Polyesters, Manufacturing Process Thereof and Their Use

Abstract

Disclosed are polyesters comprising structural units of formula Ia and end groups of formulae II and III or end groups of formulae II and IV or end groups of formulae II, III and IV or comprising structural units of formulae Ia and Ib and end groups of formulae II and III or end groups of formulae II and IV or end groups of formulae II, III and IV

##STR00001## wherein R is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, M is hydrogen or a mono- or divalent cation, i is 1 or 2, x is 0.5 or 1 and the product i.Math.x is equal to 1, and z is an integer from 3 to 35.

The polyesters of the invention show a significantly improved dirt removal ability and can be used as soil-release polymers in washing and cleaning agents and in textile care products.

Claims

1. Polyester comprising structural units of formula Ia and end groups of formulae II and III or end groups of formulae II and IV or end groups of formulae II, III and IV or comprising structural units of formulae Ia and Ib and end groups of formulae II and III or end groups of formulae II and IV or end groups of formulae II, III and IV ##STR00005## wherein R is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, M is hydrogen or a mono- or divalent cation, i is 1 or 2, x is 0.5 or 1 and the product i.Math.x is equal to 1, and z is an integer from 3 to 35.

2. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein this contains besides structural units of formula Ia or of formulae Ia and Ib and end groups of formulae II and III or of formulae II and IV or of formulae II, III and IV the structural units of formula Va and/or formula VIa or the structural units of formulae Va and Vb and/or of formulae VIa and VIb ##STR00006## wherein M is hydrogen or a mono- or divalent cation, i is 1 or 2, x is 0.5 or 1 and the product i.Math.x is equal to 1.

3. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein the polyester has a weight average of molecular weight from 2.000 to 20.000 g/mol.

4. The polyester according to according to claim 1, wherein the polyester contains >4 terephthalate units of formula Ia or of combined formulae Ia and Ib, preferred >=6 terephthalate units of formula Ia or of combined formulae Ia and Ib.

5. The polyester according to at according to claim 1, wherein the polyester contains the structural units of formula Ia or of formulae Ia and Ib and end groups of formula II, wherein R is a methyl group and index z is a number from 3 to 35.

6. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein index z is a number from 10 to 20.

7. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein index z is a number from 12 to 18.

8. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein the polyester contains the structural units of formula Ia or of formulae Ia and Ib and end groups of formula II and end groups of formula III.

9. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein the polyester contains the structural units of formula Ia or of formulae Ia and Ib and end groups of formulae II, III and IV.

10. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein the polyester contains the structural units of formula Ia or of formulae Ia and Ib and end groups of formulae II and III, wherein these end groups are derived from the reaction with polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether and isethionic acid or of one of its salts in the molar ratio II to III from 1 to 50 to 50 to 1.

11. The polyester according to claim 2, wherein the polyester contains the structural units of formulae Ia and Va or the structural units of formulae Ia, Ib, Va and Vb.

12. The polyester according to claim 2, wherein the structural units of formulae Ia and Va are present in the molar ratio I to V from 1 to 1 to 10 to 1, preferably from 2 to 1 to 5 to 1 or wherein the structural units of formulae Ia, Ib, Va and Vb are present in the molar ratio Ia+Ib to Va+Vb from 1 to 1 to 10 to 1.

13. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein group —SO.sub.3.sup.−(M.sup.i+).sub.x in the end group of formula IV is in 3-position and M is hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, i is 1 and x is 1.

14. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein the polyester contains end groups of formula II, wherein R is a methyl group and index z is a number from 10 to 20.

15. The polyester according to claim 1, wherein the polyester is not crosslinked.

16. The polyester according to claim 2, wherein the polyester contains structural units of formulae Ia and Va and end groups of formulae II and III, but no end group of formula IV and no structural unit of formula VIa, or the polyester contains structural units of formulae Ia, Ib, Va and Vb and end groups of formulae II and III, but no end group of formula IV and no structural units of formulae VIa and VIb.

