Automatic dishwashing composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic dishwashing composition having a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants, the ternary mixture comprising: i) a nonionic surfactant having a high cloud point of 50°C or above; ii) a nonionic surfactant having a low cloud point below 50°C; and iii) an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer having a cloud point below 50°C.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automatic dishwashing. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants. The compositions of the present invention provide improved grease suspension and shine even at low temperatures, and also provide improved drying. Background Art

[0002] The trend in automatic dishwashing is to reduce the energy required for the automatic dishwashing process. One way to reduce energy consumption is to use lower temperatures. However, lower temperatures have disadvantages associated with their use, particularly in the presence of heavy soiling loads high in grease. Grease at low temperatures can redeposit onto items in the dishwasher, causing filming and spotting, and can also enter internal components of the dishwasher, including the filter. Another disadvantage is that the items may not be dry at the end of the process.

[0003] WO2010 / 067054A1 discloses a liquid composition comprising a nonionic surfactant mixture comprising a) a nonionic surfactant having a cloud point of 50°C or above, and b) a nonionic surfactant having a cloud point below 50°C, wherein the weight ratio of a) to b) is in the range of 2.25:1 to 1:1. The composition provides good drying, but there is opportunity to further improve drying time.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition having improved oil suspension and gloss and good drying even at low temperatures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic dishwashing composition. The composition comprises a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants. The ternary mixture comprises:

[0006] (a) a nonionic surfactant having a high cloud point of 50° C. or above, wherein the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated surfactant having a single alkoxylate type and having 3 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of surfactant. 6-22 alcohol nonionic surfactants;

[0007] (b) a nonionic surfactant having a low cloud point below 50° C., wherein the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated C having only two alkoxylate types selected from ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy groups. 4-25 alcohol nonionic surfactants; and

[0008] (c) an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer having a cloud point below 50° C., wherein the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer is a triblock copolymer having one of the following structures:

[0009] EOx1 POy1 EOx2(I)

[0010] POy2 EOx3 POy3(II)

[0011] wherein x1, x2, and x3 are each in the range of about 1 to about 50 and y1, y2, and y3 are each in the range of about 10 to about 70,

[0012] wherein the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1, and

[0013] The weight ratio of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant (b) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1.

[0014] The composition of the present invention can be used in the main wash or rinse cycle of automatic dishwashing. It can be part of the main wash detergent or rinse aid, or it can be added separately from an automatic quantitative dispenser in the main wash, rinse cycle, or both. The composition can be delivered from an automatic quantitative dispenser. It can also be dispensed in unit dose form from a dishwashing dispenser or as a rinse aid from a rinse aid reservoir.

[0015] According to other aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of automatic dishwashing and the use of a composition of the present invention to provide grease suspension and drying.

[0016] The elements of the first aspect of the present invention apply mutatis mutandis to the other aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention encompasses an automatic dishwashing composition comprising a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants. The present invention also encompasses a method and use of the composition to provide good grease suspension and shine, even at low temperatures, as well as good drying. The method is preferably performed in a domestic dishwashing machine.

[0018] Automatic dishwashing machine can be household or commercial / institutional machine type.Usually, the difference is in size, throughput and the duration of dishwashing process.This may mean that the machine is designed in a very different way.Compared with household machines, industrial / institutional machines usually have a much shorter but much more energy-intensive (such as higher temperature) cycle, and / or use more aggressive chemicals.Usually, they will not use enzymes, because these enzymes need a certain contact time with the treated dirt to play a role effectively, and the commercial cycle time is too short.In the case of commercial dishwashing machines, the machine can be based on a conveyor belt system, in which the dishes are moved through the single or multiple grooves of the dishwashing machine, and in household machines, the dishes are usually always kept still in a groove in the dishwashing machine, and all washing steps will occur in this single groove.In household dishwashing, conventionally, bleaching agent and enzyme are included in the detergent.

[0019] As used herein, the term "automatic dishwashing detergent composition" refers to a dishwashing composition to be used in a dishwashing machine.

[0020] "Dishware" in this context refers to cookware, dishes and cutlery, ie all items involved in cooking and serving food and drinks which are typically washed in a dishwasher.

[0021] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" including the above are understood to refer to one or more of the things claimed or described. Unless otherwise indicated, all component or composition levels are with respect to the active portion of the component or composition and do not include impurities, such as residual solvents or by-products, that may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions. Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise, the embodiments described herein apply equally to all aspects of the invention. The percentages cited are by weight unless otherwise indicated or the context requires otherwise.

[0022] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements were made at 25°C.

[0023] Ternary surfactant mixture

[0024] The composition comprises a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants. The ternary mixture comprises:

[0025] (a) a nonionic surfactant having a high cloud point of 50° C. or above, wherein the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated surfactant having a single alkoxylate type and having 3 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of surfactant. 6-22 alcohol nonionic surfactants;

[0026] (b) a nonionic surfactant having a low cloud point below 50° C., wherein the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated C having only two alkoxylate types selected from ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy groups. 4-25 alcohol nonionic surfactants; and

[0027] (c) an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer having a cloud point below 50° C., preferably below 40° C., wherein the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer is a triblock copolymer having one of the following structures:

[0028] EOx1 POy1 EOx2(I)

[0029] POy2 EOx3 POy3(II)

[0030] wherein x1, x2, and x3 are each in the range of about 1 to about 50 and y1, y2, and y3 are each in the range of about 10 to about 70,

[0031] wherein the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1, and

[0032] The weight ratio of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant (b) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1.

