CN1426459A - pouch composition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-compartment pouch made from a water-soluble film having at least two compartments, said multi-compartment pouch comprising a composition comprising a solid component and a liquid component, wherein at least one compartment comprises the solid component and at least one compartment comprises the liquid component.

Description

pouch composition

field of invention

The invention relates to a bag made of water-soluble material having at least two compartments.

Background of the invention

Laundry detergent products are heretofore available in the market in various forms, such as solid granular compositions and tablets, or liquid compositions. Provide consumers with the choice to use detergent products.

Some detergent ingredients currently used in the laundry industry are preferably produced and processed in liquid form. These liquid ingredients are difficult or costly to include in solid detergent compositions. Also certain ingredients are preferably transported and supplied to detergent manufacturers in liquid form, making this an additional and sometimes costly process step involved in solid detergent compositions. Examples of such detergent ingredients are surfactants, especially nonionic surfactants, which are generally liquid at room temperature or are typically transported and supplied to detergent manufacturers in liquid form.

Current methods of incorporating liquid ingredients into solid detergent compositions involve absorbing the liquid ingredients onto solid carriers, for example by mixing, agglomeration or spraying techniques. Solid detergent compositions typically contain only small amounts of these liquid detergent ingredients because of the difficulty and expense of incorporating these liquid ingredients into solid detergents.

However, it is desirable to include higher levels of liquid ingredients such as certain surfactants or solutions thereof in detergent compositions which have a substantial amount of solid detergent ingredients. It would also be desirable to be able to incorporate detergent ingredients, which are typically transported and supplied in liquid form, in detergent compositions containing large quantities of solid detergent ingredients without additional costly and difficult process steps.

The inventors have found that with a multi-compartment water soluble bag comprising at least two compartments, the difficult and costly production and processing steps of incorporating the liquid ingredients in solid form into the solid detergent can be eliminated. Where liquid detergent ingredients such as surfactants are included in detergent compositions comprising other solid detergent ingredients. The liquid detergent ingredients are contained in one compartment of the multi-compartment bag and the solid detergent ingredients are contained in a second compartment.

Summary of the invention

There is provided a multi-compartment water soluble bag made of a water soluble film having at least two compartments, comprising a composition comprising a solid component and a liquid component, wherein:

(a) the first compartment comprises a liquid component comprising (based on the weight of the liquid component) at least 50% surfactant; and

(b) The second compartment comprises a solid component.

Detailed description of the invention

Multi-compartment bag and its material

The multi-compartment bags (referred to herein as "bags") of the present invention comprise at least two compartments. A bag as described herein is typically a closed structure, made of a material as described herein, enclosing a volume divided into at least two, preferably two, compartments. The bag includes a composition comprising a solid component and a liquid component. The bag may be of any form, shape and material suitable for containing the composition, eg without releasing the composition from the bag until the bag is exposed to water. The exact embodiment will depend, for example, on the type and amount of composition in the bag, the number of compartments in the bag, the desired properties of the bag to contain, protect and deliver or release the composition.

The pouch may be sized so as to contain unit doses of the composition suitable for the desired operation, e.g. a wash, or only partial doses to allow greater flexibility for the consumer to vary the dosage e.g. according to the size of the wash load and/or degree of contamination.

The pouch is made of a water-soluble film enclosing an inner volume that is divided into compartments of the pouch.

The compartments of the bags described herein are typically closed structures formed by water-soluble films enclosing the volume containing the solid or liquid components of the composition. The volume is preferably enclosed by a water-soluble membrane in such a way that the volume is isolated from the external environment.

The solid or liquid components contained in the compartments of the bag are contained within the volume of the compartments, isolated from the external environment by a barrier of a water-soluble membrane.

The term "isolation" as used herein means "physical separation, ie preventing a first component contained in a compartment from contacting a second component not contained in the same compartment containing said first component".

The term "external environment" used in the present invention means "everything that cannot pass through the water-soluble membrane enclosing the compartment and is not contained in the compartment".

The compartment is adapted to contain the solid or liquid component, eg without releasing the component from the compartment until the pouch is exposed to water. The compartment may be of any form or shape, depending on the nature of the material of the compartment, the nature of the components or composition, the intended use, the amount of the components, etc.

It may be preferred that the compartment comprising said liquid component also comprises gas bubbles, preferably said gas bubbles having a volume of no more than 50%, preferably no more than 40%, more preferably no more than 30%, more preferably no more than 30% of the volume space of said compartment. Preferably not more than 20%, more preferably not more than 10%. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the pressure of the air bubble increases the tolerance of the bag to movement of the liquid component within the compartment, thereby reducing the risk of the liquid component leaking from the compartment.

The bag is made of a water-soluble film, typically having a solubility of at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 95%, by filtration through glass with a maximum pore size of 50 μm instrument measurement, namely:

Specific gravimetric method to measure the water solubility of the compartment and/or bag material:

Add 10g±0.1g of material into a 400ml beaker, measure its weight, and add 245ml±1ml of distilled water. Stir vigorously for 30 minutes on a magnetic stirrer set at 600 rpm. The mixture is then filtered through a folded qualitative sintered glass filter with the aforementioned pore size (maximum 50 μm). Water is removed from the collected filtrate by any conventional means and the weight of the remaining polymer (be it the dissolved or dispersed fraction) is determined. The solubility or dispersibility (%) is then calculated.

Preferred films are polymeric materials, preferably polymers forming films or sheets. The film may be obtained as known in the art by eg casting, blow moulding, extruding or blow-extruding the polymeric material. Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivatives thereof are selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, cellulose amide, polyvinyl acetate Esters, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic/acrylic acid copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, natural gums such as xanthum and carragum . More preferably the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates and water-soluble acrylate copolymers, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrin, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Cellulose, maltodextrin, polymethacrylates, most preferably polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). Preferably the film comprises a polymer such as a PVA polymer of at least 60%.

The polymers may have any weight average molecular weight, preferably about 1000 to 1 000 000, even 10 000 to 300 000, even 15 000 to 200 000, even 20 000 to 150 000.

Mixtures of polymers may also be used. This may be particularly advantageous to control the mechanical and/or dissolution properties of the compartment or bag according to its application and needs. For example, it may be preferred that there is a mixture of polymers in the film, wherein one polymer material has a higher water solubility than another polymer material, and/or one polymer material has a higher water solubility than another polymer material. Higher mechanical strength. It may be preferred to use mixtures of polymers with different weight-average molecular weights, for example PVA or its copolymers with a weight-average molecular weight of 10 000-40 000, preferably about 20 000 and a weight-average molecular weight of about A mixture of PVA or its copolymers.

If the material is water-soluble, polymer blend compositions are also suitable, for example blends comprising hydrolytically degradable water-soluble polymer blends such as polylactide and polyvinyl alcohol, by mixing polylactide Esters are obtained with polyvinyl alcohol, typically comprising 1-35% by weight polylactide and about 65-99% by weight polyvinyl alcohol.

It may be preferred that the polymer present in the film is 60-98% hydrolyzed (preferably 80-90%) to improve dissolution of the material.

