Detergent Gel Composition Comprising a Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detergent gel composition. In particular, the invention relates to a packaged detergent gel composition comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate; wherein the fatty alcohol ethoxylate has the formula:

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.xH wherein, R is a linear, saturated fatty alcohol, and x is an integer having a value of at least 25;
wherein the packaged detergent gel composition further comprises at least one builder selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylates, aminocarboxylates, phosphates, or the salts thereof;
and wherein the packaged detergent gel composition further comprises at least one mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant.

Claims

1. A packaged detergent gel composition comprising at least one fatty alcohol ethoxylate, wherein the detergent gel composition is contained within a water-soluble container; wherein the fatty alcohol ethoxylate has the formula:
RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.xH wherein, R is a linear, saturated fatty alcohol, and x is an integer having a value of at least 25; wherein the packaged detergent gel composition further comprises at least one builder selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylates, aminocarboxylates, phosphates, or the salts thereof; wherein the packaged detergent gel composition further comprises at least one mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant; and wherein the packaged detergent gel composition comprises less than 3 wt % polyalkylene glycol.

2. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble container is a water-soluble film.

3. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble container comprises or is a poly(vinyl alcohol).

4. The packaged detergent gel composition according to any claim 3, wherein the water-soluble container is a multi-compartment water-soluble container comprising at least a first compartment and a second compartment.

5. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 4, wherein at least one liquid cleaning active is located within the second compartment.

6. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 4, wherein at least one solid cleaning active is located within the second compartment.

7. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 5, wherein the at least one cleaning active located within the second compartment is a bleaching system.

8. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the packaged detergent gel composition comprises less than 2 wt % polyalkylene glycol.

9. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 4, wherein the multi-compartment water-soluble container comprises a third compartment within which is located at least one liquid cleaning active.

10. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the detergent gel composition further comprises at least one enzyme.

11. The packaged detergent gel composition as claimed in claim 1, in a unit-dose format.

12. Use of a packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 1, for washing soiled kitchenware or for cleaning of hard surfaces, laundry cleaning or fabric treatment.

13. A method for washing kitchenware in an automatic dishwashing machine wherein the packaged detergent gel composition of claim 1 is added to the automatic dishwashing machine at the start of a main wash cycle or at the start of a pre-wash cycle.

14. A method for preparing a packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: a) mixing a liquid component with at least one fatty alcohol ethoxylate; b) cooling the composition formed by step a) to form a gel; and c) adding the composition to a water-soluble container.

15. A detergent gel composition comprising a fatty alcohol ethoxylate of formula:
RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.xH wherein, R is a linear, saturated fatty alcohol, and x is an integer having a value of at least 25; wherein the detergent gel composition further comprises at least one builder selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylates, aminocarboxylates, phosphates, or the salts thereof; wherein the detergent gel composition further comprises at least one mixed alkoxylate fatty alcohol non-ionic surfactant; and wherein the detergent gel composition comprises less than 3 wt % polyalkylene glycol.

16. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 3, wherein the container comprises a thermoformed poly(vinyl alcohol) film.

17. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 4, wherein the packaged detergent gel composition comprises less than 2 wt % polyalkylene glycol.

18. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 8, wherein the packaged detergent gel composition contains substantially no polyalkylene glycol.

19. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 10, wherein the at least one enzyme is an amylase and/or protease.

20. The packaged detergent gel composition according to claim 10, wherein the at least one enzyme is in the form of a suspended solid.

Description

[0149] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0150] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relative release of protease and amylase enzymes, and active oxygen, of a comparative formulation in Example 5 and

[0151] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relative release of protease and amylase enzymes, and active oxygen, of an inventive formulation in Example 5.

EXAMPLES

Example 1Storage Trial

[0152] Example 1 was carried out using a fatty alcohol ethoxylate having the following formula (Compound (1)):

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.xH [0153] wherein, [0154] R is a linear, saturated C16-C18 fatty alcohol, and [0155] x is 25.

[0156] Two compositions, Comparative Formulation (1), which contained no Compound (1) and was not in gel format, and Inventive Formulation (1), which was in gel format and contained an example of a compound of Formula (1) in the form of Compound (1), were prepared according to the following formulations:

TABLE-US-00001 Comparative Inventive Formulation Formulation Ingredient Function (1)/% wt. (1)/% wt. Trisodium Citrate Builder 42.9 46.0 Fatty Alcohol Surfactant 32.0 31.4 Alkoxylate, EO:PO of 2:1 Compound (1) Surfactant 7.5 Polyalkylene glycol Thickener 10.0 pentaerythritol, EO:PO of 4:1 Other ingredients Care agents, 15.1 15.1 Antifoamer and Bleach booster

[0157] Inventive Formulation (1) and Comparative Formulation (1) were in the form of a gel.

[0158] Notably, replacing polyalkylene glycol pentaerythritol, EO:PO of 4:1, with Compound (1), a pure fatty alcohol ethoxylate, allowed an increased amount of trisodium citrate to be present in the detergent gel composition.

[0159] Inventive Formulation (1) and Comparative Formulation (1) were prepared and each placed in two separate storage trials.

Storage Trial 1:

[0160] Temperature: 30 C. [0161] Relative humidity: 65% [0162] Duration: 12 weeks

Storage Trial 2:

[0163] Temperature: 40 C. [0164] Relative humidity: 75% [0165] Duration: 12 weeks

[0166] In each trial, Inventive Formulation (1) shows an improved stability profile compared to Comparative Formulation (1). By improved stability profile, it is meant that there is no perceptible discolouration of the detergent gel composition, no phase separation or no significant phase separation, over this timescale. The storage stability is measured by filling a PVOH pouch with the detergent composition, sealing the pouch, and storing the sealed pouch in a sealed doy pack in a climate chamber under the aforementioned conditions.

[0167] In further examples, higher ethoxylated congeners of Compound (1) were used. Compound (2), Compound (3) and Compound (4) (as described below) were each used instead of Compound (1) of Inventive Formulation (1) and the results of testing showed that these fatty alcohol ethoxylates with an EO content of 36, 50 and 80, respectively, also displayed improved stability performance compared to Comparative Formulation (1).

[0168] This shows that a compound of Formula (1), in the form of Compound (1), (2), (3) or (4), can be used to replace polyalkylene glycols (typically, a thickening-only ingredient) in a detergent gel composition and the stability of the detergent gel composition (Inventive Formulation (1) in the case of Compound (1)) is greater than that of a conventional detergent composition comprising polyalkylene glycols. As such, Inventive Formulation (1) maintains an aesthetically pleasing profile for a longer duration, and does not undergo phase separation as readily, if at all, compared to Comparative Formulation (1). It should be noted that the replacement of polyalkylene glycols, which have no surfactant functionality, with compounds of Formula (1), which have surfactant functionality, also enables the replacement of a non-functional filler ingredient with a detergent active ingredient.

Example 2Shine Test

[0169] The test was carried out using liquid ballast soil to simulate soiled kitchenware. A beaker with 16 g defrosted soil was placed in a top basket of the dishwasher at the beginning of each test.

Scoring (with Respect to Shine Loss Characteristic): [0170] 5Extremely strong [0171] 4Very strong [0172] 3Strong [0173] 2Slight [0174] 1None

TABLE-US-00002 Machine Type Bosch Program Eco Water Hardness 21GH Evaluation after 5 washing cycles Comparative Inventive Parameter Formulation (1) Formulation (1) Short term Glass spotting 2.1 2.0 shine (5 Glass filming 3.4 3.9 cycles) Cutlery spotting 2.0 2.0 Cutlery Filming 2.5 2.5 1.0 = Most favourable, 5.0 = Least favourable A difference of 1.0 score on filming is considered distinctive. The evaluators noted no noticeable change to the dishwasher, e.g. no discoloration of the interior or the baskets and no accumulation of residues or precipitates on the filter.

[0175] Each test product was visually examined.

[0176] It is observed that the Inventive Formulation (1) exhibits parity in shine performance compared to Comparative Formulation (1).

Example 3Phase Separation and Dissolution Profile of Unit Dose Detergent Gel Compositions

[0177] Example 3 was carried out using higher ethoxylated congeners compounds of Formula (1) e.g.:

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.xHCompound (2) [0178] wherein, [0179] R is a linear, saturated C16-C18 fatty alcohol, and [0180] x is 36.

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.xHCompound (3) [0181] wherein, [0182] R is a linear, saturated C16-C18 fatty alcohol, and [0183] x is 50.

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.xHCompound (4) [0184] wherein, [0185] R is a linear, saturated C16-C18 fatty alcohol, and [0186] x is 80.
Formulations were prepared using Compounds (3) and (4) as unit-dose detergent gel compositions in water-soluble PVOH containers, as follows (the table below shows the gel phase only of the formulations):

TABLE-US-00003 Comparative Inventive Inventive Inventive Formulation Formulation Formulation Formulation Ingredient Function (1)/% wt. (1)/% wt. (3)/% wt. (4)/% wt. Trisodium Builder 42.9 46.0 46.0 46.0 Citrate Fatty Alcohol Surfactant 32.0 31.4 31.4 31.4 Alkoxylate, EO:PO of 2:1 Compound (1) Surfactant 7.5 Compound (3) Surfactant 7.5 Compound (4) Surfactant 7.5 Polyalkylene Thickener 10.0 glycol pentaerythritol, EO:PO of 4:1 Other Care agent, 15.1 15.1 15.1 15.1 ingredients Antifoamer, Bleach booster and Colorants

[0187] Inventive Formulations (3) and (4) were in the form of a gel. Inventive Formulations (3) and (4) were each comprised in a multi-compartment package comprising a water-soluble PVOH film container. The multi-compartment package comprising Inventive Formulation (3) or (4) comprised a first compartment comprising a gel comprising Inventive Formulation (3) or (4) and added enzymes protease and amylase, and a second compartment comprising a bleaching system in the form of a powdered solid. The second compartment further comprised additional cleaning actives, for example alkalinity agents, co-builders and buffering agents, each in the form of a solid.

TABLE-US-00004 Comparative Inventive Inventive Inventive Formulation Formulation Formulation Formulation (1) (1) (3) (4) Phase Room ca. 37 C. ca. 45 C. ca. 45 C. Separation/ C. temperature Powder ca. 10 ca. 10 ca. 10 ca. 10 Compartment seconds seconds seconds seconds Dissolution/sec Gel ca. 100 ca. 100 190-285 345-450 Compartment seconds seconds seconds seconds Dissolution/sec

[0188] It is observed that Inventive Formulation (1) exhibits an improved stability performance (i.e., greater phase separation temperature), and similar gel dissolution performance, compared to Comparative Formulation (1).

[0189] It is also observed that Inventive Formulation (3) and Inventive Formulation (4) each exhibit an improved stability performance and improved gel dissolution performance (i.e., an increased gel dissolution time) compared to Comparative Formulation (1).

[0190] In another example, Compound (2) was used instead of Compound (1) of Inventive Formulation (1) and the results of testing showed that this fatty alcohol ethoxylate with an EO content of 36, also displayed improved stability performance and improved gel dissolution performance compared to Comparative Formulation (1).

[0191] The results also show that replacement of polyalkylene glycol pentaerythritol, EO:PO of 4:1, with examples of compounds of Formula (1) with high ethoxy content (EO at least 36) provides a detergent composition with more desirable performance characteristics, such as an increased gel dissolution time for applications in which active ingredients, such as enzymes, are desired to be released into the wash later in a wash cycle.

Example 4Cleaning Performance Test

[0192] The test was carried out according to the IKW protocol (Miele 1223 GSL2, P3/8 min, 21 GH water hardness).

TABLE-US-00005 Machine Type Miele 1223 GSL2 Program P3/8 min Water hardness 21GH/375 ppm Repetitions 2 Comparative Inventive Inventive Type of Stain Formulation (1) Formulation (3) Formulation (4) Bleachable Tea 1.2 1.3 1.1 Tea with Milk 8.6 9.6 8.9 Persistent Alkaline-sensitive 7.7 7.7 7.6 Milk Skin Protein-containing Creme brle 9.9 9.9 9.9 Egg Yolk 8.4 8.8 8.8 Minced Meat 10.0 10.0 10.0 Starch-containing Pasta 9.0 9.0 9.0 Starch Mix 9.1 9.2 9.2 Average 7.8 8.0 7.8 10 = Best performance, 1 = Worst performance A difference of 1.0 score is considered distinctive.

[0193] It was observed that Inventive Formulations (3) and (4) each demonstrated a similar, or enhanced, cleaning performance compared to that of Comparative Formulation (1).

