NEW CLASS OF LAUNDRY COMPOSITIONS

NOUVELLE CLASSE DE COMPOSITIONS DE LESSIVE

English Abstract

Cleaning compositions functioning in a unique manner are described. These new
compositions provide improved cleaning efficacy for all types of surfaces. In
addition, in textile laundry applications these compositions provide superior
cleaning efficacy for all types and colors of fabrics, as well as extending
the range and types of stains and dirt that commonly can be treated by present
day commercial laundry compositions.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne des compositions de nettoyage fonctionnant d'une manière particulière. Ces nouvelles compositions présentent une efficacité améliorée pour le nettoyage de tous les types de surfaces. Dans les applications de lessives textiles, ces composition présentent en outre un pouvoir nettoyant élevé pour tous les types et toutes les couleurs de textiles, et permettent en outre d'élargir l'éventail des taches et les types de taches et de salissures pouvant être traités habituellement au moyen des compositions de lessive commerciales existantes.

Claims

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1. A cleaning composition in the form of a dry powder
having a source of hydrogen peroxide and at least one terpene in
combination.
2. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
having a pH exceeding 9Ø
3. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the at least one terpene comprises d-limonene.
4. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium perborate
tetrahydrate.
5. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium perborate
monohydrate.
6. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises an encapsulated
form of sodium perborate.
7. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium
percarbonate monohydrate.
8. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium
percarbonate tetrahydrate.
9. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises an encapsulated
form of sodium percarbonate.

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10. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the terpene is selected from a group of terpenes
consisting of: d-limonene, 1-limonene, dipentene, -pinene,
pinene, and combinations thereof.
11. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 1,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source includes sodium persulfate
encapsulated within said dry powder.
12. A cleaning composition in the form of a dry powder
having in combination, a peroxide source and at least one
terpene, said combination having a pH exceeding 9Ø
13. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the cleaning composition comprises a laundry cleaning
formulation.
14. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the terpene comprises d-limonene.
15. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium perborate
tetrahydrate.
16. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium perborate
monohydrate.
17. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises an encapsulated
form of sodium perborate.

12
18. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium
percarbonate monohydrate.
19. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium
percarbonate tetrahydrate.
20. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 12,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises an encapsulated
form of sodium percarbonate.
21. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 9,
wherein the terpene is selected from a group of terpenes
consisting of: d-limonene, l-limonene, dipentene, -pinene, -
pinene, and combinations thereof.
22. A cleaning composition in dry powder form comprising a
hydrogen peroxide source, and a hydrophobic solvent or
surfactant in combination, and wherein said cleaning composition
has a pH exceeding 9Ø
23. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the cleaning composition comprises a laundry cleaning
formulation.
24. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the hydrophobic solvent comprises a terpene.
25. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 24,
wherein the terpene comprises d-limonene.

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26. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium perborate
tetrahydrate.
27. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium perborate
monohydrate.
28. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises an encapsulated
form of sodium perborate.
29. The cleaning composition in accordance with Claim 22,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium
percarbonate monohydrate.
30. The cleaning composition in accordance with Claim 22,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises sodium
percarbonate tetrahydrate.
31. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the hydrogen peroxide source comprises an encapsulated
form of sodium percarbonate.
32. The cleaning composition in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the terpene is selected from a group of terpenes
consisting of: d-limonene, l-limonene, dipentene, -pinene, -
pinene, and combinations thereof.

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33. A cleaning composition comprising in weight
percentage:
Soda Ash ~~~~~10 - 70
Sodium Perborate or Sodium Percarbonate ~8 - 60
Terpene ~~~~~0.5 - 20
34. A powdered detergent composition comprising in weight
percentage:
Soda Ash 1 - 40
Water Softening Agent 1 - 20
Anti-Redeposition Agent 0 - 2
Terpene 0.5 - 20
Sodium Perborate or Percarbonate 8 - 60
Nonionic Surfactant 0.5 - 5.0
Anionic Surfactant 0.5 - 5.0

Description

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NEW CLASS OF LAUNDRY COMPOSITIONS
Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to cleaning compositions and,
more particularly, to a new class of cleaning compositions that
treat stains and oily dirt on colored fabrics, textiles, and
hard surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditionally, cleaning compositions, particularly
commercial laundry detergents and soaps available in the
marketplace, function as substances that physically remove dirt,
soil, and stains from the textile surfaces being cleaned. These
commercial detergents and soaps are surface active materials
containing surfactants and concentrate at the textile surfaces
where the dirt resides. The cleaning surfactants are in
equilibrium with like surfactants in the wash cleaning liquid.
Simply stated, these surfactants physically incorporate
(dissolve) the dirt, oil, or stains in their micelles and then
transport them away from the textile surfaces and into the bulk
of the cleaning liquid.
The popularity of these commercial soaps and detergents in
the marketplace is legendary, and their ability to physically
clean textiles is adequate for most common soils and dirt;
however, these detergents and soaps are less effective in
removing oily soils and/or hydrophobic stains.

