Liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition which exhibits effective cleaning, strong foaming and high viscosity.SOLUTION: A liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition comprises 5 to 50 wt.% of a surfactant system of the composition, wherein the surfactant system contains an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric co-surfactant, the amphoteric co-surfactant is selected from amine oxide surfactant, the amine oxide surfactant has the formula: R1N(R2)(R3)O, wherein R1 is alkyl having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, the R2 and R3 moieties are selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and a mixture thereof, the composition further comprises 0.1 to 10% of a mid-chain 1,2-alkanediol and the mid-chain alkyl chain of the 1,2-alkanediol contains 6 to 14 carbon atoms.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition for hand dishwashing. [Background technology]

[0002] Dishwashing detergents should provide excellent cleaning performance and strong foaming action. It has been observed that even if the detergent composition effectively removes dirt, low foaming level is perceived as insufficient cleaning. This is mainly attributed to the general consumer belief that a rich and "thick" foam indicates a high cleaning effect.

[0003] Thus, there remains a need for liquid detergent compositions that provide both high cleaning effectiveness and strong foaming.

[0004] WO 2022 / 199790(A) relates to liquid detergent compositions comprising or consisting of at least one hydroxyl compound selected from the group consisting of: (a1) 1,2-hexanediol; (a2) 1,2-heptanediol; (a3) ​​1,2-octanediol; (a4) 1,2-decanediol; (a5) 2,3-heptanediol (a6) 2,3-hexanediol; (a7) 2,3-octanediol; (a8) 2,3-nonanediol; (a9) glyceryl caprylate; (a10) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; and optionally (b) tropolone or mixtures thereof. WO 2023 / 122098(A) discloses a cleaning composition, such as a dishwashing composition, comprising one or more anionic surfactants including sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), one or more amphoteric surfactants, and an additive selected from caprylyl glycol, ethanol, and combinations thereof. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 199790(A) [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2023 / 122098(A) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition for hand dishwashing comprising from 5% to 50% by weight of the composition of a surfactant system, the surfactant system comprising an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric co-surfactant, the amphoteric co-surfactant being selected from amine oxide surfactants, the composition further comprising from 0.1% to 10% of a medium chain 1,2-alkanediol, the medium alkyl chain of the 1,2-alkanediol containing from 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0007] The present invention further relates to a method of cleaning dishware comprising the steps of dispensing a composition of the present invention into a volume of water to form a cleaning solution and immersing dishware in the cleaning solution. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] As described herein, formulating liquid hand dishwashing detergent compositions to include a medium chain 1,2-alkanediol improves the foaming of the composition. It has been found that formulating such compositions with an amine oxide amphoteric cosurfactant further improves the foaming and, in addition, has been found to improve soil removal.

[0009] As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" used in the claims are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0010] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that steps and ingredients other than those specifically mentioned can be added. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." The compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

[0011] As used herein, the term "tableware" includes, by way of non-limiting examples, cookware and tableware made from ceramic, china, metal, glass, plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.), and wood.

[0012] As used herein, the term "fat" or "oleaginous" means that the material comprises, at least in part (i.e., at least 0.5% by weight of the fat in the material), saturated and unsaturated fats and oils, preferably oils and fats derived from animal sources such as beef, pork, and / or chicken.

[0013] The terms "include", "includes" and "including" are meant to be open-ended.

[0014] As used herein, the term "particulate soil" refers to inorganic and especially organic solid soil particles, especially food particles, non-limiting examples of which include ultrafine particulate elemental carbon, baked grease particles, and meat particles.

[0015] As used herein, the term "suds profile" refers to the characteristics of a composition with respect to foaming during the dishwashing process. The term "suds profile" of a composition includes the initial foam volume generated upon dissolving and stirring the composition in an aqueous washing solution, typically by hand stirring, and the retention of foam during the dishwashing process. Hand dishwashing compositions that are preferably characterized as having a "good suds profile" tend to have high initial foam volume and / or foam volume persistence, especially over a significant portion or the entire hand dishwashing process. This is important because consumers use foam volume as an indicator that sufficient composition has been dispensed. Furthermore, consumers also use sustained foam volume, even toward the end of the dishwashing process, as an indicator that sufficient active cleaning ingredients (e.g., surfactants) are present. Consumers typically refresh the washing solution when foaming becomes low. Thus, low foaming compositions tend to be replaced by consumers more frequently than necessary due to the low foaming levels.

[0016] "Easy rinsing" or "easy rinse profile" means that the foam generated during the main wash cycle can be rinsed faster and less water can be used to break up the foam from the main wash cycle. Breaking down the foam faster is preferred as it reduces the amount of time spent rinsing and overall cleaning time. Reducing the amount of water used to break up the foam is preferred as it aids in water conservation.

[0017] It will be understood that the test methods disclosed in the Test Methods section of this application must be used to determine the values ​​of each of the parameters of Applicants' inventions described and claimed herein.

[0018] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as is clear from the context, all percentages are by weight of the total composition, all ratios are by weight unless specifically stated otherwise, and all measurements are made at 25° C. unless otherwise specified.

[0019] Liquid detergent composition for hand dishwashing The present composition is a liquid composition for hand dishwashing, and is therefore in liquid form. The liquid composition for hand dishwashing is preferably an aqueous composition. Thus, the composition may contain 50% to 85% by weight, preferably 50% to 75% by weight of water based on the total weight of the composition.

[0020] The composition may have a pH of 6.0 or greater, or a pH of from 6.0 to 12.0, preferably a pH of from 7.0 to 11.0, more preferably a pH of from 7.5 to 10.0, measured as a 10% aqueous solution in demineralized water at 20°C.

[0021] The compositions of the present invention are typically -1 ~100s -1 The composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian, preferably Newtonian, over a typical range of shear rates of use, where mPa·s is from 10 mPa·s to 10,000 mPa·s, preferably from 100 mPa·s to 5,000 mPa·s, more preferably from 300 mPa·s to 2,000 mPa·s, or most preferably from 500 mPa·s to 1,500 mPa·s, or a combination thereof, over a typical range of shear rates of use.

