WO2025045966A1

WO2025045966A1 - Solid laundry composition

Info

Publication number: WO2025045966A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/074108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Panchanan BHUNIA; Shubhangi CHAITANYA; Anshul Gupta; Sujitkumar Suresh Hibare; Subhajit MANNA; Ashima Sharma; Narayanan Subrahmaniam
Original assignee: Unilever Ip Holdings B.V.; Unilever Global Ip Limited; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2023-08-30
Filing date: 2024-08-29
Publication date: 2025-03-06
Also published as: WO2025045964A1; WO2025045963A1; WO2025045962A1; WO2025045965A1; WO2025045967A1; WO2025045968A1; WO2025045969A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to the solid laundry detergent composition. The invention particularly relates to solid free flowing particulate laundry detergent composition having a low pH profile. It is therefore desired to provide a solid free flowing laundry detergent composition which has a pH ranging from 6.5 to 9 and which delivers good foam performance and fabric care performance. The present invention addresses this need by incorporating a combination of a specific low pH spray dried detergent particle and a specific cleaning ingredient in a solid detergent composition.

Description

SOLID LAUNDRY COMPOSITION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a solid laundry detergent composition. The invention particularly relates to a solid, free flowing, particulate laundry detergent composition having a low pH profile.

Background of the Invention

Solid laundry detergent composition typically has an alkaline pH. This alkaline pH profile ensures good cleaning performance by saponification of grease and cleaning by the mechanism of swelling the fibers of fabric. However, the alkaline pH range may cause fading of some fabric dyes over multiple laundry cycles.

In addition to fading of fabric colour, the alkaline detergent composition is likely to irritate the skin when traces of the composition remain on the clothing after rinse. Other concerns which additionally need to be addressed while formulating the solid laundry detergent composition with high pH profile include improving the fabric care benefits, fabric appearance performance and/or fabric shape retention performance.

It is known to address these concerns of detergent composition with high pH profile, by lowering the pH of the composition which offer the advantage of being less harsh to skin and reduces color fading. It is known in the art to formulate the solid detergent composition at a lower pH and then to balance the formulation with specific ingredients to provide good cleaning performance.

One such document is EP 3301158 A1 (P&G, 2018) which discloses a solid free flowing particulate laundry detergent composition having a pH ranging from 6.5 to 8 and where the composition includes alkoxylated polyalkyleneimine and a base detergent particle having 1 wt.% to 10 wt.% organic acid and an anionic surfactant.

One concern with solid laundry detergent composition having a low pH base detergent particle comprising an organic acid, is the deliquescent nature of organic acid particularly citric acid.

The deliquescent nature of citric acid particularly when added in an amount ranging from 1 wt.% to 10 wt.% was found to be detrimental to the physical stability of the product containing the citric acid, particularly in hot and humid conditions which are common in most parts of the world. By deliquescent it is meant that citric acid forms a hydrate from moisture and then proceeds to dissolve in its own water of hydration. In granular detergent composition, presence of citric acid may result in lumpy, cakey, and poor flowability of the composition.

Consumers correlate the foaming attributes, such as speed of foaming, stability of foam in the aqueous liquor, the nature of the foam to the strength and the detergency of the laundry composition. Consumers tend to add the detergent composition to the wash liquor until the optimum level of foaming is observed. Thus, foaming is a vital consumer cue. In general, detergent composition having a low pH spray-dried particle has been noticed to have lowered foaming which may then lead to consumers overdosing the composition. Thus, it is desired that the low pH composition must have desired foaming in the wash liquor.

One way to address this issue is to add the commonly available method which is to increase the level of surfactant. However, addition of the surfactants needs additional wash cycles to remove the foam. This, in turn increases the fabric damage over repeated wash cycles.

It is therefore desired to provide desired levels of the foam in the wash cycle without causing fabric damage using targeted foaming ingredients.

It is further desired to provide a solid free flowing laundry detergent composition which has a pH ranging from 6 to 9 and which provides good stain removal performance in shorter wash cycles and thereby delivers good fabric care performance.

It is also desired to provide a solid laundry composition which has a low pH spray dried detergent particle that delivers good powder properties and storage properties over long periods without caking.

It is also desired to provide a solid laundry composition which a low pH spray dried detergent particle that delivers good powder anti-redeposition benefits, has good dissolution profile and good foam performance.

Another requirement is to provide a solid laundry detergent composition which is biodegradable, and which exhibits improved cleaning performance. Summary of the Invention

The present invention addresses this need by incorporating a combination of a specific low pH spray dried detergent particle and specific foaming ingredient in a solid detergent composition to provide desired foaming performance and which is quickly removed during the rinse cycle. The specific low pH spray dried detergent particle comprises (i) organic carboxylic acid, or (ii) a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal; (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof.

The present inventors have found that the solid detergent composition according to the first aspect has a pH ranging from 6 to 9 and achieves the desired foaming performance in the wash liquor, and which is quickly removed during the rinse cycle along with delivering good fabric care performance. The solid laundry composition having the low pH spray-dried detergent particle and specific foaming ingredient provides good powder properties and storage properties over long periods without caking. The composition also has good anti-redeposition benefits, has good dissolution profile, and good foam performance.

The foaming performance refers to the properties of foam character in washing and rinsing solutions formed with a detergent composition. The foaming performance of a detergent composition includes but is not limited to the speed of foam generation upon dissolving the detergent composition, the volume, the appearance, and retention of foam in the washing cycle and the ease of rinsing the foam away in the rinsing cycle.

According to a first aspect of the present invention disclosed is a solid laundry composition comprising:

(i) a spray-dried detergent particle comprising (i) an organic carboxylic acid, or (ii) a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal; (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof where the spray dried detergent particle has an equilibrium pH of 4 or more when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in deionized water at 25°C; and,

(ii) alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient. Preferably the solid laundry composition has an equilibrium pH ranging from 6 to 9 when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in deionized water at 25°C.

Detailed Description of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, the solid detergent composition includes a low pH spray-dried detergent particle and an alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient.

Spray-dried detergent particle

According to the first aspect of the present invention the solid laundry composition includes a low pH spray-dried detergent particle which has an (i) organic carboxylic acid, or (ii) a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof.

The spray dried detergent particle preferably has a pH of 4 or more, more preferably a pH ranging from 4 to 8.5, still preferably 6 to 8.5, more preferably above 7, still preferably from 7 to 8.5 when measured using a 1 wt.% solution with distilled water at 25°C. The spray-dried detergent particle is generally referred to as base powder. This base powder is mixed with other post dosed ingredients to form the fully formulated solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a bulk density of less than 550g/L. Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a weight average particle size ranging from 300 micrometres to 600 micrometres.

Preferably, the solid laundry composition according to the present invention includes comprises from 20 wt.% to 90 wt.% spray-dried detergent particle, still preferably from 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% spray-dried detergent particle, more preferably from 20 wt.% to 60 wt.% spray-dried detergent particle. Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises at least 30 wt.%, at least 35 wt.%, still preferably at least 40 wt.%, still preferably at least 45 wt.%, most preferably at least 50 wt.% of spray-dried detergent particle, but typically not more than 75 wt.%, still preferably not more than 70 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 68 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 65 wt.% and most preferably not more than 60 wt.%, spray-dried detergent particle based on the weight of the solid laundry detergent composition. Organic carboxylic acid:

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has an organic carboxylic acid. Preferably the organic carboxylic acid is a monomeric organic carboxylic acid, still preferably a monomeric organic polycarboxylic acid. Suitable examples of the organic carboxylic acid include but is not limited to formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, caprylic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, chloroacetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, glyoxylic acid, acetoacetic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, adipic acid, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, phenylalanine, nicotinic acid, picolinic acid, fumaric acid, benzoic acid, succinic acid and glycolic acid. Preferably, the organic carboxylic acid is selected from the group citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the organic carboxylic acid is citric acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid. Most preferably organic carboxylic acid is citric acid. The organic acid may be at least partially coated, or even completely coated, by a water- dispersible material. Water-dispersible material also typically includes water-soluble material. A suitable water-dispersible material is wax. A suitable water-soluble material is citrate.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes a mixture of organic carboxylic acid and silica. Preferably the silica is present in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%, further preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% in the spray-dried detergent particle. The silica may be either performed or generated in-situ.

Salt of organic carboxylic acid

Preferably the salt of organic carboxylic acid is a salt of monomeric organic carboxylic acid, still preferably a monomeric organic polycarboxylic acid. The organic carboxylic acid includes those mentioned hereinabove.

Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt is an organic carboxylic acid salt of an alkaline earth metal. Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal includes one or more of alkaline earth metal salt of organic carboxylic acid, di-alkaline earth metal salt of organic carboxylic acid, tri alkaline earth metal salt of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof. Preferably the alkaline earth metal is magnesium. Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal is a citric acid salt of magnesium, preferably comprising one or more of magnesium citrate, magnesium dicitrate, magnesium tricitrate and mixtures thereof. Preferably in addition to the organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, the spray-dried particle may additionally include any one of the ingredient selected from the group consisting of hydroxide of alkaline earth metal, silicate salt of alkaline earth metal, disilicate salt of alkaline earth metal, silica, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the silicate salt of the alkaline earth metal and/or the disilicate salt of the alkaline earth metal is in amorphous form. Most preferably the organic carboxylic acid is citric acid.

Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal in the spray-dried detergent particle ranges from 0.2 wt.% to 6 wt.%. Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal in the spray-dried detergent particle is not less than 0.25 wt.%, still preferably not less than 1 wt.%, more preferably not less than 1.5 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2 wt.%, but typically not more than 5 wt.%, preferably not more than 4 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3 wt.%

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes: (i) from 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% detersive surfactant; preferably anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0.2 wt.% to 6 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal; (iii) preferably from 2 wt.% to 20 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal; (iv) preferably from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% silicate and/or disilicate salt of alkaline earth metal; (v) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% alkaline earth metal salt, preferably hydroxide of alkaline earth metal; (vi) preferably 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% filler; and, (vii) preferably from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture content.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes a mixture of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal and organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal. Preferably the amount of the acid salt of alkali metal in the spray-dried detergent particle is not less than 2.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 3.5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 5, still more preferably not less than 5.5 wt.%, furthermore preferably not less than 8 wt.%, but typically not more than 18 wt.%, preferably not more than 15 wt.% or still preferably not more than 12 wt.%, more preferably not more than 10 wt.%.

Preferably the amount of detersive surfactant in the spray-dried detergent particle is not less than 3 wt.%, still preferably not less than 5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 8 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 10 wt.%, but typically not more than 40 wt.%, preferably not more than 35 wt.% or still preferably not more than 30 wt.%. Preferably the amount of silicate salt and/or disilicate salt of alkaline earth metal in the spray- dried detergent particle is not less than 0.1 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.2 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.3 wt.%, but typically not more than 3.8 wt.%, preferably not more than 3 wt.% or still preferably not more than 2.5 wt.%.