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Traditionally, a commercial method of chemical cleaning or
bleaching is used to remove stains. The actual dirt causing the
stain is not physically removed from the surface being cleaned.
The dirt is bleached, i.e., chemically altered, to a colorless
state.
Typical commercial bleaching agents contain hypochlorites.
A hypochlorite is a chemically strong oxidizing agent generally
preferred to weaker hydrogen peroxide. Hypochlorite is
effective as a stain-removing bleach, but has a major drawback,
viz., it indiscriminately bleaches (i.e., discolors) many
colored materials, attacking and altering the fabric color.
Thus, in cleaning laundry textiles, commercial hypochlorite
bleaches can only be used for white clothing. As a result, one
has to resort to the chemically less aggressive oxygen based.
bleaches (e.g., peroxides and peroxy acids) when one wants to
clean stained or oil-soiled colored textiles. The results are
rarely as satisfying as those obtained from hypochlorite
bleaching of white textiles. It should also be noted that the
aggressive bleaching nature of hypochlorite weakens the fabric
of clothing. Thus, after a number of washings, the treated
materials are usually less durable.
The present invention offers a powerful new approach to
cleaning in general and, in particular, to cleaning of colored
textiles without harming the fabric. It combines the chemical
bleaching of hydrogen peroxide at a higher pH level and the
uniquely powerful oil-solubilizing terpenes to give a vastly
superior and efficacious product.
The new laundry compositions of this invention comprise a
source of hydrogen peroxide and hydrophobic solvents and/or

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surfactants in a dry formulation. The removal of difficult
hydrophobic or oil-based stains from surfaces requires the use
of hydrophobic surfactants (usually, but not limited to,
nonionic surfactants) and/or hydrophobic solvents. One specific
and very effective class of hydrophobic solvents is the terpene
hydrocarbons and, more specifically, d-limonene.
The new formulations of this invention are unique because
they run counter to current wisdom. Terpene hydrocarbons axe
never suggested for use alongside hydrogen peroxide. From a
chemical composition point of view, terpenes, specifically d-
limonene, would not be expected to be stable for extended
periods of time in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. To
stabilize a composition combining terpene hydrocarbons and
hydrogen peroxide and enlist their combined cleaning qualities,
this invention uses a "dry" formulation. The dry formulation is
also configured to provide a pH that maximizes the bleaching
power of the hydrogen peroxide.
Discussion of Related Art:
In United States Patent Nos. 5,602,090, issued to Melikyan
et a1. on February 11, 1997 for SURFACTANTS BASED AQUEOUS
COMPOSITIONS WITH D-LIMONENE AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND METHODS
USTNG THE SAME, and 6,316,399, issued to Arman V. Melikyan on
November 13, 2001 for SURFACTANTS BASED AQUEOUS COMPOSITIONS
WITH D-LIMONENE AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND METHODS USING THE
SAME, compositions axe disclosed suggesting the use of the
combination of hydrogen pexoxide and terpenes. The description
relates to a pxoduct incorporating hydrogen peroxide and the
hydrophobic terpenes in a liquid composition. The function of

