Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
,C 6330 (V)
. ~
21 9~8~5
r~TF~.R~.~NT ('t)MposITIoN
T~hn; cs3 1 Field
5 The present inventio~ relates to polymer t ~nti~;n;n~
detergent compo9ition9, process of preparing detergent
compositions and washing methods using polymer material.
Back~roi,n~l
10 Various types of polymers have been described in the art,
e.g. U.S. Patent No. 5,147,576 to Montague et al. describes
decoupling polymers in structured liquids.
NO 95/13354 (P&G) discloses composition comprising active,
15 builder, fluorescent and polymer 3elected from PVPNO and
N-vinyl pyrrolidone/N-vinylimidazole copolymers.
WO 94/10277 P&G discloses a compo9ition comprising
polyamine N-oxide polymer and terf~rht~ e polymer.
WO 95/07336 P&G discloses granular products with active,
builder, PVP-N-oxide polymer, specific PVP-VI polymer and
specific sulphonated end-cappèd SRP.
"
EP 635,563, EP 635,565; WO 94/02576, WO 94/02580, WO
94/02581, WO 94/11473, WO 94/10277, WO 95/03390 and WO
95/33026 disclose compositions compriging N-c-~n~A;n;n3
polymers. Polycarboxylates are mentioned as optional
ingredients .
EP 581,753 discloses N-c~nt~in;n~ compounds with polymeric
polycarboxylate dispersing agents.
Polymers have been suggested for various purposes in the
washing process. Anti-redeposition polymers are used to
complex material in 801ution and prevent it from depositing
on fabric. A special class of anti-redeposition agent are
~C 633~(V)
2 21 95835
the dye transfer inhibiting polymers which complex dye
molecules in solution and thus prevents deposition of
colours on fabric.
oily soil and partieulate soil release polymers are
polymers which change the characteristics of fabric. In
order to be effective, they have to be deposited on the
fabric surface before the fabric is stained.
We have however found a way to improve stain removal of
detergent compositions, in particular the removal of
particulate stains, and especially when embedded in an oily
or fat matrix, by using a special polymer combination which
provides synergistic stain removal benef its on these
stains. ~3xamples of sueh stains are make-up, lipstiek and
shoe pol i sh .
In additional, we have found that the eombination of the
polymer combination can be stably incor ?orated into aqueous
isotropic liquid detergent eompositions.
Stat ---t of th~ Tnvl~n~ion
Consequently, the invention is direeted to detergent
eompositions eomprising surfaetant material, an h;~h;l;c
earboxylate c~n~;n;n~ polymer and an uneharged polymer.
The present invention is further direeted to aqueous
liquids eomprising the partieular polymer eombination of an
h;ph;l;e earboxylate er~n~;l;ning polymer and an uneharged
polymer .
The present invention is further direeted to a method of
preparing a liquid detergent eomposition eomprising the
polymer eombination of the invention by mixing the
ingredients .
C 633~(V)
3 21 q5835
The present invention is further directed to a method of
washing f abrics by adding the polymer combination of the
present invention to the wash liquor.
7~ h;I.hlliC c;~rhoxy Cont~;n;nSI pol~, -r
Preferably, the ~h;rh;liC carboxy c~ntA;n;ns polymers
comprise ~ ~ comprising a carboxy group, said monomers
being preferably selected from carboxylated sugar units,
10 carboxylated unsaturated units (like acrylate,
methacrylate, itaconate, maleate and mixtures) and mixtures
thereof. The amphiphilic carboxy ,-~,ntiq;n;ng polymer
preferably also contains monomer units which are uncharged
Preferably, these uncharged monomers are selected from
15 vinylacetate, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyridine,
vinyl ;m;~ 70l / styrene, alkyl-esters of the above
carboxylate monomers (e.g. 1-20 alk(en)yl, preferably C5-16
alkyl ) and mixtures thereof .
