Concentrated 2-in-1 type dish washer detergent, and rinse aid

Abstract

To provide a consumer and industrial 2-in-1 type cleaning composition providing both detergency and rinseability in a single cleaning composition.SOLUTION: There are provided an alkaline-based cleaning composition containing a surface modification polymer and an alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant, i.e., an easily usable solid detergent composition without the need for using a separate rinse aid composition, and a method of using the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 906,781, filed September 27, 2019. The entire contents of this patent application, including the specification, claims, and abstract, and any figures, tables, or drawings thereof, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein, without limitation.

[0002] The present invention relates to a 2-in-1 cleaning composition that provides both detergency and rinse aid effectiveness in a single cleaning composition. In particular, the composition and method of using the same provide an easy-to-use solid detergent composition that does not require the use of a separate rinse aid composition and is suitable for consumer and industrial applications. [Background technology]

[0003] Alkaline detergents are widely used to clean items in both consumer and industrial dishwashing machines. Alkaline detergents are widely used due to their ability to remove and emulsify fatty, oily, and hydrophobic soils. However, alkaline detergents have the disadvantage of requiring a rinse aid to prevent film formation on glass and other substrate surfaces with which they come into contact. Filming is caused in part by the use of alkaline detergents in combination with certain types of water (including hard water) and water temperatures. The solution to the creation of hard water films has been to use a rinse aid to remove such films. However, the need for a rinse aid increases the costs associated with the alkaline detergent in both formulations of the cleaning composition, as well as the additional costs associated with heated water for the rinse step.

[0004] Additionally, rinse aids are used in the rinse cycle following the wash cycle to extend dry times and reduce any cleaning defects, including film removal. Additional benefits and methods of using rinse aids are described in U.S. Patent No. RE38262, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The addition of rinse aids to warewash rinse cycles requires the use of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) ingredients, as well as wall space to install both the detergent dispenser and the rinse aid dispenser.

[0005] Traditional mechanical warewashing in the industrial sector utilizes two products, a detergent and a rinse aid, to achieve clean, dry, spot-free ware. These two products differ in that the detergent is typically dispensed during the wash step and the rinse aid is dispensed during the rinse step. Industrial under-counter warewashers are typically used in kitchens where space is limited, i.e., there is little room for chemicals, which are typically stored on the floor. This presents a major safety hazard in high traffic areas of the kitchen.

[0006] There is a need for alternative, effective cleaning compositions that provide desired cleaning results while reducing the number of components required for cleaning and rinsing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is an objective to develop an alkaline detergent composition that provides good cleaning performance and good rinsability without the need for a rinse aid composition or a separate step using a rinse aid in the rinse cycle.

[0008] A further object is to provide a carbonate-based alkaline detergent using a combination of a surface modifying polymer and an alcohol alkoxylate surfactant, a builder, and a water balancing polymer to provide good cleaning performance and rinsability without the use of rinse aids in the cleaning composition.

[0009] A further object is to provide a spill-free, PPE-free, high performance, dispensable solid ware cleaning detergent and rinse aid 2-in-1 composition.

[0010] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In one embodiment, the alkaline detergent and rinse composition comprises an alkaline source, a surface modifying polymer, an alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant, a builder, and a water conditioning polymer, the composition performing both cleaning and rinsing functions. In a preferred embodiment, the alkaline source comprises an alkali metal carbonate and the surface modifying polymer comprises a modified gum-based polysaccharide and / or an amphoteric polymer.

[0012] In one embodiment, the alkaline source is present in the composition in an amount of about 10% to about 95% by weight, the surface modifying polymer is present at about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant is present at about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, the builder is present at about 0.1% to about 50% by weight, and the water conditioning polymer is present in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight.

[0013] In a further aspect, the polysaccharide of the modified gum base comprises a cationic guar or cationic guar derivative, or a hydroxypropyl modified guar or a hydroxypropyl modified guar derivative. In an embodiment, the polysaccharide of the modified gum base comprises guar gum 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propyl ether chloride and / or guar gum 2-hydroxypropyl ether. In an additional embodiment, the amphoteric polymer comprises an acrylic acid / diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) copolymer.

[0014] Advantageously, the surface modifier and the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant synergistically provide improved cleaning and rinsing to the ware. In one aspect, the alcohol alkoxylate is linear or branched, has a carbon chain length of about 4 to about 20, and has about 5 to about 30 moles of alkyl oxide. In some embodiments, the alcohol alkoxylate is linear and has about 5 to about 10 moles of alkyl oxide. In one aspect, the composition provides substantially similar cleaning and rinsing performance as separate detergent and rinse aid compositions.

[0015] In another embodiment, a method of cleaning and rinsing ware comprises contacting the ware with an alkaline detergent composition comprising an alkaline source, a surface modifying polymer, an alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant, a builder, and a water conditioning polymer, rinsing the ware with water, wherein a separate rinse aid composition is not used in the method, and the alkaline detergent composition provides at least substantially similar cleaning and rinsing performance as the separate detergent and rinse aid compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the alkaline source comprises an alkali metal carbonate and the surface modifying polymer comprises a modified gum-based polysaccharide and / or an amphoteric polymer.

[0016] In one aspect, the alkaline detergent composition is diluted to form a use solution prior to contacting the ware. In one embodiment, the alkaline detergent composition comprises from about 10% to about 95% by weight of an alkaline source, from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of a surface modifying polymer, from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of an alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant, from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of a builder, and from about 1% to about 50% by weight of a water conditioning polymer. In a further aspect, the use solution of the alkaline detergent composition has an active concentration of from about 500 ppm to about 2000 ppm.

[0017] In one aspect, the alkaline detergent composition does not impart a visible layer or film on treated ware, and provides substantially similar cleaning performance to two-part detergent and rinse aid compositions that do not contain a surface-modifying polymer in combination with alcohol alkoxylate.In one embodiment, the alkaline detergent composition is a disposable or multi-use solid composition.In a preferred embodiment, the method is used in an undercounter ware washing machine.

[0018] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Beneficially, any disclosed embodiment can be combined in any manner with other disclosed embodiments and is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Thus, the drawings and detailed description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 shows a graph of the average glass grade of the evaluated 2-in-1 detergent compositions compared to a commercial control. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a graph of the average glass grade of additional evaluated 2-in-1 detergent compositions compared to a commercial control. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a graph of average glass grades for evaluated 2-in-1 detergent compositions described herein. [Figure 4A] 1 shows rinse performance data for the evaluated 2-in-1 detergent compositions compared to a commercial control for spotting. [Figure 4B] 1 shows rinse performance data for the evaluated 2-in-1 detergent compositions compared to a commercial control for dry time. [Figure 4C] 1 shows rinse performance data for the evaluated 2-in-1 detergent compositions compared to a commercial control for wetting. [Diagram 5]1 shows a graph of rinse performance data for compositions containing various surface modifying polymers without surfactants compared to a control composition without the surface modifying polymer in terms of spotting, dry time, and sheeting. [Figure 6] 1 shows a graph of the average glass grade of additional evaluated 2-in-1 detergent compositions compared to a control composition containing no alcohol alkoxylate surfactant.

[0020] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to the various embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The figures presented herein are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the various embodiments according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The 2-in-1 alkaline cleaning composition provides suitable cleaning and rinsing properties while using a combination of carbonate-based alkaline detergent and surfactant. The embodiments described herein are not limited to a specific alkaline detergent, which may vary and be understood by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure provided herein. It should be further understood that all terminology used herein is merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be displayed in their SI recognized form.

[0022] Numerical ranges described herein are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as a rigid limitation on the scope of the invention. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to specifically disclose all possible subranges and individual numerical values ​​within that range. For example, the description of a range such as 1-6 should be considered to specifically disclose subranges within that range such as 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, etc., as well as individual numerical values, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0023] In order to make the present invention easier to understand, certain terms are first defined.Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.Many methods and materials similar, modified or equivalent to those described herein can be used to carry out the present invention without undue experimentation, and preferred materials and methods are described herein.In describing and claiming the present invention, the following technical terms are used according to the definitions described below.

[0024] The term "about" as used herein refers to variations in numerical quantities that may occur, for example, due to typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used in making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; inadvertent errors in those procedures; differences in the make, source, or purity of ingredients used to make the composition or carry out the method; etc. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims include the equivalent of the amount.

[0025] The terms "actives" or "percent actives" or "percent actives by weight" or "actives concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of ingredients involved in cleaning expressed as a percentage minus inactive ingredients such as water or salt.

[0026] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a straight or branched chain monovalent hydrocarbon group, optionally containing one or more heteroatom substitutions independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkyl groups generally include those having 1-20 atoms. Alkyl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the specific function of the composition. Substituents include, for example, alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl-substituted amino, or halo. As used herein, examples of "alkyl" include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, and C8-C20 alkyl chains, and the like. Additionally, "alkyl" may include "alkylene," "alkenylene," or "alkyline."

[0027] As used herein, the term "alkylene" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent hydrocarbon group, optionally containing one or more heteroatom substitutions independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkylene groups generally include those having 1 to 20 atoms. Alkylene groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the specified function of the composition. Substituents include, for example, alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl-substituted amino, or halo. Examples of "alkylene" as used herein include, but are not limited to, methylene, ethylene, propane-1,3-diyl, propane-1,2-diyl, and the like.

[0028] As used herein, the term "alkenylene" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent hydrocarbon group having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds and optionally containing one or more heteroatom substitutions independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkenylene groups generally include those having 1 to 20 atoms. Alkenylene groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the specific function of the composition. Substituents include, for example, alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl-substituted amino, or halo. As used herein, the term "alkyline" refers to a straight or branched chain divalent hydrocarbon group having one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds and optionally containing one or more heteroatom substitutions independently selected from S, O, Si, or N. Alkyline groups generally include those having 1 to 20 atoms. Alkyline groups may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the specific function of the composition. Substituents include, for example, alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkyl-substituted amino, or halo.

