BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Two particularly important characteristics of hand dishwashing detergent liquids
are mildness, which is significant due to the exposure of the hands to the detergent
formulations, and foamability. Foamability is important because the amount of foam
generated during washing is related to the ability of a formulation to clean dishes
and eating utensils effectively.
[0002] Among the surfactants included to promote mildness in some light duty liquid detergent
formulations are certain betaine surfactants and linear ether sulfates. However, such
formulations have tended generally to include high levels of total surfactant high
levels of the costly betaine surfactants and/or one or more extra surfactants in addition
to the betaine and ether sulfates.
[0003] Rubin et al., US Patent No. 4 375 421 discloses high viscosity aqueous compositions
including alkylamidobetaines and selected salts such as certain sulfates, carbonates,
citrates, tartrates and succinates.
[0004] The inclusion of micelle-forming anionic surfactants are said to produce a synergistic,
viscosity-building effect.
[0005] Among the numerous types of anionics mentioned for use in their invention are included
sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and ammonium alcohol ethoxy sulfates. In Examples
6-B and 6-C, hand dishwashing preparations are disclosed which include cocoamido betaine,
ammonium alcohol ethoxy sulfate, lauryl dimethyl amine oxide and either sodium citrate
or sodium sulfate. The ratio of betaine to ether sulfate is much greater than 1:1.
Rubin et al. indicate that the particular type of betaine is important and that most
betaines are not thickened in the presence of salts. It is said that only alkylamidobetaines
are thickened under the described conditions.
[0006] Chirash et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,772,425 discloses light duty liquid abrasive-containing
dishwashing compositions which include at least one sulfated or sulfonated anionic
surfactant, a betaine, a clay stabilizing agent and a minor amount of a solubilizer
such as ethanol as a preferred optional ingredient. Preferably, the formulation includes
a ternary surfactant system of an alkyl benzyl sulfonate or alkane sulfonate, an
alkyl ethenoxy ether sulfate and a betaine, the clay, and 2 to 9% alcohol
[0007] Several of the examplified compositions of Chirash include ether sulfate and betaine
surfactants and ethanol. For instance, a composition including 17% sodium dodecylbenzene
sulfonate, 13% ammonium alkyl triethenoxyether sulfate, 4% cocamidopropyl dimethyl
betaine, 5.5% ethanol and water is disclosed. In example 6, 6.5% ether sulfate, 2%
amidoalkyl betaine, 8.5% sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and 4% alcohol are included.
The examples including ether sulfate and betaine appear to possess ternary surfactant
systems.
[0008] Verdicchio et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,950,417 discloses high lathering detergent compositions,
especially useful as shampoos, which comprise a surfactant betaine, an anionic surfactant
and a nonionic surfactant. The preferred molar ratio of surfactant betaine to anionic
surfactant falls between about 0.9 and about 1.1. The preferred betaines are said
to be surfactant amidocarboxybetaines and amidosulfobetaines. Alcohol ether sulfates
are used as anionics and are said to be the preferred anionics. The examples generally
include a nonionic surfactant in addition to the betaines and the anionic surfactant
such as ether sulfates. In addition to use as shampoos, the compositions are said
to be useful as cleansers for cleaning other parts of the human body, animals, inanimate
objects and the like.
[0009] Nishimura et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,166,048 discloses high foaming detergent compositions
which are said to have a very mild action on the skin. The compositions include certain
polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salt mixtures and a betaine-type amphoteric surfactant
of the formula R1(R2)N+(CH2COO-)R3 wherein R1 is alkyl having 8 to 20 carbon atoms.
The weight of the betaine type amphoteric surfactant is 0.01 to 2 times, especially
0.03 to 0.5 times the weight of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salt mixture.
[0010] The ether sulfate salts of the '048 patent may include monovalent metal ions, preferably
Na or K or divalent metal ions, preferably Ca or Mg. Solubilizing agents such as ethanol,
propylene glycol, glycerin and xylene sulfonic acid salts may be included. In some
of the examples, the composition is tested for washing power on dishes. Small amounts
of ammonium chloride are included in some of the examples.