20 More preferably, the amphiphilic carboxy ,-"nt~;n;ng
polymers are of the following type: polyacrylate, styrene-
acrylate copolymer, acrylate-alkylmethacrylate copolymers,
ethoxylated methacrylate-acrylate copolymer, methacrylate-
vinylacetate copolymer or it~c- niqt~-vinylacetate
25 copolymers. Examples of such polymers are Narlex ~D55,
Narlex H100, Narlex ~I1200 and Narlex DC1 (ex National
Starch) .
Additionally, the ,h;rh;lic carboxy ~ nt~;n;n~ polymers
3 0 may pref erably be copolymers of ethoxylated maleate and
dodecene-1. An example thereof is Dapral GE 202.
Optionally, the i ,h;rh;l;c carboxy r~ntfl;n;ng polymer is
partly ethoxylated, e.g. with a PEG 350 side chain.
35 Most preferably, the i ,~h;rh;lic carboxy r~nti~;n;ng
polymers are selected from copolymers of acrylic acid and
styrene. Examples are Narlex H100 and Narlex ~1200 (ex
C 6330` (V)
. ~
4 2 ~ 95835
National Starch).
Preferably, the amphiphilic carboxy containing polymer i8
present at a level of from 0 . 05 to 5% by weight of the
5 composition, more preferably from 0.1 to 2, most preferably
from 0.2 to 1.5, for instance at a level of 0.59~ by weight
of the composition.
The ratio of carboxy ~nnt~;n;n~ hydrophilic momomers to
10 uncharged monomers can varry in a broad range e.g. from
100:1 to 0.5:1, preferably from 50:1 to 1:1. For copolymers
of acrylic acid and styrene this ratio is preferably
between 10:1 and 0.5:1, most preferred from 6:1 to 1:1.
15 ~n~-h~rged pol~
Preferably, the uncharged polymer material is selected from
polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-
vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimiidazole,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyloxazolidone,
20 polyvinylimidazole and mixtures thereof.
a. Poly~m;nf~ N--33~ olyr~s
Polyamine N-oxide polymers suitable for use contain units
having the following structure formula: R-Ax-P, wherein P
25 is a polymerisable unit, whereto the R-N-O group can be
attached to or wherein the R-N-O group forms part of the
polymerisable unit or a combination of both. A is NC (O),
C(O)O, -O-, -S-, -N; x is 0 or 1; R are aliphatic,
ethoxylated aliphatics, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic
3 o group or any combination thereof whereto the nitrogen of
the N-O group can be attached or wherein the nitrogen of
the N-O group is part of these groups.
The N-O group can be represented by the following general
35 quaternary N-structure: (R1)x-N(-O) (R3)z(R2)y and
=N(O) (R1)x, wherein R1, R, and R3 are aliphatic groups,
aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations
C 633~(~T)
21 95835
thereof, x and/or y and/or z is 0 or 1 and wherein the
nitrogen of the N-O group can be attached or wherein the
nitroge~ of the N-O group forms part of these groups.
5 The N-O group can be part of the polymerisable unit (P) or
can be attached to the polymeric backbone or a combination
of both.
Suitable polyamine N-oxides wherein the N-O group forms
10 part of the polymerisable unit comprise polyamine N-oxides
wherein R is selected from aliphatic, aromatic, alicyclic
or heterocyclic groups. One class of said polyamine N-
oxides comprises the group of polyamine N-oxides wherein
the nitrogen of the N-O group forms part of the R-group.
15 Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a
heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole,
pyrrolidine, piperidine, ~l;n~)l ;n~, acridine and
derivatives thereof.
20 Another class of said polyamine N-oxides comprises the
group of polyamine N-oxides wherein the nitrogen of the N-O
group is attached to the R-group.
Other suitable polyamine N-oxides are the polyamine oxides
25 whereto the N-O group is attached to the polymerisable
unit .
Preferred class of these polyalmine N-oxides are the
polyamine N-oxides having the general formula (I) wherein R
30 is an aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups wherein
the nitrogen of the N-O group is part of said R group.
~xamplea of the3e classes are polyamine oxides wherein R is
a heterocyclic compound such as pyridine, pyrrole,
imidazole and derivatives thereof.