[0029] As used herein, the term "alkoxy" refers to an --O--alkyl group, where alkyl is as defined above. As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to methods used to promote or aid in soil removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, and any combination thereof.

[0030] The term "Generally Recognized as Safe" or "GRAS," as used herein, refers to a constituent that has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration as safe for direct human food consumption or as an ingredient based on current good manufacturing practice conditions of use, e.g., as defined in 21 CFR Chapter 1, §§ 170.38 and / or 570.38.

[0031] As used herein, the term "soil" or "stain" refers to polar or non-polar materials, which may or may not contain particulate matter, such as, but not limited to, mineral clays, sand, natural minerals, carbon black, graphite, kaolin, environmental dusts, and food soils, e.g., polyphenols, starches, proteins, oils, and fats.

[0032] As used herein, the term "substantially free" refers to a composition that is completely devoid of the component or has such a small amount of the component that it does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or contaminant and must be less than 0.5% by weight. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.1% by weight, and in yet another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.01% by weight.

[0033] The term "substantially similar cleaning performance" refers to what is generally achieved by a substitute cleaning product or system that employs generally the same degree of cleanliness (or at least not significantly less), or generally the same effort consumption (or at least not significantly less), or both.

[0034] In general, the term "substantially similar rinse performance" refers to generally being achieved by a substitute rinse aid product or a substitute rinse system using the same degree (or at least not significantly less) of sheeting or drying, or generally the same effort consumption (or at least not significantly less) of effort consumption, or both.

[0035] As used herein, the term "ware" refers to items such as eating and cooking utensils and tableware. As used herein, the term "ware washing" refers to washing, cleaning, or rinsing of ware. Ware also refers to items made of plastic. Types of plastics that can be cleaned with the compositions according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, those that include polycarbonate polymers (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers (ABS), and polysulfone polymers (PS). Other exemplary plastics that can be cleaned using the compounds and compositions of the present invention include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and melamine plastics.

[0036] The terms "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance by dividing the weight of that substance by the total weight of the composition and multiplying by 100. As used herein, it is understood that "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "% by weight," and the like.

[0037] The methods and compositions of the invention can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients of the invention, as well as other components described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the methods and compositions may include additional steps, components, or ingredients, so long as the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.

[0038] Alkaline 2-in-1 detergent composition Exemplary ranges of the 2-in-1 alkaline detergent compositions described herein, as weight percent of the solid detergent composition, are shown in Table 1. In one embodiment, the 2-in-1 alkaline detergent composition includes an alkaline source, a surface modifying polymer, an alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant, a builder, and a water conditioner, and the composition performs both cleaning and rinsing functions. [Table 1]

[0039] Alkaline source The alkaline detergent composition includes an alkaline source. The alkaline source includes an alkali metal carbonate. Examples of suitable alkaline sources include, but are not limited to, alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, the alkaline detergent composition does not include an alkaline hydroxide source. The alkaline source controls the pH of the use solution when water is added to the detergent composition to form the use solution. The pH of the use solution must be maintained in the alkaline range to provide sufficient detergency properties. In one embodiment, the pH of the use solution is about 9 to about 12. In particular, the pH of the use solution is about 9.5 to about 11.5.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the alkaline source may also function as a hydratable salt to form a solid composition. The hydratable salt may be referred to as being substantially anhydrous. By substantially anhydrous, it is meant that the component contains less than about 2% by weight of water based on the weight of the hydratable component. The amount of water may be less than about 1% by weight, and may be less than about 0.5% by weight. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the hydratable salt need not be completely anhydrous. In certain embodiments, there is also hydration water present to hydrate the alkaline source (i.e., the hydratable salt). It should be understood that reference to water includes both hydration water and free water. The phrase "hydration water" refers to water that is in some way attractively bound to non-water molecules. Exemplary forms of attraction include hydrogen bonding. Hydration water also functions to increase the viscosity of the mixture during processing and cooling to prevent separation of the components. The amount of hydration water in the detergent composition will depend on the alkaline source / hydratable salt. In addition to hydration water, the detergent composition may also have free water that is not attractively bound to non-water molecules.

[0041] In one embodiment, the alkaline detergent composition comprises from about 10% to about 95% by weight of the alkaline source, from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the alkaline source, from about 40% to about 90% by weight of the alkaline source, or from about 50% to about 80% by weight of the alkaline source. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0042] Surface Modification Polymers The alkaline detergent composition comprises a surface-modifying polymer. Suitable surface-modifying (or modifying) polymers include polysaccharides, such as modified gum-based polysaccharides. The surface-modifying polymer may also comprise an amphoteric polymer.

[0043] In one embodiment, cationic polysaccharides are used. The polysaccharides are derivatized or modified by a cationizing agent to contain cationic groups. The resulting compounds are cationic polysaccharides and provide a net positive charge under the conditions of use. As used herein, the term "cationic groups" refers to positively charged groups and partially charged groups. As used herein, the expression "partially charged groups" refers to groups that may be positively charged depending on the pH of the formulation. Such groups may also be referred to as "potentially cationic groups." As used herein, the term "cationic" means at least partially cationic. Thus, the terms "cationizing agents," "cationic groups," and "cationic moieties" include not only ammonium (which has a positive charge), but also primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, and their precursors, which may result in positively charged compounds.

[0044] In one embodiment, the surface-modifying polymer is a modified gum-based polysaccharide, including a cationically modified gum-based polysaccharide. In an additional embodiment, the surface-modifying polymer is a hydroxypropyl modified gum-based polysaccharide. Examples of natural gum-based polysaccharides are polygalactomannans, such as guar gum or locust bean gum, polygalactans, such as carrageenan, polysaccharides or gluconate copolymers, polymannuronates or mannuronate-guluronate copolymers, and the like. These natural gum-based polysaccharides can be classified as not modified by any additional groups, such as cationic or hydroxypropyl groups. For example, guar gum is a galactomannan, or a high molecular weight carbohydrate polymer or polysaccharide in which mannose and galactose units are linked together. Unmodified guar gum does not contain any additional modifications to the mannose and galactose units. However, gum-based polysaccharides suitable for the compositions described herein are cationically modified or hydroxypropyl modified. In one embodiment, the surface modifying polymer does not include unmodified gum base polysaccharides or gum base polysaccharides that have not been cationically modified. In a further embodiment, the surface modifying polymer does not include gum base polysaccharides that have not been hydroxypropyl modified.

[0045] For the compositions described herein, the surface-modifying polymer is a cationic gum-based polysaccharide that includes cationic guar or cationic guar derivatives, such as cationic guar ethers and cationic guar esters, alone or in admixture.Preferably, the cationic polysaccharide is cationic guar gum.Exemplary cationic guars include those obtained according to derivatization techniques such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,720, EP 0,686,643, EP 1501873, and US 2003 / 0044479.Additionally, modified gum-based polysaccharides include hydroxypropyl-modified guar or hydroxypropyl-modified guar derivatives, such as hydroxypropyl guar ethers and hydroxypropyl guar esters, alone or in admixture. Exemplary guar gums are hydroxypropyl modified guars, such as guar gum 2-hydroxypropyl ether or cationically modified guars, such as guar gum 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propyl ether, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,624,455, or combinations thereof.

[0046] In one embodiment, the surface modifying polymer is a hydrophilic polymer.

[0047] In one embodiment, the surface modification polymer is a cationically modified guar gum.Suitable cationically modified guar gums include MIRAPOL Surf N ADW, JAGUAR C17, JAGUAR C500, JAGUAR C13S, JAGUAR C14S, JAGUAR Excel, JAGUAR Optima, and JAGUAR C1000 (Solvay), N-HANCE™ 3215 (Ashland), and guar gum 2 hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium) propyl ether chloride available as CESMATIC™ DP4.

[0048] In one embodiment, the surface modification polymer is JAGUAR® 8000, JAGUAR® 8012, JAGUAR® 8021, JAGUAR® 8060, JAGUAR® 8111, JAGUAR® NHP120, JAGUAR (登録商標) and 2-hydroxypropyl ethers such as HP8, JAGUAR® HP11, JAGUAR® HP60, JAGUAR® HP80, JAGUAR® HP120, and JAGUAR® HP105 (Solvay).

[0049] In one embodiment, the surface modifying polymer is a mixture of an amphoteric polymer and citric acid, where the amphoteric polymer is an acrylic acid / diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) copolymer in about a 60 / 40 molar ratio, available as Mirapol Surf S480PF.

[0050] In one embodiment, the surface modifying polymer is a mixture of an amphoteric polymer and a carbonate, where the amphoteric polymer is an acrylic acid / DADMAC copolymer, available as Mirapol Surf S P-Free, In one embodiment, the weight percent ratio of acrylic acid to DADMAC is from about 5:1 to about 25:1.

[0051] In one embodiment, the alkaline detergent composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the surface modifying polymer, from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the surface modifying polymer, from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the surface modifying polymer, or from about 1% to about 2% by weight of the surface modifying polymer. Further, without being limited in accordance with the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0052] Alcohol Alkoxylate Nonionic Surfactant The 2-in-1 alkaline compositions according to the present invention use alcohol alkoxylate surfactants to provide good cleaning and rinsing properties without causing filming due to surface modifying polymers. Suitable alcohol alkoxylates include linear or branched compounds having carbon chains from about 4 to about 20 carbons in length. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol alkoxylate is a linear compound.

[0053] Suitable alcohol alkoxylates include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and butylene oxide groups, and mixtures thereof. In particular, suitable alcohol alkoxylates may have from about 1 to about 40 moles of alkyl oxide and a carbon chain length of from about 4 to about 20 carbons. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol alkoxylate may be a C8-C18 alcohol alkoxylate having from about 3 to about 40 moles of alkyl oxide. In a more preferred embodiment, the alcohol alkoxylate may be a C8-C16 alcohol alkoxylate having from about 5 to about 30 moles of alkyl oxide or from about 5 to about 10 moles of alkyl oxide. In an even more preferred embodiment, the alcohol alkoxylate may be a C12-C15 alcohol alkoxylate having from about 5 to about 10 moles of alkyl oxide. In one embodiment, alcohol alkoxylates having less than 10 moles of alkyl oxide provide improved filming reduction and / or prevention when combined with a surface modifying polymer.

