene oxide (Neodol 23-6.5), C.sub.12-13 alkanol
with 9 equivalents of ethylene oxide (Neodol 23-9), C.sub.12-15
alkanol condensed with 7 or 3 equivalents ethylene oxide (Neodol
25-7 or Neodol 25-3), C.sub.14-15 alkanol condensed with 13
equivalents ethylene oxide (Neodol 45-13), C.sub.9-11 linear
ethoxylated alcohol, averaging 2.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole
of alcohol (Neodol 91-2.5), and the like.
[0016] Other examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for use
include ethylene oxide condensate products of secondary aliphatic
alcohols containing 11 to 18 carbon atoms in a straight or branched
chain configuration condensed with 5 to 30 equivalents of ethylene
oxide. Examples of commercially available non-ionic detergents of
the foregoing type are C.sub.11-15 secondary alkanol condensed with
either 9 equivalents of ethylene oxide (Tergitol 15-S-9) or 12
equivalents of ethylene oxide (Tergitol 15-S-12) marketed by Union
Carbide, a subsidiary of Dow Chemical.
[0017] Octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol type nonionic surfactants,
for example, Triton X-100, as well as amine oxides can also be used
as a nonionic surfactant.
[0018] Other examples of linear primary alcohol ethoxylates are
available under the Tomadol tradename such as, for example, Tomadol
1-7, a C.sub.11 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7
equivalents EO; Tomadol 25-7, a C.sub.12-15 linear primary alcohol
ethoxylate with 7 equivalents EO; Tomadol 45-7, a C.sub.14-15
linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7 equivalents EO; and
Tomadol 91-6, a C.sub.9-11 linear alcohol ethoxylate with 6
equivalents EO.
[0019] Other nonionic surfactants are amine oxides, alkyl amide
oxide surfactants.
[0020] Preferred anionic surfactants are frequently provided as
alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, amine salts, aminoalcohol salts
or magnesium salts. Contemplated as useful are one or more sulfate
or sulfonate compounds including: alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl
sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylamidoether sulfates, alkylaryl
polyether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates, alkylsulfonates,
alkylamide sulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, olefinsulfonates,
paraffin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether
sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl
sulfosuccinamate, alkyl sulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl
ether phosphates, acyl sarconsinates, acyl isethionates, and N-acyl
taurates. Generally, the alkyl or acyl radical in these various
compounds comprise a carbon chain containing 12 to 20 carbon
atoms.
[0021] Other surfactants which may be used are alkyl naphthalene
sulfonates and oleoyl sarcosinates and mixtures thereof.
[0022] Any suitable soil catcher may be employed. Unlike detergents
or surfactants, which simply aid in the removal of soils from
surfaces, the soil catcher actively binds to the soil allowing it
to be removed from the surface of the laundry. Once bound, the soil
is less likely to be able to redeposit onto the surface of the
laundry. Preferred soil catchers have a high affinity to both oily
and water-soluble soil. Preferably, the soil catcher is a mixture
of two or more soil catchers, each soil catcher may have a
different affinity for different soils. Preferred soil catchers for
oily soils have a non polar structure with high absorption
capability. Preferred water based soil catchers are generally
charged and have a high surface area in order to attract the soil
by electrostatic charge and collect it.
[0023] Suitable soil catchers include polymers, such as acrylic
polymers, polyesters and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The polymers
may be crosslinked, examples of which include crosslinked acrylic
polymers and crosslinked PVP. Super absorbing polymers are mainly
acrylic polymers and they are useful for the scope of this
patent.
[0024] Other important polymers are ethylidene norbene polymers,
ethylidene norbene/ethylene copolymers, ethylidene
norbene/propylene/ethylidene ter-polymers. Inorganic materials may
also be employed. Examples include zeolites, talc, bentonites and
active carbon. The latter may be used to absorb and/or degrade
coloured parts of stain and/or absorb odours. Alginates,
carrageneans and chitosan may also be used. Preferred water
insoluble agents are selected from at least one of acrylic polymer,
polyester, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), silica, silicate, zeolite,
talc, bentonites, active carbon, alginates, carrageneans,
ethylidene morbene/propylene/ethylidene ter-polymers and chitosan
in the manufacture of a detergent composition as an active agent
for binding soil. Preferably the detergent composition is a laundry
cleaning composition or stain-removing composition.
[0025] Preferred examples of water-insoluble soil catcher compounds
comprise a solid cross-linked polyvinyl N-oxide, or chitosan
product or ethylidene norbene/propylene/ethylidene ter-polymers or
blend of the same, as discussed more fully hereafter.
[0026] Water soluble polymeric soil catcher agents that are
suitable to be bound to insoluble carriers, or to be made insoluble
via cross-linking are those polymers known in the art to inhibit
the transfer of dyes from coloured fabrics onto fabrics washed
therewith. These polymers have the ability to complex or adsorb the
fugitive dyes washed out of dyed fabrics before the dyes have the
opportunity to become attached to other articles in the wash.
Especially suitable polymeric soil catcher agents are polyamine
N-oxide polymers, polymers and copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and
N-vinylimidazole, vinyloxazolidones, vinylpyridine, vinylpyridine
N-oxide, other vinylpyridine derivatives or mixtures thereof.
[0027] The soil catcher may be present in the detergent composition
in an amount of 0.01 to 100% wt of the composition, preferably from
1 to 90% wt, more preferably from 5 to 50% wt.
[0028] The composition advantageously additionally comprises
cleaning agents selected from the group consisting of, fillers,
builders, chelating agents, activators, fragrances, enzymes or a
mixture thereof. These active agents are generally water soluble,
so dissolve during the wash. Thus the additional active agents are
released over a period of time when exposed to water in the laundry
washing machine.
[0029] Suitable fillers include bicarbonates and carbonates of
metals, such as alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. Examples
include sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate,
calcium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate and
sesqui-carbonates of sodium, calcium and/or magnesium. Other
examples include metal carboxy glycine and metal glycine carbonate.
Chlorides, such as sodium chloride; citrates; and sulfates, such as
sodium sulfate, calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate, may also be
employed.
[0030] The filler may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 80% wt,
preferably 1 to 60% wt.
[0031] The composition may comprise at least one builder or a
combination of them, for example in an amount of from 0.01 to 80%
wt, preferably from 0.1 to 50% wt. Builders may be used as
chelating agents for metals, as anti-redeposition agents and/or as
alkalis.
[0032] Examples of builders are described below: [0033] the parent
acids of the monomeric or oligomeric polycarboxylate chelating
agents or mixtures thereof with their salts, e.g. citric acid or
citrate/citric acid mixtures are also contemplated as useful
builder components. [0034] borate builders, as well as builders
containing borate-forming materials than can produce borate under
detergent storage or wash conditions can also be used. [0035]
iminosuccinic acid metal salts. [0036] polyaspartic acid metal
salts. [0037] ethylene diamino tetra acetic acid and salt forms.
[0038] water-soluble phosphonate and phosphate builders are useful.
Examples of phosphate builders are the alkali metal
tripolyphosphates, sodium potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate,
sodium and potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium and
potassium orthophosphate sodium polymeta/phosphate in which the
degree of polymerisation ranges from 6 to 21, and salts of phytic
acid. Specific examples of water-soluble phosphate builders are the
alkali metal tripolyphosphates, sodium, potassium and ammonium
pyrophosphate, sodium, potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate, sodium
and potassium orthophosphate, sodium polymeta/phosphate in which
the degree of polymerization ranges from 6 to 21, and salts of
phytic acid. Such polymers include polycarboxylates containing two
carboxy groups, water-soluble salts of succinic acid, malonic acid,
(ethylenedioxy)diacetic acid, maleic acid, diglycolic acid,
tartaric acid, tartronic acid and fumaric acid, as well as the
ether carboxylates and the sulfinyl carboxylates.
[0039] Polycarboxylates containing three carboxy groups include, in
particular, water-soluble citrates, aconitrates and citraconates as
well as succinate derivates such as the carboxymethloxysuccinates
described in GB-A-1,379,241, lactoxysuccinates described in
GB-A-1,389,732, and aminosuccinates described in NL-A-7205873, and
the oxypolycarboxylate materials such as 2-oxa-1,1,3-propane
tricarboxylates described in GB-A-1,387,447.
[0040] Polycarboxylate containing four carboxy groups include
oxydisuccinates disclosed in GB-A-1,261,829, 1,1,2,2-ethane
tetracarboxylates, 1,1,3,3-propane tetracarboxylates and
1,1,2,3-propane tetracarobyxlates. Polycarboxylates containing
sulfo substituents include the sulfosuccinate derivatives disclosed
in GB-A-1,398,421, GB-A-1,398,422 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,448, and
the sulfonated pyrolysed citrates described in GB-A-1,439,000.
[0041] Alicylic and heterocyclic polycarboxylates include
cyclopentane-cis,cis,cis-tetracarboxylates, cyclopentadienide
pentacarboxylates, 2,3,4,5,6-hexane-hexacarboxylates and
carboxymethyl derivates of polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol,
mannitol and xylitol. Aromatic polycarboxylates include mellitic
acid, pyromellitic acid and the phthalic acid derivatives disclosed
in GB-A-1,425,343.
[0042] Of the above, the preferred polycarboxylates are
hydroxycarboxylates containing up to three carboxy groups per
molecule, more particularly citrates.
[0043] Suitable polymer water-soluble compounds include the water
soluble monomeric polycarboxylates, or their acid forms, homo or
copolymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts in which the
polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxylic radicals
separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms,
carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, phosphates, and mixtures of any
of the foregoing.
[0044] The carboxylate or polycarboxylate builder can be monomeric
or oligomeric in type although monomeric polycarboxylates are
generally preferred for reasons of cost and performance.
[0045] Suitable carboxylates containing one carboxy group include
the water soluble salts of lactic acid, glycolic acid and ether
derivatives thereof. Polycarboxylates containing two carboxy groups
include the water-soluble salts of succinic acid, malonic acid,
(ethylenedioxy)diacetic acid, maleic acid, diglycolic acid,
tartaric acid, tartronic acid and fumaric acid, as well as the
ether carboxylates and the sulfinyl carboxylates. Polycarboxylates
containing three carboxy groups include, in particular,
water-soluble citrates, aconitrates and citraconates as well as
succinate derivates such as the carboxymethloxysuccinates described
in GB-A-1,379,241, lactoxysuccinates described in GB-A-1,389,732,
and aminosuccinates described in NL-A-7205873, and the
oxypolycarboxylate materials such as 2-oxa-1,1,3-propane
tricarboxylates described in GB-A-1,387,447.
[0046] Polycarboxylate containing four carboxy groups include
oxydisuccinates disclosed in GB-A-1,261,829, 1,1,2,2-ethane
tetracarboxylates, 1,1,3,3-propane tetracarboxylates and
1,1,2,3-propane tetracarobyxlates. Polycarboxylates containing
sulfo substituents include the sulfosuccinate derivatives disclosed
in GB-A-1,398,421, GB-A-1,398,422 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,448, and
the sulfonated pyrolysed citrates described in GB-A-1,439,000.
[0047] Alicylic and heterocyclic polycarboxylates include
cyclopentane-cis,cis,cis-tetracarboxylates, cyclopentadienide
pentacarboxylates, 2,3,4,5,6-hexane-hexacarboxyfates and
carboxymethyl derivates of polyhydric alcohols such as sorbitol,
mannitol and xylitol. Aromatic polycarboxylates include mellitic
acid, pyromellitic acid and the phthalic acid derivatives disclosed
in GB-A-1,425,343.
[0048] Of the above, the preferred polycarboxylates are
hydroxycarboxylates containing up to three carboxy groups per
molecule, more particularly citrates.
[0049] More preferred polymers are homopolymers, copolymers and
multiple polymers of acrylic, fluorinated acrylic, sulfonated
styrene, maleic anhydride, methacrylic, isobutylene, styrene and
ester monomers.
[0050] Examples of these polymers are Acusol supplied from Rohm
& Haas, Syntran supplied from Interpolymer and the Versa and
Alcosperse series supplied from Alco Chemical, a National Starch
& Chemical Company.
[0051] The parent acids of the monomeric or oligomeric
polycarboxylate chelating agents or mixtures thereof with their
salts, e.g. citric acid or citrate/citric acid mixtures are also
contemplated as useful builder components.
[0052] Examples of bicarbonate and carbonate builders are the
alkaline earth and the alkali metal carbonates, including sodium
and calcium carbonate and sesqui-carbonate and mixtures thereof.
Other examples of carbonate type builders are the metal carboxy
glycine and metal glycine carbonates.
[0053] In the context of the present application it will be
appreciated that builders are compounds that sequester metal ions
associated with the hardness of water, e.g. calcium and magnesium,
whereas chelating agents are compounds that sequester transition
metal ions capable of catalysing the degradation of oxygen bleach
systems. However, certain compounds may have the ability to do
perform both functions.
[0054] Suitable chelating agents to be used herein include
chelating agents selected from the group of phosphonate chelating
agents, amino carboxylate chelating agents,
polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents, and further
chelating agents like glycine, salicylic acid, aspartic acid,
glutamic acid, malonic acid, or mixtures thereof. Chelating agents
when used, are typically present herein in amounts ranging from
0.01 to 50% wt of the total composition and preferably from 0.05 to
10% wt.
[0055] Suitable phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein may
include ethydronic acid as well as amino phosphonate compounds,
including amino alkylene poly(alkylene phosphonate), alkali metal
ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates, nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates,
ethylene diamine tetra methylene phosphonates, and diethylene
triamine penta methylene phosphonates. The phosphonate compounds
may be present either in their acid form or as salts of different
cations on some or all of their acid functionalities. Preferred
phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein are diethylene
triamine penta methylene phosphonates. Such phosphonate chelating
agents are commercially available from Monsanto under the trade
name DEQUEST.TM..
[0056] Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents may
also be useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Pat. No.
3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al. Preferred
compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes
such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.
[0057] A preferred biodegradable chelating agent for use herein is
ethylene diamine N,N'-disuccinic acid, or alkali metal, or alkaline
earth, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof or mixtures
thereof. Ethylenediamine N,N'-disuccinic acids, especially the
(S,S) isomer have been extensively described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,704,233, Nov. 3, 1987, to Hartman and Perkins. Ethylenediamine
N,N'-disuccinic acid is, for instance, commercially available under
the tradename ssEDDS.TM. from Palmer Research Laboratories.
[0058] Suitable amino carboxylates to be used herein include
ethylene diamine tetra acetates, diethylene triamine pentaacetates,
diethylene triamine pentaacetate
(DTPA),N-hydroxyethylethylenediamine triacetates,
nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamine tetrapropionates,
triethylenetetraaminehexa-acetates, ethanol-diglycines, propylene
diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) and methyl glycine diacetic acid
(MGDA), both in their acid form, or in their alkali metal,
ammonium, and substituted ammonium salt forms. Particularly
suitable amino carboxylates to be used herein are diethylene
triamine penta acetic acid, propylene diamine tetracetic acid
(PDTA) which is, for instance, commercially available from BASF
under the trade name Trilon FS.TM. and methyl glycine di-acetic
acid (MGDA).
[0059] The detergent compositions may comprise a solvent. Solvents
can be used in amounts from 0.01 to 30% wt, preferably in amounts
of 0.1 to 3% wt. The solvent constituent may include one or more
alcohol, glycol, acetate, ether acetate, glycerol, polyethylene
glycol with molecular weights ranging from 200 to 1000, silicones
or glycol ethers. Exemplary alcohols useful in the compositions
include C.sub.2-8 primary and secondary alcohols which may be
straight chained or branched, preferably pentanol and hexanol.
[0060] Preferred solvents are glycol ethers. Examples include those
glycol ethers having the general structure
R.sub.a--O--[CH.sub.2--CH(R)--(CH.sub.2)-0].sub.n-H, wherein
R.sub.a is C.sub.1-20 alkyl or alkenyl, or a cyclic alkane group of
at least 6 carbon atoms, which may be fully or partially
unsaturated or aromatic; n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably
from 1 to 5; and each R is selected from H or CH.sub.3. Specific
and preferred solvents are selected from propylene glycol methyl
ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl
ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol n-butyl
ether, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl
ether, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, isopropanol, ethanol,
methanol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, and,
especially, propylene glycol phenyl ether, ethylene glycol hexyl
ether and diethylene glycol hexyl ether.