Preferably the amount of alkaline earth metal salt, more preferably the hydroxide of alkaline earth metal salt in the spray-dried detergent particle is not less than 0.1 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.2 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.3 wt.%, but typically not more than 1.8 wt.%, preferably not more than 1.7 wt.% or still preferably not more than 1.65 wt.%.

Organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt is an organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium. Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium is aluminium citrate and preferably the aluminium citrate includes one or more of aluminium mono-citrate, aluminium dicitrate, aluminium tricitrate and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the organic carboxylic acid is selected from the group citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the organic carboxylic acid is citric acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid. Most preferably organic carboxylic acid is citric acid.

Preferably in addition to the organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminum, the spray-dried particle may additionally include any one of the ingredient selected from the group consisting of alkali metal aluminosilicate, alkali metal silicate, aluminium hydroxide, alkali metal salt of organic carboxylic acid, silica, or mixtures thereof. Most preferably the organic carboxylic acid is citric acid.

Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminum in the spray-dried detergent particle ranges from 0.4 wt.% to 10 wt.%. Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of salt of aluminum in the spray-dried detergent particle is not less than 0.45 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.6 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.8 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 1 wt.%, but typically not more than 9.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 8 wt.% or still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, further preferably not more than 7 wt.%, most preferably not more than 6.5 wt.%. Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes: (i) from 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% detersive surfactant; preferably anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% of one or more of organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof; (iii) preferably from 2 wt.% to 12 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal; (iv) preferably from 0.75 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% silica; (v) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% silicate salt of alkali metal; (vi) preferably from 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% aluminium hydroxide; (vii) preferably 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% filler; and, (viii) preferably from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture content.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes: (i) from 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% detersive surfactant; preferably anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0.4 wt.% to 10 wt.% of one or more of organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof; (iii) preferably from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal; (iv) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% silicate salt of alkali metal; (v) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% aluminium hydroxide; (vii) preferably 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% filler; and, (viii) preferably from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture content.

Preferably the amount of silicate salt of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 0.1 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.2 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.25 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.3 wt.%, but typically not more than 2 wt.%, preferably not more than 1.5 wt.% or still preferably not more than 1 wt.%. Preferably the spray dried detergent particle does not include alkali metal salt of silicate.

Preferably the amount of aluminium hydroxide in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 0.01 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.04 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.06 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 1 wt.%, but typically not more than 0.8 wt.%, preferably not more than 0.7 wt.% or still preferably not more than 0.6 wt.%.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes a mixture of organic carboxylic acid of aluminum and organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal. The amount of organic carboxylic acid of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 2.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 3 wt.%, more preferably not less than 3.2, still more preferably not less than 3.5 wt.%, but typically not more than 11.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 11 wt.% or still preferably not more than 10.5 wt.%, more preferably not more than 10.3 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 10 wt.%. Preferably the amount of one or more of the organic carboxylic acid salts of aluminium, aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 0.45 wt.%, still preferably not less than 1 wt.%, more preferably not less than 1.5 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2 wt.%, but typically not more than 9.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 9 wt.% or still preferably not more than 8.5 wt.%.

Aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid: Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt is an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid.

Preferably in addition to the aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, the spray-dried particle may additionally include any one of the ingredient selected from the group consisting of organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, alkali metal aluminosilicate, alkali metal silicate, aluminium hydroxide, alkali metal salt of organic carboxylic acid, silica, or mixtures thereof. Most preferably the organic carboxylic acid is citric acid.

Preferably the amount of aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid in the spray-dried detergent particle ranges from 0.4 wt.% to 10 wt.%. Preferably the amount of aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid in the spray-dried detergent particle is not less than 0.45 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.6 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.8 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 1 wt.%, but typically not more than 9.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 8 wt.% or still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, further preferably not more than 7 wt.%, most preferably not more than 6.5 wt.%.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes: (i) from 3 wt.% to 50 wt.% detersive surfactant; preferably anionic detersive surfactant; (ii) from 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% of one or more of organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof; (iii) preferably from 2 wt.% to 12 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal; (iv) preferably from 0.75 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% silica; (v) preferably from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% silicate salt of alkali metal; (vi) preferably from 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% aluminium hydroxide; (vii) preferably 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% filler; and, (viii) preferably from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture content.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes a mixture of aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid and organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal. The amount of organic carboxylic acid of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 2.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 3 wt.%, more preferably not less than 3.2, still more preferably not less than 3.5 wt.%, but typically not more than 11.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 11 wt.% or still preferably not more than 10.5 wt.%, more preferably not more than 10.3 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 10 wt.%.

Preferably the amount of one or more of the organic carboxylic acid salts of aluminium, aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 0.45 wt.%, still preferably not less than 1 wt.%, more preferably not less than 1.5 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2 wt.%, but typically not more than 9.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 9 wt.% or still preferably not more than 8.5 wt.%.

Organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal: Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt is an organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal. Preferably the organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of mono alkali metal, dialkali metal, tri alkali metal salt of organic carboxylic acid salt or mixtures thereof. Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes a combination of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and an organic carboxylic acid. More preferably the organic acid salt of alkali metal is present in combination a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid and mixtures thereof. Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes a combination of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and silica.

Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle ranges from 0.1 wt.% to 12 wt.% organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal. Preferably the amount of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 2.5 wt.%, still preferably not less than 3.5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 5, still more preferably not less than 5.5 wt.%, furthermore preferably not less than 6 wt.%, but typically not more than 11.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 11 wt.% or still preferably not 5 more than 10 wt.%, more preferably not more than 8 wt.%.

Preferably the amount of detersive surfactant in the spray dried detergent particle is not less than 3 wt.%, still preferably not less than 5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 8 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 10 wt.%, but typically not more than 45 wt.%, preferably not more than 40 wt.% or still preferably not more than 30 wt.%.

Preferably the amount of moisture content present in the spray-dried particle is from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%. Preferably the amount of moisture content present in the spray-dried particle is not less than 2 wt.%, still preferably not less than 2.25 wt.%, more preferably not less than 2.5 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2.75 wt.%, but typically not more than 3.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 3.25 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3.0 wt.%.

Preferably the filler is present in an amount ranging from 25 wt.% to 88 wt.% in the spray-dried detergent particle. Preferably the amount of filler is not less than 26 wt.%, still preferably not less than 30 wt.%, more preferably not less than 32 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 35 wt.%, but typically not more than 87 wt.%, preferably not more than 75 wt.% or still preferably not more than 65 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 50 wt.%. The filler acts as a balancing ingredient and can be a neutral inorganic salt or mineral, preferably sodium sulphate or sodium chloride. In one preferred embodiment, the filler is sodium chloride. In another preferred embodiment the filler is a mixture of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate. Additionally, one or more of optional ingredients may be present in the spray-dried detergent 5 particle. The optional ingredients may include but it not limited to polymer, hydrotropes, optical brighteners which is preferably selected from fluorescers, colorants, shading dye, pigments, or mixtures thereof and antifoam.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle includes silica. Preferably the silica is present in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%, further preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% in the spray-dried detergent particle. The silica may be either performed or generated in-situ. Preferably the spray- dried detergent particle has a mixture of organic carboxylic acid and silica, preferably in-situ formed silica. Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a mixture of a salt of organic carboxylic acid according to the present invention and silica, preferably in-situ formed silica. More preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has a salt of organic carboxylic acid which is a combination of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and any one or more of the (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium and (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% alkali metal silicate, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% alkali metal silicate.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% carbonate builder, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% carbonate builder. Examples of the carbonate builder salt includes alkaline earth metal and alkali metal carbonates or mixtures thereof. Typically, the alkali metal carbonates are sodium and/or potassium carbonate of which sodium carbonate is mostly preferred. Alkali metal carbonate according to the invention refers to carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates or mixtures thereof.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% inorganic phosphate builder, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% inorganic phosphate builder.

Examples of inorganic phosphate builder includes sodium orthophosphate, pyrophosphate and tripolyphosphate.

Optionally, the spray-dried detergent particle includes from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% polymer, still more preferably from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, still more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 4 wt.% polymer by weight of the spray dried detergent particle. Preferably the polymer is a carboxylate polymer. Still preferably a polyacrylate polymer, still preferably a copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid. The spray dried detergent particle may include further polymer selected from antiredeposition polymer, soil release polymer, structuring polymer or mixtures thereof.

Preferably the polymer is a polymeric carboxylate, preferably polyacrylate or a copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid. However other polymers may also be suitable such as polyamines (including the ethoxylated variants thereof), polyethylene glycol and polyesters. Polymeric soil suspending aids and polymeric soil release agents are particularly suitable. Preferably the antiredeposition agents are sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose.

Preferably the spray-dried detergent particle has less than 2 wt.% zeolite builder, still preferably less than 1 wt.%, further preferably 0 wt.% zeolite builder by weight of the spray dried detergent particle. Examples of the zeolite builder includes zeolite A, zeolite 4A, aluminium zeolite P (zeolite MAP) described and claimed in EP 384 070A (Unilever). Zeolite MAP is an alkali metal aluminosilicate of the P type having a silicon 10 to aluminium ratio not exceeding 1.33, preferably not exceeding 1.15, and more preferably not exceeding 1.07.

The spray dried detergent particle may be optionally contacted with a non-ionic surfactant, a fatty acid, or combinations thereof. The non-ionic surfactant and the fatty acid is in liquid form. In addition to the non-ionic surfactant and the fatty acid in liquid form any other liquid laundry ingredient which is not suitable to be added via slurry or tower, may be added by spraying the liquid onto the spray-dried detergent particle.

It is also preferred that the spray-dried detergent particle includes (i) 4 wt.% to 35 wt.% anionic surfactant, preferably alkyl benzene sulphonate (ii) 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite (iii) 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder (iv) 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% alkali metal carbonate, preferably sodium carbonate, (v) from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% sodium silicate (vi) 1 wt.% to 10 wt.% organic acid, preferably citric acid, (vii) from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% magnesium sulphate. It is preferably found that when the spray dried detergent particle includes from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.% silica it provides good powder properties.

Surfactant

The spray-dried detergent particle preferably includes a surfactant. Suitable nonionic and anionic surfactants may be chosen from the surfactants described "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1 , by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, in the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company or in "Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981 or in Anionic Surfactants: Organic Chemistry edited by Helmut W. Stache (Marcel Dekker 1996).

Anionic surfactant

The spray-dried detergent particle preferably includes an anionic surfactant. The anionic surfactant may be sulphonate or sulphate surfactant. Preferably the anionic surfactant may be an alkoxylated surfactant. The sulphonate or sulphate surfactant may be linear or branched.

The anionic surfactant comprises a sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. More preferably the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant has a linear alkyl group comprising from Cw to C22 alkyl group, more preferably from C10 to C18 alkyl group, more preferably from C10 to Cw alkyl group still more preferably from Cw to Cw alkyl group.