[0054] Examples of preferred alcohol alkoxylates are available under the brands Dehypon (available from BASF), including Dehypon LS-54 (R-(EO)5(PO)4) and Dehypon LS-36 (R-(EO)3(PO)6), Surfonic (available from Huntsman), Rhodasurf (available from Solvay), Novel (available from Sasol), Lutensol (available from BASF), and mixtures thereof. In additional embodiments, suitable alkoxylated surfactants include blocked alcohol alkoxylates, such as Plurafac RA300, Plurafac LF221, Plurafac SLF-180, and mixtures thereof.

[0055] In one embodiment, the alcohol alkoxylate surfactant is present in the alkaline detergent composition at about 0.1% to about 30%, about 0.1% to about 25%, about 1% to about 20%, or about 1% to about 10% by weight. Further, without being limited in accordance with the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0056] The article, Nonionic Surfactants, edited by Schick, MJ, Vol.1 of the Surfactant Science Series, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1983, provides further description of nonionic compounds commonly used in the practice of the present invention. A general list of nonionic classes and species of these surfactants is given in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December 30, 1975. Further examples are given in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and Vol. II, Schwartz, Perry and Berch). Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0057] builder The alkaline detergent composition may contain one or more building agents, also called chelating agents or sequestering agents (e.g., builders), to treat or soften water and prevent the formation of precipitates or other salts.These may include, but are not limited to, condensed phosphates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal silicates and metasilicates, phosphonates, amino carboxylic acids, and / or polycarboxylic acid polymers.In general, chelating agents are molecules that can coordinate (i.e., bind) metal ions commonly found in natural waters, so as to prevent the metal ions from interfering with the action of other cleaning ingredients of the cleaning composition.

[0058] Examples of condensed phosphates include, but are not limited to, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium and potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium hexametaphosphate.Condensed phosphates can also assist in solidifying the detergent composition to a limited extent by fixing the free water present in the composition as water of hydration.A preferred builder is anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate.

[0059] Examples of phosphonates include 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, CH2C(OH)[PO(OH)2]2; aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid), N[CH2PO(OH)2]3; aminotri(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt (ATMP), N[CH2PO(ONa)2]3; 2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid), HOCH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), (HO)2POCH2N[CH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt (DTPMP), CH (28-x) N3Na x O 15 P5(x=7);Hexamethylenediamine(tetramethylenephosphonate), potassium salt, C 10 H (28-x)N2KxO 12 P4 (x=6); bis(hexamethylene)triamine (pentamethylene phosphonic acid), (HO2)POCH2N[(CH2)2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2, and phosphorous acid, H3PO3. A preferred combination of phosphonates is ATMP and HEDP. The neutralized phosphonate or phosphonate alkali, or combination of phosphonate and alkali source, prior to addition to the mixture, is preferred so that upon addition of the phosphonate, little or no heat or gas is generated by the neutralization reaction. However, in one embodiment, the detergent composition does not contain phosphorus.

[0060] Useful amino carboxylic acid materials that contain little or no NTA include, but are not limited to, N-hydroxyethylaminodiacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), ethylenediaminesuccinic acid (EDDS), 2-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), 3-hydroxy-2,2'-iminodisuccinic acid (HIDS), and other similar acids or their salts that have an amino group with a carboxylic acid substituent.However, in one embodiment, the composition does not contain amino carboxylates.

[0061] Preferred addition levels of builders, which may also be chelating or sequestering agents, are from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight, from about 1% to about 50% by weight, from about 1% to about 25% by weight, or from about 1% to about 20% by weight. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0062] Water Control Polymer The alkaline detergent composition comprises at least one water-conditioning polymer.The water-conditioning polymer may include, but is not limited to, polycarboxylate.The exemplary polycarboxylate that can be used as builder and / or water-conditioning polymer includes pendant carboxylates (-CO), such as polyacrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic acid / olefin copolymer, sulfonated copolymer or terpolymer, acrylic / maleic acid copolymer, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymer, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyamide-methacrylamide copolymer, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, and hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymer. 2- ) groups. In one embodiment, the composition does not contain any carboxylic acid terpolymers. Other suitable water conditioning polymers include starches, sugars, or polyols that contain carboxylic acid or ester functional groups. Exemplary carboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, maleic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and itaconic acid or salts thereof. Exemplary ester functional groups include aryl, cyclic, aromatic, and C1-C 10 They include linear, branched, or substituted esters. For further discussion of chelating / sequestering agents, see Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, volume 5, pages 339-366 and volume 23, pages 319-320, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. These materials can also be used at substoichiometric levels to function as crystal modifiers.

[0063] Preferred levels of water conditioning polymer include about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 40%, about 2% to about 40%, or about 5% to about 20% by weight. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0064] Additional Functional Ingredients The 2-in-1 alkaline composition can be further combined with various functional components suitable for use in consumer and / or industrial ware cleaning applications. In some embodiments, the alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition comprises a carbonate-based alkaline source that constitutes a major portion or substantially all of the total weight of the composition, an alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant, a surface-modifying polymer, a builder, and a water conditioner. For example, in some embodiments, little or no additional functional components are disposed therein.

[0065] In other embodiments, additional functional ingredients may be included in the composition. The functional ingredients impart desired properties and functionality to the composition. For the purposes of this application, the term "functional ingredient" includes materials that, when dispersed or dissolved in a use solution, such as an aqueous solution, and / or a concentrated solution, provide beneficial properties in a particular use. Some specific examples of functional materials are discussed in more detail below, although the specific materials discussed are provided merely as examples, and a variety of other functional ingredients may be used. For example, many of the functional materials discussed below relate to materials used in cleaning, particularly warewashing applications. However, other embodiments may include functional ingredients for use in other applications.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the composition does not include an additional source of alkalinity, i.e., an alkali metal hydroxide. In a further preferred embodiment, the composition does not include a rinse aid.

[0067] In other embodiments, the composition may include additional builders, additional water conditioners, stabilizers, defoamers, anti-redeposition agents, anti-browning agents, bleaching agents, disinfectants, solubility modifiers, dispersants, corrosion inhibitors and metal protectants, stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, enzymes, additional sequestering agents and / or chelating agents, fragrances and / or dyes, rheology modifiers or thickeners, hydrotropes or couplers, buffers, solvents, solidifying agents, etc. The functional material may further include an oxidizing agent to produce a solid composition. When an oxidizing agent is present, the solid composition may contain less than 2% by weight of a residual oxygen source, or more preferably less than 0.5% by weight of a residual oxygen source.

[0068] Additional water conditioners The alkaline detergent composition may include one or more additional water conditioners. In one embodiment, phosphonic acids may be used. The phosphonic acids may be used in the form of water-soluble acid salts, particularly alkali metal salts such as sodium or potassium; ammonium salts; or alkylolamine salts, such as mono-, di-, or triethanolamine salts, in which the alkylol has 2 to 3 carbon atoms. Preferred phosphonates include organic phosphonates. Preferred organic phosphonates include phosphonobutane tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), available from Bayer Corp. in Pittsburgh Pa. under the trade name BAYHIBIT™, and hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP), available from Monsanto Chemical Co., sold under the trade name DEQUEST™ 2010. Additional description of water conditioners suitable for use in the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,436,893, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] In one embodiment, the composition comprises from about 0% to about 20% by weight of additional water conditioning agent, from about 1% to about 20% by weight of additional water conditioning agent, or from about 1% to about 10% by weight of additional water conditioning agent. Further, without being limited in accordance with the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0070] Neutralizer The alkaline detergent composition may also include a neutralizing agent. For example, in certain embodiments, an alkaline neutralizing agent can be used to neutralize acidic components such as water conditioners. Suitable alkaline neutralizing agents may include, for example, alkali metal hydroxides, including but not limited to sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and combinations thereof. The alkali metal hydroxide neutralizing agent may be added to the composition in any form known in the art, including solid beads, dissolved in aqueous solution, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, according to certain embodiments, multiple neutralizing agents may be used. In one aspect of the present invention, the composition of the present invention does not include hydroxide as an alkaline source, and is included only to neutralize acidic components in the composition, including water conditioners such as ATMP.

[0071] In one aspect, the composition comprises about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of neutralizing agent, or about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of neutralizing agent. In one embodiment of the invention, the neutralizing agent comprises an alkali metal hydroxide in an amount up to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.01% to about 10% by weight. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0072] Etching inhibitor The alkaline detergent composition may also include an etching inhibitor that can prevent etching of glass. Examples of suitable etching inhibitors include adding metal ions such as zinc, zinc chloride, zinc gluconate, aluminum, and beryllium to the composition. The corrosion inhibitor may refer to a combination of an aluminum ion source and a zinc ion source. When the solid detergent composition is provided in the form of a use solution, the aluminum ion source and the zinc ion source provide aluminum ions and zinc ions, respectively. The amount of corrosion inhibitor is calculated based on the total amount of the aluminum ion source and the zinc ion source. Anything that provides aluminum ions in the use solution may be referred to as an aluminum ion source, and anything that provides zinc ions when provided in the use solution may be referred to as a zinc ion source. It is not necessary that the aluminum ion source and / or the zinc ion source react to form aluminum ions and / or zinc ions. The aluminum ions may be considered as an aluminum ion source, and the zinc ions may be considered as a zinc ion source. The aluminum ion source and the zinc ion source may be provided as organic salts, inorganic salts, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary aluminum ion sources include, but are not limited to, aluminum salts such as sodium aluminate, aluminum bromide, aluminum chlorate, aluminum chloride, aluminum iodide, aluminum nitrate, aluminum sulfate, aluminum acetate, aluminum formate, aluminum tartrate, aluminum lactate, aluminum oleate, aluminum bromate, aluminum borate, aluminum potassium sulfate, zinc aluminum sulfate, and aluminum phosphate. Exemplary zinc ion sources include, but are not limited to, zinc salts such as zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, zinc iodide, zinc thiocyanate, zinc fluorosilicate, zinc dichromate, zinc chlorate, sodium zincate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc benzoate, zinc citrate, zinc lactate, zinc formate, zinc bromate, zinc bromide, zinc fluoride, zinc fluorosilicate, and zinc salicylate.

