Detergent composition for dishwashing, water-soluble container and automatic dishwashing system with automatic charging function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detergent composition for dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing; wherein the detergent composition comprises a water soluble polyester. The invention also relates to a water-soluble container for a dishwashing, preferably an automatic dishwashing, where the water-soluble container is made from a thermoformed water-soluble film comprising poly (vinyl alcohol), and where the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a detergent composition for a dishwashing, preferably an automatic dishwashing, of this invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent composition for dishwashing.

[0002] The invention also relates to a water-soluble container for dishwashing and an automatic dishwashing system with automatic feeding. Background Art

[0003] While automatic dishwashing (ADW) detergents generally provide excellent cleaning performance, shine performance and material care for standard dishware and tableware such as stainless steel, porcelain and glass; the protection and care of plastics has only been addressed to a limited extent.

[0004] Traditionally, ADW detergents have focused primarily on cleaning and shine performance, but more recently, being able to offer consumers additional special benefits has become increasingly important. In this regard, consumers often face issues with plastics, including staining or discoloration in the wash and inadequate drying.

[0005] In this context, the hydrophobic surfaces of plastic boxes and their lids, cutting boards and plates face the problem that when consumers put plastics in the dishwasher, the plastics appear dirtier after the wash cycle than before the wash cycle. This is caused by the transfer and redeposition of chromophoric soils present in common foods such as ketchup or curry: carotenes (e.g. lycopene) or curcumin. At the molecular level, it is believed that the strong attraction between the hydrophobicity of the coloring substances and the plastic surface (e.g. polypropylene) is the driving force of this process, resulting in the migration of stains into the plastic products.

[0006] WO04003124 discloses the use of low and high molar mass vinyl pyrrolidone copolymers as finishing aids for surface hydrophilization in ADW compositions. The polymers are said to benefit overall surface care of tableware including but not limited to gloss, feel, organoleptic properties, film formation or inhibition of food stain deposition.

[0007] Although bleach has been tried as a traditional solution for removing red stains from surfaces, it is known to be minimally effective in preventing plastics from discoloring due to existing stains during dishwasher cycles, and in some cases can even be harmful.

[0008] Other solutions, such as the use of polymers, have also been unsatisfactory so far, making it both a challenge and a necessity in ADW detergent formulations.

[0009] Purpose of the invention

[0010] In view of the prior art, it was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing, detergent composition which should not exhibit the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known prior art dishwashing detergent compositions.

[0011] In particular, it was an object of the present invention to provide a dishwashing detergent composition which should be able to be used to prevent discoloration of plastic tableware during dishwashing, preferably in automatic dishwashing.

[0012] Furthermore, it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a dishwashing detergent composition which is suitable for use as a single dose detergent product as well as for use as a dishwashing detergent composition for self-feeding automatic dishwashing processes. Summary of the invention

[0013] These objects as well as other objects which are not explicitly stated but which can be immediately derived or discerned from the connections discussed herein by way of introduction are achieved by a dishwashing detergent composition having all the features of claim 1. Suitable modifications of the dishwashing detergent composition of the invention are protected in the dependent claims 2 to 11. Furthermore, claim 12 relates to a water-soluble container for dishwashing, while claim 13 is a suitable modification thereof. Claim 14 relates to an automatic dishwashing system with automatic dosing, while claim 15 relates to the use of the inventive detergent composition for preventing discoloration of plastic tableware during dishwashing.

[0014] The present invention therefore provides a detergent composition for dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing, characterized in that the detergent composition comprises a water-soluble polyester.

[0015] Thus, in an unforeseeable manner, it was possible to provide a dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing, detergent composition which does not exhibit the above-mentioned disadvantages of known prior art dishwashing detergent compositions.

[0016] In particular, the dishwashing detergent composition of the present invention can be used to prevent discoloration of plastic tableware during dishwashing processes, preferably in automatic dishwashing processes.

[0017] Furthermore, it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a dishwashing detergent composition which is suitable for use as a single dose detergent product as well as for use as a dishwashing detergent composition for self-feeding automatic dishwashing processes.

[0018] By "single dose" it is meant that the product contains the amount of one or more compositions required for a single wash cycle of a machine dishwasher.

[0019] Brief description of the form

[0020] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will also become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the tables, in which:

[0021] Table 1 shows a comparison of the comparative formulation and the formulation of the invention.

[0022] Table 2 shows a comparison of additional comparative formulations and the formulations of the present invention.

[0023] Table 3 shows information about the polymers used in the comparative formulations of Tables 1 and 2 and the formulations of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the water-soluble polyester is a water-soluble aromatic polyester.

[0025] In one embodiment thereof, the water-soluble aromatic polyester is obtained by reacting at least one diol with at least one aromatic diacid or a derivative thereof.

[0026] In another embodiment thereof, the water-soluble aromatic polyester is obtained by reacting at least one diol with at least two different aromatic diacids or derivatives thereof.

[0027] As used herein, the term "derivative" when applied to the aromatic diacid according to the present invention means that at least one of the two carboxylic acid groups of the corresponding aromatic diacid is substituted by an anhydride group, an ester group, a carboxylate, or a carboxylic acid chloride. It is particularly preferred that at least one of the two carboxylic acid groups of the corresponding aromatic diacid is substituted by a methyl ester group or by two methyl ester groups.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one diol is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polybutylene glycol.

[0029] In one embodiment, the derivative of the at least one aromatic diacid comprises one or two ester groups, one or two anhydride groups, one or two carboxylate groups, and / or one or two carboxylic acid chloride groups instead of one or two corresponding carboxylic acid groups of the corresponding aromatic diacid; wherein preferably, the derivative of the at least one aromatic diacid comprises at least one or two methyl ester groups instead of one or two corresponding carboxylic acid groups of the corresponding aromatic diacid.

[0030] In one embodiment, the water-soluble aromatic polyester comprises at least one substituent wherein at least one hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring, preferably at position 5, is replaced by a sulfate group, by a sulfonic acid group, or by an anionic sulfonic acid group with a corresponding suitable counterion.

[0031] As used herein, the term "suitable counterion" refers to a monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation. The suitable counterion should ensure compensation or balance of the negative charge provided by at least one anionic sulfonic acid group contained in the polyester, which is a corresponding negatively charged deprotonated sulfonic acid group. In this context, sodium ions, ammonium ions, zinc ions and bismuth ions are particularly preferred as suitable counterions.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one aromatic diacid or derivative thereof is selected from the group consisting of terephthalic acid, isoterephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, orthophthalic acid, 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, 5-sulfoisoterephthalic acid, 5-sulfoterephthalic acid and 5-sulfophthalic acid.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment thereof, one aromatic diacid or derivative thereof of the at least one aromatic diacid or derivative thereof is selected from the group consisting of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, 5-sulfoisoterephthalic acid, 5-sulfoterephthalic acid or 5-sulfophthalic acid.

[0034] In one embodiment, the number average molecular weight of the polyester is 1000 to 50000 g / mol, preferably 2500 to 25000 g / mol, more preferably 2500 to 12000 g / mol.

[0035] Herein, number average molecular weight has been determined by the well-known standard method of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measuring relative to polyethylene glycol (PEG) standards.

[0036] In one embodiment, the dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprises 0.5 to 10 wt. %, preferably 1 to 7 wt. %, more preferably 1.2 to 4 wt. % of the water-soluble polyester.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "wt %", "% wt.", "weight %" and "% weight" are synonymous with each other. All of these expressions refer to the weight percentage of the corresponding component.

[0038] The dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing, detergent compositions of the present invention may contain a builder.

[0039] The builder can be a phosphate-free builder. In many countries including the United States and the European Union, phosphate builders are restricted, or the amount of phosphate allowed in the detergent composition is strictly limited. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the detergent composition is substantially free of phosphate.

[0040] The builder comprises one or more small molecule builders selected from hydroxycarboxylates (e.g. citrates, such as trisodium citrate, which may be anhydrous), aminocarboxylates (e.g. methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA) or N,N-dicarboxymethylglutamic acid (GLDA)), dicarboxylic acid amines (e.g. iminodisuccinic acid (IDS)) and / or phosphates (e.g. tripolyphosphates), or salts thereof.

[0041] The builder can be present in an amount greater than 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt% or greater than 50 wt%. The builder can be present in an amount of 31 to 49 wt%, 32 to 41 wt%, or 33 to 39 wt%.

[0042] The builder may be present in an amount of up to 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%, 5 wt%, 6 wt%, 7 wt%, 8 wt%, 9 wt% or up to 10 wt%.

[0043] The actual amount employed in the detergent compositions may depend upon the nature of the builder employed.

[0044] The builder may be an organic builder.

[0045] The detergent composition may contain a secondary builder (co-builder), for example a phosphonate, such as tetrasodium-HEDP.

[0046] The dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent composition of the present invention may comprise at least one polymer, preferably at least one polycarboxylate. The term "polycarboxylate" refers to any polymeric material containing carboxylic acid or carboxylate groups which can be used for chelation. The polycarboxylate polymer may be a homopolymer and / or a copolymer and / or a terpolymer.

[0047] The one or more polymers may be present in an amount from 3 to 25 weight percent, from 5 to 20 weight percent, from 6 to 18 weight percent, from 7 to 16 weight percent, from 8 to 15 weight percent, or from 9 to 13 weight percent.

[0048] The polymer may be a polycarboxylate polymer comprising an itaconic acid copolymer.

[0049] The polymer may be a polycarboxylate polymer comprising acrylic acid monomers.

[0050] The polymer may be a polycarboxylate polymer comprising an acrylic acid homopolymer. The number average molecular weight of the homopolymer may be from 2,000 to 10,000, from 3,000 to 9,000, or from 4,000 to 8,000. The homopolymer may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 weight percent, 0.2 to 4.5 weight percent, 0.3 to 4 weight percent, 0.3 to 3.5 weight percent, 0.4 to 3 weight percent, 0.5 to 2.5 weight percent, 0.6 to 2 weight percent, or 0.7 to 1.5 weight percent.

[0051] At least one polycarboxylate may include sulfonic acid monomers. The sulfonic acid monomers may be present in an amount of 4 to 14 weight percent, 5 to 13 weight percent, 6 to 12 weight percent, or 7 to 11 weight percent.

[0052] Preferred monomers containing sulfonic acid groups are those of the formula:

[0053] R 1 (R 2 )C=C(R 3 )-X-SO3H

[0054] Where R 1 To R 3 independently of one another -CH3, a linear or branched saturated alkyl residue having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear or branched monounsaturated or polyunsaturated alkenyl residue having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkyl or alkenyl residue substituted with -NH2, -OH or -COOH, or -COOH or -COOR 4 , R 4 is a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and X represents an optionally present spacer group selected from -(CH2)n- (wherein n=0 to 4), -COO-(CH2)k- (wherein k=1 to 6), -C(O)-NH-C(CH3)2- and CH(CH2CH3)-.

[0055] Preferred monomers of the above formula include, for example, those of the following formula:

[0056] H2C=CH-X-SO3H

[0057] H2C=C(CH3)-X-SO3H

[0058] HO3S-X-(R 5 )C=C(R 6 )-X-SO3H

[0059] Where R 5 and R 6are independently selected from -H, -CH3, -CH2CH3, -CH2CH2CH3, -CH(CH3)2, and X represents an optionally present spacer group selected from -(CH2)n- (wherein n=0 to 4), -COO-(CH2)k (wherein k=1 to 6), -C(O)-NH-C(CH3)2- and -C(O)-NH-CH(CH2CH3)-.

[0060] Preferred monomers containing sulfonic acid groups are 1-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, methallylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide and mixtures of the acids or their water-soluble salts. Particularly preferred is 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid.

[0061] The sulfonic acid groups may be present in the polymer in all or partly neutralized form, i.e. the acidic hydrogen atoms of the sulfonic acid groups may be replaced in some or all of the sulfonic acid groups by metal ions, preferably alkali metal ions, in particular sodium ions. According to the invention, preference is given to using copolymers containing partially or completely neutralized sulfonic acid groups.

[0062] The molar mass of the sulfonic acid polymer can be varied to tailor the properties of the polymer to the desired intended application. The number average molecular weight of the copolymer can be from 2000 to 200,000 g mol -1 , 4000 to 25,000 g mol -1 , or 5000 to 15,000 gmol -1 The polymer preferably has a pH of from 3 to 5, such as from 3.5 to 4.5.

[0063] The polycarboxylates may be copolymers comprising sulfonic acid monomers and acrylic acid monomers.

[0064] At least one polycarboxylate comprises maleic acid monomers. Such polymers are preferably present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 weight percent, 0.2 to 4.5 weight percent, 0.3 to 4 weight percent, 0.3 to 3.5 weight percent, 0.4 to 3 weight percent, 0.5 to 2.5 weight percent, 0.6 to 2 weight percent, or 0.7 to 1.5 weight percent.

[0065] The viscosity of the polymer may be 500 to 3000 mPa.s, 750 to 2500 mPa.s, 1000 to 2000 mPa.s. The weight average molecular weight of such copolymer may be 10,000 to 100,000 gmol -1 , 20,000 to 80,000 g mol -1 , 30,000 to 70,000 g mol -1 , or 45,000 to 55,000 g mol -1 .

[0066] The polycarboxylate may be a copolymer comprising maleic acid monomers and acrylic acid monomers.

[0067] The acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer may be formed from 2-acrylic acid and 2,5-furandione. The pH of the acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer evaluated by DIN 19268 may be 7 to 9, for example 7.5 to 8.5.

[0068] The polymer may be an acrylic acid homopolymer, an acrylic acid-sulfonic acid, and / or an acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymer.

[0069] The polymer may comprise one or more polycarboxylate homopolymers and one or more polycarboxylate copolymers. The homopolymers and copolymers may be present in a ratio of 1:20 to 1:2, preferably 1:15 to 1:5.

[0070] The polymer may include polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) or a derivative thereof. Polyepoxysuccinic acid is also known as epoxysuccinic acid homopolymer, polyoxirane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid, 2,3-oxirane dicarboxylic acid homopolymer, or poly (1-oxirane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid); and has the following general structure:

[0071]

[0072] And its derivatives have the following general structure:

[0073]

[0074] Where R can be hydrogen or any organic chain (but preferably an ester, such as C 1-4 alkyl), and wherein M can be any cation (preferably Na + , H + , K + and / or NH4 + ).

[0075] Unless otherwise stated, all references to PESA hereinafter should be construed to refer to polyepoxysuccinic acid or its derivatives.

[0076] The weight average molecular weight of PESA can range from 100 to 10,000 g mol -1 , 400 to 2000 g mol -1 , 1000 to 1800 gmol -1 The PESA may have 2 to 100 repeating monomer units, such as 2 to 50, 2 to 45, 2 to 20 or 2 to 10 repeating monomer units.

[0077] The polymer may comprise PESA in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt%, 0.1 to 4 wt%, 0.15 to 3 wt%, 0.2 to 1.9 wt%, 0.25 to 1.5 wt%, or 0.6 to 1.1 wt%. PESA is preferably present in an amount of 5 to 20 wt%, 8 to 19 wt%, or 9 to 15 wt%, relative to the total amount of polymer present.

[0078] The polymer may include any biodegradable polymer.

[0079] Biodegradable polymers may include, for example, Alcoguard (RTM) H 5941.

[0080] Biodegradable polymers may comprise a bio-based carbohydrate backbone, such as starch, cellulose or inulin. The polymer may comprise one or more synthetic, fossil-based grafting groups.

[0081] The polymer may be cationic, anionic or amphoteric.

[0082] The dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more surfactants. Any nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant or a suitable mixture thereof may be used. Many such suitable surfactants are described in "Surfactants and Detersive Systems" by Kirk Othmer (Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd edition, volume 22, pages 360-379), which is incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, a bleach-stable surfactant may be used.

[0083] In the case of automatic dishwashing compositions, it is preferred to minimize the amount of anionic surfactants. Thus, preferably, the composition comprises no more than 15 wt%, no more than 10 wt%, no more than 5 wt%, no more than 2 wt%, no more than 1 wt% anionic surfactants, or is free of anionic surfactants. Preferably, the composition comprises no more than 15 wt%, no more than 10 wt%, no more than 5 wt%, no more than 2 wt%, no more than 1 wt% ionic surfactants, or is free of any type of ionic surfactants.

[0084] Nonionic surfactants are preferred for use in automatic dishwashing products. The composition may comprise 5 to 25 wt%, 10 to 20 wt%, 11 to 19 wt%, 12 to 18 wt%, 13 to 17 wt%, 14 to 16 wt%, or 15 wt% of one or more nonionic surfactants.

[0085] The nonionic surfactant can be an alkyl alkoxylate that is optionally end-capped. A preferred class of nonionic surfactants is ethoxylated nonionic surfactants, which are prepared by the reaction of monohydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols having 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the surfactant has at least 12 moles per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol. Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are nonionic, which come from straight-chain fatty alcohols having 10 to 20 carbon atoms and at least 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. The nonionic surfactant can contain propylene oxide (PO) units in the molecule. The PO unit can account for up to 40 weight %, 35 weight %, 30 weight %, 25 weight %, 20 weight % or up to 15 weight % of the total molecular weight of the nonionic surfactant.

[0086] Mixtures of any of the above nonionic surfactants are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention.

[0087] The dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent compositions of the present invention may comprise one or more enzymes. Preferably, the one or more enzymes are selected from proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases and peroxidases, with proteases and amylases being most preferred. Most preferably, proteases and / or amylases are included in the compositions according to the present invention, as such enzymes are particularly effective in dishwashing detergent compositions.

[0088] The one or more enzymes may be present in an amount of 1 to 40 wt %, 2 to 38 wt %, 4 to 36 wt %, 6 to 34 wt %, 8 to 32 wt %, 10 to 30 wt %, 12 to 28 wt %, 14 to 26 wt %, 16 to 24 wt %, 18 to 24 wt %, 20 to 24 wt %, 22 to 24 wt %, or 23 wt %, based on the weight of the detergent composition.

[0089] The dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent compositions of the present invention may contain one or more bleaching agents, preferably in combination with one or more bleach activators and / or one or more bleach catalysts. The one or more bleaching agents are preferably selected from the group consisting of oxygen-releasing bleaches, chlorine-releasing bleaches and mixtures thereof.

[0090] The bleaching agent may comprise the active bleaching substance itself or a precursor of such a substance. The bleaching agent may be selected from the group consisting of inorganic peroxides, organic peracids and mixtures thereof. The terms "inorganic peroxide" and "organic peracid" include salts and derivatives thereof. Inorganic peroxides include percarbonates, perborates, persulfates, hydrogen peroxide and derivatives and salts thereof. Sodium and potassium salts of these inorganic peroxides are suitable, particularly the sodium salt. Sodium percarbonate is particularly preferred.

[0091] The active bleach is preferably present in an amount of 5 to 25 wt%, 7 to 23 wt%, 9 to 19 wt%, or 11 to 17 wt%.

[0092] The detergent composition may also contain one or more bleach activators and / or bleach catalysts. If activation of the bleach is desired, any suitable bleach activator may be included, such as tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED). Any suitable bleach catalyst may be used, such as manganese acetate or binuclear manganese complexes, such as those described in EP 1741774 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Organic peracids such as perbenzoic acid and peroxycarboxylic acids such as phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) do not require the use of bleach activators or catalysts because these bleaches are active at relatively low temperatures such as 30°C.

[0093] The bleach catalyst may be a manganese complex comprising 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) or any derivative of the TACN ligand such as 1,4,7-trimethyl-TACN, manganese oxalate, manganese acetate, or a binuclear manganese complex, for example a binuclear manganese complex comprising TACN or any derivative of the TACN ligand such as 1,4,7-trimethyl-TACN.

[0094] Furthermore, the objects of the present invention are solved by a water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing, wherein the water-soluble container is made of a thermoformed water-soluble film comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) and wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with the inventive dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent composition according to the present invention.

[0095] As used herein, the term "water-soluble container" refers to a container that at least partially dissolves or disperses in water within 10 minutes at 20°C to allow the contents of the package to flow into the surrounding water.

[0096] Thermoformed water-soluble films comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) can be rigid or flexible at room temperature.

[0097] Preferably, the poly(vinyl alcohol) film may be partially or completely alcoholized or hydrolyzed, for example, it may be a polyvinyl acetate film that is 40 to 100%, preferably 70 to 92%, most preferably 85% to 92% alcoholized or hydrolyzed. The degree of hydrolysis is known to affect the temperature at which the PVOH begins to dissolve in water. 88% hydrolysis corresponds to a film that is soluble in cold (i.e. room temperature of 20°C) water, while 92% hydrolysis corresponds to a film that is soluble in warm water. The film may be cast, blown or extruded. It may also be unoriented, uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment thereof, the water-soluble container comprises at least a first compartment and at least a second compartment separate from the first compartment; wherein the at least first compartment is at least partially filled with a dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing, detergent composition according to this invention of the present invention in powder form.

[0099] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is also solved by an automatic dishwashing system with automatic loading, wherein the automatic dishwashing system with automatic loading comprises at least a first cartridge and at least a second cartridge arranged separately from each other inside the dishwashing device, wherein the at least first cartridge is at least partially filled with a detergent composition for automatic dishwashing according to this invention;

[0100] Alternatively, wherein the automatic loading automatic dishwashing system comprises a cartridge comprising at least a first cartridge compartment and at least a second cartridge compartment separated from each other inside the cartridge, wherein the first cartridge compartment is at least partially filled with an automatic dishwashing detergent composition according to this invention of the present invention.

[0101] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is also solved by the use of the inventive dishwashing, preferably automatic dishwashing, detergent composition according to the invention for preventing discoloration of plastic tableware during dishwashing, preferably in automatic dishwashing.

[0102] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is solved by a method for preventing discoloration of plastic tableware during dishwashing, which method comprises adding at least one water-soluble polyester to a detergent composition for automatic dishwashing.

[0103] The following non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present invention and to aid in the understanding of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

[0104] Experimental conditions:

[0105] Dishwashing machine:

[0106] A consumer-related dishwasher (model: GE GDT605PSM0SS) was used to test the effect of the polymers on reducing discoloration (red stains) on plastics during a dishwasher cycle. The dishwasher was used according to the following program: time = 1 h + heating program (main wash peak temperature: 55°C), connected to a 110V / 60Hz power supply. The water hardness used was 6.74°GH (120ppmCa / Mg).

[0107] Dishwasher loading (ballast and plastic cutlery):

[0108] The top and bottom of the dishwashing machine tray are loaded with a series of ballast tableware to represent ideal consumer-related conditions. The choice of the top tray is a plate (white, ceramic, quantity: 3-6), a beaker (glass, transparent, quantity: 5-8), a teacup (white, ceramic, quantity: 5-8), and the choice of the bottom tray is a large plate (white, ceramic, quantity: 8-12) and a regular plate (black, ceramic, quantity: 3-6). The relevant plastic tableware required for the test is also selected from a series of plastic utensils related to consumers. The top tray is loaded with a plastic container (polypropylene, Tupperware, transparent, quantity: 2), a container cover (LDPE, Tupperware, green, quantity: 2), and the bottom tray is loaded with a LEGITIM cutting board (LDPE, white, manufactured by IKEA, quantity: 1).

[0109] Red Stains:

[0110] 100 g of Heinz Ketchup (production code: 20211932TK1) from a local grocery store was weighed into a beaker and inverted in the upper tray of the dishwasher.

[0111] Testing Procedure:

[0112] Pre-wash:

[0113] Since plastics often have an initial coating on them that prevents stains from being absorbed, all plastics used for testing were pre-washed in a dishwasher cycle using the reference detergent formulation F1. The plastic dishes were then used for testing.

[0114] All ballast dishes and plastics were placed in the above positions in the dishwasher. The ketchup stains in the beaker were also loaded into the upper tray of the dishwasher in the dishwasher. Finally, the baseline detergent and the polymer as active agent were placed in the dosing chamber and a complete cycle was run before determining the effectiveness of the polymer in preventing the red ketchup stains from being deposited on the plastics. After the dishwasher cycle, the plastics were allowed to dry completely in a dark area and evaluated within 24 hours. After each test cycle, the dishwasher was cleaned with a Neodisher LaboCleaner A8, descaled with citric acid and finally reconditioned with the baseline detergent in preparation for the next test cycle.

[0115] Evaluation of plastic discoloration:

[0116] The "Total Color Difference" (TCD) values ​​of all transparent plastic products, i.e. cutting boards and boxes, were assessed using a DigiEye (VeriVide, diffuse light, calibrated for white and a full color palette). This was calculated using the following formula:

[0117]

[0118] in,

[0119] ΔE2 is the color difference between undyed plastic and plastic dyed with only the benchmark detergent + polymer

[0120] ΔE1 is the color difference between undyed plastic and plastic dyed with a benchmark detergent

[0121] And ΔL, Δa, and Δb are color values ​​stored in the LAB color scale by DigiEye.

[0122] In this context, the lower the corresponding TCD value obtained, the better the protection of the plastic against discoloration. Therefore, the smaller the TCD value, the better the protection against staining.

[0123] Experimental results:

[0124]

[0125] Table 1: Comparative formulations and formulations of the invention.

[0126]

[0127] Table 2: Additional comparative formulations and formulations of the invention.

[0128] It has been demonstrated that compared to the benchmark formulations F1, F2 and F3 (all without the specific polymer) and to the formulations containing Sokalan The color transfer of red stain (ketchup) on plastic panels was significantly reduced compared to the comparative examples (F4, F7, F10 and F13) that were used as alternative comparative polymers.

[0129] Texcare SRA and Repel-o-Tex SF- It has been shown to be effective and outperform the nonionic variants, even though both are still much better than comparative formulations that do not contain any specific polymer or contain another alternative polymer instead of the water-soluble polyester.

[0130]

[0131] Table 3: Polymers used in the examples

[0132] In this article, Sokalan It is a copolymer of maleic acid and diisobutylene sodium salt.

[0133] Texcare SRA It is a sulfonated aromatic water-soluble polyester. It is a condensation product of terephthalic acid, 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol and their polymerized polyethers, with a number average molecular weight of less than 15,000 g / mol.

[0134] Texcare SRN Is Texcare SRA A non-ionic variant of .

[0135] Repel-o-Tex SF- Is similar to Texcare SRA Sulfonated hydrophilic aromatic polyester.

[0136] The present invention demonstrates the successful use of water-soluble polyesters to prevent discoloration of plastics during dishwashing cycles. Even at low concentrations in detergent formulations, this particular type of polymer demonstrates outstanding benefits. Significant improvements in the degree of discoloration of plastics compared to the baseline formulation are evident.

[0137] The present invention therefore solves the problem of providing a dishwashing detergent composition comprising a water-soluble polyester; wherein said dishwashing detergent composition can be used in single dose detergent products as well as in self-feeding automatic dishwashing processes; in particular for preventing discoloration of plastics during dishwasher cycles.

[0138] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art may make many changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such changes and modifications (including those discussed above) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, characterized in that The detergent composition comprises a water-soluble polyester.

2. The dishwashing detergent composition, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to claim 1, characterized in that The water-soluble polyester is a water-soluble aromatic polyester.

3. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to claim 2, characterized in that The water-soluble aromatic polyester is obtained by reacting at least one diol with at least one aromatic diacid or a derivative thereof.

4. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The water-soluble aromatic polyester is obtained by reacting at least one diol with at least two different aromatic diacids or derivatives thereof.

5. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The at least one diol is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polybutylene glycol.

6. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The derivative of the at least one aromatic diacid comprises one or two ester groups, one or two anhydride groups, one or two carboxylate groups, and / or one or two carboxylic acid chloride groups instead of one or two corresponding carboxylic acid groups of the corresponding aromatic diacid; wherein preferably, the derivative of the at least one aromatic diacid comprises at least one or two methyl ester groups instead of one or two corresponding carboxylic acid groups of the corresponding aromatic diacid.

7. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterised in that The at least one aromatic diacid or a derivative thereof is selected from the group consisting of terephthalic acid, isoterephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, orthophthalic acid, 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, 5-sulfoisoterephthalic acid, 5-sulfoterephthalic acid and 5-sulfophthalic acid.

8. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to claim 7, characterized in that One aromatic diacid or derivative thereof of the at least one aromatic diacid or derivative thereof is selected from the group consisting of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, 5-sulfoisoterephthalic acid, 5-sulfoterephthalic acid or 5-sulfophthalic acid.

9. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that The water-soluble aromatic polyesters contain at least one substituent in which at least one hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring, preferably in position 5, is replaced by a sulfate group, by a sulfonic acid group, or by an anionic sulfonic acid group with a corresponding suitable counterion.

10. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The number average molecular weight of the polyester is 1000 g / mol to 50000 g / mol, preferably 2500 g / mol to 25000 g / mol, more preferably 2500 g / mol to 12000 g / mol.

11. A dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The dishwashing detergent composition, preferably automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprises from 0.5 to 10 wt %, preferably from 1 to 7 wt %, more preferably from 1.2 to 4 wt % of the water-soluble polyester.

12. A water-soluble container for dishwashing, preferably a water-soluble container for automatic dishwashing, characterized in that: The water-soluble container is made of a thermoformed water-soluble film comprising poly(vinyl alcohol), and wherein the water-soluble container is at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The dishwashing water-soluble container, preferably the automatic dishwashing water-soluble container, according to claim 12, characterized in that The water-soluble container comprises at least a first compartment and at least a second compartment separate from the first compartment; wherein the at least first compartment is at least partially filled with a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 in powder form.

14. An automatic feeding and automatic dishwashing system, characterized in that: The automatic dishwashing system comprises at least a first cartridge and at least a second cartridge arranged separately from each other inside the dishwashing device, wherein the at least first cartridge is at least partially filled with an automatic dishwashing detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11; Alternatively, it is characterized in that the automatic loading automatic dishwashing system comprises a cartridge, the cartridge comprising at least a first cartridge compartment and at least a second cartridge compartment separated from each other inside the cartridge, wherein the first cartridge compartment is at least partially filled with the automatic dishwashing detergent composition of any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. Use of a dishwashing detergent composition, preferably an automatic dishwashing detergent composition, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 for preventing discoloration of plastic tableware during a dishwashing process, preferably in an automatic dishwashing process.

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