Sulphonate surfactant: Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is an alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the alkyl chain in the alkyl benzene sulphonate is straight or branched, more preferably linear. Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate with a Cw to Cw alkyl group, still preferably Cw to C14 alkyl group and most preferably Cw to Cw linear alkyl benzene sulphonate. Preferably the higher linear alkyl benzene sulfonate is a sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS), which preferably has a straight chain alkyl radical of average length of about 11 to 13 carbon atoms. Suitable alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) is obtainable, preferably obtained, by sulphonating commercially available linear alkyl benzene (LAB); suitable LAB includes low 2-phenyl LAB, other suitable LAB includes high 2-phenyl LAB, such as those supplied by Sasol under the tradename Hyblene®.

Preferably Cw to Cw alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), still preferably Cw to C14 alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), still preferably the benzene sulfonate (LAS) has at least 50 wt.% of Cw alkyl benzene sulfonate, still preferably 80 wt.% Cw alkyl benzene sulfonates. The alkyl benzene sulphonate is preferably in the salt form with the cation selected from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or alkanolamine. Preferably alkali metal selected from sodium or potassium, most preferably sodium.

Preferably the laundry detergent composition includes from 1 wt.% to 50 wt.% alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. More preferably the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant is linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant ranges from 1 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still preferably from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.%, more preferably 8 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still more preferably from 10 wt.% to 50 wt.%. Still preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is preferably in an amount ranging from 1 wt.% to 40 wt.%, still preferably from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.%, more preferably 8 wt.% to 40 wt.%, still more preferably from 10 wt.% to 40 wt.%. Preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant in the solid laundry detergent composition is not less than 1 wt.%, still preferably not less than 5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 8 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 10 wt.%, but typically not more than 45 wt.%, preferably not more than 40 wt.% or still preferably not more than 30 wt.%.

Other suitable sulphonate surfactants include methyl ester sulphonates, alpha olefin sulphonates, modified alkylbenzene sulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99/05243, WO 99/05242 and WO 99/05244 and mixtures thereof.

Sulphate surfactant: Suitable sulphate surfactants include alkyl sulphate, preferably Cs to Cis alkyl sulphate, or predominantly C12 to C18 alkyl sulphate. The alkyl sulphate, alkyl alkoxylated sulphate may be linear or branched, substituted or un-substituted. The alkyl sulphate, alkyl alkoxylated sulphate and alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant may be derived from petrochemical material, biomaterial, or a waste material.

Specific sulphated anionic surfactants which can be used in the solid laundry composition of the present invention include sulphated ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated fatty alcohols, preferably linear primary or secondary monohydric alcohols with C10 to C18, preferably C12 to C16, alkyl groups and, if ethoxylated, on average from 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) per mole of alcohol, and sulphated ethoxylated alkylphenols with Cs to C16 alkyl groups, preferably Cs to C9 alkyl groups, and on average from 4 to 12 moles of EO per mole of alkyl phenol. A preferred sulphate detersive surfactant is alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate has an average degree of alkoxylation of from 0.5 to 20, preferably from 0.5 to 10, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate is a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 10, preferably from 0.5 to 5, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 and most preferably from 0.5 to 1.5. Nonlimiting examples of sulphate anionic surfactants useful herein include: Cw to C20 primary, branched chain and random alkyl sulfates (AS); C10 to Cw secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates; Cw to C alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AES) wherein x is from 1-30; mid-chain branched alkyl sulfates as discussed in US 6,020,303 and US 6,060,443; mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates as discussed in US 6,008, 181 and US 6,020,303.

The spray-dried detergent particle according to the invention may preferably include a hydrotrope. Preferably the hydrotrope is an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group. Suitable example of unsubstituted aryl sulphonate includes benzene sulphonate, preferably sodium benzene sulphonate. The term sulphonate include sulphonic acid. The hydrotrope is preferably present in the salt form which includes alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, alkyl amine or ammonium salt of the sulphonic acid. More preferably sodium salt. More preferably the hydrotrope is selected from the group consisting of a salt of benzene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate, cumene sulphonate and mixtures thereof, more preferably the hydrotrope is a sodium cumene sulphonate, sodium toluene sulphonate, sodium xylene sulphonate and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the hydrotrope is sodium cumene sulphonate.

Alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the solid detergent composition includes an alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient.

The alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient has a general formula (I) Ri-(OCH₂CH₂)n-OCH₂-COOX . (I) wherein:

R1 is selected from saturated or mono-unsaturated, linear or branched, Cs to C14 alkyl or alkenyl chain; n has a value in the range from 1 to 20; and, X represent H or a suitable cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, an alkyl ammonium or mixtures thereof. Preferably the alkali metal is sodium.

R1 is either saturated or mono-unsaturated. The mono-unsaturated alkyl group may contain a cis or trans double bond. R1 may be linear or branched, more preferably linear. R1 is selected from Cs to C14 alkyl or alkenyl group. Preferably R1 is a Cs to C14 alkyl chain. Still preferably a Cs to C14 linear alkyl chain. Still more preferably the R1 is a Cs to Ci₂ alkyl chain. More preferably the Ri is a Cs to C linear alkyl chain. The n has a value in the range from 2 to 20, more preferably the average degree of ethoxylation is from 2 to 10.

Preferably the alkyl chain in the alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient has a mol fraction of Cs to C12 chains of at least 50%, preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%.

Preferably Ri is linear Cs to C14 alkyl chain, still preferably Cs to C12 alkyl chain; n has a value in the range from 1 to 20; and, X represent H, or a suitable cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, an alkyl ammonium or mixtures thereof, preferably the alkali metal is sodium.

Preferably the solid detergent composition according to the present invention comprises from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient. Preferably the solid detergent composition comprises at least 0.8 wt.%, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.15 wt.% still more preferably 0.25 wt.% and most preferably at least 0.5 wt.%, but typically not more than 4 w.t%, still preferably not more than 3 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 2 wt.% and most preferably not more than 1 wt.%.

Suitable examples of commercially available alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant include those marketed under the trade name AKYPO® by Kao Chemicals GmbH, Empicol® by Huntsman and Emulsogen® by Clariant. The sodium salt of the alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant is most preferred.

When in the form of an alkyl ether carboxylate salt, a preferred salt is sodium. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials are oleyl alkyl ether (8EO) carboxylic acid, oleyl alkyl ether (10EO) carboxylic acid or laureth-5 carboxylic acid (5EO), and the sodium salts thereof.

When the foaming ingredient is alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant, the alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant may be present in combination with amino acid-based surfactant, amide surfactant, branched alkyl alkoxylated sulphate surfactant and mixtures thereof.

Preferably the amide surfactant has a general formula (II) 0 R

II I¹

r u. - N - 7 " > (Formula II) wherein R² is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl group or alkenyl group having 16 carbon atom or less, preferably R² is a 10 to 14 carbon atom alkyl group or alkenyl group. R¹ and Z are independently selected from H, hydroxy, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl or 2- hydroxyl ethyl and where at least one of R¹ or Z is a 2-hydroxyl ethyl. More preferably the Z group is an alkyl mono hydroxyl group, and/or alkyl dihydroxy group. Preferably the Z group has 2 or less than 2 hydroxy group. More preferably the Z group is an alkyl mono hydroxyl group. A preferred example of the amide based foaming ingredient has the general formula (III)

0 R¹ ii i

R2-C-N-CH₂ CH₂0H . _(lll)

Wherein R²-CO-N< can be cocoamide, lauramide, or mixtures thereof. Non limiting examples of the amide cosurfactant according to the present invention includes cocoamide diethanolamine, cocoamide dimethanolamine, cocoamide monoethanolamine, cocoamide monomethanol amine, cocoamide Ml PA or mixtures thereof. More preferably the amide foaming ingredient according to the present invention includes cocoamide monoethanolamine, cocoamide monomethanol amine, cocoamide MIPA or mixtures thereof.

Preferably the solid detergent composition according to the present invention comprises from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.% amide surfactant. Preferably the solid detergent composition comprises at least 0.25 wt.%, preferably at least 0.3 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.4 wt.% and most preferably at least 0.5 wt.%, but typically not more than 4 w.t%, still preferably not more than 3 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 2 wt.% and most preferably not more than 1 wt.%.

Preferably the amino-acid based surfactant is an anionic N-acyl amino acid surfactant. The amino acid-based surfactant has a general formula (IV)

Formula IV wherein, R is selected from saturated or unsaturated Cs to C14 alkyl group, still preferably Cs to C12, also preferably Cs to C12 alkyl group. Ri is selected from H, Ci to C4 alkyl, R2 is selected from H or all groups on a carbon of natural amino acids, R3 is selected from COOX, CH2 SO3X, where X is a suitable cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, an alkyl ammonium or mixtures thereof more preferably selected from NH₄ ⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺ or K⁺.

Preferably the amino acid-based surfactant is a sarcosinate. The amino acid based anionic foaming ingredient can be a sarcosinate, for instance an acyl sarcosinate. Non-limiting examples of sarcosinates can be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, TEA-cocoyl sarcosinate, ammonium cocoyl sarcosinate, ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate, lauroylsarcosinate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate lauroyl sarcosinate, isopropyl lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate, potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, TEA-cocoyl sarcosinate, TEA-lauroyl sarcosinate, and combinations thereof. Preferably the sarcosinate foaming ingredient is a sodium C to C^alkyl sarcosinate.

Preferably the amino acid-based surfactant is a taurate, for instance an acyl taurate. Also preferred is that the amino acid-based foaming ingredient is a glycinate, for instance an acyl glycinate. Preferably the taurate foaming ingredient is a sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl taurate. Preferably the glycinate foaming ingredient is a sodium methyl cocoyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate.

Preferably the amino acid based surfactant may be based on glutamate, for instance an acyl glutamate. Non-limiting examples of acyl glutamates can be selected from the group consisting of sodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium cocoyl glutamate, ammonium cocoyl glutamate, diammonium cocoyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, disodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, disodium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, dipotassium cocoyl glutamate, potassium lauroyl glutamate, dipotassium lauroyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, dipotassium cocoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein glutamate, sodium capryloyl glutamate, disodium capryloyl glutamate, potassium capryloyl glutamate, dipotassium capryloyl glutamate, disodium hydrogenated tallow glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, disodium myristoyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, dipotassium myristoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl/hydrogenated tallow glutamate, sodium cocoyl/ glutamate, sodium hydrogenated tallowoyl glutamate, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, TEA-hydrogenated tallowoyl glutamate, TEA-lauroyl glutamate, and mixtures thereof. More preferably the acyl glycinates include sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glycinate and combination thereof.

The amino acid based surfactant can be an alaninate, for instance an acyl alaninate. Nonlimiting example of acyl alaninates can include sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium lauroyl alaninate, and combination thereof. More preferably the acyl alaninates include sodium cocoyl alaninate, sodium lauroyl alaninate and combination thereof.

The amount of the amino acid surfactant in the composition is preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.% most preferably 0.5 wt.% to 1 wt.%.

