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WO2007007036A1 - Article de nettoyage et procédé de nettoyage - Google Patents

Article de nettoyage et procédé de nettoyage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007007036A1
WO2007007036A1 PCT/GB2006/002407 GB2006002407W WO2007007036A1 WO 2007007036 A1 WO2007007036 A1 WO 2007007036A1 GB 2006002407 W GB2006002407 W GB 2006002407W WO 2007007036 A1 WO2007007036 A1 WO 2007007036A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tablets
tablet
load
suitably
washing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2006/002407
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English (en)
Inventor
Laurence Geret
Andreas Wegner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd
Reckitt Benckiser NV
Original Assignee
Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd
Reckitt Benckiser NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd, Reckitt Benckiser NV filed Critical Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd
Publication of WO2007007036A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007007036A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0047—Detergents in the form of bars or tablets
    • C11D17/0065—Solid detergents containing builders
    • C11D17/0073—Tablets
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0047—Detergents in the form of bars or tablets
    • C11D17/0065—Solid detergents containing builders
    • C11D17/0073—Tablets
    • C11D17/0091—Dishwashing tablets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cleaning tablets, including dishwashing tablets, laundry cleaning tablets and water softening tablets used in cleaning methods.
  • the invention further relates to cleaning methods using such tablets.
  • detergents in tablet form. These tablets are usually manufactured from the same ingredients as the known powders or granules, with the addition of tabletting aids. The problems with the formation of lumps which are known with powders and granules are avoided by such tablets.
  • the known detergent tablets also have the advantage that they avoid the need to measure out powder or granules which can sometimes be somewhat complicated and tiresome.
  • such tablets have a disadvantage compared to the use of powder or granules which is that they reduce the flexibility in measuring out the required quantity of de- tergent .
  • Known detergent tablets may comprise a detergent composition together with other cleaning aid compositions.
  • known multi-function automatic dishwasher tablets comprise three major components: a detergent composition, a water softening function ("salt function”) and a rinse aid function. These components may be provided in separate conjoined layers of the tablet and arranged to dissolve into the wash water during different stages of the washing operation.
  • Such an automatic dishwasher tablet comprising a detergent, dishwasher salt function and rinse aid function to weigh between 20 and 25g.
  • a tablet may comprise around 1Og of detergent composition, around 1Og of water softening function composition and around Ig to 2g of rinse aid function.
  • WO99/50154 relates to packaged products which allows use of a tablet having satisfactory mechanical properties allowing easy handling, while avoiding dissolution problems.
  • the tablet may have a surface area of between 50 and 5000mm 2 but must also have a diametrical fracture stress of between 15 and 65 kilo Pascal.
  • the different types can either be offered separately and mixed in the correct proportions by the user or provided as a pre-mixed product.
  • both cases have their own difficulties.
  • the difficulty arises of maintaining the correct proportions between the various tablet types when measuring out the amount required.
  • problems occur if the tablet types become unevenly distributed in the mixture or if they are separated during transport or storage.
  • a cleaning tablet for use in a washing operation characterised in that the tablet has a has a surface area of between 800mm 2 and 2500mm 2 such that it can be used singularly or with one or more other like tablets depending upon a required washing performance.
  • a tablet having a surface area in this selected range may have surprisingly beneficial properties.
  • the tablet has a volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of between 1.5:1 and 3.2:1.
  • the cleaning tablet comprises a detergent composition.
  • the cleaning tablet may comprise a water-softening tablet which comprises a cleaning composition comprising a water-softening composition.
  • the cleaning tablet comprises a tablet for use in an automatic ware washing machine.
  • the cleaning tablet comprises a tablet for use in an automatic dishwashing machine.
  • the detergent tablet comprises a detergent composition together with a rinse aid function and/or dishwasher salt function.
  • the detergent tablet may be arranged to be used in combination with a separate supply of dishwasher salt and/or rinse aid.
  • the tablet may be substantially free from rinse aid function and/or dishwasher salt function.
  • the detergent tablet may com- prise a detergent composition suitable for washing crockery.
  • cleaning composition is understood in the broad sense in the present application, namely as comprising all those substances and mixtures of substances which can be used in connection with cleaning processes. These include not only the compositions which are actually active in cleaning, such as detergents, for example dishwasher de- tergents, and washing substances, but all compositions which support cleaning functions concerned, such as water softeners, or which have the effect of providing protective care, such as fabric treaters or final rinses.