[0033] Preferably, the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.3:1, or at least about 1.4:1, or at least about 1.5:1, or at least about 1.6:1, or at least about 1.7:1, or at least about 1.8:1, or at least about 1.9:1, or at least about 2.0:1, or at least about 2.1:1, or at least about 2.2:1, or at least about 2.3:1, or at least about 2.4:1, or at least about 2.5:1, or at least about 2.6:1, or at least about 2.7:1, or at least about 2.8:1, or at least about 2.9:1, or at least about 3.0:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1 to 20:1, or at least about 1.5:1 to 15:1, or at least about 2.0:1 to 10:1.

[0034] Preferably, the weight ratio of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant (b) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.3:1, or at least about 1.4:1, or at least about 1.5:1, or at least about 1.6:1, or at least about 1.7:1, or at least about 1.8:1, or at least about 1.9:1, or at least about 2.0:1, or at least about 2.1:1, or at least about 2.2:1, or at least about 2.3:1, or at least about 2.4:1, or at least about 2.5:1, or at least about 2.6:1, or at least about 2.7:1, or at least about 2.8:1, or at least about 2.9:1, or at least about 3.0:1. Preferably, the weight ratio of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant (b) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1 to 20:1, or at least about 1.5:1 to 15:1, or at least about 2.0:1 to 10:1.

[0035] The ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants included in the compositions according to the present invention is described hereinafter. It has been found that compositions comprising this mixture exhibit good grease suspension even at low temperatures and exhibit drying properties, particularly on items treated in dishwashing operations.

[0036] The composition of the present invention comprises a ternary surfactant mixture comprising: a) a nonionic surfactant having a cloud point of 50°C or above (referred to herein as a "high cloud point nonionic surfactant"), and b) a nonionic surfactant having a cloud point below 50°C (referred to herein as a "low cloud point nonionic surfactant"), wherein the weight ratio of a) to b) is preferably in the range of 2:1 to 1:2. The ternary surfactant mixture further comprises an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymer having a cloud point below 50°C, preferably below 40°C.

[0037] The cloud point is the temperature at which a nonionic surfactant solution phase separates into water-rich and surfactant-rich phases and becomes turbid. The cloud point temperature can be determined visually by identifying the temperature at which turbidity occurs.

[0038] The cloud point temperature of a nonionic surfactant can be determined as follows: A solution containing 1% by weight of the corresponding nonionic surfactant is prepared in distilled water. The solution is gently stirred before analysis to ensure that the process occurs at chemical equilibrium. The cloud point temperature is measured in a constant temperature bath by immersing a 75 mm sealed glass test tube in the surfactant solution. To ensure the absence of leakage, the test tube is weighed before and after the cloud point temperature measurement. The temperature is gradually increased at a rate of less than 1°C / minute until it reaches a temperature several degrees below the estimated cloud point. The cloud point temperature is determined visually at the first turbidity mark.

[0039] Preferably, the high cloud point nonionic surfactant has a cloud point in the range of 55°C to 85°C, more preferably 60°C to 80°C. Preferably, the low cloud point nonionic surfactant has a cloud point in the range of 5°C to 45°C, more preferably 8°C to 35°C.

[0040] According to the present invention, it is most preferred that the high cloud point nonionic surfactant has a cloud point in the range of 60° C. to 80° C. and the low cloud point nonionic surfactant has a cloud point in the range of 8° C. to 35° C. According to the present invention, particularly good results have been achieved with compositions comprising a mixture of nonionic surfactants, wherein the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant having a single alkoxylate type and the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant having at least two alkoxylate types.

[0041] High cloud point alkoxylated nonionic surfactants can be prepared by reacting monohydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and most preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferred alkoxylate surfactants are of the ethoxylate, butoxylate, or propoxylate type, with ethoxylates being particularly preferred. Preferably, the high cloud point surfactant has 3 to 20 moles, particularly preferably 4 to 10 moles, and even more preferably 5 to 8 moles of alkylene oxide, especially ethylene oxide, per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol. Particularly preferred high cloud point nonionic surfactants are C10-C15 with 5 to 10 EOs, more preferably C13 with 7 EOs. High cloud point nonionic surfactants can be prepared from branched or linear fatty alcohols of the types described above.

[0042] Preferred examples of high cloud point nonionic surfactants are Lutensol TO7 (BASF), Marlipal 013 / 70 (Sasol), Imbentin-T / 070 (Kolb), Emuldac AS-11 (Sasol) and Emuldac AS-20 (Sasol).

[0043] Low cloud point alkoxylated nonionic surfactants can be prepared by reacting monohydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols having 4 to 25 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and most preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms. Low cloud point surfactants preferably have a total of 2 to 45 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of surfactant. Preferred low cloud point surfactants are mixtures of at least two of the alkoxylates ethoxylate, butoxylate, and / or propoxylate, with mixtures of ethoxylate and propoxylate being particularly preferred. Preferred low cloud point surfactants have 2 to 25, especially 5 to 20, moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol and 2 to 40, more preferably 5 to 30, moles of propylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol. Mixtures of butylene oxide or propylene oxide are also possible. Particularly preferred low cloud point surfactants are C10-C12 with 10 to 20 EO and 10 to 20 PO groups. Low cloud point nonionic surfactants can be prepared from branched or straight chain fatty alcohols of the type described above.

[0044] Low cloud point surfactants may also include ethoxylated and butoxylated monohydroxy alkanol or alkylphenol surfactants that additionally contain polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer units. The alcohol or alkylphenol portion of such surfactants comprises greater than 30 weight percent, preferably greater than 50 weight percent, and more preferably greater than 70 weight percent of the total molecular weight of the nonionic surfactant.

[0045] Preferred examples of low cloud point nonionic surfactants are Plurafac SLF-180 (BASF) and Ecosurf LFE-1410 (Dow). Another preferred low cloud point nonionic surfactant is LF224. Combinations of low cloud point nonionic surfactants may also be used, such as a combination of SLF180 and LF224.

[0046] Low cloud point surfactants are generally more hydrophobic than high cloud point surfactants, and the amounts and types of the two surfactants in the claimed mixture are preferably selected so as to control the foaming characteristics of the composition within the desired range. For automatic dishwashing applications, low foaming characteristics are generally desired.

[0047] According to the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant and that the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is a mixed propoxylated-ethoxylated-propoxylated nonionic surfactant.

[0048] The weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant to the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is preferably in the range of 2:1 to 1:2, more preferably 1.5:1 to 1:1.5.

[0049] In the case of a composition for the main wash of an automatic dishwashing program, the amount of the nonionic ternary surfactant mixture is from 0.5% to 20% by weight of the composition. In the case of a composition used in the rinse of an automatic dishwashing program, the amount of the nonionic ternary mixture is from 0.5% to 40% by weight of the composition.

[0050] Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer

[0051] Ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymers are triblock copolymers and can have one of the following structures:

[0052] EOx1 POy1 EOx2(I)

[0053] POy2 EOx3 POy3(II)

[0054] wherein x1, x2, and x3 are each in the range of about 1 to about 50 and y1, y2, and y3 are each in the range of about 10 to about 70.

[0055] The ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers of formula I preferably have an average propylene oxide chain length of 10 to 70, preferably 20 to 60, more preferably 25 to 55 propylene oxide units.

[0056] The ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymer of formula II preferably has an average ethylene oxide chain length of 1 to 50, preferably 2 to 40, more preferably 3 to 30 ethylene oxide units.

[0057] The ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymers of Formula I and Formula II have a cloud point below 50°C, preferably below 40°C.

[0058] Preferably, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymers of Formula I and Formula II have a weight average molecular weight of about 1000 Daltons to about 10,000 Daltons, preferably about 1200 Daltons to about 8000 Daltons, more preferably about 1500 Daltons to about 7000 Daltons, even more preferably about 1750 Daltons to about 5000 Daltons, and most preferably about 2000 Daltons to about 4000 Daltons.

[0059] Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available from BASF in the Pluronic PE and Pluronic RPE series, or from Dow Chemical in the Tergitol L series. Particularly suitable materials are Pluronic PE 9200, Tergitol L81, Tergitol L62, Tergitol L61, Pluronic RPE 3110, and Pluronic RPE 2520.

[0060] The composition of the present invention may preferably be a phosphate-free cleaning composition. The composition preferably does not contain anionic surfactants and cationic surfactants. The composition comprises a ternary surfactant mixture and optionally but preferably a complexing agent, a dispersant polymer, a bleaching agent, an inorganic builder (preferably carbonates and / or silicates), an enzyme (particularly a protease and an amylase), a glass care agent, a metal care agent, etc.

[0061] When the composition of the present invention is a cleaning composition, it preferably has a pH of at least 10, more preferably at least 10.5, measured in a 1 wt% aqueous solution of distilled water at 20°C.

[0062] complexing agent

[0063] Complexing agents are materials that are capable of chelating hardness ions, particularly calcium and / or magnesium.

[0064] The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from 10% to 60%, preferably from 20% to 40%, and more preferably from 20% to 35%, by weight of the composition, of a complexing agent selected from the group consisting of methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), citric acid, aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), and salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred complexing agents for use herein are salts of MGDA, particularly the trisodium salt of MGDA. Mixtures of citrates and the trisodium salt of MGDA are also preferred for use herein. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention comprise from 15% to 40%, by weight of the composition, of the trisodium salt of MGDA.

[0065] Inorganic detergents

[0066] The compositions of the present invention preferably contain an inorganic builder. Suitable inorganic builders are selected from the group consisting of carbonates, silicates and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred for use herein are sodium carbonate and silicates. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention contain from 5% to 50%, more preferably from 10% to 40% and especially from 15% to 30% of sodium carbonate by weight of the composition.

[0067] polymer

[0068] If present, the polymer may be used in any suitable amount from about 0.1% to about 30%, preferably 0.5% to about 20%, more preferably 1% to 15% by weight of the composition.Sulfonated / carboxylated polymers are particularly suitable for the compositions of the present invention.

[0069] Suitable sulfonated / carboxylated polymers described herein can have a weight average molecular weight of less than or equal to about 100,000 Da, or less than or equal to about 75,000 Da, or less than or equal to about 50,000 Da, or about 3,000 Da to about 50,000, preferably about 5,000 Da to about 45,000 Da.

[0070] Preferred sulfonated monomers include one or more of the following: 1-acrylamide-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamide-2-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamide-2-hydroxy-propanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, methylallylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, methylallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide, and mixtures of the acids or their water-soluble salts.

[0071] Preferably, the polymer comprises the following monomers: from about 40% to about 90%, preferably from about 60% to about 90%, by weight of the polymer, of one or more carboxylic acid monomers; from about 5% to about 50%, preferably from about 10% to about 40%, by weight of the polymer, of one or more sulfonic acid monomers; and optionally from about 1% to about 30%, preferably from about 2% to about 20%, by weight of the polymer, of one or more nonionic monomers. Particularly preferred polymers comprise from about 70% to about 80%, by weight of the polymer, of at least one carboxylic acid monomer, and from about 20% to about 30%, by weight of the polymer, of at least one sulfonic acid monomer.