Preferably the composition includes a sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol with a number average degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6. The sulphated ethoxylated C Guerbet alcohol surfactant or surfactants act as a foam boosting component.

Preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol is present in the solid laundry composition in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 3 wt.%, preferably 0.02 wt.% to 3 wt.%, preferably from 0.01 wt.% to 2 wt.%, more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 1.75 wt.% and even more preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% of the composition.

It is preferred that in the solid laundry detergent composition, the preferred level of the Cw sulphated Guerbet alcohol surfactant with a number average degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6 is from 0.01 wt.% to 2 wt.% of the total composition and more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 1.75 wt.% and most preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% of the composition. Preferably the particulate detergent composition according to the present invention comprises at least 0.1 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.45 wt.%, most preferably at least 0.5 wt.%, but typically not more than 1.5 wt.%, still preferably not more than 1 wt.%, most preferably not more than 0.8 wt%.

Guerbet alcohols are known and well-defined p-alkylated dimer alcohols. Specifically, the Cw Guerbet alcohol is also known under the IIIPAC name 2-Propylheptanol. Typically, the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol surfactant with a degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6 is exemplified by formula (I):

wherein 4 represents the degree of ethoxylation but can be an integer in the range of 2.5 to 6.

Preferably, the sulphated ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol foaming ingredient has a degree of ethoxylation in the range of 3 to 6, 3 to 5, or 3 to 4.5. Preferably the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient is selected from the group consisting of sulphated ethoxylated C Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient with a degree of ethoxylation of 3,4 or 5. Preferably, the sulphated ethoxylated C Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient is a mixture of different sulphated ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of sulphated ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol foaming ingredient with a degree of ethoxylation of 3,4 and 5. More preferably the sulphated ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol foaming ingredient has a degree of ethoxylation of 4 or 5. More preferably, the sulphated ethoxylated Cw Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient has a degree of ethoxylation of 4.

Preferably the composition may include two or more sulphated ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol surfactants with a degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6. In other words, the foaming ingredient may comprise two or more sulphated ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol the foaming ingredient, each surfactant having a different degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 6.

In the context of the Guerbet alcohol foaming ingredient used herein, the term “degree of ethoxylation” refers to the number of moles of ethylene oxide reacted with one mole of the Cw Guerbet alcohol to produce the non-ionic ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol foaming ingredient. It should be recognized that a distribution of ethoxylated reaction products is normally obtained during ethoxylation of, for example, alcohols. Typically, the degree of ethoxylation may therefore be designated as the “average degree of ethoxylation”, namely the average number of moles of ethylene oxide unit per mole of ethoxylated product.

The sulphated ethoxylated CwGuerbet alcohol foaming ingredient of the present invention are typically used in their neutralized form, for example as alkali metal salts.

Solid detergent composition The solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect preferably includes from 20 wt.% to 80 wt.% spray-dried detergent particle and a foaming ingredient. The solid detergent composition is a free-flowing particulate composition. The solid detergent composition is preferably a fully formulated composition.

The composition according to the present invention may include further detergent particles which may be made via a variety of conventional methods known in the art and those which includes but is not limited to the mixing of ingredients, including dry-mixing, compaction such as agglomerating, extrusion, tabletting, or spray-drying of the various compounds comprised in the detergent component, or mixtures of these techniques, whereby the components herein also can be made by for example compaction, including extrusion and agglomerating, or spraydrying. The detergent composition may be made by any of the conventional processes, especially preferred is the technique of slurry making and spray drying.

The compositions herein can take a variety of physical solid forms including forms such as powder, particulate, granule, ribbon, noodle, paste, tablet, flake, pastille, and bar, and preferably the composition is in the form of powder, granules, or a tablet, still preferably the composition is in the form of a powder. The composition may be in the form of a unit dose formulation, delayed delivery formulation, detergent contained on or in a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The composition according to the present invention may preferably be in a form selected from powder, unit dose or pouch form, tablet, gel, paste, bar, or flake. Preferably the composition is for manual-washing or machine-washing. Preferably the composition is in the form of a spray -dried powder. The compositions preferably have a density of more than 350 grams/litre, more preferably more than 450 grams/litre or even more than 570 grams/litre. Preferably the composition is in the form of an agglomerate particle having a density of 300 to 1000 g/L, more preferably from 400 to 850 g/L.

Preferably the solid detergent composition includes plurality of chemically different particles that includes but is not limited spray-dried particles, co-granules, agglomerated particles, extruded particles.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder. Preferably the amount of phosphate builder is less than 3 wt.%, still preferably less than 2 wt.%, more preferably less than 1 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of phosphate builder.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 6 wt.% bicarbonate salt, preferably sodium bicarbonate. Preferably the amount of bicarbonate salt is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 2 wt.%, more preferably less than 1 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of bicarbonate salt. Preferably the bicarbonate salt is sodium bicarbonate.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% zeolite builder, more preferably 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite builder. Preferably the amount of zeolite builder is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 3 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of zeolite builder.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% alkali metal silicate, more preferably 0 wt.% to 3 wt.% alkali metal silicate. Preferably the amount of alkali metal silicate is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 3 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of alkali metal silicate.

The term “substantially free” means that the indicated component is at the very minimum, not deliberately added to the composition to form part of it, or, more typically, is not present at analytically detectable levels. It is meant to include compositions whereby the indicated material is present only as an impurity in one of the other materials deliberately included.

Preferably the solid detergent composition according to the present invention has a pH from 6 to 10.5, more preferably 6.5 to 10.5, still more preferably 6.5 to 9, more preferably a pH ranging from 7 to 10.5, still more preferably from 7 to 9, when measured using a 1 wt.% solution with distilled water at 25°C.

Preferred ingredients

The detergent composition of the present invention may preferably include one or more of the optional ingredients selected from the group consisting of cleaning and care ingredients. The optional ingredients include one or more adjunct cleaning additives selected from polymers, enzymes, enzyme stabilizer, brightening agents, hueing agent, bleach, chelating agent, humectant, perfume, filler or carrier, an alkalinity system, a buffer, or combinations thereof.

Surfactant:

In addition to the anionic surfactant mentioned hereinabove, the solid laundry detergent composition may include a rhamnolipid biosurfactant. Preferably the rhamnolipid is a monorhamnolipids, di-rhamnolipids or mixtures thereof. Preferably the mono-rhamnolipids has a single rhamnose sugar ring. Preferably the di-rhamnolipids have two rhamnose sugar rings.

Carboxylate surfactant: Other suitable anionic detersive surfactants include alkyl ether carboxylate surfactant. Preferably the alkyl ether carboxylate surfactant has a structure: R- (OCH₂CH₂)_n-OCH₂-COOH, where R is selected from saturated Cs to Cis linear alkyl chains, preferably C12, to C18 linear alkyl chains, more preferably a C12 or C18 linear alkyl chain, most preferably a C12 linear alkyl chain; n is the average ethoxylation and n is selected from 1 to 20, 5 to 20, preferably 7 to 14, more preferably 8 to 12, most preferably 9 to 11 , also preferred are C10 to Cis alkyl alkoxy carboxylates comprising 1-5 ethoxy units. Weights of alkyl ether carboxylic acid are calculated as the protonated form, R-(OCH2CH2)n-OCH2COOH. They may be used as salt version for example sodium salt, or amine salt. The alkyl chain is aliphatic and linear and may be selected from: CH₃(CH₂)7-; CH₃(CH₂)s-; CH₃(CH₂)g-; CH3(CH2) -; CH₃(CH₂)H-; CH₃(CH₂)I₂-; CH₃(CH₂)I₃-; CH₃(CH₂)I₄-; CH₃(CH₂)I₅-; CH₃(CH₂)I₆-; and, CH₃(CH₂)i7-.The alkyl chain is preferably selected from CH₃(CH₂)IS- and CH₃(CH₂)i7-. Alkyl ether carboxylic acid are available from Kao (Akypo®), Huntsman (Empicol®) and Clariant (Emulsogen®).

Nonionic surfactant:

Suitable non-ionic surfactants include Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylates, Ce to C12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates wherein preferably the alkoxylate units are ethyleneoxy units, propyleneoxy units or a mixture thereof; alkylpolysaccharides, preferably long chain alkylpolyglycosides; methyl ester ethoxylates; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; ether capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants; and mixtures thereof. Preferably the nonionic surfactant is long chain alkylpolyglucoside with C13 or more chain length and/or an alkyl alkoxylated alcohol. Preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol includes Cs to Cis alkyl alkoxylated alcohol, preferably Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated alcohol, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol having an average degree of alkoxylation from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 10. Preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol is a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated alcohol having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 7, more preferably from 1 to 5 and most preferably from 3 to 7. The alkyl alkoxylated alcohol may be linear or branched and substituted or un-substituted.

Cationic surfactant:

Suitable cationic surfactants include alkyl pyridinium compounds, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl quaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl ternary sulphonium compounds, and mixtures thereof. Preferred cationic surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds having the general formula: (R)(RI)(R2)(R3)N⁺ X' wherein, R is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted Ce to Cis alkyl or alkenyl moiety, Ri and R2 are independently selected from methyl or ethyl moieties, R3 is a hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or a hydroxyethyl moiety, X is an anion which provides charge neutrality, preferred anions include: halides, preferably chloride; sulphate; and sulphonate.

Polymers'.

The composition of the present invention may preferably include polymers which provide cleaning or care benefits.

The cleaning polymer includes but is not limited to soil release polymer, carboxylate polymers, antiredeposition polymers, cellulosic polymers, amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers, clay soil cleaning polymers, soil suspending polymers and mixtures thereof. The polymers providing care benefits includes care polymers, dye-transfer inhibiting polymer and mixtures thereof.

Suitable carboxylate polymer includes polymers such as a maleate/acrylate random copolymer or polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers includes polyacrylate homopolymers having a molecular weight of from 4,000 Da to 9,000 Da; maleate/acrylate random copolymers having a molecular weight of from 30,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or from 50,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or from 60,000 Da to 80,000 Da.

Also suitable are homopolymer or copolymeric carboxylic acids, such as polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid or Methacrylic acid with maleic acid and maleic acid with vinyl methyl ether, these polymeric acids being present as free acids or preferably as sodium salts. Preferred representatives of this group are sodium polyacrylate and sodium salts of acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymers having a weight ratio of acrylic acid: maleic acid of 10: 1 to 1:1, preferably ?: 1 to 2: 1. These compounds generally have molecular weights of 3,000 to 150,000, preferably 5,000 to 100,000.