Another preferred class of polyamine N-oxides are the
polyamine oxides having the general formula (I) wherein R
C 6330~(V)
~ 2 1 95835
are aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups wherein the
nitrogen of the N-O functional group is attached to said R
groups. Examples of these classes are polyamine oxides
wherein R groups can be aromatic such as phenyl.
Any polymer backbone can be used as long as~the amine oxide
polymer formed is water-soluble. Examples of suitable
polymeric backbones are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes
polyesters, polyethers, polyamide, polyimides,
10 polyacrylates and mixtures thereof.
The amine N-oxide polymers of the present invention
typically have a ratio of amine to the amine N-oxide of
10:1 to 1:1,000,000. However the amount of amine oxide
15 groups present in the polyamine oxidew polymer can be
varied by appropriate copolymerization or by d~~ r iate
degree of N-oxidation. Preferably, the ratio of amine to
amine N-oxide is from 2:3 to 1:1,000,000. More preferably
from 1:4, most preferably from 1:7 up to 1,000,000. The
20 polymers of the present invention actually f~n~ 8 random
or block copolymers where one monomer type is an amine N-
oxide and the other monomer type is either an amine N-oxide
or not. The amine oxide unit of the olyamine N-oxides has a
pKa<10, preferably pKa~7, more preferably pKa<6.
The polyamine oxides can be obtained in almost any degree
of polymerisation. The degree of polymerisation is not
critical provided the material has the desired water --
solubility .
Typically, the average molecular weight is within the range
of 500 to 100,000; preferably from 1,000 to 50,000, more
preferably from 2, 000 to 30, 000, most preferably from 3, 000
to 20,000.
~. Co~ol rg of No-vir~ylpyrroli~lf)n~D an~ N-vinylim; ~ 7ole
The N-vinylimidazole N-vinylpyrrolidone polymers which may
C 633~v)
7 2~ 95835
be used in the present invention have an average molecular
weight range from 5, 000 to l, 000, 000, preferably from
20, 000 to 200, 000 . Highly preferred polymer for use in
detergent compositions according to the present invention
5 comprise a polymer selected from N-vinylimidazole N-
vinylpyrrolidone copolymers wherein said pol~ymer has an
average molecular weight range from 5, 000 to 50, 000 more
preferably from 8, 000 to 30, 000, most preferably from
10, 000 to 20, 000 .
The average molecular weight range was determined by light
scattering as described in Barth H.G. and Mays J.W.
Chemical Analysis VOl 113, "Modern methods of polymer
characterization " .
Highly preferred N-vinylimidazole N-vinylpyrrolidone
copolymers have an average molecular weight range from
5,000 to 50,000, more preferably from 8,000 to 30,000, most
preferably from lO,000 to 20,000.
The N-vinylimidazole N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymer of the
present invention has a molar ratio of N-vinyl;m;~7Ole to
N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1 to 0.2, more preferably from 0.8
to 0 . 3, most pref erably f rom 0 . 6 to 0 . 4 .
c. Polyvir~ylpyrroli~ ne
Detergent compositions of the present invention may also
utilize polyvinylpyrrolidone (~PVP~) having an average
molecular weight of from 2,500 to 400,000, preferably from
30 5,000 to 200,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 50,000 and
most preferably from 5, 000 to 15, 000 . Suitable
polyvinylpyrrolidone~ are commercially available from ISP
Corporation, New York, NY and Montreal, Canada under the
product names PVP K-15 (viscosity molecular weight of
35 10,000), PVP K-30 (average molecular weight of 40,000), PVP
K-60 (average molecular weight of 160,000), and PVP K-90
(average molecular weight of 360, 000) . PVP K-15 is also
Ç 633~(V)
2 1 95835
available from ISP Corporation. Other suitable
polyvinylpyrrolidones which are commercially available from
BASF Cooperation include Sokalan HP 165 and Sokalan HP 12.
Polyvinylpyrrolidones will be known to persons skilled in
5 the detergent field; see for example EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-
256, 696.
d. Polyvinyl-~7olidone
Detergent compositions of the present invention may also
10 comprise polyvinyloxazolidone. Said polyvinyloxazolidones
have an average molecular weight of from 2,500 to 400,000,
preferably to 200, 000, more preferably to 50, 000 and most
preferably to 15, 000 .