The most preferred film is a film comprising a PVA polymer having similar properties to that sold under the trade designation M8630 by Chris-Craft Industrial Products of Gary, Indiana, US.

The films described herein may contain other additive components in addition to the polymer or polymeric material. For example, it may be advantageous to add plasticizers such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof, additional water, disintegration aids. Where the pouch composition is a detergent composition, it may be suitable that the pouch or compartment material itself contains detergent additives such as organic polymeric soil release agents, dispersants, dye transfer inhibiting agents to be delivered to the wash water .

The compartment and preferably the bag are generally made of a water soluble film. Examples of suitable commercially available water-soluble films include polyvinyl alcohol and partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, alginates, cellulose ethers such as carboxymethylcellulose and methylcellulose, polyethylene oxide, polyacrylic acid Esters and combinations of these.

combination

The bag includes a composition, typically the composition is contained within the volume of the bag.

Preferred compositions are cleaning compositions or fabric care compositions, preferably hard surface cleaners, more preferably laundry or dishwashing compositions including pre-treatment or soaking detergent compositions and other rinse aid compositions.

Typically, the composition comprises such an amount of cleaning composition that one or more pouches of composition are sufficient for one wash.

Preferably the composition comprises at least one surfactant and at least one builder.

The composition comprises a solid component and a liquid component. The first compartment contains the solid component and the second compartment contains the liquid component, such that the solid and liquid components are separated by a water-soluble membrane.

liquid component

The liquid component is contained in a compartment of the bag. Said compartment is a compartment distinct from the compartment comprising said solid component.

The liquid component of the present invention comprises (based on the weight of the liquid component) at least 50%, preferably at least 55%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80% surfactant. Typically the surfactant is liquid at room temperature. Preferably the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant or a combination thereof, most preferably the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant.

Preferably, the liquid component of the present invention comprises a solvent or a fragrance. Preferably said liquid component comprises (based on the weight of said liquid component) at least 2%, more preferably at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 40% perfume. Preferably the liquid component comprises (based on the weight of the liquid component) 0.1 to 30%, more preferably 5 to 25%, more preferably 10 to 20% solvent. Preferably the solvent is an alcohol-based solvent, more preferably the solvent is ethanol and/or n-butoxypropoxypropanol.

Preferably the liquid component is substantially liquid, ie the liquid component comprises at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 98% of the ingredients in liquid form at room temperature.

solid component

The solid component is contained in one compartment of the bag. The compartment is a different compartment than the compartment containing the liquid component.

The solid component preferably comprises (based on the weight of the solid component) at least 10%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% water-insoluble solid material.

Preferably the water insoluble solid material comprises a water insoluble builder, preferably the water insoluble builder is an aluminosilicate, or a water insoluble fabric softener such as clay. Preferably the water-insoluble solid material comprises a water-insoluble builder. Preferred water-insoluble builders are described in more detail hereinafter.

The solid composition preferably comprises at least one detergent ingredient selected from self-detergents, chelating agents, bleaching agents, bleaching aids, enzymes, brighteners, suds suppressors and dyes. Preferably the detergent ingredient is in solid form.

Part or all of the components of the solid component may not be pre-granulated eg agglomerated, spray dried, extruded prior to incorporation into the compartment, the component may be a dry blended powder component or a mixture of raw materials. Preferably, for example less than 60%, even less than 40%, even less than 20% of the components are free-flowing pre-granulated particles.

Preferably said solid component is substantially solid, wherein said solid component comprises at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 98% of the constituents in solid form. Preferably the solid component comprises ingredients that are difficult or expensive to include in the substantially liquid composition or are typically transported and provided as a solid component requiring additional processing for inclusion in the substantially liquid composition Step ingredients.

surfactant for washing

Preferably, the surfactants described herein are in liquid form, contained in the liquid component of the composition. More preferably, the nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants or combinations thereof described herein are in liquid form, contained in the liquid component of the composition. Even more preferably, the nonionic surfactants described herein are in liquid form, contained in the liquid component of the composition.

Nonionic Alkoxylated Surfactants

Essentially any alkoxylated nonionic surfactant can be included in the compositions described herein. Ethoxylated and propoxylated nonionic surfactants are preferred. Preferred alkoxylated surfactants may be selected from nonionic condensates of alkylphenols, nonionic ethoxylated alcohols, nonionic ethoxylated/propoxylated fatty alcohols, nonionic ethoxylated Condensation products of / propoxylates with propylene glycol, and condensation products of nonionic ethoxylates with propylene oxide / ethylenediamine adducts.

Very preferred are nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactants, aliphatic alcohols with 1 to 75 moles of alkylene oxides, especially about 50 or 1 to 15 moles, preferably to 11 moles especially ethylene oxide and/or cyclo Condensation products of oxypropane are very preferred nonionic surfactants. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol may be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains 6 to 22 carbon atoms. Particular preference is given to condensation products of alkyl alcohols having 8 to 20 carbon atoms with 2 to 9 moles, especially 3 or 5 moles, of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

Nonionic Polyhydroxy Fatty Acid Amide Surfactant

Polyhydroxy fatty acid amides are very preferred nonionic surfactants for inclusion in the composition, especially those of the formula: ^R2CONR1Z , where ^R1 is H, _C1-18 ^preferably _C1- C ₄ hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, ethoxy, propoxy, or mixtures thereof, preferably C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, more preferably C ₁ or C ₂ alkyl, most preferably C ₁ alkyl (i.e. methyl); R ² is C ₅ -C ₃₁ hydrocarbon group, preferably straight chain C ₅ -C ₁₉ or C ₇ -C ₁₉ alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain C ₉ -C ₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight-chain C ₁₁ -C ₁₇ alkyl or alkenyl, or mixtures thereof; Z is a polyhydroxyl hydrocarbon with a linear hydrocarbon chain directly attached to at least 3 hydroxyl groups, or an alkoxylated derivative thereof substances (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated). Z is preferably derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction; more preferably Z is glycityl.

Very preferred nonionic polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants for use herein are C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ , C ₁₅ -C ₁₇ and/or C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ alkyl N-methyl glucamides.

It is particularly preferred that the composition comprises a C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ alkyl N-methyl glucamide and an alcohol having an alkyl group of 8 to 20 carbon atoms and 2 to 9 moles, especially 3 or 5 moles, of epoxy per mole of alcohol. A mixture of condensation products of ethane.

The polyhydroxy fatty acid amides can be prepared by any suitable method. A particularly preferred method is described in WO9206984. Products that typically melt above about 80°C, containing about 95% by weight polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, with minor amounts of unwanted impurities such as fatty acid esters and cyclic amides, can be prepared by this method.

Nonionic Fatty Acid Amide Surfactant

Fatty acid amide surfactants or alkoxylated fatty acid amides may also be included in the compositions described herein. They include those of the formula: R ⁶ CON(R ⁷ )(R ⁸ ), wherein R ⁶ is an alkyl group containing 7 to 21, preferably 9 to 17, or 11 to 13 carbon atoms, R ⁷ and R ⁸ independently selected from hydrogen, C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₄ hydroxyalkyl, and -(C ₂ H ₄ O) _x H, wherein x is from 1 to 11, preferably from 1 to 7, more preferably 1 to 5, so it may be preferred that ^R7 is different from ^R8 , one x of which is 1 or 2, and one x of which is 3 to 11 or preferably 5.

