U.S. patent application number 14/807938 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for alkaline detergent composition containing a carboxylic acid terpolymer for hard water scale control.
This patent application is currently assigned to BASF SE. The applicant listed for this patent is Ecolab USA Inc.. Invention is credited to James S. Dailey, Juergen Detering, Arend Jouke Kingma, Erik C. Olson, Carter M. Silvernail, Kerrie E. Walters.
Application Number | 20150329805 14/807938 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52777428 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150329805 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silvernail; Carter M. ; et
al. |
November 19, 2015 |
ALKALINE DETERGENT COMPOSITION CONTAINING A CARBOXYLIC ACID
TERPOLYMER FOR HARD WATER SCALE CONTROL
Abstract
A highly alkaline detergent is described which includes the use
of a carboxylic acid terpolymer in combination with an alkali metal
hydroxide. The detergent maintains cleaning functions and also
prevents hard water scaling at application temperatures, for
example at temperatures of between about 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit
and, for example, at a pH of 9.5 to about 13.
Inventors: |
Silvernail; Carter M.;
(Burnsville, MN) ; Olson; Erik C.; (Savage,
MN) ; Walters; Kerrie E.; (Minneapolis, MN) ;
Detering; Juergen; (Limburgerhof, DE) ; Kingma; Arend
Jouke; (Weisenheim am Sand, DE) ; Dailey; James
S.; (Grosse Ile, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ecolab USA Inc. |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BASF SE
Ludwigshafen
DE
|
Family ID: |
52777428 |
Appl. No.: |
14/807938 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14049951 |
Oct 9, 2013 |
9127236 |
|
|
14807938 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
510/476 ;
210/696 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/3761 20130101;
C11D 7/06 20130101; C11D 17/0052 20130101; C11D 3/3765 20130101;
C11D 3/3757 20130101; C11D 17/0091 20130101; C11D 17/0073 20130101;
C11D 3/3707 20130101; C11D 17/0008 20130101; C11D 3/044 20130101;
C02F 1/683 20130101; C02F 2303/22 20130101; C02F 5/08 20130101;
C11D 17/0086 20130101; C11D 3/378 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C11D 3/37 20060101
C11D003/37; C02F 5/08 20060101 C02F005/08; C02F 1/68 20060101
C02F001/68; C11D 3/04 20060101 C11D003/04 |
Claims
1: An alkaline cleaning solution comprising: from about 1 to about
1500 ppm of an alkali metal hydroxide; and from about 5 to about
500 ppm of a carboxylic acid terpolymer comprising in copolymerized
form from about 30 to 90% by weight of at least one
monoethylenically unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acid, or
an anhydride or salt thereof, from about 3 to 60% by weight of at
least one monomer comprising a sulfo group, and from about 3 to 20%
by weight of at least one nonionic monomer of the formula I
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(R.sup.1)(CH.sub.2).sub.xO[R.sup.2--O].sub.y--R.sup.3
(I) in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2 are identical
or different, linear or branched C.sub.2-C.sub.6-alkylene wherein
R.sup.2--O may be arranged in blocks or randomly, and R.sup.3 is
hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, x
is 0, 1 or 2 and y is a number from 3 to 50.
2: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 1 further comprising a
phosphonate.
3: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 1, further comprising
5-250 ppm of an additional polymer selected from one or more of the
following: polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic acid
homopolymers, copolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic and/or maleic
acid, terpolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and maleic
acid, and combinations thereof.
4: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 1, further comprising at
least one functional ingredient selected from the group consisting
of: chelating agents, sequestering agents, alkaline sources, water
conditioners, surfactants, hardening agents, bleaching agents,
sanitizers, activators, detergent builders, fillers, defoaming
agents, anti-redeposition agents, optical brighteners, dyes,
odorants, stabilizing agents, dispersants, enzymes, corrosion
inhibitors, thickeners and solubility modifiers.
5: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 1, wherein y in formula
(I) is >5, x in formula (I) is 1, and R.sup.1 in formula (I) is
H, or wherein y in formula (I) is >5, x in formula (I) is 2, and
R.sup.1 in formula (I) is methyl.
6: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 1, wherein the
carboxylic acid terpolymer comprises from about 40 to 90% by weight
of the carboxylic acid monomer, anhydride or salt thereof, from
about 4 to 40% by weight of the monomer comprising a sulfo group,
and from about 4 to 40% by weight of the nonionic monomer of the
formula (I).
7: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 1, wherein R.sup.2 is
selected from CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 and CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3), and y is
in the range of from 8 to 40, and/or wherein the carboxylic acid
monomer, or anhydride or salt thereof is selected from the group
consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and salts thereof.
8: An alkaline cleaning solution comprising: from about 100 to
about 1500 ppm of an alkali metal hydroxide; and from about 5 to
about 500 ppm of a carboxylic acid terpolymer comprising in
copolymerized form from about 30 to 90% by weight of at least one
monoethylenically unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acid, or
an anhydride or salt thereof, from about 3 to 60% by weight of at
least one monomer comprising a sulfo group, and from about 3 to 40%
by weight of at least one nonionic monomer of the formula I
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(R.sup.1)(CH.sub.2).sub.xO[R.sup.2--O].sub.y--R.sup.3
(I) in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2 are identical
or different, linear or branched C.sub.2-C.sub.6-alkylene wherein
R.sup.2--O may be arranged in blocks or randomly, and R.sup.3 is
hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, x
is 0, 1 or 2 and y is a number from 3 to 50; and from about 5 to
about 250 ppm of an additional polymer selected from one or more of
the following: polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic
acid homopolymers, copolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic and/or
maleic acid, terpolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and
maleic acid, and combinations thereof.
9: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 8 further comprising a
phosphonate.
10: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 8, further comprising
at least one functional ingredient selected from the group
consisting of: chelating agents, sequestering agents, alkaline
sources, water conditioners, surfactants, hardening agents,
bleaching agents, sanitizers, activators, detergent builders,
fillers, defoaming agents, anti-redeposition agents, optical
brighteners, dyes, odorants, stabilizing agents, dispersants,
enzymes, corrosion inhibitors, thickeners and solubility
modifiers.
11: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 8, wherein y in formula
(I) is >5, x in formula (I) is 1, and R.sup.1 in formula (I) is
H, or wherein y in formula (I) is >5, x in formula (I) is 2, and
R.sup.1 in formula (I) is methyl.
12: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 8, wherein the
carboxylic acid terpolymer comprises from about 40 to 90% by weight
of the carboxylic acid monomer, anhydride or salt thereof, from
about 4 to 40% by weight of the monomer comprising a sulfo group,
and from about 4 to 40% by weight of the nonionic monomer of the
formula (I).
13: The alkaline cleaning solution of claim 8, wherein R.sup.2 is
selected from CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 and CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3), and y is
in the range of from 8 to 40, and/or wherein the carboxylic acid
monomer, or anhydride or salt thereof is selected from the group
consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and salts thereof.
14: A method of using an alkaline detergent with hard water to
provide scale control, comprising: providing a concentrated use
solution of claim 1 or 8; applying said use solution to an article
or surface; and preventing hard water scaling on said article or
surface.
15: The method of claim 14, wherein the use solution is applied to
said article or surface at a temperature between about 145-180
degrees Fahrenheit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.
14/049,951 filed Oct. 9, 2013, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to the field of alkaline
detergent compositions. In particular, the present invention is
related to low-phosphorus alkaline detergent compositions including
a carboxylic acid terpolymer for water scale control.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The level of hardness in water can have a deleterious effect
in many systems. For example, when hard water alone, or in
conjunction with cleaning compositions, contacts a surface, it can
cause precipitation of hard water scale on the contacted surface.
Scaling is the precipitation of a salt from a solution that is
supersaturated with respect to the salt. In general, hard water
refers to water having a total level of calcium and magnesium ions
in excess of about 100 ppm expressed in units of ppm calcium
carbonate. Often, the molar ratio of calcium to magnesium in hard
water is about 2:1 or about 3:1. Although most locations have hard
water, water hardness tends to vary from one location to
another.
[0004] Hard water is also known to reduce the efficacy of
conventional alkaline detergents used in the vehicle care,
warewashing, laundry, food and beverage and hard surface cleaning
applications. One method for counteracting this includes adding
chelating agents or sequestrants into detersive compositions that
are intended to be mixed with hard water in an amount sufficient to
handle the hardness. However, in many instances the water hardness
exceeds the chelating capacity of the composition. As a result,
free calcium ions may be available to cause precipitation, or to
attack active components of the composition causing other
deleterious effects, such as poor cleaning effectiveness or lime
scale build up.
[0005] Alkaline detergents, particularly those intended for
institutional and commercial use, generally contain phosphates,
nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
(EDTA) as a sequestering agent to sequester metal ions associated
with hard water such as calcium, magnesium and iron and also to
remove soils.
[0006] In particular, NTA, EDTA or polyphosphates such as sodium
tripolyphosphate and their salts are used in detergents because of
their ability to solubilize preexisting inorganic salts and/or
soils. When calcium, magnesium salts precipitate, the crystals may
attach to the surface being cleaned and cause undesirable effects.
For example, calcium carbonate precipitation on the surface of ware
can negatively impact the aesthetic appearance of the ware, giving
an unclean look. The ability of NTA, EDTA and polyphosphates to
remove metal ions facilitates the detergency of the solution by
preventing hardness precipitation, assisting in soil removal and/or
preventing soil redeposition during the wash process.
[0007] While effective, phosphates and NTA are subject to
government regulations due to environmental and health concerns.
Although EDTA is not currently regulated, it is believed that
government regulations may be implemented due to environmental
persistence. There is therefore a need in the art for an
alternative, and preferably environment friendly, cleaning
composition that can reduce the content of phosphorous-containing
compounds such as phosphates, phosphonates, phosphites, and acrylic
phosphinate polymers, as well as persistent aminocarboxylates such
as NTA and EDTA.
[0008] Accordingly it is an object herein to provide an improved
process for the prevention of scale in alkaline cleaning such as
that used in ware washing, hard surface or CIP cleaning, car
washing, instrument cleaning, boiler or cooling tower cleaning,
laundry cleaning and the like.
[0009] It is another object to provide scale control compositions
that may be used in conjunction with a cleaning composition for
prevention of scale deposits not only on surfaces to be cleaned,
but also on the cleaning machine components themselves.
[0010] Other objects, aspects and advantages of this invention will
be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the following
disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] One embodiment of the present invention provides a detergent
composition including a carboxylic acid terpolymer, hereinafter
also being referred to as terpolymer (A), and an alkali metal
hydroxide. The detergent composition according to the invention may
contain one or more additional polymers and/or a phosphonate.
Examples of suitable additional polymers include polyacrylic acid,
polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic acid homopolymers, copolymers of
acrylic methacrylic or maleic acids (and combinations thereof).
Other additional polymers which may be included are acrylic acid,
methacrylic acid, and/or maleic acid copolymers or terpolymers.
Such additional polymers may be hydrophobically modified. These and
other polymers suitable for use according to the detergent
compositions of the invention are set forth in the description of
the invention.
[0012] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The detergent compositions of the present invention include
an alkali metal hydroxide and a carboxylic acid terpolymer scale
control agent. In addition, the detergent compositions according to
the present invention are free of phosphate, and preferably they
are also free of NTA to meet certain regulatory standards. The
detergent compositions according to the present invention may be
used for machine and manual warewashing, presoaks, laundry and
textile cleaning and destaining, carpet cleaning and destaining,
vehicle cleaning and care applications, surface cleaning and
destaining, kitchen and bath cleaning and destaining, floor
cleaning and destaining, cleaning in place operations, general
purpose cleaning and destaining, and/or industrial or household
cleaners. The composition may be in the form of a liquid
concentrate, a use solution, a solid block, granules or a
powder.
[0014] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to
particular solid detergent compositions as they may vary. It is
further to be understood that all terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as
used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an" and "the" can include plural referents unless the
content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, all units, prefixes,
and symbols may be denoted in its SI accepted form. Numeric ranges
recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers
defining the range and include each integer within the defined
range.
[0015] So that the present invention may be more readily
understood, certain terms are first defined. Unless defined
otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which embodiments of the invention pertain. Many methods and
materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice of the embodiments of the
present invention without undue experimentation, the preferred
materials and methods are described herein. In describing and
claiming the embodiments of the present invention, the following
terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out
below.
[0016] The term "about," as used herein, refers to variation in the
numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical
measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making
concentrates or use solutions in the real world; through
inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the
manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the
compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term
"about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different
equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a
particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term
"about", the claims include equivalents to the quantities.
[0017] The term "cleaning," as used herein, refers to performing or
aiding in any soil removal, bleaching, microbial population
reduction, or combination thereof.
[0018] As used herein, "terpolymer" refers to a polymer formed from
three or more monomeric units.
[0019] The term "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," "%
by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the
concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance
divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by
100. It is understood that, as used here, "percent," "%," and the
like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "wt-%,"
etc.
[0020] The methods and compositions of the present invention may
comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and
ingredients of the present invention as well as other ingredients
described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially" of means
that the methods and compositions may include additional steps,
components or ingredients, but only if the additional steps,
components or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and
novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.
