Solid 2-in-1 detergent rinse formula for cleaning utensils in under-counter dishwashers

Abstract

To provide an improved detergent composition that offers both cleaning power and rinsing properties. [Solution] This disclosure relates to a 2-in-1 dishwashing solid composition that provides both cleaning and rinsing properties. This disclosure also describes a method of manufacture and a method of use. The 2-in-1 dishwashing solid composition is particularly suitable for under-counter dishwashers. Beneficially, the dishwashing solid composition can provide a controlled dissolution rate. Furthermore, the dishwashing solid composition can have structural integrity in a thin configuration.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Cross-reference of related applications) This application claims priority under § 119 of the United States Patent Act to Provisional Application U.S. 63 / 494,425, filed on April 5, 2023, which includes, without limitation, this specification, the claims, and the abstract, as well as any figures, tables, or examples contained herein, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a 2-in-1 dishwashing solid composition that provides both cleaning and rinsing properties. This disclosure also describes a method for manufacturing and using the composition. The 2-in-1 dishwashing solid composition is particularly suitable for under-counter dishwashers. [Background technology]

[0003] A dishwasher, also known as a dishwashing machine, utensil washing machine, or utensil washing machine, is a machine for automatically washing items such as dishes, trays, laboratory equipment, tableware, and kitchen utensils. A bundle of objects to be washed (e.g., dishes) is placed in a dishwasher tank, which typically includes racks and utensil holders, and can be washed in a washing cycle that includes washing and rinsing periods. During the washing period, a washing mixture formed by water and dishwasher detergent is sprayed into the tank to be sprayed onto the dishes. The washing mixture is then discharged before the rinsing period begins. During the rinsing period, water is sprayed into the washing chamber to remove any residue of the washing mixture. After the rinse water is discharged and the rinsing period is complete, the dishes can optionally be dried using air and / or heat during a drying period. A dishwasher may have various user-selectable settings for each washing cycle. These settings may define, for example, time, temperature, and the number of repetitions for each of the washing, rinsing, and drying periods. Additionally, this setting allows users to choose which time periods to include (for example, rinse only, dry only, rinse and dry, or wash and rinse without drying).

[0004] One type of dishwasher is an under-counter unit designed to be installed beneath kitchen counters. Other types of dishwashers include industrial or commercial dishwashers for use in restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments that provide food and beverage services. The dishwashing detergents used in these dishwashers may contain chemicals capable of cleaning, disinfecting, and / or reducing the surface tension of water (and thus water spots on dishes). Such dishwashing detergents are manufactured in a variety of solid and liquid forms. Solid dishwashing detergents include chemicals manufactured in the form of solid blocks, such as tablets in various shapes.

[0005] Given the limited space beneath under-counter dishwashers, there are considerations regarding the shape and size of the detergent. The ability to mold dishwashing detergents into slim shapes (e.g., like bread slices) or other shapes is important for adapting to configurations of different sizes and shapes. However, there remains a challenge in formulating detergents that are highly effective in terms of cleaning while maintaining structural integrity (e.g., not crumbling or cracking). Finally, many detergents are best used with a separate rinsing aid. This is especially important for cleaning plastics and some glass products. Therefore, further improvements in the field of dishwashing technology remain unmet. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide an improved detergent composition that offers both cleaning power and rinsing properties.

[0007] A further object of this disclosure is to provide a solid composition that maintains structural integrity in a thin form.

[0008] A further object of this disclosure is a detergent having a controlled dissolution rate.

[0009] Other purposes, advantages, and features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following specification in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A brief summary of a preferred embodiment The following purposes, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments are not exhaustive and do not limit the entire disclosure. No single embodiment is required to provide every possible purpose, feature, or advantage. Any of the purposes, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with one another, either in whole or in part.

[0011] This disclosure provides a preferred embodiment of a utensil cleaning composition comprising about 20% to about 80% by weight of an alkali metal carbonate, about 0.1% to about 12% by weight of a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has about 10 to about 20 moles of ethoxylation, about 10 to about 20 moles of propoxylation, and a carbon chain length of about 5 to about 15, and a water conditioner, wherein the utensil cleaning composition is a solid.

[0012] The disclosure also provides a preferred embodiment of a method for producing a utensil cleaning composition, comprising obtaining a solid premix, a liquid premix, and a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, wherein the solid premix comprises an alkali metal carbonate and the liquid premix comprises a water conditioner; combining the solid premix, the liquid premix, and the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate to form a mixture; and solidifying the mixture.

[0013] The disclosure also provides a method for cleaning and rinsing utensils, comprising contacting the utensils with a solid utensil cleaning composition comprising about 20% to about 80% by weight of alkali metal carbonate, about 0.1% to about 12% by weight of fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has about 10 to about 20 moles of ethoxylation, about 10 to about 20 moles of propoxylation, and a carbon chain length of about 5 to about 15, and a water conditioner, and rinsing the utensils.

[0014] Although several embodiments are disclosed, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, examples, and accompanying drawings, which illustrate and describe exemplary preferred embodiments. Therefore, the drawings and detailed description should be considered illustrative and not limiting.

[0015] These and / or other purposes, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the brief and detailed description of the drawings below. This disclosure includes (a) combinations of the disclosed aspects and / or embodiments, and / or (b) reasonable modifications not shown or described. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This graph shows the rinsing effect of commercially available detergents, commercially available detergents and rinsing aids, water, and a 2:1 formulation.

[0017] [Figure 2] This graph shows the rinsing effect of commercially available detergents, commercially available detergents and rinsing aids, water, and 2:1 formulations containing various amounts and different surfactants.

[0018] Various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. References to various embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. The figures shown herein are not limited to various embodiments of the invention, but are presented for illustrative purposes. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] This disclosure relates to dishwashing compositions and methods for manufacturing and using them. The dishwashing solid compositions described herein have many advantages over existing compositions. For example, the dishwashing solid compositions provide cleaning power and rinsing properties. Furthermore, the dishwashing solid compositions can provide a controlled dissolution rate. Moreover, the dishwashing solid compositions can maintain structural integrity (e.g., not crumbling or breaking) in a variety of shapes, including thin configurations such as bread slice style.

