DETERGENT COMPOSITION COMPRISING SOURCE OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND PROTEASE ENZYME

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to non-phosphate builder-containing granular detergent compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to non-phosphate granular detergent compositions, comprising a surfactant, a source of hydrogen peroxide, an organic peroxyacid precursor, a proteolytic enzyme and an alkalinity source, which provide effective soil/stain removal.

Background of the invention

[0002] The satisfactory removal of soils/stains is a particular challenge to the formulator of a detergent composition for use in a washing process such as laundry or machine dishwashing process.

[0003] Traditionally, the removal of soils/stains has been achieved by the use of bleach components such as oxygen bleaches, including hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxyacids, and also by enzyme components.

[0004] Oxygen bleaches are known to effectively decolourise pigments from soiled/stained substrates.

[0005] Enzymes are also known as effective soil/stain removal agents, for example, in the removal of proteinaceous stains/soils such as blood, egg, chocolate, and gravy.

[0006] Phosphorus containing compounds such as sodium tripolyphosphate have effective builder properties; however environmental concerns have made the use of phosphorus containing compounds less attractive in detergent compositions.

[0007] A problem encountered with the use of high levels of oxygen bleaches is the propensity of these oxygen bleaches to lead to stain fixing and/or darkening. Furthermore, high levels of oxygen bleaches increase the cost of the detergents to the consumer. On the other hand low levels of oxygen bleaches can lead to poor stain/soil removal performance, especially when used in a non-phosphate builder containing composition.

[0008] A problem encountered with the use of peroxyacids in machine dishwashing methods is the tarnishing/corrosion of any silverware components of the washload. Such a problem, disclosed in EP 755 432, is known in the art. Oxygen bleaches tend to give rise to more of a problem of tamishing than chlorine bleaches. The level of tarnishing observed can range from slight discoloration of the silverware to the formation of a dense black coating on the surface of the silverware.

[0009] A problem encountered with the use of enzymes as components of detergents is that enzyme activity in the wash may be affected by the presence of other detergent components in the wash solution. EP 755 432 discloses that enzymes may be degraded by bleach components.

[0010] The detergent formulator thus faces the challenge of formulating an environmentally friendly product which maximises soil/stain removal without fixing and/or darkening stains/soils, which avoids degradation of the detergent components and which is also inexpensive.

[0011] WO-A-95/12652, EP-A-0 657 527, EP-A-0 713 910, WO-A-96/09273 and US 5 256 168 all disclose compositions comprising protease and bleach.

[0012] EP 755 430 that forms part of the state of the art under Article 54(3) EPC disposes the use of a bleach containing detergent composition which contains low levels of bleach and bleach activator with higher levels of chelant and enzyme and defines a specific Biological Bleach Index which provides stain removal performance. Specific kinetics of bleach delivery are not disclosed, nor are the means to achieve such kinetics.

[0013] EP 755 432 that forms part of the state of the art under Article 54(3) EPC discloses the use of an enzyme together with a source of peroxyacid bleach, wherein a means is provided for delaying the release to the wash solution of said peroxyacid bleach relative to the release of said enzyme. The delayed release is provided by coating the source of peroxyacid bleach. The coating may occur on the hydrogen peroxide source itself and/or the peroxyacid bleach precursor itself. Specific ratios of hydrogen peroxide: precursor: protease are not disclosed.

[0014] The Applicants have found that the occurrence of soil/stain fixing and/or darkening effects arising from use of peroxyacid bleaches in a washing method is related to the rate of release of the hydrogen peroxide source. A fast rate of release of the hydrogen peroxide source to the wash solution tends to exacerbate soil/stain fixing and/or darkening problems. Whilst reducing the rate of release of the hydrogen peroxide source employed in the wash tends to ameliorate these problems, this is accompanied by a marked negative effect on the bleachable stains/soil removal ability.

[0015] The Applicants have now surprisingly found that the provision of an alkalinity source which produces a specific minimum amount of alkaline salts into the wash solution ameliorate these problems when low rate of release of the hydrogen peroxide source to the wash solution is used in combination with organic peroxyacid bleach precursors and proteolytic enzymes.

[0016] The Applicants have also found that where a non-phosphate builder-containing detergent composition containing a source of hydrogen peroxide, an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor and a proteolytic enzyme, defined in term of an Hydrogen peroxide Precursor Proteolytic enzyme (HPP) index which relates to the ratios of Hydrogen peroxide, precursor and proteolytic enzyme, together with a high level of an alkalinity source, is employed an enhanced stain/soil removal may be obtained.

[0017] The Applicants have also found that the total available oxygen (AvO₂) content in the composition should preferably be less than 1.5% by weight of the composition.

[0018] The Applicants have also found that the further addition of compounds enhances the overall stain/soil removal performance. Such compounds may be selected from amylases, water-soluble organic polymeric polycarboxylic compounds, chelants and mixtures thereof

[0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide compositions suitable for use in laundry and machine dishwashing methods having enhanced stain removal.

[0020] It is a further object of the invention to provide compositions for use in laundry and machine dishwashing methods wherein said compositions show less propensity to cause stains fixing and/or darkening as well as detergent components degradation.

Summary of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention there is provided a non-phosphate builder- containing granular detergent composition as defined in claim 1.

[0022] If the actual activities of these proteolytic enzymes in the detergent composition are different from their 13 knpu/g standard activities, the level of proteolytic enzyme will be adjusted accordingly. The level of proteolytic enzyme is defined as the actual level of the prill/granulate on a 13 knpu/g Savinase particle.
The mean particle size of the components of the composition is such that no more than 5% of the particles are greater than 1.4 mm in diameter and no more than 5% of the particles are less than 0.15 mm in diameter.

[0023] Non limiting examples of enzymes other than Savinase which can also be used for the purpose of the invention include enzyme of the Bacillus Lentus type backbone such as Maxacal, Opticlean, Durazym and Properase, enzyme of the Bacillus Licheniformis type backbone such as Alcalase and Maxatase and enzyme of the Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens type backbone such as Primase.
For example, if a protease is used having an activity of 26 knpu, the amount of protease will be reduced by a factor 2 to compensate for the extra activity of the protease.
For the purpose of the invention, proteases which are in other units of activity should be converted according to the following steps:
1-conversion of the level of proteolytic enzyme used into the level of pure enzyme, and
2-conversion from the level of pure enzyme to a 13 knpu/g Savinase particle basis according to the following equation:
13 knpu/g = 33 mg pure enzyme/g of enzyme particle

[0024] It is to be understood that total amount of available oxygen present in the composition includes available oxygen provided by the source of hydrogen peroxide with or without peroxyacid bleach precursors.

[0025] Preferably the total available oxygen (AvO₂) content in the composition is less than 1.5% by weight.

[0026] Alkalinity is the combining power of a base measured by the maximum number of equivalents of an acid with which it can react to form a salt. In solution, it represents the carbonates and silicates in the water and is determined by titration with standard datum points.

[0027] For the purpose of the invention, alkalinity is defined as the weight equivalent of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) needed to be delivered into the wash to neutralise an equivalent amount of hydrochloric acid.

Detailed description of the invention

HPP index

[0028] The present invention relates to the discovery of a Hydrogen peroxide Precursor Proteolytic enzyme (HPP) Index which defines a formula which relates specific ratios of hydrogen peroxide: precursor: proteolytic enzyme.

[0029] According to this is provided a non-phosphate builder-containing granular detergent composition having a Hydrogen peroxide Precursor Proteolytic enzyme (HPP) Index as defined by the formula


wherein the %weight of proteolytic enzyme in the formulation is based on an enzyme activity of 13 knpu/g of the enzyme particle, and
wherein the %AvO₂ is the total amount of available oxygen present in the composition.

[0030] The HPP Index is of at least 0.50.

[0031] Preferably the total available oxygen (AvO₂) content in the composition is less than 1.5% by weight.

Source of hydrogen peroxide

[0032] An essential component of the detergent composition is a source of hydrogen peroxide. The source of hydrogen peroxide is incorporated at a level of from 4% to 15% by weight and most preferably from 4% to 10% by weight of the composition.
Said source of hydrogen peroxide is a slow releasing source. The slow release of hydrogen peroxide source relative to that of the protease is such that the time to achieve a concentration that is 50% of the ultimate concentration of said enzyme is less than 120 seconds, preferably less than 90 seconds, more preferably less than 60 seconds, and the time to achieve a concentration that is 50% of the ultimate concentration of said hydrogen peroxide source is more than 180 seconds, preferably from 180 to 480 seconds, more preferably from 240 to 360 seconds. Preferably the time to achieve a concentration that is 50% of the ultimate concentration of said enzyme is at least 100 seconds less than the time to achieve a concentration that is 50% of the ultimate concentration for the hydrogen peroxide source.
Such slow release kinetic is more particularly described in EP 755 432.

[0033] Coarse percarbonate materials, of average particle size preferably greater than 750 micrometers, may be used.
The percarbonate materials are coated with substances which are sparingly soluble in water. Water insoluble coating materials may be selected from fatty acid, polymers, hydrophobic silicas, waxes and magnesium silicates and mixtures thereof. The source of hydrogen peroxide consists of at least 90% by weight of a percarbonate having a particle size of at least 600 micrometers and coated with water-insoluble materials.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the level of total available oxygen (AvO₂) in the composition is less than 1.5% by weight.

Organic peroxyacid bleach precursor

[0035] Peroxyacid bleach precursors are compounds which read with hydrogen peroxide in a perhydrolysis reaction to produce a peroxyacid. Generally peroxyacid bleach precursors may be represented as

where L is a leaving group and X is essentially any functionality, such that on perhydrolysis the structure of the peroxyacid produced is

[0036] The bleach precursor is TAED.

[0037] The peroxyacid bleach precursor is N,N-N',N' tetra acetyl ethylene diamine at a level of from 0.5% to 2.5% by weight.