[0021] Carboxylic Acid Terpolymers as Scale Control Agents
[0022] The detergent compositions according to the invention
include an alkali metal hydroxide and at least one carboxylic acid
terpolymer for controlling hard water scale. In the context of the
present invention, carboxylic acid terpolymers are also referred to
as terpolymers (A).
[0023] Terpolymers (A) are polymers which comprise, in
copolymerized form,
[0024] a1) 30 to 90% by weight of at least one monoethylenically
unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acid, or an anhydride or
salt thereof,
[0025] a2) 3 to 60% by weight of at least one monomer comprising a
sulfo group,
[0026] a3) 3 to 60% by weight, and preferably up to 20% by weight
of at least one nonionic monomer of the formula (I)
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(R.sup.1)(CH.sub.2).sub.xO[R.sup.2--O].sub.y--R.sup.3
(I)
[0027] in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2 are
identical or different, linear or branched C.sub.2-C.sub.6-alkylene
wherein R.sup.2--O may be arranged in blocks or randomly, and
R.sup.3 is hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched
C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, x is 0, 1 or 2 and y is a number from 3 to
50,
[0028] a4) 0 to 30% by weight of one or more further ethylenically
unsaturated monomers which are polymerizable with a1), a2) and
a3),
[0029] where the sum of a1), a2), a3) and a4) adds up to 100% by
weight.
[0030] As component a1), terpolymer (A) comprises 30 to 90% by
weight of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated
C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acid, or an anhydride or a salt
thereof.
[0031] Suitable monoethylenically unsaturated
C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acids are especially acrylic acid,
methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, vinylacetic acid, allylacetic
acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, mesaconic acid and
itaconic acid, and the water-soluble salts thereof. When
monoethylenically unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acids
mentioned can form anhydrides, the latter are also suitable as
monomers a1), for example maleic anhydride and itaconic
anhydride.
[0032] Preferred monoethylenically unsaturated
C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acids are acrylic acid and methacrylic
acid, and the water-soluble salts thereof. Water-soluble salts are
especially the sodium and potassium salts of the monoethylenically
unsaturated C.sub.3-C.sub.8-carboxylic acids.
[0033] As component a2), terpolymer (A) comprises 3 to 60% by
weight of at least one monomer comprising a sulfo group.
[0034] Examples of sulfo-group containing monomers are preferably
those of the formulae (IIa) and (IIb)
H.sub.2C.dbd.CH--X--SO.sub.3H (IIa)
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(CH.sub.3)--X--SO.sub.3H (IIb)
in which X is an optionally present spacer group which may be
selected from --(CH.sub.2).sub.n--where n=0 to 4,
--C.sub.6H.sub.4--, --CH.sub.2--O--C.sub.6H.sub.4--,
--C(O)--NH--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2--,
--C(O)--NH--CH(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)--,
--C(O)NH--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2--,
--C(O)NH--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2--,
--C(O)NH--CH.sub.2CH(OH)CH.sub.2--, --C(O)NH--CH.sub.2--,
--C(O)NH--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-- and
--C(O)NH--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--.
[0035] Particularly preferred sulfo-containing monomers are
1-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonic acid
(X=--C(O)NH--CH(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)-- in formula IIa),
2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid
(X=--C(O)NH--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2-- in formula IIa),
2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS,
X=--C(O)NH--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2-- in formula IIa),
2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid
(X=--C(O)NH--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2-- in formula IIb),
3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid
(X=--C(O)NH--CH.sub.2CH(OH)CH.sub.2-- in formula IIb),
allylsulfonic acid (X=CH.sub.2 in formula IIa), methallylsulfonic
acid (X=CH.sub.2 in formula IIb), allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid
(X=--CH.sub.2--O--C.sub.6H.sub.4-- in formula IIa),
methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid (X=--CH.sub.2--O--C.sub.6H.sub.4--
in formula IIb), 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid,
2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid (X=CH.sub.2 in formula IIb),
styrenesulfonic acid (X=C.sub.6H.sub.4 in formula IIa),
vinylsulfonic acid (X absent in formula IIa), 3-sulfopropyl
acrylate (X=--C(O)O--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-- in formula IIa),
2-sulfoethyl methacrylate (X=--C(O)O--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-- in formula
IIb), 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate
(X=--C(O)O--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-- in formula IIb),
sulfomethacrylamide (X=--C(O)NH-- in formula IIb),
sulfomethylmethacrylamide (X=--C(O)NH--CH.sub.2-- in formula IIb)
and salts of the acids mentioned. Suitable salts are generally
water-soluble salts, preferably the sodium, potassium and ammonium
salts of the acids mentioned.
[0036] Especially preferred are 1-acrylamidopropanesulfonic acid,
2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid,
2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS),
2-meth-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid,
3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid,
2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-sulfoethyl
methacrylate, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid,
allylsulfonic acid (ALS) and methallylsulfonic acid, and salts of
the acids mentioned.
[0037] Very particularly preferred sulfo-containing monomers are
2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and allylsulfonic
acid, and the water-soluble salts thereof, especially the sodium,
potassium and ammonium salts thereof.
[0038] As monomer a3), terpolymer (A) comprises 3 to 60% by weight,
preferably up to 20% by weight of at least one nonionic monomer of
the formula (I)
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(R.sup.1)(CH.sub.2).sub.xO[R.sup.2--O].sub.y--R.sup.3
(I)
in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2 is identical or
different C.sub.2-C.sub.6-alkylene which may be linear or branched
and wherein R.sup.2--O arranged in blocks or randomly, and R.sup.3
is hydrogen or a straight-chain or branched C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl,
x is 0, 1, 2 and y is from 3 to 50.
[0039] The R.sup.2--O groups may be arranged in blocks and
randomly, i.e. in one or more blocks of identical alkylene oxide
and additionally randomly in one or more blocks of two or more
different alkylene oxides. This is also included by the wording
"arranged in blocks or randomly".
[0040] Preferred nonionic monomers a3) are those based on allyl
alcohol (R.sup.1=H; x=1) and isoprenol (R.sup.1=methyl; x=2).
[0041] Nonionic monomer a3) comprises preferably an average of 8 to
40, more preferably 10 to 30, especially 10 to 25, alkylene oxide
units. The index y in formula (I) is based on the mean number of
alkylene oxide units.
[0042] Preferred alkylene oxide units R.sup.2--O are ethylene
oxide, 1,2-propylene oxide and 1,2-butylene oxide, particular
preference being given to ethylene oxide and 1,2-propylene
oxide.
[0043] In a specific embodiment, the nonionic monomers a3) comprise
only ethylene oxide units. In a further specific embodiment, the
nonionic monomers a3) comprise ethylene oxide and 1,2-propylene
oxide units, which may be arranged in blocks or randomly.
[0044] R.sup.3 is preferably hydrogen or methyl.
[0045] As monomer a4), terpolymer (A) may comprise 0 to 30% by
weight of one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers
polymerizable with a1), a2) and a3).
[0046] Useful further ethylenically unsaturated monomers a4)
include, for example, acrylamide, t-butylacrylamide, vinyl acetate,
vinyl methyl ether, hydroxybutyl vinyl ether, 1-vinylpyrrolidone,
1-vinylcaprolactam, 1-vinylimidazole, 2-vinylpyridine,
4-vinylpyridine, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, isobutene,
diisobutene, isoprenol, 1-alkenes such as 1-octene,
N,N-dimethylacrylamide and styrene.
[0047] The proportion of copolymerized monomers a1), especially of
copolymerized acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or of a water-soluble
salt of these acids, is preferably 40 to 90% by weight, more
preferably 45 to 85% by weight and especially preferably 50 to 85%
by weight. The proportion of copolymerized monomers a2), especially
of copolymerized 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, is
preferably 4 to 40% by weight, more preferably 6 to 35% by weight
and especially preferably 8 to 32% by weight. The proportion a3) of
monomer units of the formula (I) is preferably 4 to 40% by weight,
more preferably 4 to 35% by weight and especially 4 to 20% by
weight. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric
ranges recited are understood to be inclusive of the numbers
defining the range and include each integer within the defined
range.
[0048] If monomers a4) are present in terpolymer (A), the
proportion thereof is preferably up to 20% by weight, more
preferably up to 15% by weight and especially up to 10% by weight.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges
recited are understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the
range and include each integer within the defined range.
[0049] Terpolymers (A) preferably have a mean molecular weight
M.sub.w of 1,000 to 200,000 g/mol, preferably of 1,000 to 100,000
g/mol, more preferably of 1,000 to 50,000 g/mol, determined by gel
permeation chromatography at room temperature with a buffer
solution (pH value 7) as an eluent against polyacrylate standards.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges of
molecular weights recited are understood to be inclusive of the
numbers defining the range and include each integer within the
defined range.
[0050] The K values of preferred terpolymers (A) are in the range
of from 15 to 100, preferably 20 to 80, more preferably 30 to 50,
measured at pH 7 in 1% by weight aqueous solution at 25 C according
to H. Fikentscher, Cellulose-Chemie volume 13, pages 58-64 and
71-74 (1932). Without limiting the scope of the invention, the
numeric ranges recited are understood to be inclusive of the
numbers defining the range and include each integer within the
defined range.
[0051] Terpolymers (A) can be prepared by free-radical
polymerization of the monomers. It is possible to work by any known
free-radical polymerization process. In addition to polymerization
in bulk, mention should be made especially of the processes of
solution polymerization and emulsion polymerization, preference
being given to solution polymerization.
[0052] The polymerization is preferably performed in water as a
solvent. However, it can also be undertaken in alcoholic solvents,
especially C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol and
isopropanol, or mixtures of these solvents with water.
[0053] Suitable polymerization initiators are compounds which
decompose thermally, by a redox mechanism or photochemically
(photoinitiators) to form free radicals.
[0054] Among the thermally active polymerization initiators,
preference is given to initiators having a decomposition
temperature in the range from 20 to 180 C, especially from 50 to 90
C. Examples of suitable thermal initiators are inorganic peroxo
compounds such as peroxodisulfates (ammonium peroxodisulfate and
preferably sodium peroxodisulfate), peroxosulfates, percarbonates
and hydrogen peroxide; organic peroxo compounds such as diacetyl
peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, diamyl peroxide, dioctanoyl
peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, dibenzoyl
peroxide, bis(o-tolyl) peroxide, succinyl peroxide, tert-butyl
perneodecanoate, tert-butyl perbenzoate, tert-butyl perisobutyrate,
tert-butyl perpivalate, tert-butyl peroctoate, tert-butyl
perneodecanoate, tert-butyl perbenzoate, tert-butyl peroxide,
tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, tert-butyl
peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate and diisopropyl peroxydicarbamate; azo
compounds such as 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile,
2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile) and
azobis(2-amidopropane)dihydrochloride.
[0055] Any of the above initiators can be used in combination with
reducing compounds as initiator/regulator systems. Examples of such
reducing compounds include phosphorus compounds such as phosphorous
acid, hypophosphites and phosphinates, sulfur compounds such as
sodium hydrogensulfite, sodium sulfite and sodium
formaldehyde-sulfoxylate, and hydrazine.
[0056] Also frequently used are redox initiator systems which
consist of a peroxo compound, a metal salt and a reducing agent.
Examples of suitable peroxo compounds are hydrogen peroxide,
peroxodisulfate (as the ammonium, sodium or potassium salt),
peroxosulfates, and organic peroxo compounds such as tert-butyl
hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide or dibenzoyl peroxide. Suitable
metal salts are in particular iron(II) salts such as iron(II)
sulfate heptahydrate. Suitable reducing agents are sodium sulfite,
the disodium salt of 2-hydroxy-2-sulfinatoacetic acid, the disodium
salt of 2-hydroxy-2-sulfonatoacetic acid, sodium
hydroxymethanesulfinate, ascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid or
mixtures thereof.
[0057] Examples of suitable photoinitiators are benzophenone,
acetophenone, benzyl dialkyl ketones and derivatives thereof.
[0058] Preference is given to using thermal initiators, preference
being given to inorganic peroxo compounds, especially sodium
peroxodisulfate. The peroxo compounds are particularly
advantageously used in combination with sulfur-containing reducing
agents, especially sodium hydrogensulfite, as the redox initiator
system. In the case of use of this initiator/regulator system,
copolymers comprising --SO.sub.3.sup.-Na+ and/or
--SO.sub.4.sup.-Na+ as end groups are obtained, which are notable
for exceptional cleaning power and scale-inhibiting action.
[0059] Alternatively, it is also possible to use
phosphorus-containing initiator/regulator systems, for example
hypophosphites/phosphinates.
[0060] The amounts of photoinitiator and initiator/regulator system
should be matched to the substances used in each case. If, for
example, the preferred peroxodisulfate/hydrogensulfite system is
used, typically 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of
peroxodisulfate and generally 5 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to
10% by weight, of hydrogensulfite are used, based in each case on
the monomers a1), a2), a3) and optionally a4).
[0061] If desired, it is also possible to use polymerization
regulators. Suitable examples are sulfur compounds such as
mercaptoethanol, 2-ethylhexyl thioglycolate, thioglycolic acid and
dodecyl mercaptan. When polymerization regulators are used, the
amount thereof used is generally 0.1 to 15% by weight, preferably
0.1 to 5% by weight and more preferably 0.1 to 2.5% by weight,
based on monomers a1), a2), a3) and optionally a4).