[0020] The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to specific cleaning systems, stains, or substrates, and these may vary and will be understood by those skilled in the art. While preferred embodiments, the dishwashing solid compositions are suitable for use in under-counter dishwashers. It should be further understood that all technical terms used herein are intended solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit them in any form or scope. For example, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may include plural referents unless otherwise clearly indicated. Furthermore, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be expressed in their SI-approved form.

[0021] Numerical ranges enumerated herein include the digit defining the range and each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure are presented in range form. It should be understood that descriptions in range form are merely for convenience and brevity and should not be interpreted as rigid limitations on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, a range description should be considered to specifically disclose all possible subranges, fractions, and individual digits within that range. For example, a description of a range such as 1 to 6 should be considered to specifically disclose subranges such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, as well as individual digits such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and decimals and fractions such as 1.2, 3.8, 1 and 1 / 2, and 4 and 3 / 4. This applies regardless of the width of the range.

[0022] definition To make this disclosure more easily understandable, certain terms are defined first. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art in which embodiments of the invention relate. Many methods and materials similar to, modified from, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of embodiments disclosed herein without excessive experimentation, and preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing embodiments and making claims, the following technical terms are used according to the definitions set forth below.

[0023] As used herein, the term “approximately” refers to any variation in quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring techniques and apparatus, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including but not limited to mass, volume, time, molecular weight, molar ratio, molar percentage, and surface tension. Furthermore, considering the handling procedures of solids and liquids used in the real world, there are certain careless errors and variations that are likely to occur due to differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the components used to prepare a composition or to carry out a method, etc. The term “approximately” also encompasses these variations. Whether modified by the term “approximately” or not, the claims include equivalents to that quantity.

[0024] As used herein, the term “analog” means a molecular derivative of a molecule. The term is synonymous with the terms “structural analogue” or “chemical analogue.”

[0025] As used herein, the term “oligomer” refers to a molecular complex composed of 1 to 10 monomer units. For example, dimers, trimers, and tetramers are considered oligomers. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “oligomer” includes all possible isomeric configurations of a molecule, including but not limited to isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetry, as well as combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “oligomer” includes all possible geometric configurations of a molecule.

[0026] As used herein, the term “polymer” refers to a molecular complex composed of more than 10 monomer units, and generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers such as block, graft, random, and alternating copolymers, and higher-order “x”mers, and further includes their analogues, derivatives, combinations, and blends thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymer” includes all possible isomeric structures of a molecule, including, but iso-tactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetry, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymer” includes all possible geometric structures of a molecule.

[0027] The methods and compositions of this disclosure may include, be essentially composed of, or consist of the components and formulations described herein, as well as other formulations. As used herein, “essentially composed of” means that the methods, systems, apparatus, and compositions may include additional steps, components, or components only if the additional steps, components, or components do not materially alter the basic and novel features of the claimed methods, systems, apparatus, and compositions.

[0028] The terms “actives,” “percent actives,” “percent by weight actives,” and “actives concentration” are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of cleaning-related components as a percentage, after subtracting inactive components such as water or salt. For example, they may also be indicated by a percentage in parentheses, such as “chemical substance (10%).”

[0029] As used herein, the terms "alkyl" or "alkyl group" refer to saturated hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including linear alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or "cycloalkyl," "alicyclic," or "carbocyclic" groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched 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).

[0030] 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 substituents that substitute one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of a hydrocarbon skeleton. Examples of such substituents include 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, sulfonamide, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azide, heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic (including heteroaromatic) groups.

[0031] In some embodiments, substituted alkyl groups may include heterocyclic groups. As used herein, the term “heterocyclic group” includes ring-closed structures similar to carbocyclic groups, in which one or more carbon atoms in the ring are elements other than carbon, such as nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups may be saturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups, but not limited to these, include aziridines, ethylene oxides (epoxides, oxiranes), thiiranes (episulfide), dioxiranes, azetidines, oxetanes, thiethanes, dioxetanes, dithiethanes, dithiethones, azolidines, pyrrolidines, pyrrolines, oxolanes, dihydrofurans, and furans.

[0032] A "redeposition inhibitor" refers to a compound that helps remain suspended in water instead of redepositing on the object being cleaned. Redeposition inhibitors are useful for helping to reduce the redeposit of removed dirt on the surface being cleaned.

[0033] The terms "weight percent," "wt.%," "wt-%," "percent by weight," and "% by weight," and their variations, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance obtained by dividing its weight by the total weight of the composition and multiplying by 100.

[0034] As used herein, the term “cleaning” refers to a method used to facilitate or assist in the removal of dirt.

[0035] As used herein, the term “food processing surface” refers to the surface of tools, machinery, equipment, structures, buildings, etc., used as part of food processing, cooking, or storage activities. Examples of food processing surfaces include the surfaces of food processing or cooking equipment (e.g., slicing equipment, canning equipment, or transport equipment, including water channels), food processing vessels (e.g., the surfaces of utensils, tableware, washware, and bar glass), and the surfaces of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures where food processing takes place. Food processing surfaces are found and used in food spoilage prevention air circulation systems, aseptic packaging disinfection, food refrigeration and cooler cleaners and disinfectants, ware washing disinfection, bleaching and disinfection, food packaging materials, cutting board additives, third-sink disinfection, beverage coolers and warmers, water for meat cooling or hot water treatment, automatic dish disinfectants, disinfectant gels, cooling towers, antimicrobial clothing sprays for food processing, and non-aqueous to low-aqueous food processing lubricants, oils, and rinsing additives.

[0036] As used herein, the term “food product” includes any food substance that may require treatment with an antimicrobial agent or composition and is edible with or without further cooking. Examples of food products include meat (e.g., red meat and pork), seafood, poultry, agricultural products (e.g., fruits and vegetables), eggs, fertilized eggs, egg products, ready-to-eat foods, wheat, seeds, roots, tubers, leaves, stems, corn, flowers, buds, seasonings, or combinations thereof. The term “agricultural product” typically refers to food products such as fruits and vegetables and plants or plant-derived materials that are uncooked, often sold unpackaged, and sometimes can be eaten raw.

[0037] As used herein, the term “meat products” refers to all forms of animal meat, including the carcasses, muscles, fat, organs, skin, bones, and bodily fluids that make up an animal. Animal meat includes, but is not limited to, the meat of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, snails, bivalves, crustaceans, lobsters, crabs, and other edible species, or other forms of seafood. Forms of animal meat include, for example, all or part of animal meat alone or in combination with other components. Typical forms include processed meats such as salted meat, cut and shaped products, minced products, finely ground products, ground meat and products containing ground meat, and whole meat products.