[0061] The composition may, for example, comprise one enzyme or a
combination of them, for example in an amount of from 0.01 to 10%
wt, preferably from 0.1 to 2% wt. Enzymes in granular form are
preferred. Examples of suitable enzymes are proteases, modified
proteases stable in oxidisable conditions, amylases, lipases and
cellulases.
[0062] Most preferably the detergent composition comprises the
following admixture:--
[0063] 55 wt % sodium percarbonate
[0064] 20 wt % sodium bicarbonate
[0065] 17 wt % sodium sulphate
[0066] 4.0 wt % anionic surfactant
[0067] 0.5 wt % nonionic surfactant
[0068] 0.5 wt % soil catcher
[0069] 0.5 wt % soil suspending polymer
[0070] 0.2 wt % enzyme
[0071] 0.5 wt % TAED
[0072] 0.1 wt % fragrance.
[0073] Rest--water and minors
[0074] The detergent composition is preferably in the form of a
powder. By "powder" we mean any solid, flow able composition. Thus
the powder may, for example, be in the form of granules or
agglomerated particles. It may, however, be in the form of a loose
agglomeration of particles. The d.sub.50 particle size of the
particles may range from 0.001 .quadrature.m to 10 mm, preferably
from 0.01 .quadrature.m to 2 mm, and more preferably from 0.1
.quadrature.m to 2 mm, for example 1 .quadrature.m to 1 mm.
[0075] The detergent composition is enclosed in a container which
is impermeable to water and to components dissolved therein. Such
an enclosed product may be used in the washing cycle of a laundry
washing machine.
[0076] Suitable materials for forming the enclosing wall are a
polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or another
polymer such as a polyester or polyamide. One or more of the walls
may comprise an admixture of different components.
Furthermore/alternatively one or more of the walls may comprise a
laminated structure comprising a plurality of layers, with each of
the layers having an identical or more preferably a non-identical
composition.
[0077] In this regard it is preferred that the container material
comprises a laminate whereby the inner layer comprises PE (e.g. of
140 micron thickness) and the outer layer comprises any other
polyolefin such as PP, PE or PET, preferably PET (e.g. of 20 micron
thickness).
[0078] For this container material it has been found that in
storage yellowing/oxidation of the inner container material is
largely prevented hindered using the detergent composition
specified above.
[0079] The invention is further illustrated with reference to the
following non-limiting Example.
EXAMPLE
[0080] Powders were stored in a pouch made of plastic foil.
[0081] The foil was composed of a laminate of 140 micron layer of
PE and a 20 micron layer of PET. The PE material was the inner
material of the pouch formed of such film. 1 kg of the testing
powder formulation was filled in the formed pouch and the pouches
were closed by sealing. 5 pouches were used per product and were
assessed after 6 weeks of storage at 40.degree. C. and 75% rH. For
the assessment the pouches were cut open after cooling to room
temperature and a panel of 5 persons assessed the degree of
yellowing of the inner pouch material.
[0082] The formulae used in the test were:
TABLE-US-00001 Formula without Formula with silicate (wt %)
silicate (wt %) Percarbonate 55 55 TAED 0.5 0.5 Fatty alcohol
ethoxylate 1.5 1.5 surfactant LAS 3.0 3.0 Enzymes 1.0 1.0 Carbonate
38.5 36.0 Other ingredients (poly- 0.5 0.5 mers, fragrance, minors)
Sodium silicate 0.0 2.5
[0083] The evaluations of the results was been done with a visual
panel test versus the original virgin foil.
[0084] The evaluation scale was the following:
[0085] 1=like the original
[0086] 2=slightly different from the original
[0087] 3=clearly different from the original
[0088] 4=strongly different from the original
[0089] 5=completely yellowed
[0090] It resulted that the formula with silicate scored 1 while
the one without scored 3.
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