Soil release polymers are designed to modify the surface of the fabric to facilitate the ease of removal of soil. Typically soil release polymers are based on or derivatives of polyethylene glycol/vinyl acetate copolymers or polyethylene glycol terephthalate polyesters and combinations thereof. Preferred soil release polymer includes polymers of aromatic dicarboxylic acids and alkylene glycols (including polymers containing polyalkylene glycols), as described in WO2009/153184, EP2692842 and WO2014/019903. Suitable soil release polymers are sold by Clariant under the TexCare® series of polymers, e.g. TexCare® SRN240, TexCare® SRN100, TexCare® SRN170, TexCare® SRN300, TexCare® SRN325, TexCare® SRA100 and TexCare® SRA300. Other suitable soil release polymers are sold by Rhodia under the Repel-o- Tex® series of polymers, e.g., Repel-o-Tex® SF2, Repel-o-Tex® SRP6 and Repel-o-Tex® Crystal. A preferred polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyester soil release polymer, both end-capped and non-end-capped sulphonated PET/POET polymers, both endcapped and non-end-capped unsulphonated PET/POET polymers or combinations thereof.

Preferably the levels of these soil release polymer in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 3 wt.% to 15wt.%, preferably at least 5 wt%, still preferably at least 6wt%, still preferably at least 6.5wt%, most preferably at least 7wt%, but typically not more than 14wt%, still preferably not more than 13wt%, most preferably not more than 12wt%.

Anti-redeposition polymers are designed to suspend or disperse soil. Typically, antiredeposition polymers are polyethylene glycol polymers, polycarboxylate polymers, polyethyleneimine polymers or mixtures thereof. Such polymers are available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan®CP5 (neutralised form) and Sokalan®CP45 (acidic form). Suitable antiredeposition polymers are ethoxylated and or propoxylated polyethylene imine or polycarboxylate materials, for example, acrylic acid-based homo or copolymers available under the trademark ACLISOL from Dow Chemical, Alcosperse from Akzonobel or Sokalan from BASF.

Preferably the composition comprises a biodegradable antiredeposition agent which is selected from the group consisting of cellulase, substituted polysaccharide and mixtures thereof. Preferably the substituted polysaccharide has a functional group present on the polysaccharide backbone and wherein said functional group is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, carboxyalkyl, carboxylic acid, alkoxy or salts thereof. Copolymer acrylic acid and maleic acid or salt thereof.

According to the first aspect of the present invention the solid laundry detergent composition preferably includes a copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid or salt thereof wherein the copolymer comprises a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranging from 1 :1 to 1:9. More preferably the weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranges from 1 :1.5 to 1:9, still more preferably from 1:2 to 1 :9, furthermore preferably from 1:2.5 to 1 :9, still further preferably from 1:3 to 1 :9, still furthermore preferably from 1 :3.5 to 1 :9 and also preferred are ranges from 1:4 to 1 :8, more preferably from 1:5 to 1:8, also preferably from 1 :6 to 1 :8.

The copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid has a weight average molecular weight ranging from 1000 to 100,000, more preferably from 1000 to 75000, more preferably 1000 to 65000, still more preferably from 1000 to 60000, still more preferably from 1500 to 60000, still more preferably from 2000 to 60000, still more preferably from 2000 to 30000, more preferably from 2000 to 25000.

It is highly preferred that the copolymer has a weight average molecular weight in the range from 1000 to 25000 and a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment from 1 :1 to 1 :9, still preferably from a weight average molecular weight in the range from 2000 to 25000 and a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment from 1 : 1 to 1 :9 and still further preferably where the weight average molecular weight in the range from 1000 to 5000 and a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment from 1 : 1 to 1 :9.

Also preferred are the copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid or salt thereof wherein the copolymer comprises a weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranging from 9:1 to 1:1. More preferably the weight ratio of acrylic acid segment to the maleic acid segment ranges from 9:1 to 8:2, still more preferably from 9:1 to 7:3, also preferably from 9:1 to 6:4.

Water-soluble salts of the copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid are also suitable for the present invention. The salts include those selected from non-limiting examples selected from alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts.

Preferably the amount of copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 0.05 wt.% to 2 wt.%, more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.5 wt.% still preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.3 wt.%, further preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.2 wt.%. Preferably the is amount of copolymer of acrylic acid and maleic acid in the solid laundry detergent composition is not less than 0.06 wt.%, still preferably not less than 0.07 wt.%, more preferably not less than 0.08 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 0.09 wt.%, but typically not more than 0.45 wt.%, preferably not more than 0.3 wt.% or still preferably not more than 0.25 wt.%.

Suitable care polymers include cellulosic polymers that are cationically modified or hydrophobically modified. Such modified cellulosic polymers can provide anti- abrasion benefits and dye lock benefits to fabric during the laundering cycle. Suitable cellulosic polymers include cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose. Other suitable care polymers include dye lock polymers, for example the condensation oligomer produced by the condensation of imidazole and epichlorhydrin, preferably in ratio of 1:4:1. A suitable commercially available dye lock polymer is Polyquart® FDI (Cognis). Other suitable care polymers include amino-silicone, which can provide fabric feel benefits and fabric shape retention benefits. Preferably the solid detergent composition includes care polymer in amounts ranging from 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 0.5 wt.% by weight of the composition.

Suitable cellulosic polymers are selected from alkyl cellulose, alkyl alkoxyalkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose, alkyl carboxyalkyl cellulose, sulphoalkyl cellulose, more preferably selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of carboxymethyl substitution from 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight from 100,000 Da to 300,000 Da. Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of substitution greater than 0.65 and a degree of blockiness greater than 0.45, e.g., as described in WO09/154933.

Examples of suitable sequestering polymers are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering polymers sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates.

The cleaning composition is preferably substantially free of phosphate based sequestering polymers. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no phosphate based sequestering polymers is deliberately added.

Preferably the solid laundry composition comprises phosphorous containing chemicals in an amount ranging from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.%, preferably the phosphorous containing chemicals is selected from the group consisting of STPP, HEDP or mixtures thereof. Enzymes:

The composition of the present invention preferably includes one or more enzymes. Preferred examples of the enzymes include those which provide cleaning performance and/or fabric care benefits.

Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, xyloglucanase, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, G-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, and amylases, or mixtures thereof. A typical combination is an enzyme cocktail that may comprise, for example, a protease and lipase in conjunction with one or more of amylase, mannanase and cellulase. When present in a detergent composition, the aforementioned additional enzymes may be present at levels from about 0.00001% to about 2%, from about 0.0001% to about 1% or from 0.001% to about 0.5% enzyme protein by weight of the detergent composition.

In one aspect preferred enzymes would include a protease. Suitable proteases include metalloproteases and serine proteases, including neutral or alkaline serine proteases, such as subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62). Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase®, Savinase®, Primase®, Durazym®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase Ultra®, Savinase Ultra®, Ovozyme®, Neutrase®, Everlase® and Esperase® by Novozymes A/S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxaca®l, Maxapem®, Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3®, FN4®, 10 Excellase® and Purafect OXP® by Genencor International, those sold under the tradename Opticlean® and Optimase by Solvay Enzymes.

Suitable commercially available alpha-amylases include DURAMYL®, LIQUEZYME®, TERMAMYL®, TERMAMYL ULTRA®, NATALASE®, SUPRAMYL®, STAINZYME®, STAINZYME PLUS®, FUNGAMYL® and BAN® (Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), KEMZYM® AT 9000 Biozym Biotech Trading GmbH Wehlistrasse 27b A-1200 Wien Austria, RAPIDASE®, PURASTAR®, ENZYSIZE®, OPTISIZE HT PLUS®, POWERASE® and PURASTAR OXAM® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California) and KAM® (Kao, 14-10 Suitable amylases include NATALASE®, STAINZYME and STAINZYME PLUS® and mixtures thereof. Preferred lipases would include those sold under the tradenames Lipex® and Lipolex®.

Suitable endoglucanases are sold under the tradenames Celluclean® and Whitezyme® (Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

Other preferred enzymes include pectate lyases sold under the tradenames Pectawash®, Pectaway®, Xpect® and mannanases sold under the tradenames Mannaway® (all from Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), and Purabrite® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California).

Preferably the enzyme may be formulated as a granule, preferably a co-granule which combines one or more additional enzymes. Methods for producing multi-enzyme co-granulate for the detergent industry are known to a person skilled in the art. Another example of cellulase enzymes in the form of co-granulates are disclosed in WO 2013/188331 A1.

Also preferred are the enzyme in the form of a granule having a core comprising enzyme and surrounded by one or more coating layers. The coating layers provide improved storage stability, reduce dust formation, or improve the color or appearance of the granule. The coating layers may include a salt, polyethylene glycol (PEG), methyl hydroxy propyl cellulose (MHPC), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

The enzyme may also be formulated in an encapsulate form. The enzyme may be encapsulated in a matrix, preferably a water-soluble or water dispersible matrix (e.g., water-soluble polymer particles), for example as described in WO 2016/023685. An example of a water-soluble polymeric matrix is a matrix composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol.

The enzyme may also be encapsulated in core-shell microcapsules, for example as described in WO 2015/144784. Such core-shell capsules can be prepared using a number of technologies known in the art, e.g., by interfacial polymerization using either a water-in-oil or an oil-in-water emulsion, where polymers are crosslinked at the surface of the droplets in the emulsion (the interface between water and oil), thus forming a wall/membrane around each droplet/capsule.

Preferably the enzyme may also be present as a multienzyme co-granule which includes one or more additional preferred enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipases, peroxidases, laccases, first-wash lipases, proteases, mannanase, oxidases, amylase, and mixtures thereof. Enzyme stabilizing system:

The enzyme-containing compositions described herein may optionally comprise from 0.001% to 10%, in some examples from about 0.005% to about 8%, and in other examples, from about 0.01% to about 6%, by weight of the composition, of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive enzyme. Such a system may be inherently provided by other formulation actives, or be added separately, e.g., by the formulator or by a manufacturer of detergent-ready enzymes. Such stabilizing systems can, for example, comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acids, boronic acids, chlorine bleach scavengers and mixtures thereof, and are designed to address different stabilization problems depending on the type and physical form of the cleaning composition. In the case of detergent compositions comprising protease, a reversible protease inhibitor, such as a boron compound, including borate, 4-formyl phenylboronic acid, phenylboronic acid and derivatives thereof, or compounds such as calcium formate, sodium formate and 1,2-propane diol may be added to further improve stability.

Brightening agents:

Optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents may be incorporated at levels from 0.01 % to 1.2%, by weight of the composition. Commercial brighteners suitable for the present invention can be classified into subgroups, including but not limited to: derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, benzoxazoles, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiophene-5, 5- dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Preferred commercially available Brighteners includes Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation, Tinopal UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. The brighteners may be added in particulate form or as a premix with a suitable solvent, for example nonionic surfactant, monoethanolamine, propane diol.

Fabric hueing agents:

The composition may comprise a fabric hueing agent (sometimes referred to as shading, bluing or whitening agents). Typically, the hueing agent provides a blue or violet shade to fabric. Hueing agents can be used either alone or in combination to create a specific shade of hueing and/or to shade different fabric types. This may be provided for example by mixing a red and green-blue dye to yield a blue or violet shade. Hueing agents may be selected from any known chemical class of dye, including but not limited to acridine, anthraquinone (including polycyclic quinones), azine, azo (e.g., monoazo, disazo, trisazo, tetrakisazo, polyazo), including 30 premetallized azo, benzodifurane and benzodifuranone, carotenoid, coumarin, cyanine, diazahemicyanine, diphenylmethane, formazan, hemicyanine, indigoids, methane, naphthalimides, naphthoquinone, nitro and nitroso, oxazine, phthalocyanine, pyrazoles, stilbene, styryl, triarylmethane, triphenylmethane, xanthenes and mixtures thereof. Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, and organic and inorganic pigments.