[0038] As used herein, the terms “plant” or “plant product” include any plant-based or plant-derived substance. Examples of plant products include, but are not limited to, seeds, nuts, nut pulp, cut flowers, greenhouse-grown or stored plants or crops, and ornamental plants. Many animal feeds are also examples of plant products.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “dirt” or “stain” refer to organic and / or inorganic dirt, such as nonpolar oily substances that may or may not contain particulate matter, such as mineral clay, sand, natural minerals, carbon black, graphite, kaolin, environmental dust, and mud, as well as food dirt, such as fatty dirt, including protein dirt, starchy dirt, polysaccharides, saturated and unsaturated fatty dirt, food particles and substances.

[0040] As used herein, the term “substantially absent” means a composition that either completely lacks the component or has a small amount of the component such that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or contaminant and shall be less than 0.5% by weight. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.1% by weight, and in yet another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.01% by weight.

[0041] As used herein, the term “wares” refers to tableware and cooking utensils, dishes, and other hard surfaces such as showers, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, transport vehicles, and floors. As used herein, the term “warewashing” refers to washing, cleaning, or rinsing wares. Ware also refers to plastic items. Types of plastics that can be cleaned with compositions according to this disclosure include, but are not limited to, polypropylene polymer (PP), polycarbonate polymer (PC), melamine-formaldehyde resin or melamine resin (melamine), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer (ABS), and polysulfone polymer (PS). Other exemplary plastics that can be cleaned using the compounds and compositions of this disclosure include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polystyrene polyamide.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “water-soluble” and “water-dispersible” mean that the polymer is soluble in or dispersible in water in the compositions of the present invention. Generally, the polymer should be soluble in or dispersible in aqueous solutions and / or water carriers at a concentration of 0.0001% by weight, preferably 0.001%, more preferably 0.01%, and most preferably 0.1% at 25°C.

[0043] The terms "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," and "% by weight," and their variations, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance obtained by dividing its weight by the total weight of the composition and multiplying by 100. As used herein, "percent," "%," etc., are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "wt-%," etc.

[0044] The methods, systems, apparatus, and compositions disclosed herein may include, be essentially composed of, or consist of the components and ingredients described and claimed herein, as well as other components described herein. As used herein, “essentially composed of” means that the methods, systems, apparatus, and compositions may include additional steps, components, or ingredients only if the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel features of the claimed methods, systems, apparatus, and compositions.

[0045] Solid composition for cleaning utensils This disclosure provides solid compositions for cleaning utensils. Beneficially, the solid compositions for cleaning utensils have good cleaning power and rinsing properties. Therefore, they can function as 2-in-1 compositions that serve as both a cleaning detergent and a rinsing aid. An additional advantage is that the solid compositions for cleaning utensils can have a controlled dissolution rate. This provides the desired dosage of detergent and rinsing chemicals in each dissolution, while in some embodiments allowing the solid to be used over multiple cleaning cycles. The solid compositions for cleaning utensils also have the benefit of structural integrity, resisting cracking and collapse under ambient conditions, and even under the increased temperature and humidity caused by the cleaning machine cycle.

[0046] The utensil cleaning solid composition comprises an alkali metal carbonate, a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, and a water conditioner. The utensil cleaning solid composition may contain various additional components disclosed herein. Preferred embodiments are provided in Table 1 below, and each of the weight percent integers specified in the table below is considered to be preceded by the term "about".

[0047] [Table 1]

[0048] The solution to be used can be prepared by diluting the utensil cleaning solid composition with water at a dilution ratio that provides the solution to be used, from the utensil cleaning compositions disclosed in the preceding table and in this application. The water used to dilute the concentrate to form the solution to be used may be called diluent water or diluent, but may vary depending on the location. Typical dilution coefficients are approximately 1 to approximately 10,000, but will depend on factors such as water hardness and the amount of dirt to be removed. In one embodiment, the concentrate is diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:10 to approximately 1:10,000. More specifically, the concentrate is diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:100 to approximately 1:5,000. More specifically, the concentrate is diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:250 to approximately 1:2,000. In the solution used, the detergent composition is present in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, preferably about 200 ppm to about 5,000 ppm, more preferably about 500 ppm to about 2,000 ppm, and in the most preferred embodiment, about 750 ppm to about 1,500 ppm.

[0049] In some embodiments, the utensil cleaning composition preferably provides effectiveness at low dilution, i.e., requires less volume to effectively clean. A detergent concentrate is desirable that requires less volume to achieve the same or better cleaning efficacy and provides hardness scale control and / or other advantages at low dilution. Furthermore, in one preferred embodiment, the utensil cleaning composition has a controlled dissolution rate so that it can be used to form a solution for use over multiple cleaning cycles. Most preferably, the utensil cleaning solid composition can be used for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more cleaning cycles.

[0050] Alkali metal carbonates

[0051] The utensil cleaning composition contains an alkali metal carbonate. Preferred alkali metal carbonates include sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate, and mixtures thereof.

[0052] In one preferred embodiment, the composition contains only heavy ash or mostly heavy ash. In another preferred embodiment, both heavy ash and light ash (both disodium carbonate) are used. Heavy ash is denser and has smaller particle sizes compared to light ash, but the compounds are chemically the same. In a preferred embodiment, the utensil cleaning composition contains a blend of light ash and heavy ash in a light ash to heavy ash ratio of about 1:2 to about 1:15, more preferably about 1:2.5 to about 1:12, even more preferably about 1:3 to about 1:10, even more preferably about 1:3.5 to about 1:9, even more preferably about 1:4 to about 1:8, even more preferably about 1:4.5 to 1:7.5, and most preferably about 1:5 to about 1:7.

[0053] In one preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition does not contain hydroxide as an alkali source or solidification matrix. In some embodiments, a small amount of hydroxide may be included as a neutralizing agent.

[0054] The carbonate controls the pH of the working solution when water is added to the utensil cleaning composition to form the working solution. The pH of the working solution must be maintained in the alkaline range to provide sufficient cleaning power. In one embodiment, the pH of the working solution is about 8 to about 14, more preferably about 8.5 to about 13.5, even more preferably about 9 to about 13, and most preferably about 9.5 to about 12.5.