17. Process for the manufacture of the polyester according to a to claim 1, wherein a) terephthalic acid dimethyl ester, b) propylene glycol or ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, c) polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether with a weight-average molecular weight in the range between 174 and 1555 g/mol, preferably between 500 and 800 g/mol and very preferred of 550 g/mol or of 750 g/mol, d) isethionic acid or one of its salts, preferably its alkaline- or earth alkali metal salts and/or e) sulfobenzoic acid, salts, preferably its alkali- or earth alkali metal salts, preferably 3-sulfobenzoic acid sodium salt f) optionally sulfoisophthalic acid dimethylester and g) optionally 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid dimethylester are reacted with one another wherein preferably besides components a), b), c) and d) or besides the components a), b), c) and e) or besides the components a), b), c), d) and e) at least one of the components f) and/or g) are additionally reacted.

18. The process according to claim 17, wherein the mixture of monomers a) and b) and of components c) and d) and/or e) additionally contains at least one of the monomers sulfoisophthalic acid dimethylester, preferably 5-sulfoisophthalic acid-dimethylester, and/or 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid or one of its salts, preferably one of alkaline or earth alkali metal salts, and/or a crosslinker.

19. In a method of washing, cleaning or textile conditioning, the improvement comprising utilizing the polyester according to claim 1 in washing and cleaning agents, in textile care products or in products for textile finishing.

20. In a method of washing or cleaning, the improvement comprising utilizing the polyester according to claim 1 as soil-release polymers.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The known transesterification and condensation catalysts of the state of the art can be used for the reaction, such as titanium tetraisopropylate, dibutyl tin oxide, alkaline or earth alkaline metal alcoholates, or antimony trioxide/calcium acetate.

[0070] For further details on the implementation of the polycondensation reference is made to EP 442 101 A1.

[0071] Preferably the preparation of the polyesters of the invention is performed by reacting [0072] a) terephthalic acid dimethyl ester, [0073] b) propylene glycol or ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, [0074] c) polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether with a weight-average molecular weight in the range between 174 and 1555 g/mol, preferably between 500 and 800 g/mol and very preferred of 550 g/mol or of 750 g/mol, [0075] d) isethionic acid or one of its salts, preferably its alkaline- or earth alkali metal salts and/or [0076] e) sulfobenzoic acid, salts, preferably its alkali- or earth alkali metal salts, preferably 3-sulfobenzoic acid sodium salt [0077] f) optionally sulfoisophthalic acid dimethylester and [0078] g) optionally 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid dimethylester

[0079] wherein preferably besides components a), b), c) and d) or besides components a), b), c) and e) or besides components a), b), c), d) and e) at least one of the components f) and/or g) are additionally used in the reaction.

[0080] Preferably 1,2-propylene glycol is used as propylene glycol.

[0081] As polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether preferably polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether with a weight-average molecular weight in the range from 500 to 800 g/mol, preferably 550 g/mol and 750 g/mol, is used.

[0082] The structural units of formula Ia can be obtained by reacting the above cited component a) terephthalic acid dimethylester with component b) propylene glycol; the structural units of formulae Ia and Ib can be obtained by reacting the above cited component a) terephthalic acid dimethylester with components b) propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

[0083] The end group of formulae II, III, and IV can be obtained by reaction with the above mentioned components c), d) and e).

[0084] In a particular embodiment of the invention for preparation of the polyesters of the invention components c) and d) are reacted in a molar ratio from 1 to 10 to 10 to 1, preferred from 1 to 5 to 5 to 1, and very preferred from 1 to 2 to 2 to 1.

[0085] In an equally particularly preferred embodiment of the invention for preparation of the polyesters of the invention components c) and e) are reacted in a molar ratio from 1 to 10 to 10 to 1, preferred from 1 to 5 to 5 to 1, and very preferred from 1 to 2 to 2 to 1.

