Compositions, methods and uses

Abstract

A solid detergent composition comprising: (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms; (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant; (c) at least one anionic surfactant; (d) at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and (e) water; wherein the water comprises no more than 20% by weight of the total detergent composition.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to detergent compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to unit dose compositions with improved properties for use in restroom care, automatic dishwashing, manual dishwashing, laundry, fabric care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, air fresheners, vehicle care, polishing products, machine cleaning and maintenance, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, oilfield chemical applications, offshore applications, personal care, and institutional / industrial cleaning. The detergent compositions are particularly useful in household cleaning applications, such as in laundry detergent compositions.

[0002] Detergent compositions are generally known for domestic use, particularly for laundry and automatic dishwashing applications. The compositions may be provided in loose powder or liquid form, wherein the user measures out a dose each time before use.

[0003] Many consumers prefer to purchase detergent compositions in unit dose form, where the dose is pre-measured and individual tablets or sachets are added to the washing machine or dishwasher.Unit dose detergent compositions are typically provided in the form of compressed powder tablets or sachets containing a liquid encapsulated in a water soluble polymer.

[0004] The nature of the ingredients in many compositions means that the unit doses must be individually wrapped in disposable packaging or encapsulated in a polymer. In some embodiments, the pouch or tablet includes multiple compartments. This is generally to separate incompatible ingredients so that they do not react and degrade during storage.

[0005] In the design of a unit dose, many factors are important. When a liquid, compressed powder, or mixture thereof is encapsulated or packaged in a tablet or sachet, the outer material must dissolve quickly upon use to release the contents. However, it must not easily degrade or break during storage.

[0006] Wrapping or encapsulating tablets increases manufacturing complexity and cost, as does the inclusion of multiple compartments in a tablet or sachet. Furthermore, such products are known to break when handled by children, exposing them to harmful detergents and may therefore be less safe than fully solid detergent products.

[0007] It would therefore be highly desirable to provide a unit dose detergent in a solid form that is easy to handle, preferably not encapsulated or encapsulated in a polymer, and which does not require separate protective packaging.

[0008] Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and it is highly desirable to provide a unit dosage form that can be provided in plastic-free packaging.

[0009] In order to reduce the environmental impact of detergents, it is also preferred to provide the composition in concentrated form to avoid unnecessary water transport. Thus, compositions with low water content are very desirable.

[0010] Detergent compositions also need to be aesthetically pleasing and attractive to consumers. Clear compositions are considered desirable.

[0011] Another challenge in the manufacture of unit doses is providing a composition with good dissolution characteristics compared to bulk liquid or powder compositions.

[0012] In the manufacture of detergents, the safety of the ingredients used is also important, minimizing skin and eye irritation.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide novel detergent compositions which overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, whether described herein or not.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solid detergent composition comprising:

[0015] (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms;

[0016] (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant;

[0017] (c) at least one anionic surfactant;

[0018] (d) at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and

[0019] (e) water;

[0020] Wherein water accounts for no more than 20% by weight of the total detergent composition.

[0021] The solid detergent composition comprises (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms.

[0022] The amine is preferably a primary amine, ie the amine preferably comprises an NH2 functional group.

[0023] Suitably, the amine has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms, for example 3 to 6 carbon atoms, 3 to 5 carbon atoms or 3 to 4 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the amine has 3 carbon atoms.

[0024] Preferably, the amine is an alkanolamine. The amine may be a monoalkanolamine, a dialkanolamine, a trialkanolamine, an N-alkylalkanolamine or an N-hydroxyalkylalkanolamine. A suitable N-alkylalkanolamine is a methylalkanolamine. A suitable N-hydroxyalkylalkanolamine is an N-methylolalkanolamine. Preferably, the amine is a monoalkanolamine.

[0025] Preferably, the hydroxyl group of the monoalkanolamine is not attached to a terminal carbon atom.

[0026] Most preferably, the amine is monoisopropanolamine, a compound of formula CH3CH(OH)CH2NH2.

[0027] Component (a) comprises a salt of an amine and a fatty acid. Although reference is made to fatty acids, it will be appreciated that the material may comprise a mixture of components. At least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms.

[0028] The fatty acid may comprise a mixture of compounds, typically a mixture of isomers and / or homologs.

[0029] The skilled artisan will appreciate that natural sources of fatty acids typically contain mixtures.

[0030] The inventor has surprisingly found that, when using fatty acid salt in the present invention, at least 50% fatty acid molecule must have at least 16 carbon atoms to realize beneficial properties.This feature is limited with regard to the quantity of fatty acid molecule existing in component (a) and their carbon number.Therefore, in order to determine whether fatty acid mixture has at least 50% fatty acid molecule with at least 16 carbon atoms, the mol ratio of every kind of fatty acid that exists should be used.In order to avoid doubt, the weight ratio of the fatty acid that exists should not be used to determine whether fatty acid mixture has at least 50% fatty acid molecule with at least 16 carbon atoms.

[0031] Suitably, the fatty acid comprises a compound of formula RCOOH, wherein R is an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl. Preferably, R is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl. In a preferred embodiment, R is an alkyl.

[0032] Preferred fatty acids are saturated fatty acids.

[0033] The fatty acids may contain some unsaturated components but are preferably predominantly saturated compounds. Suitably, at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules are saturated, suitably at least 75% or at least 90%. Preferably all or substantially all fatty acid molecules are saturated.

[0034] At least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms. Fatty acid components having less than 16 carbon atoms may be included, such as fatty acids having 12 carbon atoms, but these fatty acids are present in a total amount of less than 50 mole %. Natural sources containing C12 fatty acids, such as coconut oil fatty acids, may be included.

[0035] At least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms. Preferred are fatty acids having from 16 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 16 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably from 16 to 20 carbon atoms, most preferably from 16 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the fatty acid molecules have 16 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0037] Preferably at least 90% of the fatty acid molecules are saturated C16 to C18 fatty acids.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fatty acids comprise C 16 and C 18 A roughly equimolar mixture of saturated fatty acids.

[0039] Component (a) preferably comprises the monoisopropanolamine salt of a mixture of C16 and C18 fatty acids.

[0040] Components (a), (b) and (c) of the solid detergent composition of the first aspect are suitably provided by different components. Although component (a) can be considered as a nitrogen-containing surfactant and / or anionic surfactant, the salt of amine and fatty acid in which at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms only provides component (a) of the solid detergent composition. Therefore, the solid detergent composition comprises one or more nitrogen-containing surfactant components (b) different from component (a) and one or more anionic surfactant components (c) different from components (a) and components (b).

[0041] Component (b) comprises at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant.