[0055] In one aspect of this disclosure, an alkali metal carbonate functions as a hydrateable salt to form a solid composition. The hydrateable salt may be referred to as substantially anhydrous. Substantially anhydrous means that the component contains less than about 2% by weight of water based on the weight of the hydrateable component. The amount of water may be less than about 1% by weight and less than about 0.5% by weight. As those skilled in the art will see, the hydrateable salt does not need to be completely anhydrous. In certain embodiments, there is also hydration water to hydrate the alkali source (i.e., the hydrateable salt). It should be understood that references to water include both hydration water and free water. The phrase “hydration water” refers to water that is somehow attracted to and bound to non-aqueous molecules. An exemplary form of attraction is hydrogen bonding. Hydration water also functions to increase the viscosity of the mixture during processing and cooling to prevent the separation of components. The amount of hydration water in the detergent composition depends on the specific alkali metal carbonate and the amount of alkali metal carbonate. In addition to hydration water, the cleaning composition may also contain free water that is not bound to non-aqueous molecules.

[0056] Preferably, the alkali metal carbonate is present in an amount of about 20% to about 80% by weight, more preferably about 35% to about 70% by weight, and most preferably about 45% to about 65% by weight.

[0057] Fatty acid alcohol alkoxylates The utensil cleaning composition comprises a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate. Beneficially, the applicants have found that the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, in combination with other components disclosed herein, can provide desired cleaning and rinsing properties. Furthermore, it can be formulated into compounds that offer a controlled dissolution rate and structural integrity.

[0058] Fatty acid alcohol alkoxylates are alcohols having a fatty acid chain and a bound alkoxylating group. These are different from alkyl alkoxylates, which do not have an alcohol group. Preferably, fatty acid alcohol alkoxylates contain one or more of the following: an ethylene oxide group, a propylene oxide group, and a butylene oxide group. When referring to the amount of alkyl oxide group in a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, the degree (molar amount) may be called alkoxylation, but the group may be called ethoxylation, propoxylation, and butoxylation. Preferred fatty acid alcohol alkoxylates have fatty acid carbon chain groups with about 5 carbons, about 6 carbons, about 7 carbons, about 8 carbons, about 9 carbons, about 10 carbons, about 11 carbons, about 12 carbons, about 13 carbons, about 14 carbons, or about 15 carbons. In one preferred embodiment, the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has a fatty acid carbon chain of about 5 to about 15 carbons, more preferably about 6 to about 14 carbons, even more preferably about 7 to about 13 carbons, even more preferably about 8 to about 12 carbons, and most preferably about 9 to about 11 carbons. The preferred alcohol alkoxylate has about 10 to about 50 moles, more preferably about 15 to about 45 moles, and most preferably about 20 to about 40 moles of alkyl oxide. In one preferred embodiment, the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has about 10 to about 20 moles of ethoxylation, more preferably about 12 to about 17 moles of ethoxylation, and most preferably about 13 to about 16 moles of ethoxylation. In one preferred embodiment, the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has about 10 to about 20 moles of propoxylation, more preferably about 13 to about 19 moles of propoxylation, and most preferably about 14 to about 18 moles of propoxylation. In the most preferred embodiment, the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has both the above-mentioned molar amounts of EO groups and PO groups.

[0059] Preferably, the aliphatic alcohol alkoxylate is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 12% by weight, more preferably about 1% to about 11% by weight, and most preferably about 2% to about 10% by weight.

[0060] Water conditioner The cleaning composition preferably contains a water conditioner. Various water conditioners can be used. Preferred water conditioners include aminocarboxylic acids or their salts, phosphates, phosphonates, polymers, or mixtures thereof.

[0061] Preferably, the water conditioner is present in the utensil cleaning composition in amounts of about 5% to about 40% by weight, about 10% to about 35% by weight, and about 15% to about 30% by weight. Most preferably, the utensil cleaning composition contains multiple water conditioners of different species or categories.

[0062] aminocarboxylic acid

[0063] Water conditioners may contain aminocarboxylic acids or salts thereof. Preferred aminocarboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, N-hydroxyethylaminodiacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), ethylenediaminesuccinic acid (EDDS), 2-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), 3-hydroxy-2,2'-iminodisuccinic acid (HIDS), and other similar acids or salts thereof that have an amino group together with a carboxylic acid substituent.

[0064] Phosphate

[0065] Water conditioners may include phosphates. Preferred phosphates are condensed phosphates. Examples of condensed phosphates include, but are not limited to, sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium and potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium hexametaphosphate. Condensed phosphates can also assist in the solidification of the detergent composition by fixing free water present in the composition as hydration water to a limited extent. The most preferred phosphate is sodium tripolyphosphate.

[0066] Phosphonate

[0067] Water conditioners may contain phosphonates. Particularly preferred phosphonates are alkali metal salts, such as sodium or potassium ammonium salts, or alkylolamine salts having 2-3 carbon atoms in the alkylol, such as mono-, di-, or triethanolamine salts. Preferred phosphonates include organic phosphonates. Preferred organic phosphonates include phosphonobutanetricarboxylic acid (PBTC), available from Bayer Corp. (Pittsburgh Pa.) under the trade name BAYHIBIT®, and hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid (HEDP), available from Monsanto Chemical Co., sold under the trade name DEQUEST® 2010.

[0068] Preferred phosphonates include, but are not limited to, 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, CH2C(OH)[PO(OH)2]2; aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid), N[CH2PO(OH)2]3; aminotri(methylenephosphonate) sodium salt (ATMP), N[CH2PO(ONa)2]3; 2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid), HOCH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), (HO)2POCH2N[CH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate) sodium salt (DTPMP), C9H 28-x N3Na x O 15 P5 (x=7); Hexamethylenediamine (tetramethylenephosphonate), potassium salt, C 10 H (28-x) N2K x O 12 Examples include P4(x=6); bis(hexamethylene)triamine(pentamethylenephosphonic acid), (HO2)POCH2N[(CH2)2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2; and phosphorous acid, H3PO3. Preferred phosphonate combinations are ATMP and HEDP. It is preferable that the phosphonate or phosphonate alkali, or a combination of phosphonate and alkali source, be neutralized before being added to the mixture so that little or no heat or gas is generated by the neutralization reaction when the phosphonate is added.