[0086] In an equally preferred embodiment of the invention for preparation of the polyesters of the invention component c) and a mixture of d) and e) are reacted in a molar ratio c) to (d)+e)) from 1 to 10 to 10 to 1, preferred from 1 to 5 to 5 to 1, and very preferred from 1 to 2 to 2 to 1.

[0087] The polycondensation can occur in the presence or in the absence of one or more crosslinking acting compounds h). Preferred crosslinkers include three to six functions qualified for polycondensation, in particular acid-, alcohol- or ester-functions.

[0088] Polycondensation reactions are preferred where monomers a) to d) and f) are reacted in the absence of a monomer g) and in absence of components of h) and i); or where monomers a) to c), e) and f) are reacted in the absence of monomer g) and in the absence of components h) and i); or where monomers a) to f) are reacted in the absence of monomer g) and in absence of components h) and i).

[0089] Additional preferred polycondensation reactions relate to the reaction of monomers a) to d) and f) in following molar ratios, each related to 1 mol of component a), terephthalic acid dimethylester:

[0090] monomer(s) b): 1 to 25.0 moles, preferably 2 to 22 moles, especially preferred 4 to 21 moles, particularly preferred 5 to 20 moles per mol of a), and

[0091] monomer c): 0.01 to 1.0 moles, preferably 0.02 to 0.8 moles, especially preferred 0.05 to 0.5, particularly preferred 0.1 to 0.5 moles per mol of a),

[0092] monomer d): 0.001 to 0.8 moles, preferably 0.005 to 0.5 moles, especially preferred 0.05 to 0.4 moles, particularly preferred 0.1 to 0.3 moles per mol of a) and

[0093] monomer f): 0.01 to 3 moles, preferably 0.05 to 2 moles, especially preferred 0.1 to 1.5 moles per mol of a),

[0094] with the proviso that the molar ratios of the monomers a) to (d) and f) are chosen in a manner, that polymers with molecular weights in the range from 2.000 g/mol to 20.000 g/mol are obtained.

[0095] More preferred polycondensation reactions relate to the reaction of monomers a) to c), e) and f) in following molar ratios, each related to 1 mol of component a), terephthalic acid dimethylester:

[0096] monomer(s) b): 1 to 25.0 moles, preferably 2 to 22 moles, especially preferred 4 to 21 moles, particularly preferred 5 to 20 moles per mol of a), and

[0097] monomer c): 0.01 to 1.0 moles, preferably 0.02 to 0.8 moles, especially preferred 0.05 to 0.5 moles, particularly preferred 0.1 to 0.5 moles per mol of a),

[0098] and

[0099] monomer e): 0.001 to 0.8 moles, preferably 0.01 to 0.7 moles, especially preferred 0.05 to 0.6 moles, particularly preferred 0.1 to 0.5 moles per mol of a), and

[0100] monomer f): 0.01 to 3 moles, preferably 0.05 to 2 moles, especially preferred 0.1 to 1.5 moles per mol of a),

[0101] with the proviso that the molar ratios of the monomers a) to c), e) and f) are chosen in a manner, that polymers with molecular weights in the range from 2.000 to 20.000 g/mol are obtained.

[0102] Additional preferred polycondensation reactions relate to the reaction of monomers a) to f) in following molar ratios, each related to 1 mol of component a), terephthalic acid dimethylester:

[0103] monomer(s) b): 1 to 25.0 moles, preferably 2 to 22 moles, especially preferred 4 to 21 moles, particularly preferred 5 to 20 moles per mol of a), and

[0104] monomer c): 0.01 to 1.0 moles, preferably 0.02 to 0.8 moles, especially preferred 0.05 to 0.5 moles, particularly preferred 0.1 to 0.5 moles per mol of a), and

[0105] monomer d): 0.001 to 0.8 moles, preferably 0.01 to 0.7 moles, especially preferred 0.05 to 0.6 moles, particularly preferred 0.1 to 0.5 moles per mol of a), and