[0072] In the polymer, all or some of the carboxylic acid groups or sulfonic acid groups may be present in neutralized form, i.e. the acidic hydrogen atoms of the carboxylic acid groups and / or sulfonic acid groups in some or all of the acid groups may be replaced by metal ions, preferably alkali metal ions and in particular sodium ions.

[0073] The carboxylic acid is preferably (meth)acrylic acid. The sulfonic acid monomer is preferably 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS).

[0074] Preferred commercially available polymers include: Alcosperse 240 and Aquatreat AR540 supplied by Nouryon; Acumer 3100, Acumer 2000, Acusol 587G and Acusol 588G supplied by Dow. Particularly preferred polymers are Acusol 587G and Acusol 588G supplied by Dow.

[0075] Suitable polymers include low molecular weight anionic carboxylic acid polymers. These can be homopolymers or copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of less than or equal to about 200,000 g / mol, or less than or equal to about 75,000 g / mol, or less than or equal to about 50,000 g / mol, or about 3,000 g / mol to about 50,000 g / mol, preferably about 5,000 g / mol to about 45,000 g / mol. The polymeric dispersant can be a low molecular weight homopolymer of a polyacrylate having an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000, specifically 2,000 to 10,000, and specifically preferably 3,000 to 5,000.

[0076] The polymer may be a copolymer of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, a copolymer of acrylic acid and / or methacrylic acid and maleic acid, and a copolymer of acrylic acid and / or methacrylic acid and fumaric acid having a molecular weight of less than 70,000. The molecular weight is in the range of 2,000 to 80,000 g / mol, more preferably 20,000 to 50,000 g / mol, and specifically 30,000 to 40,000 g / mol, and the ratio of (meth)acrylate to maleate or fumarate segments is 30:1 to 1:2.

[0077] The polymer may be a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylate having a molecular weight of 3,000 to 100,000 or 4,000 to 20,000, and an acrylamide content of less than 50% or less than 20% by weight of the dispersant polymer may also be used. Alternatively, such polymers may have a molecular weight of 4,000 to 20,000 and an acrylamide content of 0% to 15% by weight of the polymer.

[0078] Suitable polymers for use herein also include itaconic acid homopolymers and copolymers.

[0079] Alternatively, the polymer may be selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines, alkoxylated polycarboxylates, polyethylene glycol, styrene copolymers, cellulose sulfate esters, carboxylated polysaccharides, amphiphilic graft copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0080] enzymes

[0081] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises an enzyme, more preferably an amylase and a protease.

[0082] When describing enzyme variants herein, the following nomenclature is used for ease of reference: Original amino acid:position:substituted amino acid.The standard enzyme IUPAC 1-letter code for amino acids is used.

[0083] Protease

[0084] Suitable proteases include metalloproteases and serine proteases (including neutral or alkaline microbial serine proteases), such as subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62) and chemically modified or genetically modified mutants thereof. Suitable proteases include subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62), including those derived from Bacillus, such as Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus gibsonii.

[0085] Particularly preferred proteases are polypeptides exhibiting at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 98%, even more preferably at least 99%, in particular 100% identity to the wild-type enzyme from Bacillus lentus, using the BPN' numbering system and amino acid abbreviations as set forth in WO 00 / 37627 (which is incorporated herein by reference), which polypeptide comprises a mutation in one or more, preferably two or more, and more preferably three or more of the following positions: V68A, N87S, S99D, S99SD, S99A, S101G, S101M, S103A, V104N / I, G118V, G118R, S128L, P129Q, S130A, Y167A, R170S, A194P, V205I and / or M222S.

[0086] Most preferably, the protease is selected from the group comprising the following mutations (BPN' numbering system) relative to PB92 wild type (SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 08 / 010925) or subtilisin 309 wild type (sequence according to the PB92 backbone except comprising the natural variation N87S).

[0087] (i)G118V+S128L+P129Q+S130A

[0088] (ii)S101M+G118V+S128L+P129Q+S130A

[0089] (iii)N76D+N87R+G118R+S128L+P129Q+S130A+S188D+N248R

[0090] (iv)N76D+N87R+G118R+S128L+P129Q+S130A+S188D+V244R

[0091] (v)N76D+N87R+G118R+S128L+P129Q+S130A

[0092] (vi)V68A+N87S+S101G+V104N

[0093] Suitable commercially available proteases include those sold by Novozymes A / S (Denmark) under the trade name and Those sold by Genencor International under the trade name Purafect Purafect and Purafect Those sold by Solvay Enzymes under the trade name and Those sold, those purchased from Henkel / Kemira, are BLAP.

[0094] Preferred levels of protease enzyme in the second composition comprise from about 0.2 mg to about 2 mg of active protease enzyme per gram of the composition.

[0095] amylase

[0096] The composition of the present invention may comprise an amylase. Preferred alkaline amylases are derived from strains of Bacillus, such as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis or other Bacillus sp., such as Bacillus NCIB 12289, NCIB 12512, NCIB 12513, DSM 9375 (USP 7,153,818) DSM 12368, DSMZ No. 12649, KSM AP1378 (WO 97 / 00324), KSM K36 or KSM K38 (EP 1,022,334). Preferred amylases include:

[0097] (a) variants described in US 5,856,164 and WO99 / 23211, WO 96 / 23873, WO00 / 60060 and WO 06 / 002643, in particular variants having one or more substitutions relative to AA560 SEQ ID No. 3 in the following positions:

[0098] 9, 26, 30, 33, 82, 37, 106, 118, 128, 133, 149, 150, 160, 178, 182, 186, 193, 195, 202, 214, 231, 256, 257, 258, 269, 270, 272, 283, 295, 296, 298, 299, 303, 304, 305 5, 311, 314, 315, 318, 319, 320, 323, 339, 345, 361, 378, 383, 419, 421, 437, 441, 444, 445, 446, 447, 450, 458, 461, 471, 482, 484, these variants preferably also contain a deletion of D183* and G184*.

