Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces – auxiliary compositions – Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing – Heterogeneous arrangement
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-19
2003-02-04
Kopec, Mark (Department: 1751)
Cleaning compositions for solid surfaces, auxiliary compositions
Cleaning compositions or processes of preparing
Heterogeneous arrangement
C510S351000, C510S357000, C510S426000, C510S438000, C510S444000, C510S475000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06514929
ABSTRACT:
FIELD
The present invention relates to a process for forming an agglomerated article. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process for forming an agglomerated particle containing a polymer.
BACKGROUND
An agglomerated particle in a cleaning composition, especially an agglomerated particle in a laundry composition, will typically contain an acidic species present during the production process. For example, the production process may utilize the acid active form of an anionic surfactant, which is neutralized during the production process. While certain anionic surfactants may be added as a pre-neutralized surfactant, in certain locales, such a pre-neutralized surfactant may be either unavailable, of unreliable quality, or excessively expensive. Accordingly, a typical production process adds an acid active, and neutralizes it therein.
Certain materials, such as polymers, are commonly added to an agglomerated particle to provide soil dispersion properties, anti-redeposition properties, fabric modification properties, etc. In addition, certain high-melting point liquids, including certain polymers, surfactant pastes, suds boosters, etc. may also be added to an agglomerated particle to provide additional desirable properties, such as cleaning properties, whitening properties, sudsing level adjustment, etc. While the class of polymers and high-melting point polymers overlaps, neither group is a complete subset of the other. Accordingly, either, or a combination thereof may be present in an agglomerated particle. One type of polymer which is especially useful in an agglomerated particle is a modified polyamine polymer. Such a modified polyamine polymer typically provides one or more of the desirable properties discussed above. Specifically, such a modified polyamine polymer may provide, for example, improved soil dispersion, anti-redeposition, and fabric modification properties. The modified polyamine polymer may contain, for example, additional charged or uncharged groups connected to a polymer backbone.
The agglomeration process produces an agglomerated particle which contains many concentric layers, which resemble an onion. Typically, polymers are introduced into the agglomeration process either along with the acid active, or with a liquid carrier at the end of the agglomeration process. These processes result in either an even distribution of the polymer throughout the various layers of the “onion,” or a polymer concentrated on the exterior layers of the “onion,” respectively.
The desirable properties of these polymers typically depend upon their molecular weight and the properties of any chemically modified groups attached thereto. The properties noted above are typically concentration-dependent; the greater the concentration of the polymer, the greater the effect. However, such polymers, and especially modified polyamine polymers, are typically expensive to produce. Therefore, they are typically used at relatively low concentrations. Thus, it is desirable to add an effective concentration of the polymer, and yet keep this concentration low enough so as not to excessively increase the formulation cost of the cleaning composition.
Granular cleaning compositions which contain high-melting point liquids are typically susceptible to caking and clumping during storage. Such caked granules are undesirable, both aesthetically and for performance reasons. For example, caked granules typically require a longer time to dissolve, as compared to free-flowing granules. Undissolved or incompletely dissolved granules may also leave an undesirable film or residue on the substrate.
Accordingly, the need remains for a process which incorporates a polymer into an agglomerated particle at a concentration which maintains polymer properties, free-flow properties, and performance profiles without increasing formulation costs. The need also remains for a process which incorporates a high-melting point liquid into an agglomerated particle, while maintaining acceptable free-flow properties.
SUMMARY
It has now been found that an acid active present in an agglomeration process may degrade certain polymers, causing them to disintegrate into lower molecular weight fragments which are significantly less effective in providing the desired polymer properties. Such a polymer is therefore described herein as an “acid-sensitive polymer.” In addition, it has now been found that a high-melting point liquid may be incorporated into an agglomerated particle while maintaining acceptable free-flow properties. Thus, the present invention relates to an improved process for forming an agglomerated particle containing an acid active and a core material selected from the group consisting of an acid-sensitive polymer, a high-melting point liquid, and mixtures thereof. When an acid-sensitive polymer is present, this improved process reduces acid-sensitive polymer degradation by concentrating it into the alkaline interior of the agglomerated particle, and results in maintained polymer properties, free-flow properties, and performance profiles without increasing formulation costs. When a high-melting point liquid is employed herein, the improved process maintains free-flow properties in an agglomerated particle by concentrating it into the interior of the particle.
The present invention relates to a process for forming an agglomerated particle containing the steps of providing at least one alkaline material, a core material selected from the group consisting of an acid-sensitive polymer, a high-melting point liquid, and mixtures thereof, and at least one acid active. The alkaline material and the core material are added to a mixer and agglomerated therein, to form an agglomerated particle comprising an interior and an exterior. The acid active is then added to the mixer. The core material is concentrated into the interior of the agglomerated particle by adding substantially all of the core material to the alkaline material before more than about 50% of the acid active is added to the mixer.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure with the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In accordance with the present invention it has been found that an agglomerated particle may utilize both an acid active and an acid-sensitive polymer and yet avoid acid-induced degradation of the acid-sensitive polymer over time. This improved process reduces degradation, and therefore improves the effectiveness of a given amount of acid-sensitive polymer in a cleaning composition. As there is no need to add extra acid-sensitive polymer in order to compensate for expected degradation, this improved process may also maintain the performance profile and benefits of the polymer while reducing formulation costs. When a high-melting point liquid is employed herein, the present process also results in an agglomerated particle which possesses acceptable free-flow properties, such as reduced caking.
All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight of the agglomerated particle, unless otherwise specified. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius (°C.), unless otherwise specified. All documents cited are incorporated herein by reference.
As used herein, the term “alkyl” means a hydrocarbyl moiety which is straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated. Unless otherwise specified, alkyl moieties are preferably saturated or unsaturated with double bonds, preferably with one or two double bonds. Included in the term “alkyl” is the alkyl portion of acyl groups.
As used herein, the term “RPM” indicates revolutions per minute.
In accordance with the present invention, it has been recognized that specific problems associated with certain materials, such as a high-melting point liquid, an acid-sensitive polymer, and mixtures thereof may be avoided by incorporating them into the core of an agglomerated particle. Such materials are hereinafter referred to as “core materials.” In accordance with the present invention, it has been rec
Kandasamy Manivannan
Wen Tianli
Corstanje Brahm J.
Kopec Mark
Miller Steven W.
Mruk Brian P.
The Procter & Gamble & Company
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