[0062] The polymerization temperature is generally 20 to
200.degree. C., preferably 20 to 150.degree. C., and more
preferably 20 to 120.degree. C.
[0063] The polymerization can be performed under atmospheric
pressure, but is preferably undertaken in a closed system under the
autogenous pressure which evolves.
[0064] Terpolymers (A) can be obtained in the acidic state, but
they can also, if desired for the application, be neutralized or
partly neutralized by addition of bases, especially of sodium
hydroxide solution, as early as during the polymerization or after
the polymerization has ended. The preferred pH of the aqueous
solutions is in the range from 3 to 8.5.
[0065] Terpolymers (A) used can be used directly in the form of the
aqueous solutions obtained in the course of preparation by means of
solvent polymerization in water, or in dried form (obtained, for
example, by spray drying, spray granulation, fluidized spray
drying, roller drying or freeze drying).
[0066] In a further aspect of the invention, the terpolymers (A)
may include additional monomer units, in addition to those units
a1), a2), a3), and a4) described herein, to the extent the
additional monomer unit(s) do not interfere with the solidification
and/or scale control provided by the detergent compositions and/or
the additional performance benefits described herein. In a
preferred aspect, the terpolymers (A) do not include additional
monomer units.
[0067] In one embodiment, a detergent composition according to the
invention may contain less than 60% by weight (active amount) of
the terpolymer (A), more particularly, less than about 55% by
weight terpolymer (A). In another embodiment, a detergent
composition according to the invention may contain between about 5%
and 50% by weight terpolymer (A), more particularly, between about
10% and 40% by weight terpolymer (A).
[0068] Source of Alkalinity
[0069] Detergent compositions according to the invention include at
least about 50% of alkali metal hydroxide to enhance cleaning and
improve soil removal performance. In general, it is expected that a
concentrated detergent composition will include the alkaline source
in an amount of at least about 50% by weight of alkali metal
hydroxide. In order to provide sufficient room for other components
in the concentrate alkali metal hydroxide can be provided in the
concentrate in an amount of less than about 95% by weight, less
than about 90% by weight, or less than about 85% by weight. Without
limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges recited are
understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and
include each integer within the defined range.
[0070] An effective amount of one or more alkaline sources should
be considered as an amount that provides a use composition having a
pH of at least about 8 and usually between about 9.5 and 14. When
the use composition has a pH of between about 8 and about 10, it
can be considered mildly alkaline, and when the pH is greater than
about 13, the use composition can be considered caustic. In some
circumstances, the detergent composition may provide a use
composition that is useful at pH levels below about 8. In such
compositions, the alkaline source may be omitted, and additional pH
adjusting agents may be used to provide the use composition with
the desired pH.
[0071] Examples of suitable alkaline sources of the detergent
composition include, but are not limited to alkali metal carbonates
and alkali metal hydroxides. In a preferred aspect the alkalinity
source is an alkali metal hydroxide. Exemplary alkali metal
carbonates that can be used include, but are not limited to: sodium
or potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, and mixtures
thereof.
[0072] Exemplary alkali metal hydroxides that can be used include,
but are not limited to sodium, lithium, or potassium hydroxide,
preference being given to sodium hydroxide. The alkali metal
hydroxide may be added to the detergent composition in any form
known in the art, including as solid beads, dissolved in an aqueous
solution, or a combination thereof. Alkali metal hydroxides are
commercially available as a solid in the form of prilled solids or
beads having a mix of particle sizes ranging from about 12-100 U.S.
mesh, or as an aqueous solution, as for example, as a 45% and a 50%
by weight solution. In one embodiment, the alkali metal hydroxide
is added in the form of an aqueous solution, particularly a 50% by
weight hydroxide solution, to reduce the amount of heat generated
in the composition due to hydration of the solid alkali
material.
[0073] In addition to the first alkalinity source, the detergent
composition may comprise a secondary alkalinity source. Examples of
useful secondary alkaline sources include, but are not limited to:
metal silicates such as sodium or potassium silicate or
metasilicate; metal carbonates such as sodium or potassium
carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate and mixtures thereof; metal
borates such as sodium or potassium borate; and ethanolamines and
amines. Such alkalinity agents are commonly available in either
aqueous or powdered form, either of which is useful in formulating
the present detergent compositions.
[0074] Exemplary silicates include for example, crystalline
sheet-type silicates with the general formula NaMSi.sub.aO.sub.2a+1
bH2O, where M is sodium or hydrogen, a is from 1.9 to 22,
preferably from 1.9 to 4, particularly preferred values for b being
2, 3 or 4, and y is from 0 to 33, preferably 0 to 20. In addition,
amorphous sodium silicates with a SiO.sub.2:Na.sub.2O ratio of 1 to
3.5, preferably of 1.6 to 3 and especially of 2 to 2.8 can be
used.
[0075] Detergent compositions according to the invention are
phosphate-free. Phosphate-free (also referred to as "free of
phosphate") means a detergent composition according to the present
invention that contains less than approximately 0.5 wt %, more
particularly, less than approximately 0.1 wt %, and even more
particularly less than approximately 0.01 wt % phosphate based on
the total solids content of said detergent composition. In other
embodiments of the invention, the detergent compositions are
low-phosphate compositions containing below at least about 20 wt-%
phosphate, below at least about 10 wt-%, below at least about 5
wt-%, or below at least about 1 wt-%.
[0076] The detergent compositions according to the invention may in
addition be NTA-free (also referred to as "free of NTA") which
means a concentrated composition having less than approximately 0.5
wt %, less than approximately 0.1 wt %, and often less than
approximately 0.01 wt % NTA based on the total solids content of
said detergent composition.
[0077] Optional Additional Polymer/Phosphonate
[0078] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
may contain one or more additional polymers and/or a phosphonate in
addition to terpolymer (A). Examples of suitable additional
polymers include polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic
acid homopolymers, copolymers of acrylic methacrylic or maleic
acids (and combinations thereof). Other polymers which may be
included are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and/or maleic acid
polymers, copolymers or terpolymers. Any of the additional polymers
may be hydrophobically modified. Additional polymer if present is
general present in an amount of from about 0-20 wt-%; preferably
from about 0-15 wt-% and more preferably from about 0-10 wt-%.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges
recited are understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the
range and include each integer within the defined range.
[0079] In an aspect, the detergent compositions may include in
addition to terpolymer (A) polycarboxylates, which may be
hydrophilically or hydrophobically modified. In an aspect, the
additional polycarboxylate polymers may be present in amounts up to
about 20% by weight.
[0080] Suitable examples are alkali metal salts of homo- and
copolymers of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid. Suitable for
copolymerization are monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic
acids such as maleic acid, fumaric acid, maleic anhydride, itaconic
acid and citraconic acid. A suitable polycarboxylate is especially
polyacrylic acid, which preferably has a molar mass (M.sub.w) of
1,000 to 40,000 g/mol. Due to its superior solubility, among this
group, preference may be given to short-chain polyacrylic acid
which has a molar mass (M.sub.w) of from 1,000 to 10,000 g/mol,
especially 1,000 to 8,000 g/mol. Also suitable are copolymeric
polycarboxylates, especially those of acrylic acid with methacrylic
acid and of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid
and/or fumaric acid.
[0081] It is also possible to use copolymers of at least one
monomer from the group consisting of monoethylenically unsaturated
C.sub.3-C.sub.10-mono- or dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof,
such as maleic acid, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, methacrylic
acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid and citraconic acid with at least
one hydrophilically or hydrophobically modified monomer, as
enumerated hereinafter.
[0082] Suitable hydrophobic monomers are, for example, isobutene,
diisobutene, butene, pentene, hexene and styrene, olefins having 10
or more carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, for example 1-decene,
1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene,
1-docosene, 1-tetracosene and 1-hexacosene, C.sub.22-alpha-olefin,
a mixture of C.sub.20-C.sub.24-alpha-olefins and polyisobutene
having an average of 12 to 100 carbon atoms.
[0083] Suitable hydrophilic monomers are monomers with sulfonate or
phosphonate groups, and nonionic monomers with a hydroxyl function
or alkylene oxide groups. Examples include: allyl alcohol,
isoprenol, methoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxy
polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxy polybutylene glycol
(meth)acrylate, methoxy poly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide)
(meth)acrylate, ethoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxy
polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxy polybutylene glycol
(meth)acrylate and ethoxy poly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide)
(meth)-acrylate. The polyalkylene glycols comprise 3 to 50,
especially 5 to 40 and in particular 10 to 30 alkylene oxide
units.
[0084] Particularly preferred sulfo-containing monomers are
1-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic
acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid,
2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid,
3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropane-sulfonic acid, allylsulfonic
acid, methallylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid,
methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid,
2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid,
2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid,
vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 2-sulfoethyl
methacrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide,
sulfomethylmethacrylamide, and salts of the acids mentioned, such
as the sodium, potassium or ammonium salts thereof.
[0085] Particularly preferred monomers containing phosphonate
groups are vinylphosphonic acid and salts thereof.
[0086] Furthermore, it is also possible to additionally use
amphoteric and cationic polymers.
[0087] Water
[0088] The detergent compositions according to the invention may
comprise water in amounts that vary depending upon techniques for
processing the composition.
[0089] Water provides a medium which dissolves, suspends, or
carries the other components of the composition. Water can also
function to deliver and wet the composition of the invention on an
object.
[0090] In some embodiments, water makes up a large portion of the
detergent compositions of the invention and may be the balance of
the detergent composition apart from source of alkalinity,
terpolymer (A), additional ingredients, and the like. The water
amount and type will depend upon the nature of the composition as a
whole, the environmental storage, and method of application
including concentration composition, form of the composition, and
intended method of deliver, among other factors. Notably the
carrier should be chosen and used at a concentration which does not
inhibit the efficacy of the functional components in the
composition of the invention for the intended use, e.g., bleaching,
sanitizing, cleaning.
[0091] In certain embodiments, the present composition includes
about 1 to about 90 wt-% water, about 10 to about 80 wt % water,
about 20 to about 60 wt % water, or about 30 to about 40 wt %
water. It is to be understood that all values and ranges between
these values and ranges are encompassed by the present
invention.
[0092] When preparing a solid detergent composition water may be
present in the ranges of between about 15% and about 50% by weight,
particularly between about 20% and about 45% by weight, and more
particularly between about 22% and about 40% by weight. Without
limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges recited are
understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and
include each integer within the defined range.
[0093] Additional Functional Materials
[0094] The components of the detergent composition according to the
present invention can be combined with various additional
functional components. In some embodiments, alkali metal hydroxide
and terpolymer (A) and water make up a large amount, or even
substantially all of the total weight of the detergent composition,
for example, in embodiments having few or no additional functional
materials disposed therein. In these embodiments, the component
concentrations ranges provided above for the detergent composition
are representative of the ranges of those same components in the
detergent composition.
[0095] For the purpose of this application, the term "functional
materials" includes a material that when dispersed or dissolved in
a use and/or concentrate, such as an aqueous solution, provides a
beneficial property in a particular use. Some particular examples
of functional materials are discussed in more detail below,
although the particular materials discussed are given by way of
example only, and that a broad variety of other functional
materials may be used. For example, many of the functional
materials discussed below relate to materials used in cleaning
and/or destaining applications. However, other embodiments may
include functional materials for use in other applications.
[0096] Surfactants
[0097] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
can include at least one cleaning agent comprising a surfactant or
surfactant system. A variety of surfactants can be used in
inventive detergent compositions, including, but not limited to:
anionic, nonionic, cationic, and zwitterionic surfactants. In a
preferred aspect, nonionic surfactants are included in detergent
compositions according to the present invention. Surfactants are an
optional component of detergent compositions according to the
present invention and can be excluded from the concentrate.
Exemplary surfactants that can be used are commercially available
from a number of sources. For a discussion of surfactants, see
Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition,
volume 8, pages 900-912. When the detergent composition includes a
cleaning agent, the cleaning agent is provided in an amount
effective to provide a desired level of cleaning. The detergent
composition, when provided as a concentrate, can include the
cleaning agent in a range of about 0.05% to about 20% by weight,
about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, about 1% to about 15% by weight,
about 1.5% to about 10% by weight, and about 2% to about 8% by
weight. Additional exemplary ranges of surfactant in a concentrate
include about 0.5% to about 8% by weight, and about 1% to about 5%
by weight. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric
ranges recited are understood to be inclusive of the numbers
defining the range and include each integer within the defined
range.
[0098] Examples of anionic surfactants useful in detergent
compositions according to the present invention include, but are
not limited to: carboxylates such as alkylcarboxylates and
polyalkoxycarboxylates, alcohol ethoxylate carboxylates,
nonylphenol ethoxylate carboxylates; sulfonates such as
alkylsulfonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates,
sulfonated fatty acid esters; sulfates such as sulfated alcohols,
sulfated alcohol ethoxylates, sulfated alkylphenols, alkylsulfates,
sulfosuccinates, and alkylether sulfates. Exemplary anionic
surfactants include, but are not limited to: sodium
alkylarylsulfonate, alpha-olefinsulfonate, and fatty alcohol
sulfates.
