A laundry detergent composition

Abstract

 A laundry detergent composition, comprising a tenside component, a builder component having a builder A including one or more ion-exchangers, a builder B including one or more ion-transferring agents, a builder C including one or more precipitation inhibitors, a builder D including one or more soil-suspending agents as well as optionally further builders and optionally one or more adjuvants and additives. The laundry detergent composition causes less incrustations and lime depositions on the heating elements of washing machines without having to increase the dosage in case of hard supply water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry detergent composition comprising a tenside component, a builder component and optionally one or more adjuvants and additives.

Background Art

[0002] DE Publication No. 39 05 423 (Henkel) relates to a zeolite-based particulate to pulverulent water softener comprising a bleach and a nonionic tenside for use together with conventional detergent compositions. In the experiments disclosed in the publication the water softener is used together with a conventional detergent composition comprising both anionic and nonionic tensides, the proportion of anionic tensides being higher than the proportion of nonionic tensides. The detergent further comprises zeolite, silicate, polycarboxylate and cellulose ether but not citrate.

[0003] EP Publication No. 289.767 (Degussa) discloses a zeolite-based particulate adsorbent with high adsorptivity for liquid and pasty substances in washing or cleaning compositions, especially nonionic tensides, said adsorbent being a suitable particulate carrier in phosphate-free washing and cleaning compositions or washing and cleaning compositions having a low phosphate content. Table 1 of the publication reveals a washing composition formulation including said adsorbent. The formulation comprises both anionic and nonionic tensides, the percentage of anionic tensides being higher than the one of nonionic tensides. The washing composition further comprises zeolite, silicate, polycarboxylate and cellulose ether, but not citrate. Experiments with the washing composition prepared according to said formulation result in incrustations in the range of 3.5-4.4% after 25 wash cycles with swatches of terry cloth, cf. Table 5.

[0004] DE Publication No. 38 38 086 (Henkel) pertains to a special preparation of polycarboxylate and zeolite-containing granulates for use during the manufacture of phosphate-free detergent compositions. It is disclosed that said granulates are suitable carriers for liquid to wax-like detersive substances including nonionic tensides. The publication does, however, not disclose formulations for specific detergent compositions and makes no mention of a connection between the formulation of detergent compositions and incrustations/lime depositions.

[0005] EP Publication No. 291.869 (Henkel) discloses a detergent composition comprising phosphonates, said composition having a reduced tendency to form incrustations. The detergent composition further comprises tensides selected from the group consisting of anionic and nonionic tensides, zeolite, optionally polycarboxylate as well as other conventional ingredients of detergent compositions.

[0006] DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 154.827 (corresponding to GB-PS No. 2.005.715) (Colgate-Palmolive) relates to a phosphate-free detergent composition comprising a water-soluble nonionic detergent and zeolite as phosphate replacer, the nonionic detergent being absorbed into spray-dried beads comprising a mixture of zeolite and either sodium carbonate or a mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The detergent composition formulations of the publication are characterized by comprising neither complex-binders (sequestrants), such as phosphonates, EDTA nor polymeric substances or citrates. No mention is made as regards reduced incrustations/depositions.

[0007] DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 151.231 (Henkel) (corresponding to GB-PS No. 1.473.201) discloses a washing composition comprising water-insoluble, finely-divided aluminium silicate (zeolite) as well as at least one substance selected from the group consisting of tensides, builders and bleaches, said washing composition comprising crystalline or X-ray amorphous aluminium silicate (zeolite) as phosphate replacer. Example 9 of the publication is a formulation of a zeolite-based washing composition, where the tenside is exclusively a nonionic tenside. The bleach-containing washing composition further comprises sodium citrate, silicate as well as a soil-dispersing agent. However, the product does not contain polymeric compounds. It should be noted that specific results for the use of said washing composition are not mentioned. Neither is it mentioned that there is a connection between the choice of tensides and the formulation on the one hand, and incrustations and depositions on heating elements on the other.

[0008] DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 156.173 (Henkel) (corresponding to GB-PS No. 1.473.202) is an additional to the above-mentioned DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 151.231 (Henkel). It relates to a zeolite-based washing composition as disclosed in DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 151.231, where the tenside component comprises 1 part by weight of nonionic tenside and 0-3 parts by weight of anionic tenside. Example 7 suggests a formulation for a zeolite-based washing composition without anionic tensides, i.e. the tenside is solely nonionic tenside. Specific washing results obtained with said formulation are not mentioned. Neither does the publication mention a connection between the choice of tenside and the formulation on the one hand, and the incrustations and depositions on heating elements on the other.

[0009] EP Publiction No. 243,908 (Henkel) discloses a phosphate-free granular water softener comprising 50-60 % by weight of fine crystalline zeolite, 3.5 to 5 % by weight of sodium salt of polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid or a copolymer of these acids with maleic acid, 4 to 15% by weight of sodium citrate, 4 to 12 % by weight of sodium carbonate, 0 to 2% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 12 to 25% by weight of water. The above water softener is adapted for use in combination with a traditional laundry detergent composition in case of hard laundry water. EP 243,908 gives no directions as to the requirements made to the tenside component of a laundry detergent composition to be used together with the water softener to avoid depositions on the heating elements of the washing machine or incrustations in the textiles when used in a low dosage, such as a typical dosage for a so-called compact type detergent composition.

[0010] DK patent application No. 834/86 (Procter & Gamble) discloses a detergent composition containing 5-50% by weight of zeolite, and 0.1-20% by weight of polycarboxylate polymer. In some of the Examples, this detergent composition also includes nitrilotriacetic acid but in these Examples the tenside component contains an essential amount of anionic tensides, about 42 to 90 % by weight of the total tenside component combined with only a moderate amount of nonionic tenside, from about 10-49 % by weight. Anionic tensides are known to provide phosphate-free laundry detergent compositions with an excellent detergency, but gives problems in case of low dosage use in compact type compositions.

[0011] When using conventional laundry detergent compositions the amount of detergent composition necessary to achieve a satisfactory washing result depends on the hardness of the supply water.

[0012] If the same dosage of detergent composition is used without regard to water hardness, calcium and magnesium ions in hard supply water cause a significant reduction in detergency. Moreover, calcium and magnesium ions can cause depositions both in the form of lime depositions on the heating elements of the washing machine and in the form of so-called incrustations, i.e. depositions in the laundry, said incrustations remaining in the textiles, where they accumulate when the textiles are washed several times.

[0013] Problems with depositions may arise when using phosphate-containing detergent compositions as well as when using phosphate-free detergent compositions. Lime depositions on heating elements and incrustations in textiles are, however, a problem particular to phosphate-free detergent compositions. The reason is that the substances traditionally replacing phosphate in the formulation of a phosphate-free washing composition do not possess equally good detersive properties and do not bind and/or disperse the calcium and magnesium ions causing water hardness as effectively. When formulating a phosphate-free detergent composition various substances have to be combined to replace phosphate and to obtain a sufficiently effective laundry detergent composition. Thus, zeolite-based builder systems are generally formulated comprising a number of other substances each contributing with different washing properties. It is thus quite difficult to formulate a phosphate-free washing composition and it is particularly difficult to formulate so-called compact-type, phosphate-free detergent compositions having appeared on the European market over the last years. The reason is that the dosage per wash cycle of compact-type, phosphate-free detergent compositions is significantly lower compared to conventional compositions.

[0014] The prescribed dosage for the laundry detergent compositions according to the present invention is, however, even lower than the recommended dosage of a compact-type detergent composition.

[0015] In consideration of the appearance of the textiles a maximum content of incrustations of 1% by weight for phosphate-containing detergent compositions is usually allowed (RAL RG 992: Gütezeichen für sachgemäße Wäschepflege, Frankfurt, 1971), while a somewhat lower secondary washing performance is generally accepted in connection with phosphate-free laundry detergent compositions, for which reason a higher upper limit for incrustations in textiles of 3% has been set (H. Krüssman, P. Vogel; Seifen Öle Fette Wachse 111, 333 (1985)). This is to some extent compensated for by the considerable environmental advantages of using phosphate-free detergent compositions.

[0016] To prevent lime depositions and incrustations due to hard supply water an increased quantity of detergent composition is frequently used. This, however, results in an excessive utilization of tensides as well as other environmentally harmful substances. In recent years society as well as the individual consumer have become aware of the unfortunate environmental and resource-related consequences of inappropriate overconsumption of tenside-containing products. An alternative to increasing the dosage of a detergent composition to prevent lime depositions and incrustations is the use of a so-called water softener together with the detergent composition. As a result, the detergent composition can be used at the same low dosage as for soft supply water. Such a water softener usually comprises builders and sequestrants softening the water by neutralizing or binding calcium and magnesium ions.

[0017] Although the use of a separate water softener is an acceptable solution from the technical and environmental point of view, it may prove to be difficult to apply in practice. There is a risk of the user measuring out an incorrect dosage, thus not obtaining the desired result. Detergent manufacturers must distribute both a detergent composition and a water softener. Retail shops must have sufficient storage space for two products, and the consumer has difficulties in connection with space requirements and the use of two products for each wash. Moreover, both manufacturer and retailer face a difficult task as regards instructing the consumer on the correct use. Even though a package contains careful instructions concerning the correct use, it is still difficult for the consumer to estimate the correct dosage of the water softener, as information regarding the hardness of the local supply water may be difficult or impossible to obtain.

[0018] Regardless of whether a water softener or an increased dosage of the detergent composition is chosen, the consumer is prone to increase the dosage of the water softener and/or the detergent composition in case of doubt, an unfortunate tendency for environmental as well as resource-related reasons.

[0019] As a result there is a demand for a laundry detergent composition having a high detergency without causing problems because of depositions on the heating elements of the washing machine or incrustations in the textiles when used at a significantly lower dosage than normal regardless of the hardness of the supply water.

Description of the Invention

[0020] The object of the invention is accomplished by a detergent composition comprising a tenside component, a builder component and optionally one or more adjuvants and additives characterized by the tenside component comprising at least 50% by weight of nonionic tensides and by the builder component comprising a builder A including one or more ion-exchangers, a builder B including one or more ion-transferring agents, a builder C including one or more precipitation inhibitors, a builder D including one or more soil-suspending agents, as well as optionally further builders.

[0021] The tenside component of said detergent composition may advantageously be at least 55% by weight, such as at least 60% by weight of nonionic tenside, preferably at least 70% by weight, especially preferred at least 80% by weight, for instance at least 90% by weight.

[0022] The weight ratio between the builders of the builder component in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention is preferably as stated below, based on 100 parts by weight of builder A.

[0023] The amount of builder B is advantageously at least 3.7, preferably at least 6.2 and particularly preferred at least 6.9 parts by weight of builder B per 100 parts by weight of builder A, and advantageously at most 55, especially preferred at most 50 and most preferred at most 47 parts by weight of builder B per 100 parts by weight of builder A.

[0024] The amount of builder C is advantageously at least 5.7, preferably at least 8.6 and most preferred at least 9 parts by weight of builder C per 100 parts by weight of builder A, and advantageously at most 21, especially preferred at most 16 and most preferred at most 12 parts by weight of builder C per 100 parts by weight of builder A.

[0025] Based on 100 parts by weight of builder A, the amount of builder D is advantageously at least 1.7, particularly preferred at least 2.8 and especially at least 3.9 parts by weight of builder D per 100 parts by weight of builder A, and advantageously at most 5.3, especially preferred at most 4.2 and most preferred at most 3.9 parts by weight of builder D.

[0026] The above-mentioned weight parts are calculated on the basis of anhydrous products without hydration water.

[0027] The amount of builder component in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention is advantageously at least 0.9, preferably at least 1.2, particularly preferred 1.4, and especially at least 1.7 parts by weight per part by weight of tenside component and at most 3.6, preferably at most 3.4, particularly preferred at most 3.2, and such as at most 3.0 parts by weight per part by weight of tenside component. Optionally further builders which do not fall into the categories of said builders A, B, C or D are included in the builder component.

[0028] Builder A of the laundry detergent composition according to the invention may advantageously comprise one or more ion-exchangers selected from the group consisting of zeolite and clay, optionally combined with alkali metal silicate.

[0029] Advantageously, builder B may comprise ion-transferring agents selected from the group consisting of citrate, citric acid, nitrilotriacetic acid and chelatinizing tensides.

[0030] Builder C may advantageously comprise dispersing agents and/or precipitation inhibitors selected from the group consisting of phosphonates and homopolymeric and/or copolymeric carboxylic acids including polymers of acrylic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, aconitic acid, methylene malonic acid, citraconic acid as well as copolymers of such carboxylic acids with each other or with other ethylenically unsaturated compounds including ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, vinyl alcohol, vinylmethyl ether, furan, acrolein, vinyl acetate, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid and crotonic acid.

[0031] Advantageously, builder D may include soil-suspending agents selected from the group consisting of cellulose derivatives comprising ether cellulose derivatives including carboxyethyl celluloses, carboxymethyl celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses and methylhydroxyethyl celluloses.

[0032] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] As mentioned above, the tenside component of the laundry detergent composition according to the invention comprises a nonionic tenside. Usually said nonionic tenside is a major part of the tenside component, such as at least 50% by weight.

[0034] The nonionic tensides used can in principle be selected from the group consisting of all conventional nonionic tensides usually manufactured by condensation of a hydrophilic alkylene oxide and a hydrophobic compound. A survey over the classes and types of nonionic tensides suitable for laundry detergent compositions according to the invention is given in US-PS Nos. 3.664.961, 4.222.905 and 4.239.659, incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitable nonionic tensides are alkoxylated non-ionic surface-active compounds having an alkoxy moiety of ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide and/or butylene oxide as well as mixtures thereof.

[0035] A suitable hydrophobic compound may be an alcohol, thioalcohol, diol, fatty acid, fatty acid amide, alkane sulphonamide, alkyl amine as well as alkyl phenol.