15 e . Polyvinylim; ~l~701e
Detergent compositions of the present invention may also
comprise polyvinylimidazole. Said polyvinylimidazoles have
an average molecular weight range from 2,500 to 400,000,
preferably to 200, OO0, more preferably to 5O, OO0, and most
20 preferably to 15, 000 .
Preferably, the uncharged polymers are selected from
ethoxylated ethylene-amine polymers, vinylpyrrolidone
polymers, 2-vinylpyridine N-oxide c~nt~;n;n~ polymers,
25 vinylpyrrolidone-vinylacetate copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone-
styrene co-polymers and vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl imidazole
copolymers. Examples of such polymers are ethoxylated
tetraethyl.on~r.-nt~m;n~, polyvinylpyrrolidone K15,
polyvinylpyrrolidone vinylacetate (PVP/VA S-630),
30 polyvinylpyridine N-oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone-styrene
(Antara 430) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinylimidazole
(Sokalan ~IP56). Most preferably, the uncharged polymers are
selected from vinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylpyridine N-
oxide and copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinylimidazole
35 (PVP-PVI) . An example is Sokalan EIP 56 (ex BASF) .
Preferably, the level of the uncharged polymer is from 0.1
C 6330 (v)
21 95835
to 396, more preferably from 0.25 to 1.5%, for instance 0.5%
by weight of the composition.
Deter~rPnt co~osition
5 Preferably, the detergent composition comprises surfactant
material. Preferably, liquids according to the present
invention comprise anionic surfactants at a ievel of 5% by
weight of the composition or higher.
10 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surfactant
comprises one or more of the aurfactants selected from
alkyl benzene sulphonate and 3ugar based surfactants. Sugar
based surfactants are preferred. We have found that the use
of these surfactants further improves the stain removal of
15 the particulated stains in a fatty or oily matrix.
L; ~ ; d rlpters~pnt c~ ositi on
Preferably, the polymer com.bination is included in liquids,
more preferably aqueou8 liquids. We have found that the
20 polymers can in particular be useful in isotropic liquids
as the liquid remains clear after addition of the polymer.
Another preferred Pmhorl;r~nt of the invention relates to
the use of the polymers in structured liquid detergent
compositions, for example containing a structure of
25 1~---llAr droplets of detergent active material.
Therefor, a particular ~-~o~l;r~ t of the invention relates
to isotropic liquids comprise a liquid system which
comprises surfactant material, electrolyte, hydrotrope,
3 0 water and optionally monoethanolamine and/or
trieth~n~ m;nP. We have found that the polymer combination
of the present invention is soluble in such liquids, in
particular when the ingredients are present at the levels
at specif ied hereunder .
Therefor another particular embodiment of the invention
relate to a structured liquid detergent composition
C 6330~V)
21 95835
comprising surfactant material and the polymer combination
of the invention.
S-lrfact;ln~ ~teri;~1
5 Compositions of the invention may also comprise surfactant
materials, preferably at a level of at least 5~6 by weight
of the composition, more preferred at least 10~ by weight,
most preferred at least 209~ by weight and in particular at
least 2596 by weight of the composition; and preferably at a
10 level of at most 60~ by weight, more preferably at most 50
and most preferably at most 4596 by weight of the
composition .
In the widest definition the surfactant material in
15 general, may comprise one or more surfactants, and may be
selected from anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic and
amphoteric species, and (provided mutually compatible)
mixtures thereof. For example, they may be chosen from any
of the classes, sub-classes and specific materials
20 described in ' Surface Active Agents ' Vol . I, by Schwartz &
Perry, Interscience 1949 and 'Surface Active Agents~ Vol.
by Schwartz, Perry & Berch (Interscience 1958), in the
current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers & Detergents"
published by the McCutcheon division of Manufacturing
25 Confectioners Company or in 'Tensid-Taschenbuch~, H.Stache,
2nd Edn., Carl E~anser Verlag, Mhnchen & Wien, 1981.