[0069] polymer

[0070] The cleaning composition may include a polymer, or a polymer system comprising at least one polycarboxylic acid polymer, copolymer, and / or terpolymer. Particularly preferred polycarboxylic acid polymers include, but are not limited to, polymaleic acid homopolymers, polyacrylic acid copolymers, and maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers.

[0071] Polymaleic acid (C4H2O3)x, hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride, or cis-2-butenidioic acid homopolymer has the following structural formula: [ka] In the formula, n and m are any integers. Examples of polymaleic acid homopolymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers (and their salts) that may be used are specific and preferably have molecular weights of about 0 to about 5000, more preferably about 200 to about 2000 (their MW may be confirmed). Commercially available polymaleic acid homopolymers include the Belclene 200 series of maleic acid homopolymers from BWA® Water Additives (979 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 925 Tucker, GA 30084, USA), and Aquatreat AR-801 available from AkzoNobel. Polymaleic acid homopolymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers may be present in the utensil cleaning composition in amounts of about 0.01% to about 30% by weight.

[0072] The cleaning composition may contain polyacrylic acid polymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers. Polyacrylic acid has the following structural formula: [ka] In the formula, n is any integer. Examples of suitable polyacrylic acid polymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers are polyacrylic acid, (C3H4O2) n , or including, but not limited to, 2-propenoic acid, acrylic acid, polyacrylic acid, polymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers of propenoic acid.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, a dishwashing composition comprising a polymer, particularly a suitable acrylic acid polymer, copolymer, and / or terpolymer has a molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000, in a preferred embodiment about 500 to about 7000, in an even more preferred embodiment 1000 to about 5000, and in the most preferred embodiment, a molecular weight of about 1500 to about 3500. Examples of polyacrylic acid polymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers (or their salts) that can be used include, but are not limited to, Acusol 448 and Acusol 425 from The Dow Chemical Company (Wilmington Delaware, USA). In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to have acrylic acid polymers (and their salts) with a molecular weight greater than about 10,000. Examples include, but are not limited to, Acusol 929 (10,000 MW) and Acumer 1510 (60,000 MW), both available from Dow Chemical, and AQUATREAT AR-6 (100,000 MW) from AkzoNobel Strawinskylaan 2555 1077 ZZ Amsterdam Postbus 75730 1070 AS Amsterdam. The polyacrylic acid polymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers can be present in the dishwashing composition at about 0.01 wt% to about 30 wt%.

[0074] The maleic anhydride / olefin copolymer is a copolymer of polymaleic anhydride and an olefin. Maleic anhydride (C2H2(CO)2O) has the following structure.

Chemical formula

[0075] A portion of the maleic anhydride is maleimide, N-alkyl (C 1~4 ) maleimide, N-phenyl-maleimide, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, aconitic acid, crotonic acid, cinnamic acid, alkyl (C 1~18 ) esters of the aforementioned acids, cycloalkyl (C 3~8) These can be replaced by esters, sulfated castor oil, etc.

[0076] At least 95% by weight of the maleic anhydride polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer has a number average molecular weight in the range of about 700 to about 20,000, preferably about 1,000 to about 100,000.

[0077] A variety of linear and branched α-olefins can be used for the purposes of this disclosure. Particularly useful α-olefins are dienes containing 4 to 18 carbon atoms, such as butadiene, chloroprene, isoprene, and 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene, which contain 4 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably C 4~10 These include 1-alkenes containing such compounds, such as isobutylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene.

[0078] In preferred embodiments, particularly preferred maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers have a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 50,000, in preferred embodiments about 5,000 to about 20,000, and in most preferred embodiments about 7,500 to about 12,500. Examples of maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers that can be used include, but are not limited to, Acusol 460N from The Dow Chemical Company (Wilmington, Delaware, USA).

[0079] Optional additional components Various additional optional ingredients can be used in combination with alkali metal carbonates, fatty acid alcohol alkoxylates, and water conditioners. The list of preferred additional optional ingredients may be influenced by the water conditions, expected soiling, and the nature of the utensil cleaning environment (e.g., mechanical, under-counter, freestanding, commercial, consumer).

[0080] acid source In some embodiments, the utensil cleaning composition may include an acid source. Suitable acid sources include organic and / or inorganic acids. Examples of suitable organic acids include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids such as hydroxyacetic acid (glycolic acid), citric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, trichloroacetic acid, urea hydrochloride, and benzoic acid. Organic dicarboxylic acids such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, gluconic acid, itaconic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, and terephthalic acid are also useful according to this disclosure. Any combination of these organic acids may also be mixed with or used together with other organic acids to enable the proper formation of a utensil cleaning composition.

[0081] Inorganic acids that may be included in some embodiments include sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, methylsulfamic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, and nitric acid. These acids may also be used in combination with other inorganic acids or these organic acids mentioned above. In one preferred embodiment, the acid is an inorganic acid.

[0082] The acid source may be included in the basic composition as a pH adjuster or neutralizer to achieve the desired pH.

[0083] Activator In some embodiments, a cleaning composition may have improved antimicrobial or bleaching activity by adding a material that reacts with reactive oxygen species to form an active component when the composition is set in use. For example, in some embodiments, a peracid or perate is formed. For example, in some embodiments, tetraacetylethylenediamine may be included in the composition to react with reactive oxygen species to form a peracid or perate that acts as an antimicrobial agent. Other examples of reactive oxygen species activators include transition metals and compounds thereof, compounds containing a carboxyl moiety, a nitrile moiety, or an ester moiety, or other such compounds known in the art. In one embodiment, the activator may include tetraacetylethylenediamine; a transition metal; a compound containing a carboxyl moiety, a nitrile moiety, an amine moiety, or an ester moiety; or a mixture thereof.

[0084] In some embodiments, the activator component may comprise a composition in the range of up to about 25% by weight, in some embodiments, in the range of about 0.01 to about 20% by weight, or in some embodiments, in the range of about 0.05 to 10% by weight of a utensil cleaning composition. In some embodiments, the activator for the reactive oxygen species compound combines with the reactive oxygen species to form an antimicrobial agent.

[0085] An activator can be linked to a solid cleaning composition by any of the various methods for linking one solid cleaning composition to another. For example, the activator may be in solid form, bonded, fixed, glued, or otherwise adhered to the solid cleaning composition. Alternatively, the solid activator may be formed around the solid cleaning composition, but may encompass the solid cleaning composition. As a further example, the solid activator may be linked to the cleaning composition by a container or packaging for the composition, such as by plastic or shrink wrap or film.

[0086] Etching inhibitor The cleaning composition may also optionally contain an etching inhibitor that can prevent etching of glass. Examples of suitable etching inhibitors include the addition of metal ions such as zinc, zinc chloride, zinc gluconate, aluminum, and beryllium to the composition. The corrosion inhibitor may refer to a combination of an aluminum ion source and a zinc ion source. When the solid cleaning composition is provided in the form of a solution, the aluminum ion source and the zinc ion source provide aluminum ions and zinc ions, respectively. The amount of corrosion inhibitor is calculated based on the total amount of the aluminum ion source and the zinc ion source. Anything that provides aluminum ions in a solution may be called an aluminum ion source, and anything that provides zinc ions when provided in a solution may be called a zinc ion source. It is not necessarily the case that the aluminum ion source and / or the zinc ion source react to form aluminum ions and / or zinc ions. Aluminum ions may be considered an aluminum ion source, and zinc ions may be considered a zinc ion source. The aluminum ion source and the zinc ion source may be provided as organic salts, inorganic salts, and mixtures thereof. Examples of aluminum ion sources include, but are not limited to, aluminum salts such as sodium aluminate, aluminum bromide, aluminum chlorate, aluminum chloride, aluminum iodide, aluminum nitrate, aluminum sulfate, aluminum acetate, aluminum formate, aluminum tartrate, aluminum lactate, aluminum oleate, aluminum bromate, aluminum borate, potassium aluminum sulfate, zinc aluminum sulfate, and aluminum phosphate. Examples of zinc ion sources include, but are not limited to, zinc salts such as zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, zinc iodide, zinc thiocyanate, zinc fluorosilicate, zinc dichromate, zinc chlorate, sodium zincate, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc benzoate, zinc citrate, zinc lactate, zinc formate, zinc bromate, zinc bromide, zinc fluoride, zinc fluorosilicate, and zinc salicylate.

[0087] If an etching inhibitor is included, the utensil cleaning composition preferably contains about 0.001% to about 10% by weight, more preferably about 0.01% to about 7% by weight, and most preferably about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the etching inhibitor.

[0088] Corrosion inhibitor The utensil cleaning composition may optionally contain a corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitor provides a composition that produces a surface that is glossier and less prone to biofilm accumulation than a surface not treated with the composition containing the corrosion inhibitor.

[0089] Preferred corrosion inhibitors that can be used in accordance with the present invention include phosphonates, phosphonic acids, triazoles, organic amines, sorbitan esters, carboxylic acid derivatives, sarcosinates, phosphate esters, zinc, nitrates, chromium, molybdate-containing components, and borate-containing components. Exemplary phosphates or phosphonic acids are available from Solutia, Inc. (St. Louis, Mo.) under the name Dequest (i.e., Dequest2000, Dequest2006, Dequest2010, Dequest2016, Dequest2054, Dequest2060, and Dequest2066). Exemplary triazoles are available from PMC Specialties Group, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio) under the name Cobratec (i.e., Cobratec100, Cobratec TT-50-S, and Cobratec99). Exemplary organic amines include aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, monoamines, diamines, triamines, polyamines, and their salts. Exemplary amines are available from Angus Chemical Company (Buffalo Grove, Illinois) under the name Amp (i.e., Amp-95), from Jacam Chemicals, LLC (Sterling, Kans.) under the name WGS (i.e., WGS-50), from Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc. (Chicago, Illinois) under the name Duomeen (i.e., Duomeen O and Duomeen C), from DeForest Enterprises, Inc. (Boca Raton, Fla) under the name DeThox amines (C series and T series), from Henkel Corp. (Ambler, PA) under the name Deriphat series, and from Chemax, Inc. (Greenville, SC) under the name Maxhib (AC series). Exemplary sorbitan esters are available from Calgene Chemical Inc. (Skokie, Illinois) under the name Calgene (LA series).An exemplary carboxylic acid derivative is available from Ciba-Geigy Corp. (Tarrytown, New York) under the name Recor (i.e., Recor 12). An exemplary sarcosinate is available from Hampshire Chemical Corp. (Lexington, Mass.) under the name Hamposyl, and from Ciba-Geigy Corp. (Tarrytown, NY) under the name Sarkosyl.

[0090] If the utensil cleaning composition optionally contains a corrosion inhibitor, it is preferably included in amounts of about 0.01% to about 7.5% by weight, about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, and about 0.01% to about 3% by weight.

[0091] Additional alkali source The cleaning composition may optionally contain an additional alkali source. The additional alkali source can be added to raise the pH and achieve a highly basic pH, or it may be included as a neutralizing agent. The amount may be influenced by the desired effect (e.g., increasing the pH or neutralizing another component).

[0092] Examples of suitable additional alkali sources include, but are not limited to, alkali metal hydroxides, metal silicates, metal borates, organic alkali sources, and mixtures thereof. Preferred alkali metal hydroxides include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof. Preferred metal silicates include, but are not limited to, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and metasilicate. Preferred metal borates include, but are not limited to, sodium borate, potassium borate, and mixtures thereof.

[0093] Organic alkali sources are often strong nitrogen bases, including, for example, ammonia (ammonium hydroxide), amines, alkanolamines, and amino alcohols. Typical examples of amines include primary, secondary, or tertiary amines and diamines that support at least one nitrogen-bonded hydrocarbon group, which represent saturated or unsaturated linear or branched alkyl groups having at least 10 carbon atoms, preferably 16 to 24 carbon atoms, or aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl groups containing up to 24 carbon atoms, with an optional other nitrogen-bonded group formed by optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl or polyalkoxy groups. Typical examples of alkanolamines include monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, triethanolamine, and tripropanolamine. Typical examples of amino alcohols include 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-amino-1-butanol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, and hydroxymethylaminomethane. Generally, alkali sources are commonly available in either aqueous or powder form.