[0036] Among nonionic tensides ethoxylated compounds of primary and secondary fatty alcohols are preferred. Especially preferred are condensation products of 2-40 mole EO, preferably 3-16 mole EO, per mole fatty alcohol selected from the group consisting of linear fatty alcohols, oxoalcohols and alcohols manufactured by means of the Ziegler process, i.e. fatty alcohols having an even number of carbon atoms.

[0037] Most preferred are condensation products based on linear fatty alcohols such as C₁₂₋₁₈ coco alcohols, C₁₆₋₁₈ tallow alcohols, oleyl alcohol or other natural alcohols as well as mixtures thereof having 3-16 mole EO per mole fatty alcohol.

[0038] Among the above-mentioned fatty alcohol ethoxylates manufactured on the basis of branched primary alcohols, the following commercial products may be mentioned:

[0039] DOBANOL™ 26-7, available from Shell Chemical Corp., said product being a C₁₂₋₁₅ fatty alcohol with 7 mole EO. Another commercial product is SYNPERONIC™, available from ICI, the C₁₃₋₁₅ fatty alcohol with 7 mole EO being particularly preferred. LUTENSOL™ A07 is of the same type as the latter and available from BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0040] The most preferred products are linear-based fatty alcohol ethoxylates, such as DEHYDOL™ LT 7 as well as DEHYDOL™ 2144 available from Henkel. DEHYDOL™ LT 7 is manufactured from vegetable C₁₂₋₁₈ fatty alcohols with 7 mole EO and DEHYDOL™ 2144 is a mixture of natural fatty alcohol ethoxylates.

[0041] Among the nonionic tensides suitable for the laundry detergent composition according to the invention the following types of sugar-based tensides may further be mentioned, such as sugar esters, sugar ethers, acetylated sugar ethers etc. disclosed in e.g. US-PS No. 4.800.038 incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Examples of sugar esters include mono- and dilauric acid of sucrose as well as mono- and dipalmitic acid/stearic acid esters of sucrose, commercially available under the trade names of GRILLOTEN LSE 87 and GRILLOTEN PSE 141G, respectively, from Grillo Werke AG, Duisburg, Germany.

[0043] Moreover, the nonionic tenside may comprise all known types of fully biologically degradable alkyl polyglycosides manufactured on the basis of natural oils and carbohydrates. Such examples include a short-chained natural C₈₋₁₀ fatty alcohol glycoside as well as a natural C₁₂₋₁₄ fatty alcohol glycoside available under the trade names of PLANTAREN APG 600 and PLANTAREN APG 225, respectively, from Henkel KGaA, Düsseldorf, Germany.

[0044] A more detailed description of these alkyl polyglycosides as well as of the oxyalkylated alkyl polyglycosides, which are just as suitable to be incorporated in the present laundry detergent composition, are disclosed in WO Publication No. 86/05199 (Malik, A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company) as well as WO Publication No. 88/01639 (Roth et al., A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company) incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] One of the essential characteristics of the detergent composition according to the invention is that the major part of the tenside component is a nonionic tenside. It is just as essential that said composition does not comprise interfering amounts of anionic tensides, as such tensides form insoluble compounds when subjected to high water hardness, resulting in a reduction of the washing performance. Accordingly the amount of anionic tensides should be kept low, preferably below 25% by weight of the total tenside component, more preferred below 10% by weight, even more preferred below 5% by weight and most preferred about 0% by weight.

[0046] Apart from the nonionic tenside the tenside component may comprise other tensides of non-anionic type, such as all known types of cationic, amphoteric, ampholytic and zwitterionic surface-active compounds in amounts of usually not more than 50% of the total amount of tenside. Examples of said tensides are extensively discussed in US-PS No. 4.111.855, US-PS No. 3.995.669 and GB publication No. 2.075.043A incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] A particularly preferred tenside is an amphoteric tenside in the form of a powder of cocoamidopropyl betaine available under the trade name TEGOBETAIN L-7 from Goldschmidt AG, Essen, Germany, the amount of active component in said product being 80%.

[0048] Builder A comprises zeolite and/or clays, in Germany known as "Schichtsilikate", and optionally also alkali metal silicate, such as sodium silicate. Builder A may, for instance, be composed of zeolite and sodium silicate or builder A may solely comprise a clay. It is furthermore possible to use a combination of zeolite, alkali metal silicate and clay or of zeolite and clay. Zeolite and clay possess ion-exchanging properties, while alkali metal silicates, such as sodium silicate, support the ion-exchanging effect. In case the ion exchanger is zeolite, an alkali metal silicate is usually requisite.

[0049] In case a combination of zeolite and sodium silicate is used, the amount of sodium silicate is preferably 13-29 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of zeolite, particularly preferred 15-27 parts by weight, more particularly preferred 17-25 parts by weight and especially 19-23 parts by weight of sodium silicate per 100 parts by weight of zeolite. It is also possible to combine zeolite with another alkaline builder.

[0050] The term zeolite (aluminium silicate) includes in principle all known types of aluminosilicates. Corresponding examples are mentioned in DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 151.231, DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 154.827 and EP Publication No. 289.767.

[0051] A particularly preferred zeolite component in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention is zeolite A having the formula Na₁₂ ((AlO₂)₁₂(SiO₂)₁₂) x H₂O, where x = 20-30, preferably x = 27.

[0052] Depending on the method for mixing and processing the laundry detergent composition according to the invention, such as spray-drying of a slurry, dry or wet granulating, compacting, extruding etc. prior to an optional tabletting, the zeolite type may be selected with respect to a composition, grain size, bulk density, solubility, absorbtivity etc. suitable for the manufacturing method.

[0053] The laundry detergent composition according to the invention is preferably manufactured by means of a single spray-mix process, and comprises preferably a highly absorbing zeolite granulate, such as the product sold under the trade name WESSALITH™ CD available from Degussa AG, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The product comprises 71% zeolite A as well as polycarboxylate and nonionic tenside.

[0054] Furthermore, builder A may completely or in part comprise a so-called clay having the stoicheiometric composition Na₂SiO₅, each stratum comprising SiO₄-tetrahedrons. In contrast to aluminosilicates, clays are able to also bind magnesium ions, the latter playing an important role in connection with lime depositions on heating elements.

[0055] A preferred clay of the laundry detergent composition according to the invention is a granulate, such as the one sold under the trade name "SKS-6" by Hoechst AG, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

[0056] In the laundry detergent composition according to the invention builder A is utilized together with builder B acting as ion-transferring agent (carrier), builder C acting as a precipitation inhibitor (thresholder) and builder D acting as a soil-suspending agent.

[0057] The ion-transferring agent (builder B) binds the ions responsible for the water hardness and transfers them to the ion-exchanger, e.g. zeolite, where they are deposited and bound by ion exchange. Thus hard water is softened faster than before, as the softening effect of zeolite alone is comparatively slow and based on the ion exchange of substantially calcium ions. When builder A comprises a large amount of clay instead of zeolite, the necessary amount of ion-transferring agent (builder B) may presumably be reduced or possibly left out altogether.

[0058] Builder B of the present laundry detergent composition usually comprises citrate. The citrate may be in the form of trisodium citrate dihydrate, anhydrous trisodium citrate as well as anhydrous monosodium citrate, the latter being preferred and available from i.a. Citrique Belge Ltd., Tienen, Belgium. Citric acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) or so-called chelatinizing tensides may also be used, the latter having the advantage of being soluble in fatty soil (as regards chelatinizing tensides reference is made to Novak et al., Seifen Öle Fette Wachse 111 (1985), 1.35-87).

[0059] When manufacturing tablets it is advantageous to use a combination of citric acid and sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate to improve the dissolving time, as an effervescent effect is achieved when the tablet comes into contact with water. In such a case the percentage of citric acid, and thus builder B, may be in the upper range, i.e. up to 55 parts by weight of builder B per 100 parts by weight of builder A. In detergent compositions according to the invention where the effervescent effect is not desired the amount of builder B is usually less, for instance 3.7-12, preferably 6.2-9.2 and especially 6.9-8.5 parts by weight of builder B per 100 parts by weight of builder A.

[0060] During ion exchange cations have to diffuse into the internal cavities of the ion exchanger before they can be exchanged. That means that undesired ion precipitation reactions may occur giving rise to i.a. incrustations and greying of the laundry.

[0061] An addition of builder C, i.e. the above-mentioned precipitation inhibitor, may however prevent these precipitation reactions by adsorptive stabilization of the colloidal intermediate step, thus causing a significant reduction of incrustations. Builder C may especially be in the form of a polymeric carboxylic acid. A corresponding effect is achieved by certain complex-binders, for instance phosphonate and phytate, however by means of a different reaction mechanism. While builder C is preferably a polycarboxylate, it is thus conceivable that a greater or smaller part thereof may be such a complex-binder.

[0062] Suitable polymeric precipitation inhibitors for the laundry detergent composition according to the invention include all know polyanionic polymers, such as those disclosed in US-PS Nos. 3.308.067, 3.723.322, 4.144.226 and 4.146.495 as well as GB Publication No. 1.596.756. Homopolymeric and/or copolymeric carboxylic acids and their sodium or potassium salts, respectively, play an important role, the sodium salts being particularly preferred.

[0063] Non-limiting examples include polymers of acrylic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, aconitic acid, methylene malonic acid, citraconic acid etc. as well as copolymers of the above-mentioned carboxylic acids with each other or with other ethylenically unsaturated compounds, such as ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, vinyl alcohol, vinylmethyl ether, furan, acrolein, vinyl acetate, acrylamide, acrylonitril, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid etc.

[0064] The molecular weight of homopolymers and copolymers is in the range of approx. 1,000-1,000,000, preferably 2,000-250,000 and most preferred 5,000-100,000.

[0065] The preferred polycarboxylate is especially the sodium salt of the acrylic/maleic acid copolymer having a molecular weight of approx. 70,000. SOKALAN™ CP 5 is one example of a commercial product having such a composition, said product being available from BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[0066] As mentioned above, builder A may comprise an alkali metal silicate, especially sodium silicate having a Na₂O:SiO₂ ratio of 1:1 to 1:3.5, preferably 1:2 to 1:3.5. Mixtures of silicates with different alkali amounts may also be used, such as a mixture of Na₂O:SiO₂ = 1:2.5 and Na₂O:SiO₂ = 1:2.

[0067] The laundry detergent composition according to the invention preferably comprises sodium disilicate having an Na₂O:SiO₂ ratio of 1:2, such a product being, for instance, available from Crossfield Chemie B.V., Eijsden, The Netherlands.

[0068] Examples of builder substances apart from the builders A, B, C and D advantageously incorporated in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention include alkaline builders, such as alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal dicarbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates, alkali metal sesquicarbonates, alkali metal borates, alkali metal sulphates as well as mixtures thereof. Sodium carbonate is particularly preferred.

[0069] Builder D in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention is a soil-suspending agent for keeping the loosened soil particles suspended in the washing liquor, i.e. the suds, thus preventing their deposition on the textiles, which causes greying. The suspending agent is usually a cellulose derivative. Such cellulose derivatives include in principle all water-soluble cellulose derivatives such as those disclosed in EP Publication No. 291.869 and GB-PS No. 1.596.756. Particularly preferred are ether cellulose derivatives, such as carboxyethyl celluloses, carboxymethyl celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses and methylhydroxyethyl celluloses. Most preferred is a mixture of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and methylhydroxyethyl cellulose at a ratio of between 10:1 to 1:5, preferably 5:1 to 1:2 and most preferred 2:1 to 1:2.

[0070] Other builder substances optionally incorporated in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention include complex-binders preventing precipitation due to their ability to bind polyvalent cations and counteracting undesired reactions, thus stabilizing the entire washing process including especially the bleaching step. Such complex-binders are usually part of builder C. Some complex-binders have, however, ion-transferring powers and are therefore included in builder B.

[0071] In the following some complex-binders are listed which may be incorporated as part of or optionally the entire amount of builder B and/or builder C.

[0072] Complex-binders and thus precipitation inhibitors of builder C can include phosphonates, i.e. phosphonic acids or salts thereof, such as alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium phosphonic acids alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium polyphosphonic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium alkane polyphosphonic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium aminohydroxyalkane polyphosphonic acids, and alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium hydroxyalkane polyphosphonic acids, alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium phosphonic carboxylic acids etc. as well as mixtures thereof.

[0073] Examples of phosphonates and phosphonic acids include in particular ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), ethylene diamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP), diethylene triamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid) (DETPMP), aminotrismethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP) as well as salts thereof. Especially preferred are the disodium and tetrasodium salt of ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid in the form of a free-flowing powder.

[0074] Complex-binders presumably also having ion-transferring properties, thus possibly being part of builder B, include water-soluble polycarboxylic acids and alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium polycarboxylic acids including dicarboxylic acids, non-cyclic polycarboxylic acids, cyclic di- or polycarboxylic acids, hydroxymonocarboxylic acids, aminopolycarboxylic acids as well as higher homologues thereof and salts thereof. Concrete examples of suitable complex-binders include tartaric acid, glutaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, gluconic acid, tartronic acid, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DETPA), hydroxyethylethylene diamine triacetic acid (HEEDTA), isoserine diacetic acid (ISDA) and salts thereof. Phytic acid and its derivatives including salts thereof should also be mentioned.

[0075] Some complex-binders are not as biologically degradable in nature as will be required in the future. Thus it is particularly preferred to use a biologically degradable complex-binder such as isoserine-N,N-diacetic acid (ISDA) (HOOCCH₂)₂N-CH₂-CHOH-COOH as well as salts thereof.

[0076] The laundry detergent composition according to the invention usually also includes one or more conventional adjuvants or additives. Examples thereof include agents preventing the running of colour, tabletting adjuvants, antiagglutinants, known rinsing substances, such as of the bentonite type, colours, deodorants, antioxidants, aerosol propellants, solvents, such as lower alcohols, glycols or glycol ethers, foam inhibitors, perfume, enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach stabilizers, such as magnesium silicate, optical brighteners, antistatics, bactericides, fungicides, hydrotropics, wetting agents and fillers.

[0077] Examples of enzymes advantageously used in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention include mixtures of specific types, such as proteases, carbohydrases, esterases, lipases, oxidoreductases, catalases, peroxidases, ureases, isomerases, lyases, transferases, desmolases or nucleases disclosed in US-PS Nos. 3.519.570 and 3.533.139.

[0078] Commercial products of such enzymes are often sold in the form of an aqueous solution, a powder or a granulate together with extenders, such as sodium chloride, sodium sulphate or certain phosphates. Non-dusting granulates, such as T-granulates available from NOVO NORDISK A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark, are particularly preferred for incorporation in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention.

[0079] Particularly preferred types of T-granulates are proteolytic enzymes available under the trade names ESPERASE™, SAVINASE™ and ALCALASE™, amylolytic enzymes available under the trade name TERMAMYL™, lipolytic enzymes available under the trade name LIPOLASE™, and cellulytic enzymes available under the trade name CELLUZYME™, as well as mixtures thereof. Especially preferred is the proteolytic mixture ESPERASE™/SAVINASE™ 2.0/2.0 T or ESPERASE™ 6.0 T having 2 x 2.0 Kilo Novo Protease Units (KNPU/g) and 6.0 KNPU/g, respectively.

[0080] Examples of optical brighteners to be incorporated in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention include diaminostilbene disulphonic acid derivatives as well as those types disclosed in EP Publication No. 291.869 and DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 156.173 (corresponding to GB-PS No. 1.473.202).

[0081] Foam inhibitors in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention include both silicone-free and silicone-based compounds. Preferred compounds of the latter type are organopolysiloxan compounds, for instance present in the mixture with special silicon compounds, paraffins, waxes, microcrystallinic waxes etc., respectively. ANTIFOAM VP 1166, a pulverulent product available from Wacker Chemie GmbH, Germany, is one example of a silicone-based product to be incorporated in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention.

[0082] To prevent running of colour between coloured and white textiles the laundry detergent composition according to the invention may be a mixed with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), such as in the form of the product SOKALAN™ HP 50 (powder) available from BASF AG, Germany.

[0083] Tabletting adjuvants to be incorporated in the tabletted laundry detergent composition according to the invention are added to optimize granulation, breaking strength, dissolving time, agglutinating tendencies etc. Said adjuvants include amongst others granulation adjuvants, such as those described in DE Publication No. 3.827.895 and Ritschel, "Die Tablette", ed. Cantor, 1966, starch derivatives, sodium sulphate, sodium acetate, urea, polyvinyl (poly)pyrrolidone compounds, glycerol, stearate compounds, polyethylene glycols of a molecular weight of between 100-6,000 as well as mixtures thereof.

[0084] Examples of suitable bleaches for use in the laundry detergent composition according to the invention include all known chlorine-based bleaches, perhydrates and peroxy compounds as well as mixtures thereof. Examples of chlorine bleaches are alkali metal compounds of dichloro- and trichlorocyanuric acid, N-chloroimides etc. Perhydrates include preferably alkali metal compounds of perborates in the form of the tetra- and monohydrates, perborax, percarbonates, persilicates, citrate perhydrates as well as perhydrates of urea and melamine compounds. Acidic peroxy salts, such as persulphates (e.g. caroates), perbenzoates and peroxycarboxylic acids, such as peroxyphthalate, magnesium monoperoxyphthalic acid, diperoxyphthalic acids, 2-octyl diperoxysuccinic acids, diperoxydodecane diacids, diperoxyazelaic acids, imidoperoxycarboxylic acids as well as salts and mixtures thereof are also suitable.

[0085] In order to obtain a satisfactory bleaching effect when washing at low temperatures in the range of 40-60°C bleach activators may be added, such as those disclosed in great detail in GB-PS No. 2.040.983 as well as in DK Printed Accepted Publication No. 151.231 (corresponding to GB-PS No. 1.473.201) incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] Non-limiting examples of bleach activators include N-acyl compounds and O-acyl compounds, such as acylated amines, diamines, diamides, acylated glycolurils, N-acylated cyclic hydrazides, triazoles, urazoles, diketopiperazines, sulphuryl amides, cyanurates and imidazolines, carboxylic acid anhydrides, acylated sugar compounds, acylated ester compounds etc. Particularly preferred are tetraacetyl methylene diamine, tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED) as well as higher homologues thereof, tetraacetyl glycoluril (TAGU), pentaacetyl glucose (PAG), p-hydroxybenzene sulphonates, sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulphonate (NOBS) and sodium octanoyloxybenzene sulphonate. Most preferred is TAED, such as in the form of a granulate, the active compound being present in an amount of 85-95% by weight.

[0087] It is apparent from the following examples that the washing effect when using the laundry detergent composition according to the invention fully compares with the best laundry detergent compositions on the market. Moreover, it is apparent that regardless of whether the water hardness is 20°dH, 25°dH or 35°dH, no significant amount of incrustations are found in the textiles after the 25th wash, whereas the incrustation percentage rises when using a conventional detergent composition and when the water hardness increases. Correspondingly, the detergent composition according to the invention does not display an increased tendency of forming depositions with water hardness increasing from 20°dH to 35°dH, whereas a conventional detergent composition displays a considerably increased tendency to lime depositions already at 20°dH, which rises drastically with increasing water hardness.

Example 1

[0088] A detergent composition according to the invention is prepared from the following ingredients, the percentages by weight being based on the anhydrous form of 100% active substances, so that the optional water-content of all substances is part of the water percentage:

[0089] Based on the above-mentioned products the above formulation (CLT 1) for the manufacture of a detergent composition in the form of a basic tablet without bleach has the following composition:

CLT 1
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	56.7
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	15.0
DEHYDOL™ 2144	10.0
LUTENSOL™ AT 25	3.0
Sodium disilicate (Na₂O:SiO₂ = 1:2)	6.0
Monosodium citrate	3.5
SOKALAN™ CP 5	2.0
ESPERASE™/SAVINASE™	1.6
Carboxymethyl cellulose	0.8
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.8
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.4
Perfume	0.2

[0090] In order to compare the washing performance of the above-mentioned product with a conventional bleach-containing detergent composition the following bleach was prepared:

[0091] The above formulations CLT 1 and BLM 1 are advantageously compressed to tablets having a weight of 22.5 g and 25.0 g, respectively.

[0092] The quantities used in the following wash trials were: 45 g CLT 1 (2 tablets, each 22.5 g) and 25.0 g BLM 1 (1 tablet, 25.0 g) per wash cycle in a conventional washing machine requiring 18 litres of supply water. These dosages are requisite when washing with the laundry detergent composition according to the invention.

[0093] Manufacture of the tablets:
The washing powder for subsequent tabletting on the basis of a given formulation is manufactured with the following fractions:

1. A basic powder fraction comprising zeolite A, sodium disilicate, monosodium citrate, polycarboxylates, enzymes, soil-suspending agents or dispersing agents and optionally bleach as well as other powders, such as sodium carbonate, phosphonate, highly ethoxylated nonionic tensides in powderform, etc.

2. A tenside fraction comprising solid or liquid nonionic tensides to be heated to 40-60°C, preferably 45-55°C, to form a homogenous liquid mixture.

3. A rest fraction, comprising components such as TAED and foam inhibitors, i.e. components which should be exposed to as little heat and as litte stress during processing as possible in consideration of the stability of the product.

[0094] The basic washing powder is manufactured by spraying the liquids of the tenside fraction on the components of the basic powder fraction.

[0095] The ingredients are mixed in a suitable mixer being stirred continuously for approx. 12-18 minutes, whereupon the rest fraction is added under stirring for another 2-10 minutes.

[0096] The washing powder appears as a free-flowing, lightly granulated powder having a bulk density of approx. 6-700 g/l.

[0097] The powder mixture is compressed to tablets having a diameter of 40 mm in a tablet press (such as Korch, type EK III). The thickness varies depending on the desired weight of the tablets and their formulation and ranges between approx. 13-20 mm. The detergent composition is compressed to tablets in manners known per se and as disclosed in US-PS Nos. 4.099.912, 4.828.749 and 4.913.832 and DE Publication No. 3.827.895.

[0098] The dosage for the comparative trial was 45 g of the above formulation CLT 1 and 25 g of BLM 1 per 18 l supply water or a dosage of 97.5 g Ariel™ Ultra per 18 l supply water. The washing trials were performed at 60°C i 4 washing machines of the type Bauknecht WA 1200 (capacity 5.0 kg dry textiles) with 3.2 kg normally soiled laundry and a water amount of 18 l, using a regular programme without pre-wash. Standard-soiled swatches having a size of 10 x 15 cm were washed with the above dosages of Ariel Ultra and CLT 1 + BLM 1, respectively.

[0099] The washing trials were carried out at 17, 25 and 35°dH hard water, respectively, the ratio between calcium and magnesium ions being 3:1. The swatches were fastened to a piece of cotton, washed, dried and ironed, whereupon they were measured reflectometrically with a colorimeter of the type MINOLTA CR 200. The standard-soiled cotton and polyester/cotton swatches available from Wäschereiforschung Krefeld e.V., Krefeld, Germany, (WFK) and from CFT, Vlaardingen, The Netherlands, were soiled with the following standard soils:

Standard swatch	Type of soil	Manufacturer
10 C	WFK standard soil (pigment/lanolin) on cotton	WFK
PC 9	Pigment/oil on polyester/cotton	CFT
20 D	Pigment/sebum on polyester/cotton	WFK
10 B	Blood on cotton	WFK
10 F	Cocoa/lanolin on cotton	WFK
20 F	Cocoa/lanolin on polyester/cotton	WFK
10 K	Coffee on cotton	WFK
10 L	Red wine on cotton	WFK
BC 1	Tea on cotton	CFT
20 G	Tea on polyester/ cotton	WFK

[0100] Table 1 shows the measured reflections of the various swatches after washing at 60°C in 17, 25 and 35°dH hard water, respectively.

[0101] The reflection was measured on the basis of the Y, x, y colour system, CIE (Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage), the maximum whiteness, or the best washing performance, being defined as 100. The Y, x, y colour system defines Y as the brightness factor expressed as a percentage of the perfect reflection of 100%.

[0102] Table 2 evaluates the values of table 1 in three categories:
Soil removal: The sum of reflections of swatches 10 C, PC 9 and 20 D.

[0103] Bleaching effect: The sum of reflections from the bleach-depending swatches 10 B, 10 F, 20 F, 10 K, 10 L, BC 1 and 20 G.

[0104] Total: The sum of the results for soil removal and bleaching effect.

[0105] Index: The sum of soil removal, bleaching effect and total is defined as 100% for the wash trials at 17°dH. The other sums for 25°dH and 35°dH are indexed accordingly.

[0106] As is apparent from the tables the washing performance of the bleach-containing detergent composition according to the invention (CLT 1 + BLM 1) at the three water hardnesses of the trials compares fully to the one of Ariel Ultra, which is considered one of the best products on the market today.

Example 2

[0107] This example is a comparison between Ariel Ultra and CLT 1 as regards incrustations formed after 25 washes at 60°C using a dosage of 97.5 g Ariel Ultra per 18 litres of supply water or 45.0 g of CLT 1 per 18 litres of supply water. The experiment was carried out using supply water having a hardness of 20, 25 and 35°dH, respectively.

[0108] The results, i.e. the incrustations in the laundry after 25 washes in % appear from the following table.

Table 3

Product	Dosage	Hardness
		20°dH	25°dH	35°dH
Ariel Ultra	97.5 g	1.72	2.62	4.77
CLT 1	45.0 g	1.36	1.33	1.49

[0109] As is apparent, CLT 1 results only in a small quantity of incrustations, regardless of the water hardness, whereas ARIEL ULTRA shows an increasing amount of incrustations with increasing water hardness.

Example 3

[0110] Various detergent compositions according to the

Example 3

[0111] Various detergent compositions according to the invention, and, for comparison, known products as well as detergent compositions prepared according to some of the above-mentioned prior art publications were used in a trial to evaluate the lime deposition tendency on heating elements after 25 wash cycles. The trials were carried out using supply water having a degree of hardness of 20, 25, 30 and 30°dH, the hardness being caused by approx. 75% calcium and 25% magnesium. Each trial was carried out by heating 0.75 l of water with detergent composition to 95°C in a immersion heater using a magnetic stirrer. The temperature was maintained for 30 minutes. The trial was repeated 25 times, each time with a new portion of washing liquor containing detergent composition. The amount of lime deposited on the immersion heater was dissolved in 0.1M hydrochloric acid, whereupon the content of calcium and magnesium was determined by means of atomic absorption spectometry.

[0112] The results in the form of deposited amounts of calcium and magnesium in mg appear from the following table.

Table 4

Product	Dosage	Hardness
		20°dH	25°dH	30°dH	35°dH
Ariel Ultra	97.5 g	15.2	13.5	65.3	147.4
CLT 1	45.0 g	5.8	7.4	5.9	5.7
CLT 2	48.0 g	13.2	6.5	10.6	10.9
CLT 3	48.0 g	9.3	10.7	18.6	20.9
SAM 1	45.0 g	56.4	53.2	41.5	45.0
SAM 2	150.0 g	3.3	8.2	28.1	39.5
Persil +	143.0 g
Calgon	33.0 g			32.7	43.4

[0113] The dosages of the products of the table are g per 18 l supply water.

CLT 2
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	53.1
DEHYDOL ™ LT 7	14.0
DEHYDOL ™ 2144	9.4
LUTENSOL™ AT 25	2.8
Amphoteric tenside (Tegobetain L 7, 80% active)	6.3
Sodium disilicate	5.6
Monosodium citrate	3.3
SOKALAN ™ CP 5	1.9
ESPERASE™/SAVINASE™	1.5
CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose)	0.7
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.8
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.4
Perfume	0.2

CLT 3
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	42.5
DEHYDOL ™ LT 7	11.2
DEHYDOL ™ 2144	7.5
LUTENSOL™ AT 25	2.3
Amphoteric tenside (Tegobetain L 7, 80% active)	25.0
Sodium disilicate	4.5
Monosodium citrate	2.6
SOKALAN ™ CP 5	1.5
ESPERASE™/SAVINASE™	1.2
CMC	0.6
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.6
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.3
Perfume	0.2

SAM 1 (GB 2.005.715)

[0114] On the basis of what is taught in GB-PS. No. 2.005.-715 (cf. Example 5), the following detergent composition was prepared:

Nonionic tenside (LUTENSOL™ AO 7)	20.0%
Zeolite A (WESSALITH™ P, 80% zeolite A)	55.5%
Sodium carbonate	13.0%
Sodium disilicate (Na₂O:SiO₂ = 1:2)	8.0%
Optical brightener (Tinopal™ CBS-X)	2.0%
Proteolytic enzyme	1.5%
Dosage: 2.25 g/l

SAM 2 (EP 291.869)

[0115] On the basis of what is taught in EP Publication No. 291.869 the following detergent composition was prepared:

Dodezcylbenzene sulphonate-Na	7.0%
Nonionic tenside (LUTENSOL™ AO 7)	6.5%
Na-tallow soap	1.5%
Zeolite (WESSALITH™ P, 80% zeolite A)	25.0%
Sodium carbonate	14.5%
Sodium disilicate (Na₂O:SiO₂ = 1:2)	2.5%
CMC	0.8%
Optical brightener (TINOPAL™ CBS-X)	0.2%
Sodium perborate, monohydrate	17.0%
TAED (TAED 3711)	2.0%
Proteolytic enzyme (ESPERASE™/SAVINASE™ 2.0/2.0 T)	0.5%
Phosphonate (HEDP, Dequest™ 2016 D)	0.5%
Phosphonate (DTPMP, Dequest™ 4066)	0.9%
Acrylic/maleic acid copolymer, sodium salt (SOKALAN™ CP 5)	3.0%
Silicone foam inhibitor	0.2%
Sodium sulphate	17.9%
Dosage: 7.5 g/l

[0116] Persil™ is a conventional detergent composition available from Henkel. Calgon™ is a water softener to be added when the supply water is particularly hard. Calgon™ is available from Benckiser, Germany.

[0117] It is apparent from the table that the detergent compositions according to the invention have a significantly lower tendency to form depositions on heating elements as compared to known detergent compositions. Is further apparent that the depositions do not increase with increasing water hardness. Moreover, it is apparent that even with a percentage of approx. 50% amphoteric tenside (CLT 3) the amount of depositions is still reduced compared to known detergent compositions.

Example 4

[0118] This example describes an all-purpose formulation for the laundry detergent composition according to the invention comprising bleach in the form of a tablet having a weight of 30 g to be used in amounts based on the use of two tablets per wash cycle, i.e. in a conventional washing machine using 18 l of supply water. The tablets were prepared using the following ingredients:

CLT 4
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	42.6
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	11.3
DEHYDOL™ 2144	7.5
LUTENSOL™ AT 25	2.2
Sodium percarbonate	20.0
TAED 3711	5.0
Sodium disilicate	4.5
Monosodium citrate	2.6
SOKALAN™ CP 5	1.6
Enzyme (as in Example 1)	1.2
Carboxymethyl cellulose	0.6
TYLOSE™ MH 300P	0.6
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.3

[0119] The tablets were prepared as described in Example 1.

Example 5

[0120] This example describes an all-purpose formulation for the laundry detergent composition according to the invention comprising bleach in the form of a tablet having a weight of 35 g to be used in an amount of two tablets per wash cycle, i.e. in a conventional washing machine using 18 l of supply water. The tablets were prepared using the following ingredients:

CLT 5
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	36.3
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	11.1
DEHYDOL™ 2144	5.5
LUTENSOL™ AT 25	1.9
TAED 3711	4.3
Sodium carbonate	14.1
Sodium disilicate	3.8
Monosodium citrate	2.2
SOKALAN™ CP 5	1.3
Enzyme (as in Example 1)	1.0
Carboxymethyl cellulose	0.5
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.5
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.3
Sodium perborate - monohydrate	17.0
Perfume	0.2

[0121] The tablets were prepared as described in Example 1.

Example 6

[0122] This example illustrates the preparation of a detergent composition according to the invention in the form of a basic tablet without bleach and perfume.

CLT 6
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	56.7
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	15.0
DEHYDOL™ 2144	10.2
LUTENSOL™ AT 25	3.0
Sodium disilicate	6.0
Monosodium citrate	3.5
SOKALAN™ CP 5	2.0
Enzyme (as in Example 1)	1.6
Carboxymethyl cellulose	0.8
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.8
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.4

[0123] The tablets were prepared as described in Example 1, each tablet weighing 22.5 g, two tablets being used per wash cycle in a conventional washing machine.

Example 7

[0124] This example illustrates the preparation of a detergent composition according to the invention in the form of a basic tablet of 25 g without bleach but characterized by a high amount of specific enzymes. Thus, the detergent composition is suitable for i.a. soaking.

CLT 7
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	56.7
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	24.6
DEHYDOL™ HD-FC 11)	3.0
Sodium disilicate	3.0
Monosodium citrate	3.5
SOKALAN™ CP 5	2.0
Proteolytic enzyme
(ESPERASE™/SAVINASE™ 2.0/2.0 T)	1.5
Lipolytic enzyme (LIPOLASE 100 T)2)	1.0
Cellulytic enzyme
(CELLUZYME™ 0.7 T)2)	1.0
Amylolytic enzyme
(TERMAMYL 60 T)2)	1.5
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	1.6
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.4
Perfume	0.2

1) Nonionic tenside available from Henkel KGaA, Düsseldorf, Germany.

2) Available from NOVO NORDISK, Bagsværd, Denmark.

[0125] The tablets were prepared as described in Example 1, each tablet weighing 25 g, one tablet to be used for soaking in a sink and two tablets per wash cycle in a conventional washing machine.

Example 8

[0126] This example describes the preparation of a detergent composition according to the invention in the form of a basic tablet of 30 g without bleach, the composition being particularly suitable for oily and dirty textiles, such as work clothes etc.

CTL 8
	% by weight
WESSALITH™ CD	42.5
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	12.5
DEHYDOL™ HD FC 6	6.3
DEHYDOL™ HD FC 1	2.2
Sodium carbonate	25.0
Sodium disilicate	4.5
Monosodium citrate	2.6
SOKALAN™ CP 5	1.5
Proteolytic enzyme (ESPERASE™ 6.0 T)	1.2
CMC	0.6
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.6
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.3
Perfume	0.2

[0127] The tablets were prepared as described in Example 1, each tablet weighing 30 g, two tablets to be used per wash cycle in a conventional washing machine.

