Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces – auxiliary compositions – Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing – For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-10
2001-01-09
DelCotto, Gregory R. (Department: 1751)
Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces, auxiliary compositions
Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing
For cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific...
C510S423000, C510S427000, C510S428000, C510S429000, C510S433000, C510S499000, C510S503000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06172021
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to detergent compositions containing alkanol amines, preferably triethanol amines (TEA). More particularly, the invention is directed to detergent compositions for hand dishwashing which has improved grease removal performance and benefits in sudsing. The detergents of this invention also have improved low temperature stability properties and dissolution properties, as well as improved grease removal, tough food stain removal, and antibacterial properties. The detergent compositions of this invention can be in any form, including granular, paste, gel or liquid. Highly preferred embodiments are in liquid or gel form.
When formulated into hand dishwashing detergents at a pH of above about 8.0, the alkanol amines became increasingly more effective in combination with Ca or Mg ions and amphoteric surfactants to the extent they provide simultaneous benefits in grease cleaning, sudsing, and mildness.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typical commercial hand dishwashing compositions incorporate divalent ions (Mg or Ca) to ensure adequate grease performance in soft water. However, the presence of divalent ions in formulas containing anionic and additional surfactants (e.g., alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl ethoxylate, alkanoyl glucose amide, alkyl betaines) leads to slower rates of product mixing with water (and hence poor flash foam), poor rinsing, and poor low temperature stability properties. Moreover, preparation of stable dishwashing detergents containing Ca or Mg is very difficult due to the precipitation issues associated with Ca and Mg as pH becomes more basic.
It has now been determined that the use of alkanolamines, such as triethanolamine (TEA) and/or diethanolamines (DEA), as outlined in detail below, with amphoteric surfactants and Mg or Ca ions in dishcare compositions with pH's ~8.0-10 (as measured as 10% aqueous solution) leads to improved cleaning of tough food stains and removal of grease/oil. Unexpectedly, alkanolamines also improve suds stability in the presence of soils, esp. soils containing fatty acids.
Further, the strong grease removal performance of the combination of alkanolamines as discussed herein allows reduction of Mg or Ca ions from the formulation while maintaining benefits in grease performance.
The alkanolamines of this invention in combination with amphoteric surfactants also provides sensory benefits, such as a “silky” feel to wash liquor and a feeling of “mildness” to the skin. Moreover with the use of alkanolamines, the need for additonal buffers are reduced.
It has now been found thse benefits are achieved through the use of alkanolamines in combination of Mg or Ca ions and amphoterics in higher pH formulations (~8.0-10) across a broad range of hardness (8 to>1,000 ppm).
BACKGROUND ART
See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,376,310; 5,378,409; and 5,369,974.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The detergent compositions according to the present invention comprise alkanolarnines, such as triethanolamines (TEA) and diethanolamines (DEA), Mg or Ca ions, and amphoteric surfactants. More specifically, the detergents of this invention comprise:
a) an effective amount of alkanolamines, preferably from selected from
TEA, DEA, and mixtures thereof;
b) a detersive effective amount of amphoteric surfactant;
c) a detersive effective amount of divalent ions; and
d) a chelant; said chelant present in a weight ratio of from about 2:1 to about 1:1 of divalent ion to chelant;
wherein the detergent composition has a pH (as measured as 10% aqueous solution) of from about 8.0 to about 12, preferably from about 8.0 to about 10, more preferably from about 8.5 to about 10; still more preferably from about 8.5 to about 9. The preferred chelant is citric acid or citrate.
The preferred weight ratios of amphoteric surfactant to alkanolamine ranges from about 10:1 to about 5:1, more preferably about 10:1 to about 7:1.
The compositions herein utilize from about 0.5% to about 1.5% of available divalent ions, preferably selected from calcium and magnesium.
The detergent will further preferably comprise one or more detersive adjuncts selected from the following: anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, soil release polymers, dispersants, polysaccharides, abrasives, bactericides, tarnish inhibitors, builders, enzymes, dyes, buffers, antifungal or mildew control agents, insect repellants, perfumes, hydrotropes, thickeners, processing aids, suds boosters, brighteners, and anti-corrosive aids.
Preferred amphoteric surfactant includes C
12
-C
18
amidopropyl betaines, C
12
-C
18
betaines and sulfobetaines (“sultaines”), C
10
-C
18
amine oxides, and mixtures thereof.
Anionic surfactants optionally for use herein include linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, alpha olefin sulfonate, paraffin sulfonates, methyl ester sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl alkoxy sulfate, alkyl alkoxy carboxylate, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, sarcosinates, and taurinates. Nonionic surfactants optionally useful herein are selected from the group consisting of alkyl dialkyl amine oxide, alkyl ethoxylate, alkanoyl glucose amide, alkylpolyglucoside, and mixtures thereof.
Moreover, the hand dishwashing detergent composition of this invention can further comprise enzymes preferably selected from the group consisting of protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase, and mixtures thereof. Highly preferred embodiments comprise protese, amylase, and mixtures thereof.
All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as percent weight unless otherwise specified. All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions—The present detergent compositions comprise an “effective amount” or a “grease removal-improving amount” of individual components defined herein. By an “effective amount” of the alkanolamine herein and adjunct ingredients herein is meant an amount which is sufficient to improve, either directionally or significantly at the 90% confidence level, the performance of the cleaning composition against at least some of the target soils and stains. Thus, in a composition whose targets include certain grease stains, the formulator will use sufficient alkanolamine to at least directionally improve cleaning performance against such stains. Importantly, in a fully-formulated detergent the alkanolamine can be used at levels which provide at least a directional improvement in cleaning performance over a wide variety of soils and stains, as will be seen from the examples presented hereinafter.
As noted, alkanolamine are used herein in detergent compositions in combination with detersive surfactants at levels which are effective for achieving at least a directional improvement in cleaning performance. In the context of a hand dishwashing composition, such “usage levels” can vary depending not only on the type and severity of the soils and stains, but also on the wash water temperature, the volume of wash water and the length of time the dishware is contacted with the wash water.
Since the habits and practices of the users of detergent compositions show considerable variation, it is satisfactory to include from about 0.25% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 6%, by weight, of alkanolamine in such compositions.
In one of its several aspects, this invention provides a means for enhancing the removal of greasy/oily soils by combining alkanolamine of this invention with amphoteric surfactants, chelant and divalent ions. Greasy/oily “everyday” soils are a mixture of triglycerides, lipids, complex polysaccharides, fatty acids, inorganic salts and proteinaceous matter.
Depending on consumer preferences, the compositons herein may be formulated at viscosities of over about 50, preferably over about 100 centipoise, and more preferably from about 100 to about 400 centipoise. For European formulations, the compositions may be formulated at viscosites of up to about 700 centipoise.
Moreover, the superior rate of dissolution achieved herein e
Ofosu-Asante Kofi
Owens Robert N.
Bolam Brian M.
Cook C. Brandt
Delcotto Gregory R.
Hasse Donald E.
The Procter & Gamble & Company
LandOfFree
Dishwashing detergent compositions containing alkanolamine does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Dishwashing detergent compositions containing alkanolamine, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dishwashing detergent compositions containing alkanolamine will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2532553