  • cleaning composition are mixtures of ingredients selected from: surfactant, builder, filler, bleach (optionally containing also bleach activator and/or a bleach catalyst) , water-softening composition and enzymes.
  • the cleaning composition may contain other minor ingredients such as dye, fragrance and optical bright- eners .
  • water-softening composition we mean a mixture of a water-softening active (s) with other com- pounds selected from those mentioned in the previous paragraph, or elsewhere in this specification.
  • the cleaning composition comprises a detergent composition.
  • the cleaning composition may comprise a de- tergent composition together with other components which support a cleaning function.
  • the cleaning composition may consist essentially of a detergent composition.
  • detergent composition is understood to comprise all those substances and mixtures of substances which are active in cleaning, such as deter- gents and washing substances.
  • detergent composition mixtures of ingredients selected from: surfactant, builder, filler, bleach (optionally containing also bleach activator and/or a bleach catalyst) and enzymes.
  • the detergent composition may be substantially free of components which support cleaning functions, such as water-softeners, or which have the effect of providing pro- tective care, such as fabric softeners or final rinses (rinse aids) .
  • the tablet may comprise a "mono-benefit" tablet.
  • the tablet may comprise a single-function tablet for use in an automatic dish washer.
  • at least 90% by weight of the cleaning composition may comprise detergent composition and the cleaning composition may preferably consist essentially of a detergent composition, which may suitably comprise fillers and/or tabletting aids in addition to the active components.
  • the tablet comprises a surface area of between 800mm 2 and 1500mm 2 , more preferably between 1000mm 2 and 1300mm 2 .
  • the tablet comprises a surface area of between 1500mm 2 and 3500mm 2 , more preferably between 1800mm 2 and 3300mm 2 , more preferably between 1900mm 2 and 3000mm 2 , more preferably between 1900mm 2 and 2500mm 2 , more preferably between 1900mm 2 and 2300mm 2 .
  • the cleaning composition comprises detergent composition which comprises a substantially complete formulation for its respective use. Accordingly, it is suitably not necessary to employ a number of tablets according to the present invention comprising different compositions. Difficulties associated with a consumer having to count out a selection of different tablets may thus be avoided.
  • the tablet has a surface area of at least 800mm 2 , more preferably at least 900mm 2 , more preferably at least 1000mm 2 , for example at least 1100mm 2 , 1200mm 2 , 1300mm 2 , 1400mm 2 2, 1500mm 2 , 1600mm 2 , 1700mm 2 , 1800mm 2 , 1900mm 2 , 2000mm 2 , 2100mm 2 , 2200mm 2 , 2300mm 2 , 2400mm 2 .
  • the tablet has a surface area of 2400mm 2 or less, for example of 2300mm 2 , 2200mm 2 , 2100mm 2 , 2000mm 2 1900mm 2 , 1800mm 2 , 1700mm 2 , 1600mm 2 2, 1500mm 2 , 1400mm 2 , 1300mm 2 , 1200mm 2 , 1100mm 2 , 1000mm 2 or 900mm 2 or less.
  • the tablet has a volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of between 1.5:1 and 3.2:1.
  • the tablet has a volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of between 1.5:1 and 3:1, for example of between 1.7:1 and 3.0:1, for example of around 1.8:1 or 3.0:1.
  • Arranging the tablet dimensions such that the volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio falls within the above selected ranges may provide a tablet having improved cleaning properties compared to one falling outside the given ranges.
  • a detergent comprising tablet having a volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio in the range of 1.5:1 to 2.0:1 or 2.7:1 to 3.2:1 may have surprisingly advantageous cleaning performance. 5
  • the tablet has a volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of 3.1:1 or less, more preferably of 3:1 or less, for example of 2.9:1, 2.8:1, 2.7:1, 2.6:1, 2.5:1, 2.4:1, 2.3:1, 2.2:1, 2.1:1, 2:1, 1.9:1, 1.7:1 or 1.6:1 or less.
  • a volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of 3.1:1 or less, more preferably of 3:1 or less, for example of 2.9:1, 2.8:1, 2.7:1, 2.6:1, 2.5:1, 2.4:1, 2.3:1, 2.2:1, 2.1:1, 2:1, 1.9:1, 1.7:1 or 1.6:1 or less.