[0094] Redeposition inhibitor The cleaning composition may optionally include a redeposit inhibitor that promotes the sustained suspension of dirt in the cleaning or rinsing solution and prevents the removed dirt from redepositing on the substrate being cleaned and / or rinsed. Some examples of suitable redeposit inhibitors may include fatty acid amides, carbon fluoropolymers, complex phosphate esters, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, and cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose. The cleaning composition may contain a redeposit inhibitor in a range of up to about 10% by weight, and in some embodiments, in the range of about 1 to about 5% by weight.

[0095] Dyes / Deodorizers Various dyes, deodorizers including fragrances, perfumes, and other aesthetic enhancers may also be included in the utensil cleaning composition. Dyes may be included to alter the appearance of the composition, such as FD&C Blue 1 (Sigma Chemical), FD&C Yellow 5 (Sigma Chemical), Direct Blue 86 (Miles), Fastusol Blue (Mobay Chemical Corp.), Acid Orange 7 (American Cyanamid), Basic Violet 10 (Sandoz), Acid Yellow 23 (GAF), Acid Yellow 17 (Sigma Chemical), Sap Green (Keystone Analine and Chemical), Metalil Yellow (Keystone Analine and Chemical), Acid Blue 9 (Hilton Davis), Sandolan Blue / Acid Blue 182 (Sandoz), Hisol Fast Red (Capitol Color and Chemical), Fluorescein (Capitol Color and Chemical), Acid Green 25 (Ciba-Geigy), etc.

[0096] Fragrances or scents that may be included in the utensil cleaning composition include, for example, terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as amyl cinnamaldehyde, jasmine such as C1S-jasmine or jasmar, vanillin, and the like.

[0097] enzyme The dishwashing composition may optionally contain one or more enzymes, which may provide desirable activity for removing protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from flat dishes, cups, and bowls, as well as from substrates such as pots and pans. Suitable enzymes for the compositions of the present invention can act by decomposing or altering one or more types of stain residues faced on a surface, thereby enabling the surfactant or other components of the cleaning composition to remove or make the stains more easily removed. Both decomposition and alteration of stain residues can improve cleaning power by reducing the physicochemical forces that bind the stains to the surface or fabric being cleaned, i.e., by making the stains more water-soluble. For example, one or more proteases can cleave complex high-molecular-weight protein structures present in stain residues into simpler, shorter-chain molecules that are more readily desorbed, solubilized, or otherwise removed by a cleaning solution containing the proteases.

[0098] Suitable enzymes include proteases, amylases, lipases, gluconases, cellulases, peroxidases, or mixtures thereof, of any suitable origin, such as plant, animal, bacterial, fungal, or yeast-derived. Preferred selection is influenced by factors such as pH activity and / or stability optima, thermal stability, and stability against active detergents, builders, etc. In this regard, bacterial or fungal enzymes such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases are preferred. In some embodiments, the enzyme is preferably a protease, lipase, amylase, or a combination thereof.

[0099] If an enzyme is optionally included in the composition, the enzyme is preferably included in an amount of 0.001% to about 10% by weight, about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, and more preferably about 0.1% to about 1% by weight.

[0100] Filler The cleaning composition may optionally contain one or more fillers in small but effective amounts. Some examples of suitable fillers include C1-C2 compounds such as sodium chloride, starch, sugars, and propylene glycol. 10 Examples include alkylene glycol, sulfate, PEG, urea, sodium acetate, magnesium sulfate, sodium carbonate, and the like. In some embodiments, the filler may be included in an amount ranging from about 30% by weight to a maximum, and in some embodiments, in an amount ranging from about 1 to 15% by weight.

[0101] Hardening agent and solidifying agent In some embodiments, curing / solidifying agents can be added to the utensil cleaning composition. Examples of curing agents include urea, amides such as monoethanolamide stearate or diethanolamide laurate, or alkylamides; sulfates or sulfated surfactants, aromatic sulfonates, etc.; solid polyethylene glycol or solid EO / PO block copolymers; starch made water-soluble through an acid or alkali treatment process; and various inorganic substances that impart solidifying properties to the heated composition upon cooling. Such compounds can also alter the solubility of the composition in aqueous media during use, so that the active ingredients can be dispensed from the solid composition over a long period of time.

[0102] Suitable aromatic sulfonates include, but are not limited to, sodium xylenesulfonate, sodium toluenesulfonate, sodium cumenesulfonate, potassium toluenesulfonate, ammonium xylenesulfonate, calcium xylenesulfonate, sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate, and / or sodium butylnaphthalenesulfonate. Preferred aromatic sulfonates include sodium xylenesulfonate and sodium cumenesulfonate.

[0103] The amount of solidifying agent contained in the utensil cleaning composition may be influenced by the desired effect. Generally, an effective amount of solidifying agent is considered to be the amount that acts to solidify the utensil cleaning composition, with or without other materials. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to have a secondary solidifying agent. In compositions containing a secondary solidifying agent, the composition may contain an amount of secondary solidifying agent in the range of up to about 35% by weight. In some embodiments, the secondary curing agent is present in an amount of about 5 to about 30% by weight, more preferably about 10 to about 25% by weight.

[0104] Moisturizer The cleaning composition may also optionally include one or more humectants. A humectant is a substance having an affinity for water. The humectant may be provided in an amount sufficient to help reduce the visibility of the film on the substrate surface. The visibility of the film on the substrate surface is of particular concern when the rinse water contains more than 200 ppm of total dissolved solids. Therefore, in some embodiments, the humectant is provided in an amount sufficient to reduce the visibility of the film on the substrate surface when the rinse water contains more than 200 ppm of total dissolved solids, compared to a rinsing composition that does not contain a humectant. The terms “water-solid film formation” or “film formation” refer to the presence of a visible, continuous layer of material on the substrate surface that gives the substrate surface an appearance of being unclean. Some exemplary humectants that may be used include materials containing more than 5% by weight of water (based on a dry humectant) at equilibrated at 50% relative humidity and room temperature. Exemplary humectants that may be used include glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, alkyl polyglycosides, polybetaine polysiloxanes, and mixtures thereof.

[0105] If the utensil cleaning composition contains a humectant, the amount of the humectant is preferably up to about 30% by weight, more preferably about 0.01% to about 25% by weight, based on the total composition.