Suitable nonionic surfactants include, in particular, the
reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group
30 and a reactive llydL~y~ atom, for example aliphatic
alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols with alkyl oxides,
~ p,or;~lly ethylene oxide, either alone or with propylene
oxide. Specific nonionic detergent compounds are alkyl (C6-
C1~) primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with
35 ethylene oxide, and products made by condensation of
ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene
oxide and ethylene-di-amine. Other so-called nonionic
C 6330 (V)
11 2 1 95835
detergent compounds include long chain tertiary amine
oxides, long-chain tertiary phosphine oxides and dialkyl
sulphoxides .
5 Preferably, the composition then comprises at most 259~,
more preferably at most 2096, most preferably at most 1595,
in particular at most lOg6 by weight of the total
ethoxylated nonionic surfactants of long chain E0 (ethylene
oxide) nonionic surfactants. Long chain E0 nonionic
lO surfactants are defined as comprising 15 or more E0 groups,
preferably lO or more E0 groups, more preferably 8 or more .
E0 groups per nonionic molecule. It is noted that
commercially available ethoxylated nonionics always
represent a nonionic mixture.
Preferably the level of nonionic surfactant materials is
from l to 40~ by weight of the composition, more preferred
from 2 to 20~.
20 Compositions of the present invention may contain synthetic
anionic ~urf actant ingredients, which are pref erably
present in combination with the above mentioned nonionic
materials. Suitable anionic surfactants are usually water-
soluble alkali metal salt~ of organic sulphates and
25 sulphonates having alkyl radicals c~nt~n1ng from about 8
to about 22 carbon atoms, the term alkyl being used to
include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples
of suitable synthetic anionic surf actant compounds are
sodium and potassium alkyl sulphates, especially those
30 obtained by sulphating higher (C~-C1~) alcohols produced,
for example, from tallow or coconut oil, sodium and
potassium alkyl (C9-C20) benzene sulphonates, particularly
sodium linear secondary alkyl (C1o-C~s) benzene sulphonates;
~3odium alkyl glycerol ether sulphates, especially those
35 ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or
coconut oil and synthetic alcohol~ derived from petroleum;
sodium coconut oil fatty monoglyceride sulphates and
C 6330~V)
12 2 ~ 95835
sulphonates; sodium and potassium salts of sulphuric acid
esters of higher (C8-C18) fatty alcohol-alkylene oxide,
particularly ethylene oxide, reaction products; the
reaction products of fatty acids such as coconut fatty
5 acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with
sodium hydroxide; sodium and potassium salts~ of fatty acid
amides of methyl taurine; alkane monosulphonates such as
those derived by reacting alpha-olefins (C8-~0) with sodium
bisulphite and those derived from reacting paraffins with
10 S02 and C1~ and then hydrolysing with a base to produce a
random sulphonate; and olefin sulphonates, which term is
used to describe the material made by reacting olef ins,
particularly C10-C~O alpha-olefins, with S03 and then
neutralizing and hydrolysing the reaction product. The
15 preferred anionic surfactant compound8 are 80dium (Cl~-C1s)
alkyl benzene sulphonates and sodium (C16-C13) alkyl
sulphates .
Generally the level of the above mentioned non-soap anionic
20 surfactant materials is from 1-40 9~ by weight of the
composition, more preferred from 2 to 255~.
It is also possible, and sometimes preferred, to include an
alkali metal soap of a mono- or di-carboxylic acid,
25 especially a soap of an acid having from 12 to 18 carbon
atoms, for example oleic acid, ricinoleic acid, alk(en)yl
succinate for example dodecyl succinate, and fatty acids
derived from castor oil, rapeseed oil, groundnut oil,
coconut oil, palmkernel oil or mixtures thereof. The sodium
3 0 or potassium soaps of these acids can be used .
Preferably the level of soap in compositions of the
invention is from 1-35~ by weight of the composition, more
pre f erred f rom 5 - 2 5 ~ .