[0194] This shows that replacement of polyalkylene glycols with either of Compound (3) or Compound (4) provides a detergent composition with similar, or more desirable, performance characteristics to that of a detergent composition comprising a polyalkylene glycol. Thus, advantageously, it is surprisingly found that providing a detergent gel composition exhibiting a delayed release of enzymes, relative to the release of other cleaning actives, for example bleaching agents, does not negatively affect the efficacy of the enzymes during washing. As such, a detergent gel composition comprising a compound of Formula (1) has no negative impact on cleaning performance compared to a detergent gel composition comprising polyalkylene glycol pentaerythritol, EO:PO of 4:1, whilst enabling removal or reduction of non-functional filler ingredients.

Example 5Delayed Release Profile

[0195] Example 5 includes Inventive Formulation (5). Inventive Formulation (5) comprised the composition of Inventive Formulation (1) with the addition of amylase and protease enzymes, and a bleaching system. Inventive formulation (5) was contained within a first compartment of a multi-compartment water-soluble container. The multi-compartment container comprised three separated compartments. The water-soluble container was made of PVOH. The amylase and protease enzymes were granular, and suspended in a gel compartment (first compartment) which comprised Inventive Formulation (5) in the form of a gel. The bleaching system was in the form of a solid and was included in a powder compartment (second compartment). The third compartment contained cleaning actives in the form of a liquid.

[0196] Example 5 also includes Comparative Formulation (2). Comparative Formulation (2) comprised the composition of Comparative Formulation (1) with the addition of amylase and protease enzymes, and a bleaching system. The amylase and protease enzymes were granular. The amylase and protease enzymes, and the bleaching system, were in the form of a solid, and were included in a powder compartment.

TABLE-US-00006 Comparative Formulation (2) [Granular enzymes in powder] Machine Bosch Programme ECOVariospeed 1 h 27 min Water Consumption 4.2 L Water Hardness 21GH Soil No soil Further Information No salt, No rinse aid Inventive Formulation (5) [Granular enzymes in gel] Machine Bosch Programme ECOVariospeed 1 h 27 min Water Consumption 4.2 L Water Hardness 21GH Soil No soil Further Information No salt, No rinse aid

[0197] As shown in FIG. 1, it is observed that the relative release of enzymes amylase (A) and protease (P) in Comparative Formulation (2) is rapid and even exceeds the release of active oxygen (O). It is observed that the timepoint of 80% release of protease (P) and amylase (A) in Comparative Formulation (2) is approximately three minutes after dosing. As such, Comparative Formulation (2) comprising polyalkylene glycol pentaerythritol, EO:PO of 4:1, (a polyalkylene glycol) does not exhibit a favourable delayed release profile. Moreover, FIG. 2 shows that by including enzymes within a gel compartment comprising a unit does detergent gel composition of the invention, the release of the enzymes can be significantly delayed, relative to the release of enzymes or other cleaning actives, for example a bleaching system, comprised in a solid compartment. By providing a unit-dose product according to the invention, a favourable delayed release profile of particular cleaning actives can be obtained.

[0198] FIG. 2 shows that Inventive Formulation (5) exhibits a clear delay in the dissolution of protease (P) and amylase (A) compared to Comparative Formulation (2), and relative to the release of active oxygen (O). It is observed that the timepoint of 80% release of protease (P) and amylase (A) in Inventive Formulation (5) is approximately nine minutes after dosing, i.e. a delay of approximately six minutes relative to Comparative Formulation (2). As such, it is clear that Inventive Formulation (5), comprising Compound (1) and further comprising amylase and protease enzymes in the gel compartment, exhibits a favourable delayed release profile compared to Comparative Formulation (2) comprising polyalkylene glycol pentaerythritol, EO:PO of 4:1 (a polyalkylene glycol), and enzymes protease and amylase in solid form in a powder compartment.

[0199] The examples above show that using Compounds (2), (3) and (4), examples of compounds of Formula (1) with increasing ethoxy content, results in gels with further increased phase separation temperatures and delayed dissolution profiles (beneficial) compared to both Comparative Formulation (1) and Inventive Formulation (1), which confirms that an increase in ethoxy content of the fatty acid alcohol of Formula (1) provides increasing benefits in relation to detergent gel compositions of the invention.

[0200] The examples also show that by altering the number of moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, different congeners of Formula (1) can be formed, enabling the skilled formulator to tailor the dissolution profile of the detergent composition without affecting the cleaning performance, and therefore allowing much more flexibility in designing optimum cleaning and performance profiles.

[0201] The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.