Nonionic fatty acid alkyl ester surfactant

Alkyl esters of fatty acids may also be included in the compositions described herein. They include those of the formula: R ⁹ COO(R ¹⁰ ), wherein R ⁹ is an alkyl group containing 7 to 21, preferably 9 to 17, or even 11 to 13 carbon atoms, and R ¹⁰ is a C ₁ -C ₄ alkane radical, C ₁ -C ₄ hydroxyalkyl, and -(C ₂ H ₄ O) _x H, wherein x is in the range of 1 to 11, preferably 1 to 7, more preferably 1 to 5, whereby it may be preferred that R ^is methyl or ethyl.

Nonionic Alkyl Polysaccharide Surfactant

Alkyl polysaccharides may also be included in the compositions described herein, such as those disclosed in US 4 565 647 (Llenado, January 21, 1986), having hydrophobic groups containing 6 to 30 carbon atoms and containing 1.3 to Hydrophilic groups of polysaccharides (such as polyglycosides) of 10 sugar units.

Preferred alkyl polyglycosides have the formula:

R ² O(C _n H _2n O) _t (glycosyl) _x

Wherein ^R is selected from alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof, wherein the alkyl contains 10 to 18 carbon atoms; n is 2 or 3; t is 0 to 10; and x is from 1.3 to 8. The glycosyl is preferably derived from glucose.

Polyethylene Glycol/Polypropylene Glycol

The compositions described herein may comprise polyethylene glycol and/or polypropylene glycol, especially those having a molecular weight of 1000-10000, more preferably 2000-8000, most preferably about 4000.

anionic surfactant

The compositions described herein preferably comprise one or more anionic surfactants. Any anionic surfactant suitable for detersive use is suitable. Examples include salts of sulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate and sarcosinate anionic surfactants (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and tri-ethanolamine salts). Sulfate anionic surfactants are preferred.

Other anionic surfactants include isethionates such as acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, fatty acid amides of methyl taurine, alkylsuccinates and sulfosuccinates, sulfosuccinates, Succinic acid monoester (especially saturated and unsaturated C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ monoester), sulfosuccinic acid diester (especially saturated and unsaturated C ₆ -C ₁₄ diester), N-acyl sarcosine Salt. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil.

Anionic Sulfate Surfactant

Anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use herein include linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, aliphatic oleoyl glycerol sulfates, alkylphenol oxirane ether sulfates salt, C ₅ -C ₁₇ acyl-N-(C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl) and -N-(C ₁ -C ₂ hydroxyalkyl) glucosamine sulfates, sulfates of alkyl polysaccharides such as alkyl polysaccharides Sulfates of glucosides (non-ionic, non-sulfate-type compounds described herein).

Alkyl sulfate surfactants are preferably selected from linear and branched primary C ₉ -C ₂₂ alkyl sulfates, more preferably C ₁₁ -C ₁₅ branched chain alkyl sulfates and C ₁₂ -C ₁₄ linear alkyl sulfates Salt.

The alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactants are preferably selected from C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ alkyl sulfates ethoxylated with 0.5 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. More preferably, the alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactant is a C ₁₁ -C ₁₈ , most preferably a C ₁₁ -C ethoxylated with 0.5 to 7, preferably 1 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. ₁₅ Alkyl sulfates.

Anionic Sulfonate Surfactant

Anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use herein include C ₅ -C ₂₀ linear or branched alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl ester sulfonates especially methyl ester sulfonates, C ₆ -C ₂₂ primary or Secondary alkane sulfonates, C ₆ -C ₂₄ olefin sulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids, alkyl glycerol sulfonates, aliphatic acyl glycerol sulfonates, aliphatic oleoyl glycerol sulfonates, and any mixtures thereof .

Anionic Carboxylate Surfactants

Suitable anionic carboxylate surfactants include alkyl ethoxy carboxylates, alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and soaps (alkyl carboxyl), especially some of the secondary soaps described herein .

Suitable alkyl ethoxy carboxylates include those of the formula: RO(CH ₂ CH ₂ O) _x CH ₂ COO ^- M ⁺ , where R is C ₆ -C ₁₈ alkyl and x ranges from 0 to 10 Within, the distribution of the ethoxylates is such that the amount of material where x is 0 is less than 20% by weight and M is a cation. Suitable alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants include those of the formula: RO-(CHR ₁ -CHR ₂ -O) _x -R ₃ , wherein R is C ₆ -C ₁₈ alkyl and x is 1 to 25, R ₁ and R ₂ are selected from hydrogen, methyl acid, succinic acid, hydroxysuccinic acid and mixtures thereof, R ₃ is selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbons with 1 to 8 carbon atoms , and mixtures thereof.

Suitable soap surfactants include secondary soap surfactants comprising a carboxyl unit attached to a secondary carbon. Preferred secondary soap surfactants for use herein are water soluble secondary soaps selected from the group consisting of 2-methyl-1-undecanoic acid, 2-ethyl-1-decanoic acid, 2-propyl-nonanoic acid , 2-butyl-1-octanoic acid and 2-pentyl-1-heptanoic acid water-soluble salts. Certain soaps may also be included as suds suppressors.

Alkali metal sarcosinate surfactant

Other suitable anionic surfactants are alkali metal sarcosinates of the formula: R-CON(R ¹ )CH ₂ COOM, wherein R is C ₅ -C ₁₇ linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and R ¹ is C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, M is an alkali metal ion. Preferred examples are myristyl and oleoyl methyl sarcosinates in the sodium salt form.

cationic surfactant

Another preferred surfactant is a cationic surfactant, preferably present in an amount of 0.1 to 60% by weight of the composition, more preferably 0.4 to 20% by weight, most preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight ).

When present, the ratio of anionic surfactant to cationic surfactant is preferably from 35:1 to 1:3, more preferably from 15:1 to 1:1, most preferably from 10:1 to 1:1.

Preferably the cationic surfactant is selected from cationic ester surfactants, cationic monoalkoxylated amine surfactants, cationic bisalkoxylated amine surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Cationic Monoalkoxylated Amine Surfactants

Preferred cationic monoalkoxylated amine surfactants for use herein have the general formula:

wherein ^R is an alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to about 16 carbon atoms, most preferably from about 6 to about 11 carbon atoms; R ^{and R} are independently Alkyl of 1 to about 3 carbon atoms, preferably methyl; ^R4 is selected from hydrogen (preferred), methyl and ethyl; X ^- is an anion that provides neutrality such as chlorine, bromine, methylsulfate, sulfate and other anions; A is selected from C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy, especially ethoxy (ie -CH ₂ CH ₂ O-), propoxy, butoxy and mixtures thereof; p is 1 to about 30, preferably 1 to about 15, most preferably 1 to about 8.