Surprisingly, we have found that inclusion of sugar based
surfactants (preferably alkylpolyglycosides and/or
C 6330 (V)
2 ~ 95835
13
polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants) and/or alkyl
benzene sulphonate (as described above) further improve the
particulate stain removal characteristics of the polymer
combination of the present invention. Suitable nonionlcs
5 include aldobionamides such as are taught in U. S . Patent
No. 5,296,588 to Au et al. and polyhydroxyam~ides such as
are taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,312,954 to l.etton et al.,
both of which are incorporated by reference into the _=
subject application.
Preferably, the level of the sugar based surfactants is
from 0 to 20%, more preferably up to 1596, mo3t preferably
up to 10~6 and more preferably higher than 19~, most
preferably higher than 3~ by weight of the composition.
Alkylpolysaccharides have been disclosed US 4,565,647 and
have a hydrophobic group (-~)nti~;nlng from 6 to 30 carbon
atoms, preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms and a
polysaccharide, e.g. a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group
20 r~nti~;n;n~ from 1.3 to 10, preferably from 1.3 to 3, most
preferably from 1.3 to 2.7 saccharide units. Any reducing
saccharide ~r~nti~;n;ng 5 or 6 carbon atoms can be used, e.g.
glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be
substituted for the glucosyl moieties (optionally the
25 hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-, etc.
positions thus giving a glucose or galactose a~ opposed to
a glucoside or galactoside). The intersaccharide bonds can
be, e.g. between the one poHition of the additional
saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6- positions on
30 the preceding saccharide units.
Typical hydrophobic groups include alkyl groups, either
saturated or unsaturated, branched or unbranched c~-nti~;n;n~
from 8 to 18 preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms.
35 Preferably, the alkyl group is a straight chain saturated
alkyl group. The alkyl group can contain up to 3 hydroxy
groups. Suitable alkylpolysaccharides are octyl,
C 6330 (V)
14 2 1 95835 ::~
nonyldecyl, undecyldodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl,
pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, and octadecyl, di-, tri-
, tetra-, penta-, and hexaglucosides, galactosides,
lactosides, glucoses, fructosides, fructoses and/or
5 galactoses. Suitable mixtures include coconut alkyl, di-,
tri-, tetra-, and pentaglucosides and tallow alkyl tetra-
penta-, and hexaglucosides.
Preferred alkylpolyglycosides have the formula:
10 R20 (CnH2nO) t (glycosyl) x, wherein R2 is selected from the
group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl,
lly<l~ u~y~lkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl
groups contain from 10 to 18, preferably from 12 to 14
carbon atoms; n is 2 or 3, preferably 2; t is from O to 10,
15 preferably 0; and x is from 1.3 to 10, preferably from 1.3
to 3, most preferably from 1.3 to 2.7. The glycosyl is
preferably derived from glucose.
EIighly preferred nonionic surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty
20 acid amide surfactants of the formula: R2-C(O)-N(R1)-Z
wherein R1 is H, or R1 is C1-4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxy
ethyl, 2-hydroxy propyl or a mixture thereof, R2 is C5-31
hydrocarbyl, and z is a polyh~d~ ~yllydrocarbyl having a
linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly
25 c~-nn,~-~ted to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative
thereof. Preferably, R1 is methyl, R2 is a straight C11-15
thereof, and Z is derived f rom a reducing sugar such as
glucose, f ructose, maltose, lactose, in a reductive
amination reaction.
E1 ectrolyte r~t--ri ~l
Compositions according to the invention preferably comprise
electrolyte material, some or all of which may be builder
material. Preferably the total level of electrolyte is from
35 1 to 60~ by weight of the composition, more preferred 1 to
30~6, most preferred 1 to 10~6.
C 6330~v)
15 2~ ~5835
Preferably, electrolyte material comprises material
selected from citrate, borate, sulphate, carbonate, bi-
carbonate, propionate, formate, chloride, phosphate,
silicate and mixtures thereof.
It is preferred that compositions according to the present
invention include detergency builder material, some or all
of which may be electrolyte. In this context it should be
noted that some surfactant materials such as for example
10 soaps, also have builder properties.
