A silicate-free, metal-protective, pressed, alkaline detergent and rinse additive

Abstract

A solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition, a method for making the composition, and a method for using the composition are provided. A solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition is provided that is effective in reducing corrosion and providing metal protection while simultaneously improving the dry time of a surface. Methods of making and using the composition are also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid compositions that are effective in reducing corrosion and providing metal protection while simultaneously improving the dry time of surfaces. Methods of making and using the compositions are provided. [Background technology]

[0002] Alkaline detergents are known to provide effective cleaning power. However, formulations can vary widely in the degree of corrosivity, acceptability as consumer-friendly and / or environmentally-friendly products, and other detergent properties. In general, as the alkalinity of these compositions increases, the difficulty of protecting metal surfaces also increases. Therefore, in addition to known corrosion inhibitors such as silicates, such as sodium silicate, there is a need for detergent compositions that minimize and / or eliminate metal corrosion of items in the system in which these detergents are used.

[0003] Silicates are known to precipitate from aqueous solutions at alkaline pH, i.e., below pH 11, which reduces the effectiveness and consumer acceptance of these materials for preventing corrosion of contacted surfaces when used in aqueous cleaning solutions with lower pH. Furthermore, when silicate-containing compositions or their residues are allowed to dry on a surface, they often form thin films or spots that are visible and as such are extremely difficult to remove. The presence of these silicon-containing deposits can affect the texture of the cleaned surface, the appearance of the surface, and on cooking or storage surfaces, can affect the taste of materials that come into contact with the cleaned surface. Furthermore, such silicon-containing deposits can require lengthy acid cleaning steps to investigate the deposits and visible residues. It would be desirable to eliminate this step when cleaning surfaces.

[0004] There is also a need to provide a 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition to eliminate multiple formulations, multiple steps and overall product costs and consumption.

[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for using alkaline detergents having a pH of from about 9 to about 12.5 without causing significant corrosion of metal surfaces.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition with improved metal protection.

[0007] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition with improved metal protection that does not deposit a film or particulate matter on cleaned surfaces.

[0008] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid compositions having the various improvements described herein that further provide improved drying and water hardness protection of surfaces.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition in the form of a solid block, including pressed solids.

[0010] Other objects, embodiments, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0011] An advantage of the solid 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition is that it effectively inhibits corrosion on metal surfaces such as aluminum without the use of silicate sources to eliminate the formation of films or particulate precipitation on cleaned surfaces, while also providing improved dry times and water hardness protection.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the solid 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition comprises an alkali metal carbonate alkalinity source; an acid chelating agent or a metal protecting combination of a chelating agent and an acid and at least one water conditioning agent; and at least one nonionic surfactant.

[0013] According to an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a use solution of the solid 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition includes a solid composition as described herein in a solution having a water source, preferably water.

[0014] According to an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using the 2-in-1 detergent and rinse additive composition includes contacting a use solution of the solid 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition with an article or surface, including a hard metal surface, in need of cleaning and drying, and thereafter rinsing the hard metal surface, wherein the use solution of the composition provides both effective cleaning, rinsing and drying of the surface while protecting the water hardness and without forming a film on the metal surface.

[0015] These and / or other objects, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description. Moreover, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and / or embodiments not expressly disclosed but which can be understood by reading the present disclosure, including at least (a) combinations of the disclosed aspects and / or embodiments, and / or (b) reasonable variations not shown or described.

[0016] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] Certain embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced have been shown and described in detail, and like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. These drawings are presented for illustrative purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a scatter plot of corrosion (MPY) evaluated with various pH values ​​of exemplary compositions on aluminum alloys.

[0019] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a scatter plot of corrosion (MPY) evaluated with various concentrations of carbonate of exemplary compositions on aluminum alloys.

[0020] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a scatter plot of corrosion (MPY) evaluated with various pH values ​​of exemplary compositions on aluminum alloys.

[0021] [Figure 2A] 1 is a graph illustrating percent change in length of an exemplary solid block composition.

[0022] [Figure 2B] 1 is a graph illustrating percent change in width of an exemplary solid block composition.

[0023] [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing stain removal rate based on percentage of stain removal comparing the effectiveness of exemplary solid compositions according to the present specification.

[0024] [Figure 4A] 1 is a graph of drying times of exemplary compositions on ceramic and melamine surfaces.

[0025] [Figure 4B] 1 is a comparative graph of dry times of commercial rinse aid formulas on ceramic and melamine.

[0026] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The figures presented herein are presented for illustrative purposes of the present disclosure, not as a limitation to the various embodiments according to the present disclosure. To facilitate understanding of the present invention, those skilled in the art need not consider the nearly infinite number of different permutations of the features described in the following detailed description in separate drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The present disclosure should not be limited to what is described herein, and can be modified and understood by those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise specified, the features shown or described are not necessary to enable the basic operation of the present disclosure. As disclosed herein, the solid 2-in-1 alkaline detergent and rinse aid composition provides effective corrosion protection on metal surfaces such as aluminum without the use of silicate sources to eliminate the formation of thin films or particulate matter precipitation on the cleaned surfaces, while also providing improved drying time and water hardness protection.

[0028] Furthermore, it is to be understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" can include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, all units, prefixes, and symbols can be denoted in their SI-recognized form.

[0029] Numerical ranges recited herein are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the disclosure are presented in a range format. Descriptions in range format should be understood to be merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as indefinite limitations on the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible subranges, fractions, and individual numbers within that range. For example, the description of a range such as 1-6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and decimals and fractions, e.g., 1.2, 3.8, 1 and 1 / 2, and 4 and 3 / 4. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0030] As used herein, the term "and / or", e.g., "X and / or Y", should be understood to mean either "X and Y" or "X or Y" and should be interpreted as giving explicit support for both meanings or either meaning, e.g., A and / or B includes the options i) A, ii) B or iii) A and B.

[0031] It should be understood that certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

[0032] The methods and compositions of the present disclosure may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients of the present disclosure, as well as other components described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the methods, systems, devices, and compositions may include additional steps, components, or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods, systems, devices, and compositions.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] The term "invention" or "the present invention" is not intended to refer to a particular single embodiment of the invention, but is intended to encompass all possible embodiments described in the specification and claims.

[0035] As used herein, the term "about" refers to the variation in numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measurement techniques and equipment, for any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, mass, volume, time, temperature, pH, and the number of bacteria or viruses expressed in logarithms. Furthermore, given the solid and liquid handling procedures used in the real world, there are certain inadvertent errors and variations that are likely through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of ingredients used to make compositions or carry out methods, etc. The term "about" also encompasses these variations. Whether or not modified by the term "about", the claims include the equivalent to the amount.

[0036] The terms "actives" or "percent actives" or "percent by weight actives" or "actives concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to concentrations expressed as a percentage of those ingredients involved in cleaning minus inactive ingredients such as water or salt. Sometimes they are given as a percentage in parentheses, e.g., "chemical (10%)."

[0037] The phrase "alkali-sensitive metal" refers to metals that exhibit corrosion and / or discoloration when exposed to alkaline detergent in solution. An alkaline solution is an aqueous solution with a pH greater than 8. Exemplary alkali-sensitive metals include soft metals such as aluminum, nickel, tin, zinc, copper, brass, bronze, and mixtures thereof. Aluminum and aluminum alloys are common alkali-sensitive metals that can be cleaned by the ware washing detergent composition of the present invention.

[0038] As used herein, the term "alkyl" or "alkyl group" refers to a saturated hydrocarbon having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chain alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or "cycloalkyl" or "alicyclic" or "carbocyclic" groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups (e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl groups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups). Unless otherwise specified, the term "alkyl" includes both "unsubstituted alkyl" and "substituted alkyl". As used herein, the term "substituted alkyl" refers to an alkyl group having a substituent replacing one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents may include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogeno, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, cyano, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl, and ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfate, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic (including heteroaromatic) groups.

[0039] In some embodiments, the substituted alkyl can include heterocyclic groups. As used herein, the term "heterocyclic group" includes closed ring structures similar to carbocyclic groups, in which one or more of the carbon atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon, such as nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups can be saturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, aziridine, ethylene oxide (epoxide, oxirane), thiirane (episulfide), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, dioxetane, dithietane, dithiete, azolidine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolane, dihydrofuran, and furan.

[0040] As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to methods used to promote or assist in soil removal, bleaching, descaling, decontamination, reduction of microbial population, rinsing, and any combination thereof.

[0041] As used herein, the word "exemplary" refers to an example, instance, or illustration, and does not refer to a most preferred embodiment, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0042] As used herein, the term "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. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition is free of silicate or silicone-containing materials.

[0043] The term "generally" encompasses both "about" and "substantially."

[0044] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a molecular complex composed of 10 or more monomeric units, and generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, and higher order "x"-mers, and further includes analogs, derivatives, combinations, and blends thereof. Furthermore, unless specifically limited otherwise, the term "polymer" is intended to include all possible isomeric configurations of the molecule, including, but not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless specifically limited otherwise, the term "polymer" is intended to include all possible geometric configurations of the molecule.

[0045] As used herein, the term "soil" or "stain" refers to any soil including, but not limited to, non-polar oily and / or hydrophobic materials that may or may not contain particulate matter, such as industrial soils, inorganic clays, sand, natural mineral matter, carbon black, graphite, kaolin, environmental dust, and / or food-based soils, such as blood, proteinaceous soils, starchy soils, greasy soils, cellulosic soils, and the like.

[0046] The "scope" of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the present disclosure is further deemed to include any possible modifications to any of the aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein resulting in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, etc., that are apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0047] As used herein, a "solid" composition refers to a composition in solid form, such as a powder, aggregate, pellet, tablet, lozenge, puck, briquette, brick, solid block, unit dose, or another solid form known to one of skill in the art. The term "solid" refers to the state of the composition under the expected storage and use conditions of the solid composition. In general, the composition is expected to remain in solid form even when exposed to elevated temperatures above 120°F. The solids described herein are dimensionally stable, meaning that the solids described herein retain their shape over an extended period of time. For example, the width and height of the solids do not change (i.e., swell) by more than about 3% over a four week period at room temperature, i.e., 104°F to 122°F.

[0048] The term "substantially" refers to a large or significant degree. Thus, "substantially" can refer to a plurality, a majority, and / or a vast majority of a quantifiable variable, given the appropriate context. As used herein, the term "substantially free" refers to a composition that is completely devoid of a component or has such a small amount of the component that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or contaminant, and is 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. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition is substantially free of silicate or silicone-containing materials.

[0049] The term "substantially similar cleaning performance" refers to generally the same degree of cleaning (or at least not significantly less) or generally the same expenditure of effort (or at least not significantly less), or both, typically achieved by a substitute cleaning product or a substitute cleaning system.

[0050] The term "surfactant" or "surface active agent" refers to an organic chemical that, when added to a liquid, changes the properties of the liquid at a surface.

[0051] As used herein, the term "utensils" refers to items such as eating and cooking utensils, tableware, and other hard surfaces such as showers, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, transportation vehicles, and floors. As used herein, the term "utensil washing" refers to washing, cleaning, or rinsing utensils. Utensils also refer to items made of plastic. Types of plastics that can be washed with the present composition include, but are not limited to, those that include polypropylene polymers (PP), polycarbonate polymers (PC), melamine formaldehyde resins or melamine resins (melamine), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers (ABS), and polysulfone polymers (PS). Other exemplary plastics that can be washed using the compounds and compositions of the present disclosure include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polystyrene polyamide.

[0052] The terms "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance obtained 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.

[0053] composition

[0054] According to some embodiments, the solid alkaline 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition comprises an alkalinity source, a chelating agent, at least one water conditioning agent, and at least one nonionic surfactant. The composition may comprise a variety of additional functional formulation ingredients. In some embodiments, the solid composition is substantially free of silicate or silicone-containing materials. In some embodiments, the solid composition is free of silicate or silicone-containing materials.

[0055] The solid alkaline 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition can advantageously replace liquid detergent and separate liquid rinse aid compositions to provide a single 2-in-1 formulation. Furthermore, the single 2-in-1 formulation can include a multi-use solid composition. The solid composition overcomes formulation challenges traditionally associated with surfactant stability in solid compositions.

[0056] Exemplary solid compositions, by weight percent, are shown in Table 1. Note that while an ingredient may have a percent actives of 100%, Table 1 does not list the percent actives of the components, but rather lists the total weight percentage of the raw materials, i.e., the actives concentration plus inactive ingredients.

[0057] [Table 1]

[0058] Alkali metal carbonate alkali source The solid composition includes one or more alkaline sources. The alkaline source can be any alkaline source that is compatible with other components of the 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition. Exemplary alkaline sources include alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal silicates, alkali metal salts, phosphates, amines, and mixtures thereof, preferably alkali metal carbonates including sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, or mixtures thereof, most preferably sodium carbonate. In embodiments, the alkaline source is an alkali metal carbonate that is a blend of dense and light carbonates, such as sodium carbonate, where the light carbonates are useful in aiding in the absorption of liquid in the formulation for solidification.

[0059] The alkaline source provides the solid composition upon dilution to an alkaline pH. For example, embodiments of the solid composition provide a pH of about 9 to about 12.5 upon dilution. In preferred embodiments, the solid composition provides a pH of about 9 to about 11 upon dilution, preferably about 9 to about 10.5 upon dilution.

[0060] In some embodiments, the alkaline source is included in the detergent composition in an amount of at least about 40% to about 90%, about 50% to about 90%, about 50% to about 85%, about 60% to about 85%, or about 60% to about 80% by weight. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present disclosure, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining that range and include each integer within that defined range.

[0061] Chelating Agents The solid composition includes a non-silicate chelating agent. In a non-limiting embodiment, the chelating agent provides metal protection. Suitable chelating agents can include amino carboxylates, amino carboxylic acid succinic acid compounds, phosphonates including amino phosphonates, condensed phosphates, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] In some embodiments, an acid chelating agent, such as the acid EDTA, is used in the solid composition. In other embodiments, the chelating agent is combined with a low solubility acid. In each embodiment, the solid composition is advantageously a stable solid and provides reduced corrosion due to the performance of the combined acid and chelating agent.

[0063] In some embodiments, the chelating agent is included in the solid composition in an amount of at least about 2% to about 30%, about 2% to about 20%, about 4% to about 20%, about 6% to about 20%, or about 6% to about 16% by weight. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present disclosure, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining that range and include each integer within that defined range.

[0064] Exemplary amino carboxylic acid chelating agents include glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA), N-hydroxyethylaminodiacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraproprionate, triethylenetetraaminehexaacetate, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), 3-hydroxy-2,2-iminodisuccinic acid (HIDS), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), and other similar acids having an amino with a carboxylic acid substituent. In a preferred embodiment, the amino carboxylate comprises an amino carboxylic acid material that contains little or no NTA.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the chelating agent is an aminocarboxylate or an aminocarboxylic acid. In a more preferred embodiment, the chelating agent is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA or acid EDTA). Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, acid chelating agents such as acid EDTA are beneficial for solid block aggregation when silicate-free formulations exist, as demonstrated in the examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other chelating agents can be incorporated into the solid composition, and a low-solubility acid source can be included to provide the desired pH and solid stability without reducing the performance benefits of the solid composition.

[0066] Exemplary amino acid based compounds or succinate based compounds can be included as chelating agents. The terms "succinate based compounds" and "succinic acid based compounds" are used interchangeably herein. These include, for example, aspartic acid-N-monoacetic acid (ASMA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), aspartic acid-N-monopropionic acid (ASMP), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), iminodiacetic acid (IDA), N-(2-sulfomethyl)aspartic acid (SMAS), N-(2-sulfoethyl)aspartic acid (SEAS), N-(2-sulfomethyl)glutamic acid (SMGL), N-(2-sulfoethyl)glutamic acid (SEGL), N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MI ... DA), alanine-N,N-diacetic acid (ALDA), serine-N,N-diacetic acid (SEDA), isoserine-N,N-diacetic acid (ISDA), phenylalanine-N,N-diacetic acid (PHDA), anthranilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ANDA), sulfanilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (SLDA), taurine-N,N-diacetic acid (TUDA), sulfomethyl-N,N-diacetic acid (SMDA), ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS), and their alkali metal or ammonium salts.

[0067] Other chelating agents include homopolymers and copolymers of polycarboxylic acids and their partially or fully neutralized salts, monomeric polycarboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts. Preferred salts of the above-mentioned compounds are ammonium and / or alkali metal salts, i.e., lithium, sodium and potassium salts, with the sodium salt being particularly preferred.

[0068] 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 may also aid in solidification of the composition to a limited extent by fixing the free water present in the composition as water of hydration. Aminophosphonates are also suitable for use as chelating agents, including ethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonate) (HEDP. Those aminophosphonates that do not contain alkyl or alkenyl groups with more than about 6 carbon atoms are preferred.

[0069] Water Conditioner The solid composition includes at least one water conditioning agent. In one embodiment, at least two water conditioning agents are included in the solid composition. Exemplary water conditioning agents include polycarboxylates and polycarboxylic acids, as well as polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and / or polymaleate homopolymers, copolymers or terpolymers. In one embodiment, the solid composition includes a first water conditioning agent that is a polycarboxylate or polycarboxylic acid and a second water conditioning agent that is a polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and / or polymaleate homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer in a weight ratio of about 1:1 (or a weight ratio of 0:5:1 to 1:0.5).

[0070] In some embodiments, the at least one water conditioning agent is included in the solid composition in an amount of at least about 1% to about 20%, about 2% to about 20%, about 2% to about 15%, about 2% to about 10%, or about 2% to about 6% by weight. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present disclosure, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range.

[0071] A wide variety of such polycarboxylate homopolymers, copolymers, and terpolymers are known, described in patents and other literature, and commercially available. Exemplary polycarboxylates that may be utilized in accordance with the present invention include, for example, polyacrylates; polymethacrylates; and polymaleate homopolymers, copolymers, and terpolymers. Examples of suitable polymers include acrylic acid homopolymers, maleic acid homopolymers, methacrylic acid homopolymers, acrylic / maleic copolymers, maleic acid (maelic) copolymers, acrylic / methacrylic copolymers, maleic acid terpolymers, hydrophobically modified acrylic acid copolymers and terpolymers, hydrophobically modified maleic acid copolymers and terpolymers, and hydrophobically modified methacrylic acid copolymers and terpolymers. Suitable water conditioning polymers preferably have a molecular weight of about 500 to about 50,000 g / mol, more preferably about 500 to about 25,000 g / mol, and especially about 500 to about 10,000 g / mol. Preferred polymers include, but are not limited to, Acusol 445N, Acusol 425N, Acusol 441, Acusol 448 (available from Dow Chemical); Sokalan CP10, Sokalan CP12, Sokalan CP9, Sokalan CP50, Sokalan PA13PN, Sokalan PA15, Sokalan PA20, Sokalan PA25 (available from BASF); Carbosperse K-7058, Carbosperse K-7028 and Carbosperse K-775 (available from Lubrizol); Belclene 200, Belclene 283, Belcene 810 (available from BWA Water Additives).

[0072] Suitable polycarboxylic acids are acyclic, alicyclic, heterocyclic and aromatic carboxylic acids, each of which contains at least two carboxyl groups, preferably separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms. Polycarboxylates containing two carboxyl groups include, for example, the water-soluble salts of malonic acid, (ethyl enedioxy) diacetic acid, maleic acid, diglycolic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid and fumaric acid. Polycarboxylates containing three carboxyl groups include, for example, the water-soluble citrate salts. Correspondingly, a suitable hydroxycarboxylic acid is, for example, citric acid. Another suitable polycarboxylic acid is the homopolymer of acrylic acid. Polycarboxylates end-capped with sulfonates are preferred.

[0073] Other types of water conditioners include phosphonates, such as phosphinosuccinic acid oligomers (PSO), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,871,699, 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP), aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid); 2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylene phosphonic acid), diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene phosphonic acid), diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene phosphonate), sodium salt (DTPMP), hexamethylenediamine(tetramethylene phosphonate), potassium salt bis(hexamethylene)triamine(pentamethylene phosphonic acid); and phosphorous acid.

[0074] Surfactants The solid composition comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant.

[0075] In some embodiments, the at least one nonionic surfactant is present in the solid composition in an amount of at least about 2% to about 40%, about 2% to about 30%, about 2% to about 25%, about 2% to about 20%, about 2% to about 15%, or about 2% to about 10% by weight. Additionally, without being limited in accordance with the present disclosure, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining that range and include each integer within that defined range.

[0076] Exemplary nonionic surfactants (A through E) and polymeric surfactants (F through J) are shown in Table 2.

[0077] [Table 2]

[0078] At least one nonionic surfactant is represented by the general formula (I), R1-(A): x -(B) y1 -(A) z -(B) y2 -R2(I), where R1 and R2 independently represent H or a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C22 alkyl; A represents CH2-CH2-O; B represents CH2-CHR3-O, where R3 represents H or a linear or branched unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl; x is an integer ranging from 0 to 35; y1 is an integer ranging from 0 to 60; y2 is an integer ranging from 0 to 35; z is an integer ranging from 0 to 35; The sum of x+y1+z+y2 is at least 1.

[0079] Preferably, the sum of x+y1+z+y2 is in the range of 1 to 100, more preferably the sum of x+y1+z+y2 is in the range of 1 to 75, even more preferably the sum of x+y1+z+y2 is in the range of 2 to 75, and most preferably the sum of x+y1+z+y2 is in the range of 2 to 70. In a preferred embodiment of the surfactant structure, the term "alkyl" refers to an acyclic saturated aliphatic residue, including linear or branched alkyl residues. Furthermore, the alkyl residue is preferably unsubstituted and is selected from the group consisting of C1 to C6 alkyl groups. 22 As in alkyl, it contains 1 to 22 carbon atoms. As used herein, "branched" refers to a chain of atoms having one or more side chains attached to it. Branching occurs by replacement of a substituent (e.g., a hydrogen atom) with a covalently bonded aliphatic moiety.

[0080] Linear and branched, unsubstituted C1-C 22 Representative examples of alkyl include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl, n-eicosyl, n-heneicosyl, n-docosyl, isopropyl, and isobutyl. , isopentyl, isohexyl, isoheptyl, isooctyl, isononyl, isodecyl, isoundecyl, isododecyl, isotridecyl, isotetradecyl, isopentadecyl, isohexadecyl, isoheptadecyl, isooctadecyl, isononadecyl, isoeicosyl, isoheneicosyl, isodocosyl, 2-propylheptyl, 2-ethylhexyl, and t-butyl.

[0081] At least one nonionic surfactant of general formula (I) according to embodiments B, G and L is a block copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, the copolymer comprising first and second blocks of repeating ethylene oxide (EO) units and a block of repeating propylene oxide (PO) units disposed between the first and second blocks of repeating ethylene units, and having the formula (V), HO-(CH2CHO) x (CH(CH3)CH2O) y1 (CH2CH2O) z -H(V).

[0082] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactants of general formula (I) according to embodiments B, G and L have a ratio of ethylene oxide (EO) units to propylene oxide (PO) units of 1:10 to 10:1 and an average molecular weight of 500 to 10,000 g / mol.

[0083] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactants of general formula (I) according to embodiments C, H and M are block copolymers of ethylene oxide and higher alkylene oxide functionalized / capped with fatty alcohol. Preferred higher alkylene oxides are propylene oxide, butylene oxide and pentylene oxide. The preferred ratio of ethylene oxide to higher alkylene oxide units is 1:2 to 5:2.

[0084] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant of general formula (I) according to embodiments E, J, and O is a block copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, the copolymer having the formula (VI), HO-(CH(CH)CHO) y1 -(CH2CH2O) z -(CH(CH3)CH2O) y2 -H(VI), which includes first and second blocks of repeating propylene oxide (PO) units and a block of repeating ethylene oxide (EO) units disposed between the first and second blocks of repeating propylene units.

[0085] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactants of general formula (I) according to embodiments E, J and O have a ratio of ethylene oxide (EO) units to propylene oxide (PO) units of 1:10 to 10:1 and an average molecular weight of 500 to 10,000 g / mol.

[0086] In one embodiment, the at least one non-ionic surfactant of general formula (I) has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value in the range of 2 to 17. In a further embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant of general formula (I) has an HLB value in the range of 2 to 11 when R2 is H. In a further embodiment, the non-ionic surfactant of general formula (I) has an HLB value in the range of 2 to 11 when R2 is linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C 22 If it is alkyl, it has an HLB value in the range of 2-17.

[0087] The HLB value represents the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of a molecule. The lower the HLB value, the more hydrophobic the material and vice versa. The HLB value can be calculated according to the method given in Griffin, J. Soc. Cosmetic Chemists, 5 (1954) 249-256. The Griffith method for non-ionic surfactants described in 1954 is as follows: HLB = 20 x M h / M, in the formula, M h is the molecular weight of the hydrophilic portion of the molecule, and M is the molecular weight of the entire molecule. Only the EO portion of the surfactant is considered hydrophilic; all other portions contribute only to the entire molecule.

[0088] Additional Surfactants

[0089] Further additional useful nonionic surfactants are generally characterized by the presence of an organic hydrophobic group and an organic hydrophilic group, and are typically produced by condensation of an organic aliphatic, alkyl aromatic, or polyoxyalkylene hydrophobic compound with a hydrophilic alkaline oxide moiety, which in common practice is ethylene oxide or its polyhydration products, polyethylene glycol. In fact, any hydrophobic compound having a hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, or amide group with a reactive hydrogen atom can be condensed with ethylene oxide, or its polyhydration adducts, or its mixtures with alkoxylene such as propylene oxide, to form a nonionic surfactant. The length of the hydrophilic polyoxyalkylene moiety condensed with any particular hydrophobic compound can be easily adjusted to produce a water-dispersible or water-soluble compound with the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Useful nonionic surfactants include:

[0090] Block polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene polymer compounds (1) based on propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and ethylenediamine as the initiator reactive hydrogen compound. Examples of polymer compounds made from sequential propoxylation and ethoxylation of the initiator are commercially available from BASF Corp. One class of compounds are difunctional (two reactive hydrogen) compounds formed by condensing ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the addition of propylene oxide to the two hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. This hydrophobic portion of the molecule weighs from about 1,000 to about 4,000. Ethylene oxide is then added to sandwich this hydrophobe between the hydrophilic groups, controlled by length to comprise from about 10% to about 80% by weight of the final molecule. Another class of compounds are tetra-functional block copolymers derived from the sequential addition of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to ethylenediamine. The molecular weight of the propylene oxide hydrotype is in the range of about 500 to about 7,000, and the hydrophilic substance ethylene oxide is added so as to constitute about 10% by weight to about 80% by weight of the molecule.

[0091] Condensation products (2) of one mole of alkylphenols, the alkyl chain of which contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, of linear or branched configuration, or of single or double alkyl members, with from about 3 to about 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl groups can be represented, for example, by diisobutylene, di-amyl, polymerized propylene, iso-octyl, nonyl, and di-nonyl. These surfactants can be polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols. Examples of commercial compounds of this chemistry are available under the trade names Igepal® manufactured by Rhone-Poulenc, and Triton® manufactured by Union Carbide.

[0092] Condensation products of one mole of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain alcohol having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms with from about 3 to about 50 moles of ethylene oxide (3). The alcohol portion can consist of a mixture of alcohols within the carbon ranges set forth above, or can consist of alcohols having a specific number of carbon atoms within this range. Condensation products of one mole of saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched chain carboxylic acid having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms with from about 6 to about 50 moles of ethylene oxide (4). The acid portion can consist of a mixture of acids within the carbon atom ranges defined above, or can consist of acids having a specific number of carbon atoms within this range. In addition to the ethoxylated carboxylic acids commonly referred to as polyethylene glycol esters, other alkanoic acid esters formed by reaction with glycerides, glycerin, and polyhydric (saccharide or sorbitan / sorbitol) alcohols have application in the present invention for specialized embodiments, particularly for indirect food additive applications. All of these ester moieties have one or more reactive hydrogen sites on their molecules that can be subjected to further acylation or ethylene oxide (alkoxide) addition to control the hydrophilicity of these materials. Care must be taken when adding these fatty esters or acylated carbohydrates to compositions of the invention containing amylase and / or lipase enzymes due to possible incompatibilities.

[0093] Examples of non-ionic low foaming surfactants include:

[0094] Compounds from (1) modified, essentially inverted, by adding ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol to provide a hydrophile of specified molecular weight, followed by the addition of propylene oxide to obtain a hydrophobic block on the outside (end) of the molecule. A hydrophobic portion of about 1,000 to about 3,100 molecular weight with a central hydrophile comprising 10% to about 80% by weight of the final molecule. The hydrophobic portion of the molecule weighs about 2,100 to about 6,700 with a central hydrophile comprising 10% to 80% by weight of the final molecule. Compounds from groups (1), (2), (3) and (4) modified by "end treating" or "end blocking" one or more terminal hydroxy groups (of the polyfunctional moiety) to reduce foaming by reaction with hydrophobic small molecules such as propylene oxide, butylene oxide, benzyl chloride; and short chain fatty acids, alcohols, or alkyl halides containing 1 to about 5 carbon atoms; and mixtures thereof. Also included are reactants such as thionyl chloride that convert the terminal hydroxy group to a chloride group. Such modifications to the terminal hydroxy group can result in all-block, block-heteric, heteric-block, or all-heteric nonionic materials.

[0095] Further examples of useful low foaming nonionics include:

[0096] wherein R is an alkyl group having 8 to 9 carbon atoms, A is an alkylene chain having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 7 to 16, and m is an integer from 1 to 10. [ka] The alkylphenoxypolyethoxyalkanols of U.S. Pat. No. 2,903,486, issued Sep. 8, 1959 to Brown et al., represented by the formula:

[0097] Polyalkylene glycol condensates of U.S. Pat. No. 3,048,548, issued Aug. 7, 1962 to Martin et al., having alternating hydrophilic oxyethylene chains and hydrophobic oxypropylene chains, with the molecular weight of the terminal hydrophobic chains, the molecular weight of the intermediate hydrophobic units, and the molecular weight of the linking hydrophilic units each accounting for approximately one-third of the condensate.

[0098] General formula Z[(OR) n OH] z wherein Z is an alkoxylatable material, R is a group derived from an alkylene oxide which can be ethylene and propylene, n is an integer, for example, from 10 to 2,000 or more, and z is an integer determined by the number of reactive oxyalkylatable groups.

[0099] Formula Y(C3H6O) n (C2H4O) m The conjugated polyoxyalkylene compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,700 issued May 4, 1954 to Jackson et al., corresponding to H, where Y is the residue of an organic compound having from about 1 to 6 carbon atoms and one reactive hydrogen atom, n has an average value of at least about 6.4 as determined by the hydroxyl number, and m has a value such that the oxyethylene moieties constitute from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the molecule.

[0100] Formula Y[(C3H6O n (C2H4O) m H] xConjugated polyoxyalkylene compounds according to U.S. Pat. No. 2,674,619 issued to Lundsted et al. on Apr. 6, 1954, having the formula: (wherein Y is the residue of an organic compound having about 2-6 carbon atoms and containing x reactive hydrogen atoms, x having a value of at least about 2, n having a value such that the molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene hydrophobic base is at least about 900, and m having a value such that the oxyethylene content of the molecule is about 10% to about 90% by weight). Compounds falling within the definition for Y include, for example, propylene glycol, glycerin, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, ethylenediamine, and the like. The oxypropylene chains optionally, but advantageously, contain small amounts of ethylene oxide, and the oxyethylene chains also optionally, but advantageously, contain small amounts of propylene oxide.

[0101] Further conjugated polyoxyalkylene surfactants which may be advantageously used in the compositions of the present invention have the formula: P[(CHO) n (C2H4O) m H] x where P is the residue of an organic compound having from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and containing x reactive hydrogen atoms, x has a value of 1 or 2, n has a value such that the molecular weight of the polyoxyethylene portion is at least about 44, and m has a value such that the oxypropylene content of the molecule is from about 10% to about 90% by weight. In either case, the oxypropylene chains may optionally, but advantageously, contain small amounts of ethylene oxide, and the oxyethylene chains may also optionally, but advantageously, contain small amounts of propylene oxide.

[0102] Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants for use in the present compositions include those having the structural formula R2CON R1 Z, where R1 is H, a C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, ethoxy, propoxy group, or mixtures thereof, and R2 is a C5-C 31where Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least three hydroxyls attached directly to the chain, or an alkoxylated derivative thereof (preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated). Z can be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction, such as a glycityl moiety.

[0103] Alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 0 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use in the present compositions. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can be either linear or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0104] Ethoxylated C6~C 18 Fatty alcohols and C6-C 18 Mixed ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, especially those that are water soluble, are suitable surfactants for use in the present compositions. Suitable ethoxylated fatty alcohols include C6-C ... 18 Ethoxylated fatty alcohols are included.

[0105] Nonionic alkyl polysaccharide surfactants particularly suitable for use in the present compositions include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,565,647, issued Jan. 21, 1986, Llenado. These surfactants contain a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, a hydrophilic group containing from about 1.3 to about 10 saccharide units. Any reduced saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms may be used, e.g., the galactosyl moiety may be replaced with glucose, galactose, and glucosyl moieties. (Optionally, the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-, etc. position to produce glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside.) The intersaccharide bond may be, for example, between one position of the additional saccharide unit and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and / or 6-position on the preceding saccharide unit.

[0106] Fatty acid amide surfactants suitable for use in the present compositions include those having the formula: RCON(R), where R is an alkyl group containing 7 to 21 carbon atoms and each R is independently hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, or --(CHO). X H, where x is in the range of 1 to 3.

[0107] A useful class of nonionic surfactants includes the class defined as alkoxylated amine, or more specifically, alcohol alkoxylated / aminated / alkoxylated surfactants. These nonionic surfactants can be at least partially represented by the general formula: 20 --(PO) S N--(EO) t H, R 20 --(PO) S N--(EO) t H(EO) t H and R 20 --N(EO) t H, where R 20 is an alkyl, alkenyl, or other aliphatic group of 8 to 20, preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms, or an alkyl-aryl group, EO is oxyethylene, PO is oxypropylene, s is 1 to 20, preferably 2 to 5, t is 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, and u is 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5. Other variations in the scope of these compounds include the alternative formula: R 20 --(PO) V --N[(EO) w H][(EO) z H], where R 20 is as defined above, v is 1 to 20 (eg, 1, 2, 3, or 4 (preferably 2)), and w and z are independently 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5.

[0108] The article Nonionic Surfactants, Vol. 1 of the Surfactant Science Series, edited by Schick, MJ, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1983, is an excellent reference for the wide range of nonionic compounds commonly used in the practice of the present invention. A representative list of nonionic classes and species of these surfactants is found in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December 30, 1975. Further examples are found in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and Vol. II, Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

[0109] Additional Functional Ingredients The components of the solid composition can be further combined with various functional ingredients suitable for use as disclosed herein, including metal-safe alkaline detergents and rinse aids. In some embodiments, the solid composition comprising an alkaline source, a chelating agent, at least one water conditioning agent and at least one non-ionic surfactant constitutes a large amount of the total weight of the solid composition, or even constitutes substantially all of it. For example, in some embodiments, there are few or no additional functional formulation ingredients therein.

[0110] In other embodiments, additional functional ingredients may be included in the solid composition. The functional ingredients provide the composition with desired properties and functionality. For the purposes of this application, the term "functional ingredients" includes materials that, when dispersed or dissolved in a use solution, such as an aqueous solution, and / or a concentrate 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 wide variety of other functional ingredients may be used. For example, many of the functional materials discussed below relate to materials used in cleaning. However, other embodiments may include functional ingredients for use in other applications.

[0111] In some embodiments, the solid composition may include antifoaming agents, bleaching agents, solubility modifiers, dispersants, additional metal protecting agents, soil redeposition inhibitors, stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, additional ingredients / sequestering agents / chelating agents, aesthetic enhancers including enzymes, fragrances and / or dyes, additional rheology and / or solubility modifiers or thickeners, hydrotropes or couplers, buffers including acids, solvents, hardeners, additional cleaning agents, and the like.

[0112] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, various additional functional formulation ingredients may be provided in the composition in amounts of about 0% to about 30% by weight, about 0% to about 25% by weight, about 0% to about 20% by weight, about 0.01% to about 30% by weight, about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, about 1% to about 30% by weight, about 1% to about 25% by weight, about 1% to about 20% by weight, or about 1% to about 15% by weight. Additionally, without being limited according to the present disclosure, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining that range and include each integer within that defined range.

[0113] acid source The solid composition may further comprise a solid acid or a salt thereof. The solid acid is a low solubility acid source, preferably combined when the chelating agent of the solid composition is not an acid chelating agent. Preferably, the acid has a water solubility of 0.1 g / L to 1500 g / L at 20°C, more preferably 0.25 g / L to 500 g / L at 20°C, most preferably 0.25 to 100 g / L at 20°C. As used herein, the g / L designation refers to the mass of acid added together with sufficient aqueous medium (e.g., water) to form 1 liter of solution. Preferably, the acid is a solid polycarboxylic acid. More preferably, the acid is a polycarboxylic acid having 2 to 4 carboxyl groups. More preferably, the polycarboxylic acid is a dicarboxylic acid or tricarboxylic acid. Preferred acids include, but are not limited to, adipic acid, citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, isocitric acid, glutamic acid, glutaric acid, malic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, salts of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof.

[0114] In embodiments including a solid acid, the acid is in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, more preferably from about 1% to about 20% by weight, or more preferably from about 1% to about 15% by weight.

[0115] enzyme The solid composition may further comprise one or more enzymes. Preferred enzymes include amylases, cellulases, lipases, proteases and combinations thereof. Most preferably, the enzyme comprises a protease. When included, the enzyme is preferably present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 25% by weight, more preferably about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, and most preferably about 1% to about 15% by weight.

[0116] amylase

[0117] Any amylase or mixture of amylases from any source can be used in the solid composition, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (about 6 to about 9). For example, the amylase enzyme may be derived from a plant, an animal, or a microorganism such as yeast, mold, or bacteria. Preferred amylase enzymes include, but are not limited to, those derived from Bacillus, such as B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, or B. stearothermophilus. Amylase enzymes derived from B. subtilis are most preferred. Amylases may be purified or may be components of a microbial extract, and may be either wild-type or variants (either chemically or genetically recombinant). Preferred amylases are commercially available under the trade name Stainzyme® available from Novozymes.

[0118] Cellulase

[0119] Any cellulase or mixture of cellulases from any source can be used in the solid composition, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (about 6 to about 9). For example, the cellulase enzyme may be derived from a plant, an animal, or a microorganism such as a fungus or a bacterium. Preferred cellulase enzymes include, but are not limited to, those derived from Humicola insolens, Humicola strain DSM1800, or a cellulase 212 producing fungus belonging to the family Aeromonas, and Dolabella Auricula Solander, which is extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusc. The cellulase may be purified or may be a component of a microbial extract, and may be either wild type or variant (either chemically or genetically modified).

[0120] Lipase

[0121] Any lipase or mixture of lipases from any source can be used in the solid composition, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (about 6 to about 9). For example, lipase enzymes can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. Preferred protease enzymes include, but are not limited to, enzymes derived from Pseudomonas, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, or Humicola, such as Humicola lanuginosa (typically recombinantly produced in Aspergillus oryzae). Lipases may be purified or may be components of microbial extracts, and may be either wild-type or variants (either chemically or genetically modified).

[0122] Proteases

[0123] Any protease or mixture of proteases from any source can be used in the solid composition, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (about 6 to about 9). For example, the protease enzyme may be derived from a plant, an animal, or a microorganism such as yeast, mold, or bacteria. Preferred protease enzymes include, but are not limited to, enzymes derived from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Streptomyces griseus. Protease enzymes derived from B. subtilis are most preferred. Proteases may be purified or may be components of a microbial extract, and may be either wild-type or variants (either chemically or genetically recombinant). Exemplary proteases are commercially available under the following trade names: Alcalase®, Blaze®, Savinase®, Esperase®, and Progress UNO™ (also sold under the name Everis DUO™), each available from Novozymes.

[0124] Other enzymes

[0125] The solid composition may include additional enzymes in addition to those mentioned above. Suitable additional enzymes may include, but are not limited to, cutinase, peroxidase, gluconase, or mixtures thereof.

[0126] Additional hardener Optionally, additional hardening agents can be used in the solid composition.Examples of other hardening agents include amides such as stearic acid monoethanolamide or lauric acid diethanolamide, or alkylamides; solid polyethylene glycols, or solid EO / PO block copolymers; starches that are rendered water-soluble through acid or alkali treatment processes; various inorganics that impart solidifying properties to heated compositions when cooled.Such compounds can also change the solubility of the composition in aqueous media during use, so that rinse aids and / or other active ingredients can be dispensed from the solid composition over a long period of time.

[0127] The following patents disclose various combinations of solidifying agents, binders and / or hardeners that can be utilized in solid compositions, and are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent 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, and 6,410,495. Nos. 6,258,765, 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.

[0128] The composition may include a curing agent in an amount ranging up to about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the curing agent may be present in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 25% by weight, often ranging from 10% to about 25% by weight, and sometimes ranging from about 5% to about 15% by weight.

[0129] Method for making a solid composition

[0130] The solid composition can be prepared as a cast solid, an extruded solid, a molded solid or a pressed solid. The composition can be prepared by mixing the various components together and applying the desired solidification process. The solid composition is preferably a pressed solid.

[0131] The use of pressed solids offers numerous advantages over conventional solid block or tablet compositions, which may require high pressure in a tablet press, or casting, which requires melting the composition, which consumes significant amounts of energy, and / or extrusion, which requires expensive equipment and advanced technical knowledge. Pressed solids overcome various shortcomings of other solid formulations that are necessary to make solid compositions. Pressed solid compositions also retain their shape under conditions under which the composition may be stored or handled.

[0132] In the press solid process, flowable solids, such as granular solids or other particulate solids, are combined under pressure to form a solid composition. 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 press, or the like. Pressure may be applied at about 1 to about 3000 psi, about 1 to about 2000 psi, about 1 to about 1000 psi, about 1 to about 500 psi, about 1 to about 300 psi, about 5 psi to about 200 psi, or about 10 psi to about 100 psi. In some 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 solids being pressed, and not to the gauge or water pressure measured at a point on the pressing device.

[0133] Solid blocks and cast molded solid block materials can be made by introducing a cast moldable liquid blend of blended ingredients into a container, which 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. 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 the 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 cast composition begins to harden into a solid form in approximately 1 minute to approximately 3 hours. Specifically, the cast composition begins to harden into a solid form in approximately 1 minute to approximately 2 hours. More specifically, the cast composition begins to harden into a solid form in approximately 1 minute to approximately 20 minutes.

[0134] In other aspects, the solid composition may be formed using a batch or continuous mixing system to combine the formulation ingredients. 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 homogenous mixture. In some embodiments, the processing temperature is below the melting temperature of the components. The processed mixture can be dispensed from the mixer by molding, casting, or other suitable means, where the cleaning composition hardens into a solid form. The structure of the matrix can 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 these methods is substantially homogeneous with respect to the distribution of the components throughout its mass and is dimensionally stable.

[0135] In the extrusion process, liquid and solid components are introduced into a final mixing system and continuously mixed until the components form a substantially homogenous semi-solid mixture in which the components are distributed throughout the mass. The mixture is then discharged from the mixing system into or through a die or other shaping 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.

[0136] The method can optionally include a curing step to produce a solid composition. As referred to herein, the uncured composition comprising the flowable solid is compressed to provide sufficient surface contact between the particles that make up the flowable solid so that the uncured composition will solidify into a stable solid composition. A sufficient amount of particles (e.g., granules) in contact with each other provide effective particle bonding to create a stable solid composition. A curing step may be included, which allows the pressed solid to solidify for a period of time, such as several hours, or about a day (or longer).

[0137] How to use

[0138] The use methods using the solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid compositions are particularly suitable for household or commercial utensil cleaning. Advantageously, the methods of first contacting a use solution of the composition with a hard metal surface that requires cleaning and drying, and then rinsing the hard metal surface, provide both effective cleaning, rinsing and drying of the surface while protecting the water hardness and without forming a film on the metal surface. These methods overcome the shortcomings of silicate or silicone-containing materials that leave a harmful white film or residue on the treated metal surface.

[0139] The solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition is particularly suitable for treating hard metal surfaces, including alkali-sensitive metal surfaces such as aluminum. Advantageously, the method provides metal protection for use with alkaline cleaning and rinsing compositions without leaving a white film or residue on the treated metal surface. As a result, the method of use eliminates the need for occasional acid rinse steps to remove the film or residue on the treated metal surface that builds up over time. These advantages are achieved while providing cleaning and rinsing / drying performance at least substantially similar to that of silicate-containing or two-part compositions.

[0140] Exemplary disclosures of utensil washing applications are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,758,520, 9,139,800, and 10,905,305. The method can be implemented in any domestic or commercial dishwashing machine, including, for example, those described in U.S. Patent No. 8,092,613, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, including all figures and drawings. Some non-limiting examples of dishwashing machines include door or hood type machines, conveyor type machines, undercounter machines, glasswashing machines, flight type machines, pan and pan machines, utensil washing machines, and domestic dishwashing machines. Dishwashing machines can be either single or multi-tank machines.

[0141] Door-type dishwashers, also called hood-type dishwashers, refer to commercial dishwashing machines in which dirty dishes are placed on a rack, which is then moved into the dishwasher. Door-type dishwashers wash one or two racks at a time. In such machines, the racks are stationary and the wash and rinse arms move. Door-type machines contain two sets of arms: a set of wash arms and one rinse arm or set of rinse arms.

[0142] Door type machines may be hot or cold machines. In hot machines, the ware is sanitized with hot water. In cold machines, the ware is sanitized with chemical cleaners. Door type machines may be either recirculating or dump and fill machines. In recirculating machines, the detergent solution is reused or "recirculated" between wash cycles. The concentration of the detergent solution is adjusted between wash cycles so that the proper concentration is maintained. In dump and fill machines, the detergent solution is not reused between wash cycles. Fresh detergent solution is added before the next wash cycle.

[0143] In addition, the method of use of the solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid composition is also suitable for CIP and / or COP processes to replace the use of bulk detergents that leave hard water residue on treated surfaces. This method of use may be desirable in additional applications where industry standards focus on the quality of treated surfaces and where prevention of corrosion, filming and hard water limescale build-up provided by detergent compositions, as well as 2-in-1 compositions, is desirable.

[0144] Further examples of applications for the solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid compositions include, for example, cleaning and rinsing various metal surfaces, grill and oven cleaners, utensil cleaning detergents, laundry detergents and rinse aids, and other metal hard surface cleaners. In a variety of these applications, cleaning compositions with extremely high alkalinity are most desirable and effective, but the damage caused by corrosion of the metal is undesirable. Additionally, efficient drying of the surface is desirable.

[0145] In embodiments using solid alkaline metal protective 2-in-1 detergent and rinse aid compositions, the solid may be contacted or mixed with a water source, preferably water, before or at the time of use. In some embodiments using solid compositions, the water source contacts the composition to convert the solid composition (or a portion thereof, in the case of a multi-use solid composition) to a use solution. Additional dispensing systems that are better suited to convert alternative solid compositions to a use solution may also be utilized. The methods of the present invention include the use of a variety of solid detergent compositions, including, for example, block or "capsule" type packages.

[0146] In one embodiment, the solid composition is contained within a dispenser to provide a use dilution in a utensil washer (or other point of use). In one embodiment, the dispenser may be used to spray water (e.g., in a spray pattern from a nozzle) to form a use solution. For example, water may be sprayed toward a device or other holding reservoir having the solid composition, where the water reacts with the solid composition to form the use solution. In certain embodiments of the method, the use solution may be configured to drip downward by gravity until a dissolved solution of the composition is dispensed for use. In one aspect, the use solution may be dispensed into the cleaning solution of a utensil washer.

[0147] The solid composition or its use solution can be contacted with a surface or item by a number of methods for applying the composition, such as spraying the composition, immersing the object in the composition, or a combination thereof. The concentrate or use concentration of the composition can be applied to the item or contacted with the item by any conventional method or device for applying a cleaning composition to an item. For example, the item can be wiped, sprayed, and / or immersed with the composition or a use solution made from the composition. The composition can be sprayed or wiped on the surface; the composition can be poured on the surface, or the surface can be immersed in the composition. The contacting can be done manually or mechanically. A preferred embodiment contacts the use solution of the solid composition in a utensil washer.

[0148] In embodiments, a use solution of the solid composition applied to a surface in need of treatment can include at least about 100 ppm, at least about 200 ppm, at least about 250 ppm, at least about 300 ppm, and preferably at least about 350 ppm to about 1000 ppm. In additional embodiments, a use solution of the solid composition applied to a surface in need of treatment can include about 350 ppm to about 3000 ppm, about 350 ppm to about 2000 ppm, about 350 ppm to about 1500 ppm, or about 350 ppm to about 1000 ppm to beneficially provide cleaning power and rinsing while protecting the treated metal surface.

[0149] Exemplary articles for treatment with the compositions disclosed herein are in the utensil washing industry, including utensils such as metal ware, plastic ware, dishware, cups, glasses, flatware, and cooking utensils. In the present invention, the terms "dish" and "ware" are used in the broadest sense to refer to various types of articles used in the preparation, serving, consumption, and disposal of food products, including pots, pans, trays, pitchers, bowls, plates, saucers, cups, glasses, forks, knives, spoons, spatulas, and other glass, metal, ceramic, and plastic composite articles commonly available in commercial or domestic kitchens or dining rooms. Generally, these types of articles can be referred to as food or beverage contact articles, since they have a surface provided for contact with food and / or beverages. When used in these utensil washing applications, solid polymeric surfactant systems provide effective sheeting action, low foaming properties, and fast drying. In some embodiments, the solid composition aids in drying an article or surface (e.g., a tool) within about 30 seconds to a few minutes, or within about 30 to about 90 seconds after the aqueous use solution is applied.

[0150] In addition to having the above desirable properties for metal protection without leaving a residue or film on the surface, it may also be useful for the solid composition to be biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and generally non-toxic. In some embodiments, the components, including the rinse aid surfactant system, may be "food grade." EXAMPLES

[0151] Working Example

[0152] The embodiments of the present disclosure are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. Although these examples show certain embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that they are given merely as examples. From the above discussion and these examples, those skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of the present disclosure, and can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure to adapt it to various usages and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, in addition to those shown and described herein. Such modifications are also intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0153] In the examples below, exemplary formulations according to the present application were prepared as set forth in Table 3 below.

[0154] [Table 3]

[0155] Example 1: Metal Corrosion Test Exemplary formulations were prepared to evaluate the corrosivity to aluminum in silicate-free formulations compared to silicate-containing formulations. The procedure was developed in accordance with National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard TM-01-69.

[0156] Aluminum coupons (Al1100, North American aluminum alloy standard; and Al1050P, Japanese aluminum alloy standard) were placed into 4 ounce glass bottles containing the concentrated liquid formulations. The aluminum coupons were weighed, labeled, placed into bottles, and placed in a 130°F water bath for 8 hours. The aluminum coupons were then cleaned by immersion in 70% HNO3 for 3 minutes and rinsed thoroughly with distilled water. The aluminum coupons were then weighed and the weight loss was calculated by comparison to a control aluminum coupon. A standard equation equating weight loss, time, surface area, and metal density is used to calculate the corrosion rate, expressed as mils per year. A corrosion rate of greater than 250 MPY is classified as corrosive to metals.

[0157] The exemplary compositions set forth in Table 3 were analyzed and compared to a commercially available control formulation containing no silicate ("Control") and water as shown in Table 4.

[0158] [Table 4]

[0159] Formulations P6, P10, P12 and P13 compared to the control and water are shown in the figures. The remaining exemplary formulations in Table 3 provided performance below the 250 MPY threshold and therefore are not shown in the figures. Figures 1A-1C compare these formulations at increasing concentrations (0-3000 ppm), increasing concentrations of carbonate (0-2500 ppm) and increasing pH (7-11).

[0160] To easily compare the results of these formulations, the corrosion graph shows a threshold indicator line of 250 MPY. Two additional comparative MPY threshold indicator lines are included in the scatter plot diagram at 67 MPY and 20 MPY. The 67 MPY threshold compares to a commercial silicate-free control, and the 20 MPY threshold compares to a commercial silicate-containing metal-safe corrosion product.

[0161] Figure 1A shows a scatter plot of corrosivity (MPY) for water, the control formula, P6, P10, P12 and P13 formulas at pH 7 to 11. The figure shows that the exemplary formulations perform substantially below the 250 MPY limit in alkaline solutions.

[0162] 1B shows a scatter plot of corrosivity (MPY) for water, control formula, P6, P10, P12 and P13 formulas based on carbonate concentration. The figure also shows that the exemplary formulations are still below the 250 MPY limit and continue to be below across the entire concentration range when used against Al1100.

[0163] Figure 1C shows a scatter plot of corrosivity (MPY) for water, control formula, P6, P10, P12 and P13 formulas based on formula concentration. The figure demonstrates that all formulas are below the 250 MPY limit when at or below 1000 ppm. However, the figure also shows that formulas P10, P12 and P13 remain below the limit at higher concentrations when used against Al1100.

[0164] Example 2: Solid Block Wicking Test Exemplary formulations were prepared to evaluate the overall stability in block form. Based on the performance seen in Example 1, formulations P6-P10, P12, and P13 were compared. Formulas P6-P9 contain MGDA instead of acid EDTA in the formulation as described in Table 5, with formulas P10 containing 6% acid EDTA, P12 containing 12% acid EDTA, and P13 containing 16% acid EDTA. All formulation blocks were immersed in water for 3 minutes at a water temperature of about 110-120°F. Approximately 1 inch of solid block was submerged in water. The formulation blocks were then air dried for 3 days and measured for changes in the structural block. The length and width of the block were measured both before submersion in water and then again after air drying for 3 days. The % difference in swelling (based on block swelling) was measured. The less swelling, the better the block integrity.

[0165] FIG. 2A shows the percent change in length of the blend block, and FIG. 2B shows the percent change in width of the blend block.

[0166] As shown in Figures 2A-2B, the addition of acid EDTA to the formulations significantly improved the percent block swelling measured through the wicking test when the formulations did not contain silicates. The silicate-free formulations P6-P9, which contained MGDA instead of acid EDTA in P10, P12, and P13, showed the greatest swelling and disintegration of the solid blocks. This indicates that the addition of acid EDTA improves the stability and cohesiveness of the solid formula when the formulation does not contain silicone-containing materials (such as silicates traditionally used for metal protection).

[0167] A non-disintegrating solid formulation, such as the exemplary formulation with acid EDTA, is ideal to prevent clogging or accumulation in a washing machine dispenser or drainage system. In the context of the use of solid compositions in dispensers or other drainage systems, the term "clogging" and its variants refer to a dispenser in which solids or solid aggregates form and can reduce or prevent solids from being dispensed, i.e., introduced, into the device, e.g., a dishwasher, for use. Often, concentrated compositions accumulate in the dispenser until overflowing, while the machine continues to operate without the composition, e.g., detergent. This can be caused by many things, including, but not limited to, precipitation of certain chemicals in the presence of hard water. According to the examples described herein, a formulation with acid EDTA (or another low-solubility acid) can overcome this limitation.

[0168] Example 3: Cleaning performance test In this example, two exemplary formulations described in Table 3 were compared in a cleaning test to the same silicate-free commercial control formulation described in Table 4 ("Control") and water. Exemplary formulations P6 and P10 were tested at a concentration of 500 ppm, and the control was tested at a concentration of 1500 ppm. Test strips were used to determine the cleaning performance of the formulas. These test strips contained protein and fat stains that were stained blue on the card. The strips were then placed in five different locations in the washing machine. The strips were then washed in one wash cycle and visually compared for stain removal. The test strips with higher stain removal showed minimal blue stain remaining, thus demonstrating improved cleaning performance. The test strips were further analyzed and quantified by determining the percentage of soil removed based on the unwashed test strips.

[0169] The stain removal rate was quantified based on a standard image analysis program (Image J, Fiji) that converts the photographs into a grey scale (i.e., black indicates stain and white indicates stain removal or clean); the more pixels that change from black to a lighter grey or white, the cleaner the test material.

[0170] FIG. 3 shows the soil removal rates of water, the control formulation, Formula P6, Formula P10 and P13. Formulas P6, P10 and P13 removed approximately 65-90% of the soil, while the control formula only removed 10-25% of the soil at three times the concentration. These results clearly show that the exemplary formulations of P6, P10 and P13 offered significant improvements over the commercial formulations. The control formulation at significantly higher concentrations than Formulas P6, P10 and P13 performed only slightly better than pure water in the wash cycle.

[0171] Example 4: Rinse and dry test Exemplary formulation P6, set forth in Table 3, was compared in rinsing and drying performance to commercial rinse aid formulations, set forth in Table 5 below.

[0172] [Table 5]

[0173] These two formulas were tested by washing ceramic (ceramic 1 and 2) and melamine and measuring the resulting drying time. The test method included washing the plates in a door dishwasher with one cycle of 65°C water for 43 seconds washing and 82°C water for 11 seconds rinsing. The chemicals were automatically dosed by a dispenser equipped with a concentration sensor. For each type of plate, four plates were washed simultaneously and the drying time was recorded visually by a stopwatch. The drying time of one cycle was recorded as the average of the four plates. At least eight cycles of data were collected and the average was the drying time for this condition. The drying times of ceramic and melamine after washing with the exemplary and commercial formulations are shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0174] Figure 4A shows the drying time of formula P6 at 450-1000 ppm on ceramic and melamine, and Figure 4B shows the drying time of a commercial rinse aid formula at 500 ppm on ceramic and melamine.

[0175] As shown in these graphs, the formulations perform similarly. It is commonly known that the average dry time for melamine is longer than ceramic or other washed ware. However, the exemplary formulas were proven to dry ware as well as commercial formulas containing silicones, without any degradation in performance across the entire concentration range (400-1000 ppm).

[0176] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with its detailed description, it should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. Any references to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification are provided by way of example only. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. All publications discussed and / or referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0177] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, either presented in a particular form or in terms of means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or process for achieving a disclosed result, may be utilized, either separately or in any combination of such features, as appropriate, to realize the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A solid composition comprising: an alkali metal carbonate alkali source; a metal protecting combination of an acid chelating agent or a chelating agent and an acid and at least one water conditioner; At least one nonionic surfactant; 1. A solid composition comprising:

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition is substantially free of silicate or silicone-containing materials.

3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the chelating agent comprises an aminocarboxylate or an aminocarboxylic acid.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water conditioner comprises a polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and / or polymaleate homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer.

5. 5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water conditioner comprises a first water conditioner and a second water conditioner, the weight ratio of the first water conditioner that is a polycarboxylate or polycarboxylic acid to the second water conditioner that is a polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and / or polymaleate homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer is from about 0:5:1 to about 1:0.

5.

6. The nonionic surfactant is an alcohol alkoxylate according to the formula: 2 １ --(EO) ｘ３ (0) ｙ３ -H (A) In the formula, R １ is a linear C １０ ~C １６ is alkyl, and x ３ is 5 to 8, and y ３ is 2 to 5; R １ -O-(EO) ｘ４ (PO) ｙ４ -H (A2) In the formula, R １ is a linear C １０ ~C １６ is alkyl, and x ４ is 4 to 6, and y ４ is 3 to 5; 2 ２ --(EO) ｘ１ -2 (3) In the formula, R ２ has an average of at least two branches per residue １０ ~C １４ is alkyl, and x １ is between 5 and 10; 2 ２ --(EO) ｘ２ -2 (3) In the formula, R ２ has an average of at least two branches per residue １０ ~C １４ is alkyl, and x ２ is 2 to 4; and / or A surfactant polymer according to the formula: R ７ -O-(PO)y ５ (EO)8 ５ (PO)y ６ -H (D) In the formula, R ７ is branch C ８ ~C １６ Guerbet alcohol, x ５ is 5 to 30, and y ５ is 1 to 4, and y ６ is between 10 and 20; 2 ６ --(O)y ４ (59)x ４ -2 (5) In the formula, R ６ is C ８ ~C １６ Guerbet alcohol, x ４ is 2 to 10, and y ４ is between 1 and 2; 【Chemistry 1】 wherein x is 120 to 220, y is 12 to 20, and z is 12 to 20; 【Chemistry 2】 wherein x is 88 to 108, y is 57 to 77, and z is 88 to 108; 【Chemistry 3】 wherein x is 15 to 25, y is 10 to 25, and z is 15 to 25; 2 ４ --(EO) ｘ (89) ｙ -2 (9) In the formula, R4 is C １３ ~C １５ alkyl, x is 8-10, y is 1-3 and XO is butylene oxide; and / or 2 ５ --(EO) ｘ (0) ｙ -2 (4) In the formula, R5 is C １２ ~C １５ alkyl, x is 3 to 5, and y is 5 to 7; The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one additional functional formulation ingredient.

8. 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the at least one additional functional formulation ingredient is an enzyme, an additional chelating agent and / or an acid.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the acid is a low-solubility solid acid.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the solid is a pressed solid.

11. 11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the alkali metal carbonate alkaline source comprises from about 40% to about 90% by weight of the composition, the chelating agent comprises from about 2% to about 20% by weight of the composition, the at least one water conditioning agent comprises from about 2% to about 20% by weight of the composition, and the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises from about 2% to about 30% by weight of the composition.

12. 11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the alkali metal carbonate alkaline source comprises from about 50% to about 90% by weight of the composition, the chelating agent comprises from about 4% to about 20% by weight of the composition, the at least one water conditioning agent comprises from about 2% to about 10% by weight of the composition, and the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises from about 2% to about 20% by weight of the composition.

13. 11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the alkali metal carbonate alkaline source comprises from about 60% to about 85% by weight of the composition, the chelating agent comprises from about 6% to about 16% by weight of the composition, the at least one water conditioning agent comprises from about 2% to about 6% by weight of the composition, and the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises from about 2% to about 10% by weight of the composition.

14. A use solution comprising: A use solution comprising a solid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in a solution having a water source, preferably water.

15. 1. A method of using a 2-in-1 detergent and rinse additive composition comprising:

15. A method of cleaning a surface, including an article or hard metal surface, in need of cleaning and drying, comprising contacting the use solution of claim 14 with the surface, including an article or hard metal surface, in need of cleaning and drying, and then rinsing said hard metal surface; Including, A method wherein the use solution of the composition provides both effective cleaning, rinsing and drying of metal surfaces while protecting water hardness and without forming a film on the surfaces.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a use solution of the composition has a pH of from about 9 to about 12.5, from about 9 to about 11, or from about 9 to about 10.

5.

17. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the solid composition is contained within a dispenser to provide use dilution within a utensil washer.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the use solution is dispensed into a cleaning solution of a utensil washer.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the utensil washing machine is a commercial dishwasher, a wash-in-place dishwasher, or a domestic dishwasher.

20. 20. The method of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the concentration of the use solution is from about 100 ppm to about 3000 ppm, preferably from about 350 ppm to about 3000 ppm, from about 350 ppm to about 2000 ppm, from about 350 ppm to about 1500 ppm or from about 350 ppm to about 1000 ppm.

21. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the hard metal surface is an alkali sensitive metal surface.

22. 22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the alkali sensitive metal comprises aluminum.

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