[0099] (b) variants exhibiting at least 95% identity to the wild-type enzyme from Bacillus sp. 707 (SEQ ID NO: 7 in US 6,093,562), in particular those comprising one or more of the following mutations: M202, M208, S255, R172 and / or M261. Preferably, the amylase comprises one of the M202L or M202T mutations.

[0100] Suitable commercially available α-amylases include TERMAMYL STAINZYME and (Novozymes A / S,Bagsvaerd,Denmark), AT 9000Biozym Biotech Trading GmbHWehlistrasse 27b A-1200Wien Austria, OPTISIZE HT EXCELLENZTM S series (including EXCELLENZTM S 1000 and EXCELLENZTM S 2000) and PURASTAR (DuPont Industrial Biosciences., Palo Alto, California) and (Kao, 14-10 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, 1-chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-8210, Japan). Particularly preferred amylases for use herein include STAINZYME EXCELLENZ™ S 1000, EXCELLENZ™ S 2000 and mixtures thereof.

[0101] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention comprise at least 0.005 mg, preferably from about 0.0025 mg to about 0.025 mg, more preferably from about 0.05 mg to about 0.3 mg, especially from about 0.01 mg to about 0.25 mg active amylase.

[0102] Preferably, the protease and / or amylase of the composition is in the form of a granule comprising greater than 29% sodium sulfate by weight of the granule and / or the weight ratio of sodium sulfate to active enzyme (protease and / or amylase) is from 3:1 to 100:1, or preferably from 4:1 to 30:1, or more preferably from 5:1 to 20:1.

[0103] Crystal growth inhibitors

[0104] Crystal growth inhibitors are materials that can bind to calcium carbonate crystals and prevent further growth of materials such as aragonite and calcite.

[0105] A particularly preferred crystal growth inhibitor for use herein is HEDP (1-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonic acid). Preferably, the compositions of the invention comprise from 0.01% to 5%, more preferably from 0.05% to 3% and especially from 0.5% to 2% by weight of the composition of a crystal growth inhibitor, preferably HEDP.

[0106] bleach

[0107] The compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 8% to about 30%, more preferably from about 9% to about 25%, even more preferably from about 9% to about 20%, by weight of the composition, of bleaching agent.

[0108] Inorganic and organic bleaching agents are suitable for use herein. Inorganic bleaching agents include perhydrate salts such as perborates, percarbonates, persulfates, and persilicates. Inorganic perhydrate salts are typically alkali metal salts. The inorganic perhydrate salts may be included as crystalline solids without additional protection. Alternatively, the salts may be coated. Suitable coatings include sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, and mixtures thereof. The coating may be applied to the surface as a mixture or applied sequentially in layers.

[0109] Alkali metal percarbonates, in particular sodium percarbonate, are preferred bleaching agents for use herein.The percarbonate is most preferably incorporated into the product in a coated form, which provides in-product stability.

[0110] Potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt useful herein.

[0111] Typical organic bleaching agents are organic peroxyacids, especially dodecane diperoxyacid, tetradecane diperoxyacid and hexadecane diperoxyacid. Mono- and diperazelaic acids, mono- and diperazelaic acids are also suitable for use herein. Diacyl and tetraacyl peroxides, such as dibenzoyl peroxide and dilauroyl peroxide, are other organic peroxides that may be used in the context of the present invention.

[0112] Other typical organic bleaching agents include peroxyacids, specific examples of which are alkyl peroxyacids and aryl peroxyacids. Preferred representatives are (a) peroxybenzoic acid and its ring-substituted derivatives, such as alkylperoxybenzoic acids, as well as peroxy-α-naphthoic acid and magnesium monoperphthalate, (b) aliphatic or substituted aliphatic peroxyacids, such as peroxylauric acid, peroxystearic acid, ε-phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid [phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP)], o-carboxybenzamidoperoxycaproic acid, N-nonenamidoperadipic acid and N-nonenamidopersuccinate, and (c) aliphatic and araliphatic peroxydicarboxylic acids, such as 1,12-diperoxycarboxylic acid, 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid, diperoxysebacic acid, diperoxytridecanedioic acid, diperoxyphthalic acid, 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4-dioic acid, N,N-terephthaloylbis(6-aminopercaproic acid).

[0113] bleach activator

[0114] Bleach activators are generally organic peracid precursors that enhance bleaching during cleaning at temperatures of 60°C and below. Suitable bleach activators for use herein include compounds that, under perhydrolysis conditions, provide aliphatic peroxycarboxylic acids and / or optionally substituted perbenzoic acids preferably having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, specifically 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Suitable materials have O-acyl and / or N-acyl groups and / or optionally substituted benzoyl groups having the specified number of carbon atoms. Preferred are polyacylated alkylenediamines, in particular tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), acylated triazine derivatives, in particular 1,5-diacetyl-2,4-dioxohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (DADHT), acylated glycolurils, in particular tetraacetyl glycoluril (TAGU), N-acylimides, in particular N-nonanoylsuccinimide (NOSI), acylated phenolsulfonates, in particular n-nonanoyl or isononanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (n- or iso-NOBS), decanoyloxybenzoic acid (DOBA), carboxylic anhydrides, in particular phthalic anhydride, acylated polyols, in particular glycerol triacetate, ethylene glycol diacetate and 2,5-diacetoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran, and triethyl acetyl citrate (TEAC). When present, the compositions of the present invention comprise from 0.01% to 5%, preferably from 0.2% to 2% by weight of the composition of a bleach activator, preferably TAED.

[0115] bleach catalyst

[0116] The compositions of the present invention may comprise a bleach catalyst, preferably a metal-containing bleach catalyst. More preferably, the metal-containing bleach catalyst is a transition metal-containing bleach catalyst, especially a manganese or cobalt-containing bleach catalyst.

[0117] Preferred bleach catalysts for use herein include manganese triazacyclononane and related complexes; Co, Cu, Mn, and Fe bipyridylamine and related complexes; and cobalt(III) pentamineacetate and related complexes.

[0118] The composition may comprise from 0.001% to 0.5%, more preferably from 0.002% to 0.05% by weight of the composition of a bleach catalyst.Preferably, the bleach catalyst is a manganese bleach catalyst.

[0119] Metal care agent

[0120] Metal care agents can prevent or reduce tarnish, corrosion or oxidation of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals such as silver and copper. Preferably, the composition of the present invention comprises from 0.1% to 5%, more preferably from 0.2% to 4% and especially from 0.3% to 3% of a metal care agent, preferably benzotriazole (BTA), by weight of the composition.

[0121] Glass care agent

[0122] Glass care agents can protect the appearance of glass items during dishwashing. Preferably, the composition of the present invention comprises 0.1% to 5%, more preferably 0.2% to 4% and especially 0.3% to 3% of a glass care agent by weight of the composition, preferably the glass care agent is a zinc salt.

[0123] The composition of the present invention may preferably be a rinse aid comprising a nonionic ternary mixture and optionally a hydrotrope, perfume, complexing agent, glass care agent, metal care agent, etc. Such ingredients are preferably present in an amount of up to 5% by weight of the present invention. When the composition of the present invention is a rinse aid, it preferably has a pH value of less than 8, more preferably less than 7.5, measured in a 1% weight / volume aqueous solution of distilled water at 20°C.

[0124] Preferably, the cleaning composition of the present invention comprises:

[0125] i) 5% to 50% by weight of the composition of a builder;

[0126] ii) 0.5% to 10% by weight of the composition of a nonionic ternary mixture;

[0127] iii) 5% to 50% by weight of the composition of a complexing agent, preferably the complexing agent comprises a salt of MGDA;

[0128] iv) enzymes, preferably amylases and proteases;

[0129] v) optionally from 0.5% to 5%, by weight of the composition, of a dispersant polymer, preferably a carboxylate / sulfonate polymer;

[0130] vi) optionally from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition of a bleaching agent, more preferably a bleach catalyst;

[0131] The compositions of the present invention may be a rinse aid comprising a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants and other conventional rinse aid ingredients.

[0132] hydrotropes

[0133] The rinse aid composition of the present invention may include a hydrotrope. The hydrotrope increases the solubility of the hydrophobic substance in water and ensures the physical stability of the composition. In some embodiments, the hydrotrope is a low molecular weight aromatic sulfonate material, such as cumene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, and dialkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonate materials. In other embodiments, the hydrotrope is a short chain alkyl sulfate having less than 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.

[0134] The hydrotrope or combination of hydrotropes may be present in the composition in an amount from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the hydrotrope or combination of hydrotropes may be present in an amount from about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition.

[0135] carrier

[0136] The rinse compositions of the present invention can be formulated as liquid compositions. A carrier can be included in such liquid formulations. Any carrier suitable for use in rinse aid compositions can be used in the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the composition includes water as a carrier.

[0137] In some embodiments, liquid rinse aid compositions according to the present invention will comprise no more than about 98% water by weight of the composition, and typically no more than about 90% water by weight of the composition. In other embodiments, the liquid rinse aid compositions will contain at least 50% water by weight of the composition, or at least 60% water by weight of the composition, as a carrier.

[0138] The rinse composition may comprise a pH adjuster, a glass care agent and / or a metal care agent.

[0139] Method of the present invention

[0140] The method of the present invention comprises the following steps carried out in a dishwashing machine:

[0141] a) placing dishes in a dishwashing machine; and

[0142] b) Subjecting the dishes to a main wash liquor comprising the nonionic ternary mixture of the present invention.

[0143] This method provides greasy soil removal even with very tight loads, ie loads containing high levels of soil, including greasy soil, and in programmes with low temperature wash cycles.

[0144] "Low temperature" herein refers to a program with a main wash temperature of 55°C or lower, preferably 45°C or lower, preferably 40°C or lower.

[0145] Another method of the present invention comprises the following steps to be performed in a dishwashing machine:

[0146] a) placing dishes in a dishwashing machine; and

[0147] b) Subjecting the dishes to a rinse wash liquor comprising the nonionic ternary mixture of the invention.

[0148] This method provides good drying even in very tight systems and in procedures with low temperature cycles.

[0149] Also provided is a method of providing through-the-wash drying in a dishwashing machine, comprising the step of delivering an automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants into the main wash of the dishwashing machine. The method provides good drying even when the composition is delivered in unit dose form.

[0150] In the context of the present application, a "dishwashing program" is a complete cleaning process, which preferably includes a pre-wash, pre-rinse and / or rinse cycle in addition to the main wash cycle, and which can be selected and activated via the program switch of the dishwasher. The duration of these individual cleaning programs is advantageously at least 15 minutes, advantageously 20 minutes to 360 minutes, preferably 20 minutes to 90 minutes. Within the meaning of the present application, a "short cleaning program" lasts less than 60 minutes, and a "long cleaning program" lasts less than 60 minutes.

[0151] Household dishwashing machines typically offer multiple programs, such as a basic wash program for washing normally soiled dishes that have dried to a certain degree; an intense wash program for washing very soiled dishes or when food residue is particularly difficult to remove (very dry or with burnt spots); an economy wash program for washing lightly soiled dishes or partial loads of dishes; and a quick wash program for washing as in the previous cycle, if you want to wash a partial load of dishes more quickly. Each program consists of a number of sequential steps. Typically, one or two cold prewash cycles, a cleaning cycle (also called a main wash), a cold rinse cycle, a hot rinse cycle, and an optional drying cycle are performed. Different compositions can be added to the water in the dishwashing machine during different cycles of the program to aid cleaning. Preferably, a first composition is added to the prewash cycle, and a second composition is added to the main wash cycle.

[0152] During a selected dishwashing program, a household dishwasher typically performs one or more cycles, such as a pre-wash, a main wash, an intermediate rinse cycle, a final rinse cycle, and then a drying cycle to terminate the program. During each cycle, washing liquid is distributed (specifically, sprayed) into a treatment chamber of the dishwasher cavity by rotating spray arms, fixed nozzles such as overhead spray heads, movable nozzles such as overhead rotating units, and / or some other liquid distribution device. In this treatment chamber, washing liquid is applied to items to be washed, such as dishes and / or cutlery to be cleaned, which are supported in and / or on at least one loading unit, such as a preferably removable or retractable pull-out rack or cutlery drawer. To this end, the dishwasher is preferably supplied with washing liquid via at least one supply line by a running circulation pump. This washing liquid collects at the bottom of the dishwasher cavity, preferably in a recess, specifically in a sump. If the washing liquid must be heated during each liquid-carrying wash sub-cycle, it is heated by a heating device. This can be part of the circulation pump. At the end of the respective liquid-conducting washing sub-cycle, a portion or all of the washing liquid present in each case in the treatment chamber of the dishwasher cavity is pumped out by means of a drain pump.

[0153] The composition of the present invention may be placed in a storage reservoir inside a dishwashing machine which may contain multiple doses to be dispensed into multiple cycles.

[0154] The reservoir containing the composition of the present invention can be located inside or outside the dishwashing machine. If placed inside the dishwashing machine, the storage reservoir can be integrated into the automatic dishwashing machine (i.e., a storage reservoir that is permanently affixed (built-in) to the automatic dishwashing machine) and can also be standalone (i.e., a separate storage reservoir that can be inserted into the interior of the automatic dishwashing machine).

[0155] One example of an integrated storage reservoir is a container built into the door of an automatic dishwasher and connected to the interior of the dishwasher by a supply line.

[0156] The dosing device can be, for example, an automatic unit comprising a storage reservoir and a dispensing unit capable of releasing controlled amounts of different compositions at different times, for example to the pre-wash and the main wash. Different types of hardware can be part of the dosing device for controlling the dispensing of the cleaning composition or for communicating with external devices such as a data processing unit, a dishwashing machine, or a user-operable mobile device or server.

[0157] The storage reservoir should have very good thermal stability, especially when the storage reservoir is located inside a dishwasher.

[0158] A preferred process according to the invention is one in which the composition remains in a storage reservoir located outside the dishwashing machine (e.g. WO 2019 / 81910 A1) or inside the dishwashing machine for at least two, preferably at least four, particularly preferably at least eight, and in particular at least twelve individual dishwashing programs before being metered into the interior of the dishwashing machine.

[0159] The dosing system can be connected to a sensor that can determine the amount of the required composition based on the sensor's input. Operable sensors include pH, turbidity, temperature, humidity, conductivity, etc. The dishwashing machine may require data processing capabilities to achieve this. Preferably, the dishwashing machine will have connectivity with other devices. This can take the form of Wi-Fi, mobile data, Bluetooth, etc. This can allow the dishwashing machine to be remotely monitored and / or controlled. Preferably, this also allows the machine to be connected to the Internet.

[0160] Preferred storage reservoirs containing one or more chambers have a volume of 10 ml to 1000 ml, preferably 20 ml to 800 ml, especially 50 ml to 500 ml.

[0161] The following are embodiments of the present invention:

[0162] 1. An automatic dishwashing composition comprising a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants, said ternary mixture comprising:

[0163] (a) a nonionic surfactant having a high cloud point of 50° C. or above, wherein the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated surfactant having a single alkoxylate type and having 3 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of surfactant. 6-22 alcohol nonionic surfactants;

[0164] (b) a nonionic surfactant having a low cloud point below 50° C., wherein the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated C having only two alkoxylate types selected from ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy groups. 4-25 alcohol nonionic surfactants; and

[0165] (c) an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer having a cloud point below 50° C., preferably below 40° C., wherein the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer is a triblock copolymer having one of the following structures:

[0166] EOx1 POy1 EOx2(I)

[0167] POy2 EOx3 POy3(II)

[0168] wherein x1, x2, and x3 are each in the range of about 1 to about 50 and y1, y2, and y3 are each in the range of about 10 to about 70,

[0169] wherein the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1, and

[0170] wherein the weight ratio of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant (b) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least about 1.2:1.

[0171] 2. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the weight average ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant to the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is from about 2:1 to 1:2.

[0172] 3. The composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cloud point of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is in the range of 60°C to 80°C, and wherein the cloud point of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is in the range of 8°C to 35°C.

[0173] 4. The composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated C 6-22 Alcohol nonionic surfactant.

[0174] 5. A composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition comprises from 0.5% to 40%, by weight of the composition, of the ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants.

[0175] 6. The composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is phosphate-free and comprises an enzyme and optionally a bleaching agent.

[0176] 7. The composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is a rinse aid.

[0177] 8. A method of improving grease suspension in low temperature automatic dishwashing using a composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7.

[0178] 9. Use of a composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7 to provide improved grease suspension in low temperature automatic dishwashing.

[0179] 10. A method of providing drying through the wash in a dishwashing machine, the method comprising the step of delivering an automatic dishwashing detergent composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7 to the main wash of the dishwashing machine.

[0180] 11. The method of embodiment 10, wherein the detergent composition is in unit dosage form.

[0181] 12. A method of providing drying in a dishwashing machine, the method comprising the step of delivering a rinse composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7 to the rinse of the dishwashing machine.

[0182] 13. Use of a composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7 for providing drying through washing in automatic dishwashing.

[0183] Example

[0184] Automatic dishwashing compositions are prepared as described in detail below.

[0185] I. Preparation of Test Compositions

[0186] The tests were conducted using the following detergent compositions:

[0187]

[0188]

[0189] II. Test Procedure

[0190] This test procedure simulates the wash and rinse cycles of a small-scale automatic dishwashing machine process and measures the grease-suspending ability of automatic dishwashing machine compositions.Grease-suspending ability was determined by evaluating the redeposition of added dyed rapeseed oil onto a plastic substrate (polypropylene).

[0191] Preparation of dyed rapeseed oil:

[0192] 250 mg of Solvent Red 26 (purchased from Sigma Aldrich) was added to 1 liter of rapeseed oil and mixed thoroughly until the dye was completely dissolved.

[0193] Preparation: The wash solution was prepared in water of the target water hardness and pipetted into a dedicated small receptacle. The wash solution was preheated at the target wash temperature and maintained at the set wash temperature during the wash cycle of the test program.

[0194] - Washing step: Add clean polypropylene nonwoven fabric to the washing solution. 2 The fabric was washed using 4 ml of detergent solution. 0.125 ml of dye rapeseed oil was added to every 4 ml of detergent solution. The fabric was washed by moving the detergent solution in and out of the receiver for 30 minutes. After washing for 30 minutes, the detergent solution was removed.

[0195] - Rinse step: Pipette demineralized water at ambient temperature into and out of the receiver 3 times. The amount of demineralized water used is also 4 ml / cm 2 Repeat the process 4 times.

[0196] - Drying step: The polypropylene nonwoven fabric was taken out of the receiver and placed in an oven at 30°C to dry for 24 hours.

[0197] - Analysis: After drying, the polypropylene nonwoven fabrics were imaged and their color was compared to that of unstained fabric. ΔE values ​​were obtained. Higher ΔE values ​​indicate more redeposition of the dyed rapeseed oil, which translates to lower oil-suspending capacity.

[0198]

[0199] A high ΔE means that the fabric contains more stained soil and is therefore less effective at preventing grease from depositing on the fabric substrate.

[0200] Example 1

[0201]

[0202]

[0203]

[0204] As can be seen from the table above, formulation B according to the invention provides lower ΔE and better oil suspension than formulation A not according to the invention.

[0205] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Claims

1. An automatic dishwashing composition comprising a ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants, said ternary mixture comprising: (a) a nonionic surfactant having a high cloud point of 50° C. or above, wherein the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated surfactant having a single alkoxylate type and having 3 to 20 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of surfactant. 6-22 alcohol nonionic surfactants; (b) a nonionic surfactant having a low cloud point below 50° C., wherein the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated C having only two alkoxylate types selected from ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy groups. 4-25 alcohol nonionic surfactants; and (c) an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer having a cloud point below 50° C., wherein the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer is a triblock copolymer having one of the following structures: EOx1 POy1 EOx2 (I) POy2 EOx3 POy3 (II) wherein x1, x2, and x3 are each in the range of 1 to 50 and y1, y2, and y3 are each in the range of 10 to 70, wherein the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is 2:1 to 10:1, and The weight ratio of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant (b) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is at least 1.2:

1.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant (b) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is 2.0:1 to 10:1, and the weight average ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant to the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is 2:1 to 1:

2.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cloud point of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is in the range of 60°C to 80°C, and wherein the cloud point of the low cloud point nonionic surfactant is in the range of 8°C to 35°C.

4. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the high cloud point nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated C 6-22 Alcohol nonionic surfactant.

5. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition comprises from 0.5% to 40% by weight of the composition of the ternary mixture of nonionic surfactants.

6. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition is phosphate-free and comprises an enzyme and optionally a bleaching agent.

7. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition is a rinse aid.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is 2.5:1 to 10:

1.

9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the high cloud point nonionic surfactant (a) to the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer (c) is 3:1 to 10:

1.

10. A method of improving grease suspension in low temperature automatic dishwashing using a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the low temperature is a temperature of 55°C or less.

11. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for providing improved grease suspension in low temperature automatic dishwashing, wherein the low temperature is a temperature of 55°C or less.

12. A method of providing drying through the wash in a dishwashing machine, the method comprising the step of delivering an automatic dishwashing detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to the main wash of the dishwashing machine.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the detergent composition is in unit dosage form.

14. A method of providing drying in a dishwashing machine, the method comprising the step of delivering an automatic dishwashing composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to the rinse of the dishwashing machine.

15. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for providing drying through washing in automatic dishwashing.

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