Examples of phosphorous cnnt~;n;ng inorganic detergency
builders include the water-soluble salts, especially alkali
metalpyrophosphates, orthophosphates, polyphosphates and
15 phosphonates. Specific examples of inorganic phosphate
builders include sodium and potassium tripolyphosphates,
phosphates and hexametaphosphates. Phosphonate sequestrant
builders may also be used. It may however be preferred to
minimise the amount of phosphate builders.
Examples of non-phosphorus-containing inorganic detergency
builders, when present, include water-soluble alkali metal
carbonates, bicarbonates, silicates and crystalline and
amorphous aluminosilicates. Specific examples include
25 sodium carbonate (with or without calcite seeds), potassium
carbonate, sodium and potassium bicarbonates, silicates and
zeolites .
Examples of organic detergency builders, when present,
30 include the ~lk~l;nP metal, ammonium and substituted
ammonium polyacetates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates,
polyacetyl carboxylates and polyhydroxysulphonates.
Specific examples include sodium, potassium, lithium,
ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of
35 ethyl~n~ qm; n~tetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid,
oxydisuccinic acid, melitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic
acids, CMOS, tartrate mono succinate, tartrate di succinate
C 6330~1V)
16 2 1 95~35
and citric acid. Citric acids or salts thereof are
preferred builder materials for use in compositions of the
invention .
5 EIy~lrotro};~e ~ter; ~1
Preferably isotropic compositions according to the
invention comprise hydrotrope material.
Preferably the hydrotrope material is selected from lower
10 alifatic alcohols, ethers of diethylene glycol and lower
monoaliphatic monoalcohols. Specifically, ethanol, n-
propanol, iso-propanol, butanol, polyethylene glycol,
propyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol,
methoxyethanol, ethoxyethanol, butoxyethanol,
15 ethyldiglycolether, benzylalcohol, butoxypropanol,
butu~y~Lu~ yt:thanol, butoxypropu~y~, u~anol, 1, 2
propanediol, sorbitol and glycerol . Pref erably the solvent
system comprises propyleneglycol and/or ethanol.
20 Preferably the level of the hydrotrope material is
isotropic systems is from 5 to 25%, more preferably from 7
to 20~ by weight of the composition. Structured liquid
compositions according to the invention preferably comprise
no or only low levels of hydrotrope material, eg. 0 to 5
25 wt96.
Preferably, the liquid compositions of the present
invention are r~nr.sntrated Therefore, the water level in
30 the liquid detergent compositions according to the present
invention is preferably at most 70%, more preferably at
most 60, most preferably at most 559~ by weight of the
composition. Preferably, the liquid system comprises at
least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at
35 least 209~ by weight of the composition.
C 633~(V)
17 2195835
Monoeth~n~ m; n~ n~l Trieth~n~-] Am; n,~
The liquid system of the compoeitions according to the
invention optionally contain one or more compounds selected
f rom monoethanolamine and/or triethanolamine at a level of
5 from 0 to 10~ by weight of the composition.
O~tion~l ; n~red; ents
Apart from the ingredients already mentioned, a number of
optional ingredients may also be present, for example
10 lather boosters such as alkanolamides, particularly the
monoethanolamides derived f rom palm kernel f atty acids and
coconut fatty acids, lather depressants, oxygen-releasing
bleaching agents such as sodium perborate and sodium
percarbonate, peracid bleach precursors, chlorine-releasing
15 bleaching agents such as trichloroisocyanuric acid,
inorganic salts such as sodium sulphate, and, usually
present in very minor amounts, f luorescent agents,
perfumes, enzymes such as proteases, amylases and lipases
(including I-ipolase (Trade Mark) ex Novo), enzyme
20 stabilizers, anti-redeposition agents, germicides and
colorants. obviously in selecting the materials other than
the polymer for use in compositions of the invention, also
biodegradable materials are preferred for envil ti:ll
reasons .
Prodl 1 ct f orm
A8 has been indicated, liquids which are isotropic or
structured are well-known in the art.
30 I.iquid compositions of the invention preferably have a
viscosity of less than 2,500 mPas at 21 8-1, more preferred
less than 1,500 mPas, most preferred less than 1,000 mPas
and preferably higher than 100 mPas at 21 8-1.