[0022] Surfactant Systems The liquid composition comprises from 5.0% to 50% by weight, preferably from 6.0% to 40% by weight, most preferably from 15% to 35% by weight of the surfactant system, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0023] Anionic surfactants: The surfactant system includes an anionic surfactant. The surfactant system may include at least 40% by weight of the surfactant system, preferably 50% to 90% by weight, more preferably 65% ​​to 85% by weight of the anionic surfactant. The surfactant system preferably does not include fatty acids or salts thereof, since such fatty acids inhibit foam generation.

[0024] Suitable anionic surfactants may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfate surfactants, alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, alkyl sulfosuccinate and dialkyl sulfosuccinate ester surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0025] The anionic surfactant may comprise at least 70% by weight of the anionic surfactant, preferably at least 85% by weight, more preferably 100% by weight of the anionic surfactant, an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, an alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof.

[0026] To provide a combination of improved grease removal and increased cleaning speed, the molar average alkyl chain length of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant or alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactant may be from 8 to 18, preferably from 10 to 14, more preferably from 12 to 14, and most preferably from 12 to 13 carbon atoms.

[0027] The alkyl chain of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant or the alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactant may have a molar fraction of C12 and C13 chains of at least 50%, preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 90%. When the C13 / C12 molar ratio of the alkyl chain is at least 57 / 43, preferably 60 / 40 to 90 / 10, more preferably 60 / 40 to 80 / 20, and most preferably 60 / 40 to 70 / 30, foam persistence is particularly improved, especially in the presence of greasy soil, while at the same time foam persistence in the presence of particulate soil is not impaired.

[0028] The relative molar amounts of C13 and C12 alkyl chains in the alkyl sulfate or alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactants can be derived from the carbon chain length distribution of the surfactant. The carbon chain length distribution of the alkyl chains of the alkyl sulfate and alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactants can be obtained from the technical data sheets of the suppliers of the surfactants or the alkyl alcohols that compose them. Alternatively, the chain length distribution and average molecular weight of the aliphatic alcohols used to make the alkyl sulfate or alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactants can be determined by methods known in the art. Such methods include capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection in a medium polarity capillary column using hexane as the solvent. The chain length distribution is based on the starting alcohol and the alkoxylated alcohol. Therefore, the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants must be hydrolyzed back to the corresponding alkyl alcohols and alkyl alkoxylated alcohols before analysis, for example using hydrochloric acid.

[0029] The alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactant may have an average degree of alkoxylation of less than 3.5, preferably between 0.3 and 2.0, more preferably between 0.5 and 0.9, in order to improve the physical stability of the compositions of the present invention at low temperatures and to improve the foam persistence. When alkoxylated, ethoxylation is preferred.

[0030] The average degree of alkoxylation is the molar average degree of alkoxylation (i.e., the molar average degree of alkoxylation) of all alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants. Thus, when calculating the molar average degree of alkoxylation, the number of moles of non-alkoxylated sulfate anionic surfactants is included. Molar average degree of alkoxylation = (x1 * Alkoxylation degree of surfactant 1 + x2 * Alkoxylation degree of surfactant 2 +....) / (x1+x2+....) where x1, x2, ... are the moles of each alkyl (or alkoxy) sulfate anionic surfactant in the mixture, and the degree of alkoxylation is the number of alkoxy groups in each alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

[0031] The preferred alkyl alkoxy sulfates are the alkyl ethoxy sulfates.

[0032] The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants and alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactants may have a weight average degree of branching of at least 10%, preferably 20% to 60%, more preferably 30% to 50%. Alternatively, the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants and alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactants may have a weight average degree of branching of less than 10%, and preferably the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants and alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactants are free of branching.

[0033] The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants and alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactants may contain at least 5% by weight of the surfactant, preferably at least 10% by weight, and most preferably at least 25% by weight of the surfactant branching (as measured by counting the carbon atoms from the sulfate group for non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants and counting from the alkoxy group furthest from the sulfate group for alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants). More preferably, more than 75% by weight, and even more preferably more than 90% by weight of the total branched alkyls are C1-C5 alkyl moieties, preferably C1-C2 alkyl moieties. It has been found that by formulating the compositions of the present invention with alkyl sulfate surfactants or alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactants having the above branching degrees, improved low temperature stability is obtained. Such compositions require less solvent to achieve good physical stability at low temperatures. Thus, the compositions may contain lower concentrations of organic solvent, such as less than 5.0% by weight of the liquid composition, while still having improved low temperature stability. Higher surfactant branching also results in faster initial foam generation, but typically results in lower foam persistence. The weight average branching described herein has been found to provide improved low temperature stability, initial foam generation, and foam persistence.

[0034] The weight average degree of branching of the anionic surfactant mixture can be calculated using the following formula: Weight average branching degree (%) = [(x1 * Weight percent of branched chain alcohol 1 in alcohol 1 + x2 * (wt% of branched alcohol 2 in alcohol 2 + ....) / (x1 + x2 + ....)] * 100 where x1, x2, ... are the weights (in grams) of each alcohol in the total alcohol mixture used as starting materials, prior to (alkoxylation and) sulfation, to produce the alkyl(alkoxy)sulfate anionic surfactant. The weight average branching calculation includes the weight of the alkyl alcohol used to form the unbranched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

[0035] The weight average degree of branching and branching distribution can usually be obtained from the technical data sheet of the surfactant or its constituent alkyl alcohol. Alternatively, branching can be determined through analytical methods known in the art, including capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection in a medium polarity capillary column using hexane as the solvent. The weight average degree of branching and branching distribution are based on the starting alcohol used to produce the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

[0036] Suitable counterions include alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, alkanolammonium, or ammonium or substituted ammonium, preferably sodium.

[0037] Suitable examples of commercially available alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants include those derived from alcohols sold by Shell under the trade name Neodol®, or by Sasol under the trade names Lial®, Isalchem®, and Safol®, or some of the natural alcohols manufactured by Procter & Gamble Chemicals. Based on the relative fractions of C13 and C12 in the starting alcohol, obtained from technical data sheets from the supplier or from analysis using methods known in the art, the alcohols can be blended to achieve the desired mole fractions of C12 and C13 chains and the desired C13 / C12 ratio.