Very preferred cationic monoalkoxylated amine surfactants for use herein are compounds of the formula:

wherein R ¹ is C ₆ -C ₁₈ hydrocarbyl and mixtures thereof, preferably C ₆ -C ₁₄ , especially C ₆ -C ₁₁ alkyl, preferably C ₈ and C ₁₀ alkyl, and X is any convenient anion for charge balancing , preferably chlorine or bromide ions.

Compounds of the above type include those in which ethoxy (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) units (EO) are replaced by butoxy, isopropoxy [CH(CH ₃ )CH ₂ O] and [CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ )O] Those replaced by units (i-Pr) or n-propoxy units (Pr), or mixtures of EO and/or Pr and/or i-Pr units.

Cationic bis-alkoxylated amine surfactants

The cationic bis-alkoxylated amine surfactants used in the present invention have the general formula:

wherein ^R is an alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to about 16 carbon atoms, more preferably from 6 to about 11, ^most preferably from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms; R is an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably methyl; ^R3 and ^R4 are independently selected from hydrogen (preferably), methyl and ethyl; X ^- is an anion sufficient to provide electrical neutrality such as chlorine, bromine , methyl sulfate, sulfate and other anions. A and A' are independently selected from C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy, especially ethoxy (ie -CH ₂ CH ₂ O-), propoxy, butoxy and mixtures thereof; p is from 1 to about 30 , preferably 1 to about 4, q is 1 to about 30, preferably 1 to about 4, most preferably both p and q are 1.

Very preferred cationic bisalkoxylated amine surfactants for use herein are those of the formula:

Wherein R ¹ is C ₆ -C ₁₈ hydrocarbon groups and mixtures thereof, preferably C ₆ , C ₈ , C ₁₀ , C ₁₂ , C ₁₄ alkyl groups and mixtures thereof. X is any convenient charge balancing anion, preferably chloride. Regarding the general cationic bis-alkoxylated amine structures described above, in preferred compounds ^R1 is derived from (coconut) _C12 - _C14 alkyl fatty acid, ^R2 is methyl, ^ApR3 and ^A'qR4 are both mono Ethoxy.

Other cationic bisalkoxylated amine surfactants suitable for use herein include compounds of the formula:

wherein R ¹ is C ₆ -C ₁₈ hydrocarbon group, preferably C ₆ -C ₁₄ alkyl group, p is 1 to about 3, q is 1 to about 3, R ² is C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl group, preferably methyl group, X is an anion, especially chloride or bromide.

Other compounds of the above type include those in which ethoxy (CH ₂ CH ₂ O) units (EO) are replaced by butoxy (Bu), isopropoxy [CH(CH ₃ )CH ₂ O] and [CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ ) Those replaced by O] units (i-Pr) or n-propoxy units (Pr), or mixtures of EO and/or Pr and/or i-Pr units.

amphoteric surfactant

Amphoteric surfactants suitable for use herein include amine oxide surfactants and alkyl amphocarboxylic acids.

Suitable amine oxides include those compounds of the formula: R ³ (OR ⁴ ) _x N ⁰ (R ⁵ ) ₂ , wherein R ³ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, amidopropyl, containing 8 to 26 carbon atoms and alkylphenyl or a mixture thereof; R ⁴ is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing 2 to 3 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof; x is 0 to 5, preferably 0 to 3; each R ⁵ is 1 Alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups of up to 3 carbon atoms, or polyoxyethylene groups containing 1 to 3 oxyethylene groups. Preferred are C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ alkyldimethylamine oxides, and C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ amidoalkyldimethylamine oxides.

An example of a suitable alkyl aphodicarboxylic acid is Miranol(TM) C2M Conc. manufactured by Miranol, Inc., Dayton, NJ.

zwitterionic surfactant

Zwitterionic surfactants may also be included in the compositions described herein. These surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Betaine and sultaine surfactants are examples of amphoteric surfactants useful in the present invention.

Suitable betaines are those compounds of the formula: R(R') ₂ N ⁺ R ² COO ⁻ , wherein R is C ₆ -C ₁₈ hydrocarbyl, each R ¹ is typically C ₁ -C ₃ alkyl, R ² is a C ₁ -C ₅ hydrocarbon group. Preferred betaines are C _12-18 dimethylcarbamate and C _10-18 amidopropane (or ethane) dimethyl (or diethyl) betaine. Complex betaine surfactants are also suitable for use in the present invention.

Preferred ingredients of the liquid and solid components

The composition comprises a liquid component and a solid component. The liquid component is substantially liquid, wherein the liquid component comprises less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, more preferably less than 2% of materials that are solid at room temperature. The solid component is substantially solid, wherein the solid component comprises less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, more preferably less than 2% of material which is liquid at room temperature. Therefore, ingredients that are difficult or expensive to include in compositions containing a large amount of solid ingredients are included in the liquid component. Preferred amounts of ingredients described herein are % by weight of the total composition, not % by weight of the solid or liquid components comprising the ingredients.

water insoluble builder

The compositions described herein preferably comprise a water insoluble builder. Preferably the solid components of the compositions described herein preferably comprise a water insoluble builder.

Examples of water insoluble builders include sodium aluminosilicates.

Suitable aluminosilicate zeolites have a unit cell of the formula: Na _z [(AlO ₂ ) _Z (SiO ₂ ) _i ] xH ₂ O, where z and y are at least 6; the molar ratio of z to y is from 1.0 to 0.5, x is at least 5, preferably 7.5 to 276, more preferably 10 to 264. The aluminosilicate material is in hydrated form, preferably crystalline, containing 10 to 28%, more preferably 18 to 22%, bound water.

The aluminosilicate zeolites may be naturally occurring materials, but are preferably synthetically derived. Synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available under the names A-type zeolites, B-type zeolites, P-type zeolites, X-type zeolites, HS-type zeolites, and mixtures thereof. Type A zeolite has the following formula:

Na ₁₂ [AlO ₂ ) ₁₂ (SiO ₂ ) ₁₂ ]·xH ₂ O

wherein x is 20 to 30, especially 27. Type X zeolite has the following formula: Na ₈₆ [(AlO ₂ ) ₈₆ (SiO ₂ ) ₁₀₆ ]·276H ₂ O.

Preferred crystalline layered silicates for use in the present invention have the general formula:

NaMSi _x O _2x+1 ·yH ₂ O

Wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4, and y is a number from 0 to 20. Such crystalline layered sodium silicates are disclosed in EP-A-0164514 and their preparations are disclosed in DE-A-3417649 and DE-A-3742043. Among them, x in the above general formula preferably has a value of 2, 3 or 4, preferably 2. The most preferred material is delta- _Na2Si2O5 , _{available as} NaSKS-6 from Hoechst AG.

Chelating agent

The compositions described herein preferably comprise a chelating agent. Chelating agent herein means a component that acts to chelate heavy metal ions. These components may also have calcium and magnesium chelating capacity, but are preferably selective for binding heavy metal ions such as iron, manganese and copper.

Chelating agents are generally present at 0.05 to 2%, preferably 0.1 to 1.5%, more preferably 0.25 to 1.2%, most preferably 0.5 to 1% by weight of the composition.

Chelating agents suitable for use herein include organic phosphonates such as aminoalkylene poly(alkylene phosphonates), alkali metal ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates and nitrilopropylene phosphonates.

Among the above substances, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), ethylenediaminetris(methylenephosphonate), hexamethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonate) and hydroxyl - Ethylene-1,1-diphosphonate.

Other suitable chelating agents for use in the present invention include nitrilotriacetic acid and polyaminocarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminotetraacetic acid, ethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, ethylenediaminediglutaric acid, 2 - Hydroxypropylenediamine disuccinic acid or any salt thereof. Particular preference is given to ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) or its alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts, or mixtures thereof.

Other suitable chelating agents for use in the present invention are iminodiacetic acid derivatives such as 2-hydroxyethyldiacetic acid or glyceryl iminodiacetic acid, as described in EP-A-317 542 and EP-A-399 133. Iminodiacetic acid-N-2-hydroxypropylsulfonic acid and aspartic acid N-carboxymethyl N-2-hydroxypropyl-3-sulfonic acid sequestrants described in EP-A-516 102 are also applicable to the present invention. β-alanine-N, N'-diacetic acid, aspartic acid-N, N'-diacetic acid, aspartic acid-N-monoacetic acid and iminodisuccinate described in EP-A-509 382 Acid sequestrants are also suitable.

EP-A-476 257 describes suitable amino sequestrants. EP-A-510 331 describes suitable sequestrants derived from collagen, keratin or casein. EP-A-528859 describes suitable alkyliminodiacetic acid sequestrants. Also suitable are dipicolinic acid and 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid. Glycinamide-N,N'-disuccinic acid (GADS), ethylenediamine-N,N'-diglutaric acid (EDDG) and 2-hydroxypropylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (HPDDS ) also applies.

water soluble builder

The compositions described herein may comprise water-soluble builders, which are typically present in an amount of 0 to 36% by weight, preferably 1 to 35% by weight, more preferably 10 to 35% by weight ( weight), even more preferably from 12 to 30% by weight. Preferably the water-soluble builder compound is an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of phosphoric acid present in the levels indicated above.

Other typical water-soluble builders include water-soluble monomeric polycarboxylates or acid forms thereof, homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic acids or salts thereof (wherein said polycarboxylic acid contains at least two by not more than two carbon atoms separated carboxyl), borates, phosphates, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.

The carboxylate or polycarboxylate builders can be of the monomeric or oligomeric type, but the monomeric form of the polycarboxylate is generally preferred for reasons of cost and performance.

Suitable carboxylate salts containing one carboxy group include the water-soluble salts of lactic acid, glycolic acid and ether derivatives thereof. Polycarboxylates containing two carboxy groups include water-soluble salts of succinic acid, malonic acid, (ethylenedioxy) diacetic acid, maleic acid, diglycolic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid, and fumaric acid , and ether carboxylates and sulfinyl carboxylates. Polycarboxylates containing three carboxyl groups include water-soluble citrate, aconitate and citraconic acid salt, and succinate derivatives such as carboxymethoxysuccinate as described in GB1 379 241, GB1 389 732 Lactoxy (lactoxy) succinate described in and amino succinate described in NL7205873, and oxygen-containing polycarboxylate materials such as 2-oxa-1,1,3- as described in GB1 387 447 propane tricarboxylate.

Polycarboxylates containing four carboxyl groups include oxydisuccinates, 1,1,2,2-ethane tetracarboxylates, 1,1,3,3-propane tetracarboxylates disclosed in GB1 261 829 salt and 1,1,2,3-propane tetracarboxylate. Polycarboxylates containing sulfo substituents include sulfosuccinic acid derivatives disclosed in GB1 398 421, 1 398422 and US3 936 448, sulfonated pyrolytic citrates described in GB1 439 000. Preferred polycarboxylates are hydroxycarboxylates containing up to three carboxy groups per molecule, especially citrates.

Examples of suitable water-soluble phosphate builders are alkali metal tripolyphosphates, sodium, potassium and ammonium pyrophosphates, sodium and potassium orthophosphates, sodium polymetaphosphates having a degree of polymerization ranging from about 6 to 21, and Salts of phytic acid.

source of peroxide

Another preferred ingredient is a perhydrate bleach, such as percarbonate, especially the sodium salt, and/or organic peroxyacid bleach precursors. It has been found that where the bag or compartment is made of a material having free hydroxyl groups such as PVA, preferred bleaching agents include percarbonate, preferably without any perborate or borate. Borates and perborates have been found to interact with these hydroxyl-containing materials, reducing the dissolution of the materials and also resulting in reduced performance.

Inorganic perhydrate salts are the preferred source of peroxide. Preferably these salts are present in an amount of 0.01 to 50% by weight of the composition or component, more preferably 0.5 to 30% by weight.

Examples of inorganic perhydrate salts include percarbonates, perphosphates, persulfates and persilicates. The inorganic perhydrate salts are usually alkali metal salts. The inorganic perhydrate salts can be included without additional protection as crystalline solids. However, for certain perhydrate salts, the preferred embodiment of this granular composition is to use a coated form of the material to provide better storage stability of the perhydrate salt in the granular product . Suitable coatings include inorganic salts such as alkali metal silicates, carbonates or borates or mixtures thereof, or organic materials such as waxes, oils, or fatty soaps.

Alkali metal percarbonates, especially sodium percarbonate, are the preferred perhydrates herein. Sodium percarbonate _{is an} adduct compound of formula: _{2Na2CO3-3H2O2} , _commercially available as a crystalline solid.

Potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt useful in the compositions described herein.

Bleach aid

The compositions described herein preferably comprise a bleach builder, preferably an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor. Preferably the composition comprises at least two peroxyacid bleach precursors, preferably at least one hydrophobic peroxyacid bleach precursor and at least one hydrophilic peroxyacid bleach precursor, as defined herein . The organic peroxyacid is then produced by in situ reaction of the precursor with a source of hydrogen peroxide.

The bleach aid may comprise or also comprise preformed peroxyacid bleach.

Preferably at least one bleach booster is present in the compositions described herein, preferably a peroxyacid bleach precursor having an average particle size (by weight) of from 600 to 1400 microns, preferably from 700 to 1100 microns.

Thus it is preferred that at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, even at least 95%, even substantially 100% of the components comprising said bleach aid have a particle size of 300 to 1700 microns, preferably 425 to 1400 microns.

The hydrophobic peroxyacid bleach precursors preferably comprise a dobesilate group-containing compound, preferably NOBS, DOBS, LOBS and/or NACA-OBS, as described herein.

The hydrophilic peroxyacid bleach precursor preferably comprises TAED, as described herein.

Organic peroxyacid bleaching system

The compositions described herein preferably comprise an organic peroxyacid precursor. Organic peroxyacids can be produced by in situ reaction of the precursors with a source of percarbonate. In another preferred embodiment, preformed organic peroxyacids are incorporated directly into the composition.

Peroxyacid Bleach Precursors

Peroxyacid bleach precursors are compounds which react with hydrogen peroxide in a strong perhydrolysis reaction to produce peroxyacids. Peroxyacid bleach precursors can generally be expressed as:

Wherein L is a leaving group, and X is basically any functional group, so that the peroxyacid structure produced during strong hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis is:

Suitable peroxyacid bleach precursor compounds typically contain one or more N- or O-acyl groups and may be selected from a wide range of types. Suitable classes include anhydrides, esters, imides, lactams, and acylated derivatives of imidazoles and oximes. Examples of suitable substances in these classes are disclosed in GB-A-1 586 789. Suitable esters are disclosed in GB-A-836 988, 864 798, 1147871, 2143231 and EP-A-0170386.

leaving group

The leaving group (hereinafter referred to as L group) must be sufficiently reactive to the strong hydrogen peroxide hydrolysis reaction to react within an optimal time frame (eg, wash cycle). However, if the activity of L is too high, it is difficult for this bleaching aid to be stably used in the present invention.

和

及其混合物，其中R¹为含1至14个碳原子的烷基、芳基、或烷芳基，R³为含1至8个碳原子的烷基链，R⁴为H或R³，Y为H或加溶基。R¹、R³和R⁴均可被基本上任何官能基取代，所述官能基包括例如烷基、羟基、烷氧基、卤素、胺、亚硝酰、酰胺和铵或烷基铵基。Preferred L groups are selected from: and

and

and mixtures thereof, wherein R ¹ is an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R ³ is an alkyl chain containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R ⁴ is H or R ³ , Y is H or a solubilizing group. R ¹ , R ³ and R ⁴ may be substituted with essentially any functional group including, for example, alkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxy, halogen, amine, nitrosyl, amide, and ammonium or alkylammonium groups.

Preferred solubilizing groups are -SO ₃ ^- M ⁺ , -CO ₂ ^- M ⁺ , -SO ₄ ^- M ⁺ , -N ⁺ (R ³ ) ₄ X ^- and O<--N(R ³ ) ₃ , most Preferred are -SO ₃ ^- M ⁺ and -CO ₂ ^- M ⁺ , wherein R ³ is an alkyl chain containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, M is a cation that makes the bleach assistant soluble, and X is a cation that makes the bleach assistant Bleach has soluble anions. Preferably M is an alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, most preferably sodium and potassium, and X is a halide, hydroxide, methylsulfate or acetate anion.

Amide Substituted Alkyl Peroxyacid Precursors

Amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursor compounds are suitable for use in the present invention and include those of the general formula: or

Wherein R ¹ is an alkyl group with 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R ² is an alkylene group with 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R ⁵ is H or an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and L can be basic on any leaving group. Amide substituted bleach aid compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386.

preformed organic peroxyacids

The organic peroxyacid bleaching system may comprise preformed organic peroxyacids.

A preferred class of organic peroxyacid compounds are amide substituted compounds of the general formula: or

Wherein R ¹ is an alkyl group, aryl group or alkaryl group with 1 to 14 carbon atoms, R ² is an alkylene group, arylene group, and alkarylene group with 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and R ⁵ is H or an alkyl, aryl, or alkaryl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Amide substituted organic peroxyacid compounds of this type are described in EP-A-0170386.

Other organic peroxyacids include diacyl and tetraacyl peroxides, especially diperoxydodecanedioic acid, diperoxytetradecanedioic acid and diperoxycetadedioic acid. Mono- and diperazelaic acid, mono- and diperoxytridecanedioic acid, and N-phthalamidopercaproic acid are also suitable for use in the present invention.

enzyme

Another preferred optional ingredient suitable for use in the compositions described herein is one or more additional enzymes.

Preferred additional enzyme materials include commercially available lipases, cutinases, amylases, neutral and alkaline proteases, esterases, cellulases, pectinases, lactases and peroxidases commonly incorporated into compositions. enzymes. Suitable enzymes are disclosed in US 3 519 570 and 3 533 139.

Preferred commercially available proteases include those sold under the tradenames Alcalase, Savinase, Primase, Durazym, and Esperase by Novo Industries A/S (Denmark), those sold under the tradenames Maxatase, Maxacal, and Maxapem by GistBrocades, those sold by Genencor International, and those sold by Solvay Enzymes under the trade names Opticlean and Optimase. Proteases may be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention at levels ranging from 0.0001 to 4% active enzyme by weight of the composition.

Preferred amylases include, for example, alpha-amylases obtained from strains of Bacillus licheniformis (Blicheniformis), described in detail in GB1 269 839 (Novo). Preferred commercially available amylases include, for example, those sold under the tradename Rapidase by GistBrocades, and those sold under the tradename Termamyl and BAN by Novo Industries A/S. Amylases may be incorporated in the compositions of the present invention at levels of 0.0001 to 2% active enzyme by weight of the composition.

The lipolytic enzyme may be present in an amount of 0.0001 to 10% by weight of the granule, preferably 0.001 to 3% by weight of the composition, most preferably 0.001 to 0.5% by weight of the composition.

The lipase may be of fungal or bacterial origin, for example from a lipase-producing strain of Humicola spp., Thermomyces spp. or Pseudomonas spp., including Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes or Pseudomonas fluorescens. Lipases from chemically modified or genetically modified mutants of these strains are also suitable for use in the present invention. A preferred lipase is derived from Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, described in EP-B-0218272.

Another preferred lipase according to the invention is obtained by cloning the gene from Humicola lanuginosa and expressing it in Aspergillus oryzae as a host, as described in EP-A-0258 068, commercially available under the tradename Lipolase from Novo Industri A/S , Bagsvaerd, Denmark. This lipase is also described in US4810414, published March 7, 1989 (Huge-Jensen et al.).

Antifoam system

The composition may comprise a suds suppressing system present in an amount of less than 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.001 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 8% by weight, most preferably from 0.05 to 5% (Heavy). Preferably, the suds suppressor is soap, paraffin, wax, or any combination thereof. If the suds suppressor is a suds suppressing silicone, the detergent composition preferably comprises from 0.005 to 0.5% by weight of the suds suppressing silicone.

Foam suppressing systems suitable for use in the present invention may comprise essentially any known antifoam compound, including, for example, silicone antifoam compounds and 2-alkyl alcanol antifoam compounds.

By antifoaming compound is meant herein any compound or mixture of compounds that acts to inhibit foaming or foaming of a solution of a composition described herein, particularly in the presence of agitation of the solution.

Particularly preferred antifoam compounds for use in the present invention are silicone antifoam compounds, defined herein as any antifoam compound that includes a silicone component. Such silicone antifoam compounds typically also contain a silicon oxide component. The term "silicone" as used herein (commonly used in the industry) includes all types of higher molecular weight polymers containing siloxane units and various types of hydrocarbon groups. Preferred silicone antifoam compounds are siloxanes, especially polydimethylsiloxanes with trimethylsilyl end-blocking units. Preferably, the compositions described herein comprise from 0.005 to 0.5% by weight suds suppressing silicone.