[0011] The Lonzaine C Product Information Bulletin discloses that Lonzane C is a mild, high
foaming surfactant of the amide betaine structure. Lonzaine C is said to contain 5%
NaCl. Lonzaine C is said to have outstanding conditioning, foaming, and viscosity
potentiating properties. Lonzaine C, in combination with most anionic surfactants,
is said to potentiate viscosity to permit formulations ranging from viscous liquids
to ringing gels.
[0012] Shampoo formulations including a 30% solution of Lonzaine C (14%), Barlox C, a 40%
solution of sodium alpha olefin sulfonate (22%), citric acid, water and optionally
polymer JR 125 are disclosed. Lonzaine C is said to be useful in light duty liquids
and is said to exhibit tolerance toward high levels of builder, electrolytes, alkali
and acids.
[0013] The Stepan bulletin for Amphosol CA (cocoamidopropyl betaine) gives a shampoo formulation
including Amphosol CA, an amine oxide, an alpha olefin sulfonate, citric acid and
water. In three other formulas, the anionic is respectively sodium lauryl sulfate,
another alcohol sulfate salt and alpha olefin sulfonate. It is said that a wide variety
of viscosities can be attained by addition of NaCl (from 0 to a gel).
[0014] Pancheri et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,772,423 discloses liquid detergents said to have
high sudsing characteristics and said to be suitable for washing tableware. The detergents
comprise 5 to 50% anionic surfactant, a polmeric surfactant, detergency builders
and water and may also include other surfactants, of which betaine surfactants are
highly preferred.
[0015] The betaine is present at from 0.5 to 15%, preferably from 1 to 10%. The ratio of
anionic to betaine is from about 1 to 80, preferably from 1 to 40 more preferably
from about 2 to 40. The preferred anionic surfactants are alkylpolyethoxylate sulfates
having from 0.5 to 10 ethylene oxide groups. The anionics may be salts of sodium,
potassium, ammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium, triethanolammonium and
other cations. Alcohols and hydrotropes such as sodium xylene sulfonate may be included,
as may water-soluble inorganic builders. Alkyl ether sulfates and alkylamido betaines
are included together in various examples, generally with an additional surfactant.
[0016] Lamb et. al., U.S. Patent No. 4,671,894 discloses liquid dishwashing detergents comprising
4 to 20% alkyl sulfate, 5 to 20% alkylbenzene sulfonate, 1 to 10% of a nonionic surfactant,
5 to 24% alkyl ethoxy sulfate, 0.25 to 10% of a zwitterionic surfactant such as an
alkyl betaine, an alkylamidobetaine or a sulfobetaine, and a hydrotrope-water system
which may include ethanol, urea, and/or a lower alkyl benzene sulfonate. In example
D, 9.9% ammonium alkyl ethoxy sulfate, 2.25% amidopropyl betaine, ethanol, alkylbenzene
sulfonate, alkyl sulfate and water are included. In comparative Example M, alkylbenzene
sulfonate is omitted and a marked decline in suds mileage is said to be obtained.
[0017] Klisch et al., U.S Patent No. 4,554,098 discloses good foaming liquid detergents
having reduced skin irritating properties which include 8 to 30% alkyl ether sulfate,
a supplementary, non-soap anionic detergent, 1 to 8% of a zwitterionic surfactant
which may be a betaine, an amidobetaine or a sulfobetaine and a solubilizer which
is selected from a group including alcohols, lower alkyl benzene sulfonate salts,
urea and mixtures thereof. The formulations are said to be suitable as hand dishwashing
liquids.
[0018] Example 5 of Klisch includes 16% ammonium alkyl ether sulfate salt, 6% sodium alkyl
ether sulfate salt, 4% amidobetaine, 3% monoethanolamide, 5.4% sodium xylene sulfonate
and 9.5% ethanol. Example 35 includes 13% ammonium alkyl ether sulfate, 2% ammonium
lauryl sulfate, 4.5% amidobetaine, 1.5% monoethanolamide, 9.2% ethanol, and 4.2% sodium
xylene sulfonate.
[0019] Bissett et. al., U.S. Patent No. 4,558,360 discloses mild, foaming detergent compositions
comprising 5 to 99% of a mild, foaming anionic surfactant selected from a group including
alkyl ether sulfates, 1 to 30% of a surfactant which may be a betaine or an amidobetaine
and 0.5 to 20% of an amine oxide suds booster. The ratio of anionic detergent to the
betaine is from 1:1 to 20:1, preferably 3:1 to 10:1. Detergency builders, solvents
such as ethanol and water, and hydrotropes such as sodium xylene sulfonate may be
included. In Example III, 27% alkyl ether sulfate, 5% amine oxide, and 10% cetyl dimethyl
betaine are present.
[0020] Carter et. al., U.S. Patent No. 4,088,612 discloses compositions which include certain
sulfobetaines and an anionic surfactant in a molar ratio of not less than 1 to 2
parts. Among the anionics listed are ether sulfates. In Table II a formulation including
hexadecyl pyridino sulfobetaines and sodium lauryl ethylene oxide (BEC) ether sulfate
in a 1:1 molar ratio is given. Compositions including sulfobetaines and ether sulfates
are also given in Table I. Hydrotropes such as alkali metal aryl sulfonates, organic
solvents such as lower alcohols, and salts such as sodium sulfate may be included.
[0021] European Patent Application 036,625 discloses liquid cleaning compositions said to
be useful for washing dishes by hand. The compositions include by weight 4-20% of
a mixture of sulfated ethylene oxide/alkanol adducts, and aditionally 2-5% surface
active betaines in addition to one or more anionic tensides, optionally nonionic tensides,
solvents and other ingredients. Example 4 appears to include 9% alkylbenzene sulfonate,
9% alkyl ether sulfate, 2% alkyamidopropyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine and 10% ethanol.
Example 6 appears to include 10% alkylbenzenesulfonate, 10% alkylsulfonate, 5% alkyl
ether sulfate, 5% amidobetaine and 8% isopropanol. Example 9 appears to include 5%
alkyl ether sulfate, 2% betaine, 3% alkylsulfate, 5% nonionic and 4% isopropanol.
[0022] It has now been found that light duty liquid detergent formulations having a ratio
of amido- and/or amido sulfobetaine surfactants to linear ether sulfate within the
range defined below exhibit excellent mildness and foaming without the need for additional
surfactants or excessive amounts of betaine or of total surfactant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The invention comprises aqueous light duty liquid detergent formulations, especially
suitable for use in hand dishwashing, which include a) an essentially binary active
system consisting essentially of i) a betaine surfactant which may be an alkylamidobetaine
or a amidosulfobetaine or mixtures thereof and ii) an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant,
wherein the weight ratio of i) to ii) is in the range of 1:4 to 1:1, b) from 1 to
12% of a hydrotrope and c) from 0 to 12% of electrolytes. Preferably the range of
i) to ii) is from 1:3 to 1:1, even more preferably 1:2 to 1:1.5.
[0024] The light duty liquid detergent of the invention has been found to have excellent
mildness and foaming properties, and is particularly suitable for use as a hand dishwashing
liquid. Moreover, the liquid of the invention does not require large amounts of the
betaine or of total surfactant and uses an essentially binary active system, thus
eliminating the need for additional surfactants.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The betaine surfactants useful in the invention are zwitterionic surfactants and
are either alkylamidobetaines or alkylamidosulfobetaines.
[0026] The alkylamidobetaines useful in the present invention are given by the following
formula:

where R is an alkyl or alkenyl chain containing 9 to 17 carbon atoms, x is an integer
of 2 to 4, y is an integer of 0 to 3, and z is an integer of 0 to 3. The preferred
value of x is 3. The preferred values of y and z are both 0. R is preferably a fatty
group which contains 11 to 13 carbon atoms, most preferably in a straight chain. The
preferable source of the R group is coconut oil. The preferred amidobetaine may be
represented by the following formula:

wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 9 to 13 carbon atoms.
[0027] Examples of the alkylamidobetaines useful in the present invention include cocoamidomethylbetaine,
laurylamidopropylbetaine, and cetylamidomethylbetaine.
[0028] Alkylamidobetaines useful in the present invention are commercially available from,
e.g. Lonza Incorporated under the trademark Lonzaine C; from the Miranol Chemical
Company under the trademark Mirataine CB; and from the Stepan Chemical Co. under the
trademark Amphosol CA.
[0029] The alkylamidosulfobetaines useful in the invention have the following formula:

wherein R1 is an alkylene radical having from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms, X is hydrogen,
methyl or hydroxy, Y is hydrogen or methyl, R² and R³ are independently selected from
methyl, ethyl and hydroxyethyl radicals, R⁴ is an alkylene radical having from about
2 to about 6 carbon atoms and R⁵ is an alkyl radical having from about 10 to about
18 carbon atoms.
[0030] Representative amidosulfobetaine surfactants include cocoamidomethylsulfopropylbetaine,
stearylamidodimethylsulfopropylbetaine, and laurylamidobis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-sulfopropylbetaine.
[0031] In preferred sulfobetaine surfactants, R² and R³ are methyl. R¹ is preferably ethylene.
R4 is preferably an alkylene radical having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. R⁵ preferably is
a straight chain. Convenient sources of alkyl radicals having from 10 to 18 carbon
atoms are tallow fatty alcohol and coconut fatty alcohol. Particularly preferred amidosulfobetaines
are hydroxysultaines such as cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, the formula of which
is

where RCO represents the coconut acid radical. Cocamidopropylhydroxysultaine is
available from Lonza Inc. as Lonzaine CS and Lonzaine JS and from Miranol as Mirataine
CBS.
[0032] The betaine surfactants will generally be present in the compositions of the inventions
at levels ranging from 2-13% by weight, preferably 3-9%.
[0033] By essentially binary active system, it is meant that no more than about 1% of surfactants
other than the ether sulfate and amidobetaine or amidosulfobetaine are included.
[0034] The alkyl ether sulfate surfactants used in the present formulations have the formula:
RO(CnH2nO)qSO₃X
or
RO(CnH(2n+1)O)qSO₃X
where R is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms,
n is 2 or 3 and q can vary from 1 to about 30. Ether sulfates wherein R is from C₁₂
to C₁₅ are preferred. Preferably q ranges from 1 to 3, especially 3. n is preferably
2. X is a cation preferably selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, especially
sodium and potassium, ions, alkaline earth metal, e.g., calcium and magnesium, ions,
ammonium or substituted ammonium ions such as mono-, di- or triethanolammonium cations.
Mixtures of cations may be used. Ammonium ions are especially preferred. The alkyl
ether sulfates will generally be present in the compositions of the invention at levels
of from 6 to 22%, preferably 6 to 20%, and especially 10 to 18%.
[0035] Neodol 25-3A (ex Shell), which includes an ether sulfate wherein R is a mixture of
C₁₂-C₁₅ alcohol, X is ammonium and the alcohols are ethoxylated with 3EO groups may
be used as a source of the ether sulfates. Other sources of alkyl ether sulfates suitable
for use in the compositions of the invention include Pareth 23-3 (ex Shell) which
includes ammonium alkyl ether sulfates in which R is a mixture of C12 and C13 alcohols
and wherein the alcohols are ethoxylated with 3 EO groups.
[0036] The total percent by weight of surfactants in the formulations of the invention
is preferably no higher than 30%, more preferably no higher than 25%, especially up
to 21%. Preferably the surfactants comprise at least 16% of the composition.
[0037] The hydrotropes used herein are preferably selected from the group consisting of
alkanols and lower alkyl (C₁-C₃) benzene sulfonates and mixtures thereof. Alkanols
containing from one to six carbon atoms, particularly ethyl alcohol, and mixtures
thereof can be used as solvents. Isopropanol is another appropriate alcohol. The
preferred lower alkyl benzene sulfonates are sodium and potassium xylene, toluene,
and cumene sulfonates and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred hydrotrope systems
for alkylamidobetaines comprise mixtures of ethyl alcohol and sodium xylene sulfonate.
The preferred hydrotrope for alkylamidosulfobetaines is ethanol.
[0038] The hydrotropes can total from 1 to 12% by weight of the formulation. For sodium
xylene sulfonate and other lower alkyl benzene sulfonate hydrotropes, the preferred
range is from 0.5 to 3.5 wt%, preferably 1.5 to 3.5%. The preferred range for ethanol
is from 1 to 10%, especially 3 to 8%.
[0039] Among the optional ingredients which may be present in the light duty liquid detergent
compositions of the invention are neutral salts. Particularly preferred neutral salts
include the alkali metal sulfates, particularly sodium sulfate, and the alkali metal
chlorides, particularly sodium chloride. The neutral salts comprise from 0 to 12%,
preferably from 0.5 to 12% of the present compositions. Sodium chloride is preferably
present within the range of 0.25 to 2 wt% whereas sodium sulfate will generally be
present at from 0 to 5 wt%, especially 0.25 to 5 wt %. Compositions may include both
sodium chloride and sodium sulfate. Other examples of neutral salts which may be included
in the formulations of the invention are sodium, potassium, ammonium, zinc, monoethanolammonium,
diethanolammonium and triethanolammonium sulfates, chlorides, bromides, iodides, fornates,
oretates, citrates, succinates and tartrates.
[0040] The compositions of the invention are formulated generally to have a viscosity of
from 150 to 3500 cps. Where less ciscous liquids are desired, the viscosity will range
from 150 up to 1000 cps, preferably 300-400 cps. The viscosity of high viscosity
liquids will preferably be within the range of 1000-2500 cps, preferably about 2500
cps. The present invention yields an clear, stable, highly viscous liquid within the
1000-2500 cps range. Such higher viscosity formulations can be used advantageously
in direct application washing wherein the liquid is applied to the dishware or utensil
itself (e.g., squirted onto the utensil or onto a sponge and applied to the utensil)
instead of after dilution with dishwater. In general, the viscosity of the compositions
is adjusted by varying the levels of neutral salts and hydrotropes.
[0041] Water will generally comprise from 40 to 80% by weight of the compositions, preferably
49 to 77%.
[0042] The compositions of the invention may include various other ingredients typically
found in light duty detergents including colorants and dyes such as D&C Yellow #10
and FD&C Green #3, perfumes and preservatives.
[0043] The pH of the compositions will generally range from 6 to 7.5, preferably about 7.
[0044] The compositions of the invention are stable and generally clear, although they
may be opacified if desired.
[0045] The light duty liquid detergent of the invention does not generally include a polymeric
surfactant, cationic polymers, a clay or an abrasive, although inclusion of such ingredients
may be appropriate in certain circumstances. Also, the detergent of the invention
does not include alkanolamide or amine oxide surfactants.
[0046] While the light duty liquid detergent compositions of the invention are primarily
adapted to use as hand dishwashing detergents, their use is not limited thereto. For
instance, it may be appropriate to utilize the formulations as shampoos, bubble bath
compositions, liquid soaps and the like.
[0047] The compositions of the invention may be prepared in the following manner. The required
amount of alkyl ether sulfate active solution is poured into a mixing vessel fitted
with an overhead stirrer. With the mixer operating at high speed, any sodium xylene
sulfonate solution is slowly added. Once the solution is homogeneous, water is slowly
added to the center of the vortex to minimize gelation. If electrolyte is required
in the formulation, it should be dissolved in the water beforehand.
[0048] Once all the water has been added, mixing is continued until no gel particles are
visible. The betaine solution is then added with mixing, followed by any color and
fragrance. The entire process is carried out at room temperature.
[0049] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages given herein are by weight.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0050] The following dishwashing liquid was prepared in accordance with the process described
above.
| Component |
% by weight |
| Ammonium C₁₂-C₁₅ alcohol ethoxylated with 3 moles ethylene oxide, sulfated |
15.4% |
| Cocoamidopropylbetaine |
8.6% |
| Ethanol |
3.9% |
| Sodium chloride |
1.4% |
| Sodium xylene sulfonate |
0.5% |
| Water, color, fragrance |
to 100% |
The viscosity of the product was 2000-2500 cps. The product was clear and stable.
Example 2
Mildness
[0051] An occlusive patch test was conducted to evaluate formulations for mildness potential.
Ivory Liquid Dishwashing detergent was used as a standard. In the occlusive patch
test, 2% solutions of a formulation are attached to the forearm using plastic discs.
The discs are left on the arm for 24 hours, then the skin is evaluated 24 hours after
removal of the discs. The lower the score, the less irritating the formulation. The
following formulations were tested.
| Component |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
| Sodium lauryl sulfate |
14 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Ammonium C12-C15 alcohol + 3 EO, Sulfated (from Neodol 25-3A) |
-- |
13.5 |
19 |
15 |
19 |
| Cocoamidopropylbetaine |
8 |
7.5 |
6 |
10 |
-- |
| Cocoamidopropylhydroxysultaine |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
6 |
| Ethanol |
-- |
3.4 |
4.75 |
3.75 |
4.75 |
| Sodium Chloride |
1.3 |
1.25 |
1.0 |
1.67 |
0.85 |
| Sodium xylene sulfonate |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
-- |
| Water |
75.2 |
72.85 |
67.75 |
68.08 |
69.40 |
| Formulation |
Irritation |
| A (Comparison) |
1.233 |
| B |
0.6 |
| C |
0.6 |
| D |
0.633 |
| E |
0.6 |
| Ivory Liquid |
0.7 |
[0052] There are no significant differences between formulations B,C,D and E in accordance
with the invention and Ivory Liquid.
Example 3
Dispersibility
[0053] A six foot clear tygon tube with an internal diameter of 3 cm was suspended vertically.
The tube was calibrated, its end capped and filled with 40 degree C tap water. A 75
ul aliquot of light duty liquid was injected onto the water surface using a positive
displacement pipette. The LDL droplet was followed visually and the point where the
drop could no longer be seen was recorded. Three trials were performed for each LDL.
Fresh 40 degree C tap water was used for each formulation. The larger the distance
reported, the poorer the dispersability.
| Component (wt%) |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| Ammonium C12-C15 alcohol ethoxylated with 3 moles |
13.5 |
13.5 |
13.5 |
13.5 |
13.5 |
| Ethylene oxide, sulfated cocoamidopropyl betaine |
7.5 |
7.5 |
7.5 |
7.5 |
7.5 |
| Ethanol |
3.4 |
3.4 |
3.4 |
3.4 |
8.2 |
| Sodium chloride |
1.25 |
1.25 |
11.25 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
| Sodium sulfate |
-- |
4.0 |
-- |
8.0 |
-- |
| Sodium xylene sulfonate |
0.5 |
2.5 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Water |
73.85 |
67.85 |
64.35 |
66.35 |
69.55 |
| Viscosity (cps) |
2000 |
2000 |
2000 |
2000 |
2000 |
| Formulation |
Dispersion Distance (inches) |
| 1 |
32 |
| 2 |
35 |
| 3 |
did not disperse |
| 4 |
did not disperse |
| 5 |
30 |
| Commercial Dishwashing Liquid I |
33 |
| Commercial Dishwashing Liquid II |
49 |
Viscosities were measured with a Brookfield viscometer using a number 3 spindle.
This example demonstrates the preferred embod iment of a high viscosity LES/betaine
mixture which possesses dispersability equal to that of marketed products. The higher
viscosity provides an advantage in direct application washing. Formulations 1, 2 and
5 containing sufficient hydrotrope such that the LDL is dispersed in this test are
preferred. It is especially preferred that the LDL disperse within 40, preferably
within 35, inches in this test.
Example 4
Piston Plunger Test
[0054] The piston plunger is used to determine the relative abilities of LDLs to resist
foam depletion in the presence of food soil. In the test, foam is generated and food
soil is added in 10 gram increments. The agitation/soil addition cycles continue until
the foam is depleted. The weight of the soil added is then determined and used as
a relative measure of LDL efficacy.
| Crisco Shortening Soil |
Ragu Spaghetti Soil |
| A Food Soil Including Crisco Shortening |
A Food Soil Including Ragu Spaghetti Sauce |
Example of Cleaning Performance I
[0055] The piston plunger method using the Ragu spaghetti soil was utilized to determine
the performance of the following formulations. The experiments were conducted at 40°C.
| Component |
1 |
2 |
| Ammonium C₁₂-C₁₅ alcohol 3EO, sulfated |
13.5% |
19.3% |
| Cocoamidopropylbetaine |
7.5 |
10.7% |
| Ethanol |
3.40% |
4.9% |
| Sodium chloride |
1.25% |
1.8% |
| Sodium xylene sulfonate |
0.5 |
0.7% |
| Water |
73.85% |
62.9% |
| Formulation |
Trial 1 |
Trial 2 |
Trial 3 |
| 1 |
384g |
428g |
356g |
| 2 |
435g |
533g |
405g |
| Commercial Dishwashing Liquid I |
363g |
380g |
289g |
| Commercial Dishwashing Liquid II |
422g |
463g |
371g |
[0056] The performance of formulation 1 (21% total active) is superior to that of Commercial
Dishwashing Liquid I. The performance of formulation 2 (30% total active) is superior
to that of Commercial Dishwashing Liquid II. Both Commercial Dishwashing Liquid I
and Commercial Dishwashing Liquid II Liquids contain greater than 30% total actives.
Cleaning Performance II
Effect of LES/betaine Ratio
[0057] Evaluation was via piston plunger using Ragu® spaghetti sauce soil. The experiment
was conducted at 40°C.
| Component |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| Ammonium C₁₂-C₁₅ alcohol 3 EO, sulfated |
19.5% |
16.5% |
13.5% |
10.5% |
| Cocoamidopropylbetaine |
1.5% |
4.5% |
7.5% |
10.5% |
| Ethanol |
4.9% |
4.15% |
3.4% |
2.6% |
| Sodium chloride |
0.25% |
0.75% |
1.25% |
1.75% |
| Sodium sulfate |
4.0% |
4.0% |
4.0% |
4.0% |
| Sodium xylene sulfonate |
1.5% |
1.5% |
1.5% |
1.5% |
| Water |
68.35% |
68.6% |
68.85% |
69.15% |
| Formulation |
Trial 1 |
Trial 2 |
Trial 3 |
| 1 |
246g |
280g |
264g |
| 2 |
317g |
351g |
342g |
| 3 |
339g |
341g |
386g |
| 4 |
321g |
362g |
372g |
| Ivory Liquid Detergent |
383g |
429g |
425g |
| Commercial Dishwashing Liquid II |
370g |
403g |
413g |
| Commercial Dishwashing Liquid I |
313g |
320g |
326g |
[0058] At a ratio of 4 LES/1 betaine and a total of 21% actives, equal performance to Commercial
Dishwashing Liquid I is attained. At smaller ratios of LES/betaine (below 2:1), and
a total actives content of 21%, superior performance to Commercial Dishwashing Liquid
I was observed.
Cleaning Performance III
[0059] Comparison of 24% total active formulations to Ivory (R) Liquid (33-34% total actives).