[0106] monomer e): 0.001 to 0.8 moles, preferably 0.01 to 0.7 moles, especially preferred 0.05 to 0.6 moles, particularly preferred 0.1 to 0.5 moles per mol of a), and

[0107] monomer f): 0.01 to 3 moles, preferably 0.05 to 2 moles, especially preferred 0.1 to 1.5 moles per mol of a),

[0108] with the proviso that the molar ratios of the monomers a) to f) are chosen in a manner, that polymers with molecular weights in the range of 2.000 to 20.000 g/mol are obtained.

[0109] If crosslinkers i) are involved during the polycondensation these are preferably used in quantities from 0.00001 to 0.1 moles, in particular from 0.00002 to 0.01 moles, and particularly preferred from 0.00005 to 0.0001 moles per mol of a).

[0110] The polyesters of the invention can be used in different dosage forms. Examples include granulates, tablets, gels, aqueous dispersions or aqueous solutions.

[0111] Subject-matter of the invention is also the use of the polyesters of the invention in washing and cleaning agents, textile care products and products for textile finishing.

[0112] The polyesters of the invention confer significantly improved dirt-removal properties to textile fibers and substantially support the soil release capacity of other detergent components towards oily, greasy or pigment soils.

[0113] Another advantage is the use of the polyesters of the invention in aftertreatment agents for laundry, for example, in a fabric conditioner.

[0114] Using the polyesters of the invention in cleaning agents for surfaces, especially for hard surfaces, the treated surfaces can be equipped dirt repellent.

[0115] The invention also relates to the use of the above described polyesters as soil-release-polymers.

[0116] The washing, care and cleaning agent formulations, in which the polyesters of the invention can be used, can be in the form of a powder, a granulate, a tablet, a paste, a gel or a liquid.

[0117] Examples include all purpose detergents, mild detergents, color detergents, wool detergents, curtain detergents, modular detergents, washing tablets, bar soaps, stain salts, starches and stiffening agents and ironing aids.

[0118] The polyesters of the invention can also be incorporated in household cleaning agents, for example in all-purpose cleaners, or in dishwashing products, in carpet-cleaning and impregnation agents, in cleaning and care products for floors and other hard surfaces, such as from plastic, ceramic, glass or surfaces coated with nano-technology.

[0119] Examples of technical cleaning agents are plastic cleaners and care agents, for example for housings and car fittings, as well as cleaning and care agents for painted surfaces such as car bodies.

[0120] The laundry, care and cleaning agents equipped according to the invention contain in general at least 0.1 weight-%, preferably between 0.1 and 10 weight-% and especially preferred 0.2 to 3% weight-% polyester of the invention, based on the finished agents.

[0121] Depending on the intended use the formulations are to be adjusted in their composition to the type of textile to be treated or to be washed or to the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0122] The washing, care and cleaning products equipped according to the invention may contain commonly used ingredients, such as surfactants, emulsifiers, scaffold materials, bleaching catalysts and bleaching activators, sequestering agents, graying inhibitors, dye-transfer inhibitors, color fixatives, enzymes, optical brighteners, softening components. Also, the formulations or parts thereof within the meaning of the invention can be selectively colored and/or perfumed by dyes and/or fragrances.

[0123] The following examples serve to explain the invention without limiting it. All references to percentages are to be understood as percent by weight (weight-%), unless not explicitly stated otherwise.

Example 1 (Polyester of the Invention)

[0124] 194.1 g (1.00 mol) terephthalic acid dimethylester, 88.8 g (0.3 moles) 5-sulfo-isophthalic acid dimethylester sodium salt, 235.4 g (3.8 moles) ethylene glycol and 144.4 g (1.9 moles) 1,2-propylene glycol were successively added into a 2-liter four-necked round bottom flask equipped with KPG-stirrer, internal thermometer, gas inlet tube and distilling link. Subsequently additional 8.88 g (0.06 moles) isethionic acid sodium salt and 45 g polyethylene glycol monomethylether 750 (0.06 moles) were added to the reaction mixture.