  • the tablet has a volume (mm 3 ) : surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of at least 1.5:1, for example of at least 1.6:1, 1.7:1, 1.8:1, 1.9:1, 2.0:1, 2.1:1,, 2.2 : 1, ⁇ 2.3 : 1, 2.4:1, 2.5:1, 2.6:1; 2.7:1, 2.8:1, 2.9:1, or 3.0:1. 5
  • the tablet has a mass of no more than 14g, more suitably no more than 13g, more suitably no more than 12g, more suitably no more than Hg, still more suitably no more than 1Og.
  • the tablet may have a mass of no more than 0 9g, for example of no more than 8g, 7g, ⁇ g, or 5g.
  • the tablet has a mass of at least 2g, more suitably at least 3g.
  • the tablet may have a mass of at least 4g, for example at least 5g, 6g, 7g, 8g or 9g. 5
  • the tablet has a mass of between Ig and 7g, suitably of between 2g and 6g, more suitably between 3g and 5g, for example around 4g.
  • the tablet has a mass of between 5g and 13g, suitably between 7g and Hg, more suitably between 8g and 1Og, for example around 9g.
  • the tablet comprises a detergent composition in an amount of from Ig to 12g, suitably an amount of from 2g to 8g, for example an amount of from 3g to 6g.
  • the tablet comprises detergent composition in an amount of no more than 12g, suitably no more than Hg, more suitably no more than 1Og, for example no more than 9g, 8g, 7g, 6g, 5g, 4g, 3g or 2g.
  • the tablet comprises a detergent composition in an amount of at least Ig, suitably at least 2g, for example at least 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g, 7g or 8g.
  • the tablet is free from phosphorus-containing compounds .
  • the cleaning tablets of the present invention may have a number of advantages compared to known larger tablets.
  • Tablets according to the present invention may also be "multi-dosed" .
  • one tablet could be used with the environmental advantage as described above.
  • two tablets may be used.
  • three tab- lets may be used.
  • a consumer may be provided with
  • the use of two like tablets of the present invention may be more effective than the use of a known tablet having the same formulation as the tablets of the present invention and a weight equal to the combined weight of said two tablets of the present invention.
  • the tablets according to the present invention may also retain the benefits that those known tablets have over powder or granular detergent compositions.
  • tablets according to the present invention may have a larger surface area per unit volume than known tablets, it may be possible to spray on more material or to apply it by means of other coating methods.
  • Tablets according to the present invention suitably have a high surface-to- volume ratio they may be more rapidly soluble than known cleaning tablets (this is especially true when the surface area of a plurality of tablets in accordance with the present invention is compared with a single tablet of the prior art, wherein the plurality of tablets and the single tablet have a similar weight) .
  • the tablets may thus com- prise more poorly soluble substances (especially such as surfactants) , optionally employing an effervescent system in order to enhance solubility still further.
  • Tablets according to the present invention may be less susceptible to breakage and may be more easily removed from a machine chamber and distributed in a dish washing machine than known tablets.
  • a problem which occasionally occurs with known dishwasher detergent tablets, namely that the tablets become stuck between pieces of crockery and do not dissolved correctly as a result, may also be substantially avoided.
  • the tablet is such that it need not be used in combination with other tablets of differing type.
  • the starting material for the cleaning tablets of the invention may be formulated in the same way as conventional powders, granules or tablets.
  • a suitable formulation for a tablet composition may therefore comprise a large number of different ingredients, which may include any of the following: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, sources of alkalinity, dyes, perfumes, disintegrants, dispersants for lime soaps, organic polymers, including polymers to inhibit colour transfer, crystal growth inhibitors, complexing agents for heavy metal ions, salts, enzyme stabilisers, corrosion inhibitors, solvents, fabric softeners, optical brighteners, hydro- tropic agents, etc.
  • the tablet composition may contain suitable fillers, such as sulphates and chlorides, and tabletting aids, such as polyethylene glycol, starch or starch de- rivatives, etc.
  • suitable fillers such as sulphates and chlorides
  • tabletting aids such as polyethylene glycol, starch or starch de- rivatives, etc.
  • the tablet may be provided with a water soluble coating, the nature of that coating being determined by the purpose for which it is intended. Any water-soluble polymer may be provided for a coating, for example, if the purpose of the coating is to provide greater stability during storage and handling and/or a certain delay in dissolution in the wash liquor. If the aim of the delay is, for example, for the ingredients to be released in a certain phase of the washing cycle, as is the case with formulations for the final rinse for machine rinsing in the form of the invention, pH-dependent coating materials can be used.