[0099] Examples of nonionic surfactants useful in detergent
compositions according to the present invention include, but are
not limited to, those having a polyalkylene oxide polymer as a
portion of the surfactant molecule. Such nonionic surfactants
include, but are not limited to: chlorine-, benzyl-, methyl-,
ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- and other like alkyl-capped polyethylene
glycol ethers of fatty alcohols; polyalkylene oxide free nonionics
such as alkyl polyglycosides; sorbitan and sucrose esters and their
ethoxylates; alkoxylated amines such as alkoxylated ethylene
diamine; alcohol alkoxylates such as alcohol ethoxylate
propoxylates, alcohol propoxylates, alcohol propoxylate ethoxylate
propoxylates, alcohol ethoxylate butoxylates; nonylphenol
ethoxylate, polyoxyethylene glycol ether; carboxylic acid esters
such as glycerol esters, polyoxyethylene esters, ethoxylated and
glycol esters of fatty acids; carboxylic amides such as
diethanolamine condensates, monoalkanolamine condensates,
polyoxyethylene fatty acid amides; and polyalkylene oxide block
copolymers. An example of a commercially available ethylene
oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer includes, but is not limited
to, PLURONIC.RTM., available from BASF Corporation, Florham Park,
N.J. An example of a commercially available silicone surfactant
includes, but is not limited to, ABIL.RTM. B8852, available from
Goldschmidt Chemical Corporation, Hopewell, Va.
[0100] Further examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for use
with detergent compositions according to the invention are
surfactants of the general formula
R.sup.18--O--(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.p--(CHR.sup.17CH.sub.2O).sub.m--R.s-
up.19
in which R.sup.18 is a linear or branched alkyl radical having 8 to
22 carbon atoms, R.sup.17 and R.sup.19 are each independently
hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-10 carbon
atoms or H, where R.sup.17 is preferably methyl, p and m are each
independently 0 to 300. Preferably, p=1-100 and m=0-30. The
surfactants may be either random copolymers or block copolymers,
preferably block copolymers.
[0101] Examples of cationic surfactants that can be used in
detergent compositions according to the present invention include,
but are not limited to: amines such as primary, secondary and
tertiary monoamines with C.sub.18 alkyl or alkenyl chains,
ethoxylated alkylamines, alkoxylates of ethylenediamine, imidazoles
such as a 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazoline, a
2-alkyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazoline, and the like; and
quaternary ammonium salts, as for example, alkylquaternary ammonium
chloride surfactants such as
n-alkyl(C.sub.12-C.sub.18)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride,
n-tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride monohydrate, and a
naphthylene-substituted quaternary ammonium chloride such as
dimethyl-1-naphthylmethylammonium chloride. The cationic surfactant
can be used to provide sanitizing properties.
[0102] Examples of zwitterionic surfactants that can be used in
detergent compositions according to the present invention include,
but are not limited to: betaines, imidazolines, and
propionates.
[0103] For detergent compositions intended to be used in an
automatic dishwashing or warewashing machine, the surfactants
selected, if any surfactant is used, can be those that provide an
acceptable level of foaming when used inside a dishwashing or
warewashing machine. Detergent compositions for use in automatic
dishwashing or warewashing machines are generally considered to be
low-foaming compositions. Low foaming surfactants that provide the
desired level of detersive activity are advantageous in an
environment such as a dishwashing machine where the presence of
large amounts of foaming can be problematic. In addition to
selecting low foaming surfactants, defoaming agents can also be
utilized to reduce the generation of foam. Accordingly, surfactants
that are considered low foaming surfactants can be used. In
addition, other surfactants can be used in conjunction with a
defoaming agent to control the level of foaming.
[0104] Builders
[0105] Detergent composition s according to the present invention
can include one or more building agents, also called chelating or
sequestering agents (e.g., builders or complexing agents),
including, but not limited to: a phosphonate, an aminocarboxylic
acid, or a polyacrylate. In general, a chelating agent is a
molecule capable of coordinating (i.e., binding) the metal ions
commonly found in natural water to prevent the metal ions from
interfering with the action of the other detersive ingredients of a
cleaning composition. Preferable levels of addition for builders
that can also be chelating or sequestering agents are between about
0.1% to about 70% by weight, about 1% to about 60% by weight, or
about 1.5% to about 50% by weight. If the detergent is provided as
a concentrate, the concentrate can include between approximately 1%
to approximately 60% by weight, between approximately 3% to
approximately 50% by weight, and between approximately 6% to
approximately 45% by weight of the builders. Additional ranges of
the builders include between approximately 3% to approximately 20%
by weight, between approximately 6% to approximately 15% by weight,
between approximately 25% to approximately 50% by weight, and
between approximately 35% to approximately 45% by weight. Without
limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges recited are
understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and
include each integer within the defined range.
[0106] Examples of phosphonates include, but are not limited to:
2-phosphinobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC),
1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid,
CH.sub.2C(OH)[PO(OH).sub.2].sub.2; aminotri(methylenephosphonic
acid), N[CH.sub.2PO(OH).sub.2].sub.3;
aminotri(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt (ATMP),
N[CH.sub.2PO(ONa).sub.2].sub.3;
2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid),
HOCH.sub.2CH.sub.2N[CH.sub.2PO(OH).sub.2].sub.2;
diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid),
(HO).sub.2POCH.sub.2N[CH.sub.2CH.sub.2N[CH.sub.2PO(OH).sub.2].sub.2].sub.-
2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt
(DTPMP), C.sub.9H.sub.(28-x)N.sub.3Na.sub.xO.sub.15P.sub.5 (x=7);
hexamethylenediamine(tetramethylenephosphonate), potassium salt,
C.sub.10H.sub.(28-x)N.sub.2K.sub.xO.sub.12P.sub.4 (x=6);
bis(hexamethylene)triamine(pentamethylenephosphonic acid),
(HO.sub.2)POCH.sub.2N[(CH.sub.2).sub.2N[CH.sub.2PO(OH).sub.2].sub.2].sub.-
2; and phosphorus acid, H.sub.3PO.sub.3. Preferred phosphonates are
PBTC, HEDP, ATMP and DTPMP. A neutralized or alkali phosphonate, or
a combination of the phosphonate with an alkali source prior to
being added into the mixture such that there is little or no heat
or gas generated by a neutralization reaction when the phosphonate
is added is preferred. In another embodiment, however, the
detergent composition according to the present invention is
phosphonate-free.
[0107] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
preferably contain a non-phosphate based builder. Although various
components may include trace amounts of phosphorous, carboxylates
such as citrate, tartrate or gluconate are also suitable. Useful
amino carboxylic acid materials containing little or no NTA
include, but are not limited to: N-hydroxyethylaminodiacetic acid,
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA),
hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid,
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid,
N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA),
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA),
hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid and methylglycinediacetic
acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic
acid (IDA), hydroxyiminodisuccinic acid, ethylenediaminedisuccinic
acid (EDDS), aspartic acid-diacetic acid, and salts thereof.
Particularly preferred building agents are MGDA and GLDA and salts
thereof and/or other similar acids having an amino group with a
carboxylic acid substituent.
[0108] In an aspect, preferred building agents are selected from
the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid,
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid,
hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid and methylglycinediacetic
acid, glutamic acid-diacetic acid, iminodisuccinic acid,
hydroxyiminodisuccinic acid, ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid,
aspartic acid-diacetic acid, and salts thereof. Particularly
preferred building agents are methylglycinediacetic acid and salts
thereof.
[0109] Water conditioning polymers can be used as non-phosphate- or
phosphorus containing builders. Exemplary water conditioning
polymers include, but are not limited to: polycarboxylates.
Exemplary polycarboxylates that can be used as builders and/or
water conditioning polymers include, but are not limited to: those
having pendant carboxylate (--CO.sub.2.sup.-) groups such as
polyacrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic/olefin copolymer, sulfonated
copolymer or terpolymer, acrylic/maleic copolymer, polymethacrylic
acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, hydrolyzed
polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed
polyamide-methacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile,
hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, and hydrolyzed
acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers. For a further
discussion of chelating agents/sequestrants, see Kirk-Othmer,
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, volume 5, pages
339-366 and volume 23, pages 319-320, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. These materials may also be used
at substoichiometric levels to function as crystal modifiers
[0110] The polymers may also include water-soluble or
water-insoluble substances, the main task of which consists in the
binding of calcium and magnesium ions. These may be low molecular
weight carboxylic acids and salts thereof, such as alkali metal
citrates, especially anhydrous trisodium citrate or trisodium
citrate dihydrate, alkali metal succinates, alkali metal malonates,
fatty acid sulfonates, oxidisuccinate, alkyl or alkenyl
disuccinates, gluconic acids, oxadiacetates,
carboxymethyloxysuccinates, tartrate monosuccinate, tartrate
disuccinate, tartrate monoacetate, tartrate diacetate and
a-hydroxypropionic acid.
[0111] Hardening Agents
[0112] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
can include a hardening agent in addition to, or in the form of,
the builder. A hardening agent is a compound or system of
compounds, organic or inorganic, which significantly contributes to
the uniform solidification of the composition. Preferably, the
hardening agents are compatible with the cleaning agent and other
active ingredients of the composition and are capable of providing
an effective amount of hardness and/or aqueous solubility to the
processed composition. The hardening agents should also be capable
of forming a homogeneous matrix with the cleaning agent and other
ingredients when mixed and solidified to provide a uniform
dissolution of the cleaning agent from the solid detergent
composition during use.
[0113] The amount of hardening agent included in a detergent
composition according to the present invention will vary according
to factors including, but not limited to: the type of detergent
composition being prepared, the ingredients of the detergent
composition, the intended use of the composition, the quantity of
dispensing solution applied to a solid detergent composition over
time during use, the temperature of dispensing solution, the
hardness of the dispensing solution, the physical size of the solid
detergent composition, the concentration of the other ingredients,
and the concentration of cleaning agent in the composition. It is
preferred that the amount of the hardening agent included in a
solid detergent composition according to the present invention is
effective to combine with the cleaning agent and other ingredients
of the composition to form a homogeneous mixture under continuous
mixing conditions and a temperature at or below the melting
temperature of hardening agent.
[0114] It is also preferred that the hardening agent form a matrix
with the cleaning agent and other ingredients which will harden to
a solid form under ambient temperatures of approximately 30.degree.
C. to approximately 50.degree. C., particularly approximately
35.degree. C. to approximately 45.degree. C., after mixing ceases
and the mixture is dispensed from the mixing system, within
approximately 1 minute to approximately 3 hours, particularly
approximately 2 minutes to approximately 2 hours, and particularly
approximately 5 minutes to approximately 1 hour. A minimal amount
of heat from an external source may be applied to the mixture to
facilitate processing of the mixture. It is preferred that the
amount of the hardening agent included in the solid detergent
composition is effective to provide a desired hardness and desired
rate of controlled solubility of the processed composition when
placed in an aqueous medium to achieve a desired rate of dispensing
the cleaning agent from the solidified composition during use.
[0115] The hardening agent may be an organic or an inorganic
hardening agent. A preferred organic hardening agent is a
polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound. The solidification rate of
solid detergent compositions comprising a polyethylene glycol
hardening agent will vary, at least in part, according to the
amount and the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol added to
the composition. Examples of suitable polyethylene glycols include,
but are not limited to: solid polyethylene glycols of the general
formula H(OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH, where n is greater than 15,
particularly approximately 30 to approximately 1700. Typically, the
polyethylene glycol is a solid in the form of a free-flowing powder
or flakes, having a molecular weight of approximately 1,000 to
approximately 100,000, particularly having a molecular weight of at
least approximately 1,450 to approximately 20,000, more
particularly between approximately 1,450 to approximately 8,000.
The polyethylene glycol is present at a concentration of from
approximately 1% to 75% by weight and particularly approximately 3%
to approximately 15% by weight. Suitable polyethylene glycol
compounds include, but are not limited to: PEG 4000, PEG 1450, and
PEG 8000 among others, with PEG 4000 and PEG 8000 being most
preferred. An example of a commercially available solid
polyethylene glycol includes, but is not limited to: CARBOWAX,
available from Union Carbide Corporation, Houston, Tex.
[0116] Preferred inorganic hardening agents are hydratable
inorganic salts, including, but not limited to: sulfates and
bicarbonates. The inorganic hardening agents are present at
concentrations of up to approximately 50% by weight, particularly
approximately 5% to approximately 25% by weight, and more
particularly approximately 5% to approximately 15% by weight.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges
recited are understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the
range and include each integer within the defined range.
[0117] Urea particles can also be employed as hardeners in
detergent compositions according to the present invention. The
solidification rate of the compositions will vary, at least in
part, to factors including, but not limited to: the amount, the
particle size, and the shape of the urea added to the composition.
For example, a particulate form of urea can be combined with a
cleaning agent and other ingredients, and preferably a minor but
effective amount of water. The amount and particle size of the urea
is effective to combine with the cleaning agent and other
ingredients to form a homogeneous mixture without the application
of heat from an external source to melt the urea and other
ingredients to a molten stage. It is preferred that the amount of
urea included in the solid detergent composition is effective to
provide a desired hardness and desired rate of solubility of the
composition when placed in an aqueous medium to achieve a desired
rate of dispensing the cleaning agent from the solidified
composition during use. In some embodiments, the composition
includes between approximately 5% to approximately 90% by weight
urea, particularly between approximately 8% and approximately 40%
by weight urea, and more particularly between approximately 10% and
approximately 30% by weight urea. Without limiting the scope of the
invention, the numeric ranges recited are understood to be
inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each
integer within the defined range.