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this liquid composition is not for the laundering of textiles
and fabrics.
In addition, the liquid composition is not formulated for
high pH levels exceeding 9.5, which enhance the bleaching
effects of the hydrogen peroxide. These patents teach away from
the present invention by using very low pH levels. These low pH
levels make the liquid combination of terpenes and hydrogen
peroxide stable in solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
laundry cleaning compositions combining the chemical cleaning
(bleaching) ability of hydrogen peroxide with the physical
cleaning ability of hydrophobic solvents, like the terpene
hydrocarbons, specifically d-limonene. The compositions are dry
formulated at a pH level enhancing the capability of the
hydrogen peroxide to bleach the fabrics and textiles to which
they are applied. The enhancing pH level exceeds approximately
9.5.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
class of laundry cleaning compositions.
It is another object of this invention to provide
formulations-containing peroxides and hydrophobic solvents or
surfactants in a powdered matrix buffered at a pH greater than
about 9, and preferably above pH 10.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally speaking, the invention features new and unique
compositions providing improved cleaning efficacy for all types
5 and colors of fabrics, as well as extending the range and types
of stains and dirt commonly treated by present day commercial
laundry compositions.
The compositions of~this invention incorporate both
hydrogen peroxide and hydrophobic solvents or surfactants like
d-limonene in a dry formulation where the pH level exceeds
approximately 9.0 in order to maximize the bleaching power of
hydrogen peroxide.
A major disadvantage of liquid formulations containing
peroxide is their instability. This is particularly true of the
liquid composition when hydrogen peroxide is mixed with
terpenes. Such liquid combination can only be formulated at a
low pH, i.e., less than 8. However, the effectiveness of
hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent increases dramatically as
the pH level rises above 9.5 to 10.
The improved efficacy as a bleaching agent in this elevated
pH range is believed to be due to the fact that at this higher
pH level there is broader based bleaching. The hydrogen
peroxide can bleach not only as an oxidizingJreducing agent, but
also as a powerful nucleophilic agent via the hydroperoxide
anion. This nucleophilic anion has been found in appreciable
quantities at pH levels above 9.5 to 10. The invention utilizes
soda ash to boost the pH level of the compositions.

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One of the major advantages of the formulations of the
present invention is their ability to be directly applied in
paste form to fabrics such as clothes and carpets. The dry
formulations can be mixed with a little water to form this
paste, and the paste can be gently applied to the fabric
surface. The high pH level provides excellent bleaching action
to stains. Additionally, fatty acid-based stains, which
constitute a common source of oily stains in laundry textiles,
are more readily removed from surfaces at pH levels above 9.
One of the novel findings of this invention is the fact
that the peroxide remains stable over long periods of time at a
broad range of temperatures. This is especially surprising,
since the presence of any moisture would be expected to lead to
rapid decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide source.
Although the formulations described herein are primarily
directed to laundry cleaning, these compounds have additional
use as cleaners for hard surfaces such as tile, grout, ceramics,
porcelain, plastics, fiberglass, carpets, upholstery, concrete,
wood decks, etc.
A further surprise is that the terpene odor, more
specifically the d-limonene odor, is not reduced or "twisted"
over extended periods of time.
Another aspect of this invention is the formulation of
compositions containing an encapsulated hydrogen peroxide
source. The encapsulation offers greater stability both for the
peroxide and the terpene.

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Another advantage of compositions disclosed herein is their
inherently safer use, transport, and storage compared to their
liquid counterparts.
Another unexpected advantage of the compositions of this
invention is the effectiveness of the terpenes at temperatures
lower than heretofore reported for other hydrophobic solvents.
Another aspect of this invention is improved stain removal
l0 on a broad range of stain types, including oil and grease, fruit
and vegetable, enzymatic, such as grass and blood, and
particulate-based gray and mud/clay stains.
Specific Formulations:
Example 1
All Pur o~ se Cleaning Additive Product % by weight
Soda Ash 10 -
70
Sodium Perborate or Percarbonate,
(each as a monohydrate or tetrahydrate) 8 -
60
Terpene 0.5 -
20
Fragrance 0.1 - 2.0
Anionic Surfactant 0.5 - 5.0
Nonionic Surfactant 0.5 - 5.0
Chelating Agents 0.2 - 5.0

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Example 2
Laundry Detergent Powder a by weight
Soda Ash 1 - 40
Sodium Tripolyphosphate 1 - 20
Anti-Redposition Agents p _ 2
Sodium Metasilicate 1 - 10
Fabric Brightening Agents 0.1 - 2.0
Terpenes 0.5 - 20
Fragrances 0.1 - 2.0
Nonionic Surfactants 0.5 - 5.0
Anionic Surfactants 0.5 - 5.0
Amphoteric Surfactants 0.5 - 5.0
Sodium Perborate or Percarbonate
(each as a monohydrate or a tetrahydrate) 8 - 60
Sodium Hydroxide 1 - 10.0
Chelating Agents 0.2 - 5.0
The terpenes used in this invention can be selected from a
group consisting of: d-limonine, 1-limonine, dipentene,
a-pinene, (3-pinene, and combinations thereof.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit
particular operating requirements and environments will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not
considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of
disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do
not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this
invention.

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Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be
protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently
appended claims.
What is claimed is: