Process for preparing a laundry detergent composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for making a laundry detergent composition, the process comprising: (a) forming a mixture by contacting: (i) a molten fatty acid; (ii) a liquid alkaline ingredient, and (iii) a nonionic surfactant, wherein the mixture comprises: (i) a partially neutralized fatty acid component; (ii) a nonionic surfactant; and (iii) water, wherein the molar ratio of fatty acid to liquid alkaline ingredient contacted together in step (a) is higher than 1:1; (b) contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with a detergent powder to form a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition, wherein the mixture is contacted with the detergent powder in step (b) by spraying the mixture onto the detergent powder at a temperature greater than 50°C, wherein the detergent powder comprises detergent ingredients, wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) a nonionic surfactant; (ii) a soap; (iii) a fatty acid; (iv) water; and (v) detergent ingredients.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT international application filed on April 10, 2020, with PCT international application number PCT / US2020 / 027568 and Chinese national application number 202080029623.5, entitled "Method for preparing laundry detergent composition". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a method for preparing a free-flowing, solid particulate laundry detergent composition. The method provides a free-flowing, solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprising a nonionic surfactant. The free-flowing, solid particulate laundry detergent composition provided by the method of this invention exhibits good flow properties, such as flowability. Background Technology

[0003] Detergent manufacturers incorporate nonionic surfactants into their free-flowing, solid particulate laundry detergent compositions to improve the cleaning performance of the compositions. However, incorporating nonionic surfactants into these compositions results in poor powder flow characteristics. This invention overcomes this problem by providing a method for preparing free-flowing, solid particulate laundry detergent compositions. The method involves the partial neutralization of fatty acids, which are mixed with a nonionic surfactant, for example, by spraying, before contacting the mixture with detergent powder. The method of this invention provides a means of incorporating a nonionic surfactant into the composition in a manner that causes the resulting composition to exhibit good powder flow characteristics, such as flowability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a method for preparing a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) forming a mixture by contacting the following substances: (i) molten fatty acid; (ii) a liquid alkaline component; and (iii) a nonionic surfactant to obtain a mixture comprising: (i) a partially neutralized fatty acid component, wherein the partially neutralized fatty acid component comprises fatty acid and soap; (ii) a nonionic surfactant; and (iii) water, wherein the molar ratio of the fatty acid to the liquid alkaline component contacted together in step (a) is greater than 1:1; (b) contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with detergent powder to form a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition, wherein the detergent powder comprises a detergent component, and wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) a nonionic surfactant; (ii) soap; (iii) fatty acid; (iv) water; and (v) a detergent component. Detailed Implementation

[0005] This invention relates to a method for preparing a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) forming a mixture by contacting the following substances: (i) molten fatty acid; (ii) a liquid alkaline component; and (iii) a nonionic surfactant to obtain a mixture comprising: (i) a partially neutralized fatty acid component, wherein the partially neutralized fatty acid component comprises fatty acid and soap; (ii) a nonionic surfactant; and (iii) water, wherein the molar ratio of the fatty acid to the liquid alkaline component contacted together in step (a) is greater than 1:1; (b) contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with detergent powder to form a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition, wherein in step (b) the mixture is contacted with the detergent powder by spraying the mixture onto the detergent powder at a temperature greater than 50°C, wherein the detergent powder comprises detergent components, and wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) a nonionic surfactant; (ii) soap; (iii) fatty acid; (iv) water; and (v) detergent components.

[0006] Method for preparing free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent compositions:

[0007] The method comprises the following steps: (a) forming a mixture by contacting the following substances: (i) molten fatty acids; (ii) a liquid alkaline component; and (iii) a nonionic surfactant to obtain a mixture, wherein the mixture comprises: (i) a partially neutralized fatty acid component, wherein the partially neutralized fatty acid component comprises fatty acids and soap; (ii) a nonionic surfactant; and (iii) water, wherein the molar ratio of the fatty acids contacted together in step (a) to the liquid alkaline component is greater than 1:1; (b) contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with detergent powder to form a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition, wherein in step (b) the mixture is contacted with the detergent powder by spraying the mixture onto the detergent powder at a temperature greater than 50°C, wherein the detergent powder comprises detergent components, and wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) a nonionic surfactant; (ii) soap; (iii) fatty acids; (iv) water; and (v) detergent components.

[0008] Step (a) Forming a mixture :

[0009] Step (a) forms a mixture by contacting the following substances: (i) molten fatty acids; (ii) a liquid alkaline component; and (iii) a nonionic surfactant. The mixture comprises: (i) a partially neutralized fatty acid component, wherein the partially neutralized fatty acid component comprises fatty acids and soap; (ii) a nonionic surfactant; and (iii) water, wherein the molar ratio of the fatty acids contacted together in step (a) to the liquid alkaline component is greater than 1:1.

[0010] Preferably, step (a) is performed in a mixer that has a mixing time of at least 10 ms. -1 And preferably 10ms -1 Up to 30ms -1 The speed within the range.

[0011] Step (b) forms a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition. :

[0012] Step (b) involves contacting the mixture obtained in step (a) with detergent powder to form a free-flowing, solid granular laundry detergent composition. The detergent powder contains detergent ingredients. The free-flowing, solid granular laundry detergent composition contains: (i) a nonionic surfactant; (ii) soap; (iii) a fatty acid; (iv) water; and (v) detergent ingredients.

[0013] Preferably, in step (b), the mixture is brought into contact with the detergent powder by spraying the mixture onto the detergent powder at a temperature greater than 40°C, or greater than 50°C, or even greater than 55°C.

[0014] mixture :

[0015] The mixture comprises: (i) a partially neutralized fatty acid component, wherein the partially neutralized fatty acid component comprises fatty acids and soaps; (ii) a nonionic surfactant; and (iii) water.

[0016] Preferably, the weight ratio of the partially neutralized fatty acid component to the nonionic surfactant in the mixture obtained in step (a) is in the range of 1:0.05 to 1:0.30.

[0017] Preferably, the mixture obtained in step (a) comprises: (i) 4.0% to 24.0% by weight of a partially neutralized fatty acid component, wherein the partially neutralized fatty acid component comprises: (i) 38.0% to 84.0% by weight of fatty acids; and (ii) 16.0% to 62.0% by weight of soap; (ii) 75% to 95% by weight of nonionic surfactant; and (iii) 0.15% to 2.80% by weight of water.

[0018] fatty acid :

[0019] This fatty acid is an alkyl carboxylic acid, typically with the structure R-COOH, where R is an alkyl chain. Usually, R is C7-C. 23 Alkyl chain. Preferably, the fatty acid is C10. 16 -C 18 Fatty acids. These fatty acids can be saturated, unsaturated, or a mixture of saturated and unsaturated.

[0020] The fatty acid is in molten form during step (a). Typically, during step (a), the temperature of the fatty acid is at least 5°C or 10°C above its melting range. Typically, step (a) is carried out at a temperature above 50°C or even 60°C.

[0021] Preferably, the free-flowing solid granular laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) fatty acids in crystalline form; and (ii) soap in crystalline form. A technician can control the crystallinity of the fatty acids by ensuring that the fatty acids are below their melting point. The melting point of the fatty acids can be controlled by their degree of neutralization; increasing the degree of neutralization increases the melting point of the fatty acids.

[0022] soap :

[0023] Soap is a salt of fatty acids. Typically, soap has the structure R-COO. - M + Where R is an alkyl chain, and M + It is a cation. Typically, R is C7-C. 23 Alkyl chain. Typically, M + It can be any alkali metal cation; suitable cations include Na. + K + .

[0024] Partially neutralized fatty acid components :

[0025] Preferably, the molar ratio of fatty acids to soap in the neutralized fatty acid component is in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:5.0.

[0026] Preferably, the degree of neutralization of the partially neutralized fatty acids is in the range of 30% to 60%, more preferably 40% to 50% (mol%).

[0027] Crystallized forms of fatty acids and soap :

[0028] When present in free-flowing, solid particulate laundry detergent compositions, fatty acids are typically in crystalline form. At least a portion of the fatty acid may form fatty acid crystals, typically having a crystalline structure R-COOH, where R is an alkyl chain of the molecule. This is commonly referred to as the crystalline form of free fatty acids.

[0029] When present in a free-flowing, solid particulate laundry detergent composition, the soap is typically in crystalline form. At least a portion of the soap can form soap crystals, typically having a crystalline structure R-COO. - M + Where R is the alkyl chain of the molecule and M + It is a cationic form. This is commonly referred to as the free soap crystalline form.

[0030] At least a portion of a fatty acid and at least a portion of a soap can co-crystallize to form a eutectic. These eutectics can have different structures depending on the number of fatty acid molecules and soap molecules co-crystallizing together. Typical crystal structures include NaH2(R-COO)3, NaH(R-COO)2, and Na2H(R-COO)3, where R is an alkyl chain of the molecule. The eutectic can be formed by partially neutralizing the fatty acid at an elevated temperature to form a mixture of fatty acid and soap, and then cooling the mixture to below the melting point of the eutectic.

[0031] Preferably, the amount of free fatty acid crystalline form and / or free soap crystalline form present in the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition is minimized. Preferably, the amount of co-crystalline fatty acids and soap is maximized. Low neutralization tends to yield a high content of free fatty acid crystals and a co-crystal with the structure NaH2(R-COO)3. High neutralization tends to yield a high content of free soap crystals and a co-crystal with the structure Na2H(R-COO)3.

[0032] Liquid alkaline components :

[0033] Any liquid alkaline component can be used. Preferred liquid alkaline components are liquid alkali metal hydroxides. Highly preferred liquid alkaline components are sodium hydroxide.

[0034] Nonionic surfactants :

[0035] Suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated alcohols. Preferred nonionic surfactants are alkoxylated C8-C alcohols having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3 to 10. 18 Alkyl alcohols. Preferred nonionic surfactants are ethoxylated C8-C alcohols having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3 to 10. 18 Alkyl alcohols.

[0036] Nonionic surfactants can be linear or branched. A suitable nonionic surfactant is a linear C8-C surfactant with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3 to 10. 18 Alkyl alcohols. Another suitable nonionic surfactant is a branched C8-C alkyl alcohol with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3 to 10. 18 Alkyl alcohols.

[0037] Detergent powder :

[0038] Typically, detergent powder contains detergent ingredients. Preferably, detergent powder contains anionic detergency surfactants. Preferably, detergent powder contains alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0039] Detergent powder can be a detergent base powder, such as a spray-dried powder or agglomerate. Detergent powder can also be a mixture of different types of detergent particles. Suitable detergent particles are described in more detail below.

[0040] Detergent ingredients :

[0041] Preferably, the detergent component is an anionic detergency surfactant. A preferred anionic detergency surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate. Other suitable detergent components are described in more detail below.

[0042] Free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition :

[0043] Preferably, the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition contains less than 0.1% by weight of fatty acids. More preferably, the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition contains from more than 0% by weight to 0.1% by weight of fatty acids.

[0044] Preferably, the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) fatty acids in crystalline form; and (ii) soap in crystalline form.

[0045] Preferably, the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) 0.2 wt% to 5.0 wt% of a nonionic surfactant; (ii) 0.0035 wt% to 0.2700 wt% of a fatty acid; (iii) 0.0015 wt% to 0.1800 wt% of a soap; (iv) 0.0003 wt% to 0.0370 wt% of water contained in the mixture formed in step (a); (v) 5.0 wt% to 25 wt% of an anionic detergency surfactant; and (vi) optionally 0.01 wt% to 15.00 wt% of a polymer.

[0046] Typically, free-flowing solid granular laundry detergent compositions are the full formulation of a laundry detergent composition, not just a part of it (such as spray-dried, extruded, or agglomerated granules that form only a part of the laundry detergent composition). Typically, solid compositions comprise multiple chemically distinct particles, such as spray-dried base detergent particles and / or agglomerated base detergent particles and / or extruded base detergent particles; combinations of one or more, typically two or more, or five or more, or even ten or more particles, selected from: surfactant particles, including surfactant agglomerates, surfactant extruders, surfactant needles, surfactant flakes, surfactant sheets; phosphate particles; zeolite particles; silicate particles, especially sodium silicate particles; carbonate particles, especially sodium carbonate particles; polymer particles, such as carboxylate polymer particles, cellulose polymer particles, starch particles, polyester particles, polyamine particles, terephthalic acid polymer particles, polyethylene glycol particles; aesthetic particles, such as colored strips, needles, layered particles, and ring particles; enzyme particles, such as protease particles, amylase particles, lipase particles, cellulase particles, mannanase particles, pectinase lyase particles, xyloglucanase particles, bleaching enzyme particles, and any of these enzymes. One type of co-particles, preferably these enzyme particles, contain sodium sulfate; bleaching agent particles, such as percarbonate particles, especially coated percarbonate particles, such as percarbonate coated with carbonate, sulfate, silicate, borosilicate, or any combination thereof, perborate particles, bleaching activator particles such as tetraacetylethylenediamine particles and / or alkyloxybenzene sulfonate particles, bleaching catalyst particles such as transition metal catalyst particles, and / or isoquinoline onion bleaching catalyst particles, pre-formed peracid particles, especially coated pre-formed peracid particles. Granules; filler granules, such as sulfate granules and chloride granules; clay granules, such as montmorillonite granules and clay with siloxane granules; flocculant granules, such as polyethylene oxide granules; wax granules, such as wax agglomerates; siloxane granules, whitening agent granules; dye transfer inhibitor granules; dye fixative granules; fragrance granules, such as fragrance microcapsules and starch-encapsulated fragrance harmonizer granules, and pre-fragrance granules, such as Schiff base reaction product granules; tinting dye granules; chelating agent granules, such as chelating agent agglomerates; and any combination thereof.

[0047] Suitable laundry detergent compositions comprise detergent ingredients selected from the following: detergency surfactants, such as anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and ampholytic surfactants; polymers, such as carboxylate polymers, detergency polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulose polymers, and conditioning polymers; bleaches, such as hydrogen peroxide sources, bleaching activators, bleaching catalysts, and pre-formed peracids; photobleaching agents, such as zinc phthalocyanine sulfonate and / or aluminum phthalocyanine sulfonate; enzymes, such as proteases, amylases, cellulases, and lipases; zeolite builders; phosphate builders; auxiliary builders, such as citric acid and citrates; carbonates, such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; sulfates, such as sodium sulfate; silicates, such as sodium silicate; chloride salts, such as sodium chloride; brighteners; chelating agents; toning agents; dye transfer inhibitors; dye fixatives; fragrances; siloxanes; fabric softeners, such as clays; flocculants, such as polyethylene oxide; defoamers; and any combination thereof.

[0048] Suitable laundry detergent compositions may have low buffering capacity. Such compositions typically have a reserve alkalinity of less than 5.0 g NaOH / 100 g up to pH 9.5. These low-buffered laundry detergent compositions generally contain low amounts of carbonates.

[0049] Detergent surfactants: Suitable detergency surfactants include anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and bacteriophageal surfactants. Suitable detergency surfactants can be linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, and can be derived from petrochemical or biological materials.

[0050] Anionic detergent surfactants Suitable anionic detergency surfactants include sulfonate detergency surfactants and sulfate detergency surfactants.

[0051] Suitable sulfonate detergency surfactants include methyl sulfonate, α-olefin sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, especially alkylbenzene sulfonate, preferably C 10-13 Alkylbenzene sulfonates. Suitable alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are available, preferably obtained by sulfonating commercially available linear alkylbenzenes (LABs); suitable LABs include lower 2-phenyl LABs, and other suitable LABs include higher 2-phenyl LABs, such as those marketed under the trade name Hyblene. ® Those supplied by Sasol.

[0052] Suitable sulfate detergency surfactants include alkyl sulfates, preferably C464-242 ... 8-18 Alkyl sulfates, or mainly C 12Alkyl sulfates.

[0053] Preferred sulfate detergency surfactants are alkylalkoxylated sulfates, preferably alkylethoxylated sulfates, and preferably C 8-18 Alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates, have an average degree of alkoxylation of 0.5 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 10, and preferably alkyl alkoxylated sulfates are C 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.5 to 10, preferably 0.5 to 5, more preferably 0.5 to 3, and most preferably 0.5 to 1.5.

[0054] Alkyl sulfates, alkylalkoxylated sulfates, and alkylbenzene sulfonates can be straight-chain or branched, substituted or unsubstituted, and can be derived from petrochemical or biological materials.

[0055] Other suitable anionic detergency surfactants include alkyl ether carboxylates.

[0056] Suitable anionic detergency surfactants may be in the form of salts, and suitable counterions include sodium, calcium, magnesium, amino alcohols, and any combination thereof. Sodium is the preferred counterion.

[0057] Nonionic detergency surfactants Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants are selected from: C8-C 18 Alkyl ethoxylates, such as NEODOL from Shell ® Nonionic surfactant; C6-C 12 Alkylphenol alkoxylates, wherein preferably the alkoxyl unit is an ethyleneoxy unit, an propyleneoxy unit, or a mixture thereof; C 12 -C 18 alcohols and C6-C 12 Condensations of alkylphenols with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymers, such as Pluronic from BASF. ® Alkyl polysaccharides, preferably alkyl polyglycosides; methyl ester ethoxylates; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; ether-terminated poly(alkoxylated) alcohol surfactants; and mixtures thereof.

[0058] Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants are alkyl polyglucosides and / or alkyl alkoxylated alcohols.

[0059] Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants include alkylalkoxylated alcohols, preferably C 8-18 Alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C 8-18Alkyl ethoxylated alcohols, preferably alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, have an average degree of alkoxylation of 1 to 50, preferably 1 to 30, or 1 to 20, or 1 to 10, and preferably alkyl alkoxylated alcohols are C10 and C20. 8-18 Alkyl ethoxylated alcohols having an average degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7, more preferably 1 to 5, and most preferably 3 to 7. Alkyl alkoxylated alcohols may be straight-chain or branched, and may be substituted or unsubstituted.

[0060] Suitable nonionic detergency surfactants include detergency surfactants based on secondary alcohols.

[0061] Cationic detergent surfactants Suitable cationic detergency surfactants include alkylpyridinium compounds, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl quaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl ternary sulfonium compounds, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] Preferred cationic detergency surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds having the following general formula:

[0063] (R)(R1)(R2)(R3)N + X -

[0064] Where R is a straight or branched chain, substituted or unsubstituted C. 6-18 The alkyl or alkenyl moiety, R1 and R2 are independently selected from the methyl or ethyl moiety, R3 is the hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl moiety, and X is an anion that provides electroneutrality, preferably including: halide ions, preferably chloride ions; sulfate ions; and sulfonate ions.

[0065] zwitterionic detergent surfactants Suitable amphoteric detergency surfactants include amine oxides and / or betaine.

[0066] polymer Suitable polymers include carboxylate polymers, detergent polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulose polymers, care polymers, and any combination thereof.

[0067] Carboxylate polymers The composition may contain a carboxylate polymer, such as a maleate / acrylate random copolymer or a polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers include: polyacrylate homopolymers having a molecular weight of 4,000 Da to 9,000 Da; and maleate / acrylate random copolymers having a molecular weight of 50,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or 60,000 Da to 80,000 Da.

[0068] Another suitable carboxylate polymer is a copolymer comprising: (i) 50% to less than 98% by weight of structural units derived from one or more monomers containing carboxyl groups; (ii) 1% to less than 49% by weight of structural units derived from one or more monomers containing sulfonate moieties; and (iii) 1% to 49% by weight of structural units derived from one or more classes of monomers selected from monomers containing ether bonds represented by formulas (I) and (II).

[0069] Formula (I):

[0070]

[0071] In formula (I), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a CH3 group, R represents a CH2 group, a CH2CH2 group, or a single bond, and X represents a number from 0 to 5, provided that when R is a single bond, X represents a number from 1 to 5, and R1 is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C2 atom. 20 Organic groups;

[0072] Equation (II)

[0073]

[0074] In formula (II), R0 represents a hydrogen atom or a CH3 group, R represents a CH2 group, a CH2CH2 group, or a single bond, X represents a number from 0 to 5, and R1 is a hydrogen atom or C1 to C2. 20 Organic groups.

[0075] Preferably, the polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 50 kDa or even at least 70 kDa.

[0076] Detergent polymers The composition may contain a detergency polymer. A suitable detergency polymer has a structure as defined by one of the following structures (I), (II), or (III):

[0077] (I) -[(OCHR 1 -CHR 2 ) a -O-OC-Ar-CO-] d

[0078] (II) -[(OCHR 3 -CHR 4 ) b -O-OC-sAr-CO-] e

[0079] (III) -[(OCHR 5 -CHR 6 ) c-OR 7 ] f

[0080] in:

[0081] a, b, and c range from 1 to 200;

[0082] d, e, and f range from 1 to 50;

[0083] Ar is a 1,4-substituted phenylene;

[0084] sAr is a 1,3-substituted phenylene oxide that is substituted at position 5 by SO3Me;

[0085] Me is Li, K, Mg / 2, Ca / 2, Al / 3, ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium, or tetraalkylammonium, wherein the alkyl group is C1-C. 18 Alkyl or C2-C 10 hydroxyalkyl groups or mixtures thereof;

[0086] R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 R 5 and R 6 Independently selected from H or C1-C 18 n-alkyl or C1-C 18 isoalkyl; and

[0087] R 7 C1-C, whether straight or branched 18 Alkyl groups, or straight-chain or branched C2-C 30 Alkenyl, or cycloalkyl having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, or C8-C 30 Aryl, or C6-C 30 Arylalkyl.

[0088] Suitable detergent polymers are produced by Clariant with TexCare. ® A range of polymers are available for sale, such as TexCare. ® SRN240 and TexCare ® SRA300. Other suitable detergency polymers are available from Solvay using Repel-o-Tex. ® A range of polymers are available, such as Repel-o-Tex. ® SF2 and Repel-o-Tex ® Crystal.

[0089] Anti-redeposition polymers Suitable anti-redeposition polymers include polyethylene glycol polymers and / or polyethyleneimine polymers.

[0090] Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers include random graft copolymers comprising: (i) a hydrophilic backbone comprising polyethylene glycol; and (ii) one or more hydrophobic side chains selected from C4-C4. 25 Alkyl groups, polypropylene, polybutylene, vinyl esters of saturated C1-C6 monocarboxylic acids, C1-C6 alkyl esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers have a polyethylene glycol backbone with randomly grafted polyvinyl acetate side chains. The average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol backbone can range from 2,000 Da to 20,000 Da, or from 4,000 Da to 8,000 Da. The molecular weight ratio of the polyethylene glycol backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains can range from 1:1 to 1:5, or from 1:1.2 to 1:2. The average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit can be less than 0.02, or less than 0.016, and the average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit can range from 0.010 to 0.018, or the average number of grafting sites per ethylene oxide unit can be less than 0.010, or in the range of 0.004 to 0.008.

[0091] Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers are described in WO08 / 007320.

[0092] A suitable polyethylene glycol polymer is Sokalan HP22.

[0093] Cellulose polymers Suitable cellulose polymers are selected from alkyl cellulose, alkylalkoxyalkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose, alkylcarboxyalkyl cellulose, sulfonyl alkyl cellulose, and more preferably from carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0094] Suitable carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of carboxymethyl substitution of 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight of 100,000 Da to 300,000 Da.

[0095] Suitable carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of substitution greater than 0.65 and a blockiness greater than 0.45, for example, as described in WO09 / 154933.

[0096] Nursing polymers Suitable care polymers include cationic or hydrophobic modified cellulose polymers. These modified cellulose polymers can provide fabrics with beneficial anti-abrasion and dye-locking effects during washing cycles. Suitable cellulose polymers include cationic modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0097] Other suitable care polymers include dye-locked polymers, such as condensation oligomers produced by the condensation of imidazole and epichlorohydrin, preferably in a 1:4:1 ratio. A suitable commercially available dye-locked polymer is Polyquart. ® FDI (Cognis).

[0098] Other suitable care polymers include amino-siloxanes, which can provide beneficial effects on fabric feel and fabric shape retention.

[0099] bleach Suitable bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxide sources, bleaching activators, bleaching catalysts, pre-formed peracids, and any combination thereof. Particularly suitable bleaching agents include combinations of hydrogen peroxide sources with bleaching activators and / or bleaching catalysts.

[0100] hydrogen peroxide source Suitable sources of hydrogen peroxide include sodium perborate and / or sodium percarbonate.

[0101] bleaching activator Suitable bleaching activators include tetraacetylethylenediamine and / or alkylphenol sulfonates.

[0102] Bleaching catalyst The composition may contain a bleaching catalyst. Suitable bleaching catalysts include peroxyimine cation bleaching catalysts, transition metal bleaching catalysts, especially manganese and iron bleaching catalysts. Suitable bleaching catalysts have a structure conforming to the following general formula:

[0103]

[0104] Where R 13 It is selected from 2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-pentylnonyl, 2-hexyldecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-octadecyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isothidecyl, isothidecyl and isopentetane.

[0105] Pre-formed peracid Suitable preformed peracids include phthalimide-peroxyhexanoic acid.

[0106] enzymes Suitable enzymes include lipases, proteases, cellulases, amylases, and any combination thereof.

[0107] protease Suitable proteases include metalloproteinases and serine proteases. Examples of suitable neutral or alkaline proteases include: subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62); trypsin-type or chymotrypsin-type proteases; and metalloproteinases. Suitable proteases include chemically modified or genetically modified mutants of the aforementioned suitable proteases.

[0108] Suitable commercially available proteases include those marketed under the trade name Alcalase. ® Savinase ® Prime ® Durazym ® Polarzyme ® Kannase ® Liquanase ® Liquanase Ultra ® Savinase Ultra ® Ovozyme ® Neutrase ® Everlase ® and Esperase ® Those sold by Novozymes A / S (Denmark); under the trade name Maxatase ® Maxacal ® Maxapem ® Preferenz P ® A series of proteases, including Preferenz ® P280, Preferenz ® P281, Preferenz ® P2018-C, Preferenz ® P2081-WE, Preferenz ® P2082-EE and Preferenz ® P2083-A / J, Property ® Purafect ® Purafect Prime ® Purafect Ox ® FN3 ® FN4 ® Excellase ® and Purafect OXP ® Those sold by DuPont; under the trade name Opticlean ® and Optimase ®Those sold by Solvay Enzymes; those purchased from Henkel / Kemira, namely BLAP (sequence shown in Figure 29 of US 5,352,604, with the following mutations: S99D + S101 R + S103A + V104I + G159S, hereinafter referred to as BLAP); BLAP R (BLAP with S3T + V4I + V199M + V205I + L217D), BLAPX (BLAP with S3T + V4I + V205I), and BLAP F49 (BLAP with S3T + V4I + A194P + V199M + V205I + L217D) from Henkel / Kemira; and KAP (Bacillus subtilis protease with the mutation A230V + S256G + S259N) from Kao.

[0109] The appropriate proteases are described in WO11 / 140316 and WO11 / 072117.

[0110] amylase Suitable amylases are derived from AA560α amylase, endogenously derived from Bacillus spp. DSM 12649, and preferably have the following mutations: R118K, D183*, G184*, N195F, R320K, and / or R458K. Suitable commercially available amylases include Stainzyme. ® Stainzyme ® Plus, Natalase, Terminyl ® Termonyl ® Ultra, Liquezyme ® SZ, Duramyl ® Everest ® (All from Novozymes) and Spezyme ® AA, Preferenz S ® Series of amylases, Purastar ® and Purastar ® Ox Am, Optisize ® HT Plus (both from DuPont).

[0111] The appropriate amylase is described in WO06 / 002643.

[0112] CellulaseSuitable cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein-engineered mutants are also suitable. Suitable cellulases include those from the genera *Bacillus*, *Pseudomonas*, *Humicola*, *Fusarium*, *Thielavia*, and *Acremonium*, such as fungal cellulases produced by *Humicola insolens*, *Myceliophthora thermophila*, and *Fusarium oxysporum*.

[0113] Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme ® Carezyme ® and Carezyme ® Premium, Celluclean ® and Whitezyme ® (Novozymes A / S), Revitalenz ® Series of enzymes (Du Pont), and Biotouch ® AB Enzymes. Suitable commercially available cellulases include Carezyme. ® Premium, Celluclean ® Classic. Suitable proteases are described in WO07 / 144857 and WO10 / 056652.

[0114] Lipase Suitable lipases include those from bacteria, fungi, or synthetic sources, as well as their variants. Chemically modified or protein-engineered mutants are also suitable. Examples of suitable lipases include those from the genus *Thermomyces*, such as those from *H. lanuginosa* (*T. lanuginosus*).

[0115] The lipase may be a "first-cycle lipase," for example, those described in WO06 / 090335 and WO13 / 116261. In one aspect, the lipase is a first-wash lipase, preferably a variant of a wild-type lipase from *Thermophilus spp.* containing the T231R and / or N233R mutation. Preferred lipases include those marketed under the trade name Lipex. ® Lipolex ® and Lipoclean® Those sold by Novozymes (Bagsvaerd, Denmark).

[0116] Other suitable lipases include: Liprl 139, for example as described in WO2013 / 171241; and TfuLip2, for example as described in WO2011 / 084412 and WO2013 / 033318.

[0117] Other enzymes Other suitable enzymes are bleaching enzymes, such as peroxidases / oxidases, which include those of plant, bacterial, or fungal origin, and their variants. Commercially available peroxidases include Guardzyme. ® (Novozymes A / S). Other suitable enzymes include choline oxidases and perhydrolases, such as those used in Gentle Power Bleach. ™ Those in it.

[0118] Other suitable enzymes include those marketed under the trade name X-Pect. ® Pectaway ® (From Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) and PrimaGreen ® DuPont sells pectic acid lyase and under the brand name Mannaway ® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) and Mannastar ® Mannanase sold by (Du Pont).

[0119] Zeolite detergent The composition may contain zeolite detergent builders. The composition may contain 0% to 5% by weight of zeolite detergent builders, or 3% by weight of zeolite detergent builders. The composition may even be substantially free of zeolite detergent builders; substantially free means "without intentional addition". Typical zeolite detergent builders include zeolite A, zeolite P, and zeolite MAP.

[0120] Phosphate builders The composition may contain phosphate builders. The composition may contain 0% to 5% by weight, or up to 3% by weight, of phosphate builders. The composition may even be substantially free of phosphate builders; substantially free means "not intentionally added". A typical phosphate builder is sodium tripolyphosphate.

[0121] carbonatesThe composition may contain carbonates. The composition may contain 0% to 10% by weight of carbonates, or 0% to 5% by weight of carbonates. The composition may even be substantially free of carbonates; substantially free of carbonates means "without intentional addition". Suitable carbonates include sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

[0122] silicates The composition may contain silicates. The composition may contain 0% to 10% by weight of silicates, or 0% to 5% by weight of silicates. Preferred silicates are sodium silicates, particularly preferred sodium silicates having a Na₂O:SiO₂ ratio of 1.0 to 2.8, preferably 1.6 to 2.0.

[0123] sulfates The suitable sulfate is sodium sulfate.

[0124] whitening agent Suitable fluorescent whitening agents include stilbene biphenyl compounds, such as Tinopal. ® CBS-X, diaminostilbene disulfonic acid compounds, such as Tinopal ® DMS Pure Xtra and Blankophor ® HRH, and pyrazoline compounds, such as Blankophor ® SN and coumarin compounds, such as Tinopal ® SWN.

[0125] Preferred brighteners are: sodium 2-(4-styryl-3-sulfonylphenyl)-2H-naphthol[1,2-d]triazole, sodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-phenylamino-6-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl)amino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)];amino}stilbene-2-2'disulfonate, sodium 4,4'-bis{[(4-phenylamino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino}bis(phenylethylene-2-2'disulfonate), and sodium 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl. A suitable fluorescent brightener is CI. Fluorescent brightener 260 can be used in its β or α crystalline form or a mixture of these crystalline forms.

[0126] Chelating agentsThe composition may further comprise a chelating agent selected from: diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, diethylenetriaminepenta (methylphosphonic acid), ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, ethylenediaminetetra (methylenephosphonic acid), and hydroxyethanedi (methylenephosphonic acid). Preferred chelating agents are ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and / or hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP). The composition preferably comprises ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid or a salt thereof. Preferably, ethylenediamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid is in its S,S enantiomer form. Preferably, the composition comprises disodium 4,5-dihydroxy-isophthalic acid. Preferred chelating agents can also act as inhibitors of calcium carbonate crystal growth, such as: 1-hydroxyethane diphosphate (HEDP) and its salts; N,N-dicarboxymethyl-2-aminopentane-1,5-ic acid and its salts; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and its salts; and combinations thereof.

[0127] Toner Suitable toners include small molecule dyes, typically belonging to the color index (CI) classifications of acidic, direct, basic, reactive (including their hydrolyzed forms), or solvent or disperse dyes, such as dyes classified as blue, violet, red, green, or black, and providing the desired hue alone or in combination. Preferred toners of this type include Acid Violet 50, Direct Violet 9, 66, and 99, Solvent Violet 13, and any combinations thereof.

[0128] Many toners applicable to this invention are known and described in the art, such as the toners described in WO2014 / 089386.

[0129] Suitable toners include phthalocyanine and azo dye conjugates, such as those described in WO2009 / 069077.

[0130] Suitable toners can be alkoxylated. Such alkoxylated compounds can be prepared by organic synthesis, which yields a mixture of molecules with different degrees of alkoxylation. This mixture can be used directly as a toner, or it can undergo purification steps to increase the proportion of the target molecule. Suitable toners include alkoxylated diazo dyes, such as those described in WO2012 / 054835, and / or alkoxylated thiophene azo dyes, such as those described in WO2008 / 087497 and WO2012 / 166768.

[0131] Toners can be incorporated as part of a reaction mixture resulting from the organic synthesis of dye molecules via one or more optional purification steps. Such reaction mixtures generally contain the dye molecules themselves and may also contain unreacted starting materials and / or byproducts of the organic synthesis pathway. Suitable toners can be incorporated into tinting dye particles, such as those described in WO 2009 / 069077.

[0132] Dye transfer inhibitors Suitable dye transfer inhibitors include polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyloxazolidinone, polyvinylimidazole, and mixtures thereof. Preferred are poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyridine betaine), poly(vinylpyridine N-oxide), poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinylimidazole), and mixtures thereof. Suitable commercially available dye transfer inhibitors include PVP-K15 and K30 (Ashland), Sokalan. ® HP165, HP50, HP53, HP59, HP56K, HP56, HP66 (BASF), Chromabond ® S-400, S403E and S-100 (Ashland).

[0133] spices Suitable flavorings include flavoring materials selected from the following: (a) flavoring materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of less than 250°C (Quadrant 1 flavoring materials); (b) flavoring materials having a ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of 250°C or greater (Quadrant 2 flavoring materials); (c) flavoring materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of less than 250°C (Quadrant 3 flavoring materials); (d) flavoring materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of 250°C or greater (Quadrant 4 flavoring materials); and (e) mixtures thereof.

[0134] For fragrances, a preferred form is fragrance delivery technology. Such delivery technologies also stabilize and enhance the release of deposited fragrance materials from washed fabrics. These fragrance delivery technologies can also be used to further increase the persistence of fragrance release from washed fabrics. Suitable fragrance delivery technologies include: fragrance microcapsules, pre-fragrances, polymer-assisted delivery, molecular-assisted delivery, fiber-assisted delivery, amine-assisted delivery, cyclodextrins, starch-encapsulated flavoring agents, zeolites and other inorganic carriers, and any mixtures thereof. Suitable fragrance microcapsules are described in WO2009 / 101593.

[0135] siloxaneSuitable siloxanes include polydimethylsiloxanes and amino-siloxanes. Suitable siloxanes are described in WO05075616.

[0136] Method for preparing solid compositions Typically, the particles of the composition can be prepared by any suitable method, such as spray drying, agglomeration, extrusion, and any combination thereof.

[0137] Typically, a suitable spray drying method includes the steps of forming an aqueous slurry mixture, transferring it to a pressure nozzle by at least one pump, preferably two pumps, atomizing the aqueous slurry mixture into a spray drying tower, and drying the aqueous slurry mixture to form spray-dried particles. Preferably, the spray drying tower is a counter-current spray drying tower, although a co-current spray drying tower is also suitable.

[0138] Typically, spray-dried powders are cooled, for example, by air stripping. Typically, spray-dried powders are subjected to particle size classification, such as sieving, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the spray-dried powders have a particle size distribution such that the weight-average particle size is in the range of 300 to 500 micrometers, and less than 10% by weight of the spray-dried particles have a particle size greater than 2360 micrometers.

[0139] It is preferable to heat the aqueous slurry mixture to raise the temperature before atomizing it into a spray drying tower, as described in WO2009 / 158162.

[0140] For anionic surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, it is preferable to introduce them into the spray drying method after the step of forming an aqueous slurry mixture: for example, after pumping, the acid precursor is introduced into the aqueous slurry mixture, such as that described in WO 09 / 158449.

[0141] For gases, such as air, it is preferable to introduce them into the spray drying method after the step of forming an aqueous slurry, as described in WO2013 / 181205.

[0142] For any inorganic component, such as sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate, it is preferable that, if present in an aqueous slurry mixture, it be micronized into small particle sizes, as described in WO2012 / 134969.

[0143] Typically, suitable agglomeration methods involve contacting detergency components, such as detergency surfactants, for example linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and / or alkylalkoxylated sulfates, with inorganic materials, such as sodium carbonate and / or silica, in a mixer. Agglomeration methods can also be in-situ neutralization agglomeration methods, wherein acidic precursors of the detergency surfactant, such as LAS, are contacted with alkaline materials, such as carbonates and / or sodium hydroxide, in a mixer, and wherein the acidic precursors of the detergency surfactant are neutralized by the alkaline material during the agglomeration process to form the detergency surfactant.

[0144] Other suitable detergent ingredients that can be agglomerated include polymers, chelating agents, bleaching activators, siloxanes, and any combination thereof.

[0145] Agglomeration methods can be high-, medium-, or low-shear agglomeration methods, wherein high-shear, medium-shear, or low-shear mixers are used accordingly. Agglomeration methods can be multi-step agglomeration methods, wherein two or more mixers are used, such as a combination of a high-shear mixer and a medium- or low-shear mixer. Agglomeration methods can be continuous or batch methods.

[0146] It is preferable to subject the agglomerates to a drying step, for example, a fluidized bed drying step. It is also preferable to subject the agglomerates to a cooling step, for example, a fluidized bed cooling step.

[0147] Typically, agglomerates undergo particle size classification, such as fluidized bed washing and / or sieving, to obtain a desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the agglomerates have a particle size distribution such that the weight average particle size is in the range of 300 micrometers to 800 micrometers, and less than 10% by weight of the agglomerates have a particle size of less than 150 micrometers, and less than 10% by weight of the agglomerates have a particle size of greater than 1200 micrometers.

[0148] For both fine and oversized agglomerates, recycling back into the agglomeration process is preferred. Typically, oversized particles undergo a crushing step, such as grinding, and are recycled back to the appropriate location within the agglomeration process, such as a mixer. Similarly, fine powder is typically recycled back to the appropriate location within the agglomeration process, such as a mixer.

[0149] For the ingredients, such as polymers and / or nonionic detergency surfactants and / or fragrances, it is preferable to spray them onto the base detergent particles, such as spray-dried base detergent particles and / or agglomerated base detergent particles. Typically, this spraying step is carried out in a tumbling drum mixer.

[0150] Methods of washing fabricsA method for washing fabrics includes the steps of contacting a solid composition with water to form a washing liquid, and washing the fabric in the washing liquid. Typically, the washing liquid has a temperature above 0°C to 90°C, or up to 60°C, or up to 40°C, or up to 30°C, or up to 20°C. The fabric may be in contact with water before, after, or simultaneously with contacting the solid composition with water. Typically, the washing liquid is formed by contacting the laundry detergent with water in an amount such that the concentration of the laundry detergent composition in the washing liquid is from 0.2 g / L to 20 g / L, or from 0.5 g / L to 10 g / L, or up to 5.0 g / L. The method for washing fabrics can be carried out in a front-loading automatic washing machine, a top-loading automatic washing machine, including a high-efficiency automatic washing machine, or a suitable hand-wash container. Typically, the washing liquid contains 90 liters or less, or 60 liters or less, or 15 liters or less, or 10 liters or less of water. Typically, 200g or less, or 150g or less, or 100g or less, or 50g or less of a laundry detergent composition is brought into contact with water to form a washing liquid.

[0151] analyze Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small / wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) or X-ray diffraction (XRD) can be used to analyze samples. DSC measures the melting point, while SWAXS / XRD determines the quantity and type of crystals present in the sample, such as fatty acids, soaps, and fatty acid soaps, and for the latter, the molar ratio of fatty acids to soaps is determined.

[0152] DSC Samples with different degrees of neutralization were grounded, and a few milligrams of sample were loaded onto an aluminum disk. The sample disk was heated from ambient temperature to 100°C at a continuous heating rate of 5-10°C / min. The corresponding melting peaks were then measured.

[0153] SWAXS / XRD Load the grounded sample onto the sample holder. Then place the sample holder on the temperature stage. Heat the sample from ambient temperature to 80°C in 5°C steps, and record SWAXS / XRD for 10-20 minutes at each step according to the signal strength.

[0154] Then, DSC and SWAXS / XRD data as functions of neutralization and temperature were compared to identify the presence of fatty acids and fatty acid soap crystals.

[0155] Example

[0156] A comparison was made between the particulate laundry detergent composition according to the present invention and particulate laundry detergent compositions outside the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0157] An aqueous alkaline slurry consisting of sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, water, acrylate / maleate copolymer, and miscellaneous components was prepared in a mixing vessel at 80°C. Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (HLAS) and sodium hydroxide were added to the aqueous slurry, and the slurry was pumped through a standard spray system pressure nozzle and atomized into a countercurrent spray drying tower with an air inlet temperature of 275°C. The atomized slurry was dried to produce a solid mixture, which was then cooled and sieved to remove excessively large materials (>1.8 mm) to form a spray-dried powder. The spray-dried powder had a bulk density of 470 g / L.

[0158] The composition of the spray-dried powder is given below.

[0159] Table 1: Spray-dried laundry detergent powder compositions

[0160]

[0161] Table 2: Granular Laundry Detergent Compositions

[0162]

[0163] The above-mentioned granular laundry detergent compositions were prepared by dry mixing all the above-mentioned particles (except for AE7, fatty acids, and NaOH) in a continuous rotary mixer (0.6 m diameter, 1.8 m length, 28 rpm). The mass flow rate of the spray-dried powder fed into the continuous rotary mixer was set to 992 kg / hr to produce granular detergent compositions A, B, and C.

[0164] For powder A, liquid AE7 is sprayed onto the powder particles as they pass through a continuous rotary mixer.

[0165] Powder B is prepared by passing molten fatty acids and nonionic surfactants through a high-shear dynamic mixer (IKA Dispax - Reactor). ® (Model size: DR2000 / mixer speed 4000rpm) is formed by contact. The liquid mixture is brought into contact with the intact granular detergent powder by spraying the mixture onto the detergent powder at a temperature of ~55°C.

[0166] According to the present invention, a particulate detergent composition (powder C) is prepared, wherein the liquid mixture is prepared by passing molten fatty acid, nonionic surfactant and sodium hydroxide aqueous solution through a high-shear dynamic mixer (IKA Dispax-Reactor). ®(Model size: DR2000 / mixer speed 4000rpm) is formed by contact. The liquid mixture is brought into contact with the intact granular detergent powder by spraying the mixture onto the detergent powder at a temperature of ~55°C.

[0167] For powders A, B, and C, 1 kg of representative powder samples were taken from the continuous rotary mixer, and the cake strength was analyzed. The average analysis results are shown in Table 3.

[0168] Table 3: Analysis of cake strength for granular detergent compositions A, B, and C

[0169]

[0170] Compared to powders A and B according to the present invention, powder C has significantly lower cake strength. Lower cake strength indicates a significant improvement in powder flow characteristics.

[0171] This example illustrates the importance of forming a mixture of fatty acids containing fatty acids and soap-neutralized fatty acids, along with a nonionic surfactant, in the composition in this manner, resulting in a composition that exhibits improved powder flow properties.

[0172] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition, the method comprising the following steps: (a) A mixture is formed by bringing the following substances into contact: (i) Molten fatty acids; (ii) Liquid alkaline components, and (iii) Nonionic surfactants, To obtain a mixture, wherein the mixture comprises: (i) 4.0% to 24.0% by weight of a partially neutralized fatty acid component, wherein the partially neutralized fatty acid component comprises 38.0% to 84.0% by weight of fatty acids and 16.0% to 62.0% by weight of soap; (ii) 75% to 95% by weight of nonionic surfactants; and (iii) 0.15% to 2.80% by weight of water, In step (a), the molar ratio of the fatty acids that come into contact with each other to the liquid alkaline component is greater than 1:1; (b) The mixture obtained in step (a) is brought into contact with the detergent powder by spraying it onto the detergent powder at a temperature greater than 50°C, and then the resulting particles are cooled to form a free-flowing solid granular laundry detergent composition. The detergent powder contains detergent ingredients. The free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) 0.2% to 5.0% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (ii) 0.0015% by weight to 0.1800% by weight of soap; (iii) 0.0035% by weight to 0.2700% by weight of fatty acids; (iv) 0.0003% by weight to 0.0370% by weight of water; as well as (v) 5.0% to 25% by weight of anionic detergency surfactants.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the liquid alkaline component is sodium hydroxide.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (a) is performed in a mixer having a mixing time of 10 ms. -1 up to 30ms -1 The speed within the range.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises less than 0.1% by weight of fatty acids.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (b) the mixture is brought into contact with the detergent powder by spraying the mixture onto the detergent powder at a temperature greater than 55°C.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molar ratio of fatty acids to soap in the partially neutralized fatty acid component is in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:5.

0.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid is C. 16 -C 18 fatty acid.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of the partially neutralized fatty acid component to the nonionic surfactant in the mixture obtained in step (a) is in the range of 1:0.05 to 1:0.

30.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated C8-C having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3 to 10. 18 Alkyl alcohols.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) Fatty acids in crystalline form; and (ii) Soap in crystalline form.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the fatty acid and at least a portion of the soap are in a eutectic form.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detergent component is an anionic detergency surfactant, and wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises an anionic detergency surfactant.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the anionic detergency surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the free-flowing solid particulate laundry detergent composition comprises: (i) 0.2% to 5.0% by weight of nonionic surfactant; (ii) 0.0035% by weight to 0.2700% by weight of fatty acids; (iii) Soap in quantities ranging from 0.0015% to 0.1800% by weight; (iv) 0.0003% by weight to 0.0370% by weight of water contained in the mixture formed in step (a); (v) 5.0% to 25% by weight of anionic detergency surfactants; and (vi) 0.01% by weight to 15.00% by weight of polymer.

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