  • the tablets may also contain a scattering agent or effervescent system, such as a combination of bicarbonate of soda and citric acid, in order to support the rapid dissolution of the tablets, especially when poorly soluble in- gredients are included.
  • a scattering agent or effervescent system such as a combination of bicarbonate of soda and citric acid
  • the tablet may typically comprise, for example, a bleach, stain remover, water-softener, enzyme or fabric conditioner, in addition to the cleaning composition.
  • the tablet may be designed to release components at different times during the laundry wash! For example, a bleach or fabric conditioner is generally released at the end of a wash, and a water-softener is generally released at the start of a wash. An enzyme may be released at the start or the end of a wash.
  • the tablet may comprise, for example, a water-softener, salt, enzyme, rinse aid, bleach or bleach activator.
  • the tablet may be designed to release the components at different times during the wash cycle. For example, a rinse aid, bleach or bleach activator is generally released at the end of a wash, and a wa- ter-softener, salt or enzyme is generally released at the start of a wash.
  • water-softening particulates which may be used in tablets according to the present invention include:
  • citrate salts for example alkali metal citrates, and especially sodium citrate.
  • a compound of class A) and a compound of class B) are both present in a water-softening composition.
  • Additional beneficial compounds in a water-softening composition include one or more of:
  • ion exchange agents including alkali metal (preferably sodium) aluminosilicates, either crystalline, amorphous or a mixture of the two;
  • surfactants such as polyphosphate, monomeric polycarbonates, such as citric aci ' d or salts thereof, EDTA, algins, alginates; and
  • anti-nucleating agents - agents which prevent seed crystal growth such as polycarbonate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, and- sulfonates .
  • polycarbonate polymers such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, and- sulfonates .
  • the components of a cleaning tablet depend on its intended use. Generally, the tablet may contain surface active agents such as an anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surface active agents or mixtures thereof.
  • anionic surfactants are straight-chained or branched alkyl sulfates and alkyl polyalkoxylated sulfates, also known as alkyl ether sulfates.
  • Such surfac- tants may be produced by the reaction of sulfates with higher (e.g. C 8 -C 2 O) fatty alcohols.
  • Examples of primary alkyl sulfate surfactants are those of formula :
  • R is a linear C 8 -C 2O hydrocarbyl group and M is a water-solubilising cation.
  • R is Ci 0 -Ci 6 alkyl, for example Ci 2 -Ci 4
  • M is alkali metal such as lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • secondary alkyl sulfate surfactants are those which have the sulfate moiety on a "backbone" of the mole- cule, for example those of formula:
  • n and n are independently 2 or more, the sum of m+n typically being 6 to 20, for example 9 to 15, and M is a water-solubilising cation such as lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • M is a water-solubilising cation such as lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • Especially preferred secondary alkyl sulfates are the (2,3) alkyl sulfate surfactants of formulae:
  • x is at least 4, for example 6 to 20, preferably 10 to 16.
  • M is cation, such as an alkali metal, for example lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • alkoxylated alkyl sulfates are ethoxylated alkyl sulfates of the formula:
  • R is a C 8 -C 20 alkyl group, preferably Ci 0 -Ci 8 such as a Ci 2 -Ci 6
  • n is at least 1, for example from 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 15, especially 1 to 6
  • M is a salt- forming cation such as lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, alkylammonium or alkanolammonium.
  • alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates will generally be used in the form of mixtures comprising varying alkyl chain lengths and, if present, varying degrees of alkoxy- lation.
  • anionic surfactants which may be employed are salts of fatty acids, for example C 8 -C 18 fatty acids, especially the sodium or potassium salts, and alkyl, for example C 8 - Ci 8 , benzene sulfonates.
  • non-ionic surfactants are fatty acid alkoxy- lates, such as fatty acid ethoxylates, especially those of formula:
  • R is a straight or branched C 8 -Ci 6 alkyl group, preferably a C 9 -Ci 5 , for example Ci 0 -Ci 4 , alkyl group and n
  • / is at least 1, for example from 1 to 16, preferably 2 to
  • the alkoxylated fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant will frequently have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) which ranges from 3 to 17, more preferably from 6 to 15, most preferably from 10 to 15.
  • HLB hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
  • fatty alcohol ethoxylates are those made from alcohols of 12 to 15 carbon atoms and which contain about 7 moles of ethylene oxide. Such materials are commercially marketed under the trademarks NEODOL 25-7 and NEODOL 23-6.5 by Shell Chemical Company.