Preferably the composition comprises a non-biodegradable whitening agent selected from the group consisting of 0.01 to 0.4 wt.% optical brightener, 0.0005 wt.% to 0.005 wt.% shading dye, a mixture of 0.01 wt.% to 0.4 wt.% optical brightener and 0 to 0.005 wt.% shading dye, a pigment, and combinations thereof.

Bleach and bleach activator.

The solid laundry detergent composition preferably includes a bleach system having a bleach and bleach activator. Highly preferably, the composition is substantially free of pre-formed peracid. The composition may preferably include (a) from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.% sodium percarbonate; (b) from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% bleach activator; and (c) from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% chelant. The bleach activator may comprise sodium tetraacetylethylenediamine, and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% sodium tetraacetylethylenediamine. The chelant may comprise sodium salt of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% sodium salt of methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA). The chelant may comprise ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS), and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS). The chelant may comprise disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1 ,3-benzenedisulfonate, and wherein the composition may comprise from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-1 ,3- benzene disulfonate.

Fillers'.

Optionally the solid laundry detergent composition includes fillers such as sodium sulphate, sodium chloride, calcite, dolomite, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the filler is selected from sodium sulphate, sodium chloride and mixtures thereof.

Carbonate salt:

The carbonate salt is preferably an alkali metal carbonate, alkaline earth metal carbonate or mixtures thereof. Preferred alkali carbonates are sodium and/or potassium carbonate of which sodium carbonate is particularly preferred. It is further preferred that sodium carbonate makes up at least 75 wt.%, more preferably at least 85 wt.% and even more preferably at least 90 wt.% of the total weight of the carbonate salt. The detergent composition of the present invention includes from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% carbonate salt. Preferably the detergent composition comprises from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% carbonate salt based on the weight of the detergent composition. Preferably the composition of the present invention is substantially free of carbonate salt. Preferably the composition of the present invention has 0 wt.% sodium carbonate. By substantially free it is meant that there is no deliberately added carbonate salt in the composition.

Non-carbonate builder:

In addition to the carbonate salt the detergent composition of the present invention may preferably include a further non-carbonate builder. The preferred inorganic non-carbonate builders may be selected from the group consisting of silicates, silica, zeolites, phosphates, or mixtures thereof. Suitable silicates include the water-soluble sodium silicates with an SiO₂: Na₂O ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8, with ratios of from 1.6 to 2.4 being preferred, and 2.0 ratio being most preferred. The silicates may be in the form of either the anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt. Sodium silicate with an SiO₂: Na₂O ratio of 2.0 is the most preferred silicate. Silicates are preferably present in the detergent composition in accord with the invention at a level from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% in the detergent composition. Preferably the composition may comprise from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% sodium silicate. Preferably the composition may comprise from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder. Preferably the composition may comprise from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% zeolite builder, 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite builder, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% zeolite builder.

The composition of the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% of an inorganic non- carbonate builder selected from silica, zeolites, phosphate, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the composition of the present invention is substantially free of silicate salt, zeolite salt and phosphate builder. By substantially free it is meant that there is no deliberately added carbonate salt in the composition.

Moisture:

Preferably the spray dried detergent particle includes from 1 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% moisture. Preferably the amount of moisture content present in the spray-dried particle is not less than 2 wt.%, still preferably not less than 2.25 wt.%, more preferably not less than 2.5 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 2.75 wt.%, but typically not more than 3.5 wt.%, preferably not more than 3.25 wt.% or still preferably not more than 3.0 wt.%.

Cleaning ingredient:

Preferably the cleaning ingredient is an amphoteric surfactant. Preferably the amphoteric surfactant may be alkyl betaine. Examples include Coco-Betaine, Lauryl Betaine and Oleyl Betaine. Preferably the amphoteric surfactant may be an alkylamidoalkyl betaine.

Preferably the amphoteric surfactant may be alkyl amine oxide. Examples include cocamine oxide and lauramine oxide. The most preferred amine oxide is coco dimethylamine oxide. Preferably the amphoteric surfactant may be alkylamidoalkyl amine oxide. Examples include cocamidopropylamine oxide and lauramidopropylamine oxide, and combinations of two or more thereof.

More preferably the betaine type amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkyl betaines, alkylamidoalkyl betaines and alkyl sulphobetaines. Preferably the amine oxide type amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkyl amine oxide, alkylamidoalkyl amine oxide or mixtures thereof. Most preferably the amphoteric surfactant is a cocam idopropyl betaine (CAPB).

Preferably amphoteric surfactant is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.% by weight of the composition.

Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of amphoteric surfactant and a N-acylated lactam compound. Preferably the N-alkylated lactam compound is a pyrrolidone compound. More preferably the N-alkylated lactam compound is in a monomeric form or a polymeric form. Still more preferably the N-alkylated lactam compound is selected from the group consisting of:

(i) N-alkylated pyrrolidone; N-alkylated piperidone, N-alkylated caprolactam, N-alkylated valerolactam, and mixtures thereof; or,

(ii) homopolymer of N-alkylated pyrrolidone;

(iii) copolymer of N-alkylated pyrrolidone with N-alkyl imidazole, N-alkyl carprolactam, N- alkyl oxazolidones, polyvinyloxazolidone, or polyvinylimidazole, co-polymer of polyamine N-oxide polymers and N-vinylpyrrolidone; copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N- vinylimidazole; and combinations thereof; or,

(iv) cross-linked polymer of polyamine N-oxide polymers; cross-linked polymer of N- vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole; co polymer of polyamine N-oxide polymers and N-vinylpyrrolidone copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole; cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers; cross-linked polyvinyloxazolidone polymers; cross-linked polyvinylimidazoles polymer; and mixtures thereof.

Preferably N-alkylated lactam compound is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 2 wt.%. of the composition. Preferably the N-alkylated lactam compound is PVP. Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of PVP and CAPB.

Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of non-ionic alkoxylated surfactant and amphoteric surfactant, the non-ionic alkoxylated surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, or a mixture of polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer and monomeric surfactant with an average degree of alkoxylation of from 10 to 50.

Preferably the nonionic alkoxylated surfactant is a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer selected from the group consisting of:

(i) a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer represented by the general formula (l_a)

R-(EO)n-(PO)_m-(EO)_n-R’ > Formula (l_a) wherein m is an integer from 10 to 130, each n is independently an integer from 2 to 60; and where R and R’ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, Ci to Cis alkyl or Ci to Cis hydroxyalkyl or,

(ii) a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer represented by the general formula (ll_a)

R-(PO)n-(EO)_m-(PO)_n-R’ > Formula (I l_a) wherein m is an integer of 15 to 150 and n at each end are independently integers of about 2 to 60 and where R and R’ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, Ci to Cis alkyl or Ci to Cis hydroxyalkyl; or,

(iii) a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer represented by the general formula (lll_a)

R — (PO)_a — (EO)b (PO)c — (EO)d (PO)e — R’ Formula (III ) where EO is ethylene oxide unit and PO is propylene oxide unit and a, b, and c, d and e each represent the number of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units in each of the blocks, and where R and R' are independently H, Ci to Cis alkyl, Ci to Cis hydroxyalkyl or mixtures thereof. Preferably nonionic alkoxylated surfactant is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 2 wt.%. of the composition. Preferably the nonionic alkoxylated surfactant are those with Formula (l_a). Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of R- (EO)n-(PO)m-(EO)n -R’ block copolymer and CAPB.

Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of amphoteric surfactant and a silicone surfactant. Preferably the silicone surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a polydialkyl siloxane surfactant having the general formula (IV_a), (V_a) and mixtures thereof,

R3Si-O-(R₂SiO)_x(R2SiO)y-SiR3

^PE . (IV_a)

PE PE

R₂-Si-O-(R₂SiO)x-Si-R₂ ( V ) where PE represent a non-ionic group and is represented by the formula (a) -CH₂-(CH₂)_p-O-(EO)_m(PO)n-Z, . (a) wherein EO representing ethylene oxide, PO representing propylene oxide, “x” is a number that ranges from about 0 to about 100, “y” is a number that ranges from about 1 to 100, “m”, “n” and “p” are numbers that range from 0 to 50, m+n > 1 and Z represents hydrogen or R wherein each R independently represents a lower (Ci to Ce) straight or branched alkyl or PE is represented by formula (b)

. (b) or,

PE is represented by formula (c)

> (c) or,

Preferably silicone surfactant is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 2 wt.% by weight of the composition. Preferably the silicone surfactant herein described are commercially available under the tradename SILWET®and includes Silwet L-77 (from Supreme Silicone) or polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymer under the tradename ABIL®. Preferred silicone surfactants are sold under the SILWET trademark or under the ABIL® B trademark. Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of Silwet L-77 and CAPB.

Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of amphoteric surfactant and a nonionic homopolymer. Preferably the nonionic homopolymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol and mixtures thereof.

More preferably the homopolymer is a polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. A highly preferred material is polyethylene glycol 6000. Commercially available polyethylene glycol useful for the present invention includes Polymeg 4000 from India Glycols. Preferably the cleaning ingredient is a mixture of polyethylene glycol and CAPB.

Slipperiness promoting agent:

Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a slipperiness promoting agent. . Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent is an ingredient which at 0.5 wt.% dilution in deionized water at 25°C provides a viscosity ranging from 1 .5 to 65 cps, still preferably from 2.5 to 50 cps and still more preferably a viscosity ranging from 3 cps to 30 cps. The viscosity of the 0.5 wt.% dilution of the slipperiness promoting agent in deionized water measured at 25°C using a B-type viscometer. Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent provides the aqueous liquor a coefficient of friction from 0.45 to 0.28 in an aqueous solution which gives the desired slipperiness benefits. A coefficient of friction of the aqueous liquor above or below these ranges was found to negatively impact on the benefits.

Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent is a polymer. More preferably the polymer is selected from the group consisting of acrylic anionic polymer, long chain nonionic polyethylene oxide polymer, glucamide based polymer, polysaccharide/cellulosic polymer, hyperbranched polymer, hypo conjugated polymer and mixtures thereof.

Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent is an acrylic acid polymer. Preferably an anionic acrylic acid polymer. Suitable example of the acrylic anionic polymer includes those commercially available from SNF under the tradename Flogel™ and includes Flogel™FG 820, Flogel™ FG840 and Flogel™MS 850. Preferably the amount of acrylic based anionic polymer in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 0.05 wt.% to 4 wt.%, more preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 2 wt.% still preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 1.5 wt.%, further preferably from 0.05 wt.% to 1 wt.%. Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent is a long chain polyethylene oxide polymer. Preferably the polymer are nonionic. Preferably the long chain polyethylene oxide polymer has a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 Daltons or more, still preferably a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 Daltons to 10,000,000 Daltons. Suitable examples of the commercially available long chain polyethylene oxide polymer include Polyox® WSR polyethylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight, M_w, of 5,000,000 Daltons available from The Dow Chemical Company and Polyox WSR N- 60K polyethylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight of 2, 000,000 Daltons available from The Dow Chemical Company.

Preferably the amount of long chain polyethylene oxide polymer having weight average molecular weight of 100,000 Daltons or more in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 0.05 wt.% to 2 wt.%

Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent is an alkyl glucamide. More preferably N-methyl glucamide. The alkyl glucamide are non-ionic in which the hydrophilic part (an amino sugar derivative) and the hydrophobic part (a fatty acid) are linked by amide bonds. Preferably the alkyl glucamide has a general formula (lb)

wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group comprising 7 to 21 carbon atoms. More preferably a linear, saturated alkyl group comprising 7 to 21 and Ra is a Ci to C4 alkyl radical. Particularly Ra in the formula (lb) is a methyl radical.

Preferably the alkyl glucamide is a N-methyl glucamide which has a formula (lib)

Formula (lib) wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group comprising 7 to 21 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of the alkyl glucamide slipperiness promoting agent is N-octanoyl-N- methyl glucamide, N-nonanoyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-decanoyl-N-methyl glucamide, N- dodecanoyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methyl glucamide, available under the trade name of GlucoPure Foam from Clariant, N-lauroyl/myristoyl-N-methyl glucamide, (available under the trade name of GlucoPure Beg from Clariant, and N-octanoyl/decanoyl-N-methyl glucamide, available under the trade name of GlucoPure Wet by Clariant.

Preferably the amount of alkyl glucamide slipperiness promoting agent present in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 0.05 wt.% to 2 wt.%.

Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent is a cellulosic polymer. The cellulosic polymer are selected from alkyl cellulose, alkoxyalkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose, alkyl carboxyalkyl cellulose, sulphoalkyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. Suitable carboxymethyl cellulose have a degree of carboxymethyl substitution ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight ranging from 100,000 Daltons to 300,000 Daltons. Suitable carboxymethyl cellulose have a degree of substitution greater than 0.65. More preferably the cellulosic polymer includes carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and mixtures thereof. Preferably the carboxymethyl cellulose is a sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose.

Preferably the amount of cellulosic polymer present in the solid laundry detergent composition ranges from 0.05 wt.% to 2 wt.%.

In addition to the above-mentioned slipperiness promoting agent, it is advantageously found that ingredients such as smectite clay, particularly bentonite clay; cationic surfactant, particularly CPC, CTAB; cationic polymer such as those commercially available under the tradename Sokalan HP 20 from BASF or under the tradename Softcat SK-MH and Softcat SL30 available commercially from Dow; fatty acids in amounts ranging from 1 to 3 wt.%, glycerol, polyvinyl alcohol having molecular weight from 85,000 to 124,000 Daltons may be added to the composition for enhancing the slipperiness or soppiness sensorials of the wash liquor. Other ingredients which may also be advantageously included in the composition are polysaccharides in particular alginate, guar gum. Preferably the slipperiness promoting agent further includes a hydroxy alkyl guar gum preferably hydroxy propyl guar gum. Preferably the level of substitution is 0.6 or above, more preferably 1.0 to 1.5 and most preferably 1.2. Preferably the hydroxy alkyl guar gum is available commercially under the tradename Jaguar® HP 11 has a degree of substitution of 0.35 to 0.45; Jaguar HP® 60 has a degree of substitution of about 0.6; Jaguar® HP 80 has a degree of substitution of about 0.8 and Jaguar HP® 120.

Fabric softening agent:

Cellulase enzyme’. The fabric softening agent is preferably a cellulase enzyme. The term cellulase refers to an enzyme that hydrolzes a cellulosic material. Such enzymes include those selected from endoglucanase (e.g., EC 3.2.1.4), cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, or combinations thereof. The cellulase may for example be a mono-component or a mixture of endo-1 ,4-beta-glucanase also referred to as endoglucanase. Commercially available cellulases include Carezyme®, Carezyme® Premium, Celluzyme®, Celluclean®, Celluclast®, Endolase®, Renozyme®; Whitezyme® Celluclean® Classic, Cellusoft® (Novozymes A/S), Puradax®, Puradax HA, and Puradax EG (available from Genencor International Inc.) and KAC-500(B)™ (Kao Corporation). The cellulase enzyme is preferably formulated in a solid form, preferably a granular form or it may be in encapsulated form.

Clay: The fabric softening agent is preferably a clay. Preferably the clay is a smectite clay. Preferred smectite clay are beidellite clays, hectorite clays, laponite clays, montmorillonite clays, volchonskoite clays, nontonite clays, saponite clays, sauconite clays and mixtures thereof.

Preferably the smectite clay is a dioctahedral smectite clay, more preferably a montmorillonite clay. Dioctrahedral smectite clays typically have one of the following two general formulae:

Na_xAl2-xMg_xSi40io(OH)2 . Formula (l_d)

Ca_xAI_2-xMg_xSi40io(OH)2 Formula (ll_d) where x is a number from 0.1 to 0.5, preferably from 0.2 to 0.4.

Smectite clays, and more specifically montmorillonite clays, are preferred because of their desirable swelling and dispersing properties, which leads to a good fabric-softening profile.

Preferred light coloured crystalline clay minerals are china clays, halloysite clays, dioctahedral clays such as kaolinite, trioctahedral clays such as antigorite and amesite, smectite and honnite clays such as bentonite (montmorillonite), beidilite, nontronite, hectorite, attapulgite, pimelite, mica, muscovite and venniculite clays, as well as pyrophyllite/talc, willemseite and minnesotaite clays. Preferred light coloured crystalline clay minerals are described in GB2357523A and WO01/44425. More preferably the clay is selected from the group consisting of kaolinite, smectite, bentonite (montmorillonite) and mixtures thereof. The clay preferably has a weight average particle size ranging from 180 micrometers to 1400 micrometres. In the detergent composition according to the present invention, the clay is preferably present in an amount from 2 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably from 2 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 2 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

Silicone'. The fabric softening agent is preferably a silicone. The silicone is preferably modified. The fabric softening agent may be a silicone which imparts a softening benefit on the fabric during the wash.

The silicone includes but is not limited to 1) non-functionalized silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or alkyl (or alkoxy) functional silicones 2) functionalized silicones or copolymers with one or more different types of functional groups such as amino, phenyl, polyether, acrylate, silicon hydride, carboxylic acid, quaternized nitrogen, etc.

When the silicone is in the form of a silicone emulsion, then preferably the particle size is in the range from about 1 nm to 100 microns and preferably from about 10 nm to about 10 microns including microemulsions (< 150 nm), standard emulsions (about 200 nm to about 500 nm) and macroemulsions (about 1 micron to about 20 microns).

Preferred silicones are selected from polydialkylsiloxane, especially polydimethylsiloxane; amino functionalized silicone; and anionic silicones, especially carboxyl functionalized silicone. Preferably the silicone is a polydimethylsiloxane.

The polydimethylsiloxane has the general formula:

Formula Hid wherein, each Ri and R2 are methyl; and x is a number, typically a number greater than 50.

The polydimethylsiloxane typically has a viscosity of from 5,000cP to 1 ,000,000cP, or from 10,000cP to 1 ,000,000cP, or from 10,000cP to 600,000cP, more preferably from 50,000cP to 400,000cP when measured at a shear rate of 20s^-1 and at ambient conditions (20°C and 1 atmosphere). Polydimethylsiloxanes having these preferred viscosities have an optimum deposition on fabric to provide a good fabric-softening benefit. The viscosity is typically measured using a Brookfield Viscometer at 25°C according to the method ASTM D 2983.

A preferred form of the polydimethylsiloxane is in a pre-emulsified form. Typically, the emulsion has a volume average primary droplet size of from 0.1 micrometers to 5,000 micrometers, preferably from 0.1 micrometers to 50 micrometers, and most preferably from 0.1 micrometers to 5 micrometers. The volume average primary particle size is typically measured using a Coulter Multisizer™ or by the method described in more detail below. Typically, the polydimethylsiloxane has a weight average molecular weight of greater than 3,700Da.

Preferably the detergent composition according to the present invention includes silicone fabric softening agent at a level of from 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.%.

Cationic polymer: Preferably the fabric softening agent includes a cationic polymer. The weightaverage molecular weight of the cationic polymer may be from about 500 to about 5,000,000, or from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000, or from about 5000 to about 1,000,000 Daltons, as determined by size exclusion chromatography relative to polyethylene oxide standards with Rl detection. In one aspect, the weight-average molecular weight of the cationic polymer may be from about 100,000 to about 800,000 Daltons.

Preferably the cationic polymer is a cationic polysaccharide. Preferred example of cationic polysaccharide is a cationic cellulose derivative. Preferably a quaternary ammonium salt of modified cellulose, still preferably the cationic polymer is a quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxy cellulose. An example of this polymer is polyquaternium-10, marketed under the brand name LICARE™ Polymer, for example type JR-400 and LR-400 (supplied by Amerchol Corporation).

The cationic polymer can be provided in a powder form. The cationic polymer can be provided in an anhydrous state. It may be preferred to provide the cationic polymer in a co-granule form. Preferably the co-granule comprises a binder, in addition to the cationic polymer. More preferably the co-granule also comprises either an organic or an inorganic salt. Preferred binder materials are polyethylene glycol, soaps, and fatty acids. A preferred organic salt is sodium citrate, and a preferred inorganic salt is sodium sulphate. More preferably the cationic polysaccharide may be used in combination with neutralized soap to improve the fabric softening benefits. Water-soluble salts of the higher fatty acids (i.e., "soaps") containing from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms and preferably from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms are useful, still preferred are those with 10 to 12 carbon atoms, and those with 16 to 18 carbon atoms. The soaps are either sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of higher fatty acids.

To improve the fabric softening benefits, it is desirable to provide a chelating agent along with the fabric softening agent.

The preferred chelating agent may contain an amino group and may be, e.g., an aminopolycarboxylate or a phosphonate. It may be a monomeric molecule comprising one, two or three amino groups (typically secondary or tertiary amino groups), and it may contain two, three, four or five carboxyl groups or even more carboxyl groups. The chelating agents may be phosphorus containing or without phosphorus.