Other suitable antifoam compounds, especially for the liquid components, include monocarboxylic fatty acids and soluble salts thereof. These materials are described in US 2 954 347 (Wayne St. John), published September 27, 1960. The monocarboxylic fatty acids and salts thereof useful as suds suppressors typically have hydrocarbyl chains of 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Suitable salts include alkali metal salts such as sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.

Other suitable antifoam compounds include, for example, high molecular weight fatty esters (such as fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, aliphatic C ₁₈ -C ₄₀ ketones (such as stearyl ketone), N-alkylated amino triglycerides, Azines such as tri- or hexa-alkylmelamines or di- to tetraalkyldiamine chlorotriazines formed as reaction products of cyanuric chloride with 2 or 3 moles of primary or secondary amines containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, Propylene oxide, distearamide and monostearyl dialkali metal (eg sodium, potassium, lithium) phosphates and esters.

Preferred suds suppressing systems (especially for inclusion in the solid component) include:

(a) An antifoam compound, preferably a silicone antifoam compound, most preferably a silicone antifoam compound comprising a combination of:

(i) polydimethylsiloxane comprising 50 to 99% of the silicone antifoam compound,

Preferably 75 to 95% by weight; and

(ii) silicon oxide from 1 to 50%, preferably from 5 to 25% by weight of the antifoam compound;

Wherein the silicon oxide/organic silicon antifoaming compound is incorporated in an amount of less than 5%, preferably

0.01 to 5%, more preferably 0.05 to 4%, even more preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight;

(b) A dispersant compound, most preferably comprising a silicone glycol rake copolymer with a polyoxyalkylene content of 72-78% and a ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide of 1:0.9 to 1 : 1.1, the content is less than 5%, preferably 0.01 to 5%, more preferably 0.05 to 4%, even more preferably 0.1 to 3% (weight); particularly preferred such silicone glycol diagonal copolymer is DCO544, Available from DOW Corning under the trade designation DCO544;

(c) an inert carrier fluid compound, most preferably comprising a C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ ethoxylated alcohol with a degree of ethoxylation of 5 to 50, preferably 8 to 15, in an amount of less than 5%, preferably 0.01 to 5%, more Preferably 0.05 to 4%, even more preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight.

A highly preferred granular antifoam system is described in EP-A-0210731, comprising a silicone antifoam compound and an organic carrier material having a melting point in the range of 50 to 85° C., wherein the organic carrier material comprises glycerol and 12 to 20 A monoester of a fatty acid with a carbon chain of carbon atoms. EP-A-0210721 discloses other preferred granular suds suppressor systems in which the organic carrier material is a fatty acid or alcohol or a mixture thereof having a carbon chain of 12 to 20 carbon atoms having a melting point of 45 to 80°C.

Polymeric Dye Transfer Inhibitors

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise from 0.01 to 10%, preferably from 0.05 to 0.5%, by weight, of a polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agent. These polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents are in addition to the polymeric material of the water soluble film.

The polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agent is preferably selected from polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers or combinations thereof.

a) Polyamine N-oxide polymers

Polyamine N-oxide polymers suitable for use in the present invention have the following structural formula:

where P is a polymerizable unit, and

x为0或1；A is

x is 0 or 1;

R is an aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, or cycloaliphatic group, or any combination thereof, to which the nitrogen of the N-O group may be attached or to which the nitrogen of the N-O group is part.

The NO group can be represented by the following structure: or

wherein R1, R2 and R3 are aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof, x and/or y and/or z are 0 or 1, wherein the nitrogen of the N-O group can be attached to it Alternatively the nitrogen of said N-O group forms part of these groups. The N-O group may be part of the polymerizable unit (P) or may be attached to the polymer backbone or a combination of both.

Suitable polyamine N-oxides in which the N-O group forms part of the polymerisable unit include polyamine N-oxides in which R is selected from aliphatic, aromatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic groups. One class of said polyamine N-oxides includes those wherein the nitrogen of the N-O group forms part of the R group. Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine, quinoline, acridine and derivatives thereof.

Other suitable polyamine N-oxides are polyamine oxides in which the N-O group is attached to the polymerisable unit. A preferred class of polyamine N-oxides includes polyamine N-oxides of general formula (I) wherein R is aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic and the nitrogen of the N-O functional group is part of the R group thing. Examples of these classes are amine polyoxides wherein R is a heterocyclic compound such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole and derivatives thereof.

The polyamine N-oxides can be obtained in virtually any degree of polymerization. The degree of polymerization is not limited as long as the material has the required water solubility and dye-suspending power. Typically, the average molecular weight is in the range of 500 to 1000 000.

b) Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole

Suitable for use in the present invention are copolymers of N-vinylimidazole and N-vinylpyrrolidone having an average molecular weight in the range from 5 000 to 50 000. Preferred copolymers have a molar ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone of 1 to 0.2.

c) Polyvinylpyrrolidone

The compositions described herein may also employ polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP") having an average molecular weight of 2,500 to 400,000. Applicable polyvinylpyrrolidone is based on the product names PVPK-15 (viscosity molecular weight 10 000), PVP K-30 (average molecular weight 40 000), PVP K-60 (average molecular weight 160 000), and PVP K-90 (average molecular weight 360 000) from ISP Corporation, New York, NY and Montreal, Canada. PVP K-15 is also commercially available from ISP Corporation. Other suitable polyvinylpyrrolidones commercially available from BASF Co-operation include Sokalan HP 165 and Sokalan HP 12.

d) Polyvinyloxazolidinone

The compositions described herein may also employ polyvinyl oxazolidone as a polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agent. The polyvinyloxazolidinone has an average molecular weight of 2,500 to 400,000.

e) Polyvinylimidazole

The compositions described herein may also employ polyvinylimidazole as a polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agent. The polyvinylimidazole preferably has an average molecular weight of 2 500 to 400 000.

Fluorescent whitening agent

The compositions of the present invention may also optionally contain from about 0.005 to 5% by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners.

Hydrophilic fluorescent whitening agents suitable for use in the present invention include those of the following structural formula:

Wherein R ₁ is selected from anilino, N-2-two-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R ₂ is selected from N-2-two-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N- Methylamino, morpholino, chloro and amino; M is a salt-forming cation such as sodium or potassium.

In the above formula, when R ₁ is anilino, R ₂ is N-2-di-hydroxyethyl and M is a cation such as sodium, the whitening agent is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6- (N-2-Di-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazin-2-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbene disulphonic acid and disodium salt. Such brighteners are sold under the tradename Tinopal-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. Tinopal-UNPA-GX is a preferred hydrophilic optical brightener for use in the compositions of the present invention.

In the above formula, when R ₁ is anilino, R ₂ is N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2-methylamino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4- Anilino-6-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)-s-triazin-2-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbene disulphonic acid disodium salt. Such brighteners are sold under the tradename Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation.

In the above formula, when R ₁ is an anilino group, R ₂ is a morpholino group and M is a cation such as sodium, the whitening agent is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-s- Triazin-2-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbene disulfonic acid sodium salt. Such brighteners are sold under the tradename Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation.