[0125] Then, the reaction mixture was inerted by introducing nitrogen. In counterflow subsequently 2 g of titanium tetraisopropylate and 1 g of sodium acetate were added to the reaction mixture. The mixture was heated to about 165° C. and kept for an hour on temperature. At this temperature the transesterification began and the resulting methanol was distilled.

[0126] Two hours after start of the distillation the temperature was increased to 210° C. within 1 h. After finished reaction time it was cooled below 195° C. and the pressure was reduced within 30 minutes to 10 mbar. During the subsequent two-hour vacuum distillation, condensation was complemented by distillation of the excess amount of alcohol. For additional 30 minutes, the vacuum was reduced to 1 mbar, then vented with nitrogen and the melt was discharged to suitable sheets.

Example 2 (Polyester of the Invention)

[0127] 555.48 g (3.75 moles) terephthalic acid dimethylester, 125.9 g (0.5 moles) 5-sulfo-isophthalic acid dimethylester sodium salt and 1162 g (20 moles) 1,2-propylene glycol were successively added into a 2-liter four-necked round bottom flask equipped with KPG-stirrer, internal thermometer, gas inlet tube and distilling link. Subsequently 215.37 g (1.00 mol) 3-sulfobenzoic acid sodium salt were added. Finally, 110 g polyethylene glycol monomethylether 550 were added to the reaction mixture.

[0128] Then, the reaction mixture was inerted by introducing of nitrogen. In counterflow subsequently 2 g of titanium tetraisopropylate and 1 g of sodium acetate were added to the reaction mixture. The mixture was heated to about 165° C. and kept for an hour on temperature. At this temperature the transesterification began and the resulting methanol was distilled.

[0129] One hour after start of the distillation the temperature was increased to 210° C. within 2 h. After finished reaction time it was cooled below 195° C. and the pressure was reduced within one hour to 5 mbar. During the subsequent two-hour vacuum distillation, condensation was complemented by distillation of the excess amount of alcohol. For additional 20 minutes, the vacuum was reduced to 5 mbar, then vented with nitrogen and the melt was discharged to suitable sheets.

Example of 3 (Polyester of the Invention)

[0130] 72.8 g (0.375 moles) terephthalic acid dimethylester, 37.03 g (0.125 moles) 5-sulfo-isophthalic acid dimethylester sodium salt, 62.07 g (1 mol), ethylene glycol, 76.09 g (1 mol) 1,2-propane diol, 37.13 g (0.0675 moles) polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (molar mass 550 g/mol), 10 g (0.0675 moles) 2-hydroxyethane sulfonic acid sodium salt and 0.45 g (0.0056 moles) waterfree sodium acetate were furnished into a 1-liter four-necked round bottom flask equipped with KPG-stirrer, internal thermometer, Vigreux column, distilling link, nitrogen transfer line (5 liter/h) and Anschitz-Thiele piping and the reaction mixture was subsequently heated to 60° C. inside temperature under nitrogen overlay (5 liters/hour) and stirring at a stirring rate of 50-100 rpm. After closure of the nitrogen overlay 0.75 g (0.0027 moles) of titanium tetraisopropylate were added. Subsequently, the stirring rate was increased to 300 rpm and the preparation was heated to 150° C. inside temperature within 2 hours and to an inside temperature of 200° C. within additional 2 hours. At an inside temperature of 170° C. the nitrogen overlay was opened again. The reaction mixture was heated for 2 hours at 200° C. and the resulting methanol was distilled and was condensed in a collecting tray cooled with ice.

[0131] At the end of the methanol removal the vacuum was progressively lowered to 5 mbar and thereby excess glycol was distilled. The internal temperature was increased to 220° C. maximum. After termination of the glycol removal it was condensed for additional 2 hours at 5 mbar. Subsequently, it was vented with N.sub.2 and the melt was discharged on sheets.