The piston plunger test using the Crisco (R) shortening soil at 40 degrees C was used.
| Component |
1 |
2 |
3 |
| Ammonium C₁₂-C₁₅ alcohol 3 EO, sulfated |
15.4% |
18.0% |
15.4% |
| Cocoamidopropylbetaine |
8.6% |
6.0% |
-- |
| Cocoamidopropylhydroxysultaine |
-- |
-- |
8.5% |
| Ethanol |
3.8% |
4.6% |
3.8% |
| Sodium chloride |
1.4% |
1.15% |
1.0% |
| Sodium sulfate |
4.6% |
4.0% |
1.0% |
| Sodium xylene sulfonate |
1.7% |
1.5% |
-- |
| Water |
64.5% |
64.75% |
70.2% |
| Viscosity (cps) |
2000 |
2000 |
2000 |
| Formulation |
Weight of Soil to Deplete Foam |
| 1 |
247g |
| 2 |
239g |
| 3 |
237g |
| Ivory Liquid Detergent |
250g |
Cleaning Performance IV
[0060] The plates washing test was used to evaluate the exampiles from "Cleaning Performance
III".
Plates Washing Test
[0061] Soiled dishes are prepared by spreading 5 mls of Crisco (R) shortening soil on each
dish with a spatula. They are then stacked. Meanwhile, water containing the appropriate
amount of hardness is heated to 115 degrees F.
[0062] One gallon of the warm water is added to a wash basin along with the appropriate
amount of LDL. Foam is then generated by using a Mixette electric hand mixer at high
speeds for 20 seconds.
[0063] Plates washing then proceeds using a standard wash cloth and washing regime. The
operator submerges the plate and washes the front surface with six circular stokes.
The plate is inverted, and the back surface is washed with three circular strokes.
The plate is then removed from the wash solution, tipped against the basin's edge
at a 45 degree angle for 3 seconds (to allow foam drainage), and stacked. The process
continues until half the water's surface is no longer covered with foam, as judged
by an independent observer. The number of plates washed is then counted and used as
a relative measure of performance.
| Formulation |
Plates Washed |
| 1 |
36 |
| 2 |
33 |
| 3 |
31 |
| Ivory Liquid |
34 |
[0064] Both the piston plunger and plates washing test demonstrate that the preferred embodiment
at 24% total actives level provides parity performance to a leading product containing
34% total actives.
1. An aqueous liquid detergent comprising
a) an essentially binary active system consisting of
(i) a betaine surfactant selected from:
A) alkylamidobetaines having the formula:

where R is an alkyl or alkenyl chain containing 9 to 17 carbon atoms, x is an integer
of 2 to 4, y is an integer of 0 to 3 and z is an integer of 0 to 3 and
B) alkylamidosulfobetaines of formula:

wherein R¹ is an alkylene radical having from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms, X is hydrogen,
methyl or hydroxy, Y is hydrogen or methyl, R² and R³ are each independently selected
from methyl, ethyl and hydroxyethyl radicals, R⁴ is an alkylene radical having from
about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and R⁵ is an alkyl radical having from about 10 to
about 18 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof and
(ii) an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant of formula:
RO(CnH2n0)q-S0₃X or
RO(CnH(2n+1)0)q-S0₃X
wherein R is higher alkyl group of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, X is a member selected
from the group consisting of alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, ammonium
ions and ammonium ions substituted with from one to three lower alkyl or alkanol groups
and q is from 1 to 3, and mixtures thereof, the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) being
in the range of 1:4 to 1:1,
b) from 1 to 12% by weight of a hydrotrope,
c) from 0 to 12% by weight of electrolytes and
d) water.
2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alkyl ether sulfate salt is an
ammonium salt.
3. A composition as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hydrotrope is selected
from ethanol, isopropanol, C₁ and C₃ aromatic sulfonates and urea.
4. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the alkyl ether sulfate
is a liner alkyl ether sulfate.
5. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the weight ratio of
(i) to (ii) is from about 1:3 to about 1:1.5.
6. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the betaine surfactant
is present at from 2 to 13% by weight.
7. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the alkyl ether sulfate
is present at from 6 to 22% by weight.
8. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising no greater than
30% total surfactant.
9. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the electrolytes are
selected from neutral salts of the group of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and mixtures
thereof.
10. A method for the preparation of a composition according to any one of claims 1
to 9 which comprises mixing together the surfactants, hydrotrope and an appropriate
quantity of water.