[0073] The present compositions preferably comprise from about 0% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 7%, and most preferably from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of an etch inhibitor. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0074] Corrosion Inhibitors The alkaline detergent composition may optionally include a corrosion inhibitor that provides the composition with a surface that is glossier and less susceptible to biofilm accumulation than a surface that has not been treated with the composition having the corrosion inhibitor.

[0075] Preferred corrosion inhibitors that can be used according to the present invention include phosphonates, phosphonic acids, triazoles, organic amines, sorbitan esters, carboxylic acid derivatives, sarcosinates, phosphate esters, zinc, nitrates, chromium, molybdate-containing components, and borate-containing components. Exemplary phosphates or phosphonic acids are available from Solutia, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo. under the name Dequest (i.e., Dequest 2000, Dequest 2006, Dequest 2010, Dequest 2016, Dequest 2054, Dequest 2060, and Dequest 2066). Exemplary triazoles are available from PMC Specialties Group, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio under the name Cobratec (i.e., Cobratec 100, Cobratec TT-50-S, and Cobratec 99). Exemplary organic amines include aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, monoamines, diamines, triamines, polyamines, and their salts.Exemplary amines are available under the names Amp (i.e., Amp-95) from Angus Chemical Company of Buffalo Grove, Ill., WGS (i.e., WGS-50) from Jacam Chemicals, LLC of Sterling, Kans., Duomeen (i.e., Duomeen O and Duomeen C) from Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc. of Chicago, Ill., DeThox amines (C series and T series) from DeForest Enterprises, Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla., Deriphat series from Henkel Corp. of Ambler, Pa., and Maxhib (AC series) from Chemax, Inc. of Greenville, SC.Exemplary sorbitan esters are available under the names Calgene (LA series) from Calgene Chemical Inc. of Skokie, Ill.Exemplary carboxylic acid derivatives are available under the name Recor (i.e., Recor 12) from Ciba-Geigy Corp. of Tarrytown, NY. Exemplary sarcosinates are available under the name Hamposyl from Hampshire Chemical Corp. of Lexington, Mass. and Sarkosyl from Ciba-Geigy Corp. of Tarrytown, NY.

[0076] The composition optionally includes a corrosion inhibitor to provide enhanced shine to the metal parts of the dishwasher and / or to provide a shinier surface. When a corrosion inhibitor is incorporated into the composition, it is preferably included in an amount of about 0.01% to about 7.5% by weight, about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, and about 0.01% to about 3% by weight.

[0077] Anti-redeposition agent The alkaline detergent composition may also include an anti-redeposition agent that can promote the continued suspension of soils in the wash solution and prevent the redeposition of removed soils on the substrate being cleaned. Examples of suitable anti-redeposition agents include fatty acid amides, complex phosphate esters, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, and cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, etc. The composition preferably includes about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, and more preferably about 1% to about 5% by weight of the anti-redeposition agent.

[0078] enzyme The alkaline detergent composition can include one or more enzymes, which can provide the desired activity for removing protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based soils from substrates such as flatware, cups, and bowls, as well as pots and pans.The enzymes suitable for the compositions of the present invention can act by decomposing or altering one or more types of soil residues encountered on a surface, thus removing the soil or making the soil more removable by the surfactant or other components of the cleaning composition.Both the decomposition and alteration of soil residues can improve cleaning power by reducing the physicochemical force that binds the soil to the surface or fabric being cleaned, i.e., the soil becomes more water-soluble.For example, one or more proteases can cleave the complex macromolecular protein structures present in the soil residues into simpler short-chain molecules that are themselves more easily desorbed, solubilized, or otherwise removed from the surface by the cleaning solution containing the protease.

[0079] Suitable enzymes include proteases, amylases, lipases, gluconases, cellulases, peroxidases, or mixtures thereof, of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal, or yeast origin. The preferred selection is influenced by factors such as pH activity and / or stability optimum, thermostability, and stability to active detergents, builders, and the like. In this regard, bacterial or fungal enzymes, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases, are preferred. In some embodiments, preferably, the enzyme is a protease, lipase, amylase, or combinations thereof. An important reference for enzymes, which is incorporated herein by reference, is "Industrial Enzymes," Scott, D., in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Edition, (editors Grayson, M. and EcKroth, D.) Vol. 9, pp. 173-224, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1980.

[0080] In embodiments using an enzyme, the composition comprises from 0% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight, from about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the enzyme.

[0081] Antibacterial agents The alkaline detergent composition may optionally contain an antimicrobial agent or preservative. An antimicrobial agent is a chemical composition that may be used in the composition to prevent microbial contamination and deterioration of material systems, surfaces, etc. of commercial products. An antimicrobial agent may also be a disinfectant. Generally, these materials are classified into specific classes, including phenols, halogen compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives, analides, or organic sulfur and sulfur-nitrogen compounds, as well as various compounds. Depending on the chemical composition and concentration, a given antimicrobial agent may simply limit the further growth of the number of microorganisms, or may destroy all or a significant portion of the microbial population. The terms "microbe" and "microorganism" typically refer primarily to bacterial and fungal microorganisms. In use, the antimicrobial agent, when diluted and dispensed using a water flow, is formed into a final product that forms an aqueous germicide or disinfectant composition that can contact various surfaces to prevent growth or cause killing of a significant portion of the microbial population. Common antimicrobial agents that can be used include phenolic antimicrobial agents such as pentachlorophenol, orthophenylphenol, and halogen-containing antimicrobial agents that can be used include bromine compounds such as sodium trichloroisocyanurate, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (anhydrous or dihydrate), iodine-poly(vinylpyrrolidine-onene) complex, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and quaternary antimicrobial agents such as benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, and amine- and nitro-containing antimicrobial compositions such as hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, dithiocarbamates such as sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and various other materials known in the art for their microbial properties.Antimicrobial agents can be encapsulated to improve stability and / or reduce reactivity with other materials in the detergent composition.

[0082] If an antimicrobial agent or preservative is incorporated into the composition, it is preferably included in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, and about 0.1% to about 1.0% by weight.

[0083] Foam suppressor In order to reduce the stability of any foam formed, a foam suppressor may be included in addition to the nonionic surfactant of the alkaline cleaning composition. Examples of foam suppressors include silicon compounds such as silica dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, fatty acids, fatty esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, ethoxylates, mineral oils, polyethylene glycol esters, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, alkyl phosphate esters such as monostearyl phosphate, and the like. Discussions of foam suppressors can be found in U.S. Patent No. 3,048,548 to Martin et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,334,147 to Brunelle et al., and U.S. Patent No. 3,442,242 to Rue et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present composition preferably comprises about 0% to about 5% by weight, and more preferably about 0.01% to about 3% by weight of a foam suppressor.

[0084] Additional Surfactants The compositions of the present invention may include additional surfactants. Particularly suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and zwitterionic surfactants. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions are substantially free of cationic and / or anionic surfactants. In one aspect, the compositions may include about 0.01% to 40% by weight of additional surfactant, preferably about 0.1% to 30% by weight of additional surfactant, more preferably about 1% to 25% by weight of additional surfactant. Furthermore, without being limited according to the present invention, all ranges recited are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0085] Nonionic Surfactants Suitable nonionic surfactants for use with the compositions of the present invention include alkoxylated surfactants. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants include EO / PO copolymers, blocked EO / PO copolymers, alcohol alkoxylates, blocked alcohol alkoxylates, mixtures thereof, and the like. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants for use as solvents include EO / PO block copolymers, such as Pluronic and reverse Pluronic surfactants; alcohol alkoxylates, such as Dehypon LS-54 (R-(EO)5(PO)4) and Dehypon LS-36 (R-(EO)3(PO)6), where R is an alkyl chain of about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms; and blocked alcohol alkoxylates, such as Plurafac LF221, Plurafac SLF180, and Tegoten EC11; mixtures thereof, and the like.

[0086] The semi-polar type of nonionic surfactants are another class of nonionic surfactants useful in the compositions of the present invention. Semi-polar nonionic surfactants include the amine oxides, phosphine oxides, sulfoxides and their alkoxylated derivatives.

[0087] The amine oxide is a tertiary amine oxide corresponding to the general formula: [ka] where the arrow is a conventional representation of a semipolar bond and R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 R may be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic, or a combination thereof. In general, for the amine oxides of interest, R 1 is an alkyl radical of about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms; R 2 and R 3 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof; R 2 and R 3can be linked together, for example, via an oxygen or nitrogen atom to form a ring structure, R 4 is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and n ranges from 0 to about 20. The amine oxides can be generated from the corresponding amines and an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide.

[0088] Useful water-soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from octyl, decyl, dodecyl, isododecyl, coconut, or tallow alkyl di-(lower alkyl)amine oxides, specific examples of which include octyl dimethylamine oxide, nonyl dimethylamine oxide, decyl dimethylamine oxide, undecyl dimethylamine oxide, dodecyl dimethylamine oxide, isododecyl dimethylamine oxide, tridecyl dimethylamine oxide, tetradecyl dimethylamine oxide, pentadecyl dimethylamine oxide, hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide, heptadecyl dimethylamine oxide, oct ... These are octadecyl dimethylamine oxide, dodecyl dipropylamine oxide, tetradecyl dipropylamine oxide, hexadecyl dipropylamine oxide, tetradecyl dibutylamine oxide, octadecyl dibutylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide, dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamine oxide and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.

[0089] Amphoteric surfactants Amphoteric or ampholytic surfactants contain both basic and acidic hydrophilic groups as well as organic hydrophobic groups. These ionic entities can be either anionic or cationic groups as described herein for other types of surfactants. Basic nitrogen and acidic carboxylate groups are typical functional groups employed as basic and acidic hydrophilic groups. In a few surfactants, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphonates, or phosphates provide the negative charge.

[0090] Amphoteric surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, where the aliphatic radicals can be straight or branched, one of the aliphatic substituents contains about 8-18 carbon atoms, and one contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, such as carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphato, or phosphono. Amphoteric surfactants are known to those skilled in the art and are subdivided into two main classes described in "Surfactant Encyclopedia" Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2)69-71 (1989), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The first class includes acyl / dialkylethylenediamine derivatives (e.g., 2-alkylhydroxyethylimidazoline derivatives) and their salts. The second class includes N-alkylamino acids and their salts. Some amphoteric surfactants can be envisioned as falling into both classes.

[0091] Amphoteric surfactants can be synthesized by methods known to those skilled in the art.For example, 2-alkylhydroxyethyl imidazoline is synthesized by condensation and ring closure of long-chain carboxylic acid (or derivative) with dialkylethylenediamine.Commercial amphoteric surfactants are derivatized, for example, with chloroacetic acid or ethyl acetate, by subsequent hydrolysis and opening of the imidazoline ring by alkylation.During alkylation, one or two carboxy-alkyl groups react to form tertiary amine and ether bond, and different alkylating agents produce different tertiary amines.

[0092] Long chain imidazole derivatives having use in the present invention generally have the general formula: [ka] In the formula, R is an acyclic hydrophobic group containing about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and M is a cation, typically sodium, for neutralizing the charge of the anion. Commercially well-known imidazoline-derived amphoteric compounds that can be used in the present composition include, for example, cocoamphopropionate, cocoamphocarboxy-propionate, cocoamphoglycinate, cocoamphocarboxy-glycinate, cocoamphopropyl-sulfonate, and cocoamphocarboxy-propionic acid. Amphocarboxylic acids can be generated from aliphatic imidazolines, where the dicarboxylic acid functional group of the amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid and / or dipropionic acid.

[0093] The carboxymethylated compounds (glycinates) described herein above are often referred to as betaines, which are a special class of amphoteric compounds described herein below in the section entitled Zwitterionic Surfactants.

[0094] Long-chain N-alkylamino acids are easily prepared by the reaction RNH2, where R is C8-C 18 They are fatty amines with straight or branched chain alkyl, halogenated carboxylic acids. Alkylation of the primary amino groups of amino acids results in secondary and tertiary amines. The alkyl substituents may have two or more amino groups providing multiple reactive nitrogen centers. Most commercial N-alkyl amine acids are alkyl derivatives of beta-alanine or beta-N(2-carboxyethyl)alanine. Examples of commercial N-alkyl amino acid ampholytes that have application in the present invention include alkyl beta-amino dipropionates, RN(C2H4COOM)2 and RNHC2H4COOM. In one embodiment, R can be an acyclic hydrophobic group containing about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and M is a cation to neutralize the charge of the anion.

[0095] Suitable amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconut products such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acids. Additional suitable coconut derived surfactants include as part of their structure an ethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety such as glycine, or combinations thereof, and an aliphatic substituent of about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such surfactants may also be considered alkyl amphodicarboxylic acids. These amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconut products such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acids. Additional suitable coconut derived surfactants include as part of their structure an ethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety such as glycine, or combinations thereof, and an aliphatic substituent of about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such surfactants may also be considered alkyl amphodicarboxylic acids. 12 -Alkyl-C(O)-NH-CH2-CH2-N + (CH2-CH2-CO2Na)2-CH2-CH2-OH or C 12 -Alkyl-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-CH2-N + It may include a chemical structure represented as (CH2-CO2Na)2-CH2-CH2-OH. Disodium cocoamphodipropionate is one suitable amphoteric surfactant and is commercially available under the trade name Miranol™ FBS from Rhodia Inc., Cranberry, New Jersey. Another suitable coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant having the chemical name disodium cocoamphodiacetate is commercially available under the trade name Mirataine™ JCHA from Rhodia Inc., also located in Cranberry, New Jersey.

[0096] A typical listing of amphoteric classes and species of these surfactants is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December 30, 1975. Further examples are described in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

[0097] Zwitterionic Surfactants Zwitterionic surfactants can be considered a subset of amphoteric surfactants and can contain anionic charges. Zwitterionic surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium, or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Typically, zwitterionic surfactants contain a positively charged quaternary ammonium, or sometimes sulfonium or phosphonium ion, a negatively charged carboxyl group, and an alkyl group. Zwitterions generally contain cationic and anionic groups that ionize to about the same extent in the isoelectric region of the molecule, which can create a strong "inner salt" attraction between the positive-negative charge centers. Examples of such zwitterionic synthetic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds in which the aliphatic radical may be straight or branched chain, one of the aliphatic substituents contains 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and one contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, such as carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate.

[0098] Betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary zwitterionic surfactants for use herein. The general formula for these compounds is: [ka] In the formula, R 1 comprises an alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkyl radical of 8 to 18 carbon atoms having 0 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties and 0 to 1 glyceryl moiety, Y is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen atoms, phosphorus atoms, and sulfur atoms, R 2 is an alkyl group or a monohydroxyalkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms, x is 1 when Y is a sulfur atom, and is 2 when Y is a nitrogen atom or a phosphorus atom, R 3is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene or hydroxyalkylene of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Z is a radical selected from the group consisting of a carboxylate group, a sulfonate group, a sulfate group, a phosphonate group, and a phosphate group.

[0099] Examples of zwitterionic surfactants having the structures listed above include 4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate, 5-[S-3-hydroxypropyl-S-hexadecylsulfonio]-3-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate, 3-[P,P-diethyl-P-3,6,9-trioxatetracosanephosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane-1-phosphate, 3-[N,N-dipropyl-N-3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl-ammonio]-propane-1-phosphonate, 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate ... -hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propane-1-sulfonate, 4-[N,N-di(2(2-hydroxyethyl)-N(2-hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate, 3-[S-ethyl-S-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphate, 3-[P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio]-propane-1-phosphonate, and S[N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecylammonio]-2-hydroxy-pentane-1-sulfate. The alkyl groups contained in the detergent surfactants may be straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated.

[0100] Zwitterionic surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include betaines of the following general structure: [ka] These surfactant betaines typically do not exhibit strong cationic or anionic characteristics at extreme pH or reduced water solubility in these isoelectric ranges. Unlike "external" quaternary ammonium salts, betaines can coexist with anions. Examples of suitable betaines include coconut acylamidopropyl dimethyl betaine, hexadecyl dimethyl betaine, C12-14 acylamidopropyl betaine, C12-14 acylamidopropyl betaine, C12-14 dimethyl ammonium ... 8-14 Acylamidohexyl diethyl betaine, 4-C 14-16 Acylmethylamidodiethylammonio-1-carboxybutane, C 16-18 Acylamide dimethyl betaine, C 12-16 Acylamide pentane diethyl betaine, and C 12-16 Acylmethylamidodimethylbetaine is an example.

[0101] Sultaines useful in the present invention include those having the formula (R(R 1 )2N + R 2 SO 3- wherein R is a C6-C 18 is a hydrocarbyl group, and each R 1 are typically independently C1-C3 alkyl, e.g., methyl, and R 2 is a C1-C6 hydrocarbyl group, for example a C1-C3 alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group.

[0102] A representative listing of zwitterionic classes and species of these surfactants is found in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued Dec. 30, 1975 to Laughlin and Heuring. Further examples are found in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). Each of these references is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0103] In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention includes a betaine. For example, the composition can include cocoamidopropyl betaine.

[0104] How to use - Utensil cleaning In one embodiment, the method of using the solid 2-in-1 detergent composition involves using a step of providing an alkaline 2-in-1 detergent composition as disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the solid composition is inserted into a dispenser in or associated with a dishwashing machine, including both industrial and / or consumer warewashing machines. Warewashing machines in various locations, such as consumer / domestic, restaurant, hotel, nursing home, hospital, fast food, etc., can empty the solid 2-in-1 detergent composition. In certain embodiments, the solid composition is easy to handle and does not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In some embodiments, the solid composition is particularly well suited for use in under-counter warewashing machines, which present alkaline detergent challenges for handling and dispensing. For example, under-counter warewashing machines are typically utilized in locations with minimal space, so the solid concentrated 2-in-1 composition offers unique advantages for such use applications.

[0105] In one embodiment, the solid composition is a single-use solid composition. In another embodiment, the solid composition is a multi-use dose having about 10 to about 10,000 doses per solid composition. In another aspect, the solid composition may be formulated into a single-use composition where it is used once for cleaning. The method also includes forming a cleaning solution with the alkaline 2-in-1 detergent composition and water, contacting soils on articles in a dishwasher with the cleaning solution, removing the soils, and rinsing the articles with potable water without the need for the use of a separate rinse aid composition. In an embodiment, the rinsing is performed with potable water only.

[0106] In one embodiment, the 2-in-1 detergent composition is inserted into a dishwasher dispenser. The dispenser can be selected from a variety of different dispensers depending on the physical form of the composition. The solid composition can be dispensed using a spray, flood, auger, shaker, tablet-type dispenser, unit dose using a water-soluble packet such as a polyvinyl alcohol or foil pouch, or diffusion through a membrane or permeable surface. The dispenser can be a dual dispenser where one component is dispensed on one side and the other component is dispensed on the other side. These exemplary dispensers can be located within or associated with a variety of dishwashing machines, including under-counter dishwashing machines, bar washing machines, door machines, conveyor machines, or flight machines. The dispenser can be located inside the dishwashing machine, in a remote location, or outside the dishwashing machine. A single dispenser may feed one or more dishwashing machines.

[0107] Once the 2-in-1 detergent composition is inserted into the dispenser, the washing cycle of the dishwasher is initiated and a washing solution is formed. The washing solution is comprised of the alkaline 2-in-1 detergent composition and water from the dishwasher. The water can be any type of water, including hard water, soft water, clean water, or dirty water. The most preferred washing solutions are those that maintain a preferred pH range of about 7 to about 11.5, more preferably about 9.5 to about 11.5, as measured by a pH probe, based on a solution of the composition in a 16 gallon dishwasher. The same probe can be used to measure millivolts if the probe allows both functions by simply switching the probe from pH to millivolts. The dispenser or dishwasher may optionally include a pH probe to measure the pH of the washing solution throughout the washing cycle. The actual concentration or ratio of water to detergent will depend on the particular surfactant used. Exemplary concentration ranges can include use concentrations of the detergent composition up to 2000 ppm, preferably 1-2000 ppm, more preferably 500-2000 ppm, and most preferably 500-1500 ppm.

[0108] The detergent composition may include a concentrate composition or may be diluted to form a use composition. Generally, a concentrate refers to a composition that is intended to be diluted with water to provide a use solution that contacts an object to provide the desired cleaning, rinsing, etc. The detergent composition that contacts the article to be cleaned may be referred to as a concentrate or a use composition (or use solution), depending on the formulation used in the methods described herein.

[0109] Use solutions may be prepared from the concentrates by diluting the concentrates with water at a dilution ratio that provides a use solution with the desired cleaning and rinsing properties. The water used to dilute the concentrates to form the use compositions may be referred to as dilution water or diluent and may vary from location to location. A typical dilution factor is approximately 1 to approximately 10,000, but will depend on factors such as water hardness, amount of soil to be removed, etc. In one embodiment, the concentrates are diluted at a ratio of concentrate to water of about 1:10 to about 1:10,000. Specifically, the concentrates are diluted at a ratio of concentrate to water of about 1:100 to about 1:5,000. More specifically, the concentrates are diluted at a ratio of concentrate to water of about 1:250 to about 1:2,000.

[0110] The use solution can have an elevated temperature (i.e., is heated to an elevated temperature when used in accordance with the methods of the present invention. In one example, a use solution having a temperature of about 100°F to about 185°F, about 100°F to about 140°F or about 110°F to about 130°F for low temperature applications, or about 120°F to about 185°F or about 140°F to about 185°F for high temperature applications, contacts the substrate to be cleaned.

[0111] After the cleaning solution is formed, the cleaning solution contacts the soil on the article of the dishwasher. Examples of soil include the soil typically encountered by food, such as proteinaceous soil, hydrophobic fatty soil, starchy and sugary soil associated with carbohydrates and simple sugars, soil from dairy and dairy products, and fruit and vegetable soil. Soils may also include minerals from hard water, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. The articles that may be contacted include articles made of glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, copper, brass, silver, rubber, wood, ceramic, and the like. The articles include those typically found in dishwashers, such as glass, bowls, plates, cups, pots and pans, heat-resistant ware, such as cookie sheets, cake pans, muffin pans, and the like, silverware, such as forks, spoons, knives, cooking utensils, such as wooden spoons, spatulas, rubber scrapers, utility knives, tongs, grill utensils, serving utensils, and the like. The cleaning solution may contact the soil in a number of ways, including spraying, immersion, sump pump solution, misting, and atomizing.

[0112] When the cleaning solution comes into contact with the soil, the soil is removed from the article. Removal of the soil from the article is accomplished by a chemical reaction between the cleaning solution and the soil, as well as the mechanical action of the cleaning solution on the article depending on how the cleaning solution contacts the article.

[0113] Once the soil is removed, the items are rinsed as part of the wash cycle of the dishwasher with potable water without the use of a separate or additional rinse aid composition.

[0114] Advantageously, the method of use provides effective 2-in-1 cleaning and rinsing without imparting a visible layer or film to treated ware, as is traditionally the case when the surface modifying polymer is not combined with an alcohol alkoxylate.

[0115] The method may include more or fewer steps than those shown here. For example, the method may include additional steps normally associated with the wash cycle of a dishwasher. For example, the method may also optionally include the use of an acid detergent. For example, the method may optionally include alternating an acid detergent with an alkaline detergent as described.

[0116] Method for producing the composition The compositions of the present invention are solid compositions, ie, solid block compositions, including, but not limited to, pressed solid compositions, cast solid block compositions, or extruded solid block compositions.

[0117] Solid particulate materials can be made by simply blending dry solid ingredients in the appropriate ratio or agglomerating the materials in a suitable agglomeration system. Pelletized materials can be produced by compressing solid granules or agglomerated materials in a suitable pelletizing equipment to produce appropriately sized pelletized materials. Solid block and cast solid block materials can be made by introducing into a container either a block of pre-hardened material or a castable liquid that hardens into a solid block in the container. Preferred containers include disposable plastic containers or water-soluble film containers. Other suitable packaging for the composition includes flexible bags, packets, shrink wrap, and water-soluble films such as polyvinyl alcohol.

[0118] The solid detergent composition may be formed using a batch or continuous mixing system. In an exemplary embodiment, a single or twin screw extruder is used to combine and mix one or more components with high shear to form a homogeneous mixture. In some embodiments, the processing temperature is equal to or lower than the melting temperature of the components. The processed mixture may be dispensed from the mixer by molding, casting, or other means suitable for the detergent composition to harden into a solid form. The structure of the matrix may be characterized according to its hardness, melting point, material distribution, crystal structure, and other similar properties by methods known in the art. In general, the solid composition processed according to the method of the present invention is substantially homogeneous in terms of the distribution of components throughout its mass and is dimensionally stable.

[0119] In the extrusion process, liquid and solid components are introduced into a final mixing system and mixed continuously until the components form a substantially homogenous semi-solid mixture in which the components are distributed throughout its mass. The mixture is then discharged from the mixing system into or through a die or other forming means. The product is then packaged. In an exemplary embodiment, the formed composition begins to harden into a solid form in about 1 minute to about 3 hours. Specifically, the formed composition begins to harden into a solid form in about 1 minute to about 2 hours. More specifically, the formed composition begins to harden into a solid form in about 1 minute to about 20 minutes.

[0120] In the casting process, the liquid and solid components are introduced into a final mixing system and mixed continuously until the components form a substantially homogenous liquid mixture in which the components are distributed throughout its mass. In an exemplary embodiment, the components are mixed in the mixing system for at least approximately 60 seconds. Once mixing is complete, the product is transferred to a packaging container where solidification occurs. In an exemplary embodiment, the casting composition begins to harden into a solid form in approximately 1 minute to approximately 3 hours. Specifically, the casting composition begins to harden into a solid form in approximately 1 minute to approximately 2 hours. More specifically, the casting composition begins to harden into a solid form in approximately 1 minute to approximately 20 minutes.

[0121] In the press solid process, flowable solids such as granular solids or other particulate solids with binders (e.g., hydrated chelating agents, such as hydrated aminocarboxylates, hydrated polycarboxylates or hydrated anionic polymers, hydrated citrates or hydrated tartrates, or those with alkali metal carbonates) are combined under pressure. In the press solid process, the flowable solids of the composition are placed in a form (e.g., a mold or container). The method may include gently pressing the flowable solids in the form to produce a solid cleaning composition. Pressure may be applied by a block machine or a rotary plate press or the like. Pressure may be applied at about 1 to about 2000 psi, about 1 to about 300 psi, about 5 psi to about 200 psi, or about 10 psi to about 100 psi. In certain embodiments, the method may use pressures as low as about 1 psi or more, about 2 or more, about 5 psi or more, or about 10 psi or more. As used herein, the term "psi" or "pounds per square inch" refers to the actual pressure applied to the flowable solid being pressed, and not to the gauge or water pressure measured at a point in the pressing device. The method may include a curing step to produce a solid cleaning composition. As referred to herein, an uncured composition comprising a flowable solid is compressed to provide sufficient surface contact between particles that make up the flowable solid such that the uncured composition will solidify into a stable solid cleaning composition. A sufficient amount of particles (e.g., granules) in contact with each other provide effective particle-to-particle bonding to create a stable solid composition. The inclusion of a curing step may include allowing the pressed solid to solidify for a period of, for example, several hours or about a day (or more). In additional aspects, the method may include vibrating the flowable solid in a mold or form, such as the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,889,048, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0122] The use of pressed solids offers many advantages over conventional solid block or tablet compositions that require high pressure in a tablet press or casting, which requires melting of the composition, which consumes a significant amount of energy, and / or extrusion, which requires expensive equipment and advanced technical knowledge.Pressed solids overcome such various limitations of other solid formulations that are necessary for the creation of solid cleaning compositions.In addition, pressed solid compositions retain their shape under the conditions under which the composition may be stored or handled.

[0123] By the term "solid" it is meant that the hardened composition will not flow under moderate stress or pressure or simple gravity and will substantially retain its shape. The solid can be in various forms such as powder, flake, granule, pellet, tablet, drop, puck, briquette, brick, solid block, unit dose, or another solid form known to those skilled in the art. The hardness of the solid cast composition and / or pressed solid composition can range from the hardness of a relatively dense and hard fused solid product, such as concrete, to a hardness that is characterized as being a hardened paste. In addition, the term "solid" refers to the state of the detergent composition under the expected storage and use conditions of the solid detergent composition. In general, the detergent composition is expected to remain in solid form when exposed to temperatures up to approximately 100°F and specifically up to approximately 120°F.