Examples 4 to 10 (Polyesters of the Invention) and Comparative Examples V-1 to V-4

[0132] One proceeded as indicated for the manufacture of the polyester in example 1 and reacted the components listed in the table below.

[0133] In all cases 5 g titanium tetraisopropylate was used as transesterification catalyst and 3 g of sodium acetate were used.

TABLE-US-00001 Table Ia of the ingredients (in g amounts) of the polyesters of examples 4 to 10 and of comparative examples V-1 to V-4 3- Isethionic MPEG polyester 5-SIM*.sup.) DMT*.sup.) EG*.sup.) PG*.sup.) SBS*.sup.) acid*.sup.) MPEG*.sup.) type no. (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (g/mol) 4 123 242 206 253 22.37 20.72 55 550 5 370 728 496 760 302 — 150 750 6 370 728 620 608 156.6 — 112.5 750 7 370 728 496 760 — 15 275 550 8 0 1044 620 760 111.8 8.88 33 550 9 148 728 806 380 — 4.44 300 750 10  148 728 62 1444 — 1.48 375 750 V-1 148 728 1224 0 — 74 375 750 V-2 148 728 310 760 — 37 200 2000 V-3 88.8 194.1 235 144.8 — 17.76 — V-4 266.2 97.0 322.4 — 33.35 — 0.1 2000 Table Ib of the ingredients (in molar amounts) of the polyesters of examples 4 to 10 and of comparative examples V-1 to V-4 isethionic MPEG polyester 5-SIM*.sup.) DMT*.sup.) EG*.sup.) PG*.sup.) 3-SBS*.sup.) acid*.sup.) MPEG* type no. (mol) (mol) (mol) (mol) (mol) (mol) (mol) (g/mol) 4 0.42 0.82 3.3 3.3 0.10 0.14 0.1 550 5 1.25 2.46 8 10 1.35 — 0.2 750 6 1.25 2.46 10 8 0.70 — 0.15 750 7 1.25 2.46 8 10 — 0.10 0.5 550 8 0 3.53 10 10 0.50 0.06 0.06 550 9 0.5 2.46 13 5 — 0.3 0.4 750 10  0.5 2.46 1 19 — 0.01 0.5 750 V-1 0.5 2.46 20 — — 0.5  0.5 750 V-2 0.5 2.46 5 10 — 0.25 0.1 2000 V-3 0.3 1.00 3.8 1.9 — 0.12 — — V-4 0.9 0.5 5.2 — 0.15 — 0.1 2000 .sup.*)5-SIM = 5-sulfoisophthalic acid dimethylester sodium salt DMT = dimethyl terephthalate EG = ethylene glycol PG = 1,2-propylene glycol 3-SBS = 3-sulfobenzoic acid sodium salt Isethionic acid = 2-hydroxyethane sulfonic acid sodium salt MPEG = polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether

[0134] The polyesters of the invention have a slightly opalescent, glass-like consistency and show a good solubility in demineralized water.

[0135] The polyesters of the invention were of firm consistency and could be milled easily into powders, in particular with a sieve mill to result in particle sizes with narrow particle size distribution and with low dust content.

[0136] Fine portions incurred by the milling process, can be fed into the production process and further reacted.

[0137] The polyesters of the invention showed no tendency to hygroscopicity and no tendency to stickiness even after storage for many weeks.

[0138] The polyesters of V-1 (containing no propylene glycol structural units) and of V-2 (containing nonionic end groups derived from polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether with high content of ethyleneglycol structural units) not in accordance with the invention were of sticky consistency and could not be milled.

[0139] The polyester of V-3 (containing no nonionic end groups, but only anionic end groups, derived from the isethionic acid) not in accordance with the invention showed very high melt viscosities with >1 Mio mPas and could not be discharged from the reactor to plates.