[0118] Urea may be in the form of prilled beads or powder. Prilled
urea is generally available from commercial sources as a mixture of
particle sizes ranging from about 8-15 U.S. mesh, as for example,
from Arcadian Sohio Company, Nitrogen Chemicals Division. A prilled
form of urea is preferably milled to reduce the particle size to
about 50 U.S. mesh to about 125 U.S. mesh, particularly about
75-100 U.S. mesh, preferably using a wet mill such as a single or
twin-screw extruder, a Teledyne mixer, a Ross emulsifier, and the
like.
[0119] Bleaching Agents
[0120] Bleaching agents suitable for use in detergent composition
according to the present invention for lightening or whitening a
substrate include bleaching compounds capable of liberating an
active halogen species, such as Cl.sub.2, Br.sub.2, --OCl.sup.-
and/or --OBr.sup.-, under conditions typically encountered during
the cleansing process. Suitable bleaching agents for use in the
detergent compositions include, but are not limited to:
chlorine-containing compounds such as chlorines, hypochlorites, or
chloramines. Chlorine bleaches and the combination of chlorine
bleaches with peroxidic bleaches can likewise be used. Known
chlorine bleaches are, for example,
1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, N-chlorosulfamide, chloramine
T, dichloramine T, chloramine B, N,N'-dichlorobenzoylurea,
dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide or trichloroethylamine. Preferred
chlorine bleaches are sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite,
potassium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite, potassium
dichloroisocyanurate or sodium dichloroisocyanurate.
[0121] Exemplary halogen-releasing compounds include, but are not
limited to: the alkali metal dichloroisocyanurates, chlorinated
trisodium phosphate, the alkali metal hypochlorites,
monochloramine, and dichloramine. Encapsulated chlorine sources may
also be used to enhance the stability of the chlorine source in the
composition (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,618,914 and
4,830,773, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference herein).
[0122] A bleaching agent may also be a peroxygen or active oxygen
source such as hydrogen peroxide, perborates, persulfate, sodium
carbonate peroxyhydrate, potassium permonosulfate, and sodium
perborate mono and tetrahydrate, with and without activators such
as tetraacetylethylene diamine. Typical oxygen bleaches are also
organic peracids, for example perbenzoic acid,
peroxy-alpha-naphthoic acid, peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid,
phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, 1,12-diperoxydodecanedioic acid,
1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid, diperoxoisophthalic acid or
2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4-dioic acid. In addition, the following
oxygen bleaches may also find use in the detergent formulation:
Cationic peroxy acids described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,028, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,294,362 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,447, and sulfonyl peroxy
acids described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,447, each of which are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0123] It is additionally possible to add small amounts of bleach
stabilizers, for example phosphonates, borates, metaborates,
metasilicates or magnesium salts. Bleach activators are compounds
which, under perhydrolysis conditions, give rise to aliphatic
peroxocarboxylic acids having preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms,
especially 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and/or substituted perbenzoic acid.
Suitable compounds are those which comprise one or more N- or
O-acyl groups and/or optionally substituted benzoyl groups, for
example substances from the class of the anhydrides, esters,
imides, acylated imidazoles or oximes. Examples are
tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), tetraacetylmethylenediamine
(TAMD), tetraacetylglycoluril (TAGU), tetraacetylhexylenediamine
(TAHD), N-acylimides, for example N-nonanoylsuccinimide (NOSI),
acylated phenolsulfonates, for example n-nonanoyl- or
isononanoyloxybenzenesulfonates (n- or iso-NOBS),
pentaacetylglucose (PAG),
1,5-diacetyl-2,2-dioxohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (DADHT) or isatoic
anhydride (ISA). Likewise suitable as bleach activators are nitrile
quats, for example N-methyl-morpholinioacetonitrile salts (MMA
salts) or trimethylammonioacetonitrile salts (TMAQ salts).
[0124] Preferentially suitable bleach activators are those from the
group consisting of polyacylated alkylenediamines, more preferably
TAED, N-acylimides, more preferably NOSI, acylated
phenolsulfonates, more preferably n- or iso-NOBS, MMA and TMAQ.
[0125] Bleach activators are used in amounts of generally 0.1 to
10% by weight, preferably of 1 to 9% by weight, more preferably of
1.5 to 8% by weight, based on the overall detergent formulation.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges
recited are understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the
range and include each integer within the defined range.
[0126] In addition to the conventional bleach activators, it is
also possible for what are called bleach catalysts to be present.
These substances are bleach-boosting transition metal salts or
transition metal complexes, for example manganese-, iron-, cobalt-,
ruthenium- or molybdenum-salen complexes or -carbonyl complexes.
Usable bleach catalysts are also manganese, iron, cobalt,
ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium and copper complexes with
nitrogen-containing tripod ligands, and cobalt-, iron-, copper- and
ruthenium-amine complexes.
[0127] When the concentrate includes a bleaching agent, it can be
included in an amount of between approximately 0.1% and
approximately 60% by weight, between approximately 1% and
approximately 20% by weight, between approximately 3% and
approximately 8% by weight, and between approximately 3% and
approximately 6% by weight. Without limiting the scope of the
invention, the numeric ranges recited are understood to be
inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each
integer within the defined range.
[0128] Fillers
[0129] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
can include an effective amount of detergent fillers which do not
perform as a cleaning agent per se, but cooperates with the
cleaning agent to enhance the overall cleaning capacity of the
composition. Examples of detergent fillers suitable for use in the
present compositions include, but are not limited to: sodium
sulfate and sodium chloride. When the concentrate includes
detergent filler, it can be included in an amount up to
approximately 50% by weight, between approximately 1% and
approximately 30% by weight, or between approximately 1.5% and
approximately 25% by weight. Without limiting the scope of the
invention, the numeric ranges recited are understood to be
inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each
integer within the defined range.
[0130] Defoaming Agents
[0131] A defoaming agent for reducing the stability of foam may be
included in detergent compositions according to the present
invention. Examples of defoaming agents include, but are not
limited to: ethylene oxide/propylene block copolymers such as those
available under the name Pluronic N-3; silicone compounds such as
silica dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, polydimethylsiloxane, and
functionalized polydimethylsiloxane such as those available under
the name Abil B9952; fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, fatty acids,
fatty esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, ethoxylates,
mineral oils, polyethylene glycol esters, and alkyl phosphate
esters such as monostearyl phosphate. A discussion of defoaming
agents may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,548 to
Martin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,147 to Brunelle et al., and U.S.
Pat. No. 3,442,242 to Rue et al., the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0132] When the concentrate includes a defoaming agent, the
defoaming agent can be provided in an amount of between
approximately 0.0001% and approximately 10% by weight, between
approximately 0.001% and approximately 5% by weight, or between
approximately 0.01% and approximately 1.0% by weight. Without
limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges recited are
understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and
include each integer within the defined range.
[0133] Anti-Redeposition Agents
[0134] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
may include an anti-redeposition agent for facilitating sustained
suspension of soils in a cleaning solution and preventing the
removed soils from being redeposited onto the substrate being
cleaned. Examples of suitable anti-redeposition agents include, but
are not limited to: polyacrylates, styrene maleic anhydride
copolymers, cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose. When the
concentrate includes an anti-redeposition agent, the
anti-redeposition agent can be included in an amount of between
approximately 0.5% and approximately 10% by weight, and between
approximately 1% and approximately 5% by weight. Without limiting
the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges recited are
understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and
include each integer within the defined range.
[0135] Stabilizing Agents
[0136] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
may include stabilizing agents. Examples of suitable stabilizing
agents include, but are not limited to: borate, calcium/magnesium
ions, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. The concentrate need
not include a stabilizing agent, but when the concentrate includes
a stabilizing agent, it can be included in an amount that provides
the desired level of stability of the concentrate. Exemplary ranges
of the stabilizing agent include up to approximately 20% by weight,
between approximately 0.5% and approximately 15% by weight, and
between approximately 2% and approximately 10% by weight. Without
limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges recited are
understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and
include each integer within the defined range.
[0137] Dispersants
[0138] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
may include one or more dispersants. Examples of suitable
dispersants that can be used in the detergent composition include,
but are not limited to: maleic acid/olefin copolymers, polyacrylic
acid, and mixtures thereof. The concentrate need not include a
dispersant, but when a dispersant is included it can be included in
an amount that provides the desired dispersant properties.
Exemplary ranges of the dispersant in the concentrate can be up to
approximately 20% by weight, between approximately 0.5% and
approximately 15% by weight, and between approximately 2% and
approximately 9% by weight. Without limiting the scope of the
invention, the numeric ranges recited are understood to be
inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each
integer within the defined range.
[0139] Enzymes
[0140] Enzymes that can be included in detergent compositions
according to the present invention include those enzymes that aid
in the removal of starch and/or protein stains. Exemplary types of
enzymes include, but are not limited to: proteases, alpha-amylases,
and mixtures thereof. Exemplary proteases that can be used include,
but are not limited to: those derived from Bacillus licheniformix,
Bacillus lenus, Bacillus alcalophilus, and Bacillus
amyloliquefacins. Exemplary alpha-amylases include Bacillus
subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaceins and Bacillus licheniformis.
The concentrate need not include an enzyme, but when the
concentrate includes an enzyme, it can be included in an amount
that provides the desired enzymatic activity when the detergent
composition is provided as a use composition. Exemplary ranges of
the enzyme in the concentrate include up to approximately 15% by
weight, between approximately 0.5% to approximately 10% by weight,
and between approximately 1% to approximately 5% by weight. Without
limiting the scope of the invention, the numeric ranges recited are
understood to be inclusive of the numbers defining the range and
include each integer within the defined range.
[0141] Glass and Metal Corrosion Inhibitors
[0142] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
can include a metal corrosion inhibitor in an amount up to
approximately 50% by weight, between approximately 1% and
approximately 40% by weight, or between approximately 3% and
approximately 30% by weight. Without limiting the scope of the
invention, the numeric ranges recited are understood to be
inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each
integer within the defined range.
[0143] Corrosion inhibitor included in a detergent composition
according to the present invention is in an amount sufficient to
provide a use solution that exhibits a rate of corrosion and/or
etching of glass that is less than the rate of corrosion and/or
etching of glass for an otherwise identical use solution except for
the absence of the corrosion inhibitor. It is expected that the use
solution will include at least approximately 6 parts per million
(ppm) of the corrosion inhibitor to provide desired corrosion
inhibition properties. It is expected that larger amounts of
corrosion inhibitor can be used in the use solution without
deleterious effects. It is expected that at a certain point, the
additive effect of increased corrosion and/or etching resistance
with increasing corrosion inhibitor concentration will be lost, and
additional corrosion inhibitor will simply increase the cost of
using the detergent composition. The use solution can include
between approximately 6 ppm and approximately 300 ppm of the
corrosion inhibitor, and between approximately 20 ppm and
approximately 200 ppm of the corrosion inhibitor. Examples of
suitable corrosion inhibitors include, but are not limited to: a
combination of a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion,
as well as an alkaline metal silicate or hydrate thereof.
[0144] The term corrosion inhibitor can refer to the combination of
a source of aluminum ion and a source of zinc ion. The source of
aluminum ion and the source of zinc ion provide aluminum ion and
zinc ion, respectively, when the detergent composition is provided
in the form of a use solution. The amount of the corrosion
inhibitor is calculated based upon the combined amount of the
source of aluminum ion and the source of zinc ion. Anything that
provides an aluminum ion in a use solution can be referred to as a
source of aluminum ion, and anything that provides a zinc ion when
provided in a use solution can be referred to as a source of zinc
ion. It is not necessary for the source of aluminum ion and/or the
source of zinc ion to react to form the aluminum ion and/or the
zinc ion. Aluminum ions can be considered a source of aluminum ion,
and zinc ions can be considered a source of zinc ion. The source of
aluminum ion and the source of zinc ion can be provided as organic
salts, inorganic salts, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary sources of
aluminum ion include, but are not limited to: aluminum salts such
as sodium aluminate, aluminum bromide, aluminum chlorate, aluminum
chloride, aluminum iodide, aluminum nitrate, aluminum sulfate,
aluminum acetate, aluminum formate, aluminum tartrate, aluminum
lactate, aluminum oleate, aluminum bromate, aluminum borate,
aluminum potassium sulfate, aluminum zinc sulfate, and aluminum
phosphate. Exemplary sources of zinc ion include, but are not
limited to: zinc salts such as zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc
nitrate, zinc iodide, zinc thiocyanate, zinc fluorosilicate, zinc
dichromate, zinc chlorate, sodium zincate, zinc gluconate, zinc
acetate, zinc benzoate, zinc citrate, zinc lactate, zinc formate,
zinc bromate, zinc bromide, zinc fluoride, zinc fluorosilicate, and
zinc salicylate.