[0124] The resulting solid detergent composition may take the form of, but is not limited to, a cast solid product; an extruded, molded, or formed solid pellet, block, tablet, powder, granule, flake; a pressed solid, or the formed solid may then be ground or formed into a powder, granule, or flake. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressed material has a weight of approximately 0.5 grams to approximately 250 grams, and the solid block detergent formed by the composition has a mass of approximately 1 to approximately 10 kilograms. In one embodiment, the solid detergent composition has a weight of about 0.5 grams to about 50 grams, preferably about 0.5 grams to 20 grams, and most preferably 1 gram to 10 grams. The solid composition provides a stabilized source of functional materials. In some embodiments, the solid composition may be dissolved, for example, in an aqueous or other medium, to generate a concentrated solution and / or a use solution. This solution may be directed to a storage container for subsequent use and / or dilution, or may be applied directly at the time of use.

[0125] In one aspect of the embodiment, the solid composition is designed to release a certain portion or amount of the solid composition in each cycle. In an exemplary embodiment, the ware washing cycle releases about 0.5 grams / cycle of the solid composition, about 1 gram / cycle of the solid composition, about 2 grams / cycle of the solid composition, about 5 grams / cycle of the solid composition, about 6 grams / cycle of the solid composition, or about 10 grams / cycle of the solid composition (including all ranges therebetween). Thus, one skilled in the art will recognize from this disclosure that the size of the solid composition can be adapted to the number of cycles (or other time increments) performed each day.

[0126] The following patents disclose various combinations of solidifying agents, binders, and / or hardeners that may be utilized in the solid cleaning compositions of the present invention: U.S. Patents Nos. 7,153,820, 7,094,746, 7,087,569, 7,037,886, 6,831,054, 6,730,653, 6,660,707, 6,653,266, 6,583,094, 6,410,495, 6,258,765, 6,583,094, 6,641,295, 6,721,102, 6,821,102, and 6,911,116. Nos. 6,177,392, 6,156,715, 5,858,299, 5,316,688, 5,234,615, 5,198,198, 5,078,301, 4,595,520, 4,680,134, RE32,763, and RE32818 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0127] In one embodiment, the solid composition does not contain its distinct or separate components. The solid composition is referred to as a single component or one-component system. This is advantageous and different from conventional detergent compositions that are controlled-released as a result of encapsulation, coating or membrane, separate injection of components such as liquid formulations, or having different compartments for physical separation of components (sachets, pouches, etc.), and then need to be combined with different detergent compositions or other compositions to provide the desired activity.

[0128] All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. EXAMPLES

[0129] The embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. It should be understood that these examples, while showing specific embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above description and these examples, a person skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of the present invention, and can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present invention to adapt them to various applications and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, in addition to those shown and described herein, various modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0130] The materials used in the following examples are provided herein. Mirapol® Surf N: Guar gum 2 hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium) propyl ether chloride, a cationically modified guar gum, available from Solvay.

[0131] Mirapol® Surf S P-Free: acrylic acid / DADMAC copolymer and carbonate, amphoteric polymer, available from Solvay.

[0132] Jaguar® C500: Guar gum, 2 hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium) propyl ether chloride, a cationically modified guar gum, available from Solvay.

[0133] Jaguar® HP105: Guar gum 2-hydroxypropyl ether, a hydroxypropyl modified guar gum, available from Solvay.

[0134] Dehypon® LS-36: Alcohol alkoxylate; a fatty alcohol C12-C15 with approximately 3 moles EO and 6 moles PO available from BASF.

[0135] Dehypon® LS-54: Alcohol alkoxylate; a fatty alcohol C12-C15 with approximately 5 moles EO and 4 moles PO available from BASF.

[0136] Pluronic® 25R2: an EO / PO copolymer having the general structure PO(22)-EO(14)-PO(22), or 20 wt. % EO, available from BASF.

[0137] Pluronic® N3: an EO / PO copolymer with the general structure PO(20)-EO(23)-PO(20), or 30 wt. % EO, available from BASF.

[0138] Plurafac® RA300: Alcohol alkoxylate; fatty alcohol C12-C16 with approximately 6 moles EO and 3 moles PO available from BASF.

[0139] Plurafac® LF221: Alcohol alkoxylate; fatty alcohol C12-C15 with approximately 9-10 moles EO and 1-2 moles BO available from BASF.

[0140] Plurafac® LF403: Alcohol alkoxylate; linear and branched C13-C15 with approximately 5 moles PO, 2 moles EO, and 5 moles PO available from BASF.

[0141] Plurafac® SLF180: Branched alcohol alkoxylate, 2-propylheptanol with approximately 17-20 moles EO and 17-20 moles PO available from BASF.

[0142] Acusol 448: An acrylic / maleic copolymer having a molecular weight of 3,500 g / mol available from Dow Chemical.

[0143] ATMP 50%: Aminotri(methylenephosphonate), sodium salt MGDA: Methylglycine diacetate The 2-in-1 detergent compositions evaluated are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0144] Example 1 50-Cycle Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Test The cleaning effectiveness of the exemplary compositions in Table 2 was evaluated using a 50 cycle redeposition experiment of a warewashing detergent. The compositions were compared to a two-product system, i.e., a commercial control (solid detergent and rinse aid composition). Six 10 oz Libby heat-resistant glass tumblers were used to test the composition's ability to clean glass. The glass tumblers were cleaned before use.

[0145] A food soil solution was prepared using a 50 / 50 combination of beef stew and hot spot soil with 2000 ppm soil. The soil included 2 cans of Dinty Moore beef stew (1360 grams), 1 large can of tomato sauce (822 grams), 15.5 sticks of Blue Bonnet margarine (1746 grams), and powdered milk (436.4 grams). The hot spot soil was added to the machine to maintain an effluent concentration of approximately 2000 ppm.

[0146] The dishwasher was filled with 17 grain water and then the heater was turned on. The wash temperature was adjusted to approximately 150-160°F. The final rinse temperature was adjusted to approximately 175-190°F. The controller was set to indicate the amount of detergent in the wash tank. A glass tumbler was placed in the dishwasher. The dishwasher was then started and run on an automatic cycle. At the start of each cycle, an appropriate amount of hot spot soil was added to maintain a effluent concentration of 2000 ppm. The detergent concentration is controlled by conductivity. After the 50 cycles were completed, the glasses were allowed to dry overnight. They were then graded for spot and film buildup (visual).

[0147] The glass tumblers were then graded for protein accumulation using Coomassie Brilliant Blue R stain, followed by destaining with an acetic acid / methanol aqueous solution. Coomassie Brilliant Blue R stain was prepared by combining 1.25 g of Coomassie Brilliant Blue R dye with 45 mL of acetic acid and 455 mL of 50% methanol in distilled water. The destaining solution consisted of 45% methanol and 10% acetic acid in distilled water.

[0148] The amount of protein remaining on the glass Gumblar after destaining was visually rated on a scale of 1 to 5. A rating of 1 indicated that no protein was present after destaining - i.e., no spots / no film. A rating of 2 indicated that random areas (barely perceptible) were covered with protein after destaining - i.e., random spots (or about 20% of the surface was covered with a film). A rating of 3 indicated that about a quarter to half of the surface was covered with protein (or about 40% of the surface was covered with a film) after destaining. A rating of 4 indicated that about half of the glass / plastic surface was covered with protein (or about 60% of the surface was covered with a film) after destaining. A rating of 5 indicated that the entire surface was coated with protein (or about 80% of the surface was covered with a film) after destaining.

[0149] The ratings of the glass tumblers tested for stain removal were averaged to determine an average stain removal rating from the glass surface. Similarly, the ratings of the glass tumblers tested for redeposition were averaged to determine an average redeposition rating for the glass surface.

[0150] The results are shown in Figures 1-3. Figure 1 shows the formulation of Example 1, which contains a surface modifying polymer (EO / PO copolymer) with a non-ionic surfactant, compared to a control having the same EO / PO copolymer surfactant in a rinse aid composition with additional non-ionic surfactant. The results in Figure 1 show that Example 1 performed comparably against spots and proteins, indicating good cleaning and rinsing performance. However, the composition left a film on the treated glass surface. Therefore, additional surfactants were tested with the formulation of the example using the 50 cycle test method to determine which surfactants could overcome the filming of the Mirapol Surf N surface modifying polymer.

[0151] Examples of formulas 1, 2, and 4 were tested and compared to a solid control plus rinse aid. Formulas 1, 2, and 4 include Pluronic 25RS (EO / PO copolymer), Pluronic N3 (EO / PO copolymer), and Dehypon LS-54 (alcohol alkoxylate), respectively. Figure 2 shows these results, where the use of alcohol alkoxylate Dehypon LS-54 (Example 4) provides the desired film control while providing the desired performance metrics provided by formulations with Mirapol Surf N surface modifying polymer (Examples 1 and 2).

[0152] Next, the level of the surface-modifying polymer Mirapol Surf N was tested using Dehypon LS-54 surfactant to determine the optimal level of material to produce the best 2-in-1 results in both the 50 cycle test, as well as the sheeting test. Examples 3, 4, and 5, with 0, 1% and 2% Mirapol, respectively, were tested with only the level of Mirapol Surf N being varied. The results are shown in Figure 3, and show that Examples 4 and 5 containing Mirapol perform very well against spots and proteins, but in Example 5, filming increases as the concentration of the surface-modifying polymer increases to 2% of active ingredient. In particular, the solid 2-in-1 detergent compositions containing 0, 1% and 2% Mirapol, respectively, are the concentrations of the solid block composition that were tested at the 1000 ppm active (total detergent concentration) level. As one skilled in the art will recognize, Mirapol concentrations of 1% and 2% in the solid block can effectively provide filming when used with lower active ppm, e.g., <1000 ppm, 500 ppm, 600 ppm, 700 ppm, 800 ppm, 900 ppm, or total detergent concentrations in the ranges therebetween.

[0153] Example 2 Measured surface water droplets, drying time, and wetting score The combination of the surface modifying polymer Mirapol Surf N and the alcohol alkoxylate Dehypon LS-54 was further evaluated using a sheeting test to compare their effectiveness as rinse aids (in a 2-in-1 detergent composition).

[0154] Wetness score (WS), 95% dry time (sec), and water droplets remaining on treated ware at 90 seconds were evaluated for formulations Example 3 (0% Mirapol, 4% Dehypon), Example 4 (1% Mirapol, 4% Dehypon), and Example 5 (2% Mirapol, 4% Dehypon) of Table 2 in comparison to an in-line cleaner (carbonate alkaline cleaner) and an in-line cleaner with rinse aid (two-part system). Test wash cycles were run for each of the formulations with melamine plates at 0 gpg water hardness. The wash temperature was about 160°F and the rinse temperature was about 180°F. For each test, multiple runs (3-5 runs) were repeated for each formulation and the average of each of the data points was calculated. For each test, the 95% dry time was recorded, as well as water droplets remaining on the plates at 90 seconds. To determine the wetness score, the degree of sheeting was observed for each of the plates, with lower scores meaning partial sheeting and higher scores meaning completely dry. The results are shown in Figures 4A to 4C.

[0155] The experimental formulations provided substantially similar cleaning performance to the in-line detergent and rinse aid when assessed for dry time, spotting (water droplets left on surface), and improved wetting scores compared to the control. Improved sheeting is indicated by increased / higher wetting scores. While the 95% dry time for the detergent appears to be slightly shorter, this is due to beading and trickling of water from the melamine plate, the increased number of water droplets (i.e., spotting) indicates that the surface is not completely dry, which can cause spots on the plate and increase the risk of wet stacking.

[0156] Example 3 Rinsing performance of surface-modified polymers without surfactants The rinsing performance of various classes of surface-modifying polymers was further evaluated without the addition of alcohol alkoxylates. The surface-modifying polymers analyzed included Mirapol Surf N ADW, Jaguar C500, Jaguar HP105, Mirapol Surf S P-Free, and unmodified guar.

[0157] The sheeting score, 95% dry time (seconds), and water droplets remaining on the treated ware at 90 seconds were evaluated for each of the formulations provided in Table 3 below. The various surface modifying polymer formulations were compared to a control formulation that did not contain a surface modifying polymer. The results are shown in Figure 5. [Table 3]

[0158] The results show that, except for the unmodified guar formulation, all formulations containing surface-modified polymers exhibited excellent rinsing performance when evaluated for beading, drying time, and sheeting score. As shown in FIG. 5, the formulations containing Mirapol Surf N ADW, Jaguar C500, Jaguar HP105, and Mirapol Surf S P-Free showed less beading, shorter drying time, and higher sheeting score at 90 seconds compared to the formulations containing unmodified guar or no surface-modified polymer. Thus, these results show that unmodified guar does not exhibit sufficient rinsing properties when evaluated as a rinse aid. However, the results show that various modified guars such as Mirapol Surf N ADW, Jaguar C500, and Jaguar HP105, as well as amphoteric polymers such as Mirapol Surf S P-Free, provide good rinsing properties.

[0159] Example 4 Additional 50-Cycle Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Testing The cleaning effectiveness of the 2-in-1 cleaning composition was further evaluated by adding various alcohol alkoxylate surfactants to the surface-modifying polymer. The formulations in Table 4 were evaluated using a 50 cycle redeposition experiment of warewashing detergent as described in Example 1. The compositions were compared to a control formulation containing the surface-modifying polymer but no alcohol alkoxylate surfactant. The surface-modifying polymer used in each formulation was Mirapol Surf N ADW. The various alcohol alkoxylate surfactants evaluated included Dehypon LS-36, Dehypon LS-54, Plurafac RA300, Plurafac LF221, Plurafac LF403, and Plurafac SLF180. The results are shown in Figure 6.

[0160] As described above in Example 1, the amount of protein remaining on the glass Gumblar after destaining was visually rated on a scale of 1-5. A rating of 1 indicated that no protein was present after destaining - i.e., no spots / no film. A rating of 2 indicated that random areas (barely perceptible) were covered with protein after destaining - i.e., random spots (or about 20% of the surface was covered with a film). A rating of 3 indicated that about a quarter to half of the surface was covered with protein (or about 40% of the surface was covered with a film) after destaining. A rating of 4 indicated that about half of the glass / plastic surface was covered with protein (or about 60% of the surface was covered with a film) after destaining. A rating of 5 indicated that the entire surface was coated with protein (or about 80% of the surface was covered with a film) after destaining. [Table 4]

[0161] As shown in FIG. 6, the control formulation containing Mirapol Surf N ADW but no alcohol alkoxylate surfactant resulted in heavier filming compared to the formulation containing alcohol alkoxylate surfactant. The formulations containing Dehypon LS-36, Dehypon LS-54, and Plurafac RA300 surprisingly resulted in effective reduction of filming compared to the control. The formulations containing Plurafac LF221, Plurafac LF403, and Plurafac SLF180 did not result in significant reduction from the control formulation. Specifically with regard to filming, Plurafac LF221, Plurafac LF403, and Plurafac SLF180 offered little or no benefit in reducing filming compared to the composition without any alcohol alkoxylate surfactant.

[0162] Thus, the results show that the addition of alcohol alkoxylate surfactants to the surface-modifying polymer provides a synergistic effect not only on improved rinsing, but also on the reduction of filming. Without being limited to a particular mechanism or theory, the addition of alcohol alkoxylate surfactants with a small total mole number of alkyl oxides provides excellent reduction in filming, a problem associated with using the surface-modifying polymer by itself. In particular, the incorporation of alcohol alkoxylate surfactants with less than 10 moles of alkyl oxide appears to have provided synergistic performance in combination with the surface-modifying polymer.

[0163] Having thus described the invention, it will be apparent that the invention may be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. The above specification provides an explanation of the manufacture and use of the disclosed compositions and methods. Since many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An alkaline detergent and rinse composition comprising: an alkali source comprising an alkali metal carbonate; a surface-modifying polymer comprising an amphoteric polymer; an alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant; Builder and a water conditioning polymer selected from polycarboxylates or starches, sugars, or polyols containing carboxylic acid or ester functionality; A composition wherein said composition performs both cleaning and rinsing functions.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the alkaline source is present at 10% to 95% by weight, 25% to 90% by weight, 40% to 90% by weight, or 50% to 80% by weight.

3. The composition described in claim 2, wherein the alkaline source is substantially free of alkali metal hydroxides.

4. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface-modifying polymer is present at 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 2 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 2 wt%, or 1 wt% to 2 wt%.

5. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surface-modified polymer further comprises a modified gum-based polysaccharide, and the modified gum-based polysaccharide comprises cationic guar or a cationic guar derivative, or a hydroxypropyl-modified guar or a hydroxypropyl-modified guar derivative.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the surface-modifying polymer comprises guar gum 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propyl ether chloride and / or guar gum 2-hydroxypropyl ether.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the surface-modifying polymer comprises an acrylic acid / diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) copolymer.

8. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant is present at 0.1 wt% to 30 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 25 wt%, 1 wt% to 20 wt%, or 1 wt% to 10 wt%.

9. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the alcohol alkoxylate is linear or branched, has a carbon chain length of 4 to 20 carbons, and has 5 to 30 moles of alkyl oxide.

10. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the alcohol alkoxylate is linear, has a carbon chain length of 8 to 16 carbons, and has 5 to 10 moles of alkyl oxide.

11. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the alcohol alkoxylate has less than 10 moles of alkyl oxide.

12. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the builder is present at 0.1% to 50% by weight, 1% to 50% by weight, or 1% to 20% by weight.

13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the builder is an aminocarboxylic acid.

14. A composition described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the water-regulating polymer is present at 1 wt% to 50 wt%, 1 wt% to 40 wt%, 2 wt% to 40 wt%, or 5 wt% to 20 wt%.

15. The composition of claim 14, wherein the water-regulating polymer is a polycarboxylate.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising at least one additional functional ingredient including an enzyme, a neutralizing agent, an etching inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor, an anti-browning agent, a coagulant, an anti-redeposition agent, an antibacterial agent, a foam-suppressing surfactant, and combinations thereof.

17. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the composition provides cleaning and rinsing performance substantially similar to that of separate detergent and rinse aid compositions.

18. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the surface-modifying polymer is present in an amount of 0.1% by weight to less than 2% by weight.

19. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is solid and has a weight of 0.5 grams to 250 grams.

20. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the composition does not contain an antifoaming surfactant.

21. A method for cleaning and rinsing utensils, said method comprising: contacting the article with the alkaline detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20; and rinsing the vessel with water; The method does not use a separate rinse aid composition; The method wherein the alkaline detergent composition provides cleaning and rinsing performance at least substantially similar to separate detergent and rinse aid compositions.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the alkaline source is present at 10% to 95% by weight, the surface modifying polymer is present at 0.1% to 5% by weight, the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactant is present at 0.1% to 30% by weight, the builder is present at 0.1% to 50% by weight, and the water adjusting polymer is present at 1% to 50% by weight.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein the alkaline detergent composition further comprises a neutralizing agent in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the alkaline source is substantially free of alkali metal hydroxides.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the surface-modifying polymer is present in an amount of 0.1% by weight or more and less than 2% by weight.

26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the alkaline detergent composition is diluted to form a use solution before contacting the ware, and the use solution has a pH of 9 to 12.

27. The method of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the use solution of the alkaline detergent composition has an active concentration of from 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, or from 500 ppm to 1500 ppm.

28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the alkaline detergent composition provides substantially similar cleaning performance to a two-part detergent and rinse aid composition that does not contain the surface-modifying polymer in combination with an alcohol alkoxylate, and the alkaline detergent composition does not impart a visible layer or film to treated ware.

29. The method of any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the alkaline detergent composition is a disposable or multi-use solid composition.

30. The method of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the method is used in an under-counter warewasher.

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