[0140] The polyester of V-4 containing the anionic end group derived from 3-sulfobenzio acid and the nonionic end group derived from methyl polyethylene glycol MPEG 2000 not in accordance with the invention is of sticky consistency and shows a not satisfying washing result.

[0141] The polyesters of the invention comprising nonionic and anionic end groups are distinguished by a very good graying-inhibiting action (soil release action).

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Washing results with the polyesters of the invention compared to prior art soil release polyesters in the washing powder Spee Aktiv Pulver (UBA 0416 8282), Dirty Motor Oil (DMO) test using test fabric WFK 30A PES at a washing temperature of 20° C. Spee Aktiv Pulver (UBA 0416 8282) Remission (%) without additive 18.1 +1% soil release polymer: ®TexCare SRA 300 F 24.1 polyester of the invention, example 1 25.2 comparative example V-4 20.4

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III washing conditions washing machine: Linitest, 1x pre- equipped water hardness: 15° dH Ca:Mg 3:2 lobe WFK 30A PES, 25 μl spent motor 4 oil per lobe liquor ratio 1:40 washing temperature 20° C. washing duration 30 Min. washing agent concentration 4.6 g/l

[0142] The polyesters of the invention were compared with soil release polymers of the prior art with regard to their soil release effect. For this purpose the polyesters were added to the suds in concentrations of 1% (active ingredient), referring the detergent formulation Spee active powder (UBA 0416 8282), and the test tissues WFK 30A PES (laundry Research Institute Krefeld) were pre-washed with this. The thus pretreated tissues were dried and were soiled with motor oil (using 25 μl per test cloth). After a exposure time of 1 hour the test clothes were washed without addition of the polyesters of the invention or of soil release polymers of the prior art. Then, the remission of the test tissues was measured.

Formulation Examples

[0143] The polyesters of the invention can be used in solid detergents and cleaning agents and in detergents and cleaning agents in multiple-chamber systems for cleaning of textiles, as well as for surface cleaning agents.

[0144] Examples of this are:

[0145] Washing Powder, Phosphate-Free with Bleach

TABLE-US-00004 alkyl benzene sulfonate, sodium-salt 8.8% C.sub.12-C.sub.18-alcohol ethoxylate with 7 EO 4.7% soap 3.2% foam inhibitor DC2-4248S, Dow Corning 3.9% zeolite 4A ad 100% soda 11.6%  polyester, example 1 2.0% polycarboxylate (Sokalan ® CP5) 2.4% sodium silicate 3.0% carboxymethylcellulose 1.2% phosphonate (Dequest 2066) 2.8% optical brightener 0.2% sodium sulfate 6.5% protease Savinase 8.0, Novo Nordisk 0.4% TAED 5.0% sodium percarbonate 18.0%. 

[0146] Washing Powder, Phosphate-Containing without Bleaching Agent

TABLE-US-00005 alkyl benzene sulfonate, sodium-salt 8.0% C.sub.12-C.sub.18-alcohol ethoxylate with 14 EO 2.9% soap 3.5% sodium tripolyphosphate 43.8%  sodium silicate 7.5% magnesium silicate 1.9% polyester, example 3 2.0% carboxymethylcellulose 1.2% EDTA 0.2% optical brightener 0.2% sodium sulfate ad 100% water  9.8%.

[0147] Color Washing Powder, Phosphate-Free without Bleaching Agent

TABLE-US-00006 alkyl benzene sulfonate, sodiumd salt 11.5%  C.sub.12-C.sub.18-alcohol ethoxylate with 7 EO 6.0% soap 4.5% foam inhibitor DC2-4248S, Dow Corning 5.0% polyester, example 6 2.0% zeolite 4A ad 100% soda 15.0%  polycarboxylate (Sokalan ® CP5) 3.0% sodium silicate 4.0% carboxymethylcellulose 1.6% phosphonate (Dequest 2066) 2.08%  protease 0.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone 0.5% sodium sulfate  9.4%.