[0145] An effective amount of an alkaline metal silicate or hydrate
thereof can be employed in a detergent composition according to the
present invention to form a stable detergent composition having
metal protecting capacity. Such silicates employed in the
compositions of the invention are those that have conventionally
been used in detergent formulations. For example, typical alkali
metal silicates are those powdered, particulate or granular
silicates which are either anhydrous or preferably which contain
water of hydration (approximately 5% to approximately 25% by
weight, particularly approximately 15% to approximately 20% by
weight water of hydration). These silicates are preferably sodium
silicates and have a Na.sub.2O:SiO.sub.2 ratio of approximately 1:1
to approximately 1:5, respectively, and typically contain available
water in the amount of from approximately 5% to approximately 25%
by weight. In general, the silicates have a Na.sub.2O:SiO.sub.2
ratio of approximately 1:1 to approximately 1:3.75, particularly
approximately 1:1.5 to approximately 1:3.75 and most particularly
approximately 1:1.5 to approximately 1:2.5. A silicate with a
Na.sub.2O:SiO.sub.2 ratio of approximately 1:2 and approximately
16% to approximately 22% by weight water of hydration, is most
preferred. For example, such silicates are available in powder form
as GD Silicate and in granular form as Britesil H-20, available
from PQ Corporation, Valley Forge, Pa. These ratios may be obtained
with single silicate compositions or combinations of silicates
which upon combination result in the preferred ratio. The hydrated
silicates at preferred ratios, a Na.sub.2O:SiO.sub.2 ratio of
approximately 1:1.5 to approximately 1:2.5, have been found to
provide the optimum metal protection. Hydrated silicates are
preferred.
[0146] Silicates can be included in detergent compositions
according to the present invention to provide for metal protection
but are additionally known to provide alkalinity and additionally
function as anti-redeposition agents. Exemplary silicates include,
but are not limited to: sodium silicate and potassium silicate. The
detergent composition can be provided without silicates, but when
silicates are included, they can be included in amounts that
provide for desired metal protection. The concentrate can include
silicates in amounts of at least approximately 1% by weight, at
least approximately 5% by weight, at least approximately 10% by
weight, and at least approximately 15% by weight. In addition, in
order to provide sufficient room for other components in the
concentrate, the silicate component can be provided at a level of
less than approximately 35% by weight, less than approximately 25%
by weight, less than approximately 20% by weight, and less than
approximately 15% by weight. Without limiting the scope of the
invention, the numeric ranges recited are understood to be
inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each
integer within the defined range.
[0147] Suitable corrosion inhibitors used may be silver
anticorrosives from the group of the triazoles, the benzotriazoles,
the bisbenzotriazoles, the aminotriazoles, the alkylaminotriazoles
and the transition metal salts or complexes.
[0148] Fragrances and Dyes
[0149] Various dyes, odorants including perfumes, and other
aesthetic enhancing agents can also be included in the composition.
Suitable dyes that may be included to alter the appearance of
detergent compositions according to the present invention, include,
but are not limited to: Direct Blue 86, available from Mac Dye-Chem
Industries, Ahmedabad, India; Fastusol Blue, available from Mobay
Chemical Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Acid Orange 7, available
from American Cyanamid Company, Wayne, N.J.; Basic Violet 10 and
Sandolan Blue/Acid Blue 182, available from Sandoz, Princeton,
N.J.; Acid Yellow 23, available from Chemos GmbH, Regenstauf,
Germany; Acid Yellow 17, available from Sigma Chemical, St. Louis,
Mo.; Sap Green and Metanil Yellow, available from Keyston Analine
and Chemical, Chicago, Ill.; Acid Blue 9, available from Emerald
Hilton Davis, LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio; Hisol Fast Red and
Fluorescein, available from Capitol Color and Chemical Company,
Newark, N.J.; and Acid Green 25, Ciba Specialty Chemicals
Corporation, Greenboro, N.C.
[0150] Fragrances or perfumes that may be included in detergent
compositions according to the present invention include, but are
not limited to: terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as
amyl cinnamaldehyde, a jasmine such as C1S-jasmine or jasmal, and
vanillin.
[0151] Thickeners
[0152] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
can include a rheology modifier or a thickener. The rheology
modifier may provide the following functions: increasing the
viscosity of the compositions; increasing the particle size of
liquid use solutions when dispensed through a spray nozzle;
providing the use solutions with vertical cling to surfaces;
providing particle suspension within the use solutions; or reducing
the evaporation rate of the use solutions.
[0153] A rheology modifier may provide a use composition that is
pseudo plastic, in other words the use composition or material when
left undisturbed (in a shear mode), retains a high viscosity.
However, when sheared, the viscosity of the material is
substantially but reversibly reduced. After the shear action is
removed, the viscosity returns. These properties permit the
application of the material through a spray head. When sprayed
through a nozzle, the material undergoes shear as it is drawn up a
feed tube into a spray head under the influence of pressure and is
sheared by the action of a pump in a pump action sprayer. In either
case, the viscosity can drop to a point such that substantial
quantities of the material can be applied using the spray devices
used to apply the material to a soiled surface. However, once the
material comes to rest on a soiled surface, the materials can
regain high viscosity to ensure that the material remains in place
on the soil. Preferably, the material can be applied to a surface
resulting in a substantial coating of the material that provides
the cleaning components in sufficient concentration to result in
lifting and removal of the hardened or baked-on soil. While in
contact with the soil on vertical or inclined surfaces, the
thickeners in conjunction with the other components of the cleaner
minimize dripping, sagging, slumping or other movement of the
material under the effects of gravity. The material should be
formulated such that the viscosity of the material is adequate to
maintain contact between substantial quantities of the film of the
material with the soil for at least a minute, particularly five
minutes or more.
[0154] Examples of suitable thickeners or rheology modifiers are
polymeric thickeners including, but not limited to: polymers or
natural polymers or gums derived from plant or animal sources. Such
materials may be polysaccharides such as large polysaccharide
molecules having substantial thickening capacity. Thickeners or
rheology modifiers also include clays.
[0155] A substantially soluble polymeric thickener can be used to
provide increased viscosity or increased conductivity to the use
compositions. Examples of polymeric thickeners for the aqueous
compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to:
carboxylated vinyl polymers such as polyacrylic acids and sodium
salts thereof, ethoxylated cellulose, polyacrylamide thickeners,
cross-linked, xanthan compositions, sodium alginate and algin
products, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and
other similar aqueous thickeners that have some substantial
proportion of water solubility. Examples of suitable commercially
available thickeners include, but are not limited to: Acusol,
available from Rohm & Haas Company, Philadelphia, Pa.; and
Carbopol, available from B.F. Goodrich, Charlotte, N.C.
[0156] Examples of suitable polymeric thickeners include, but not
limited to: polysaccharides. An example of a suitable commercially
available polysaccharide includes, but is not limited to, Diutan,
available from Kelco Division of Merck, San Diego, Calif.
Thickeners for use in the detergent compositions further include
polyvinyl alcohol thickeners, such as, fully hydrolyzed (greater
than 98.5 mol acetate replaced with the --OH function).
[0157] An example of a particularly suitable polysaccharide
includes, but is not limited to, xanthans. Such xanthan polymers
are preferred due to their high water solubility, and great
thickening power. Xanthan is an extracellular polysaccharide of
xanthomonas campestras. Xanthan may be made by fermentation based
on corn sugar or other corn sweetener by-products. Xanthan
comprises a poly beta-(1-4)-D-Glucopyranosyl backbone chain,
similar to that found in cellulose. Aqueous dispersions of xanthan
gum and its derivatives exhibit novel and remarkable rheological
properties. Low concentrations of the gum have relatively high
viscosities which permit it to be used economically. Xanthan gum
solutions exhibit high pseudo plasticity, i.e. over a wide range of
concentrations, rapid shear thinning occurs that is generally
understood to be instantaneously reversible. Non-sheared materials
have viscosities that appear to be independent of the pH and
independent of temperature over wide ranges. Preferred xanthan
materials include crosslinked xanthan materials. Xanthan polymers
can be crosslinked with a variety of known covalent reacting
crosslinking agents reactive with the hydroxyl functionality of
large polysaccharide molecules and can be crosslinked using
divalent, trivalent or polyvalent metal ions. Such crosslinked
xanthan gels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,901, which is
herein incorporated by reference. Suitable crosslinking agents for
xanthan materials include, but are not limited to: metal cations
such as Al+3, Fe+3, Sb+3, Zr+4 and other transition metals.
Examples of suitable commercially available xanthans include, but
are not limited to: KELTROL.RTM., KELZAN.RTM. AR, KELZAN.RTM. D35,
KELZAN.RTM. S, KELZAN.RTM.XZ, available from Kelco Division of
Merck, San Diego, Calif. Known organic crosslinking agents can also
be used. A preferred crosslinked xanthan is KELZAN.RTM. AR, which
provides a pseudo plastic use solution that can produce large
particle size mist or aerosol when sprayed.
[0158] Methods of Use of the Detergent Compositions of the
Invention
[0159] The detergent compositions of the invention are further
suitable for use in various applications and methods, including any
application suitable for an alkaline detergent wherein the
prevention of hard water scale accumulation on surfaces is desired.
In addition, the methods of the invention are well suited for
controlling water hardness buildup on a plurality of surfaces. The
methods of the invention prevent moderate to heavy accumulation of
hardness and/or the redeposition of soils on treated substrate
surfaces which beneficially improving the aesthetic appearance of
the surface. In certain embodiments, surfaces in need of hard water
scale accumulation prevention, include for example, plastics, metal
and/or glass surfaces.
[0160] In a beneficial aspect of the invention, the methods of the
invention reduce the formation, precipitation and/or deposition of
hard water scale, such as calcium carbonate, on hard surfaces
contacted by the detergent compositions. In an embodiment, the
detergent compositions are employed for the prevention of
formation, precipitation and/or deposition of hard water scale on
articles such as glasses, plates, silverware, etc. The solid
detergent compositions according to the invention beneficially
provide such prevention of formation, precipitation and/or
deposition of hard water scale despite the high alkalinity of the
detergent composition use solutions in the presence of hard water.
The detergent compositions are effective at preventing hard water
scale accumulation and/or preventing the redeposition of soils in
warewashing applications using a variety of water sources,
including hard water. In addition, the detergent compositions are
suitable for use at temperature ranges typically used in industrial
warewashing applications, including for example from about 150 F to
about 165.degree. F. during washing steps and from about 170 F to
about 185.degree. F. during rinsing steps.
[0161] In addition, the methods of use of the detergent
compositions according to the present invention are also suitable
for CIP and/or COP processes to replace the use of bulk detergents
leaving hard water residues on treated surfaces. The methods of use
may be desirable in additional applications where industrial
standards are focused on the quality of the treated surface, such
that the prevention of hard water scale accumulation provided by
the detergent compositions of the invention are desirable. Such
applications may include, but are not limited to, vehicle care,
industrial, hospital and textile care.
[0162] Additional examples of applications of use for the detergent
compositions include, for example, alkaline detergents effective as
grill and oven cleaners, ware wash detergents, laundry detergents,
laundry presoaks, drain cleaners, hard surface cleaners, surgical
instrument cleaners, transportation vehicle cleaning, vehicle
cleaners, dish wash presoaks, dish wash detergents, beverage
machine cleaners, concrete cleaners, building exterior cleaners,
metal cleaners, floor finish strippers, degreasers and burned-on
soil removers. In a variety of these applications, cleaning
compositions having a very high alkalinity are most desirable and
efficacious; however the damage caused by hard water scale
accumulation is undesirable.
[0163] Use Compositions
[0164] The detergent compositions of the present invention include
concentrate compositions and use compositions. For example, a
concentrate composition can be diluted, for example with water, to
form a use composition. In an embodiment, a concentrate composition
can be diluted to a use solution before to application to an
object. For reasons of economics, the concentrate can be marketed
and an end user can dilute the concentrate with water or an aqueous
diluent to a use solution.
[0165] The level of active components in the concentrate
composition is dependent on the intended dilution factor and the
desired activity of the hardness control composition. Generally, a
dilution of about 1 fluid ounce to about 10 gallons of water to
about 10 fluid ounces to about 1 gallon of water is used for
aqueous compositions of the present invention. In some embodiments,
higher use dilutions can be employed if elevated use temperature
(greater than 25 C) or extended exposure time (greater than 30
seconds) can be employed. In the typical use locus, the concentrate
is diluted with a major proportion of water using commonly
available tap or service water mixing the materials at a dilution
ratio of about 3 to about 40 ounces of concentrate per 100 gallons
of water.
[0166] In some embodiments, when used in a laundry application, the
concentrated compositions can be diluted at a dilution ratio of
about 0.1 g/L to about 100 g/L concentrate to diluent, about 0.5
g/L to about 10.0 g/L concentrate to diluent, about 1.0 g/L to
about 4.0 g/L concentrate to diluent, or about 1.0 g/L to about 2.0
g/L concentrate to diluent.
[0167] In other embodiments, a use composition can include about
0.01 to about 10 wt-% of a concentrate composition and about 90 to
about 99.99 wt-% diluent; or about 0.1 to about 1 wt-% of a
concentrate composition and about 99 to about 99.9 wt-%
diluent.
[0168] Amounts of an ingredient in a use composition can be
calculated from the amounts listed above for concentrate
compositions and these dilution factors.
[0169] Laundry Applications
[0170] In some aspects, detergent compositions according to the
present invention can be employed in laundry applications where
hard water is involved. The articles are contacted with a detergent
composition of the invention at use temperatures in the range of
about 4.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., for a period of time effective
to clean the articles. For example, in some embodiments, a
detergent composition of the present invention can be injected into
the wash or rinse water of a laundry machine. In some embodiments,
the soiled fabric is contacted with a detergent composition of the
present invention for about 5 to about 30 minutes. Excess liquor
can then be removed by rinsing or centrifuging the fabric.