  • Other useful compounds of this type include NEODOL 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol averaging 11 carbon atoms in its alkyl chain with about 5 moles of ethylene oxide; NEODOL 23-9, an ethoxylated primary Ci 2 -Ci 3 alcohol having about 9 moles of ethylene oxide; and NEODOL 91-10, an ethoxylated C 9 -Cu primary alcohol having about 10 moles of ethylene oxide.
  • DOBANOL 91-5 is an ethoxylated C 9 -Cn fatty alcohol with an average of 5 moles ethylene oxide
  • DOBANOL 25-7 is an ethoxylated Ci 2 -C 15 fatty alcohol with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of fatty alcohol .
  • Suitable ethoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants include TERGITOL 15-S-7 and TERGITOL 15-S-9, both of which are linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates available from Union Carbide Corporation.
  • TERGITOL 15-S-7 is a mixed ethoxylated product of a Cn-Ci 5 linear secondary alkanol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide and TERGITOL 15-S-9 is the same but with 9 moles of ethylene oxide.
  • Suitable alcohol ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants are NEODOL 45-11, which is a similar ethylene oxide condensation products of a fatty alcohol having 14-15 carbon atoms and the number of ethylene oxide groups per mole being about 11. Such products are also available from Shell Chemical Company.
  • non-ionic surfactants are, for example, C 10 -Ci 8 al- kyl polyglycosides, such as Ci 2 -Ci 6 alkyl polyglycosides . These are especially useful when high foaming compositions are desired.
  • Further surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as Ci 0 -Ci 8 N- (3-methoxypropyl) glycamides and ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block polymers of the Pluronic type.
  • cationic surfactants are those of the quater- nary ammonium type .
  • the total content of surfactants in the tablet is desirably 60 to 95 wt%, especially 75 to 90 wt%.
  • an anionic surfactant is present in an amount of 50 to 75 wt%
  • the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of 5 to 50 wt%
  • the cationic surfactant is present in an amount of from 0 to 20 wt%, by weight of tablet.
  • the tablets may also independently comprise enzymes, such as protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and peroxidase enzymes.
  • enzymes are commercially avail- able and sold, for example, under the registered trade marks ESPERASE, ALCALASE and SAVINASE by Nova Industries A/S and MAXATASE by International Biosynthetics, Inc.
  • the enzymes are independently present in the tablets in an amount of from 0.5 to 3 wt%, especially 1 to 2 wt%, when added as commercial preparations they are not pure and this represents an equivalent amount of 0.005 to 0.5 wt% of pure enzyme. As mentioned above they can be incorporated after extrusion if wished.
  • Tablets used in dishwashing independently usually comprise a detergency builder.
  • the builders counteract the effects of calcium, or other ion, water hardness.
  • examples of such materials are citrate, succinate, malonate, carboxy- methyl succinate, carboxylate, polycarboxylate and polya- cetyl carboxylate salts, for example with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal cations, or the corresponding free acids.
  • Specific examples are sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, C 10 -C 22 fatty acids and citric acid.
  • organic phosphonate type sequestering agents such as those sold by Monsanto under the trade mark DEQUEST and alkylhydroxy phosphonates .
  • Citrate salts and Ci2-Ci 8 fatty acid soaps are preferred.
  • Further builders are: phosphates such as sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of mono-, di- or tri-poly or oligo-phosphates; zeolites; silicates, amorphous or structured, such as sodium, potassium or ammonium salts.
  • Suitable builders are polymers and copolymers known to have builder properties.
  • such materials include appropriate polyacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, and polyacrylic/polymaleic and copolymers and their salts, such as those sold by BASF under the trade mark SOKALAN.
  • the builder is desirably present in an amount of up to 90 wt%, preferably 15 to 90 wt%, more preferably 15 to 75 wt%, relative to the total weight of the tablet. Further details of suitable components are given in, for example, EP-A-694,059, EP-A-518,720 and WO 99/06522.
  • the tablets can also optionally comprise one or more additional ingredients.
  • additional ingredients include conventional cleaning composition components such as further surfactants, bleaches, bleach enhancing agents, builders, suds boosters or suds suppressors, anti-tarnish and anti-corrosion agents, organic solvents, co-solvents, phase stabilisers, emulsifying agents, preservatives, soil suspending agents, soil release agents, germicides, pH adjusting agents or buffers, non-builder alkalinity sources, chelating agents, clays such as smectite clays, enzyme stabilizers, anti- limescale agents, colourants, dyes, hydrotropes, dye transfer inhibiting agents, brighteners, and perfumes.