Example 9

[0128] The following example describes the preparation of detergent compositions according to the invention in the form of a all-purpose washing powder with bleach, said detergent compositions being particularly suitable for washing very stained and dirty textiles.

	% by weight
	CLT 9	CLT 10	CLT 11
WESSALITH™ CD (71% zeolite A)	36.3	31.8	31.8
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	11.1	9.8	9.8
DEHYDOL™ 2144	5.5	4.9	4.9
DEHYDOL™ HD FC 1	1.9	1.7	1.7
Sodium perborate, monohydrate	17.0	14.7	14.7
TAED 3711	4.3	3.7	3.7
Sodium carbonate	14.1	24.8	16.6
Sodium disilicate	3.8	3.3	8.5
Monosodium citrate	2.2	2.0	2.9
SOKALAN™ CP 5	1.3	1.1	2.8
ESPERASE™/SAVIANSE™ 2.0/2.0 T	1.0	0.9	0.9
CMC	0.5	0.4	0.6
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.5	0.5	0.7
ANTIFORM VP 1166	0.3	0.2	0.2
Perfume	0.2	0.2	0.2
Dosage per 18 l	70 g	80 g	80 g

Example 10

[0129] This example illustrates further formulations of laundry detergent compositions according to the invention, CLT 12 being a basic detergent composition with both zeolite and clay, CLT 13 being a basic detergent composition without zeolite, but with clay, CLT 14 being an all-purpose detergent composition without zeolite but with clay and CLT 15, being an all-purpose detergent composition without zeolite but with clay and soda (sodium carbonate).

	% by weight
	CLT 12	CLT 13	CLT 14	CLT 15
WESSALITH™ CD	28.3
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	15.0	15.0	11.3	9.8
DEHYDOL™ 2144	10.0	10.0	7.5	4.9
LUTENSOL™ AT 25	3.0	3.0	2.2	1.7
DEQUEST™ 2016 D			1.0	1.0
TAED 3711			5.0	3.7
Sodium perborate monohydrate			20.0	14.7
Sodium carbonate				20.1
Clay "SKS-6"	33.9	59.7	43.7	35.1
Anhydrous monosodium citrate	3.5	3.5	2.6	2.0
SOKALAN™ CP 5	2.0	5.0	3.8	4.1
SOKALAN™ HP 50	0.5			0.5
ESPERASE™/ SAVINASE™ 2.0/2.0	1.6	1.6	1.2	1.0
CMC	0.8	0.8	0.6	0.5
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.8	0.8	0.6	0.5
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.4	0.4	0.3	0.2
Perfume	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2
Dosage per 18 l	45 g	45 g	60 g	80 g

Example 11

[0130] This example illustrates the formulation of the laundry detergent composition according to the invention in the form of a tablet having a weight of 30 g to be used in an amount of two tablets per wash in a conventional washing machine. The tablets are formulated with respect to achieving an improved dissolving time by adding a large amount of citric acid, said acid reacting with sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate to give off gas bubbles upon the addition of water.

	% by weight
	CLT 16	CLT 17
WESSALITH™ CD	42.5	42.5
DEHYDOL™ LT 7	10.7	10.7
DEYDOL™ 2144	8.0	8.0
LUTENSOL™AT 25	2.3	2.3
Sodium carbonate	10.0	12.5
Sodium bicarbonate	2.5
Sodium disilicate	4.5	4.5
Monosodium citrate, anhydrous		5.0
Citric acid, anhydrous	15.1	10.1
SOKALAN™ CP 5	1.2	1.2
ESPERASE™/SAVINASE™ 2.0/2.0 T	1.2	1.2
CMC	0.6	0.6
TYLOSE™ MH 300 P	0.6	0.6
ANTIFOAM VP 1166	0.3	0.3
Perfume	0.2	0.2

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

[0131] The p.t. preferred embodiment of the invention is in the form of two tablets having a total weight of 45 g of formulation CLT 1 according to Example 1, optionally combined with a bleach tablet having a weight of 25 g of composition BLM 1.

[0132] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A laundry detergent composition comprising a tenside component, a builder component and optionally one or more adjuvants and additives characterised by the tenside component comprising at least 50% by weight of nonionic tensides and by the builder component comprising

a builder A including one or more ion-exchangers,

a builder B including one or more ion-transferring agents,

a builder C including one or more precipitation inhibitors,

a builder D including one or more soil-suspending agents,

as well as optionally further builders.

2. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the builder component including, based on 100 parts by weight of builder A,

3.7 to 55 parts by weight of builder B,
5.7 to 21 parts by weight of builder C, and
1.7 to 5.3 parts by weight of builder D,

the parts being based on anhydrous products without hydration water.

3. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the builder component including, based on 100 parts by weight of builder A,

6.2 to 50 parts by weight of builder B,
8.6 to 16 parts by weight of builder C, and
2.8 to 4.2 parts by weight of builder D,

the parts being based on anhydrous products without hydration water.

4. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the builder component including, based on 100 parts by weight of builder A, ½

6.9 to 47 parts by weight of builder B,
9 to 12 parts by weight of builder C, and
3.1 to 3.9 parts by weight of builder D,

the parts being based on anhydrous products without hydration water.

5. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by the tenside component comprising at least 55% by weight of nonionic tenside, preferably at least 60% by weight, more preferred at least 70% by weight, most preferred at least 80% by weight and especially at least 90% by weight.

6. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by comprising at least 0.9, preferably at least 1.2, particularly preferred 1.4, and especially at least 1.7 parts by weight of builder component per 1 part by weight of tenside component and at most 3.6, preferably at most 3.4, particularly preferred at most 3.2, and especially at most 3.0 parts by weight of builder component per 1 part by weight of tenside component.

7. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by builder A comprising one or more ion-exchangers selected from the group consisting of zeolite and clay, optionally combined with alkali metal silicate.

8. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by builder B comprising ion-transferring agents selected from the group consisting of citrate, citric acid, nitrilotriacetic acid and chelatinizing tensides.

9. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by builder C comprising dispersing agents and/or precipitation inhibitors selected from the group consisting of phosphonates and homopolymeric and/or copolymeric carboxylic acids including polymers of acrylic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, aconitic acid, methylene malonic acid, citraconic acid as well as copolymers of such carboxylic acids with each other or with other ethylenically unsaturated compounds including ethylene, propylene, isobutylene, vinyl alcohol, vinylmethyl ether, furan, acrolein, vinyl acetate, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid and crotonic acid.

10. A laundry detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised by builder D including soil-suspending agents selected from the group consisting of cellulose derivatives comprising ether cellulose derivatives including carboxyethyl celluloses, carboxymethyl celluloses, hydroxyethyl celluloses and methylhydroxyethyl celluloses.