[0171] Detergent compositions of the present invention can be used
to launder any conventional textile, including but not limited to,
cotton, poly-cotton blends, wool, and polyesters.
[0172] Detergent compositions of the present invention can be used
alone to treat the articles, e.g., textiles, or can be used in
conjunction with conventional detergents suitable for the articles
to be treated. The compositions of the invention can be used with
conventional detergents in a variety of ways, for example, the
compositions of the invention can be formulated with a conventional
detergent. In other embodiments, the compositions of the invention
can be used to treat the article as a separate additive from a
conventional detergent. When used as a separate additive, the
compositions of the present invention can contact the article to be
treated either before of simultaneous with the detergent.
[0173] Clean in Place
[0174] Other cleaning applications for the detergent compositions
of the present invention include any process where hard water may
be involved such as clean-in-place systems (CIP),
clean-out-of-place systems (COP), textile laundry machines, ultra
and nano-filtration systems and indoor air filters. COP systems can
include readily accessible systems including wash tanks, soaking
vessels, mop buckets, holding tanks, scrub sinks, vehicle parts
washers, non-continuous batch washers and systems, and the like.
CIP systems include the internal components of tanks, lines, pumps
and other process equipment used for processing typically liquid
product streams such as beverages, milk, and juices.
[0175] Generally, the cleaning of the in-place system or other
surface (i.e., removal of unwanted offal therein) is accomplished
with a different material such as a formulated alkaline detergent
which is introduced with heated water. The compositions of the
invention may be introduced during, prior to the cleaning step and
are applied or introduced into the system at a use solution
concentration in unheated, ambient temperature water. CIP typically
employ flow rates on the order of about 40 to about 600 liters per
minute, temperatures from ambient up to about 70 C, and contact
times of at least about 10 seconds, for example, about 30 to about
120 seconds. The present composition can remain in solution in cold
(e.g., 40.degree. F./4.degree. C.) water and heated (e.g.,
140.degree. F./60.degree. C.) water. Although it is not normally
necessary to heat the aqueous use solution of the present
composition, under some circumstances heating may be desirable to
further enhance its activity. These materials are useful at any
conceivable temperatures.
[0176] The Warewashing Process
[0177] The inventive detergent compositions of the invention may be
generally utilized in any of the conventional, domestic and
institutional, warewashing machines.
[0178] Typical institutional warewashing processes are either
continuous or non-continuous and are conducted in either a
single-tank or a multi-tank/conveyor-type machine.
[0179] In the conveyor-type system prewash, wash, post-wash rinse
and drying zones are generally established using partitions. Wash
water is introduced into the post-wash rinsing zone and is passed
cascade-fashion back toward the prewash zone while the dirty
dishware is transported in a counter-current direction. In an
alternative (so called "by-pass") process, this rinse-water is
introduced into the pre-wash zone. It may be attractive to combine
this "by-pass" process with the method of the present invention,
because in this way a pH-gradient is created over the wash tanks,
which is likely to lead to more optimal conditions for soil
removal. For instance, enzymes--when present in the first
component--can become more active at the more neutral pH-conditions
resulting from the introduction of acid post-wash rinse composition
into the prewash zone. Various multi-tank warewashing machines have
the option to rinse only when dishes are passed through the
post-wash rinsing section. It can be attractive to combine this
option with the method of the present invention, because in that
way the volume of the acid rinse solution is limited. Such limited
acid rinse volume will only have a limited effect as to its ability
to reduce the alkalinity of the main wash solution.
[0180] Furthermore, each component of the cleaning system of the
invention is applied in the warewashing machine using conventional
means such as suitable spray nozzles or jets directed upwards
and/or downwards toward the dishware.
[0181] The compositions of the invention may be added as a
component of the alkaline detergent, or as a pre-wash or even
post-wash treatment.
[0182] Formulating the Detergent Compositions According to the
Present Invention
[0183] Detergent compositions according to the present invention
can be formulated to handle the expected hard water level in a
given environment. That is, the concentration of the composition in
a cleaning composition or used alone can be adjusted depending upon
several factors at the situs of use including, for example, water
hardness level, food soil concentration, alkalinity and the like.
In machine warewashing applications, a food soil concentration of
about 25 grams per gallon or more is considered high, a
concentration of about 15 to about 24 grams per gallon is
considered medium, and a concentration of about 14 grams per gallon
or less is considered low. Water hardness exhibiting 15 grains per
gallon or more is considered high, about 6 to about 14 grains per
gallon is considered medium, and about 5 grains per gallon or less
is considered low. In a use composition, an alkalinity of about
more than 450 ppm or higher is considered high, an alkalinity of
about 300 ppm to about 450 ppm is considered medium, and an
alkalinity of about 300 ppm or less is considered low.
[0184] Forming a Concentrate
[0185] Detergent composition according to the present invention may
be made using a mixing process. The terpolymer (A) and alkali metal
hydroxide and, optionally, one or more other functional ingredients
are mixed for an amount of time sufficient to form a final,
homogeneous composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the components
of the cleaning composition are mixed for approximately 10
minutes.
[0186] A solid cleaning composition as used in the present
disclosure encompasses a variety of forms including, for example,
solids, pellets, blocks, tablets, and powders. By way of example,
pellets can have diameters of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm,
tablets can have diameters of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm or
between about 1 cm and about 10 cm, and blocks can have diameters
of at least about 10 cm. It should be understood that the term
"solid" refers to the state of the cleaning composition under the
expected conditions of storage and use of the solid cleaning
composition. In general, it is expected that the cleaning
composition will remain a solid when provided at a temperature of
up to about 100.degree. F. or lower than about 120.degree. F.
[0187] In certain embodiments, the solid cleaning composition is
provided in the form of a unit dose. A unit dose refers to a solid
cleaning composition unit sized so that the entire unit is used
during a single cycle, for example, a single washing cycle of a
warewash machine. When the solid cleaning composition is provided
as a unit dose, it can have a mass of about 1 g to about 50 g. In
other embodiments, the composition can be a solid, a pellet, or a
tablet having a size of about 50 g to 250 g, of about 100 g or
greater, or about 40 g to about 11,000 g.
[0188] In other embodiments, the solid cleaning composition is
provided in the form of a multiple-use solid, such as, a block or a
plurality of pellets, and can be repeatedly used to generate
aqueous cleaning compositions for multiple washing cycles. In
certain embodiments, the solid cleaning composition is provided as
a solid having a mass of about 5 g to about 10 kg. In certain
embodiments, a multiple-use form of the solid cleaning composition
has a mass of about 1 to about 10 kg. In further embodiments, a
multiple-use form of the solid cleaning composition has a mass of
about 5 kg to about 8 kg. In other embodiments, a multiple-use form
of the solid cleaning composition has a mass of about 5 g to about
1 kg, or about 5 g and to about 500 g.
[0189] The components can be mixed and extruded or cast to form a
solid such as pellets, powders or blocks. Heat can be applied from
an external source to facilitate processing of the mixture.
[0190] A mixing system provides for continuous mixing of the
ingredients at high shear to form a substantially homogeneous
liquid or semi-solid mixture in which the ingredients are
distributed throughout its mass. The mixing system includes means
for mixing the ingredients to provide shear effective for
maintaining the mixture at a flowable consistency, with a viscosity
during processing of about 1,000-1,000,000 cP, preferably about
50,000-200,000 cP. The mixing system can be a continuous flow mixer
or a single or twin screw extruder apparatus.
[0191] The mixture can be processed at a temperature to maintain
the physical and chemical stability of the ingredients, such as at
ambient temperatures of about 20-80.degree. C., and about
25-55.degree. C. Although limited external heat may be applied to
the mixture, the temperature achieved by the mixture may become
elevated during processing due to friction, variances in ambient
conditions, and/or by an exothermic reaction between ingredients.
Optionally, the temperature of the mixture may be increased, for
example, at the inlets or outlets of the mixing system.
[0192] An ingredient may be in the form of a liquid or a solid such
as a dry particulate, and may be added to the mixture separately or
as part of a premix with another ingredient, as for example, the
scale control component may be separate from the remainder of the
warewash detergent. One or more premixes may be added to the
mixture.
[0193] The ingredients are mixed to form a substantially
homogeneous consistency wherein the ingredients are distributed
substantially evenly throughout the mass. The mixture can be
discharged from the mixing system through a die or other shaping
means. The profiled extrudate can be divided into useful sizes with
a controlled mass. The extruded solid can be packaged in film. The
temperature of the mixture when discharged from the mixing system
can be sufficiently low to enable the mixture to be cast or
extruded directly into a packaging system without first cooling the
mixture. The time between extrusion discharge and packaging can be
adjusted to allow the hardening of the detergent block for better
handling during further processing and packaging. The mixture at
the point of discharge can be about 20-90.degree. C., and about
25-55.degree. C. The composition can be allowed to harden to a
solid form that may range from a low density, sponge-like,
malleable, caulky consistency to a high density, fused solid,
concrete-like block.
[0194] Optionally, heating and cooling devices may be mounted
adjacent to mixing apparatus to apply or remove heat in order to
obtain a desired temperature profile in the mixer. For example, an
external source of heat may be applied to one or more barrel
sections of the mixer, such as the ingredient inlet section, the
final outlet section, and the like, to increase fluidity of the
mixture during processing. Preferably, the temperature of the
mixture during processing, including at the discharge port, is
maintained preferably at about 20-90.degree. C.
[0195] When processing of the ingredients is completed, the mixture
may be discharged from the mixer through a discharge die. The
solidification process may last from a few minutes to about six
hours, depending, for example, on the size of the cast or extruded
composition, the ingredients of the composition, the temperature of
the composition, and other like factors. Preferably, the cast or
extruded composition "sets up" or begins to harden to a solid form
within about 1 minute to about 3 hours, preferably about 1 minute
to about 2 hours, most preferably about 1 minute to about 1.0 hours
minutes.
[0196] The concentrate can be provided in the form of a liquid.
Various liquid forms include gels and pastes. Of course, when the
concentrate is provided in the form of a liquid, it is not
necessary to harden the composition to form a solid. In fact, it is
expected that the amount of water in the composition will be
sufficient to preclude solidification. In addition, dispersants and
other components can be incorporated into the concentrate in order
to maintain a desired distribution of components.
[0197] In aspects of the invention employing packaged solid
detergent compositions, the products may first require removal from
any applicable packaging (e.g. film). Thereafter, according to
certain methods of use, the compositions can be inserted directly
into a dispensing apparatus and/or provided to a water source for
cleaning according to the invention. Examples of such dispensing
systems include for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,826,661, 4,690,305,
4,687,121, 4,426,362 and U.S. Pat. Nos. Re 32,763 and 32,818, the
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. Ideally, a solid detergent composition is configured or
produced to closely fit the particular shape(s) of a dispensing
system in order to prevent the introduction and dispensing of an
incorrect solid product into the apparatus of the present
invention. The packaging receptacle or container may be rigid or
flexible, and composed of any material suitable for containing the
compositions produced according to the invention, as for example
glass, metal, plastic film or sheet, cardboard, cardboard
composites, paper, and the like. The composition is processed at
around 150-170.degree. F. and are generally cooled to
100-150.degree. before packaging. so that processed mixture may be
cast or extruded directly into the container or other packaging
system without structurally damaging the material. As a result, a
wider variety of materials may be used to manufacture the container
than those used for compositions that processed and dispensed under
molten conditions.
[0198] The packaging material can be provided as a water soluble
packaging material such as a water soluble packaging film.
Exemplary water soluble packaging films are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,503,879; 6,228,825; 6,303,553; 6,475,977; and 6,632,785, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety. An exemplary water soluble polymer that can provide a
packaging material that can be used to package the concentrate
includes polyvinyl alcohol. The packaged concentrate can be
provided as unit dose packages or multiple dose packages. In the
case of unit dose packages, it is expected that a single packaged
unit will be placed in a dishwashing machine, such as the detergent
compartment of the dishwashing machine, and will be used up during
a single wash cycle. In the case of a multiple dose package, it is
expected that the unit will be placed in a hopper and a stream of
water will erode a surface of the concentrate to provide a liquid
concentrate that will be introduced into the dishwashing
machine.
[0199] In certain embodiments, the detergent composition may be
mixed with a water source prior to or at the point of use. In other
embodiments, the detergent compositions do not require the
formation of a use solution and/or further dilution and may be used
without further dilution.
[0200] In aspects of the invention employing solid detergent
compositions, a water source contacts the detergent composition to
convert solid detergent compositions, particularly powders, into
use solutions. Additional dispensing systems may also be utilized
which are more suited for converting alternative solid detergents
compositions into use solutions. The methods of the present
invention include use of a variety of solid detergent compositions,
including, for example, extruded blocks or "capsule" types of
package.
[0201] In an aspect, a dispenser may be employed to spray water
(e.g. in a spray pattern from a nozzle) to form a detergent use
solution. For example, water may be sprayed toward an apparatus or
other holding reservoir with the detergent composition, wherein the
water reacts with the solid detergent composition to form the use
solution. In certain embodiments of the methods of the invention, a
use solution may be configured to drip downwardly due to gravity
until the dissolved solution of the detergent composition is
dispensed for use according to the invention. In an aspect, the use
solution may be dispensed into a wash solution of a ware wash
machine.