[0038] Performance including grease cleaning, foaming, low temperature stability, and end product viscosity can be influenced by the breadth of the alkoxylation distribution of the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. The alkoxylation distribution, including its breadth, can be varied through the selection of catalysts and process conditions when making the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

[0039] Without being bound by theory, when ethoxylated alkyl sulfate is present, the amount of 1,4-dioxane by-product in alkoxylated, especially ethoxylated alkyl sulfate can be reduced by closely controlling the process conditions and the composition of the raw materials during both alkoxylation, especially ethoxylation and sulfation steps. Based on recent technological advances, further reduction of 1,4-dioxane by-product can be achieved by subsequent stripping, distillation, solvent evaporation, centrifugation, microwave irradiation, molecular sieving, or catalytic or enzymatic decomposition steps. Processes for controlling 1,4-dioxane content in alkoxylated / ethoxylated alkyl sulfate are widely known in the art. Alternatively, control of 1,4-dioxane levels in detergent formulations by adding 1,4-dioxane inhibitors such as 5,6-dihydro-3-(4-morpholinyl)-1-[4-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-phenyl]-2-(1-H)-pyridone, 3-alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo stereoisomeric mixture of cholanic acid, 3-(N-methylamino)-L-alanine and mixtures thereof to formulations containing 1,4-dioxane has also been described in the art.

[0040] Suitable anionic alkylsulfonate or sulfonic acid surfactants for use herein include alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkyl ester sulfonates, primary and secondary alkane sulfonates (such as paraffin sulfonates), alpha or internal olefin sulfonates, alkylsulfonated (poly)carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, in acid and salt form. Suitable anionic sulfonate or sulfonic acid surfactants include C5-C20 alkylbenzenesulfonates, more preferably C10-C16 alkylbenzenesulfonates, more preferably C11-C13 alkylbenzenesulfonates, C5-C20 alkyl ester sulfonates, especially C5-C20 methyl ester sulfonates, C6-C22 primary or secondary alkane sulfonates, C5-C20 sulfonated (poly)carboxylic acids, and any mixtures thereof, but preferably C11-C13 alkylbenzenesulfonates. The surfactants may vary widely in their 2-phenyl isomer content. Compared with the sulfonation of alpha olefins, the sulfonation of internal olefins can occur at any position due to the random positioning of the double bonds, which results in a variety of twin-tail branched structures due to the hydrophilic sulfonate and hydroxyl group position of IOS in the middle of the alkyl chain. Alkanesulfonates include paraffin sulfonates and other secondary alkanesulfonates (such as Hostapur SAS60 from Clariant).

[0041] Alkyl sulfosuccinates and dialkyl sulfosuccinate esters are organic compounds with the formula MOSCH(COR')CHCOR, where R and R' can be H or alkyl groups, and M is a counterion such as sodium (Na). Alkyl sulfosuccinates and dialkyl sulfosuccinate ester surfactants can be alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated, preferably non-alkoxylated. The surfactant system can include additional anionic surfactants. However, the composition preferably includes less than 30% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight of the surfactant system of additional anionic surfactants. Most preferably, the surfactant system does not include additional anionic surfactants, preferably anionic surfactants other than alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants.

[0042] Co-surfactant: To improve foaming and surfactant loading after dilution, and thus improve foam persistence, the surfactant system may include a co-surfactant. The co-surfactant includes an amphoteric surfactant that is an amine oxide surfactant, which has the formula: R1N(R2)(R3)O, where R1 is a C8-C18 alkyl and the R2 and R3 moieties are selected from the group consisting of C1-C3 alkyl groups, C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl groups, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] The weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the amine oxide amphoteric co-surfactant may be from 1:1 to 8:1, preferably from 2:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2.5:1 to 4:1.

[0044] The composition preferably comprises from 0.1% to 20%, more preferably from 0.5% to 15%, especially from 2% to 10% by weight of the composition of an amine oxide amphoteric co-surfactant.

[0045] The surfactant system of the compositions of the invention preferably comprises up to 50% by weight of the surfactant system of an amine oxide amphoteric co-surfactant, preferably from 10% to 40%, more preferably from 15% to 35%.

[0046] The amine oxide amphoteric surfactants may be linear or branched, but are preferably linear. Suitable linear amine oxides are typically water-soluble.

[0047] R2 and R3 may be selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl, and mixtures thereof, however, it is preferred that one or both, preferably both, of R2 and R3 are methyl.Linear amine oxide surfactants may include, in particular, linear C10-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxyethyl amine oxides.

[0048] Preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl dimethylamine oxides and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are alkyl dimethylamine oxides such as C8-18 alkyl dimethylamine oxides or C10-16 alkyl dimethylamine oxides (such as cocodimethylamine oxide). Suitable alkyl dimethylamine oxides include C10 alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactants, C10-12 alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactants, C12-C14 alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactants, or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are C12-C14 alkyl dimethylamine oxides, in particular linear C12-14 alkyl dimethylamine oxides. Suitable linear C12-C14 alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactants can be derived from natural alcohols, in particular from coconut oil-derived alcohols, or from synthetic alcohols by the Ziegler process.

[0049] Alternative suitable amine oxide surfactants include mid-branched amine oxide surfactants. As used herein, "mid-branched" means that the amine oxide has one alkyl moiety with n1 carbon atoms, and one alkyl branch in the alkyl moiety has n2 carbon atoms. The alkyl branch is located on the alpha carbon from the nitrogen on the alkyl moiety. This type of branching of amine oxides is also known in the art as internal amine oxides. The sum of n1 and n2 may be 10-24, preferably 12-20, more preferably 10-16 carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms in one alkyl moiety (n1) is preferably the same or similar to the number of carbon atoms in one alkyl branch (n2), thereby making the one alkyl moiety and the one alkyl branch symmetrical. As used herein, "symmetric" means that in at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 75% to 100% by weight of the medium-branched amine oxides used herein, |n1-n2| is 5 or less, preferably 4, and most preferably 0 to 4 carbon atoms. The amine oxide further comprises two moieties independently selected from C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an average of about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. Preferably, these two moieties are selected from C1-C3 alkyl, more preferably both are selected as C1 alkyl.

[0050] Alternatively, the amine oxide surfactant may be a mixture of amine oxides, including a mixture of low cut and mid cut amine oxides. Thus, the amine oxide of the composition of the present invention may be: a) about 10% to about 45% by weight of an amine oxide of a low cut amine oxide of formula R1R2R3AO, where R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, or mixtures thereof, and R3 is selected from C10 alkyl and mixtures thereof; b) 55% to 90% by weight of the amine oxide, a mid-cut amine oxide of formula R4R5R6AO, where R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, or mixtures thereof, and R6 is selected from C12-C16 alkyl, or mixtures thereof.

[0051] In the low cut amine oxides preferred for use herein, R3 is n-decyl, and preferably R1 and R2 are both methyl. In the mid cut amine oxides of formula R4R5R6AO, preferably R4 and R5 are both methyl.

[0052] Preferably, the amine oxide comprises less than about 5% by weight of the amine oxide, more preferably less than 3% by weight of the amine oxide of formula R7R8R9AO, where R7 and R8 are selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof, and R9 is selected from C8 alkyl, and mixtures thereof. By limiting the amount of amine oxide of formula R7R8R9AO, both physical stability and foam persistence are improved.

[0053] The composition may further comprise a co-surfactant selected from zwitterionic surfactants, including betaine surfactants, although preferably the composition comprises less than 5.0%, preferably less than 1.0%, more preferably less than 0.5% and most preferably no betaine surfactants, by weight of the composition.

[0054] When present, suitable betaine surfactants include alkyl betaines, alkyl amido betaines, amido azolinium betaines, sulfo betaines (INCI sultaines) and phospho betaines, preferably satisfying formula (I): R1-[CO-X(CH2) n ] x -N + (R2)(R3)-(CH2) m -[CH(OH)-CH2] y -Y- In formula (I), R1 is selected from the group consisting of saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl residues, preferably C8-18 alkyl residues, more preferably saturated C10-16 alkyl residues, and most preferably saturated C12-C14 alkyl residues; X is selected from the group consisting of NH, NR4 (wherein R4 is a C1-4 alkyl residue), O, and S; n is an integer of 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, and more preferably 3; x is 0 or 1, preferably 1; R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl residues, substituted hydroxy such as hydroxyethyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably both R2 and R3 are methyl; m is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably 1, 2, or 3; y is 0 or 1; Y is selected from the group consisting of COO, SO3, OPO(OR5)O, or P(O)(OR5)O, where R5 is H or a C1-4 alkyl residue.

[0055] Preferred betaines are the alkyl betaines of formula (Ia), the alkyl amidopropyl betaines of formula (Ib), the sulfo betaines of formula (Ic) and the amido sulfo betaines of formula (Id), R1-N + (CH3)2-CH2COO- (Ia) R1-CO-NH-(CH2)3-N + (CH3)2-CH2COO- (Ib) R1-N + (CH3)2-CH2CH(OH)CH2SO3 - (I C) R1-CO-NH-(CH2)3-N + (CH3)2-CH2CH(OH)CH2SO3 - (Id) In the formula, R1 has the same meaning as in formula (I). Particularly preferred are the carbobetaines of formula (Ia) and (Ib) [i.e., in formula (I), Y=COO], and more preferred are the alkylamidobetaines of formula (Ib).

[0056] Suitable betaines may be selected from the group consisting of capryl / capramidopropyl betaine, cetyl betaine, cetylamidopropyl betaine, cocamidoethyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, coco betaine, decyl betaine, decylamidopropyl betaine, hydrogenated tallow betaine / amidopropyl betaine, isostearamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, oleadopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, palmamidopropyl betaine, palmitamidopropyl betaine, palm kernelamidopropyl betaine, stearamidopropyl betaine, stearyl betaine, tallowamidopropyl betaine, tallow betaine, undecylenamidopropyl betaine, undecyl betaine, and mixtures thereof, or [named according to INCI]. Preferred betaines are selected from the group consisting of cocamidopropyl betaine, coco betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Cocamidopropyl betaine is particularly preferred.

[0057] Nonionic surfactants: The surfactant system may further comprise a non-ionic surfactant. Suitable non-ionic surfactants include alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants, alkyl polyglucoside non-ionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, preferably alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants.

[0058] Alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants: When present, the surfactant system of the compositions of the invention may comprise from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 2.0% to 9.0%, more preferably from 4.0% to 8.0% by weight of the detergent composition of an alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant.

[0059] Preferably, the alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant is a linear or branched primary or secondary alkyl alkoxylated nonionic surfactant, preferably an alkyl ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, preferably containing an average of 9 to 15, preferably 10 to 14 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and an average of 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, most preferably 7 to 8 units of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0060] Alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactants: If present, the alkyl polyglucoside may be present in the surfactant system at a concentration of from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 2.0% to 9.0%, more preferably from 4.0% to 8.0% by weight of the detergent composition. Alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactants typically have higher sudsing than other nonionic surfactants such as alkyl ethoxylated alcohols.

[0061] The combination of alkyl polyglucosides with anionic surfactants, particularly alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants, has been found to improve polymeric grease removal, foam sustain performance, reduced viscosity change with surfactant and / or system changes, and more sustained Newtonian rheology.

[0062] The alkyl polyglucoside surfactant may be selected from C6-C18 alkyl polyglucoside surfactants. The alkyl polyglucoside surfactant may have a number average degree of polymerization of 0.1-3.0, preferably 1.0-2.0, more preferably 1.2-1.6. The alkyl polyglucoside surfactant may comprise a blend of short chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactants having alkyl chains containing 10 or less carbon atoms and medium to long chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactants having alkyl chains containing more than 10 carbon atoms to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 12-14 carbon atoms.

[0063] The short chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactants have a unimodal chain length distribution of C8-C10, the medium to long chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactants have a unimodal chain length distribution of C10-C18, while the medium chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactants have a unimodal chain length distribution of C12-C14. In contrast, the C8-C18 alkyl polyglucoside surfactants typically have a unimodal distribution of alkyl chains from C8-C18, such as C8-C16. Thus, the combination of a short chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant with a medium to long chain or medium chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant has a broader chain length distribution, or even a bimodal distribution, than the unblended C8-C18 alkyl polyglucoside surfactant. Preferably, the weight ratio of short chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant to long chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is from 1:1 to 10:1, preferably from 1.5:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2:1 to 4:1. Such a blend of short chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and long chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant results in faster dissolution of the detergent solution in water and improved initial foaming combined with improved foam stability.

[0064] C8-C16 alkyl polyglycosides are commercially available from several sources (e.g., Simusol® surfactants from Seppic Corporation; and Glucopon® 600 CSUP, Glucopon® 650 EC, Glucopon® 600 CSUP / MB, and Glucopon® 650 EC / MB from BASF Corporation). Glucopon® 215UP is a preferred short-chain APG surfactant. Glucopon® 600CSUP is a preferred medium to long-chain APG surfactant.

[0065] In a preferred composition, the surfactant system may include an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant having an average degree of branching of less than 10% and an alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactant.

[0066] 1,2-Alkanediols The liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition comprises 0.1% to 10%, preferably 0.25% to 5%, more preferably 0.5% to 2% by weight of the liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition of a medium chain C1,2-alkanediol. The medium chain 1,2-alkanediol useful in the present invention contains 6 to 14, more preferably 8 to 12, and most preferably 8 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0067] The alkyl chain of the medium chain 1,2-alkanediol is preferably a linear alkyl chain. Preferably, the 1,2-alkanediol contains an even number of carbon atoms, more preferably, the alkyl chain is derived from a natural source such as a fatty acid. Suitable C6-C14 1,2-alkanediols include linear alkyl chain 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol or mixtures thereof, preferably 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol and mixtures thereof, most preferably 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol and mixtures thereof.

[0068] The medium chain 1,2-alkanediols useful in the compositions of the present invention have been found to increase the viscosity of liquid detergent compositions as well as improve the foaming and cleaning power of the detergent compositions.

[0069] In contrast, 1,2-alkanediols containing less than 6 carbon atoms have been found to reduce the viscosity of hand dishwashing liquid compositions. Long-chain 1,2-alkanediols containing more than 14 carbon atoms have been found to impair the physical stability of the resulting liquid detergent composition and to be difficult to dissolve. It is believed that medium-chain 1,2-alkanediols provide a balance of hydrophilicity and lipophilicity that creates good interactions with the hydrophobic tails of surfactants contained in liquid detergent compositions, while still being soluble in aqueous detergent compositions.

[0070] At least 50% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight of the 1,2-alkanediols present in the composition may be medium chain 1,2-alkanediols. Even more preferably, the liquid composition does not contain 1,2-alkanediols containing alkyl chains with less than 6 or more than 14 carbon atoms.

[0071] The liquid hand dishwashing composition may comprise a weight ratio of medium chain 1,2-alkanediol to surfactant system of from 1:60 to 1:1, preferably from 1:40 to 1:5, more preferably from 1:30 to 1:10.

[0072] Suitable medium chain 1,2-alkanediols include the R-isomer, the S-isomer, or a mixture thereof.

[0073] Suitable 1,2-alkanediol products are available from Symrise or Sigma Aldrich.

[0074] Divalent salt The composition preferably contains a divalent metal salt, preferably a calcium or magnesium salt (Ca 2+ Salt or Mg 2+ Suitable divalent salts include magnesium and / or calcium chlorides, sulfates, carbonates, bicarbonates, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, and mixtures thereof, with magnesium salts being particularly preferred. Magnesium chlorides, sulfates, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, and mixtures thereof are particularly preferred, with magnesium chlorides, sulfates, and mixtures thereof being even more particularly preferred, with magnesium chloride being most preferred.

[0075] When a calcium salt is present, the magnesium ions and calcium ions are preferably present in a molar ratio of 1:1 or greater, preferably 1.5:1 or greater, preferably 2:1 or greater.

[0076] It has been found that compositions of the present invention further comprising such divalent salts improve cleaning power and reduce slipperiness of dishes after washing with such compositions. It is believed that some residual anionic surfactant remains on the dishes and the presence of the divalent ions reduces the electrostatic interactions between the residual anionic surfactants, improving cleaning power and reducing slipperiness, especially when the dishes are washed using soft water having a hardness of less than 1.25 mmol / L calcium equivalent.

[0077] The divalent salt is preferably water-soluble. As used herein, the term "water-soluble" refers to a compound that can be dissolved in water at a concentration of greater than 1.0% by weight in distilled water at 21°C.

[0078] Further ingredients The composition can include additional components such as those selected from amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines, triblock copolymers, hydrotropes, organic solvents, other adjunct components such as those described herein, and mixtures thereof.

[0079] Amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines: The composition of the present invention may further comprise an amphiphilic polymer in an amount of 0.05% to 2%, preferably 0.07% to 1% by weight of the total composition. Suitable amphiphilic polymers may be selected from the group consisting of amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines and mixtures thereof. Amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimine polymers have been found to reduce gel formation on hard surfaces being cleaned when the liquid composition is added directly to a cleaning implement (such as a sponge) prior to cleaning and then contacted with a heavily oily surface, particularly when the cleaning implement contains little to no water, e.g., when a lightly pre-moistened sponge is used.

[0080] Preferred amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymers have the general structure of formula (I):

[0081] [ka] wherein the polyethyleneimine backbone has a weight average molecular weight of 600, n in formula (I) is an average of 10, m in formula (I) is an average of 7, and R in formula (I) is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The permanent degree of quaternization in formula (I) may be 0%-22% of the nitrogen atoms of the polyethyleneimine backbone. The molecular weight of this amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer is preferably 10,000-15,000 Da.

[0082] More preferably, the amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer has the general structure of formula (I), but the polyethyleneimine backbone has a weight average molecular weight of 600 Da, n in formula (I) is an average of 24, m in formula (I) is an average of 16, and R in formula (I) is selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The permanent degree of quaternization of formula (I) may be 0%-22% of the nitrogen atoms of the polyethyleneimine backbone, preferably 0%. The molecular weight of this amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer is preferably 25,000-30,000, most preferably 28,000 Da.

[0083] Amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymers can be made by the methods described in more detail in WO 2007 / 135645.

[0084] Alternatively, the composition may not include an amphiphilic polymer.

[0085] Triblock copolymer: The composition of the present invention may comprise a triblock copolymer. The triblock copolymer may be present at a level of from 1% to 20%, preferably from 3% to 15%, more preferably from 5% to 12% by weight of the total composition. A suitable triblock copolymer is represented by the formula (I):(EO) x (PO) y (EO) xwherein EO represents ethylene oxide, and each x represents the number of EO units in the EO block. Each x can be independently 5 to 50, preferably 10 to 40, and more preferably 10 to 30 on average. Preferably, x is the same for both EO blocks, and "same" means that the difference in x between the two EO blocks is within a maximum of 2 units, preferably within a maximum of 1 unit, and more preferably both x are the same number of units. PO represents propylene oxide, and y represents the number of PO units in the PO block. Each y can be 28 to 60, preferably 30 to 55, and more preferably 30 to 48 on average.

[0086] Preferably, the ratio of y to each x in the triblock copolymer is 3:1 to 2:1. The ratio of y to the average x of the two EO blocks in the triblock copolymer is preferably 3:1 to 2:1. Preferably, the triblock copolymer has an average weight percentage of total EO that is 30% to 50% by weight of the triblock copolymer. Preferably, the triblock copolymer has an average weight percentage of total PO that is 50% to 70% by weight of the triblock copolymer. It is understood that the average total weight percentage of EO and PO for the triblock copolymer sums to 100%. The triblock copolymer can have an average molecular weight of 2060 to 7880, preferably 2620 to 6710, more preferably 2620 to 5430, most preferably 2800 to 4700. The average molecular weight is determined using 1H NMR spectroscopy (see Thermo scientific application note No. AN52907).

[0087] Triblock copolymers have the basic structure ABA, where A and B are different homopolymeric and / or monomeric units. In this case, A is ethylene oxide (EO) and B is propylene oxide (PO). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the phrase "block copolymer" is synonymous with this definition of "block polymer."

[0088] Triblock copolymers according to formula (I) having specific EO / PO / EO configurations and respective homopolymer lengths have been found to enhance the foam hold performance of liquid hand dishwashing detergent compositions in the presence of greasy soils and / or foam consistency throughout dilution in the cleaning process.

[0089] Suitable EO-PO-EO triblock copolymers are commercially available, for example, from BASF under the Pluronic® PE series and from Dow Chemical Company under the Tergitol® L series. Particularly preferred triblock copolymers from BASF are sold under the trade names Pluronic® PE6400 (MW about 2900, about 40 wt. % EO) and Pluronic® PE 9400 (MW about 4600, 40 wt. % EO). Particularly preferred triblock copolymers from Dow Chemical Company are sold under the trade name Tergitol® L64 (MW about 2700, about 40 wt. % EO).

[0090] Preferred triblock copolymers are readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.

[0091] Cyclic polyamines: The composition may include a cyclic polyamine having an amine functionality to aid in cleaning. The composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.1% to 3%, more preferably from 0.2% to 2%, especially from 0.5% to 1% of a cyclic polyamine by weight of the composition.

[0092] Cyclic polyamines have at least two primary amine functional groups. The primary amine may be present at any position in the cyclic amine, but it has been found that better performance is obtained from the standpoint of grease cleaning when the primary amine is present at the 1,3 positions. It has also been found that cyclic amines in which one of the substituents is -CH3 and the remaining are H provide improved grease cleaning performance.

[0093] Thus, the most preferred cyclic polyamines for use in the cleaning compositions of the present invention are those selected from the group consisting of 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine, 4-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine, and mixtures thereof. These particular cyclic polyamines, when formulated with the surfactant system of the compositions of the present invention, function to improve the foam and grease cleaning profile throughout the dishwashing process.

[0094] Suitable cyclic polyamines may be supplied by BASF under the trade name Baxxodur, with Baxxodur ECX-210 being particularly preferred.

[0095] A combination of a cyclic polyamine and magnesium sulfate is particularly preferred. Thus, the composition may further comprise magnesium sulfate at a concentration of 0.001% to 2.0% by weight of the composition, preferably 0.005% to 1.0% by weight, more preferably 0.01% to 0.5% by weight.

[0096] Salts, hydrotropes, organic solvents: The compositions of the present invention may further comprise at least one active agent selected from the group consisting of i) salts, ii) hydrotropes, iii) organic solvents, and mixtures thereof.

[0097] The composition of the present invention may contain, based on the weight of the total composition, about 0.05% by weight to about 2% by weight, preferably about 0.1% by weight to about 1.5% by weight, or more preferably about 0.5% by weight to about 1% by weight of a salt, preferably a monovalent or divalent inorganic salt, or mixtures thereof, more preferably a salt selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Sodium chloride is most preferred.

[0098] The compositions of the present invention may contain from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, or preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, or more preferably from about 1% to about 10% by weight, of a hydrotrope or mixture thereof, preferably sodium cumene sulfonate, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0099] The composition may contain about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, or preferably about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, or more preferably about 1% to about 10% by weight of an organic solvent based on the weight of the total composition. Suitable organic solvents include organic solvents selected from the group consisting of alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof, preferably alcohols, glycols, and mixtures thereof. Ethanol is a preferred alcohol. Polyalkylene glycols, especially polypropylene glycols, are preferred glycols, with polypropylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight of 750 Da to 1,400 Da being particularly preferred.

[0100] Supplementary ingredients The compositions may optionally contain numerous other adjunct ingredients such as builders (preferably citrate salts), chelating agents, conditioning polymers, other cleaning polymers, surface modifying polymers, structurants, emollients, humectants, skin rejuvenation actives, enzymes, carboxylic acids, scrubbing particles, fragrances, malodor control agents, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, pearlescent particles, inorganic cations such as alkaline earth metals such as Ca / Mg ions, antimicrobial agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers (e.g., salts such as NaCl and other mono-, di- and trivalent salts), and pH adjusters and buffering means (e.g., carboxylic acids such as citric acid, HCl, NaOH, KOH, alkanolamines, and carbonates such as sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, etc.).

[0101] Packaged product The hand dishwashing detergent composition can be packaged in a container, typically a plastic container. Suitable containers include an orifice. Suitable containers include conventional upright dispenser containers, where the orifice is at the top of the container, and inverted / bottom dispenser containers, where the orifice is at the bottom of the container. In the case of inverted / bottom dispenser containers, the orifice may be capped and / or equipped with a slit valve as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,611,531. Typically, the container includes a cap, and the orifice is typically equipped on the cap. The cap can include an inlet, where the orifice is at the outlet of the inlet. The inlet can have a length of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0102] The orifice may have an open cross-sectional area at the outlet of from 3 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 3.8 mm to 12 mm, more preferably from 5 mm to 10 mm, and the container further comprises a composition according to the invention. The cross-sectional area is measured perpendicular to the liquid outlet from the container (i.e. perpendicular to the liquid flow during dispensing).

[0103] The container can typically contain 200 mL to 5,000 mL, preferably 350 mL to 2000 mL, and more preferably 400 mL to 1,000 mL of the liquid detergent composition for hand dishwashing.

[0104] Cleaning Method The present invention is further directed to a method of manually washing dishware with the composition of the present invention, the method comprising the step of contacting the dishware with a composition according to the present invention.

[0105] A suitable method may include the steps of contacting the dishware with the composition of the present invention by providing the composition to a volume of water to form a wash solution and immersing the dishware in the solution. The dishware is then washed with the composition in the presence of water.

[0106] The dishware may be rinsed. As used herein, "rinsing" refers to contacting the dishware washed in the process according to the invention with a substantial amount of a suitable solvent, typically water. "Substantial amount" typically refers to about 1 to about 20 L or under running water.

[0107] The compositions herein may be applied in their diluted form. The soiled dishes are contacted with an effective amount of the composition of the present invention, preferably in liquid form, diluted with water, typically about 0.5 mL to about 20 mL (per about 25 dishes to be treated), preferably about 3 mL to about 10 mL. The actual amount of composition used is at the discretion of the user and typically depends on factors such as the particular product formulation of the composition, including the concentration of active ingredients in the composition, the number of soiled dishes to be washed, and the degree of soiling of the dishes. Generally, about 0.01 mL to about 150 mL, preferably about 3 mL to about 40 mL, of the composition of the present invention is combined with about 2,000 mL to about 20,000 mL, more typically about 5,000 mL to about 15,000 mL of water in a sink. After immersing the soiled dishes in the sink containing the diluted composition thus obtained, the soiled surface of the dishes is contacted with a cloth, sponge, or similar cleaning implement. A cloth, sponge, or similar cleaning implement may be immersed in the composition and water mixture prior to contacting with the dishware, typically for a period of time ranging from about 1 to about 10 seconds, although the actual period of time will vary with each application and user. Contacting the cloth, sponge, or similar cleaning implement with the dishware involves simultaneously scrubbing the dishware.

[0108] Alternatively, the composition herein can be applied in its undiluted form to the tableware to be treated. By "in its undiluted form" it is meant herein that the composition is applied directly to the surface to be treated or to a cleaning device or implement, such as a brush, sponge, nonwoven or woven material, without significant dilution by the user prior to (immediately prior to) application. "In its undiluted form" also includes slight dilution, for example due to the presence of water on the cleaning device or the addition of water by the consumer to remove residual amounts of the composition from a bottle. Thus, the composition in undiluted form includes a mixture having the composition and water in a ratio ranging from 50:50 to 100:0, preferably 70:30 to 100:0, more preferably 80:20 to 100:0, even more preferably 90:10 to 100:0, depending on the user's habits and cleaning tasks.

[0109] Test Method foaming The foaming properties of the liquid detergent composition are evaluated using a KRUSS DFA 100 Dynamic Foam Analyzer. The detergent composition is diluted to 20% by weight with water having a hardness of 2.67 mmol / L CaCO3 equivalent at 22°C. 50 mL of the diluted solution is injected using a syringe into a standard glass column (CY4501) mounted on a Quick Fit Unit (SH4512) for stirring, equipped with a standard stirring blade (SR4501). The initial solution height is recorded. The solution is then stirred at 5000 RPM for 5 seconds. 25 seconds after stirring is stopped, the total height and respective volumes of the sample are recorded (foam and liquid solution). To calculate the foam height and respective volumes, the initial solution volume is subtracted from the total volume measured.

[0110] Grease cleaning (soil release index) The Grease Cleaning Performance Test Method is used to measure the relative grease removal efficacy of compositions at various dilution concentrations in water of a particular hardness and temperature (liquid detergent compositions at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 3.0% in water of 2.67 mmol CaCO3 equivalent (15 dH) hardness and 32°C) relative to a reference composition.

[0111] Homogenized lard (soil supplied by Warwick Equest, UK (number 44069)) is preheated in an oven for 2 hours at 60°C before being deposited on a polypropylene nonwoven substrate (60g / m2 SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven from Avgol). The stain is then dried for 24 hours at 21°C. Washing solutions are prepared with the targeted composition concentration, water hardness and temperature. The soiled substrates are individually placed into the wells of a 96-well microtiter plate and a 96-channel pipetting head is used to dispense the washing solution (950μL washing volume per well) with a contact time of 1 minute. The washing water is then removed using a 96-channel pipetting head. Four rinse cycles were applied using a 96-channel pipetting head, each consisting of applying 800 μL of room temperature ultrapure water (Millipore®) for 2 min, followed by removal of the rinse water using the pipetting head. The substrates were then dried at 30 °C for 24 h.

[0112] The stain intensity is measured before and after treatment using a Digi-Eye (supplied by Verivide, UK, Z02791) and imaged using imaging software to determine the average grease stain intensity before and after washing. The grease removal efficacy is then expressed as %SRI (Stain Removal Index, higher is better). The average SRI% results for eight replicates per test condition are calculated and the results are plotted in a linear plot of SRI% versus composition concentration. The sum of %SRI at composition concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 3% is reported.

[0113] Viscosity measurement Viscosity is measured using a controlled stress rheometer (such as Thermo Scientific's HAAKE MARS or equivalent) using a 60 mm 1° cone and a 52 micrometer gap size at 20° C. After 2 minutes of temperature equilibration, the sample is left to stand for 10 seconds. -1The reported viscosity of the liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition is determined by the average shear stress of 15 to 30 seconds at 20° C. for 10 seconds. -1 is defined as the shear rate divided by the applied shear rate. EXAMPLES

[0114] The following liquid hand dishwashing compositions were prepared by simple mixing, all containing the same concentration of surfactant and the same ratio of anionic surfactant to co-surfactant:

[0115] Both Example 1 and Example 2 were of the present invention. Example 1 contained an anionic surfactant, an amine oxide amphoteric cosurfactant, and 1,2-octanediol. Example 2 contained an anionic surfactant, an amine oxide amphoteric cosurfactant, and 1,2-decanediol. Comparative Example A contained an anionic surfactant and an amine oxide amphoteric cosurfactant, but no medium chain 1,2-alkanediol.

[0116] Comparative Example D contained an anionic surfactant, but contained betaine instead of the amine oxide surfactant as a co-surfactant and did not contain a medium chain 1,2-alkanediol. Comparative Example B was similar to Example 1, but contained betaine instead of the amine oxide surfactant as a co-surfactant. Comparative Example C was similar to Example 2, but contained betaine instead of the amine oxide surfactant as a co-surfactant.

[0117] [Table 1] 1 Branch 42.06%

[0118] The results in Table 1 show that liquid detergent compositions containing amine oxides as cosurfactants typically produce less foam than comparable compositions containing betaine instead. However, the mid-chain 1,2-alkanediols useful in the present invention have been found to be more effective at boosting foam in compositions containing amine oxide cosurfactants than in compositions containing alternative cosurfactants such as betaine. This can be seen by comparing the foaming properties of Examples 1 and 2 to that of Comparative Example A (28% and 17% foam increase compared to amine oxide-containing compositions without mid-chain 1,2-alkanediols) and by comparing the foaming properties of Comparative Examples B and C to that of Comparative Example D, which show a lower percentage of foam boost in the examples containing betaine.

[0119] Additionally, compositions containing amine oxides as co-surfactants have been found to provide greater stain removal effectiveness.

[0120] [Table 2]

[0121] From Table 2, it can be seen that the combination of an amine oxide amphoteric co-surfactant with a non-ionic surfactant in the present invention provides a higher foaming effect than a comparative composition that contains a betaine surfactant instead of the amine oxide co-surfactant. This is particularly surprising since, as can be seen from the foaming results in Table 1, the compositions of the present invention that do not contain a non-ionic surfactant foam less than the equivalent comparative compositions that contain a betaine co-surfactant but do not contain a non-ionic surfactant.

[0122] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Claims

1. 1. A liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition comprising from 5% to 50%, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant system comprising an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric co-surfactant, the amphoteric co-surfactant being selected from amine oxide surfactants, the amine oxide surfactant having the formula: RN(R2)(R3)O, where R1 is a C8-C18 alkyl and the R2 and R3 moieties are selected from the group consisting of C1-C3 alkyl groups, C1-3 hydroxyalkyl groups and mixtures thereof; A liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition, wherein the composition further comprises from 0.1% to 10% of a medium chain 1,2-alkanediol, the medium alkyl chain of the 1,2-alkanediol containing from 6 to 14 carbon atoms.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from 0.25% to 5.0%, more preferably from 0.5% to 2.0%, of said medium chain 1,2-alkanediol by weight of the liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alkyl chain of the medium chain 1,2-alkanediol is a linear alkyl chain.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the medium chain 1,2-alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol or mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol and mixtures thereof, most preferably from the group consisting of 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol and mixtures thereof.

5. 5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight of the 1,2-alkanediol present in the composition is medium chain 1,2-alkanediol.

6. 6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition comprises a divalent metal salt, preferably selected from the group consisting of magnesium and / or calcium chlorides, sulfates, carbonates, bicarbonates, linear alkylbenzenesulfonates and mixtures thereof, more preferably magnesium chlorides, sulfates, linear alkylbenzenesulfonates and mixtures thereof, more preferably magnesium chlorides, sulfates and mixtures thereof, most preferably magnesium chloride.

7. A liquid detergent composition for hand dishwashing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises from 6.0% to 40%, preferably from 15% to 35% of said surfactant system by weight of the detergent composition.

8. A liquid detergent composition for hand dishwashing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant system comprises at least 40% of said anionic surfactant by weight of the surfactant system, preferably from 50% to 90%, more preferably from 65% to 85%.

9. A liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises at least 70% by weight of the anionic surfactant, preferably at least 85%, more preferably 100% alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant, preferably the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant having a number average alkyl chain length of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably from 12 to 14 carbon atoms, even more preferably from 12 to 13 carbon atoms.

10. A liquid detergent composition for hand dishwashing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant has an average degree of alkoxylation of less than 3.5, preferably from 0.3 to 2.0, more preferably from 0.5 to 0.

9.

11. A liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anionic surfactant and the amphoteric co-surfactant are present in a weight ratio of from 1:1 to 8:1, preferably from 2:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2.5:1 to 4:

1.

12. 12. The liquid composition for hand dishwashing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amine oxide amphoteric co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and mixtures thereof, preferably C10-C16 dimethyl amine oxide, more preferably C12-C14 dimethyl amine oxide.

13. 13. The liquid composition for hand dishwashing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the surfactant system further comprises a non-ionic surfactant, preferably the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants, alkyl polyglucoside non-ionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, more preferably an alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant.

14. 14. The liquid hand dishwashing composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the medium chain 1,2-alkanediol and the surfactant system are present in a weight ratio of from 1:60 to 1:1, preferably from 1:40 to 1:5, more preferably from 1:30 to 1:

10.

15. A method of cleaning dishware, comprising the step of contacting said dishware with a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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