Suitable chelating agents includes those based on carboxylate groups includes EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetate), NTA (2,2',2"-nitrilotriacetate), citrate, 2-hydroxypropan-l,2,3- tricarboxylate, DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), MGDA (methylglycinediacetic acid OT

N,N'-bis(carboxymethyl)alanine), EGTA (ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid), EDDS (ethylenediamine- N,W-disuccinic acid),, GLDA (L-Glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid), Polycarboxylates such as PAA [poly(acrylic acid)], PAA/PMA [copoly(acrylic acid/maleic acid)], or mixtures thereof. Especially preferred chelating agent includes diethylenetriamine pentacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine-N, N’-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and 1,1 hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or the alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. Preferably the chelating agent is a phosphonate. HEDP in its acid form or salt form with alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium is a highly preferred chelating agent. Preferably the chelating agent is a gluconate. In the detergent composition according to the present invention, the chelating agent is preferably present in an amount from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably from

O.1 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably from 0.1 wt.% to 1 wt.%.

Fragrance:

Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a fragrance. Preferably the composition includes a free fragrance, encapsulated fragrance or combination of free fragrance and encapsulated fragrance. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition has a free fragrance in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.% and furthermore preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.%. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition has an encapsulated fragrance in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 3 wt.% and furthermore preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.%.

By free fragrance is meant fragrance which is not encapsulated as part of a delayed or controlled release mechanism. Preferably the free fragrance is selected from those having a functional group selected from aldehyde, carboxylic acid, esters and mixtures thereof. The aldehyde may be aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, araliphatic and mixtures thereof. The term aldehyde in the context of the free fragrance also includes the corresponding acetals, ester, and lactones. The esters include the aliphatic carboxylic acid esters, esters of cyclic alcohols, esters of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids, aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acid esters. The free fragrance may preferably be a fragrance oil. The fragrance oil is preferably selected from the group of extracts from natural raw materials, such as essential oils, concentrates, absolutes, resins, resinoids, balsams, tinctures, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably the fragrance is an encapsulated fragrance. Typically, the encapsulated fragrance comprises 10 wt.% to 98 wt.% core material comprising fragrance, 1 wt.% to 40 wt.% wall material and optionally 0.2 wt.% to 6 wt.% crosslinking agent. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is friable fragrance. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a biobased encapsulated fragrance. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a microencapsulated fragrance. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance has at least one fragrance encapsulated in an amine-aldehyde resin. More preferably the amine-aldehyde resin is melamine-formaldehyde. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is a starch-based capsule.

Preferably the encapsulated fragrance is bio(micro)encapsulated fragrance. Biopolymers that are derived from alginate, chitosan, collagen, dextran, gelatin, gum arabic, silk and starch can also be used as the encapsulating materials. The wall material or shell material of these microcapsules preferably includes biopolymers, more preferably the shell material comprises protein polymers, polysaccharide polymers and combinations thereof. The protein and/or polysaccharide may be treated by various processes to provide derivatives, including but not limited to hydrolysis, condensation, functionalizing such as ethoxylating, crosslinking, etc. The microcapsule wall materials are preferably in an aqueous solution. The microcapsule wall preferably comprises 20 wt.% to 100 wt.% protein, polysaccharide, or combinations thereof, more preferably 30 wt.% to 98 wt.%, more preferably 35 wt.% to 95 wt.%, and most preferably 65 wt.% to 90 wt.% by weight of the microcapsule wall. Suitable proteins for use in this invention include whey proteins, plant proteins and gelatin. Particularly preferred proteins include proteins selected from chickpea, pea proteins, potato proteins, brown rice proteins, white rice proteins, wheat proteins, barley proteins, pumpkin seed proteins, oat proteins, almond proteins, and combinations thereof. This includes derivatives of the aforementioned proteins. Particularly preferred polysaccharides include gum arabic, dextrins, starch, and maltodextrins are particularly preferred. The polysaccharide used in the microcapsule can also be derivatized or modified (e.g., derivatized or chemically modified). For example, the protein can be modified by covalently attaching sugars, lipids, cofactors, peptides, or other chemical groups including phosphate, acetate, methyl, and other natural or unnatural molecule.

Examples of suitable polysaccharide derivatives include starch glycolate, carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl cellulose and cross-linked modified cellulose. Preferably the microencapsulated fragrance has a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent includes isocyanate crosslinking, salt bridge cross linking, carbonyl cross linking and internal crosslinking within the microcapsule wall polymer structure. Examples of carbonyl crosslinking agent includes dialdehydes. Polymeric microcapsules suitable for use in the invention may be provided with a deposition aid at the outer surface of the microcapsules. Deposition aids serve to modify the properties of the exterior of the microcapsule, for example to make the microcapsule more substantive to a desired substrate. Desired substrates include cellulosics (including cotton) and polyesters (including those employed in the manufacture of polyester fabrics). The deposition aid may suitably be provided at the outer surface of the microparticle by means of covalent bonding, entanglement, or strong adsorption. Preferably the encapsulated fragrance includes a capsule formation aid. The capsule formation aid improves the performance. The capsule formation aid may be a surfactant, dispersant, protective colloid, or emulsifier. The concentration of the capsule formation aid varies from 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.% by weight of the capsule composition. The encapsulated fragrance may include a catalyst. A catalyst is added to induce the interfacial polymerization in the formation of the capsule wall.

Dissolution agent:

Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition includes a dissolution ingredient. Preferably the dissolution ingredient improves the dissolution rate of the composition when added to water. The dissolution agent is preferably a hydrotrope, organic acids and organic salts.

Foam suppressing agent The solid laundry detergent composition may optionally include a foam suppressing agent selected from the group consisting of silicone compound, amino silicone compound, diester compound, a glycerol derivative, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably the solid detergent composition may include a layering agent. Preferably the levels of the layering agent range from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.%, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.%.

Preferred layering agent includes zeolite, calcite, and mixtures thereof.

Solid laundry detergent composition comprising spray dried detergent particle according to the present invention along with the alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient were formulated as provided in table 2 below.

The spray dried detergent particle with the composition as shown in table 1A was prepared by a slurry making and spray-drying step using ingredients at specific levels to result in the spray dried particle as shown in table below and then post dosed with the alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient to provide the fully formulated solid laundry composition as given in table 2. The spray-dried particle may preferably include around 1.6 wt.% silica which in-situ formed.

Table 1A

Foam height measurement

The foam volume generated by the various detergent composition provided in table 2 were measured using the automated cylinder shake protocol. Automated cylinder shake protocol:

In this protocol firstly a known amount of the fully formulated solid laundry composition was added in a beaker containing water to form a 3gpl wash liquor The water had a hardness of 24° FH (Ca:Mg, 2:1). The beaker was placed on a magnetic stirrer for 20 minutes at a speed of 150 rpm for complete dissolution of the detergent composition in water to form an aqueous liquor.

A. In a first set of foam measurement, 40 mL of the aqueous liquor formed above was taken in a 250 mL stoppered graduated glass cylinder. The glass cylinder is marked at 2 mL intervals and has a height of 14 inches from the inside of the bottom to the 250 mL mark. Next the cylinder was clamped in an automated cylinder shake (rotating device), which clamps the cylinder with respect to an axis of rotation that traverses the center of the graduated cylinder. a) The cylinder was rotated at a speed of 30 revolutions per minute. The cylinder was allowed to complete 5 full revolution and stopped at a vertical position. The height of the foam from the bottom was recorded in mL and provided in Table 2 below. b) After noting the foam height, the cylinder was again rotated and was allowed to complete 5 more revolutions and thereafter stopped at a vertical position. The height of the foam after the 10 revolutions was measured from the bottom and recorded in mL, the measured foam height provided in Table 2 below.

B. In a second set of foam measurement, 4 mL of the prepared aqueous liquor was taken in the 250 mL stoppered graduated glass cylinder. To this 36 mL of water was added. The water had a hardness of 24° FH (Ca:Mg, 2:1). Next the cylinder was clamped in an automated cylinder shake (rotating device) and rotated for 5 revolutions and 10 revolutions respectively as described above and the measured foam height were recorded and provided in Table 2 below.

In the rest time between the first and the second sequence of 5 rotations in this set of experiment is maintained the same way as in the first set of experiment.

Table 2

The data provided in table 2 shows that the solid laundry composition according to the present invention (Ex 2, Ex 3 and Ex 4) having a spray dried detergent particle and the alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient provided better foaming performance as compared to the composition with no alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient.

Claims

1 . A solid laundry detergent composition comprising:

(i) a spray dried detergent particle wherein the spray dried particle comprises (i) an organic carboxylic acid, or (ii) a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof; where the spray-dried detergent particle has an equilibrium pH of 4 or more when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in deionized water at 25°C; and,

(ii) an alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient.

2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the solid laundry detergent composition has a pH ranging from 6 to 9, more preferably 6.5 to 9 when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in deionized water at 25°C.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the salt of organic carboxylic acid comprises a combination of organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and any one of (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium and (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid.

4. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 wherein the spray dried detergent particle comprises silica, preferably where the silica is in-situ formed.

5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient has a general formula (I)

Ri-(OCH₂CH₂)n-OCH₂-COOX . (I) wherein: Ri is selected from saturated or mono-unsaturated, linear or branched, Cs to C14 alkyl or alkenyl chain, preferably Cs to Ci₂ alkyl or alkenyl chain; n has a value in the range from 1 to 20; and, X represent H, or a suitable cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, an alkyl ammonium or mixtures thereof, preferably the alkali metal is sodium.

6. A composition according to claim to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alkyl amine salt of a linear or branched alkyl benzene sulphonate where the alkyl group is C3 to C10 alkyl group.

7. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises an anionic surfactant, preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulphate, alkyl sulphonate, alkyl ether sulphonate or combinations thereof, preferably the anionic surfactant is an alkali metal salt of C10 to Cis alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.

8. A composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition comprises:

(i) from 0 wt.% to 6 wt.% sodium bicarbonate;

(ii) from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% sodium carbonate;

(iii) from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% sodium silicate; and

(iv) from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder, and optionally wherein the composition is substantially free of phosphate builder, and optionally wherein the composition is substantially free of sodium carbonate, and optionally wherein the composition is substantially free of sodium bicarbonate, and optionally wherein the composition is substantially free of sodium silicate.

9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises a soil release polymer, a chelating agent, a biodegradable antiredeposition agent, an enzyme, copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid having a weight ratio of acrylic to maleic acid ranging from 9:1 to 1 :9 and mixtures thereof.

10. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises a whitening agent selected from the group consisting of 0.01 to 0.4 wt.% optical brightener, 0.0005 wt.% to 0.005 wt.% shading dye, a mixture of 0.01 wt.% to 0.4 wt.% optical brightener and 0 to 0.005 wt.% shading dye, a pigment, and combinations thereof.

11. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alkyl ether carboxylic acid foaming ingredient is present in the composition in an amount ranging from 0.05 wt.% to 5 wt.%, most preferably 0.5 wt.% to 1 wt.%.

12. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises a chelating agent, preferably the chelating agent is MGDA, GLDA, ALDA, EDDS, gluconate, and mixtures thereof.

13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solid laundry detergent composition includes a fragrance, preferably the fragrance is selected from the group consisting of a free fragrance, encapsulated fragrance or a combination of free fragrance and encapsulated fragrance.