[0038] Bleaching agents other than oxygen bleaching agents are also known in the art and can optionally be utilized herein. One type of non-oxygen bleaching agent of particular interest includes photoactivated bleaching agents such as the sulfonated zinc and/or aluminum phthalocyanines. See U.S. Patent 4,033,718, issued July 5, 1977 to Holcombe et al. If used, detergent compositions will typically contain from 0.025% to 1.25%, by weight, of such bleaches, especially sulfonate zinc phthalocyanine.

Proteolytic enzyme

[0039] An essential component of the detergent composition is an enzyme showing proteolytic activity.
For the purpose of the invention, the level of proteolytic enzyme in the formulation is based on an enzyme activity of 13 knpu/g of the enzyme particle.
The compositions herein will typically comprise from 0.001% to 5% active protease by weight of the composition.

[0040] Non limiting examples of enzymes other than Savinase which can also be used for the purpose of the invention include enzyme of the Bacillus Lentus type backbone such as Maxacal, Opticlean, Durazym and Properase, enzyme of the Bacillus Licheniformis type backbone such as Alcalase and Maxatase and enzyme of the Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens type backbone such as Primase. Of these, Maxacal is a preferred one.

[0041] Preferred commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the tradenames Alcalase, Savinase, Primase, Durazym, and Esperase by Novo Industries A/S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename Maxatase, Maxacal and Maxapem by Gist-Brocades, those sold by Genencor International, and those sold under the tradename Opticlean and Optimase by Solvay Enzymes. Mixture of the herein before described proteases may be used.
A most preferred protease is Savinase.

Alkalinity source

[0042] An essential component of the detergent composition is an alkalinity source.

[0043] For the purpose of the invention, alkalinity is defined as the weight equivalent of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) needed to be delivered into the wash to neutralise an equivalent amount of hydrochloric acid.

[0044] To enable practical comparison of the relative capacity of compositions containing different alkaline components to deliver alkalinity to a wash solution it is useful to express the alkalinity released on addition of the compositions to the wash solution in terms of % weight equivalent of NaOH. That is, in terms of the % weight of NaOH which would have equivalent 'alkaline effect', e. g. in neutralising acid species, to that of the alkalinity species actually released when the composition is added to the wash. For uniform comparison it is also then useful to define standard wash solution characteristics. Thus, the capacity to deliver alkalinity to a wash solution is herein characterized by reference to a representative test method now described.

Alkalinity release test method

[0045] A 1g sample of detergent composition is added to 100 ml of distilled water at a temperature of 30°C with stirring at 150 rpm using a magnetic stirrer of size 2cm, thus providing a 1% detergent solution, as would be a typical concentration of a laundry wash solution. The solution is titrated against a standard HCl solution using any suitable titration method. Commonly known acid-base titration methods employing colorimetric end-point determination methods, for example using chemical end-point indicators are particularly suitable. Thus, the number of moles of HCl which the detergent solution is capable of neutralising is obtained. For the avoidance of doubt, 'neutralising' in this context is defined to mean titrating to pH 7. This number will be equivalent to the number of moles of alkalinity, expressed as NaOH equivalent, present in the detergent solution. Thus, the % weight equivalent NaOH present in the sample of the detergent composition may be calculated as:

Theoretical maximum alkalinity

[0046] Where the compositional make up of a detergent product is known, it is possible to calculate the theoretical maximum alkalinity, expressed as % weight equivalent of NaOH, which the product could provide to a solution as the sum over each alkaline species of:
% weight (alkaline species) . Mw (NaOH). n / Mw(alkaline species)
where n is the formal negative charge carried by the alkaline species.

[0047] As an example, a composition containing 15% sodium carbonate is equivalent to a theoretical maximum of 11.32% NaOH, obtained as (15 x 40 x 2)/106, since this amount of NaOH in the composition would theoretically neutralise the same amount of acid as the 15% sodium carbonate alkaline component.

Alkalinity requirement

[0048] In accord with the present invention, the alkalinity source is present in the detergent composition such that the capacity to deliver alkalinity to a wash solution measured by the given test method is such that the % weight NaOH equivalent of the composition is greater than 10.6%, preferably at least 14.6% by weight of the composition.

[0049] The alkalinity source is preferably selected from alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal silicate and mixture thereof.

[0050] Suitable alkali metal carbonates include the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates, including sodium carbonate and sesqui-carbonate and mixtures thereof with ultra-fine calcium carbonate as disclosed in German Patent Application No. 2,321,001 published on November 15, 1973.

[0051] Suitable silicates include the alkali metal silicate SiO₂:Na₂O with a ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8 and 1.6:1 ratio being more preferred. The silicates may be in the form of either the anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt. Sodium silicate with an SiO₂:Na₂O ratio of 1.6:1 is the most preferred silicate.

[0052] Other compounds which provide free alkalinity in aqueous solution may also be used. Such compounds indude the crystalline layered silicate and/or aluminosilicate compounds as described herein after, but also the bicarbonates, hydroxides, borates and phosphates.

Additional components

[0053] The detergent composition of the invention will, of course contain one or more surfactants and additional compounds for enhancing the soil removal performance.
Such compounds include the water-soluble organic polymeric polycarboxylic compounds, chelants, amylases, builders and conventional detersive adjuncts.

Detersive Surfactants

[0054] The total amount of surfactants will be 5 up to 70%, typically up to 55%, preferably up to 30%, more preferably 5 to 25% and especially 10 to 20% by weight of the total composition.
Nonlimiting examples of surfactants useful herein include the conventional C₁₁-C₁₈ alkyl benzene sulfonates ("LAS") and primary, branched-chain and random C₁₀-C₂₀ alkyl sulfates ("AS"), the C₁₀-C₁₈ secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH₃(CH₂)x(CHOSO₃^-M⁺) CH₃ and CH₃(CH₂)_y (CHOSO₃^-M⁺) CH₂CH₃ where x and (y + 1) are integers of at least 7, preferably at least 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, the C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy sulfates ("AExS"; especially EO 1-7 ethoxy sulfates), C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy carboxylates (especially the EO 1-5 ethoxycarboxylates), the C_10-18 glycerol ethers, the C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl polyglycosides and their corresponding sulfated polyglycosides, and C₁₂-C₁₈ alpha-sulfonated fatty acid esters. If desired, the conventional nonionic and amphoteric surfactants such as the C₁₂-C₁₈ alkyl ethoxylates ("AE"), including the so-called narrow peaked alkyl ethoxylates and C₆-C₁₂ alkyl phenol alkoxylates (especially ethoxylates and mixed ethoxylpropoxy), C₁₂-C₁₈ betaines and sulfobetaines ("sultaines"), C₁₀-C₁₈ amine oxides, can also be included in the overall compositions. The C₁₀-C₁₈ N-alkyl polyhydroxy fatty acid amides can also be used. Typical examples include the C₁₂-C₁₈ N-methylglucamides. See WO 9,206,154. Other sugar-derived surfactants include the N-alkoxy polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C₁₀-C₁₈ N-(3-methoxypropyl) glucamide. The N-propyl through N-hexyl C₁₂-C₁₈ glucamides can be used for low sudsing. C₁₀-C₂₀ conventional soaps may also be used. If high sudsing is desired, the branched-chain C₁₀-C₁₆ soaps may be used.
Other suitable surfactants suitable for the purpose of the invention are the anionic alkali metal sarcosinates of formula:

        R-CON(R¹)CH₂COOM

wherein R is a C₉-C₁₇ linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, R₁ is a C₁-C₄ alkyl group and M is an alkali metal ion. Preferred examples are the lauroyl, cocoyl (C₁₂-C₁₄), myristyl and oleyl methyl sarcosinates in the form of their sodium salts.
Still another class of surfactant which may be suitable for the purpose of the invention are the cationic surfactant. Suitable cationic surfactants include the quaternary ammonium surfactants selected from mono C₆-C₁₆, preferably C₆-C₁₀ N-alkyl or alkenyl ammonium surfactants wherein the remaining N positions are substituted by methyl, hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl groups.

[0055] Mixtures of anionic and nonionic.surfactants are especially useful. Other conventional useful surfactants are listed in standard texts.

Water-soluble organic polymeric polycarboxylic compounds

[0056] Suitable polymeric polycarboxylate compounds are the water-soluble organic polymeric polycarboxylic compounds. Preferably these compounds are homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic compounds and most preferably co-polymeric polycarboxylic compounds in which the acid monomer of said polycarboxylic compound comprises at least two carboxyl groups separated by not more than two carbon atoms. Salts of these polycarboxylic compounds are also considered herein.

[0057] Polymeric polycarboxylate compounds can advantageously be utilized at levels from 0.1 % to 7%, preferably less than 3% and more preferably less than 1% by weight, in the compositions herein, especially in the presence of zeolite and/or layered silicate builders and diphosphonate chelants.

[0058] Polymeric polycarboxylate materials can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to form suitable polymeric polycarboxylates are selected from acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid. The presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein of monomeric segments, containing no carboxylate radicals such as vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, is suitable provided that such segments do not constitute more than 40% by weight.

[0059] Polymeric polycarboxylate materials can also optionally include further monomeric units such as nonionic spacing units. For example, suitable nonionic spacing units may include vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate.

[0060] Particularly preferred polymeric polycarboxylates are co-polymers derived from monomers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 4,000 to 7,000 and most preferably from 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic/maleic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of this type in detergent compositions has been disclosed, for example, in Diehl, U.S. Patent 3,308,067, issued march 7, 1967. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from 30:1 to 1:1, more preferably from 10:1 to 2:1. Soluble acrylate/maleate copolymers of this type are known materials which are described in European Patent Application No. 66915, published December 15, 1982, as well as in EP 193,360, published September 3, 1986, which also describes such polymers comprising hydroxypropylacrylate. Of these acrylic/maleic-based copolymers, the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid are preferred.

[0061] Another class of polymeric polycarboxylic acid compounds suitable for the purpose of the invention are the homo-polymeric polycarboxylic acid compounds derived from acrylic acid. The average molecular weight of such homo-polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 3,000 to 75,000, most preferably from 4,000 to 65,000.

[0062] A further example of polymeric polycarboxylic compounds suitable for the purpose of the invention include the maleic/acrylic/vinyl alcohol terpolymers. Such materials are also disclosed in EP 193,360, including, for example, the 45/45/10 terpolymer of acrylic/maleic/vinyl alcohol.

[0063] Another example of polymeric polycarboxylic compounds suitable for the purpose of the invention include the biodegradable polyaspartic acid and polyglutamic acid compounds.

Chelants

[0064] Chelating agents generally comprise from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the compositions herein. More preferably, if utilized, the chelating agents will comprise from 0.1% to 3.0% by weight of such compositions.

[0065] A chelating agent can be selected from amino carboxylate, organic phosphonate, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic compound, nitriloacetic acid and mixture thereof. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the benefit of these materials is due in part to their exceptional ability to remove transition metal ions such as iron and manganese ions from washing solutions by formation of soluble chelates.

[0066] Amino carboxylates useful as optional chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetracetates, ethylenediamine disuccinate, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, 2-hydroxypropylene diamine disuccinate, nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetates, ethylene triamine pentaacetate, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts therein and mixtures therein.

[0067] Preferred amino carboxylates chelants for use herein are ethylenediamine disuccinate ("EDDS"), especially the [S,S] isomer as described in U.S. Patent 4,704,233, ethylenediamine-N,N'-diglutamate (EDDG) and 2-hydroxypropylene-diamine-N,N'-disuccinate (HPDDS) compounds.
A most preferred amino carboxylate chelant is ethylenediamine disuccinate.

[0068] Organic phosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents in the compositions of the invention when at least low levels of total phosphorus are permitted in detergent compositions, and include ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylenephosphonates) available under the trademark DEQUEST from Monsanto, diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), ethylene diamine tri (methylene phosphonate), hexamethylene diamine tetra (methylene phosphonate), α-hydroxy-2 phenyl ethyl diphosphonate, methylene diphosphonate, hydroxy 1,1-hexylidene, vinylidene 1,1 diphosphonate, 1,2 dihydroxyethane 1,1 diphosphonate and hydroxy-ethylene 1,1 diphosphonate.
Preferably, these amino phosphonates do not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than 6 carbon atoms.
Preferred chelants are the diphosphonate derivatives selected from α-hydroxy-2 phenyl ethyl diphosphonate, methylene diphosphonate, hydroxy 1,1-hexytidene, vinylidene 1,1 diphosphonate, 1,2 dihydroxyethane 1,1 diphosphonate and hydroxy-ethylene 1,1 diphosphonate. A most preferred is hydroxy-ethylene 1,1 diphosphonate.
Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents are also useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent 3,812,044. Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.

Amylases

[0069] Preferred amylases include, for example, α-amylases obtained from a special strain of B licheniformis, described in more detail in GB-1,269,839 (Novo). Preferred commercially available amylases include for example, those sold under the tradename Rapidase by Gist-Brocades, and those sold under the tradename Termamyl and BAN by Novo Industries A/S. Amylase enzyme may be incorporated into the composition in accordance with the invention at a level of from 0.001% to 5% active enzyme by weight of the composition.

Builders

[0070] Detergent builders can optionally be included in the compositions herein to assist in controlling mineral hardness. Inorganic as well as organic builders can be used. Builders are typically used in fabric laundering compositions to assist in the removal of particulate soils.

[0071] The level of builder can vary widely depending upon the end use of the composition and its desired physical form. When present, the compositions will typically comprise at least 1% builder. Granular formulations typically comprise from 10% to 80%, more typically from 15% to 50% by weight, of the detergent builder. Lower or higher levels of builder, however, are not meant to be excluded.
These can include, but are not restricted to phytic acid, silicates, alkali metal carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulphates, aluminosilicates, monomeric polycarboxylates, homo or copolymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxylic radicals separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms. Examples of silicate builders are the crystalline layered silicates, such as the layered sodium silicates described in U.S. Patent 4,664,839. NaSKS-6 is the trademark for a crystalline layered silicate marketed by Hoechst (commonly abbreviated herein as "SKS-6"). Unlike zeolite builders, the Na SKS-6 silicate builder does not contain aluminum. NaSKS-6 has the delta-Na₂Si₂O₅ morphology form of layered silicate. It can be prepared by methods such as those described in German DE-A-3,417,649 and DE-A-3,742,043. SKS-6 is a highly preferred layered silicate for use herein, but other such layered silicates, such as those having the general formula NaMSi_xO_2x+1.yH₂O wherein M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4, preferably 2, and y is a number from 0 to 20, preferably 0 can be used herein. Various other layered silicates from Hoechst include NaSKS-5, NaSKS-7 and NaSKS-11, as the alpha, beta and gamma forms. As noted above, the delta-Na₂Si₂O₅ (NaSKS-6 form) is most preferred for use herein. Other silicates may also be useful such as for example magnesium silicate, which can serve as a crispening agent in granular formulations, as a stabilising agent for oxygen bleaches, and as a component of suds control systems.

[0072] Aluminosilicate builders are especially useful in the present invention. Aluminosilicate builders are of great importance in most currently marketed heavy duty granular detergent compositions, and can also be a significant builder ingredient in liquid detergent formulations. Aluminosilicate builders include those having the empirical formula:

        Na_z[(AlO₂)_z(SiO₂)_y].xH2O

wherein z and y are integers of at least 6, the molar ratio of z to y is in the range from 1.0 to 0.5, and x is an integer from 15 to 264.

[0073] Useful aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are commercially available. These aluminosilicates can be crystalline or amorphous in structure and can be naturally-occurring aluminosilicates or synthetically derived. A method for producing aluminosilicate ion exchange materials is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,985,669. Preferred synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials useful herein are available under the designations Zeolite A, Zeolite P (B), Zeolite MAP and Zeolite X. In an especially preferred embodiment, the crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange material has the formula:

        Na₁₂[(AlO₂)₁₂(SiO₂)₁₂].xH₂O

wherein x is from 20 to 30, especially 27. This material is known as Zeolite A. Dehydrated zeolites (x = 0 - 10) may also be used herein. Preferably, the aluminosilicate has a particle size of 0.1-10 microns in diameter.

[0074] Organic detergent builders suitable for the purposes of the present invention include, but are not restricted to, a wide variety of polycarboxylate compounds. As used herein, "polycarboxylate" refers to compounds having a plurality of carboxylate groups, preferably at least 3 carboxylates. Polycarboxylate builder can generally be added to the composition in acid form, but can also be added in the form of a neutratised salt. When utilized in salt form, alkali metals, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium, or alkanolammonium salts are preferred.

[0075] Included among the polycarboxylate builders are a variety of categories of useful materials. One important category of polycarboxylate builders encompasses the ether polycarboxylates, including oxydisuccinate, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,128,287 and U.S. Patent 3,635,830. See also "TMS/TDS" builders of U.S. Patent 4,663,071. Suitable ether polycarboxylates also include cyclic compounds, particularly alicyclic compounds, such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,923,679; 3,835,163; 4,158,635; 4,120,874 and 4,102,903.

[0076] Other useful detergency builders include the ether hydroxypoiycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride with ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, or acrylic acid, 1, 3, 5-trihydroxy benzene-2, 4, 6-trisulphonic acid, and carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, the various alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of polyacetic acids such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid, as well as polycarboxylates such as mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymeihyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof.

[0077] Citrate builders, e.g., citric acid and soluble salts thereof (particularly sodium salt), are polycarboxylate builders of particular importance for heavy duty liquid detergent formulations due to their availability from renewable resources and their biodegradability. Citrates can also be used in granular compositions, especially in combination with zeolite and/or layered silicate builders. Oxydisuccinates are also especially useful in such compositions and combinations.

[0078] Also suitable in the compositions containing the present invention are the 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioates and the related compounds disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,566,984. Useful succinic acid builders include the C₅-C₂₀ alkyl and alkenyl succinic acids and salts thereof. A particularly preferred compound of this type is dodecenylsuccinic acid. Specific examples of succinate builders include: laurylsuccinate, myristylsuccinate, palmitylsuccinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate preferred), 2-pentadecenylsuccinate. Laurylsuccinates are the preferred builders of this group, and are described in EP 0,200,263.

[0079] Other suitable polycarboxylates are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,144,226 and in U.S. Patent 3,308,067. See also U.S. Pat. 3,723,322.

[0080] Fatty acids, e.g., C₁₂-C₁₈ monocarboxylic acids, can also be incorporated into the compositions alone, or in combination with the aforesaid builders, especially citrate and/or the succinate builders, to provide additional builder activity. Such use of fatty acids will generally result in a diminution of sudsing, which should be taken into account by the formulator.

Conventional detersive adjuncts

[0081] The compositions herein can optionally include one or more other detergent adjunct materials or other materials for assisting or enhancing cleaning performance, treatment of the substrate to be cleaned, or to modify the aesthetics of the detergent composition (e.g., perfumes, colorants, dyes). The following are illustrative examples of such adjunct materials.

Enzymes

[0082] Other enzymes than proteases and amylases may be used. These include cellulases, lipases, peroxidase, endoglucanase and mixtures thereof.

[0083] These enzymes may be incorporated into the composition in accordance with the invention at a level of from 0.001% to 5% active enzyme by weight of the composition.

[0084] The cellulases usable in the present invention include both bacterial or fungal cellulase. Preferably, they will have a pH optimum of between 5 and 9.5. Suitable cellulases are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,435,307, which discloses fungal cellulase produced from Humicola insolens and Humicola strain DSM1800 or a cellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas, and cellulase extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusk (Dolabella Auricula Solander). Suitable cellulases are also disclosed in GB-A-2.075.028; GB-A-2.095.275 and DE-OS-2.247.832. ENDO A, CAREZYME both from Novo Industries A/S are especially useful.