[0042] Component (b) may comprise a mixture of two or more nitrogen-containing surfactants.

[0043] Any suitable nitrogen-containing surfactant may be used, and suitable surfactant compounds are known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Preferably component (b) comprises one or more nitrogen-containing surfactants selected from alkanolamides, amine oxides and amphoteric or zwitterionic compounds, or mixtures thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, component (b) comprises an alkanolamide.

[0046] In some embodiments, component (b) comprises an amine oxide.

[0047] In some embodiments, component (b) comprises an amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactant, preferably a betaine.

[0048] In some embodiments, component (b) comprises betaine.

[0049] In some embodiments, component (b) comprises betaine and alkanolamide.

[0050] In some embodiments, component (b) comprises an alkanolamide, an amine oxide, and a betaine.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, component (b) comprises betaine and amine oxide.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, component (b) comprises amine oxides and alkanolamides.

[0053] Alkanolamide refers to the reaction product of alkanolamine and fatty acid donor (such as fatty acid, fatty acid ester or triglyceride). Alkanolamide can be called fatty acid alkanolamide. The reaction product of fatty acid and alkanolamine suitably mainly contains fatty acid alkanolamide. The reaction product can contain some ester compounds formed by fatty acid and alkanolamine. Therefore, the reaction product of fatty acid and alkanolamine can be a mixture of fatty acid alkanolamide and fatty acid amino ester.

[0054] Alkanolamides can be prepared from monoalkanolamines or dialkanolamines.

[0055] Preferably, the alkanolamides are prepared from monoalkanolamines.

[0056] In some embodiments, the alkanolamides are prepared from dialkanolamines.

[0057] Preferably, the alkanolamide comprises the reaction product of a fatty acid donor and an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, monobutanolamine and diethanolamine.

[0058] Preferably, the alkanolamide comprises the reaction product of a fatty acid donor and monoisopropanolamine.Thus, the alkanolamide is suitably a fatty acid alkanolamide comprising a fatty acid moiety.

[0059] Suitably, the fatty acid moiety has the formula RC(O)-, wherein R is an optionally substituted alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkenyl, such as a hydroxystearic acid group. Preferably R is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl. In a preferred embodiment, R is an alkyl.

[0060] Preferably R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 6 to 36 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, for example 10 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0061] In some preferred embodiments, the fatty acid moiety comprises primarily C12 fatty acids.

[0062] The skilled artisan will appreciate that natural sources of fatty acids typically contain mixtures of compounds.

[0063] Preferably, the fatty acid moiety is coconut fatty acid. In such embodiments, the alkanolamides may be formed by the reaction of a coconut fatty acid ester with an alkanolamine.

[0064] Preferably, the alkanolamides are formed by the reaction of coconut fatty acid esters with monoisopropanolamine.

[0065] Suitably, the alkanolamide has the formula:

[0066]

[0067] Where R 1 is an alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl or hydroxyalkenyl radical containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, R 2 is a hydroxyalkyl group containing 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms, R 3 is hydrogen or alkyl or has the same 2 Preferably, R 2 is hydroxyisopropyl, in which case the molecule may be referred to as alkanoylisopropanolamide. 3 It's hydrogen.

[0068] A suitable example of such fatty acid alkanolamides is cocamide MIPA (i.e. CIS), cocamide MEA (i.e. CME / T), cocamide DEA (i.e. 2502), cocamide methyl MEA, lauramide MEA, lauramide DEA, lauramide MIPA, myristic acid amide MEA, myristic acid amide DEA, myristic acid amide MIPA, stearamide MEA, stearamide DEA, stearamide MIPA, hydroxystearamide MEA, isostearamide DEA, N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl lauramide, oleamide MEA, oleamide DEA; oleamide MIPA, soybean oleamide MEA, soybean oleamide DEA, soybean oleamide MIPA, behenamide MEA, behenamide DEA, palmitamide MEA, palmitamide DEA, ricinoleic acid amide MEA, ricinoleic acid amide DEA, ricinoleic acid amide MIPA, tallow amide MEA, tallow amide DEA, undecylenamide MEA, undecylenamide DEA, N-lauroyl-N-methylglucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methylglucamide or mixtures thereof.

[0069] Most preferably, component (b) comprises cocamide MIPA.

[0070] Preferred amine oxides for use herein are oxides of tertiary amines. Preferably, the amine oxide is an oxide of a tertiary alkylamine or alkenylamine having 6 to 36 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms, for example 10 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0071] Preferably, the amine oxide is an oxide of a tertiary alkylamine.The amine oxide may comprise a mixture of compounds, suitably a mixture of homologues.The skilled person will appreciate that amines obtained from natural sources typically comprise a mixture of compounds.

[0072] Preferably, the amine oxide comprises a mixture of C12 to C16 amine oxides.

[0073] In some embodiments, component (b) comprises an amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactant.

[0074] The amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactants useful as component (b) in the compositions of the present invention may include those having alkyl or alkenyl groups of 7 to 22 carbon atoms and conforming to the following general formula:

[0075]

[0076] Where R 1 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 7 to 22 carbon atoms; R 2 and R 3 Each is independently an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; m is 2 to 4; n is 0 or 1; X is an alkylene group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally substituted by a hydroxy group; and Y is -CO2 or -SO3.

[0077] Such amphoteric or zwitterionic nitrogen-containing surfactants may be included in R 1 Compounds of the above general formula having different numbers of carbon atoms in the group ranging from 7 to 22 carbon atoms. 1 When derived from natural sources such as coconut fatty acid derivatives.

[0078] Surfactants suitable for use as component (b) may include simple betaines of the formula:

[0079]

[0080] and amido betaine of the formula:

[0081]

[0082] Where m is 2 or 3.

[0083] In both formulas, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 As defined above. 1 In particular, C derived from coconut oil 12 and C 14 mixture of alkyl groups such that at least half, preferably at least three quarters, of the groups R 1 Has 10 to 14 carbon atoms.2 and R 3 Preferred is methyl.

[0084] In some preferred embodiments, R 1 can be C8 alkyl, so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters of the groups R 1 Has 8 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 Preferred is methyl.

[0085] In some preferred embodiments, R 1 may be C10 alkyl, so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters of the groups R 1 Has 10 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 Preferred is methyl.

[0086] In some preferred embodiments, R 1 It may be a mixture of C8 and C10 alkyl groups, so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters, of the groups R 1 Has 8 to 10 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 Preferred is methyl.

[0087] The surfactant component (b) may include sultaines (or sulphobetaines) of the formula:

[0088]

[0089] wherein m is 2 or 3, or variations of these, wherein

[0090] -(CH2)3SO3 - quilt Instead,

[0091] Among these formulas, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 As defined above.

[0092] The surfactant component (b) may include amphoacetates and diamphoacetates. Amphoacetates generally conform to the following formula:

[0093]

[0094] Diamphoteric acetates generally conform to the following formula:

[0095]

[0096] Wherein R is an aliphatic group of 7 to 22 carbon atoms and M is a cation such as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium.

[0097] Suitable acetate-based amphoteric surfactants include lauroamphoacetate; alkyl amphoacetates; cocoampho(di)acetate; cocoamphoacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; sodium cocoamphoacetate; disodium cocoamphodiacetate; disodium capryloamphodiacetate; disodium lauroamphoacetate; sodium lauroamphoacetate and disodium wheatgermamphodiacetate.

[0098] Suitable betaine surfactants include alkyl amido betaines; alkyl betaines, C 12 / 14 Alkyl dimethyl betaine; cocamidopropyl betaine; tallow bis(hydroxyethyl) betaine; hexadecyl dimethyl betaine; coco dimethyl betaine; alkylamidopropyl sulfobetaine; alkyl dimethylamine betaine; cocamidopropyl dimethyl betaine; alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine betaine; cocamidopropyl betaine; lauryl betaine; lauramidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, lauramido betaine, alkylamino betaine; alkylamido betaine; coco betaine; lauryl betaine; dimethicone propyl PG-betaine; oleyl betaine; N-alkyl dimethyl betaine; coco biguanamine derivative, C8 amido betaine; C12 amido betaine; lauryl dimethyl betaine; alkylamidopropyl betaine; amido betaine; alkyl betaine; spermaceti Betaine; Oleamidopropyl Betaine; Isostearamidopropyl Betaine; Lauramidopropyl Betaine; 2-Alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; 2-Alkyl-N-carboxyethyl-N-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine; 2-Alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-carboxymethyloxyethyl imidazolinium betaine sodium; N-alkyl acid amide propyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl) )-ammonium-betaine; N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-ammonium-betaine; cocodimethyl betaine; apricot amidopropyl betaine; isostearamidopropyl betaine; myristamidopropyl betaine; palmitamidopropyl betaine; cocamidopropyl hydroxysulfobetaine; undecylenamidopropyl betaine; cocamide sulfobetaine; alkylamido betaine; C 12 / 18 Alkyl amidopropyl dimethylamine betaine; lauryl dimethyl betaine; ricinoleamido betaine; tallow amido betaine; caprylamidopropyl betaine; decylamidopropyl betaine; C8 amidopropyl betaine; C10 amidopropyl betaine; C8-C10 amidopropyl betaine and C12-C18 amidopropyl betaine.

[0099] Suitable glycinate-based amphoteric surfactants include coconut amphocarboxyglycinate; tallow amphocarboxyglycinate; caprylyl amphocarboxyglycinate, oleyl amphocarboxyglycinate, bis-2-hydroxyethyl tallow glycinate; lauryl amphocarboxyglycinate; tallow polyamphocarboxyglycinate; coconut amphocarboxyglycinate; oleic acid polyamphocarboxyglycinate; NC 10 / 12 Fatty acid amide ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-glycinate; NC 12 / 18 - fatty acid amide ethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-glycinate and dihydroxyethyl tallow glycinate.

[0100] Preferred acetate-based amphoteric surfactants for use as component (b) include sodium lauroamphoacetate, disodium lauroamphoacetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0101] Preferred betaine surfactants for use as component (b) are amido betaines. Particularly preferred compounds include cocamidopropyl betaine and amidopropyl betaine prepared from C8 and / or C10 fatty acids.

[0102] Preferably, component (b) comprises one or more of: the reaction product of a fatty acid having 8 to 20 carbon atoms and a monoalkanolamine; an amine oxide having 8 to 20 carbon atoms; and an amidobetaine prepared from a C6 to C20 fatty acid.

[0103] Component (c) comprises at least one anionic surfactant.

[0104] Component (c) may comprise a mixture of two or more anionic surfactants.

[0105] Any suitable anionic surfactant may be included. Such compounds are known to those skilled in the art.

[0106] Anionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include salts of the following materials: fatty acids; alkoxylated carboxylic acids; carboxylates; ethoxylated carboxylates; mono- or dialkyl sulfates; mono- or dialkyl ether sulfates; lauryl ether sulfates; alkyl sulfonates; alkyl aryl sulfonates; primary alkane disulfonates; olefin sulfonates; hydroxyalkane sulfonates; isethionates, alkyl isethionates, acyl isethionates, acyl alkyl isethionates, alkyl glycerol ether sulfonates; alpha-olefin sulfonates; alkyl phosphates; sulfonates of alkylphenol polyglycol ethers; alkyl sulfopolycarboxylates; alkyl sulfosuccinates; alkyl ether sulfosuccinates; taurates; acyl taurates; condensation products of fatty acids with oxy- and aminoalkanesulfonic acids; sulfated derivatives of fatty acids and polyglycols; alkyl and acyl sarcosinates; sulfoacetates; alkyl phosphates; alkyl phosphate esters; acyl lactylates; alkanolamides of sulfated fatty acids, lipoamino acids and acyl-substituted amino acids, such as acyl glycinates and acyl glutamates. Particularly exemplary salts are, where applicable, sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and triethanolamine salts.

[0107] Preferred anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl glyceryl ether sulfates, taurates, acyl taurates, (alkyl) isethionates, (alkyl) acyl isethionates, acyl substituted amino acids, sarcosinates, sulfosuccinates, sulfosuccinamates, sulfoacetates, monoalkyl phosphates, dialkyl phosphates, monoalkyl ether phosphates, dialkyl ether phosphates, α-olefin sulfonates, acyl lactylates, alkyl ether carboxylates and glyceryl ether carboxylates.

[0108] Particularly preferred ionic surfactants for use herein include alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, taurates, isethionates, acyl-substituted amino acids, sarcosinates and sulfosuccinates.

[0109] Reference herein to taurate surfactants or acyl taurates includes compounds such as sodium lauroyl methyl taurate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, and sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, which may also be considered alkyl acyl taurates.

[0110] Illustrative examples of preferred anionic surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauroyl methyl taurate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl glycinate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, and disodium oleamido monoisopropanolamine (MIPA) sulfosuccinate.

[0111] Suitable alkyl or alkenyl sulfates and ether sulfates are compounds of the formula:

[0112] R 1 CH2(OR 2 ) n OSO3M

[0113] Where R 1 is a C5 to C39 alkyl or alkenyl group, R 2 is an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is 0 to 12.

[0114] Preferably, R 1 is a C7 to C15 alkyl or alkenyl group or a C9 to C13 alkyl or alkenyl group, suitably an alkyl group. 1 It may be a C11 alkyl group.

[0115] R 2 Preferred are propylene or especially ethylene. Preferably n is from 0 to 6, preferably from 0 to 4, for example from 0 to 3. In some embodiments, n is 0. In some embodiments, n is 2. The skilled person will appreciate that alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates typically contain a mixture of compounds having different n numbers due to the statistical nature of the alkoxylation reaction employed in their formation. In such reactions some molecules are not alkoxylated and therefore there may be some molecules where n=0, such as alkyl sulfates.

[0116] In some preferred embodiments, n is 2 or 3, or a mixture of a compound wherein n is 2 and a compound wherein n is 3.

[0117] In some preferred embodiments, n is 1.

[0118] The above n values ​​suitably represent average n values ​​for mixtures of such alkyl or alkenyl sulfates and ether sulfates.

[0119] Suitable anionic surfactants include salts of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, fatty acids, carboxylates, alkyl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, isethionates, alkyl phosphates, sulfosuccinates, taurates, sarcosinates, sulfoacetates, lactates, acylamino acids and phosphonates.

[0120] Anionic surfactants suitable for use in laundry compositions of the present invention typically comprise one or more moieties selected from carbonates, phosphates, phosphonates, sulfates, sulfonates, carboxylates and mixtures thereof. The anionic surfactant may be one or more than one of an alkyl or alkenyl sulfate, an alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfate, an alkyl sulfonate, an alkenyl sulfonate and a hydroxyalkyl sulfonate. Preferred anionic surfactants include lauryl ether sulfate and taurates (including acyl taurates and alkyl acyl taurates). A particularly preferred anionic surfactant is lauryl ether sulfate.

[0121] Component (d) comprises at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group.

[0122] Suitable such solvents include monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, alkoxy alcohols, and aryloxy alcohols.

[0123] Suitable solvents are monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols and alkoxylated alcohols.

[0124] Preferred solvents are water miscible.

[0125] Suitable simple monohydric alcohols include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and butanol.

[0126] Preferably, component (d) comprises a polyol or an alkoxy alcohol.

[0127] Suitable alkoxy alcohols include diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-butoxyethanol.

[0128] A particularly preferred alkoxy alcohol for use herein is 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol.

[0129] Suitable aryloxy alcohols include 2-phenoxyethanol.

[0130] Suitable polyols include glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and 2-methylpentanediol.

[0131] Suitable polyols include glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

[0132] Mixtures of propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol are especially preferred.

[0133] Preferably, component (d) comprises propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methylpentanediol, 2-phenoxyethanol or a mixture thereof.

[0134] In some embodiments, component (d) comprises propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol.

[0135] In some embodiments, component (d) comprises 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol and dipropylene glycol.

[0136] In some embodiments, component (d) comprises a mixture of propylene glycol and 2-phenoxyethanol.

[0137] In some embodiments, in addition to the solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group, component (d) may comprise a second solvent. The second solvent may be a water-immiscible solvent. Suitable such solvents may be selected from one or more of hydrocarbon oils, alkyl carbonates, synthetic oils and vegetable oils, essential oils, oily esters, silicone oils or essences.

[0138] In such embodiments, the ratio of solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group to second solvent (water-immiscible solvent) may be from 100:1 to 1:5, suitably from 10:1 to 1:2, 5:1 to 1:1 or 3:1 to 1:1.

[0139] Component (e) comprises water.

[0140] The water content of the composition is less than 20% by weight.

[0141] Preferably water is present in the composition.

[0142] Preferably the composition comprises at least 0.1 wt %, preferably at least 0.5 wt %, suitably at least 1 wt % water.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises 5 to 20% by weight of water.

[0144] In some embodiments, the composition comprises less than 19 wt % water, eg, less than 18 wt % or less than 17 wt %.

[0145] For the avoidance of doubt, where the amount of a component in a composition is described in wt %, this refers to the weight percentage of the designated component relative to the entire composition to which it is referred, eg the entire solid detergent composition.

[0146] Component (a) is preferably present in the composition of the invention in an amount of 0.1 to 50 wt%, preferably 1 to 40 wt%, more preferably 5 to 30 wt%, for example 10 to 25 wt% or 15 to 23 wt%.

[0147] Component (b) is preferably present in the composition of the invention in an amount of 0.1 to 50 wt%, preferably 1 to 40 wt%, more preferably 3 to 35 wt%, for example 5 to 32 wt% or 6 to 30 wt%.

[0148] Component (c) is preferably present in the composition of the invention in an amount of 0.1 to 50 wt%, preferably 1 to 40 wt%, more preferably 2 to 30 wt%, for example 5 to 25 wt% or 8 to 18 wt%.

[0149] Component (d) is preferably present in the composition of the invention in an amount of 0.1 to 60 wt%, preferably 1 to 50 wt%, more preferably 5 to 40 wt%, for example 8 to 38 wt% or 10 to 35 wt%.

[0150] Preferably, the solid detergent composition of the first aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0151] (a) 5 to 30% by weight, preferably 10 to 25% by weight, of a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms;

[0152] (b) 1 to 40% by weight, preferably 5 to 32% by weight, of a nitrogen-containing surfactant;

[0153] (c) 2 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to 25% by weight, of anionic surfactant;

[0154] (d) 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 8 to 38 wt. % of a solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl function; and

[0155] (e) less than 20% by weight, preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 6 to 18% by weight, of water.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises:

[0157] (a) a salt of a mixture of a monoalkanolamine having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0158] (b) a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkanolamides, amine oxides, betaines, and mixtures thereof;

[0159] (c) one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates and taurates;

[0160] (d) a solvent selected from the group consisting of polyols, alkoxy alcohols, aryloxy alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0161] (e) Water.

[0162] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise:

[0163] (a) a salt of a mixture of a monoalkanolamine having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0164] (b) a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkanolamides, amine oxides, betaines, and mixtures thereof;

[0165] (c) one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates and hydroxyalkyl sulfonates;

[0166] (d) a solvent selected from the group consisting of polyols, alkoxy alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0167] (e) Water.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises:

[0169] (a) a salt of a mixture of a monoalkanolamine having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0170] (b) a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from alkanolamides, amine oxides and amphoteric or zwitterionic compounds, or mixtures thereof;

[0171] (c) one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates and taurates;

[0172] (d) a solvent selected from the group consisting of polyols, alkoxy alcohols, aryloxy alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0173] (e) Water.

[0174] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise:

[0175] (a) a salt of a mixture of a monoalkanolamine having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0176] (b) a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from alkanolamides, amine oxides and amphoteric or zwitterionic compounds, or mixtures thereof;

[0177] (c) one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates and hydroxyalkyl sulfonates;

[0178] (d) a solvent selected from the group consisting of polyols, alkoxy alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0179] (e) Water.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises:

[0181] (a) a salt of a mixture of monoisopropanolamine and fatty acids, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0182] (b) a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from cocamidopropyl betaine and amidopropyl betaine prepared from C8 and / or C10 fatty acids;

[0183] (c) one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates and taurates;

[0184] (d) a solvent selected from the group consisting of polyols, alkoxy alcohols, aryloxy alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0185] (e) Water.

[0186] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise:

[0187] (a) a salt of a mixture of monoisopropanolamine and fatty acids, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0188] (b) a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from cocamidopropyl betaine and amidopropyl betaine prepared from C8 and / or C10 fatty acids;

[0189] (c) one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates and hydroxyalkyl sulfonates;

[0190] (d) a solvent selected from the group consisting of polyols, alkoxy alcohols, and mixtures thereof; and

[0191] (e) Water.

[0192] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises:

[0193] (a) 5 to 30% by weight, preferably 10 to 25% by weight, of a salt of a mixture of a monoalkanolamine having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0194] (b) 1 to 40 wt. %, preferably 5 to 32 wt. %, of a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkanolamides, amine oxides, betaines and mixtures thereof;

[0195] (c) 2 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to 25% by weight, of one or more anionic surfactants selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates and taurates;

[0196] (d) 5 to 40 wt%, preferably 8 to 38 wt% of a solvent selected from polyols, alkoxy alcohols, aryloxy alcohols and mixtures thereof; and

[0197] (e) less than 20% by weight, preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 6 to 18% by weight, of water.

[0198] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise:

[0199] (a) 5 to 30% by weight, preferably 10 to 25% by weight, of a salt of a mixture of a monoalkanolamine having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0200] (b) 1 to 40 wt. %, preferably 5 to 32 wt. %, of a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkanolamides, amine oxides, betaines and mixtures thereof;

[0201] (c) 2 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to 25% by weight, of one or more anionic surfactants selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkenyl sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates;

[0202] (d) 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 8 to 38 wt. % of a solvent selected from polyols, alkoxy alcohols and mixtures thereof; and

[0203] (e) less than 20% by weight, preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 6 to 18% by weight, of water.

[0204] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises:

[0205] (a) 5 to 30 wt. %, preferably 10 to 25 wt. %, of a salt of a mixture of monoisopropanolamine and fatty acids, wherein at least 80 % of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0206] (b) 1 to 40 wt. %, preferably 5 to 32 wt. %, of a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from cocamidopropyl betaine and amidopropyl betaine prepared from C8 and / or C10 fatty acids;

[0207] (c) 2 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to 25% by weight, of one or more anionic surfactants selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates and taurates;

[0208] (d) 5 to 40 wt%, preferably 8 to 38 wt% of a solvent selected from polyols, alkoxy alcohols, aryloxy alcohols and mixtures thereof; and

[0209] (e) less than 20% by weight, preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 6 to 18% by weight, of water.

[0210] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise:

[0211] (a) 5 to 30 wt. %, preferably 10 to 25 wt. %, of a salt of a mixture of monoisopropanolamine and fatty acids, wherein at least 80 % of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids;

[0212] (b) 1 to 40 wt. %, preferably 5 to 32 wt. %, of a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from cocamidopropyl betaine and amidopropyl betaine prepared from C8 and / or C10 fatty acids;

[0213] (c) 2 to 30% by weight, preferably 5 to 25% by weight, of one or more anionic surfactants selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkenyl sulfonates and hydroxyalkyl sulfonates;

[0214] (d) 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably 8 to 38 wt. % of a solvent selected from polyols, alkoxy alcohols and mixtures thereof; and

[0215] (e) less than 20% by weight, preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 6 to 18% by weight, of water.

[0216] The solid detergent composition of the first aspect may be suitable for any one or more of the following uses: toilet care, automatic dishwashing, hand dishwashing, laundry, fabric care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, air fresheners, vehicle care, polishing products, machine cleaning and maintenance, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, oilfield chemical applications, offshore applications, personal care and institutional / industrial cleaning.

[0217] In some preferred embodiments, the composition of the first aspect further comprises (f) a nonionic surfactant.

[0218] Suitable nonionic surfactants are known to those skilled in the art.

[0219] Suitable nonionic surfactants include alkyl alkoxylates, alkenyl alkoxylates, condensates of C6-C22 alcohols with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers; C14-C22 medium-chain branched alcohols, C14-C22 medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, alkyl polysaccharides (e.g., alkyl polyglucosides), methyl ester ethoxylates, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, ether-terminated poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants, acyl polyethoxylated glycerides (e.g., coconut oil acyl POE-glyceride), and mixtures thereof.

[0220] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant may be a condensation product of a linear or branched fatty alcohol containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms having an HLB of 8 to 15 and 4 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0221] Preferably, the nonionic surfactant comprises an alkoxylated compound.Preferably, the alkoxylated nonionic surfactant comprises at least two alkoxy residues, preferably at least two ethoxy residues.

[0222] Suitable alkoxylated nonionic surfactants include any compound comprising one or more alkylene oxide residues and a hydrophobic group. Preferred nonionic surfactants are compounds comprising one or more ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide residues and a hydrophobic group. Suitable nonionic surfactants can be formed by the reaction of aliphatic alcohols, acids or amides with alkylene oxides. Preferably, the hydrophobic group comprises a hydrocarbon chain having at least 4 carbon atoms, preferably at least 5 carbon atoms, more preferably at least 6 carbon atoms. Preferably, the hydrophobic group comprises 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 21 carbon atoms, most preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferably, the hydrophobic group is an alkyl. Nonionic surfactant component (f) can include more than one hydrophobic residue.

[0223] Preferred nonionic surfactants for use herein are alkoxylated alcohols prepared from C8 to C20 alcohols and 2 to 16 equivalents of ethylene oxide.

[0224] Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are alkoxylated alcohols which are C12-16 or C12-18 alcohols ethoxylated with 7 equivalents of ethylene oxide, or C10 alcohols ethoxylated with 5 equivalents of ethylene oxide.

[0225] In some embodiments, the nitrogen-containing surfactant of component (b) may be provided by a nonionic surfactant which is a nitrogen-containing surfactant.For the avoidance of doubt, component (f), when present, is present in the composition in addition to the nitrogen-containing detergent of component (b).

[0226] Component (f) is preferably present in the composition of the present invention in an amount of 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 2 to 20% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight.

[0227] The compositions of the present invention may optionally comprise one or more further components.

[0228] Suitable other ingredients may include any ingredients commonly used in detergent compositions.

[0229] Suitable additional components for automatic dishwashing compositions include cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, enzymes, organic solvents, glass corrosion inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, scents, fragrance carriers, chelating agents, enzymes, bleaches, bleach activators, biocides, rinse aids, dyes, pigments, fragrances, glass care agents, pH adjusters, builders (preferably silicates or zeolites), peroxide-based compounds (especially hydrogen peroxide), chlorine bleaches, perborate compounds, bleach activators and catalysts.

[0230] When the composition of the first aspect is an automatic dishwashing composition it may include any of these components.

[0231] Preferably, the composition of the first aspect of the invention is a laundry detergent composition.

[0232] Suitable additional components for inclusion in laundry compositions are known to those skilled in the art and include chelants, builders, bleaching agents, bleach activators, pigments, dispersants, polymeric dispersants, dye transfer inhibitors, perfumes, perfume delivery systems, enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, biocides, probiotics, preservatives, pH adjusters, phosphates, silicates, zeolites, peroxide-based compounds (especially hydrogen peroxide, chlorine bleaches), perborate compounds, percarbonate compounds, bleach activators and catalysts, cationic surfactants, redeposition additives, brighteners, suds suppressors, fabric softeners and hydrotropes.

[0233] In some preferred embodiments, the compositions of the first aspect comprise an anti-redeposition agent. These compounds help keep the salt dissolved during a washing machine cycle.

[0234] Suitable anti-redeposition agents are known to those skilled in the art. Such components typically comprise a polyimide. One suitable compound is sold under the trademark Sokalan HP20 and is an ethoxylated polyethylene polyimine.

[0235] Anti-redeposition agents are typically included in amounts of 0.1 to 2% by weight.

[0236] Preferably, the composition of the first aspect comprises a chelating agent. Suitable chelating agents are known to those skilled in the art.

[0237] Suitable chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-N,N'-disuccinic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid, etidronate, citric acid, and anions, salts and mixtures thereof.

[0238] Preferred chelating agents for use herein are the phosphonate chelating agents.

[0239] Chelating agents are typically included in amounts of 0.1 to 2% by weight.

[0240] Other preferred components included in the composition of the first aspect include probiotics, enzymes, dye transfer inhibitors and polymers that improve washing performance. Polymers that improve washing performance are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the composition of the first aspect can include polyacrylates, polycarboxylates, cellulose derivatives, polyesters based on terephthalic acid, polymers based on ethylene glycol / propylene glycol, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(vinyl pyridine N-oxide) (PVP-NO), poly(vinyl pyridine betaine), biodegradable polymer dispersants (e.g. polyamino acid polymers, such as polyaspartate, and polysaccharides, such as oxidized starch), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyalkylene glycols and copolymers of alkylene oxide and vinyl acetate, modified ethoxylated carbamates or multifunctional polyethylene imine.

[0241] Dye transfer inhibiting agents are also known to those skilled in the art.

[0242] The composition of the present invention is solid. It means that the composition is solid at temperatures encountered during normal storage and / or before use of the composition, such as ambient temperature or room temperature (e.g., 15°C to 25°C, or 18°C ​​to 22°C). Preferably, the composition is solid at a temperature below 50°C. The solid detergent composition preferably has a melting point of at least 50°C.

[0243] In a preferred embodiment, the detergent composition of the first aspect is provided in unit dosage form.

[0244] Preferably, the present invention provides a solid laundry composition in unit dosage form.

[0245] The compositions of the present invention may provide numerous advantages over prior art compositions.

[0246] The compositions of the present invention are highly efficient detergents and have a low water content. They therefore contain high levels of active ingredients. This allows small unit doses to be provided.

[0247] Preferably, each unit dose has a mass of 5 to 100 g, preferably 5 to 75 g, more preferably 10 to 50 g, suitably 15 to 40 g, preferably 20 to 30 g.

[0248] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are sufficiently non-irritating and non-toxic so that the user can handle them directly.Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the unit dose of the present invention does not comprise any separate coating, encapsulation or wrapping.

[0249] The unit dosage form may be provided in plastic-free packaging.

[0250] In some embodiments, the unit dosage form does not contain a powder. In such embodiments, the unit dosage form suitably consists essentially of or consists of the solid detergent composition of the first aspect. Suitably, such unit dosage form is suitably completely transparent.

[0251] In some embodiments, the unit dosage form comprises the solid detergent composition of the first aspect and a second composition.

[0252] Preferably, the solid detergent composition of the present invention is provided as a solid block of material having a substantially uniform consistency.

[0253] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are transparent, meaning that light passes through the material and one can see through the material and observe objects on the other side of the material.

[0254] The transparency may be measured using the test described in Example 4, as appropriate.

[0255] Providing a clear composition is highly appealing to consumers.

[0256] The compositions of the present invention preferably have favourable dissolution properties. It is particularly important that the unit dose dissolves quickly and completely at the start of the wash and does not become lodged in parts of the machine.

[0257] The dissolution rate of the compositions of the present invention can be measured using the method described in Example 3.

[0258] Preferably, the composition of the present invention has a dissolution rate measured by the method of Example 3 of at least 0.5 g / min, preferably at least 0.6 g / min, more preferably at least 0.7 g / min.

[0259] In order to obtain a desirably homogeneous and preferably transparent composition of the present invention, the composition is preferably prepared from a melt.

[0260] Preferably, the composition of the present invention has a melting point of at least 45°C, preferably at least 50°C.

[0261] Preferably, the composition of the first aspect has a melting point of from 45 to 70°C, more preferably from 50 to 65°C.

[0262] In Example 5 a method is described by which the melting point of the compositions of the present invention can be measured.

[0263] In a preferred embodiment, the solid detergent composition of the first aspect is transparent, has a dissolution rate of at least 0.5 g / min as measured by the method of Example 3, and has a melting point of 45 to 70°C.

[0264] In particularly preferred embodiments, the solid detergent composition of the first aspect is transparent, has a dissolution rate of at least 0.7 g / min as measured by the method of Example 3, and has a melting point of from 50 to 65°C.

[0265] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a solid detergent composition, the method comprising the following steps:

[0266] (i) preparing a molten composition comprising at least the following components:

[0267] (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms;

[0268] (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant;

[0269] (c) at least one anionic surfactant;

[0270] (d) at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and

[0271] (e) up to 20% by weight of water;

[0272] and

[0273] (ii) shaping and / or cooling the composition obtained in step (i).

[0274] Step (i) comprises providing a molten composition comprising components (a) to (e). The molten composition may optionally comprise one or more further components as defined in relation to the first aspect. Preferably, the composition further comprises (f) a nonionic surfactant.

[0275] Preferred features of the second aspect are as defined in relation to the first aspect.

[0276] Step (i) comprises providing the composition in molten form by combining components (a) to (e).

[0277] Components (a) to (e) can be added in any order.

[0278] In some embodiments, one or more components may be melted and the other components subsequently added to the mixture.

[0279] In some embodiments, the liquid components are mixed together first, followed by the addition of the solid components.

[0280] Component (a) can be added as salt in step (i), or it can be formed in situ by adding fatty acid and amine separately. The formation of the salt of component (a) may not convert all fatty acids and / or all amines into salts. Therefore, component (a) may contain some free fatty acids and / or some free amines. Preferably, all or substantially all fatty acids are converted into salts with amines. Preferably, all or substantially all amines are converted into salts with fatty acids.

[0281] In a preferred embodiment, step (i) of the method of the second aspect comprises:

[0282] (p) a molten component (b);

[0283] (q) adding component (c) while heating and mixing; and

[0284] (r) adding component (a) to the mixture obtained after steps (p) and (q).

[0285] Components (d) and (e) may be added at any stage and are usually contained in one of the other components. Typically, the feed ingredients may include a certain amount of water or solvent.

[0286] Other ingredients, including other surfactants, dyes, perfumes, chelating agents and active anti-redeposition agents, may be added at any stage.

[0287] In preferred embodiments wherein a nonionic surfactant (f) is included, it is preferably added during step (p) or step (q).

[0288] Throughout step (i) the mixture is preferably heated to a temperature of preferably at least 60°C, preferably at least 65°C, for example to a temperature of 70 to 80°C or 70 to 75°C.

[0289] Step (i) is preferably completed when a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

[0290] Step (ii) comprises shaping and / or cooling the composition obtained in step (i).

[0291] Step (ii) preferably comprises forming the composition into unit dosage forms.

[0292] In some embodiments, step (ii) may comprise pouring the molten composition into a mould. In such embodiments, this is preferably carried out at a temperature of at least 65°C, preferably at least 70°C.

[0293] After pouring into the mold, the composition can be actively or passively cooled.

[0294] In a preferred embodiment, the mold is sized to provide a unit dose.

[0295] In some embodiments, step (ii) may include contacting the composition provided in step (i) with a cooled belt, or may include moving the composition provided in step (i) into a cooled chamber.

[0296] The composition may be metered into the tape to provide unit dose tablets or poured to provide bars or chunks which are subsequently cut into unit doses.

[0297] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaged detergent product comprising a container and a solid detergent composition, the solid detergent composition comprising:

[0298] (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms;

[0299] (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant;

[0300] (c) at least one anionic surfactant;

[0301] (d) a solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and

[0302] (e) up to 20% by weight of water.

[0303] Preferred features of the third aspect are as defined in relation to the first and second aspects.

[0304] Preferably, the packaged detergent product comprises a container and a plurality of unit doses of the detergent composition.

[0305] Preferably, the unit doses are not individually wrapped. Preferably, they are in uniform form. Preferably, they are not coated or encapsulated.

[0306] Advantageously, the container may be made of cardboard. It may be free of plastic.

[0307] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for washing articles, the method comprising: loading the articles into a washing machine, adding a solid detergent into the washing machine, and running a washing cycle of the washing machine, wherein the solid detergent composition comprises:

[0308] (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms;

[0309] (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant;

[0310] (c) at least one anionic surfactant;

[0311] (d) a solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and

[0312] (e) up to 20% by weight of water.

[0313] Preferably, the composition is provided in unit dosage form, preferably as a clear homogeneous solid.

[0314] Preferred features of the fourth aspect are as defined in relation to the first, second and third aspects.

[0315] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a solid detergent composition in toilet care, automatic dishwashing, manual dishwashing, laundry, fabric care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, air freshener, vehicle care, polishing products, machine cleaning and maintenance, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, oilfield chemical applications, offshore applications, personal care or institutional / industrial cleaning;

[0316] The solid detergent composition comprises:

[0317] (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms;

[0318] (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant;

[0319] (c) at least one anionic surfactant;

[0320] (d) a solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and

[0321] (e) Water.

[0322] Wherein water accounts for no more than 20% by weight of the total detergent composition.

[0323] The solid detergent composition may have any suitable features and advantages described in relation to the first, second and third aspects.

[0324] Preferably, the fifth aspect relates to the use of a solid detergent composition in household cleaning applications, especially in laundry.

[0325] Any features of any aspect may be combined with any other aspect as appropriate.

[0326] The invention will now be further defined with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0327] Example 1

[0328] The composition of the present invention is prepared as follows:

[0329] C8-C 10 A blend of amidopropyl betaine, propylene glycol and water is mixed with dipropylene glycol and ethoxylated polyethylene polyimine. The mixture is stirred and heated to 75 to 80°C, and alcohol ethoxylate (C 12-C 18 While maintaining a temperature of at least 70°C, add monoisopropylamine and fatty acid (1:1C 16 :C 18 ). Add flavor and color and continue mixing until homogenization is achieved. Discharge the mixture from the container at a temperature of at least 75°C and pour into molds.

[0330] Example 2

[0331] Other compositions of the invention were prepared using a procedure similar to that described in Example 1.

[0332] Details of the compositions are provided in Table 1, where "Comparative" indicates a comparative example:

[0333] Table 1

[0334]

[0335]

[0336] Table 1 continued

[0337]

[0338]

[0339] The abbreviations used in Table 1 are defined in Table 2 below.

[0340] Table 2

[0341]

[0342] Example 3

[0343] refer to Figure 2 A, B and C, the dissolution rate of the composition was measured using the following method: Equipment

[0344] 5000mL beaker

[0345] Laboratory stirrer with variable speed

[0346] ·Agitator 9.5cm long impeller ( Figure 2 c)

[0347] Hot plate with temperature probe

[0348] Stopwatch

[0349] Oven

[0350] Distilled water

[0351] Silicone mold capable of holding ~15g sample of test composition

[0352] Analytical procedures

[0353] • Pour ~15 grams of molten test composition (70-75°C) into the silicone mold. Record the exact weight dispensed (W1)

[0354] The composition was cooled to room temperature (i.e. 18°C ​​to 22°C) in the silicone mold and allowed to stand (solidify) for 60 minutes (see Figure 2 A)

[0355] Fill a 5000mL glass beaker with deionized water (4000mL) and place on a hot plate. Immerse the temperature probe in the water ( Figure 2 B)

[0356] Heat the water to 30°C; maintain this temperature throughout the analysis

[0357] Use an impeller with an agitator speed of 300 RPM ( Figure 2 C) Apply overhead stirring to the contents of the glass beaker

[0358] When the temperature stabilizes at 30°C, add the molded test composition and immediately start the stopwatch.

[0359] When the sample is completely dissolved, stop the stopwatch and record the dissolution time in seconds (T1)

[0360] Calculate the dissolution rate (g / min) from W1 and T1

[0361] Use a flashlight to highlight the visibility of the sample in the beaker.

[0362] Example 4

[0363] The transparency of the composition was evaluated by the following method:

[0364] equipment

[0365] · Transparent Petri dish, inside About 50mm, height about 12mm ( Figure 3 A)

[0366] Pasteur pipette

[0367] Industrial balance

[0368] White paper with printed 14 pt boldface type ( Figure 3 B)

[0369] Analytical procedures

[0370] Melt the test composition at 70-75°C

[0371] Weigh the molten test composition sample (14.00 g) into a transparent Petri dish, then cover the transparent Petri dish with a lid.

[0372] · Allow the sample to cool to 25°C and let stand for at least 60 minutes. Remove the lid

[0373] Place the Petri dish on the white paper, above the printed boldface lettering. The transparency of the boldface lettering is visually assessed as follows

[0374] Result calculation

[0375] The test composition was defined as "transparent" when 14 point boldface lettering could be clearly read through a 6.35 mm segment of the material (corresponding to a 14.00 g test sample in a clear Petri dish as described above).

[0376] Figure 1 Several graphical representations of test compositions that passed or failed the test are shown.

[0377] Example 5

[0378] The melting points of the test compositions were measured by the following method:

[0379] equipment

[0380] Water bath with temperature regulation

[0381] Analytical procedures

[0382] Weigh a sample (~50 g) of the test composition into a clear glass or plastic container and allow it to warm to room temperature

[0383] Set the bath temperature to the starting temperature, usually ~45°C, and record the starting temperature

[0384] After reaching the bath temperature, immerse the container containing the sample and keep it at the starting temperature for 30 minutes

[0385] The bath temperature was increased in 0.5°C increments and maintained at each temperature for 15 minutes. The experiment was terminated when the coexistence of liquid and solid phases was visually observed at the end of the 15 minute hold period.

[0386] Melting point is defined as (T – 0.4°C), where T = bath set temperature at the end of the experiment

[0387] Example 6

[0388] The dissolution rate, clarity and melting point of the composition of Table 1 were tested using the procedures of Examples 3 to 5, and the results are shown in Table 3.

[0389] Table 3

[0390]

[0391]

Claims

1. A solid detergent composition comprising: (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms; (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant; (c) at least one anionic surfactant; (d) at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and (e) water; Wherein water accounts for no more than 20% by weight of the total detergent composition.

2. A solid detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein component (a) comprises a salt of a mixture of a monoalkanolamine having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and a fatty acid, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids.

3. A solid detergent composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein component (b) comprises a nitrogen-containing surfactant selected from alkanolamides, amine oxides, betaines and mixtures thereof.

4. A solid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein component (c) comprises one or more anionic surfactants selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates and taurates.

5. A solid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein component (d) comprises a solvent selected from polyols, alkoxy alcohols, aryloxy alcohols and mixtures thereof.

6. A solid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein component (a) is present in an amount of from 5 to 30 wt%, preferably from 10 to 25 wt%.

7. A solid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein component (b) is present in an amount of from 1 to 40 wt%, preferably from 5 to 32 wt%.

8. A solid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein component (c) is present in an amount of from 2 to 30 wt%, preferably from 5 to 25 wt%.

9. A solid detergent composition according to any preceding claim, wherein component (d) is present in an amount of from 5 to 40 wt%, preferably from 8 to 38 wt%.

10. A solid detergent composition according to any preceding claim comprising component (f) a nonionic surfactant.

11. A solid detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Component (a) is a salt of a mixture of monoisopropanolamine and fatty acids, wherein at least 80% of the fatty acid molecules are C16 to C18 fatty acids; Component (b) is selected from cocamidopropyl betaine and amidopropyl betaine prepared from C8 and / or C10 fatty acids; and Component (c) is one or more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, hydroxyalkyl sulfonates and taurates.

12. A solid detergent composition according to any preceding claim provided in unit dose form.

13. The solid detergent composition according to claim 12, wherein each unit dose has a mass of 10 to 50 g, preferably 15 to 40 g, more preferably 20 to 30 g.

14. A solid detergent composition according to any preceding claim having a melting point of from 50 to 65°C.

15. A solid detergent composition according to any preceding claim having a dissolution rate of at least 0.6 g / min, preferably at least 0.7 g / min.

16. A solid detergent composition according to any preceding claim which is transparent.

17. A method for producing a solid detergent composition, the method comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a molten composition comprising at least the following components: (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms; (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant; (c) at least one anionic surfactant; (d) at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and (e) up to 20% by weight of water; and (ii) shaping and / or cooling the composition obtained in step (i).

18. A packaged detergent product comprising a container and a solid detergent composition, the solid detergent composition comprising: (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms; (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant; (c) at least one anionic surfactant; (d) a solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and (e) up to 20% by weight of water.

19. A packaged detergent product according to claim 15 comprising a container and a plurality of unit doses of a detergent composition, preferably wherein the unit doses are not individually wrapped.

20. A method for washing articles, the method comprising: Loading items into a washing machine, adding a solid detergent into the washing machine, and running a wash cycle of the washing machine, wherein the solid detergent composition comprises: (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms; (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant; (c) at least one anionic surfactant; (d) at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and (e) up to 20% by weight of water.

21. Use of the solid detergent composition in toilet care, automatic dishwashing, hand dishwashing, laundry, fabric care, kitchen care, carpet cleaning, air fresheners, vehicle care, polishing products, machine cleaning and maintenance, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, oilfield chemical applications, offshore applications, personal care or institutional / industrial cleaning; The solid detergent composition comprises: (a) a salt of an amine and a fatty acid, wherein at least 50% of the fatty acid molecules have at least 16 carbon atoms; (b) at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant; (c) at least one anionic surfactant; (d) at least one solvent comprising at least one hydroxyl functional group; and (e) water; Wherein water accounts for no more than 20% by weight of the total detergent composition.

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