Formulations of the Invention
[0202] Use Formulations:
[0203] According to the invention, use formulations may be made
according to the following:
TABLE-US-00001 Formulation Preferred More preferred Most preferred
Sodium Hydroxide 1-1000 ppm 1-750 ppm 1-600 ppm Terpolymer 5-500
ppm 5-350 ppm 5-250 ppm Additional polymer 0-500 ppm 0-350 ppm
0-250 ppm (optional) Phosphonate 0-50 ppm 0-30 ppm 0-20 ppm
[0204] Concentrate Formulations:
[0205] According to the invention, concentrate compositions may
include the following amounts in percent by weight:
TABLE-US-00002 Formulation Preferred More preferred Most preferred
Sodium Hydroxide 1-90 50-90 50-80 Terpolymer 1-60 5-50 10-40
Additional polymer 0-70 0-60 0-50 (optional) Phosphonate 0-10 0-7
0-5
[0206] All publications and patent applications in this
specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent
applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each individual publication or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated as incorporated by
reference.
EXAMPLES
[0207] The present invention is more particularly described in the
following examples that are intended as illustrations only, since
numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, and ratios reported
in the following examples are on a weight basis, and all reagents
used in the examples were obtained, or are available, from the
chemical suppliers described below, or may be synthesized by
conventional techniques.
[0208] Examples 1-10 were formulated by combining the materials
identified in Table below.
[0209] All above detergents were evaluated using a concentration of
750 ppm.
TABLE-US-00003 RM CONTROL 1 EXAMPLE 3 EXAMPLE 4 EXAMPLE 5 EXAMPLE 6
Sodium Hydroxide, 69.88 61.000 62.000 62.000 62.000 Beads NaOH 50
Percent 10 11.000 13.678 11.680 11.680 Liquid Water 20.12 9.250
3.722 6.000 6.520 Formulation 1, 44% 0 18.750 0.000 0.000 0.000
Formulation 2, 40% 0 0.000 20.6 0.000 0.000 Formulation 3, 40.6% 0
0.000 0 20.33 0.000 Formulation 4, 41.6% 0 0.000 0 0 19.800
Formulation 5, 39.5% 0 0.000 0 0 0.000 Formulation 6, 36% 0 0.000 0
0 0.000 Formulation 7, 36% 0 0.000 0 0 0.000 Formulation 8, 36% 0
0.000 0 0 0.000 Total 100 100.000 100.000 100.010 100.000 EXAMPLE
RM EXAMPLE 7 EXAMPLE 8 EXAMPLE 9 10 Sodium Hydroxide, 62.000 62.000
62.000 62.000 Beads NaOH 50 Percent 11.700 11.700 11.700 11.700
Liquid Water 5.400 3.35 3.35 3.35 Formulation 1, 44% 0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000 Formulation 2, 40% 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 Formulation
3, 40.6% 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 Formulation 4, 41.6% 0.000 0.000
0.000 0.000 Formulation 5, 39.5% 20.900 0.000 0.000 0.000
Formulation 6, 36% 0.000 22.950 0.000 0.000 Formulation 7, 36%
0.000 0.000 22.950 0.000 Formulation 8, 36% 0.000 0.000 0.000
22.950 Total 100.000 100.000 100.000 100.000
[0210] Control 1--negative control ran at 666 ppm detergent
[0211] Control 2--Solid Power XL available from Ecolab, Inc.--Ran
at a concentration of 750 ppm
[0212] Examples 3-10--ran at 750 ppm detergent
[0213] Formulation 1: 44 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer (A.1)
of 75:20:5 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (molecular weight
M.sub.w 5500 g/mol (determined by GPC); K-value 19.5, determined in
1 wt % aqueous solution).
[0214] Formulation 2: 40 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer (A.2)
of 75:20:5 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (molecular weight
M.sub.w 6500 g/mol (determined by GPC); K-value 23.2, determined in
1 wt % aqueous solution).
[0215] Formulation 3: 40.6 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer
(A.3) of 40:30:30 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (K-value
20.8, determined in 1 wt % aqueous solution).
[0216] Formulation 4: 41.6 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer
(A.4) of 60:10:30 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (K-value
20.7, determined in 1 wt % aqueous solution).
[0217] Formulation 5: 39.5 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer
(A.5) of 60:30:10 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (K-value
21.3, determined in 1 wt % aqueous solution).
[0218] Formulation 6: 36 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer (A.6)
of 70:20:10 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (molecular weight
approx. 6000 g/mol (determined by GPC)).
[0219] Formulation 7: 36 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer (A.7)
of 75:20:5 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (molecular weight
approx. 8000 g/mol (determined by GPC)).
[0220] Formulation 8: 36 wt % aqueous solution of terpolymer (A.8)
of 70:20:10 wt-% of polymerized monomers a1:a2:a3 (molecular weight
approx. 5500 g/mol (determined by GPC)) The molecular weights of
various terpolymers (A) were measured by GPC in buffered aqueous
solutions (pH value: 7) and/or provided as defined in the K-value
of the respective terpolymer (A).
[0221] Composition of terpolymers (A.1) to (A.8):
TABLE-US-00004 ter- pol- mono- ymer monomer a1 mer a2 monomer a3
(A.1) acrylic acid AMPS H.sub.2C.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--O[EO].sub.17--H
(A.2) acrylic acid AMPS H.sub.2C.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--O[EO].sub.17--H
(A.3) acrylic acid AMPS H.sub.2C.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--O[EO].sub.17--H
(A.4) acrylic acid AMPS H.sub.2C.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--O[EO].sub.17--H
(A.5) acrylic acid AMPS H.sub.2C.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2--O[EO].sub.17--H
(A.6) acrylic acid AMPS
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2O[EO].sub.20--H (A.7)
acrylic acid AMPS
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2O[EO].sub.20--H (A.8)
acrylic acid AMPS
H.sub.2C.dbd.C(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2--CH.sub.2O[EO].sub.10--H
Abbreviations: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS),
EO: CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O The respective terpolymers (A.1) to (A.8)
were used in partially neutralized form, pH value 4.5.
[0222] Film Accumulation Test
[0223] Each 100 cycle experiment was performed using a Hobart AM-IS
industrial warewash machine. Examples 3-10 were tested at a
concentration of 750 ppm and a water hardness of 17 grain. Control
1 was tested at 666 ppm detergent. Control 2 was tested at 750 ppm
detergent.
[0224] 100 Cycle Test Procedure
[0225] 100 cycle warewash testing was performed using six 10 oz.
Libbey glasses on a Hobart AM-14 or AM-15 warewash machine and 17
grain water (1 grain=17 ppm). The specifications of the Hobart
AM-15 warewash machine are as follows:
[0226] Washbath volume: 58 L (AM15), 60 L (AM14)
[0227] Rinse volume: 2.8 L (AM15), 4.5 L (AM14)
[0228] Wash time: 50 sec.
[0229] Rinse time: 9 sec.
[0230] Cleaning Libbey Glasses
[0231] Purpose:
[0232] To prepare 10 oz. Libbey glasses for laboratory warewashing
procedures. This cleaning procedure is designed to remove all film
and foreign material from the glass surface.
[0233] Apparatus and Materials: [0234] 1. Aluminum foil. [0235] 2.
3 gallon stainless steel pails. [0236] 3. Large hotplates. [0237]
4. Distilled water. [0238] 5. Warewash machine hooked up to hot
soft water. [0239] 6. Libbey 10 oz. tumblers. [0240] 7. Paper
towels or Soft Cotes. [0241] 8. Large flat rack. [0242] 9.
Lime-A-Way--20 gms. [0243] 10. Guardian Plus--20 gms. [0244] 11.
Polyphosphate RM 111104 or 111203--10 gms. [0245] 12. Insulated
gloves. [0246] 13. Clean towel.
[0247] Preparation: [0248] 1. Fill the pail with distilled water
and place on hot plate set on high. Cover with aluminum foil and
bring to a boil. This takes about 1 to 11/2 hours [0249] 2. Fill
glass rack with dirty glasses and load in dishmachine [0250] 3.
Fill dishmachine with hot soft water (130.degree. F. minimum).
[0251] 4. Add Lime-A-Way. Close door to start automatic cycle.
[0252] 5. When cycle is complete, drain and refill the machine with
fresh hot water. [0253] 6. Run automatic cycle. Drain and refill
the machine. [0254] 7. Add Guardian Plus and run on automatic
cycle. [0255] 8. Drain and refill the machine. [0256] 10. Run
automatic cycle. Drain and refill the machine. [0257] 11. Add
polyphosphate and run on automatic cycle. [0258] 12. Drain and
refill the machine. [0259] 13. Run automatic cycle. Drain the
machine. Put on the insulated gloves. [0260] 14. Fill machine with
boiling distilled water. [0261] 15. Open the control panel on the
top of the machine. Flip the toggle switch to delime. [0262] 16.
Close the machine door and let run with distilled water for 3
minutes. [0263] 17. Remove the glasses and mop the tops with a
clean dry towel. [0264] 18. Allow glasses to dry in rack. If the
rack is elevated on one side, it facilitates draining and drying.
[0265] 19. Store clean glasses in stainless steel cabinets in the
warewashing lab. [0266] 20. Drain water from machine. Return toggle
switch to normal.
[0267] 100 Cycle Warewash Test Procedure:
[0268] Purpose:
[0269] To provide a generic method for evaluating glass and plastic
film accumulation in an institutional warewash machine. This
procedure is used to evaluate test formulations, Ecolab products,
and competitive products.
[0270] Principle:
[0271] Test glasses are washed in an institutional warewash machine
with a predetermined concentration of detergent. All of the glasses
are left untreated and examined for film accumulation.
[0272] Clean 6 glasses according to above procedure. Fill the
dishmachine with the appropriate water. Test the water for
hardness. Record the value. Turn on tank heaters. Turn on the
dishmachine and run wash/rinse cycles through the machine until a
wash temperature of 150-160.degree. F. and rinse temperature of
175-190.degree. F. is reached. Set controller to dispense
appropriate amount of detergent into the wash tank. Titrate to
verify detergent concentration.
[0273] The 100 cycle experiments were performed by placing 6 clean
glasses in a Raburn rack (see figure below for arrangement) and
placing the rack inside the dishmachine.
##STR00001##
[0274] At the beginning of each wash cycle, the appropriate amount
of detergent composition to achieve the desired concentration was
automatically dispensed into the warewash machine to maintain the
initial detergent concentration. The glasses were dried overnight,
and then the following visual numeric grades were assigned for film
accumulation using a strong light source.
[0275] Film accumulation on the glasses was analyzed using a
lightbox test. The lightbox test standardizes the evaluation of the
glasses run in the 100 cycle test using an analytical method. The
lightbox test is based on the use of an optical system including a
photographic camera, a lightbox, a light source and a light meter.
The system is controlled by a computer program (Spot Advance and
Image Pro Plus).
[0276] After the 100 cycle test, each glass was placed on its side
in the lightbox, and the intensity of the light source was adjusted
to a predetermined value using a light meter. The conditions of the
100 cycle test were entered into the computer. A picture of the
glass was taken with the camera and saved on the computer for
analysis by the program. The picture was analyzed using the upper
half of the glass in order to avoid the gradient of darkness on the
film from the top of the glass to the bottom of the glass, based on
the shape of the glass.
[0277] Generally, a lower lightbox rating indicates that more light
was able to pass through the glass. Thus, the lower the lightbox
rating, the more effective the composition was at preventing
scaling on the surface of the glass. Light box evaluation of a
clean, unused glass has a light box score of approximately 12,000
which corresponds to a score of 72,000 for the sum of six
glasses.
[0278] The Tables below show the results of the light box tests. A
light box score differing by 10,000 is considered significant.
TABLE-US-00005 LIGHT BOX SCORES Hobart AM14 Glasses Plastic SUM
CONTROL 1 393210 64452 457662 CONTROL 2 173689 32031 205720 EXAMPLE
3 146639 23541 170180 EXAMPLE 4 108250 23002 131252 EXAMPLE 5
304950 27185 332135 EXAMPLE 6 204363 21138 225501 EXAMPLE 7 234002
33431 267433 EXAMPLE 8 237262 28834 266096 EXAMPLE 9 247768 36543
284311 EXAMPLE 10 173682 45643 219325
TABLE-US-00006 LIGHT BOX SCORES Hobart AM15 Glasses Plastic SUM
CONTROL 1 393210 65535 458745 CONTROL 2 147284 30191 177475 EXAMPLE
3 135590 24313 159903 EXAMPLE 4 160914 25662 186576 EXAMPLE 5
251360 26881 278241 EXAMPLE 6 135220 16181 151401 EXAMPLE 7 103594
16068 119662 EXAMPLE 8 156819 27656 184475 EXAMPLE 9 268303 22321
290624 EXAMPLE 10 150267 26543 176810
[0279] The results indicate that Examples 3-10 containing a
combination of the respective terpolymers (A.1) to (A.8) and a
source of alkalinity had significantly improved or at least
substantially similar light box scores in comparison to than the
control 1 and 2. As shown in the Tables above wherein the Examples
provided total light measurements (Sum of glass and plastic
measurements) either less than the control 1 and/or 2 or performed
within the acceptable range of control 1 and/or 2, the example
formulations demonstrate at least substantially similar
cleaning.
* * * * *