[0085] Suitable lipase enzymes for detergent usage include those produced by microorganisms of the Pseudomonas group, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, as disclosed in GB 1,372,034. See also lipases in Japanese Patent Application 53,20487, laid open to public inspection on February 24, 1978. This lipase is available from Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan, under the trade name Lipase P "Amano," hereinafter referred to as "Amano-P." Other commercial lipases include Amano-CES, lipases ex Chromobacter viscosum, e.g. Chromobacter viscosum var lipolyticum NRRLB 3673, commercially available from Toyo Jozo Co., Tagata, Japan; and further Chromobacter viscosum lipases from U.S. Biochemical Corp., U.S.A. and Disoynth Co., The Netherlands, and lipases ex Pseudomonas gladioli. The LIPOLASE enzyme derived from Humicola lanuginosa and commercially available from Novo (see also EP 341,947) is a preferred lipase for use herein.

[0086] Peroxidase enzymes are used in combination with oxygen sources, e.g., percarbonate, perborate, persulfate, and hydrogen peroxide. They are used for "solution bleaching," i.e. to prevent transfer of dyes or pigments removed from substrates during wash operations to other substrates in the wash solution. Peroxidase enzymes are known in the art, and include, for example, horseradish peroxidase, ligninase, and haloperoxidase such as chloro- and bromo-peroxidase. Peroxidase-containing detergent compositions are disclosed, for example, in EP-A-0,424,398.

[0087] A wide range of enzyme materials and means for their incorporation into synthetic detergent compositions are also disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,553,139. Enzymes are further disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,101,457 and in U.S. Patent 4,507,219. Enzyme materials useful for liquid detergent formulations, and their incorporation into such formulations, are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,261,868. Enzymes for use in detergents can be stabilized by various techniques. Enzyme stabilisation techniques are disclosed and exemplified in U.S. Patent 3,600,319 and EP 0 199 405. Enzyme stabilisation systems are also described, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,519,570.

[0088] Enzyme Stabilizers - The enzymes employed herein are stabilized by the presence of water-soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions in the finished compositions which provide such ions to the enzymes. (Calcium ions are generally somewhat more effective than magnesium ions and are preferred herein if only one type of cation is being used.) Additional stability can be provided by the presence of various other art-disclosed stabilizers, especially borate species: see Severson, U.S. 4,537,706. Typical detergents, especially liquids, will comprise from 1 to 30, preferably from 2 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 15, and most preferably from 8 to 12, millimoles of calcium ion per liter of finished composition. This can vary somewhat, depending on the amount of enzyme present and its response to the calcium or magnesium ions. The level of calcium or magnesium ions should be selected so that there is always some minimum level available for the enzyme, after allowing for complexation with builders, fatty acids, in the composition. Any water-soluble calcium or magnesium salt can be used as the source of calcium or magnesium ions, including, but not limited to, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium malate, calcium maleate, calcium hydroxide, calcium formate, and calcium acetate, and the corresponding magnesium salts. A small amount of calcium ion, generally from 0.05 to 0.4 millimoles per liter, is often also present in the composition due to calcium in the enzyme slurry and formula water. In solid detergent compositions the formulation may include a sufficient quantity of a water-soluble calcium ion source to provide such amounts in the laundry liquor. In the alternative, natural water hardness may suffice.

[0089] It is to be understood that the foregoing levels of calcium and/or magnesium ions are sufficient to provide enzyme stability. More calcium and/or magnesium ions can be added to the compositions to provide an additional measure of grease removal performance.

[0090] The compositions herein may also optionally, but preferably, contain various additional stabilizers, especially borate-type stabilizers. Typically, such stabilizers will be used at levels in the compositions from 0.25% to 10%, preferably from 0.5% to 5%, more preferably from 0.75% to 3%, by weight of boric acid or other borate compound capable of forming boric acid in the composition (calculated on the basis of boric acid). Boric acid is preferred, although other compounds such as boric oxide, borax and other alkali metal borates (e.g., sodium ortho-, meta- and pyroborate, and sodium pentaborate) are suitable. Substituted boric acids (e.g., phenylboronic acid, butane boronic acid, and p-bromo phenylboronic acid) can also be used in place of boric acid.

[0091] Polymeric Dispersing Agents - Polymeric dispersing agents can be utilized at levels from 0.1% to 7%, by weight, in the compositions herein.
A polymeric material which can be included is polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG can exhibit dispersing agent performance as well as act as a clay soil removal-antiredeposition agent. Typical molecular weight ranges for these purposes range from 500 to 100,000, preferably from 1,000 to 50,000, more preferably from 1,500 to 10,000.

[0092] Polyaspartate and polyglutamate dispersing agents may also be used, especially in conjunction with zeolite builders. Dispersing agents such as polyaspartate preferably have a molecular weight (avg.) of 10,000.

[0093] Clay Soil Removal/Anti-redeposition Agents - The compositions of the present invention can also optionally contain water-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal and antiredeposition properties. Granular detergent compositions which contain these compounds typically contain from 0.01% to 10.0% by weight of the water-soluble ethoxylates amines; liquid detergent compositions typically contain 0.01 % to 5%.

[0094] The most preferred soil release and anti-redeposition agent is ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine. Exemplary ethoxylated amines are further described in U.S. Patent 4,597,898, VanderMeer, issued July 1, 1986. Another group of preferred clay soil removal-antiredeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed in European Patent Application 111,965, Oh and Gosselink, published June 27, 1984. Other clay soil removal/antiredeposition agents which can be used include the ethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 111,984, Gosselink, published June 27, 1984; the zwitterionic polymers disclosed in European Patent Application 112,592, Gosselink, published July 4, 1984; and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,548,744, Connor, issued October 22, 1985. Other clay soil removal and/or anti redeposition agents known in the art can also be utilized in the compositions herein. Another type of preferred antiredeposition agent includes the carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) materials. These materials are well known in the art.

[0095] Polymeric Soil Release Agent - Any polymeric soil release agent known to those skilled in the art can optionally be employed in the compositions and processes of this invention. Polymeric soil release agents are characterized by having both hydrophilic segments, to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments, to deposit upon hydrophobic fibers and remain adhered thereto through completion of washing and rinsing cycles and, thus, serve as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains occurring subsequent to treatment with the soil release agent to be more easily cleaned in later washing procedures.

[0096] The polymeric soil release agents useful herein especially include those soil release agents having: (a) one or more nonionic hydrophile components consisting essentially of (i) polyoxyethylene segments with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (ii) oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 10, wherein said hydrophile segment does not encompass any oxypropylene unit unless it is bonded to adjacent moieties at each end by ether linkages, or (iii) a mixture of oxyalkylene units comprising oxyethylene and from 1 to 30 oxypropylene units wherein said mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such that the hydrophile component has hydrophilicity great enough to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces upon deposit of the soil release agent on such surface, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more hydrophobe components comprising (i) C₃ oxyalkylene terephthalate segments, wherein, if said hydrophobe components also comprise oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of oxyethylene terephthalate:C₃ oxyalkylene terephthalate units is 2:1 or lower, (ii) C₄-C₆ alkylene or oxy C₄-C₆ alkylene segments, or mixtures therein, (iii) poly (vinyl ester) segments, preferably polyvinyl acetate), having a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (iv) C₁-C₄ alkyl ether or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether substituents, or mixtures therein, wherein said substituents are present in the form of C₁-C₄ alkyl ether or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether cellulose derivatives, or mixtures therein, and such cellulose derivatives are amphiphilic, whereby they have a sufficient level of C₁-C₄ alkyl ether and/or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether units to deposit upon conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces and retain a sufficient level of hydroxyls, once adhered to such conventional synthetic fiber surface, to increase fiber surface hydrophilicity, or a combination of (a) and (b).

[0097] Typically, the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have a degree of polymerization of from 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to 150, more preferably from 6 to 100. Suitable oxy C₄-C₆ alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as MO₃S(CH₂)_nOCH₂CH₂O-, where M is sodium and n is an integer from 4-6, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink.

[0098] Polymeric soil release agents useful in the present invention also include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic polymers, copolymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate, and the like. Such agents are commercially available and include hydroxyethers of cellulose such as METHOCEL (Dow). Cellulosic soil release agents for use herein also include those selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkyl and C₄ hydroxyalkyl cellulose; see U.S. Patent 4,000,093, issued December 28, 1976 to Nicol, et al.

[0099] Soil release agents characterized by poly(vinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include graft copolymers of poly(vinyl ester), e.g., C₁-C₆ vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048, published April 22, 1987 by Kud, et al. Commercially available soil release agents of this kind include the SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (West Germany).

[0100] One type of preferred soil release agent is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate. The molecular weight of this polymeric soil release agent is in the range of from 25,000 to 55,000. See U.S. Patent 3,959,230 to Hays, issued May 25, 1976 and U.S. Patent 3,893,929 to Basadur issued July 8, 1975.

[0101] Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a polyester with repeat units of ethylene terephthalate units contains 10-15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate units together with 90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000. Examples of this polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from Dupont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). See also U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.

[0102] Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone. These soil release agents are described fully in U.S. Patent 4,968,451, issued November 6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and E.P. Gosselink. Other suitable polymeric soil release agents include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Patent 4,711,730, issued December 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, the anionic end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Patent 4,721,580, issued January 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. Patent 4,702,857, issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.

[0103] Preferred polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agents of U.S. Patent 4,877,896, issued October 31, 1989 to Maldonado et al, which discloses anionic, especially sulfoarolyl, end-capped terephthalate esters.

[0104] If utilized, soil release agents will generally comprise from 0.01% to 10.0%, by weight, of the detergent compositions herein, typically from 0.1% to 5%, preferably from 0.2% to 3.0%.

[0105] Still another preferred soil release agent is an oligomer with repeat units of terephthaloyl units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1,2-propylene units. The repeat units form the backbone of the oligomer and are preferably terminated with modified isethionate end-caps. A particularly preferred soil release agent of this type comprises one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of from 1.7 to 1.8, and two end-cap units of sodium 2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate. Said soil release agent also comprises from 0.5% to 20%, by weight of the oligomer, of a crystalline-reducing stabilizer, preferably selected from the group consisting of xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof.

[0106] Dye Transfer Inhibiting Agents - The compositions of the present invention may also include one or more materials effective for inhibiting the transfer of dyes from one fabric to another during the cleaning process. Generally, such dye transfer inhibiting agents include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. If used, these agents typically comprise from 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from 0.01% to 5%, and more preferably from 0.05% to 2%.

[0107] More specifically, the polyamine N-oxide polymers preferred for use herein contain units having the following structural formula: R-A_x-P; wherein P is a polymerizable unit to which an N-O group can be attached or the N-O group can form part of the polymerizable unit or the N-O group can be attached to both units; A is one of the following structures: -NC(O)-, -C(O)O-, -S-, -O-. -N=; x is 0 or 1; and R is aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatics, aromatics, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or any combination thereof to which the nitrogen of the N-O group can be attached or the N-O group is part of these groups. Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine and derivatives thereof.

[0108] The N-O group can be represented by the following general structures:

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ are aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof; x, y and z are 0 or 1; and the nitrogen of the N-O group can be attached or form part of any of the aforementioned groups. The amine oxide unit of the polyamine N-oxides has a pKa <10, preferably pKa <7, more preferred pKa <6.

[0109] Any polymer backbone can be used as long as the amine oxide polymer formed is water-soluble and has dye transfer inhibiting properties. Examples of suitable polymeric backbones are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethers, polyamide, polyimides, polyacrylates and mixtures thereof. These polymers include random or block copolymers where one monomer type is an amine N-oxide and the other monomer type is an N-oxide. The amine N-oxide polymers typically have a ratio of amine to the amine N-oxide of 10:1 to 1:1,000,000. However, the number of amine oxide groups present in the polyamine oxide polymer can be varied by appropriate copolymerization or by an appropriate degree of N-oxidation. The polyamine oxides can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. Typically, the average molecular weight is within the range of 500 to 1,000,000; more preferred 1,000 to 500,000; most preferred 5,000 to 100,000. This preferred class of materials can be referred to as "PVNO".

[0110] The most preferred polyamine N-oxide useful in the detergent compositions herein is poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) which as an average molecular weight of 50,000 and an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of 1:4.

[0111] Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as a class as "PVPVI") are also preferred for use herein. Preferably the PVPVI has an average molecular weight range from 5,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and most preferably from 10,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight range is determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al., Chemical Analysis, Vol 113. "Modem Methods of Polymer Characterization", the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.) The PVPVI copolymers typically have a molar ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1:1 to 0.2:1, more preferably from 0.8:1 to 0.3:1, most preferably from 0.6:1 to 0.4:1. These copolymers can be either linear or branched.

[0112] The present invention compositions also may employ a polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP") having an average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 400,000, preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and more preferably from 5,000 to 50,000. PVP's are known to persons skilled in the detergent field; see, for example, EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696. Compositions containing PVP can also contain polyethylene glycol ("PEG") having an average molecular weight from 500 to 100,000, preferably from 1,000 to 10,000. Preferably, the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions is from 2:1 to 50:1, and more preferably from 3:1 to 10:1.

[0113] The detergent compositions herein may also optionally contain from 0.005% to 5% by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners which also provide a dye transfer inhibition action. If used, the compositions herein will preferably comprise from 0.01% to 1% by weight of such optical brighteners.

[0114] The hydrophilic optical brighteners useful in the present invention are those having the structural formula:

wherein R₁ is selected from anilino, N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R₂ is selected from N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino, morphilino, chloro and amino; and M is a salt-forming cation such as sodium or potassium.

[0115] When in the above formula, R₁ is anilino, R₂ is N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4',-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid and disodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal-UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. Tinopat-UNPA-GX is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein.

[0116] When in the above formula, R₁ is anilino, R₂ is N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2-methylamino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-8-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)-s-Viazine-2-yl)amino]2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation.

[0117] When in the above formula, R₁ is anilino, R₂ is morphilino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-morphilino-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid, sodium salt. This particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation.

[0118] The specific optical brightener species selected for use in the present invention provide especially effective dye transfer inhibition performance benefits when used in combination with the selected polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents hereinbefore described. The combination of such selected polymeric materials (e.g., PVNO and/or PVPVI) with such selected optical brighteners (e.g., Tinopal UNPA-GX, Tinopal 5BM-GX and/or Tinopal AMS-GX) provides significantly better dye transfer inhibition in aqueous wash solutions than does either of these two detergent composition components when used alone. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such brighteners work this way because they have high affinity for fabrics in the wash solution and therefore deposit relatively quick on these fabrics. The extent to which brighteners deposit on fabrics in the wash solution can be defined by a parameter called the "exhaustion coefficient". The exhaustion coefficient is in general as the ratio of a) the brightener material deposited on fabric to b) the initial brightener concentration in the wash liquor. Brighteners with relatively high exhaustion coefficients are the most suitable for inhibiting dye transfer in the context of the present invention.

[0119] Of course, it will be appreciated that other, conventional optical brightener types of compounds can optionally be used in the present compositions to provide conventional fabric "brightness" benefits, rather than a true dye transfer inhibiting effect. Such usage is conventional and well-known to detergent formulations.

[0120] Conventional optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents known in the art can be incorporated at levels typically from 0.005% to 5%, preferably from 0.01% to 1.2% and most preferably from 0.05% to 1.2%, by weight, into the detergent compositions herein. Commercial optical brighteners which may be useful in the present invention can be classified into subgroups, which include, but are not necessarily limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents", M. Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982). Further optical brightener which may also be used in the present invention include naphthlimide, benzoxazole, benzofuran, benzimidazole and any mixtures thereof.

[0121] Specific examples of optical brighteners which are useful in the present compositions are those identified in U.S. Patent 4,790,856. These brighteners include the PHORWHITE series of brighteners from Verona. Other brighteners disclosed in this reference include: Tinopal UNPA, Tinopal CBS and Tinopal 5BM; available from Ciba-Geigy; Artic White CC and Artic White CWD; the 2-(4-styryl-phenyl)-2H-naptho[1,2-d]triazoles; 4,4'-bis(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-stilbenes; 4,4'-bis(styryl)bisphenyls; and the aminocoumarins. Specific examples of these brighteners include 4-methyl-7-diethyl- amino coumarin; 1,2-bis(-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylene; 1,3-diphenyl-pyrazotines; 2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene; 2-styryl-naptho-[1,2-d]oxazole; and 2-(stilbene-4-yl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazole. See also U.S. Patent 3,646,015.

[0122] Suds Suppressors - Compounds for reducing or suppressing the formation of suds can be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention. Suds suppression can be of particular importance in the so-called "high concentration cleaning process" and in front-loading European-style washing machines.

[0123] A wide variety of materials may be used as suds suppressors, and suds suppressors are well known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, Volume 7, pages 430-447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979). One category of suds suppressor of particular interest encompasses monocarboxylic fatty acid and soluble salts therein. See U.S. Patent 2,954,347, issued September 27, 1960 to Wayne St. John. The monocarboxylic fatty acids and salts thereof used as suds suppressor typically have hydrocarbyl chains of 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Suitable salts include the alkali metal salts such as sodium, potassium, and lithium salts, and ammonium and alkanolammonium salts.

[0124] The detergent compositions herein may also contain non-surfactant suds suppressors. These include, for example: high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffin, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols, aliphatic C₁₈-C₄₀ ketones (e.g., stearone). Other suds inhibitors include N-alkylated amino triazines such as tri- to hexa-alkylmelamines or di- to tetra-alkyldiamine chlortriazines formed as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary amine containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, propylene oxide, and monostearyl phosphates such as monostearyl alcohol phosphate ester and monostearyl di-alkali metal (e.g., K, Na, and Li) phosphates and phosphate esters. The hydrocarbons such as paraffin and haloparaffin can be utilized in liquid form. The liquid hydrocarbons will be liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and will have a pour point in the range of -40°C and 50°C, and a minimum boiling point not less than 110°C (atmospheric pressure). It is also known to utilize waxy hydrocarbons, preferably having a melting point below 100°C. The hydrocarbons constitute a preferred category of suds suppressor for detergent compositions. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al. The hydrocarbons, thus, include aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons having from 12 to 70 carbon atoms. The term "paraffin," as used in this suds suppressor discussion, is intended to include mixtures of true paraffins and cyclic hydrocarbons.

[0125] Another preferred category of non-surfactant suds suppressors comprises silicone suds suppressors. This category includes the use of polyorganosiloxane oils, such as polydimethylsiloxane, dispersions or emulsions of polyorganosiloxane oils or resins, and combinations of polyorganosiloxane with silica particles wherein the polyorganosiloxane is chemisorbed or fused onto the silica. Silicone suds suppressors are well known in the art and are, for example, disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,265,779, issued May 5, 1981 to Gandolfo et al and EP 354 016 published February 7, 1990, by Starch, M. S.

[0126] Other silicone suds suppressors are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,455,839 which relates to compositions and processes for defoaming aqueous solutions by incorporating therein small amounts of polydimethylsiloxane fluids.

[0127] Mixtures of silicone and silanated silica are described, for instance, in German Patent Application DOS 2,124,526. Silicone defoamers and suds controlling agents in granular detergent compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,933,672, Bartolotta et al, and in U.S. Patent 4,652,392, Baginski et al, issued March 24, 1987.

[0128] An exemplary silicone based suds suppressor for use herein is a suds suppressing amount of a suds controlling agent consisting essentially of:

(i) polydimethylsiloxane fluid having a viscosity of from 20 cs. to 1,500 cs. at 25°C;

(ii) from 5 to 50 parts per 100 parts by weight of (i) of siloxane resin composed of (CH₃)₃SiO_1/2 units of SiO₂ units in a ratio of from (CH₃)₃ SiO_1/2 units and to SiO₂ units of from 0.6:1 to 1.2:1; and

(iii) from 1 to 20 parts per 100 parts by weight of (i) of a solid silica gel.

[0129] In the preferred silicone suds suppressor used herein, the solvent for a continuous phase is made up of certain polyethylene glycols or polyethylene-polypropylene glycol copolymers or mixtures thereof (preferred), or polypropylene glycol. The primary silicone suds suppressor is branched/crosslinked and preferably not linear.

[0130] To illustrate this point further, typical liquid laundry detergent compositions with controlled suds will optionally comprise from 0.001 to 1, preferably from 0.01 to 0.7, most preferably from 0.05 to 0.5, weight % of said silicone suds suppressor, which comprises (1) a nonaqueous emulsion of a primary antifoam agent which is a mixture of (a) a polyorganosiloxane, (b) a resinous siloxane or a silicone resin-producing silicone compound, (c) a finely divided filler material, and (d) a catalyst to promote the reaction of mixture components (a), (b) and (c), to form silanolates; (2) at least one nonionic silicone surfactant; and (3) polyethylene glycol or a copolymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol having a solubility in water at room temperature of more than 2 weight %; and without polypropylene glycol. Similar amounts can be used in granular compositions, gels. See also U.S. Patents 4,978,471, Starch, issued December 18, 1990, and 4,983,316, Starch, issued January 8, 1991, 5,288,431, Huber et al., issued February 22, 1994, and U.S. Patents 4,639,489 and 4,749,740, Aizawa et al at column 1, line 46 through column 4, line 35.

[0131] The silicone suds suppressor herein preferably comprises polyethylene glycol and a copolymer of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol, all having an average molecular weight of less than 1,000, preferably between 100 and 800. The polyethylene glycol and polyethylene/polypropylene copolymers herein have a solubility in water at room temperature of more than 2 weight %, preferably more than 5 weight %.

[0132] The preferred solvent herein is polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of less than 1,000, more preferably between 100 and 800, most preferably between 200 and 400, and a copolymer of polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol, preferably PPG 200/PEG 300. Preferred is a weight ratio of between 1:1 and 1:10, most preferably between 1:3 and 1:6, of polyethylene glycol:copolymer of polyethylene-polypropylene glycol.

[0133] The preferred silicone suds suppressors used herein do not contain polypropylene glycol, particularly of 4,000 molecular weight. They also preferably do not contain block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, like PLURONIC L101.

[0134] Other suds suppressors useful herein comprise the secondary alcohols (e.g., 2-alkyl alkanols) and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils, such as the silicones disclosed in U.S. 4,798,679, 4,075,118 and EP 150,872. The secondary alcohols include the C₆-C₁₆ alkyl alcohols having a C₁-C₁₆ chain. A preferred alcohol is 2-butyl octanol, which is available from Condea under the trademark ISOFOL 12. Mixtures of secondary alcohols are available under the trademark ISALCHEM 123 from Enichem. Mixed suds suppressors typically comprise mixtures of alcohol + silicone at a weight ratio of 1:5 to 5:1.

[0135] For any detergent compositions to be used in automatic laundry washing machines, suds should not form to the extent that they overflow the washing machine. Suds suppressors, when utilized, are preferably present in a "suds suppressing amount. By "suds suppressing amount" is meant that the formulator of the composition can select an amount of this suds controlling agent that will sufficiently control the suds to result in a low-sudsing laundry detergent for use in automatic laundry washing machines.

[0136] The compositions herein will generally comprise from 0% to 5% of suds suppressor. When utilized as suds suppressors, monocarboxylic fatty acids, and salts therein, will be present typically in amounts up to 5%, by weight, of the detergent composition. Preferably, from 0.5% to 3% of fatty monocarboxylate suds suppressor is utilized. Silicone suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts up to 2.0%, by weight, of the detergent composition, although higher amounts may be used. This upper limit is practical in nature, due primarily to concern with keeping costs minimized and effectiveness of lower amounts for effectively controlling sudsing. Preferably from 0.01% to 1% of silicone suds suppressor is used, more preferably from 0.25% to 0.5%. As used herein, these weight percentage values include any silica that may be utilized in combination with polyorganosiloxane, as well as any adjunct materials that may be utilized. Monostearyl phosphate suds suppressors are generally utilized in amounts ranging from 0.1% to 2%, by weight, of the composition. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts ranging from 0.01% to 5.0%, although higher levels can be used. The alcohol suds suppressors are typically used at 0.2%-3% by weight of the finished compositions.

[0137] Fabric Softeners - Various through-the-wash fabric softeners, especially the impalpable smectite clays of U.S. Patent 4,062,647, Storm and Nirschl, issued December 13, 1977, as well as other softener clays known in the art, can optionally be used typically at levels of from 0.5% to 10% by weight in the present compositions to provide fabric softener benefits concurrently with fabric cleaning. Clay softeners can be used in combination with amine and cationic softeners as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,375,416, Crisp et al, March 1, 1983 and U.S. Patent 4,291,071, Harris et al, issued September 22, 1981.

[0138] Other Ingredients - A wide variety of other functional ingredients useful in detergent compositions can be included in the compositions herein, including other active ingredients, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments. If high sudsing is desired, suds boosters such as the C₁₀-C₁₆ alkanolamides can be incorporated into the compositions, typically at 1%-10% levels. The C₁₀-C₁₄ monoethanol and diethanol amides illustrate a typical class of such suds boosters. Use of such suds boosters with high sudsing adjunct surfactants such as the amine oxides, betaines and sultaines noted above is also advantageous. If desired, soluble magnesium salts such as MgCl₂, and MgSO₄, can be added at levels of, typically, 0.1%-2%, to provide additional suds and to enhance grease removal performance.

[0139] The detergent compositions herein will preferably be formulated such that, during use in aqueous cleaning operations, the wash water will have a pH of between 6.5 and 11, preferably between 7.5 and 10.5. Laundry products are typically at pH 9-11. Techniques for controlling pH at recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis, acids, and are well known to those skilled in the art.

Form of the compositions

[0140] The detergent compositions of the invention is formulated in the form of granulates.

[0141] The mean particle size of the components of granular compositions in accordance with the invention is such that no more that 5% of particles are greater than 1.4mm in diameter and not more than 5% of particles are less than 0.15mm in diameter.

[0142] The term mean particle size as defined herein is calculated by sieving a sample of the composition into a number of fractions (typically 5 fractions) on a series of Tyler sieves. The weight fractions thereby obtained are plotted against the aperture size of the sieves. The mean particle size is taken to be the aperture size through which 50% by weight of the sample would pass.

[0143] The bulk density of granular detergent compositions in accordance with the present invention are also useful in concentrated granular detergent compositions that are characterised by a relatively high density in comparison with conventional laundry detergent compositions. Such high density compositions typically have a bulk density of at least 600 g/litre, more preferably from 650 g/litre to 1200 g/litre, most preferably from 800g/litre to 1000g/litre.

[0144] Bulk density is measured by means of a simple funnel and cup device consisting of a conical funnel moulded rigidly on a base and provided with a flap valve at its lower extremity to allow the contents of the funnel to be emptied into an axially aligned cylindrical cup disposed below the funnel. The funnel is 130 mm high and has internal diameters of 130 mm and 40 mm at its respective upper and lower extremities. It is mounted so that the lower extremity is 140 mm above the upper surface of the base. The cup has an overall height of 90 mm, an internal height of 87 mm and an internal diameter of 84 mm. Its nominal volume is 500 ml.

[0145] To carry out a measurement, the funnel is filled with powder by hand pouring, the flap valve is opened and powder allowed to overfill the cup. The filled cup is removed from the frame and excess powder removed from the cup by passing a straight edged implement eg; a knife, across its upper edge. The filled cup is then weighed and the value obtained for the weight of powder doubled to provide a bulk density in g/litre. Replicate measurements are made as required.

Making processes - granular compositions

[0146] In general, granular detergent compositions in accordance with the present invention can be made via a variety of methods including dry mixing, spray drying, agglomeration and granulation.

[0147] In the following non limiting examples, all percentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise stated.

[0148] In the bleaching compositions, the abbreviated component identifications have the following meanings:

LAS :

Sodium linear C₁₂ alkyl benzene sulphonate

TAS :

Sodium tallow alcohol sulphate

C45AS :

Sodium C₁₄-C₁₅ linear alkyl sulphate

C45E7 :

A C_14-15 predominantly linear primary alcohol condensed with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide

C25 E3 :

A C_12-15 branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide

C25E5 :

A C_12-15 branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of 5 moles of ethylene oxide

Nonionic :

(hydroxyethyl dimethyl) ammonium quaternary

Silicate :

Amorphous Sodium Silicate (SiO₂:Na₂O; 1.6 ratio)

NaSKS-6 :

Crystalline layered silicate of formula δ -Na₂Si₂O₅

Carbonate :

Anhydrous sodium carbonate with a particle size between 200µm and 900µm

Sulphate :

Anhydrous sodium sulphate

Zeolite A :

Hydrated Sodium Aluminosilicate of formula Na₁₂(A10₂SiO₂)₁₂. 27H₂O having a primary particle size in the range from 0.1 to 10 micrometers

MA/AA :

Copolymer of 1:4 maleic/acrylic acid, average molecular weight about 70,000.

PB4 :

Sodium perborate tetrahydrate of nominal formula NaBO₂.3H₂O.H₂O₂

PB1 :

Anhydrous sodium perborate bleach of nominal formula NaBO₂.H₂O₂

TAED :

Tetraacetyl ethylene diamine

AvO₂ :

Total amount of available oxygen present in the composition

Brightener 1 :

Disodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulphostyryl)biphenyl

Brightener 2 :

Disodium 4,4'-bis(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1.3.5-triazin-2-yl)amino) stilbene-2:2'-disulphonate.

HEDP :

Hydroxy-ethylene 1,1 diphosphonate

DTPMP :

Diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), marketed by Monsanto under the Trade name Dequest 2060

EDDS :

Ethylenediamine -N, N'- disuccinic acid, [S,S] isomer in the form of the sodium salt.

Silicone antifoam:

Polydimethylsiloxane foam controller with Siloxane-oxyalkylene copolymer as dispersing agent with a ratio of said foam controller to said dispersing agent of 10:1 to 100:1.

[0149] Photoactivated: Sulphonated Zinc Phthalocyanine encapsulated in bleach dextrin soluble polymer

Savinase :

proteolytic enzyme of standard activity 13KNPU/g

Carezyme :

cellulytic enzyme of activity 1000 CEVU/g

Termamyl :

Amylolytic enzyme of activity 60KNU/g

Lipolase :

Lipolytic enzyme of activity 100kLU/g

Endolase :

Endoglunase A

    all sold by NOVO Industries A/S

PVNO :

Polyvinylpyridine N-oxide

PVPVI :

Copolymer of polyvinylpyrolidone and vinylimidazole

CMC :

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Metolose :

Carboxy methoxy ether

SRA :

Sulfobenzoyl end capped esters with oxyethylene

(Soil Release : Agents)

oxy and terephthaloyl backbone

Example 1 (not within the scope of claim 1)

[0150] The following formulations were prepared, 200g from each formulations A,B and 1 to 5 was taken and subjected each to a full scale washing machine test using a Miele automatic washing machine (Model WM W698) set to the short wash cycle at 40°C for each formulation. Water of 12° German hardness (= 1.8 mol Ca²⁺/litre) was used.

Component (% by weight)	A	B	1	2	3	4	5
LAS	5.4	5.4	5.4	5.4	5.4	5.4	5.4
TAS	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9	1.9
C25 E3	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.0
nonionic	0.60	0.60	0.60	0.60	0.60	0.60	0.60
Zeolite A	19.1	19.1	15.5	15.5	15.5	15.5	15.5
MA/AA	0.3	0.3	2.8	2.8	2.8	2.8	2.8
PB4	9.25	9.25	14.1	14.1	14.1	14.1	14.1
TAED	1.8	1.4	1.6	-	1.8	1.0	2.5
AvO2	1.02	0.93	1.43	1.53	1.87	1.59	2.11
Carbonate	20.5	20.5	18.6	18.6	18.6	18.6	18.6
silicate	2.8	2.8	4.7	4.7	4.7	4.7	4.7
Savinase Protease	0.28	0.33	0.12	0.15	0.19	0.13	0.28
Termamyl Amylase	0.10	0.10	nil	nil	nil	nil	nil
DTPMP	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3
HEDP	0.2	0.2	nil	nil	nil	nil	nil
Minors and miscellaneous to balance
HPP Index	0.5	0.5	0.1	0.0	0.1	0.05	0.16

[0151] Two swatches demonstrating differing degrees of soil removal performance were used as standard to establish a 4 point scale in which '+' represents a very poor soil removal performance and '+++' average soil removal performance.

[0152] The two standards are used to define the mid points between the various descriptions of soil removal performance, viz

+very poor soil removal performance

++ poor soil removal performance

+++ average soil removal performance

++++ good soil removal performance

[0153] Two expert panellists are used and their results are averaged.

[0154] The results are as follows:

	A	B	1	2	3	4	5
Stain removal performance	++++	++++	+	+	+	+	++

[0155] It is seen that Compositions A and B produce enhanced stain removal performance over the prior art Compositions 1 to 5.

Example 2 (not within the scope of claim 1)

[0156] The following laundry detergent compositions C, D and 6 were prepared.

Component (% by weight)	C	D	6
LAS/TAS	5.4/1.9	5.4/1.9	5.4/1.9
C25 E3	4.0	4.0	4.0
nonionic	0.65	0.65	0.65
Zeolite A	20.5	20.5	20.5
MA/AA	0.95	0.95	0.95
PB4	9.2	-	9.2
PB1	-	6.4	-
AvO2	0.94	0.94	0.94
TAED	1.8	1.8	1.8
Carbonate	20.5	20.5	20.5
silicate	2.9	2.9	2.9
Savinase Protease	0.33	0.33	0.10
Termamyl Amylase	0.10	0.10	0.10
DTPMP	0.3	0.3	0.3
HEDP	0.2	0.2	0.2
Minors and miscellaneous to balance
HPP Index	0.67	0.67	0.20

[0157] It was seen that compositions having an HPP Index over 0.4 produced enhanced soil removal performance. Said performance is further enhanced when the hydrogen peroxide consisted of at least 90% by weight of PB4.

Example 3 (not within the scope of claim 1)

[0158] The following laundry detergent compositions E, F and 7 were prepared.

Component (% by weight)	E	F	7
LAS / TAS	5.4 / 1.9	5.4 / 1.9	5.4 / 1.9
C25 E3	4.0	4.0	4.0
nonionic	0.60	0.60	0.60
Zeolite A	20.5	20.5	20.5
MA/AA	0.95	2.8	3.7
PB4	8.6	8.6	15.6
TAED	1.4	1.4	1.0
Carbonate	20.5	20.5	18.6
silicate	2.9	2.9	3.2
Savinase Protease	0.33	0.33	0.13
Termamyl Amylase	0.10	0.10	-
DTPMP	0.3	0.3	0.3
HEDP	0.2	-	-
Minors and miscellaneous to balance
HPP Index	0.6	0.6	0.05

[0159] Compositions E and F with HPP Index of 0.6 produce enhanced soil removal performance over the prior art reference composition 7 of HPP Index 0.05.

[0160] It was also be seen that combination of polycarboxylic acids and phosphonates chelants further enhanced the soil removal performance, especially when the polycarboxylic acid is present in low amount (e.g less than 1 % by weight).

Example 4 (not within the scope of claim 1)

[0161] The following detergent compositions were prepared:

Components	G	H
LAS	8.0	8.0
C25 E3	4.10	4.10
Zeolite A	12.0	19.10
Na SKS-6	6.16	-
MA/AA	1.50	0.30
SRP	0.10	-
Metolose	0.30	-
PVNO/PVPVI	0.02	-
Carbonate	20.50	20.5
Silicate	-	2.82
PB4	12.0	9.25
AvO2	1.25	0.96
TAED	1.85	1.85
EDDS	0.19	-
DTPMP	-	0.25
HEDP	0.20	0.22
MgSO4	0.30	0.30
Savinase protease	0.50	0.28
Lipolase lipase	0.12	-
Termamyl amylase	0.38	0.10
Carezyme Cellulase	0.08	-
Endolase	0.08	-
CMC	-	0.22
Brightener 1	0.12	-
Brightener 2	-	0.11
Photoactivated bleach	0.003	15ppm
Silicone antifoam	0.10	0.55
Sulphate	24.0	25.88
Perfume	0.25	0.27
Minors and miscellaneous to balance
HPP Index	0.6	0.56

[0162] The above formulations were seen to produce effective soil removal performance.

Claims

1. A non-phosphate builder-containing granular detergent composition comprising a sufactant, and

a)- from 4% to 10% by weight of a source of hydrogen peroxide, wherein the source of hydrogen peroxide consists of at least 90% by weight of a percarbonate having a particle size of at least 600 micrometers and coated with water-insoluble materials,

b)- organic peroxyacid bleach precursor, which consists only of N,N-N',N' tetra acetyl ethylene diamine, in an amount from 0.5% to 2.5% by weight,

c)- from 0.001% to 5% by weight of a proteolytic enzyme,

d)- an alkalinity source having the capacity to deliver alkalinity to a wash solution as measured by the alkalinity release test described herein, such that the % weight NaOH equivalent of the composition is greater than 10.6% by weight of the composition, and

wherein the detergent composition has an Hydrogen peroxide Precursor Proteolytic enzyme (HPP) Index of at least 0.50 as defined by the formula


wherein the %weight of proteolytic enzyme in the formulation is based on an enzyme activity of 13 knpu/g of the enzyme particle, and,
wherein the %AvO₂ is the total amount of available oxygen present in the composition,
wherein the mean particle size of the components of the composition is such that no more than 5% of the particles are greater than 1.4 mm in diameter and no more than 5% of the particles are less than 0.15 mm in diameter;
and wherein the total amount of surfactant is in the range 5 to 70%.

2. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim wherein the total available oxygen (AvO₂) content in the composition is less than 1.5% by weight.

3. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein said source of alkalinity is selected from alkali metal carbonate, alkali metal silicate and mixture thereof.

4. A detergent composition according to Claim 3, wherein said alkali metal silicate has a ratio of 1.6:1.

5. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein said detergent composition further comprises one or more water-soluble organic polymeric polycarboxylic compounds.

6. A detergent composition according to Claim 5, wherein said polycarboxylic compound is a co-polymeric polycarboxylic acid having monomeric unit selected from acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid and mixtures thereof.

7. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein said detergent composition further comprises a polycarboxylic compound in amount less than 1% by weight.

8. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein said detergent composition comprises a chelant selected from amino carboxylate, organic phosphonate, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic compound, nitriloacetic acid and mixture thereof.

9. A detergent composition according to Claim 8, wherein said organic phosphonate chelant is selected from ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylenephosphonates), diethylene triamine penta (methylene phosphonate), ethylene diamine tri (methylene phosphonate), hexamethylene diamine tetra (methylene phosphonate), α-hydroxy-2 phenyl ethyl diphosphonate, methylene diphosphonate, hydroxy 1,1-hexylidene, vinylidene 1,1 diphosphonate, 1,2 dihydroxyethane 1,1 diphosphonate and hydroxy-ethytene 1,1 diphosphonate.

10. A detergent composition according to either one of Claim 8 or 9, wherein said chelant is hydroxy-ethytene 1,1 diphosphonate.

11. A detergent composition according to Claim 8, wherein said amino carboxylate chelant is selected from ethylenediaminetetracetates, ethylenediamine disuccinate, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, 2-hydroxypropylene diamine disuccinate; nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetates, ethylene triamine pentaacetate, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates and ethanoldiglycines, preferably ethylene diamine disuccininate.

12. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein said detergent composition comprises an amylase in amount from 0.01% to 5% by weight.

13. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim wherein said proteolytic enzyme is selected from Alcalase, Savinase, Primase, Durazym, Esperase, Maxatase, Maxacal, Maxapem, Opticlean and Optimase and mixture thereof, preferably Savinase.

14. A detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein said detergent composition further comprises builders and conventional detersive adjuncts.

Ansprüche

1. Nichtphosphatbuilder enthaltende granulöse Waschmittelzusammensetzung, umfassend ein Tensid und

a) zu mindestens 0,5 Gew.-% eine Wasserstoffperoxidquelle,worin die Wasserstoffperoxidquelle zu mindestens 90 Gew-% aus einem Percarbonat besteht, das eine Teilchengröße von mindestens 600µm aufweist, und mit wasserlöslichen Materialien beschichtet ist.

b) einen organischen Peroxysäure-Bleichmittelvorläufer, der nur aus N,N-N',N'-Tetraacetylethylendiamin in einer Konzentration von 0,5 Gew.-% bis 2,5 Gew.-% besteht,

c) von 0,001 Gew.-% bis 5 Gew.-% ein proteolytisches Enzym,

d) eine Alkalinitätsquelle mit der Fähigkeit, Alkalinität, wie durch den hierin beschriebenen Alkalinitätsfreigabetest gemessen, so an eine Waschlösung zu übermitteln, dass das Äquivalent von NaOH in Gew.-% der Zusammensetzung größer ist als 10,6 Gew.-% der Zusammensetzung, und

wobei die Waschmittelzusammensetzung einen Wasserstoffperoxid/Vorläufer/proteolytisches-Enzym- (HPP-) Index von mindestens 0,5 aufweist, wie durch die Formel


bestimmt, worin die Gew.-% des proteolytischen Enzyms in der Formulierung auf einer Enzymaktivität von 13 knpu/g des Enzymteilchens beruhen und
worin %AvO₂ die Gesamtmenge von in der Zusammensetzung verfügbarem Sauerstoff ist, wobei die mittlere Teilchengröße der Bestandteile der Zusammensetzung so ist, dass höchstens 5 % der Teilchen einen größeren Durchmesser als 1,4 mm aufweisen und dass höchstens 5 % der Teilchen einen kleineren Durchmesser als 0,15 mm aufweisen;
und wobei die Gesamtmenge an Tensid im Bereich von 5 bis 70 % liegt.

2. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin der Gesamtgehalt an verfügbarem Sauerstoff (AvO₂) in der Zusammensetzung weniger als 1,5 Gew.-% ist.

3. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Alkalinitätsquelle aus Alkalimetallcarbonat, Alkalimetallsilicat und Mischungen davon ausgewählt ist.

4. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 3, worin das Alkalimetallsilicat ein Verhältnis von 1,6:1 hat.

5. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Waschmittelzusammensetzung ferner eine oder mehrere wasserlösliche organische polymere Polycarboxylverbindungen umfasst.

6. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Polycarboxylverbindung eine copolymere Polycarbonsäure mit einer monomeren Einheit ist, die ausgewählt ist aus Acrylsäure, Maleinsäure (oder Maleinsäureanhydrid), Fumarsäure, Itaconsäure, Aconitsäure, Mesaconsäure, Citraconsäure und Methylenmalonsäure und Mischungen davon.

7. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Waschmittelzusammensetzung ferner eine Polycarboxylverbindung in einer Konzentration von weniger als 1 Gew.-% umfasst.

8. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Waschmittelzusammensetzung einen Chelanten umfasst, der ausgewählt ist aus Aminocarboxylat, organischem Phosphonat, polyfunktionell substituierter aromatischer Verbindung, Nitriloessigsäure und Mischungen davon.

9. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 3, wobei der organische Phosphonatchelant ausgewählt ist aus Ethylendiamin-tetrakis(methylenphosphonaten),
Diethylentriamin-penta(methylenphosphonat), Ethylendiamin-tri(methylenphosphonat), Hexamethylendiamin-tetra(methylenphosphonat), α-Hydroxy-2-phenylethyldiphosphonat, Methylendiphosphonat, Hydroxy-1,1-hexyliden, Vinyliden-1,1-diphosphonat, 1,2-Dihydroxyethan-1,1-diphosphonat und Hydroxyethylen-1,1-diphosphonat.

10. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der Ansprüche 8 oder 9, worin der Chelant ein Hydroxyethylen-1,1-diphosphonat ist.

11. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach Anspruch 3, worin der Aminocarboxylatchelant ausgewählt ist aus Ethylendiamintetraacetaten, Ethylendiamindisuccinat, N-Hydroxyethylethylendiamintriacetaten, 2-Hydroxypropylendiamindisuccinat, Nitrilotriacetaten, Ethylendiamintetraproprionaten, Triethylentetraaminhexaacetaten, Ethylentriaminpentaacetat, Diethylentriaminpentaacetaten und Ethanoldiglycinen, vorzugsweise Ethylendiamindisuccininat.

12. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Waschmittelzusammensetzung eine Amylase in einer Konzentration von 0,01 Gew.-% bis 5 Gew.-% umfasst.

13. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin das proteolytische Enzym ausgewählt ist aus Alcalase, Savinase, Primase, Durazym, Esperase, Maxatase, Maxacal, Maxapem, Opticlean und Optimase und Mischungen davon, vorzugsweise Savinase.

14. Waschmittelzusammensetzung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Waschmittelzusammensetzung ferner Builder und herkömmliche Reinigungszusätze umfasst.

Revendications

1. Composition détergente contenant un adjuvant non phosphaté comprenant un agent tensioactif, et

a)- 0,5 % en poids d'une source de peroxyde d'hydrogène, dans laquelle la source de peroxyde d'hydrogène est constituée d'au moins 90 % en poids d'un percarbonate ayant une taille des particules d'au moins 600 micromètres et revêtue de matériaux insolubles dans l'eau

b)- un précurseur organique d'agent de blanchiment à base de peroxyacide, qui est constitué uniquement de N,N-N',N' tétra-acétyl éthylène diamine en une quantité allant de 0,5 % à 2,5 % en poids.

c)- de 0,001 % à 5 % en poids d'une enzyme protéolytique,

d)- une source d'alcalinité ayant la capacité de libérer une alcalinité à une solution de lavage telle que mesurée par le test de libération d'alcalinité décrit ici, de telle sorte que le % en poids d'équivalent NaOH de la composition est supérieur à 10,6 % en poids de la composition, et

où la composition détergente a un indice d'enzyme protéolytique précurseur de peroxyde d'hydrogène (HPP) d'au moins 0,5 tel que définie par la formule


dans laquelle le % en poids d'enzyme protéolytique dans la formulation est basé sur une activité enzymatique de 13 knpu/g de la particule d'enzyme, et
dans laquelle le %AvO₂ est la quantité totale d'oxygène disponible présent dans la composition,
dans laquelle la taille moyenne des particules des composants de la composition est telle que pas plus de 5 % des particules ont un diamètre supérieur à 1,4 mm et pas plus de 5 % ont un diamètre inférieur à 0,15 mm ;
et dans laquelle la quantité totale d'agent tensioactif est dans la gamme de 5 à 70 %.

2. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la teneur en oxygène actif total (AvO₂) dans la composition est inférieure à 1,5 % en poids.

3. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ladite source d'alcalinité est choisie parmi un carbonate de métal alcalin, un silicate de métal alcalin et leur mélange.

4. Composition détergente selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle ledit silicate de métal alcalin a un rapport 1,6:1.

5. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ladite composition détergente comprend en outre un ou plusieurs composés polycarboxyliques polymères organiques hydrosolubles.

6. Composition détergente selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle ledit composé polycarboxylique est un acide polycarboxylique copolymère ayant un motif monomère choisi parmi l'acide acrylique, l'acide maléique (ou l'anhydride maléique), l'acide fumarique, l'acide itaconique, l'acide aconitique, l'acide mésaconique, l'acide citraconique et l'acide méthylène-malonique et leurs mélanges.

7. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite composition détergente comprend en outre un composé polycarboxylique en une quantité inférieure à 1 % en poids.

8. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite composition détergente comprend un agent chélatant choisi parmi un amino carboxylate, un phosphonate organique, un composé aromatique à substitution polyfonctionnelle, l'acide nitriloacétique et leur mélange.

9. Composition détergente selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle ledit agent chélatant phosphonate organique est choisi parmi les éthylène-diamine-tétrakis-(méthylène-phosphonates), diéthylène-triamine-penta-(méthylène phosphonate), éthylène-diamine-tri-(méthylène phosphonate), hexaméthylène-diamine-tétra-(méthylène phosphonate), α-hydroxy-2 phényl-éthyl-diphosphonate, diphosphonate de méthylène, hydroxy-1,1-hexylidène, vinylidène 1,1 diphosphonate, 1,2 dihydroxyéthane 1,1 diphosphonate et hydroxy-éthylène 1,1 diphosphonate.

10. Composition détergente selon la revendication 3 ou la revendication 4, dans laquelle ledit agent chélatant est l'hydroxy-éthylène 1,1 diphosphonate.

11. Composition détergente selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle ledit agent chélatant amino carboxylate est choisi parmi éthylène-diamine-tétra-acétates, disuccinate d'éthylène diamine, N-hydroxyéthyl-éthylène-diamine-triacétates, disuccinate de 2-hydroxypropylène-diamine, nitrilo-triacétates, éthylène-diamine-tétraproprionates, triéthylènetétra-amine-hexacétates, éthylène-triamine-penta-acétate, diéthylènetriaminepenta-acétates et éthanoldiglycines, de préférence disuccinate d'éthylène diamine.

12. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ladite composition détergente comprend une amylase en quantité de 0,01 % à 5 % en poids.

13. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ladite enzyme protéolytique est choisie parmi les enzymes Alcalase, Savinase, Primase, Durazym, Esperase, Maxatase, Maxacal, Maxapem, Opticlean et Optimase et leur mélange, de préférence la Savinase.

14. Composition détergente selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite composition détergente comprend en outre des adjuvants et des additifs détersifs classiques.