  • conventional cleaning composition components such as further surfactants, bleaches, bleach enhancing agents, builders, suds boosters or suds suppressors, anti-tarnish and anti-corrosion agents, organic solvents, co-solvents, phase stabilisers, emulsifying agents, preservatives, soil suspending agents
  • Such optional ingredients will generally constitute no more than 10 wt%, for example from 1 to 6 wt%, of the total weight of the tablets .
  • Tablets which comprise an enzyme may optionally contain materials which maintain the stability of the enzyme.
  • enzyme stabilizers include, for example, polyols such as propylene glycol, boric acid and borax. Combinations of these enzyme stabilizers may also be employed. If utilized, the enzyme stabilizers generally constitute from 0.1 to 1 wt% of the tablets.
  • Preferred dishwashing tablets are adapted to be used in automatic dish washing machines. Due to their specific requirements specialised formulation is required and these are illustrated below.
  • Amounts of the ingredients can vary within wide ranges, however preferred automatic dishwashing cleaning composition tablets herein (which typically have a 1% aqueous solution pH of above 8, more preferably from 9.5 to 12, most preferably from 9.5 to 10.5) are those wherein there is present: from 5% to 90%, preferably from 5% to 75%, of builder; from 0.1% to 40%, preferably from 0.5% to 30%, of bleaching agent; from 0.1% to 15%, preferably from 0.2% to 10%, of the surfactant system; from 0.0001% to 1%, preferably from 0.001% to 0.05%, of a metal-containing bleach catalyst; and from 0.1% to 40%, , preferably from 0.1% to 20% of a water-soluble silicate.
  • Such fully-formulated embodiments typically further comprise from 0.1% to 15% of a polymeric dispersant, from 0.01% to 10% of a chelant, and from 0.00001% to 10% of a detersive enzyme, though further additional or adjunct ingredients may be present.
  • Non-ionic surfactants useful in ADW (Automatic Dish Washing) tablets of the present invention desirably include surfactant (s) at levels of from 1% to 10% of the composi- tion.
  • surfactant s
  • bleach-stable surfactants are preferred.
  • Non-ionic surfactants generally are well known, being described in more detail in Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 360-379, "Sur- factants and Detersive Systems", incorporated by reference herein.
  • an ADW tablet comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant.
  • non-ionics are ethoxylated non- ionic surfactants prepared by the reaction of a monohy- droxy alkanol or alkylphenol with 6 to 20 carbon atoms with preferably at least 12 moles, particularly preferably at least 16 moles, and still more preferably at least 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphe- nol.
  • non-ionic surfactants are formed from a linear chain fatty alcohol with 16-20 carbon atoms and at least 12 moles, particularly preferably at least 16 moles, and still more preferably at least 20 moles, of ethylene oxide, per mole of alcohol.
  • the non-ionic surfactant may additionally comprise propylene oxide (PO) units in the molecule.
  • PO propylene oxide
  • the PO units constitute up to 25% by weight, preferably up to 20% by weight and still more preferably up to 15% by weight of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
  • Particularly preferred surfactants are ethoxylated mono- hydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols, which additionally com- prises polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer units.
  • the alcohol or alkylphenol portion of such surfactants constitutes more than 30%, preferably more than 50%, more preferably more than 70% by weight of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
  • non-ionic surfactants includes reverse block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene and block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene initiated with trimethylolpropane .
  • Another preferred non-ionic surfactant can be described by the formula:
  • R 1 represents a linear or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 4-18 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof
  • R 2 represents a linear or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon rest with 2-26 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof
  • x has a value between 0.5 and 1.5
  • y has a value of at least 15.
  • Another group of preferred nonionic surfactants are the end-capped polyoxyalkylated non-ionics of formula:
  • R 1 and R 2 represent linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 1-30 carbon atoms
  • R 3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n- butyl, 2 -butyl or 2 -methyl-2 -butyl group
  • x has a value between 1 and 30 and
  • k and j have values between 1 and 12, preferably between 1 and 5.
  • R 1 and R 2 are preferably linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 6-22 carbon atoms, where groups with 8 to 18 carbon atoms are particularly preferred.
  • group R 3 H methyl or ethyl are particularly preferred.
  • Particularly preferred values for x are from 1 and 20, preferably from 6 to 15.
  • each R 3 in the formula can be different.
  • the value 3 for x is only an example and bigger values can be chosen whereby a higher number of variations of (EO) or (PO) units would arise.
  • mixtures of different non-ionic surfactants is particularly preferred in ADW formulations for example mixtures of alkoxylated alcohols and hydroxy group con- . taining alkoxylated alcohols.
  • a tablet disintegrant could be present in the tablets, for example a water-swellable cellulosic compound.
  • the cleaning tablets of the present invention can suitably be manufactured using a variety of processes; for example by pressing under pressure. Depending on the demands placed on the dissolution behaviour and stability in storage and transport , and depending on the nature of the ingredients, the appropriate pressing pressure can be set accordingly.
  • a further preferred manufacturing process is compacting, which is understood in this application to mean pressing agglomeration without the use of binders, which is usually performed by rollers rotating in opposite directions and possessing grooves of the appropriate dimensions.
  • binders which is usually performed by rollers rotating in opposite directions and possessing grooves of the appropriate dimensions.
  • Tablets accordingly to the invention may be manufactured using procedures other than compacting (such as extrusion / injection moulding) , and non-compacting methods may pro- vide greater flexibility with regard to the manufacturing process .
  • a cleaning tablet of the invention may be used in a variety of ways.
  • Other fields of use in the detergent sector are conceivable and possible, such as use as a detergent composition for dissolution in water, for cleaning hard surfaces, such as floors.
  • the tablet is arranged such that N tablets can be employed in ' a washing method to wash a load which substantially corresponds to a full load of a ware washing machine, and which load has a normal level of soiling, wherein N is 1, 2, 3 or 4.
  • N is 2 for an automatic dishwasher of the floor standing type.
  • the tablet is arranged such that the number of tablets employed in the washing method can be adjusted as detailed in the second aspect which follows.
  • a method of performing a washing operation characterised in that the method employs one or more tablets according to the first aspect and a quantity of water.
  • the method only employs substantially identical tablets according to the first aspect. It may thus not be necessary to use a combination of tablets having distinct formulations.
  • the tablets comprise a detergent composition.
  • the tablets are substantially identical.
  • the method comprises washing articles in an automatic ware washing machine. More preferably the method comprises washing articles, for example crockery, within an automatic dishwashing machine.
  • the method comprises the step of determining whether one or more tablets are required depending on the level of soiling and the quantity of articles to be washed.
  • the method will use N tablets.
  • N 1 to 4.
  • N 2, 3 or 4, preferably 2.
  • the method will use N + A tablets.
  • A 0 to 2.
  • A is > 0 and ⁇ (N - 1) .
  • for a domestic dish washer of the floor standing type A 1 or 2 , preferably 1.
  • the method will use N - B tablets.
  • B 0 to 2.
  • B is > 0 and ⁇ (N - 1) .
  • B 1 or 2 , preferably 1.
  • the method will use N - C tablets.
  • C 0 to 2.
  • C is > 0 and ⁇ (N - I).
  • N a domestic dishwasher of the floor standing type
  • A, B and C have fixed values.
  • a domestic dishwasher of the floor standing type A, B and C have the same value.
  • variation of the "dose" of tablets may thus be simple for a user to perform.
  • N For a domestic dish washer of the table top type N may be 1 or 2 , suitably 1.
  • B and C are 0.
  • A may also be 0. Whilst it may thus not be possible to vary the "dose" in the same manner this may not be problematic since such a dishwasher is, for example, less likely to be operated part loaded.
  • the determination step comprises a user noting the extent of soiling of the articles to be washed, noting the extent to which a machine is loaded and determining whether N tablets should be used or if an adjustment needs to be made.
  • a value for N will be provided with the tablets.
  • a user will use a value for A, B or C provided with the tablets.
  • a packaged product comprising a packet containing one or more tablets according to the first aspect; preferably at least two tablets, more preferably at least three tablets, and most preferably at least four tablets.
  • the packet contains up to ten tablets, preferably up to eight tablets, and most preferably up to six tablets.
  • the tablets are substantially identical.
  • the packet comprises a plastics wrapper providing a water tight container for one or more tablets.
  • the packaged product comprises instructions for varying the "dose" of tablets employed to perform a washing operation.
  • the instructions comprise instructions for performing a method according to the second aspect .
  • the instructions include values for N, A, B and C as described in the second aspect .
  • the packet comprises N tablets.
  • N is 2.
  • Example 1 Cleaning tablets of cuboid shape having a surface area of 1888mm 2 (length of 24mm, a width of 16mm and a thickness of 14mm; volume (mm 3 ) to surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of 2.85) were produced by tabletting a tablet composition.
