A rheology modifier obtainable by polymerizing (i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid; (ii) at least one nonionic ethylenically unsaturated surfactant monomer, (iii) at least one C.sub.1-C.sub.2-alkyl methacrylate, and (iv) at least one C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkyl acrylate, where the alkyl chain length averaged over the number of alkyl groups of the alkyl acrylate is 2.1 to 4.0. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of at least one hydrocarbon comprising at least one XH-group, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of O, P, N and S. Liquid formulations and particles containing liquid detergents comprising the rheology modifier are also described.

A liquid laundry detergent composition capable of suspending particles and insoluble materials while remaining readily pourable. The composition is stable over long periods of time. In one aspect, the liquid laundry detergent comprises in an aqueous medium: a) at least one nonethoxylated anionic surfactant; b) at least one ethoxylated anionic surfactant; c) at least one nonionic fatty alcohol ethoxylate surfactant; d) an optional surfactant selected from a nonionic surfactant other than c), a cationic surfactant, fatty acid salt surfactant, an ampholytic surfactant, and mixtures thereof; and e) a nonionic, amphiphilic, emulsion polymer that is crosslinked with an amphiphilic crosslinking agent.

Polymer obtainable by radical emulsion polymerization of (A) at least one acidic vinyl monomer or salt thereof; (B) at least one nonionic vinyl monomer, particularly preferably a hydrophobic nonionic vinyl monomer; (C) at least one monomer containing an unsaturated end group and a polyoxyalkylene part; (D) at least one crosslinking monomer; and (E) optionally, a protective colloid, characterized in that the polymerization is controlled such that (F) the gel effect occurs, at least at times, achieved by adding monomers of type (A), (B), and (C) (dosing time) during 120 minutes; and such that (G) the crosslinking monomer (D) is added, at the very earliest, 10 minutes after the first addition of the monomers (A), (B), and (C).

In one embodiment, a water in oil cleaning composition is disclosed that may include at least one solvent, in an amount of from about 1-90% (w/w) of the composition, at least one surfactant in an amount of from about 0.1-20% (w/w) of the composition, 3M KOH/de-ionized water, in an amount of from about 1-4% (w/w of the composition, rheological agents, in an amount of from about 0.1-8% (w/w) of the composition, and emulsifiers, in an amount of from about 0.5-20% (w/w) of the composition. Optionally, the composition may include antimicrobials in an effective amount, and may be present in an amount of from about 1-4% (w/w) of the composition, fragrants and colorants as desired.

Pouch including a cleaning composition, the pouch includes a compartment housing a liquid composition, the liquid composition includes a liquid soil-suspension polymer.

A cleaner useful in removing undesirable polymeric material deposits adhered within small bore holes of electronic components is provided, as well as apparatus and methods for carrying out cleaning of such components.

An alkaline detergent is described which includes the use of a copolymer in combination with an alkali metal hydroxide. The detergent maintains cleaning functions and also prevents hard water scaling, for example at application temperatures of between 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pH of 9.5 to about 13.

An automatic dishwashing composition is provided including a builder; a phosphonate; a nonionic surfactant; and a dispersant polymer comprising: 60 to 98 wt % of structural units of formula I ##STR00001##
wherein each R.sup.1 is independently selected from a hydrogen and a —CH.sub.3 group; and 2 to 40 wt % of structural units of formula II ##STR00002##
wherein each R.sup.2 is independently selected from a —C.sub.1-4 alkyl group and wherein each R.sup.3 is independently selected from a hydrogen and a methyl group.

The present invention provides a carboxyl group-containing polymer and a composition containing the polymer which exhibit excellent anti-soil redeposition ability in fabric washing. The carboxyl group-containing polymer includes specific ratios of a structure unit (a) derived from an ether bond-containing monomer (A), a structure unit (b) derived from a sulfonic acid group-containing monomer (B), and a structure unit (c) derived from an acrylic acid-based monomer (C), and has a specific weight average molecular weight. The carboxyl group-containing polymer composition contains the carboxyl group-containing polymer and a specific amount of a hydrogen sulfite adduct of the acrylic acid-based monomer (C).

The need for a light duty maintenance cleaning spray for hard surfaces, which result in less over-spray during application, especially when using spray applicators which provide large coverage angles, and provides more uniform coverage, especially on inclined surfaces, is met when the spray composition is formulated with low surfactant levels and thickener, and is applied as spray droplets having the desired particle size.