35 Liquid compositions according to the invention are
physically stable. In the context of the present invention,
physical stability for these systems can be defined in
C 633 V)
o~ 2 1 95835
18
terms of the maximum separation compatible with most
manufacturing and retail requirements. That is, the
~ stable ' compositions will yield no more than 10 96,
preferably no more than 5 96, most preferred no more than 2
5 by volume phase separation as evidenced by appearance of 2
or more separate phases when stored at 25C for 21 days
f rom the time of preparation .
Preferably, the liquid compositions according to the
10 invention have a product pH of at least 6, more preferably
at least 6.5, most preferably at least 7 and preferably at
most 14, more preferably at most 12, most preferably at
most 10.
15 Preferably the pH, as provided to the wash liquor, is at
least 6, more preferably at least 7.5, most preferably at
least 8. Preferably the pH is at most 12, more preferably
at most 10, most preferably at most 9.
20 Ml~thnd of ~re~rati--n
Liquid compositions of the invention may be prepared by any
convPnt;~-n~l method for the preparation of liquid detergent
compositions. A preferred process of preparation is
illustrated in the examples. Such processes lead to
25 preparation of clear isotropic liquids.
The invention will be illustrated by way of the following
non-limiting Examples.
C 6330~V)
2 1 95835
19
r ~les
E le 1
The following formulation was prepared by adding the
ingredients in the order listed to ~ome water:
Composition
10 Inçrr~ ntFI A
Na-citrate (37 . 5~) 13 13
Propyleneglycol 6 6
Premix of 1096 water/
7096 sorbitol/borax 19 . 5 19 . 5 - -
15 NaOH (50g6) 1. 6 1. 6
Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate 7 . 8 7 . 8
Nonionic (Neodol ) 8 8
(wait until temperature i9 lower
than 32C)
20 Alkyl Ether Sulphate (59~6) 23.8 23.8
Minors 1. 5 1. 5
(adjust pH to 7 with NaOH)
Water up to 100 up to 100
Polymer Narlex H1200 - o . 25
25 Polymer PVP/PVI (Sokalan HP 56) - 0.5
Tests cloth~ with particulate stains (e.g. mascara, curry,
make-up, shoe polish and clay) were washed with the above
compositions. The composition according to the invention
3 0 showed better stain removal as evidenced by the higher
Delta R ref lectance .
Narlex H100 and Alco 2~99 both have silimar effects when
included in the above composition instead of Narlex EI1200
35 and replacing PVP-PVI with PVP also leads to similar
result~ .
C 6330 (V)
20 2 1 95~35
E le 2
The following formulation was prepared:
Irlqred;~nt~ 2 (% by w~;Srht)
5 Na-citrate (37.5~) 10.7
Propyleneglycol 7 . 5
Premix of water/
sorbitol/borax 19 . 5
MEA o . 5
10Cocofatty acid 1. 7
(mix for 15 minutes)
NaOH (50~) 2.2
Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate 10 . 3
Nonionic (Neodol) 6 . 3
15(wait until temperature is lower
than 32C)
Alkyl Ether Sulphate (5996) 12 . 9
Minors 1. 3
(adjust pH to 7 with NaOH)
20Water up to 100
Polymer Narlex H100 0.25
Polymer PVP K15 0 . 5
The polymer was added on top. The resulting li~uid i8 clear
25 and is stable upon storage.
C 6330~V)
21 2 ~ 95835
E le 3
The following formulation was prepared:
TnSJre~ ~nt~ 3
5 Borate 3
Propylene glycol 8
NaOH/ KOH ( 5 0 ~ ) 9 . 2
Cocof atty acid 14 ~ .
(mix for 15 minutes)
10 Premix of I.AS and Neodol 18 . 2
(mix during 5 minute~)
Minors
Water up to 100
Polymer Narlex H100 0.25
15 Polymer PVP K15 0 . 5
pH: about 8 . 8
The polymer was added on top. The resulting liguid is clear
20 and is stable upon storage.
F le 4
25 The formulation of Example 1 was prepared with two other
polymers, ie. with Narlex II100 and PVP K15. The resulting
liquid was clear and stable upon ~torage.