  • the tablets had the following formulation:
  • the tablets were produced according to the following method. Solid raw materials are weighed separately into the mixing vessel . Liquids are weighed and added to the mixture. Raw materials are combined in a commercial mixer for 10 minutes. Mixtures are then emptied into drums and transferred to the storage vessel of a rotary press. A rotary press is used to press the tablets, the final compression forces are on average 34 kN.
  • the bleach capability (and other cleaning capabilities) was tested in a Miele G651SC Plus dishwashing machine using a 50 0 C cycle, according to the method IKW. In each case a container comprising the formulation was added at the start of the dishwasher main wash cycle. The water hardness was 9°gH. The results (given in Table 1) are expressed in percentages with 100% being the best score for a particular property.
  • Comp 1 is a commercially available dishwashing tablet weighing 19g having a similar formulation to Example 1.
  • the tablet, of Comp 1 has dimensions of length of 36mm, a width of 26mm and a thickness of 14mm; surface area of 3608mm 2 ; and volume (mm 3 ) to surface area (mm 2 ) ratio of 3.63.
  • the results show a small tablet in accordance with the present invention is able to active comparable performance to a commercially available tablet for the majority of the washing criteria measured. Further with the use of two tablets in accordance with the present invention much improved performance over all of the washing criteria measured is achieved.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention comprend des pastilles de nettoyage utilisées lors d’une opération de lavage. Les pastilles se caractérisent en ce que chacune d’elles possède une surface dont la valeur est comprise entre 800 mm2 et 4000 mm2, lui permettant ainsi d’être utilisée seule ou bien avec une ou plusieurs autres pastilles analogues en fonction de la performance de lavage requise. L’invention a également trait à des procédés de nettoyage utilisant les pastilles et des produits emballés renfermant lesdites pastilles.
PCT/GB2006/002407 2005-07-08 2006-06-29 Article de nettoyage et procédé de nettoyage Ceased WO2007007036A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0513998.5A GB0513998D0 (en) 2005-07-08 2005-07-08 Article and method
GB0513998.5 2005-07-08

Publications (1)

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WO2007007036A1 true WO2007007036A1 (fr) 2007-01-18

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PCT/GB2006/002407 Ceased WO2007007036A1 (fr) 2005-07-08 2006-06-29 Article de nettoyage et procédé de nettoyage

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AT (1) AT502112A1 (fr)
DE (2) DE102006031368A1 (fr)
GB (2) GB0513998D0 (fr)
LU (1) LU91259B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007007036A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4253842A (en) * 1974-05-15 1981-03-03 Colgate-Palmolive Company Detergent compositions and washing methods including and utilizing separate tablets of components
EP0224129A2 (fr) * 1985-11-21 1987-06-03 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Pains détergents composés d'une manière uniforme pour le lavage de la vaisselle en machine
GB2306487A (en) * 1995-10-24 1997-05-07 Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kk Resin-containing tablet for cleaning moulds
WO1999050154A1 (fr) * 1998-03-30 1999-10-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Produit sous emballage comportant des comprimes
WO2005061689A1 (fr) * 2003-12-22 2005-07-07 Danlind As Composition nettoyante solide pour la fabrication des comprimes

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE69914457T2 (de) * 1998-02-10 2004-11-25 Unilever N.V. Tablettenförmiges waschmittel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4253842A (en) * 1974-05-15 1981-03-03 Colgate-Palmolive Company Detergent compositions and washing methods including and utilizing separate tablets of components
EP0224129A2 (fr) * 1985-11-21 1987-06-03 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Pains détergents composés d'une manière uniforme pour le lavage de la vaisselle en machine
GB2306487A (en) * 1995-10-24 1997-05-07 Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kk Resin-containing tablet for cleaning moulds
WO1999050154A1 (fr) * 1998-03-30 1999-10-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Produit sous emballage comportant des comprimes
WO2005061689A1 (fr) * 2003-12-22 2005-07-07 Danlind As Composition nettoyante solide pour la fabrication des comprimes

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GB2428246A (en) 2007-01-24
LU91259B1 (en) 2007-01-09
GB0513998D0 (en) 2005-08-17
GB0613009D0 (en) 2006-08-09
DE102006031368A1 (de) 2007-01-11
DE202006010473U1 (de) 2006-12-28
AT502112A1 (de) 2007-01-15

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