Cationic Fabric Softener

Cationic fabric softeners are preferably present in the compositions described herein. Suitable cationic fabric softeners include water insoluble tertiary amine or bis long chain amide materials such as those disclosed in GB-A-1 514 276 and EP-B-0 011 340. Preferably these water insoluble tertiary amine or bis long chain amide materials are included in the solid component of the composition.

The total incorporation of cationic fabric softeners is typically from 0.5 to 15% by weight, usually from 1 to 5% by weight.

other optional ingredients

Other optional ingredients suitable for inclusion in the compositions of the present invention include fragrances, colorants and filler salts, sodium sulfate being the preferred filler salt.

laundry method

Preferably the multi-compartment bag is allowed to dissolve or disintegrate in water to deliver both solid and liquid detergent ingredients to the wash cycle. Typically, multi-compartment bags are added to the ingredient drawer or drum of an automatic washing machine.

Preferably the multi-compartment bag contains all the detergent ingredients of the detergent composition for washing. It may however be preferred that certain detergent ingredients are added separately to the wash cycle not contained in the multi-compartment bag. In addition, one or more detergent compositions other than the detergent composition contained in the multi-compartment bag may be used during laundering, whereby the detergent composition contained in the multi-compartment bag is laundered here Used as preprocessing, main processing, postprocessing, or a combination thereof in a process.

Example

Example I

A piece of plastic is placed in the mold to act as a false bottom. The mold consists of a cylinder with a diameter of 45 mm and a depth of 25 mm. There is a 1 mm thick layer of rubber around the edge of the mold. The material of the mold has holes in it to which a vacuum can be applied. The false bottom is placed at a mold depth of 12mm. A piece of Chris-Craft M-8630 film was placed over the mold and held in place. Applying a vacuum draws the membrane into the mold, bringing the membrane flush with the inner surface of the mold and the false bottom. 5 ml of the liquid components of the detergent composition are poured into the mold. A second piece of Chris-Craft M-8630 film was then placed on top of the mold with the liquid composition by applying an annular flat metal piece with an inner diameter of 46 mm on a rubber ring at the edge of the mold and heating the metal under moderate pressure. The two sheets of film are heat sealed together to the first sheet of film to form a compartment containing the liquid component. Typically the metal ring is heated to 135-150°C and contacted for a maximum of 5 seconds.

The compartment containing the liquid component is removed from the mould, and the plastic sheet serving as a false bottom is removed from the mould. A third piece of Chris-Craft M-8630 film was placed on top of the mold and held in place. Applying a vacuum draws the film into the mold so that it is flush with the inner surface of the mold. 40 g of the solid components of the detergent composition are poured into the mold. The compartment containing the liquid component is then placed on top of the mold with the solid component and the said membrane is heated by applying an annular flat metal sheet with an inner diameter of 46 mm on a rubber ring at the edge of the mold and heating the metal under moderate pressure. Sealed together with the third sheet of film to form a bag comprising two compartments, wherein the first compartment contains the liquid component of the detergent composition and the second compartment contains the solid component of the detergent composition. Typically the metal ring is heated to 135-150°C and contacted for a maximum of 5 seconds.

Example II

Bags containing the following liquid and solid components were prepared by the method described in Example I.

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Liquid Components (Based on Weight of Liquid Components)

Non-ionic surfactant 74%

Solvent 12%

Spices 7%

Water 2%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Solid Components (Based on Weight of Solid Components)

Bleach 26%

Chelating agent 0.8%

Enzymes 6%

Carbonate 12%

Foam inhibitor 1%

Sodium carbonate 6%

Brightener 0.5%

Zeolite 40%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Example III

Bags containing the following liquid and solid components were prepared by the method described in Example I.

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Liquid Components (Based on Weight of Liquid Components)

Non-ionic surfactant 69%

Solvent 9%

Spices 10%

Water 3%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Solid Components (Based on Weight of Solid Components)

Carbonate 6%

Chelating agent 12%

Enzyme 30%

Foam inhibitor 1%

Sodium carbonate 6%

Brightener 3%

Zeolite 40%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Example IV

Bags containing the following liquid and solid components were prepared by the method described in Example I.

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Liquid Components (Based on Weight of Liquid Components)

Non-ionic surfactant 69%

Solvent 9%

Spices 10%

Water 3%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Solid Components (Based on Weight of Solid Components)

Anionic surfactant 1.5%

Cationic surfactant 1.5%

Bleach 36%

Chelating agent 2%

Enzyme 10%

Antifoam 1%

Sodium Carbonate 6%

Brightener 3%

Zeolite 23.5%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Example V

Bags containing the following liquid and solid components were prepared by the method described in Example I.

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Liquid Components (Based on Weight of Liquid Components)

Non-ionic surfactant (neodol 23-5) 57%

Anionic Surfactant (HLAS) 20%

Monoethanolamine 8%

Solvent (propylene glycol) 9%

Spices 10%

Water 3%

Minor ingredients up to 100%

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Solid Components (Based on Weight of Solid Components)

Anionic surfactant 20%

Cationic Surfactant 1.5%

Bleach 36%

Chelating agent 2%

Enzyme 10%

Foam inhibitor 1%

Sodium Carbonate 6%

Brightener 3%

Zeolite 20%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Example VI

Bags containing the following liquid and solid components were prepared by the method described in Example I.

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Liquid Components (Based on Weight of Liquid Components)

Nonionic surfactant (neodol 23-5) 55%

Anionic Surfactant ¹ 20%

Monoethanolamine 8%

Dirt Dispersant ² 2%

Solvent (propylene glycol) 9%

Spices 10%

Water 3%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

Detergent Ingredient Amount of Solid Components (Based on Weight of Solid Components)

Anionic surfactant 20%

Bleach 36%

Chelating agent 2%

Enzyme 10%

Foam inhibitor 1%

Sodium Carbonate 6%

Brightener 3%

Zeolite 20%

Trace ingredients up to 100%

¹ linear C ₁₁ -C ₁₃ alkylbenzene sulfonic acid

² (bis((C ₂ H ₅ O)(C ₂ H ₄ O) _n )(CH ₃ )-N ⁺ -C _X H _2x -N ⁺ -(CH ₃ )-bis((C ₂ H ₅ O) (C ₂ H ₄ O) _n ), wherein n=15-30, x=3-8.

Claims (7)

1. A multi-compartment bag made of a water-soluble film having at least two compartments, said multi-compartment bag comprising a composition comprising a solid component and a liquid component, wherein: (a) the first compartment comprises a liquid component comprising at least 50% surfactant, based on the weight of the liquid component; and (b) The second compartment comprises a solid component. 2. The multi-compartment bag of claim 1, wherein the water soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer. 3. A multi-compartment bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid component comprises a solvent. 4. The multi-compartment bag of any preceding claim, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof. 5. A multi-compartment bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the solid component comprises ingredients selected from the group consisting of builders, sequestrants, bleaches, bleach aids, enzymes, brighteners, suds suppressors and dyes. 6. A multi-compartment bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid component comprises at least 70% surfactant. 7. A multi-compartment bag according to any preceding claim, wherein the surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant.