Process for producing a detergent with improved optical and rheological properties

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for producing a liquid surfactant-containing detergent. In particular, the invention relates to a sequential process for producing a liquid surfactant-containing detergent with improved optical and rheological properties.

[0002] The packaging and distribution of detergents and washing powders are subject to constantly changing requirements. For some time now, a key focus has been on convenient dosing of detergents and washing powders for consumers and simplifying the steps required to carry out a washing or cleaning process. One solution is pre-portioned detergents or washing powders, for example, foil pouches with one or more compartments for solid or liquid detergents or washing powders. From a technical perspective, a key focus is on the development and production of liquid detergents suitable for packaging in water-soluble foil pouches.

[0003] The commercial success of a detergent portion unit is naturally determined not only by process-related aspects but also by the ability to provide a product that meets consumer needs. A key means of communicating product quality and promise is its appearance, including the shape and color of the portion unit. This is particularly true for water-soluble film pouches, whose soluble films are generally transparent and reveal the solid or liquid detergent inside. While colored, i.e., non-white, liquid detergents can be easily obtained by adding appropriate dyes, the provision of white liquid detergents is more challenging because the opacifiers previously used in their production are increasingly being viewed critically from an ecological perspective.Against this background, the provision of an ecologically acceptable opacifier is a relevant development goal in the field of liquid detergents and washing agents.

[0004] Liquid detergents are typically manufactured using a sequential process in which the detergent ingredients are blended together in chronological order. To achieve a homogeneous end product, the respective intermediates and the final product are mixed with energy input. The final product is characterized not only by the most homogeneous distribution of active ingredients possible, but also by rheological properties suitable for handling by the consumer. The type and timing of adjustment of these rheological properties during the manufacturing process influences the efficiency of the process as well as the final product quality, as the rheological properties of the intermediates and final products are closely related to the energy input required for homogenization during production and the mechanical stress on the intermediates and final products and their components.

[0005] The European patent application EP 0 922 754 A1 describes surfactant-containing liquid detergents with a pearlescent effect.

[0006] Patent applications WO 2015 / 148763 A1 and EP 3 124 585 A1 describe unit-dose articles containing liquid detergents which, in addition to surfactant, fatty acid and solvent, also comprise magnesium salts.

[0007] In summary, the application was based on the objective of providing an efficient process for producing visually appealing, concentrated liquid detergents. The resulting detergents should be particularly suitable for packaging in water-soluble foil pouches.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a process for producing a liquid, surfactant-containing detergent comprising i) 20 to 80 wt% surfactant; ii) 2 to 15 wt% fatty acid; iii) 0.3 to 8 wt% salt of a divalent cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt% solvent; comprehensively the steps: a) Providing a first liquid composition containing surfactant, fatty acid, and solvent; b) Introducing a divalent cation into the liquid composition, wherein the divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in the form of both an inorganic salt and an organic salt, thereby forming a salt-containing composition; c) Mixing the salt-containing composition.

[0009] The starting point of the process according to the invention is the provision of a first liquid composition containing surfactant, fatty acid, and solvent in step a). This preparation can be prepared beforehand in a continuous or discontinuous manner. For example, a line system, preferably equipped with mixing devices, in which the components of the preparation are brought into contact with one another and mixed, is suitable for continuous production. However, due to the reduced equipment and operational complexity, it is preferred if the first liquid composition is prepared discontinuously. For example, preparing the preparation as a storable mixture (master batch) in a stirred tank or other container is suitable for this purpose.Such a container not only enables the storage of intermediate products but also allows for buffering any fluctuations in the throughput rates of the subsequent, preferably continuously performed, process steps b) and c). It is therefore further preferred if the first liquid composition is continuously introduced from a buffer container into a main line.

[0010] In step b) of the process, a salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition. This is preferably done via a secondary line through which the salt is continuously introduced into the main line. To simplify the process, it is preferred if the inorganic salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in step b) in the form of an aqueous solution, preferably an alkaline aqueous solution.

[0011] The addition of the salt of a divalent cation results in the development of a cloudy white appearance and a sufficiently high and stable viscosity, which is advantageous for further processing and subsequent use. The development of both physical properties of the liquid composition is promoted by thorough mixing of all ingredients. It is therefore further preferred to provide the outlet opening of the secondary line, through which the solution of the inorganic salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the main line, within the effective range of a mixing device installed within the main line. The mixing device can be a static or dynamic mixer.

[0012] The solution of the inorganic salt of a divalent cation preferably has a salt concentration of 200 to 800 g / l, preferably 250 to 600 g / l. A corresponding salt content reduces the amount of water introduced into the liquid composition and enables sufficiently precise dosing with sufficiently large volumes of the salt solution.

[0013] Due to their availability, magnesium or calcium salts are particularly preferably used. In preferred processes, the inorganic salt of a divalent cation in step b) is selected from the group of salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, and calcium sulfate, in particular from the group consisting of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, most preferably calcium chloride.

[0014] Unlike the inorganic salt of a divalent cation, the organic salt of a divalent cation is preferably introduced into the liquid composition in step b) in the form of a dispersion, particularly preferably in the form of an alkaline aqueous dispersion.

[0015] The dispersion of the organic salt of a divalent cation is preferably introduced into the liquid composition continuously via a branch line into the main line. The outlet opening of the branch line is preferably located within the effective range of a mixing device installed within the main line.

[0016] For the reasons given above for the inorganic salt of a divalent cation, the dispersion of the organic salt of a divalent cation also has a salt concentration of 200 to 800 g / l, preferably of 250 to 600 g / l.

[0017] In a preferred process, the organic salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in step b) in the form of a dispersion, wherein the salt is selected from the group of salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group of fatty acid salts of magnesium and calcium, in particular fatty acid salts of calcium.

[0018] The calcium salts of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and their mixtures, in particular calcium salts from the group of calcium stearates, have proven to be particularly advantageous in terms of the formation of a cloudy white appearance.

[0019] In a particularly preferred process variant, the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation are selected from the group of inorganic and organic calcium salts, respectively.

[0020] The inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation may be introduced into the liquid composition in step b) together or separately.

[0021] If the salts are introduced together into the liquid composition in step b), this is preferably done in the form of a mixture of both salts. This is preferably done by continuously introducing the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation into the main line in step b) via a common secondary line, with the outlet opening of the secondary line preferably being located within the effective range of a mixing device installed within the main line.

[0022] In an alternative and preferred embodiment of the process, in step b), i) an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt of a divalent cation and ii) a dispersion of an organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced separately into the liquid composition, the aqueous solution being introduced prior to the dispersion.

[0023] For the process control and the resulting cloudy white appearance of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent, it has proven advantageous if the molar ratio of the divalent cation introduced in step b) in the form of an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt of a divalent cation to the divalent cation introduced in step b) in the form of a dispersion of an organic salt of a divalent cation is 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:6 to 6:1 and in particular 1:3 to 3:1.

[0024] Following the introduction of the inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation into the liquid composition, the resulting salt-containing composition is mixed in step c). Surprisingly, it has been shown that the mixing time required to form a stable surfactant-containing detergent with a cloudy white appearance can be significantly shortened by adding the organic salt of a divalent cation compared to processes in which only an inorganic salt of a divalent cation is used. Step c) is preferably carried out for a period of 1 to 24 hours, more preferably 4 to 16 hours.

[0025] A first essential component of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent and the first liquid composition is the surfactant, which is contained in the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent at 20 to 80 wt.%, preferably at 30 to 75 wt.% and in particular at 40 to 70 wt.%.

[0026] The group of surfactants includes nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. The compositions according to the invention can comprise one or more of the aforementioned surfactants. Particularly preferred compositions contain at least one anionic surfactant as the surfactant.

[0027] The anionic surfactant is preferably selected from the group comprising C 9 -C 13 alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefinsulfonates, C 12 -C 18 alkanesulfonates, estersulfonates, alk(en)yl sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Compositions comprising C 9 -C 13 alkylbenzenesulfonates and fatty alcohol ether sulfates as anionic surfactant have particularly good dispersing properties. Suitable sulfonate-type surfactants are preferably C 9 -C 13 alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefinsulfonates, i.e. mixtures of alkene and hydroxyalkanesulfonates, and disulfonates, such as those obtained, for example, from C 12 -C 18 monoolefins with a terminal or internal double bond by sulfonation with gaseous sulfur trioxide and subsequent alkaline or acidic hydrolysis of the sulfonation products.Also suitable are C 12 -C 18 alkanesulfonates and the esters of α-sulfofatty acids (estersulfonates), for example the α-sulfonated methyl esters of hydrogenated coconut, palm kernel or tallow fatty acids.

[0028] Preferred alk(en)yl sulfates are the alkali metal salts, and especially the sodium salts, of the sulfuric acid monoesters of C 12 -C 18 fatty alcohols, for example, coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or of C 10 -C 20 oxo alcohols, and those monoesters of secondary alcohols with these chain lengths. For washing purposes, C 12 -C 16 alkyl sulfates, C 12 -C 15 alkyl sulfates, and C 14 -C 15 alkyl sulfates are preferred. 2,3-Alkyl sulfates are also suitable anionic surfactants.

[0029] Preferred alk(en)yl sulfates are the salts of the sulfuric acid semiesters of fatty alcohols with 12 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or of oxo alcohols with 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and those semiesters of secondary alcohols with these chain lengths. For washing purposes, alkyl sulfates with 12 to 16 carbon atoms and alkyl sulfates with 12 to 15 carbon atoms, as well as alkyl sulfates with 14 and 15 carbon atoms, are preferred. 2,3-Alkyl sulfates are also suitable anionic surfactants.

[0030] Fatty alcohol ether sulfates, such as the sulfuric acid monoesters of straight-chain or branched C 7 -C 21 alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 6 mol of ethylene oxide, such as 2-methyl-branched C 9-11 alcohols with an average of 3.5 mol of ethylene oxide (EO) or C 12-18 fatty alcohols with 1 to 4 EO, are also suitable. Alkyl ether sulfates with the formula (A-1) R 1 < -O-(AO) n -SO 3 -< X + < (A-1) are preferred.

[0031] In this formula (A-1), R 1< represents a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R 1< of formula (A-1) are selected from decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl, eicosyl radicals, and mixtures thereof, with preference being given to those having an even number of carbon atoms. Particularly preferred radicals R 1< of formula (A-1) are derived from fatty alcohols having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl, or stearyl alcohol, or from oxo alcohols having 10 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0032] AO in formula (A-1) represents an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably an ethylene oxide group. The index n in formula (A-1) is an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20 and in particular from 2 to 10. n is very particularly preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. X is a monovalent cation or the n-th part of an n-valent cation, preferred are the alkali metal ions and among them Na +< or K +< , with Na +< being extremely preferred. Further cations X+ can be selected from NH 4 +< , ½ Zn 2+< , ½ Mg 2+< , ½ Ca 2+< , ½ Mn 2+< , and mixtures thereof.

[0033] Particularly preferred compositions contain an alkyl ether sulfate selected from fatty alcohol ether sulfates of the formula A-2 with k = 11 to 19, n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. Very particularly preferred representatives are Na fatty alcohol ether sulfates with 12 to 18 C atoms and 2 EO (k = 11 to 13, n = 2 in formula A-1). The stated degree of ethoxylation represents a statistical mean, which can be a whole or fractional number for a specific product. The stated degrees of alkoxylation represent statistical mean, which can be a whole or fractional number for a specific product. Preferred alkoxylates / ethoxylates have a narrow homolog distribution (narrow range ethoxylates, NRE).

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains C 9 - 13 alkylbenzenesulfonates and optionally additionally fatty alcohol ether sulfates as anionic surfactant.

[0035] It is particularly preferred if the composition contains at least one anionic surfactant of the formula (A-3), in which R' and R" are independently H or alkyl and together contain 9 to 19, preferably 9 to 15 and in particular 9 to 13 C atoms, and Y +< represents a monovalent cation or the nth part of an n-valent cation (in particular Na +< ).

[0036] In summary, liquid surfactant-containing detergents preferably produced by the process according to the invention contain as surfactant at least one anionic surfactant, preferably at least one anionic surfactant from the group consisting of C 8-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates, C 8-18 olefinsulfonates, C 12-18 alkanesulfonates, C 8-18 estersulfonates, C 8-18 alkyl sulfates, C 8-18 alkenyl sulfates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates, in particular at least one anionic surfactant from the group of C 8-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates.

[0037] The weight proportion of the anionic surfactant in the total weight of the liquid surfactant-containing detergents is preferably 20 to 60 wt.% and in particular 22 to 50 wt.%.

[0038] As a second essential component, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent and the first liquid composition contain fatty acid. For the optical properties, the viscosity profile, and the cleaning performance of the preparation, it has proven advantageous if the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains 4 to 12 wt. %, preferably 6 to 10 wt. %, of fatty acid, based on its total weight. This weight fraction refers to the weight fraction of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent produced by the process and includes both the fatty acids provided in step a), i.e., the fatty acid-containing organic salts of a divalent cation optionally introduced in step a), and any fatty acids added at a different time. The fatty acids can be in acid form or in the form of their salts.

[0039] Preferred fatty acids are selected from the group caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof.

[0040] As a third essential component, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains the salt of a divalent cation. The weight fraction of this salt relative to the total weight of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is preferably 0.4 to 6 wt.% and in particular 0.5 to 4 wt.%. These weight fractions have proven advantageous with regard to both the appearance and viscosity of the preparation.

[0041] The detergent produced according to the invention contains a solvent as a fourth essential component. The proportion of the solvent in the total weight of the detergent preparation is preferably 12 to 32 wt.% and in particular 15 to 30 wt.%. With regard to processability, in particular the dosability of the detergent preparation in the process according to the invention, it has proven advantageous if the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, 7 to 20 wt.%, preferably 10 to 18 wt.%, of organic solvent.

[0042] Preferred organic solvents are selected from the group ethanol, n-propanol, i-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, methylpropanediol, glycerol, diglycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, di-n-octyl ether and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group propanediol, glycerin and their mixtures.

[0043] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is preferably a low-water mixture. Preference is given to detergents that contain less than 18% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, of water based on their total weight.

[0044] In summary, the process according to the invention is advantageous for liquid detergents containing surfactants which, based on their total weight, i) 20 to 80 wt% surfactant including 20 to 50 wt% anionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12 wt% fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4 wt% salt of a divalent metallic cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt% solvent contain.

[0045] The composition of some of the preferred liquid detergents containing surfactants can be found in the following tables (data in wt.% based on the total weight of the detergent unless otherwise stated). formula 1 Formula 2 Formula 3 Formula 4 Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 6 Formula 7 Formula 8 Formula 9 Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 11 Formula 12 Formula 13 Formula 14 Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 16 Formula 17 Formula 18 Formula 19 Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 21 Formula 22 Formula 23 Formula 24 Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 26 Formula 27 Formula 28 Formula 29 Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 31 Formula 32 Formula 33 Formula 34 Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 36 Formula 37 Formula 38 Formula 39 Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 * preferably C 8-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates

[0046] In a technically advantageous variant of the process according to the invention, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent further contains, based on its total weight, v) 0.5 to 4 wt.%, preferably 0.5 to 3 wt.% and in particular 0.5 to 2 wt.% of the salt of a monovalent cation.

[0047] The addition of the monovalent cation enhances the cloudy white appearance of the detergent preparation. At the same time, the resulting compositions are characterized by viscosity properties optimal for process control. In particular, the addition of the monovalent cation in large weight proportions results in sufficient turbidity without increasing the viscosity of the detergent preparation to a degree that would complicate its conveyance in pipeline systems and its metering in step c). Finally, the addition of the salt of a monovalent cation reduces the temperature dependence of the viscosity of the flowable detergent preparation and thus simplifies its processing.

[0048] The use of monovalent metal salts, in particular sodium chloride, also improves storage stability, especially storage stability during temperature fluctuations.

[0049] Preferred monovalent cations are selected from the group of monovalent metallic cations. Preferred salts of monovalent cations, due to their availability and low cost, are selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate, most preferably from the group consisting of sodium chloride.

[0050] In summary, a second particularly preferred embodiment of the process is characterized in that the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent, based on its total weight, i) 20 to 80 wt% surfactant including 20 to 50 wt% anionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12 wt% fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4 wt% salt of a divalent metallic cation; iv) 8 to 35 wt% solvent; v) 0.5 to 4 wt% of the salt of a monovalent metallic cation contains.

[0051] The composition of some other particularly preferred liquid detergents can be found in the following tables (data in wt.% based on the total weight of the detergent unless otherwise stated). Formula 1a Formula 2a Formula 3a Formula 4a Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Salt of a monovalent cation 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 6a Formula 7a Formula 8a Formula 9a Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Salt of a monovalent cation 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 11a Formula 12a Formula 13a Formula 14a Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Salt of a monovalent cation 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 16a Formula 17a Formula 18a Formula 19a Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Salt of a monovalent cation 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 21a Formula 22a Formula 23a Formula 24a Surfactant 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Sodium chloride 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 26a Formula 27a Formula 28a Formula 29a Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Sodium chloride 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 31a Formula 32a Formula 33a Formula 34a Surfactant 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Sodium chloride 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 36a Formula 37a Formula 38a Formula 39a Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Sodium chloride 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 41a Formula 42a Formula 43a Formula 44a Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Salt of a monovalent cation 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 46a Formula 47a Formula 48a Formula 49a Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Salt of a monovalent cation 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 51a Formula 52a Formula 53a Formula 54a Surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Sodium chloride 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 56a Formula 57a Formula 58a Formula 59a Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium chloride, calcium fatty acid salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Sodium chloride 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 3 0.5 to 2 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 * preferably C 8-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates

[0052] In a further technically advantageous variant of the process according to the invention, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent contains, based on its total weight, preferably 12 to 30 wt.%, preferably 15 to 25 wt.% non-ionic surfactant.

[0053] Preferred nonionic surfactants are selected from the group of ethoxylated primary C 8-18 alcohols, preferably ethoxylated primary C 8-18 alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≥ 4, particularly preferably C 12-14 alcohols with 4 EO or 7 EO, C 9-11 alcohols with 7 EO, C 13-15 alcohols with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, C 13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO, C 12-18 alcohols with 5 EO or 7 EO, in particular C 12-18 fatty alcohols with 7 EO or C 13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO.

[0054] With regard to the rheological properties of the detergent and its processability, it has proven advantageous to use anionic surfactant and non-ionic surfactant in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 1:2, preferably 2:1 to 1:1.5 and in particular 1.4:1 to 1:1.

[0055] It has proven particularly advantageous from an industrial perspective to supplement the previously described surfactant system comprising anionic and nonionic surfactant with a further cosurfactant. The weight fraction of the cosurfactant in the total weight of the flowable detergent preparation is preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight. For the purposes of this application, the cosurfactants are not included in the surfactants described above. Preferred cosurfactants are selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3, aliphatic C 6 -C 14 alcohols, aromatic C 6 -C 14 alcohols, aliphatic C 6 -C 12 dialcohols, monoglycerides of C 12 -C 18 fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof. The addition of a co-surfactant from the group of alkoxylated C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3 is particularly preferred.

[0056] The co-surfactant is preferably added to the liquid composition simultaneously with the inorganic salt of a divalent cation or the dispersion of an organic salt of a divalent cation. In an alternative process, the co-surfactant is introduced into the liquid composition at a time interval between the aqueous solution of an inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the dispersion of an organic salt of a divalent cation.

[0057] In summary, a third particularly preferred embodiment of the process is characterized in that the liquid surfactant-containing detergent, based on its total weight, i) 20 to 80% by weight of surfactant, including 20 to 50% by weight of anionic surfactant and 12 to 30% by weight of non-ionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12% by weight of fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4% by weight of a divalent salt; iv) 8 to 35 wt.% solvent vi) 0.5 to 5 wt.% of a co-surfactant different from the non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3, aliphatic C 6 -C 14 alcohols, aromatic C 6 -C 14 alcohols, aliphatic C 6 -C 12 dialcohols, monoglycerides of C 12 -C 18 fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3 contains.

[0058] The composition of some other particularly preferred liquid detergents can be found in the following tables (data in wt.% based on the total weight of the detergent unless otherwise stated). Formula 1b Formula 2b Formula 3b Formula 4b Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 Non-ionic surfactant 12 to 30 12 to 30 15 to 25 15 to 25 Co-surfactant ** 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 4 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 6b Formula 7b Formula 8b Formula 9b Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 Non-ionic surfactant 12 to 30 12 to 30 15 to 25 15 to 25 Co-surfactant ** 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 4 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 solvent 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 11b Formula 12b Formula 13b Formula 14b Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 Non-ionic surfactant 12 to 30 12 to 30 15 to 25 15 to 25 Co-surfactant ** 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 4 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 inorganic and organic salt of a divalent cation 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 16b Formula 17b Formula 18b Formula 19b Total surfactant 20 to 80 30 to 75 30 to 75 40 to 70 Anionic surfactant * 20 to 60 20 to 60 20 to 50 20 to 50 Non-ionic surfactant 12 to 30 12 to 30 15 to 25 15 to 25 Co-surfactant ** 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 5 0.5 to 4 0.5 to 4 fatty acid 2 to 15 4 to 12 4 to 12 6 to 10 Calcium salt 0.3 to 8 0.3 to 8 0.4 to 6 0.5 to 4 Total solvents 8 to 35 12 to 32 12 to 32 15 to 30 organic solvent 7 to 20 7 to 20 10 to 18 10 to 18 Water <18 <18 <15 <15 Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 * preferably C 8-18 alkylbenzenesulfonates ** co-surfactant different from the non-ionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3, aliphatic C 6 -C 14 alcohols, aromatic C 6 -C 14 alcohols, aliphatic C 6 -C 12 dialcohols, monoglycerides of C 12 -C 18 fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated C 8 -C 18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3

[0059] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent preferably has a viscosity (21°C, Brookfield viscometer type DV-II. Pro, spindle no. 2, 20 rpm) above 400 mPas, preferably above 1000 mPas.

[0060] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is preferably in the form of a structured system. The main types of structured systems used in practice are based on dispersed lamellar, spherulitic, and weakly lamellar phases. The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent preferably contains a spherulitic phase. Spherulitic phases comprise spherical bodies, commonly referred to in the art as spherulites, in which surfactant bilayers are arranged as concentric shells. The spherulites are dispersed in an aqueous phase in the manner of a classic emulsion and interact to form a structured system. Preferred liquid detergents comprise lamellar spherulites, preferably with a maximum diameter of 10 to 100 µm, more preferably with a maximum diameter of 25 to 50 µm.

[0061] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent preferably has a yield point (TA Instruments rotational rheometer AR 2000, 20°C, cone plate with 40 mm diameter, 2° cone angle) above 0.1 Pa, preferably above 0.3 Pa.

[0062] The rheological properties of the liquid detergent justify its efficient processability in the process according to the invention and also form the basis of its advantageous optical properties, including its cloudy white appearance.

[0063] The Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) is often used as a measure of transparency. It is a unit used in water treatment, for example, for turbidity measurements in liquids. It is the unit of turbidity measured with a calibrated nephelometer. High NTU values are measured for turbid compositions, whereas low values are determined for clear compositions.

[0064] The HACH Turbidimeter 2100Q from Hach Company, Loveland, Colorado (USA) is used with the calibration substances StablCal Solution HACH (20 NTU), StablCal Solution HACH (100 NTU), and StablCal Solution HACH (800 NTU), all of which can also be ordered from Hach Company. The measurement is carried out in a 10 ml measuring cuvette with a cap filled with the composition to be analyzed, and the measurement is carried out at 20 °C.

[0065] At an NTU value (at 20°C) of 60 or more, molded bodies exhibit a perceptible turbidity within the meaning of the invention, visible to the naked eye. The turbidity (HACH Turbidimeter 2100Q, 20°C, 10 ml cuvette) of the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent is preferably above 60 NTU, more preferably above 100 NTU, and especially above 400 NTU.

[0066] The liquid detergent is preferably free of organic opacifiers. "Free of," as used in this context, means that the corresponding component is present in the preparation in an amount of <1 wt.%, preferably <0.1 wt.%, more preferably <0.01 wt.%. In particular, such a component is then not intentionally added. The liquid surfactant-containing detergent preferably contains, in particular, no styrene-acrylate copolymers (INCI: Styrene / Acrylates Copolymer).

[0067] The liquid, surfactant-containing detergent produced according to the invention may be free of enzymes and / or fragrances. These ingredients are not included, in particular, because they can adversely affect the turbidity and thus the appearance of the formulation.

[0068] For example, liquid detergents which, based on their total weight, contain less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight and in particular no enzyme preparation are preferred.

[0069] Also preferred are liquid detergents which, based on their total weight, contain less than 2% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, particularly preferably less than 0.1% by weight and in particular no fragrance.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, the liquid detergent contains at least one optical brightener, preferably a stilbene-type optical brightener. This is present in the liquid detergent, based on its total weight, in an amount above 0 wt. %, but preferably in an amount below 1 wt. %, particularly preferably in an amount below 0.6 wt. %. Stilbene-type brighteners for use in the liquid detergent are preferably selected from the group of triazinyl derivatives of 4,4'-diamino-2,2'-stilbenesulfonic acid. The economically most important stilbene derivatives are DAS1 (disodium 4,4-bis[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]stilbene-2,2-disulfonate) and DSBP (disodium 4,4-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl).

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the liquid, surfactant-containing detergent may comprise at least one red, blue, or violet dye. This dye is present in the liquid detergent, based on its total weight, in an amount above 0 wt.%, but preferably in an amount below 0.1 wt.%, particularly preferably below 0.02 wt.%, for example, between 0.001 and 0.01 wt.%. Such a dye serves, for example, the purpose of masking a possible yellowish tint of the preparation.

[0072] Suitable dyes include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, pigments, and photobleaching agents. Suitable dyes include low-molecular-weight dyes and polymer dyes.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the dye is selected from the group of low-molecular-weight dyes. Suitable low-molecular-weight dyes include dyes that fall into the color index (CI) classifications Direct Blue, Direct Red, Direct Violet, Acid Blue, Acid Red, Acid Violet, Basic Blue, Basic Red, and Basic Violet.Beispielhafte niedermolekulare Farbstoffe sind Direct Violet 9, Direct Violet 35, Direct Violet 48, Direct Violet 51, Direct Violet 66, Direct Violet 99, Direct Blue 1, Direct Blue 71, Direct Blue 80, Direct Blue 279, Acid Red 17, Acid Red 73, Acid Red 88, Acid Red 150, Acid Violet 15, Acid Violet 17, Acid Violet 24, Acid Violet 43, Acid Red 52, Acid Violet 49, Acid Blue 15, Acid Blue 17, Acid Blue 25, Acid Blue 29, Acid Blue 40, Acid Blue 45, Acid Blue 75, Acid Blue 80, Acid Blue 83, Acid Blue 90 und Acid Blue 113, Acid Black 1, Basic Violet 1, Basic Violet 3, Basic Violet 4, Basic Violet 10, Violet 35, Basic Blue 3, Basic Blue 16, Basic Blue 22, Basic Blue 47, Basic Blue 66, Basic Blue 75, Basic Blue 159 und Mischungen davon.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, the dye is selected from the group of polymeric dyes. Suitable polymeric dyes include conjugated chromogens (dye-polymer conjugates) and polymers in which chromogens are polymerized into their backbone. These polymeric dyes include, for example, dyes commercially available under the name Liquitint®<, such as Liquitint®< Violet CT, CMC-conjugated CI Reactive Blue 19 with the product name AZO-CM-Cellulose, alkoxylated polymeric triphenylmethane dyes, or alkoxylated polymeric thiphene dyes.

[0075] In a further alternative embodiment, a dye-clay conjugate is used as the dye. The group of these dyes includes, among others, conjugates of smectite clay or montmorillonite clay or hectorite clay or saponite clay with a cationic / basic dye from the group CI Basic Yellow 1 to 108, CI Basic Orange 1 to 69, CI Basic Red 1 to 118, CI Basic Violet 1 to 51, CI Basic Blue 1 to 164, CI Basic Green 1 to 14, CI Basic Brown 1 to 23, CI Basic Black 1 to 11. In particular, this group of dyes includes Montmorillonite Basic Blue B7 CI 42595 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Blue B9 CI 52015 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Violet V3 CI 42555 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Green G1 CI 42040 conjugate, Montmorillonite Basic Red R1 CI 45160 conjugate, Montmorillonite CI Basic Black 2 conjugate, Hectorite Basic Blue B7 CI 42595 conjugate, Hectorite Basic Blue B9 CI 52015 conjugate, Hectorite Basic Violet V3 CI42555 conjugate, Hectorit Basic Green G1 CI 42040 conjugate, Hectorit Basic Red R1 CI 45160 conjugate, Hectorit CI Basic Black 2 conjugate, Saponit Basic Blue B7 CI 42595 conjugate, Saponit Basic Blue B9 CI 52015 conjugate, Saponit Basic Violet V3 CI 42555 conjugate, Saponit Basic Green G1 CI 42040 conjugate, Saponit Basic Red R1 CI 45160 conjugate, Saponit CI Basic Black 2 conjugate and mixtures thereof.

[0076] Another group of alternative dyes are the pigments, in particular pigments selected from the group flavanthrone, indanthrone, chlorinated indanthrone with 1 to 4 chlorine atoms, pyranthrone, dichlorpyranthrone, monobromodichloropyranthrone, dibromodichloropyranthrone, tetrabromopyranthrone, ultramarine blue (CI Pigment Blue 29) and ultramarine violet (CI Pigment Violet 15).

[0077] The use of dyes from the group of photobleaching agents, particularly photobleaching agents from the group of phthalocyaninesulfonates, has proven particularly advantageous from a technical perspective. Suitable photobleaching agents include aluminum phthalocyaninesulfonate or zinc phthalocyaninesulfonate, or mixtures thereof, as commercially available under the name Tinolux®.

[0078] In a preferred process variant, the liquid surfactant-containing detergent is enclosed in a water-soluble film following step c) to form a detergent portion unit.

[0079] It is preferred to form the water-soluble film in a deep-drawing apparatus and to combine it with the liquid detergent to form a detergent portion unit.

[0080] The water-soluble film in which the liquid detergent is packaged can comprise one or more structurally different water-soluble polymers. Particularly suitable water-soluble polymers are polymers from the group of (optionally acetalized) polyvinyl alcohols (PVAL) and their copolymers.

[0081] Water-soluble films for producing the water-soluble coating are preferably based on a polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer whose molecular weight is in the range from 10,000 to 1,000,000 gmol -1< , preferably from 20,000 to 500,000 gmol -1< , particularly preferably from 30,000 to 100,000 gmol -1< and in particular from 40,000 to 80,000 gmol -1<.

[0082] The preparation of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers generally involves the hydrolysis of intermediate polyvinyl acetate. Preferred polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers have a degree of hydrolysis of 70 to 100 mol%, preferably 80 to 90 mol%, particularly preferably 81 to 89 mol%, and especially 82 to 88 mol%.

[0083] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, its salt, or its ester. Particularly preferably, such polyvinyl alcohol copolymers contain, in addition to vinyl alcohol, sulfonic acids such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic esters, methacrylic esters, or mixtures thereof; among the esters, C 1-4 alkyl esters or hydroxyalkyl esters are preferred. Other suitable monomers include ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, for example, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0084] Suitable water-soluble films are marketed, for example, by MonoSol LLC under the designations M8630, M8720, M8310, C8400, or M8900. Other suitable films include films labeled Solublon ®< PT, Solublon ®< GA, Solublon ®< KC, or Solublon ®< KL from Aicello Chemical Europe GmbH, or VF-HP films from Kuraray.

[0085] The water-soluble films may contain additional active ingredients or fillers as well as plasticizers and / or solvents, especially water.

[0086] The group of other active ingredients includes, for example, materials that protect the ingredients of preparation (A) enclosed in the film material from decomposition or deactivation by light exposure. Antioxidants, UV absorbers, and fluorescent dyes have proven particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0087] Plasticizers that can be used include, for example, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, sorbitol or mixtures thereof.

[0088] To reduce the friction coefficient, the surface of the water-soluble film can optionally be dusted with fine powder. Sodium aluminosilicate, silicon dioxide, talc, and amylose are examples of suitable powdering agents.

[0089] It is particularly preferred to enclose the liquid surfactant-containing detergent in a water-soluble film following step c) to form a detergent portion unit with a plurality of receiving chambers.

[0090] The multiple receiving chambers of the detergent portion unit can be arranged spatially adjacent to one another or stacked one above the other. While the method according to the invention can fundamentally be used to produce both configurations, the technical advantages of the method according to the invention are particularly noticeable in the production of detergent portion units with adjacently arranged receiving chambers. On the one hand, the specific rheological properties of the liquid detergent allow rapid and drip-free dosing even into the smallest cavities; on the other hand, the horizontal arrangement of the receiving chambers increases the perceptibility of the liquid detergent.

[0091] These technical advantages are particularly evident in processes in which detergent portion units are produced with receiving chambers that at least partially enclose one another. In preferred embodiments of the process, the detergent portion unit has at least two receiving chambers that at least partially enclose one another. It is also particularly preferred if the detergent portion unit has at least one additional receiving chamber filled with a colored detergent preparation.

[0092] An exemplary preferred detergent portion unit that can be produced by means of the method according to the invention has at least two receiving chambers that are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and the other receiving chamber is filled with a second colored detergent that is different from the liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0093] Another exemplary preferred detergent portion unit comprises at least three receiving chambers which are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and at least two further receiving chambers are filled separately with a second and a third detergent which is different from one another and from the liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

[0094] In an alternative embodiment, the detergent portion unit has at least four receiving chambers which are surrounded by a water-soluble film, wherein one receiving chamber is filled with the liquid surfactant-containing detergent and the other three receiving chambers are filled separately from one another with a second, a third and a fourth colored detergent which is different from one another and from the first liquid surfactant-containing detergent.

Claims

1. Process for the preparation of a liquid surfactant-containing detergent comprising i) 20 to 80 % by weight surfactant; ii) 2 to 15 % by weight of fatty acid; iii) 0.3 to 8 % by weight salt of a divalent cation; iv) 8 to 35 % by weight of solvent; comprising the steps of: a) Providing a first flowable detergent preparation containing surfactant, fatty acid and solvent; b) Introducing a divalent cation into the liquid composition, wherein the divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition both in the form of an inorganic salt and in the form of an organic salt to form a salt-containing composition; c) Mixing the salt-containing composition.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic salt of a divalent cation in step b) is introduced into the liquid composition in the form of an aqueous solution and the salt is selected from the group consisting of salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group consisting of magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, calcium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium sulphate, calcium chloride and calcium sulphate, in particular from from the group magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, most preferably calcium chloride.

3. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the organic salt of a divalent cation is introduced into the liquid composition in step b) in the form of a dispersion and the salt is selected from the group of salts of divalent metallic cations, in particular the magnesium and calcium salts, preferably from the group of fatty acid salts of magnesium and calcium, in particular fatty acid salts of calcium.

4. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced together into the liquid composition in step b).

5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inorganic salt of a divalent cation and the organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced separately from each other into the liquid composition in step b).

6. The process according to claim 5, wherein, in step b), i) an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt of a divalent cation and ii) a dispersion of an organic salt of a divalent cation are introduced separately from each other into the liquid composition and the aqueous solution is introduced before the dispersion.

7. The process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the amount of substance of the divalent cation introduced in step b) in the form of an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt of a divalent cation to the divalent cation introduced in step b) in the form of a dispersion of an organic salt of a divalent cation is 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:6 to 6:1 and in particular 1:3 to 3:1.

8. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid surfactant-containing detergent comprises, based on its total weight, i) 20 to 80 % by weight of surfactant including 20 to 50 % by weight of anionic surfactant and 12 to 30 % by weight of non-ionic surfactant; ii) 4 to 12% by weight fatty acid; iii) 0.5 to 4 % by weight salt of a divalent metallic cation; iv) 8 to 35% by weight solvent vi) 0.5 to 5 wt.% of a cosurfactant other than the nonionic surfactant, which is not attributed to surfactant i), selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated C8-C18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3, aliphatic C6-C14 alcohols aromatic C6-C14 alcohols, aliphatic C6-C12 dialcohols, monoglycerides of C12-C18 fatty acids, monoglycerol ethers of C8-C18 fatty alcohols and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of alkoxylated C8-C18 fatty alcohols with a degree of alkoxylation ≤ 3.

9. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step c) is carried out for a period of from 1 to 24 hours, preferably from 4 to 16 hours.

10. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid surfactant-containing detergent is enclosed in a water-soluble film following step c) to form a detergent portion unit.