[0106] Fungicides / Antimicrobial agents Some cleaning compositions for utensils may optionally contain disinfectants. Disinfectants, also known as antimicrobial agents, are chemical compositions that can be used in solid functional materials to prevent microbial contamination and deterioration of material systems, surfaces, etc. Generally, these materials fall into specific classes, including phenols, halogen compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives, analides, organosulfurs and sulfur-nitrogen compounds, and other compounds.

[0107] It should be understood that reactive oxygen species compounds, such as those discussed in the bleaching section above, can also act as antimicrobial agents and even provide cleaning activity. In fact, in some embodiments, the ability of reactive oxygen species compounds to act as antimicrobial agents reduces the need for additional antimicrobial agents in the composition. For example, percarbonate compositions have been demonstrated to provide excellent antimicrobial activity. Nevertheless, some embodiments still incorporate additional antimicrobial agents.

[0108] A given antimicrobial agent, depending on its chemical composition and concentration, can either simply limit the further growth of a number of microorganisms or destroy all or part of a microbial population. The terms "microbe" and "microorganism" typically refer primarily to bacteria, viruses, yeasts, spores, and fungal microorganisms. When used, antimicrobial agents are typically formed into solid functional materials, which can optionally be diluted and dispensed using, for example, a stream of water to form aqueous disinfectant or bactericidal compositions that can come into contact with various surfaces, inhibiting or killing part of a microbial population. A 3-log reduction of the microbial population results in a bactericidal composition. Antimicrobial agents can be encapsulated, for example, to improve their stability.

[0109] Some examples of common antimicrobial agents include phenolic antimicrobial agents such as pentachlorophenol, orthophenylphenol, chloro-p-benzylphenol, and p-chloro-m-xylenol. Halogens containing antimicrobial agents include sodium trichloroisocyanurate, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (anhydrous or dihydrate), bromine compounds such as iodo-poly(vinylpyrrolidinone) complex, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and quaternary antimicrobial agents such as benzalkonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, choline diiodochloride, and tetramethylphosphonium tribromide. Other antimicrobial compositions such as dithiocarbamates such as hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine and sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and various other materials, are known in the art for their antimicrobial properties.

[0110] In embodiments of a utensil cleaning composition that is phosphate-free and / or sulfate-free and also contains an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial agent is selected to satisfy these requirements. Embodiments of a utensil cleaning composition containing only GRAS components may exclude or omit the antimicrobial agents described in this section.

[0111] In some embodiments, the utensil cleaning composition contains an antimicrobial component in a range of up to about 10% by weight of the composition, up to about 5% by weight in some embodiments, or in a range of about 0.01 to about 3% by weight or 0.05 to 1% by weight in some embodiments.

[0112] Additional surfactants In one preferred embodiment, the dishwashing composition comprises only a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate and does not contain any other surfactants. In one alternative embodiment, the dishwashing composition may contain one or more surfactants in addition to the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate. These may be referred to as secondary surfactants, additional surfactants, and / or co-surfactants. Preferably, the co-surfactants are in solid form. Examples of dishwashing compositions include, but are not limited to, detergent compositions, dishwashing compositions, laundry compositions, rinsing aids, hard surface cleaning compositions, and paper / pulp processing compositions. Surfactants that can be included as co-surfactants in solidified surfactant compositions and / or as surfactants in dishwashing compositions include nonionic surfactants, semipolar nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0113] Nonionic surfactants Useful nonionic surfactants are generally characterized by the presence of organic hydrophobic and organic hydrophilic groups, and are typically produced by the condensation of organoliphatic, alkylaromatic, or polyoxyalkylene hydrophobic compounds with a hydrophilic alkaline oxide moiety, such as ethylene oxide or its polyhydration product, polyethylene glycol, which is a common implementation. In practice, any hydrophobic compound having a hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, or amide group with a reactive hydrogen atom can be condensed with ethylene oxide or its polyhydrate adduct, or a mixture thereof with an alkoxylene such as propylene oxide, to form a nonionic surfactant. The length of the hydrophilic polyoxyalkylene moiety that condenses with any particular hydrophobic compound can be easily adjusted to produce a water-dispersible or water-soluble compound with a desired balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Useful nonionic surfactants include:

[0114] Block polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene polymer compounds based on propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and ethylenediamine as initiator-reactive hydrogen compounds. One class of compounds is a bifunctional (two-reactive hydrogen) compound formed by condensing ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by adding propylene oxide to the two hydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. This hydrophobic portion of the molecule has a weight of approximately 1,000 to 4,000. The ethylene oxide is then added so as to sandwich this hydrophobic substance between hydrophilic groups, and its length is controlled to constitute approximately 10% to 80% by weight of the final molecule. Another class of compounds is a tetra-flinctional block copolymer derived from the sequential addition of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide to ethylenediamine. The molecular weight of propylene oxide hydrotype ranges from approximately 500 to 7,000, and the hydrophilic substance ethylene oxide is added to constitute approximately 10% to 80% by weight of the molecule.

[0115] A condensation product of 1 mole of alkylphenol containing about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms in a linear or branched, or single or double alkyl, alkyl chain, with about 3 to about 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl group can be represented, for example, by diisobutylene, diamyl, polymerized propylene, iso-octyl, nonyl, and di-nonyl. These surfactants can be polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutylene oxide condensates of alkylphenols. Examples of commercially available compounds with this chemical structure are marketed under the trade names Igepal® by Rhone-Poulenc and Triton® by Union Carbide.

[0116] A condensation product of 1 mole of saturated or unsaturated linear or branched alcohol having approximately 6 to 24 carbon atoms with approximately 3 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The alcohol portion may consist of a mixture of alcohols within the carbon range described above, or of alcohols having a specific number of carbon atoms within this range. Examples of similar commercially available surfactants are marketed under the trade names Neodol® by Shell Chemical Co. and Alfonic® by Vista Chemical Co.

[0117] A condensation product of 1 mole of a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched carboxylic acid having approximately 8 to 18 carbon atoms, with approximately 6 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide. The acid portion may consist of a mixture of acids within the carbon atom range defined above, or an acid having a specific number of carbon atoms within this range. A commercial example of this chemical compound is commercially available under the trade name Lipopeg® from Lipo Chemicals, Inc.

[0118] In addition to ethoxylated carboxylic acids, commonly known as polyethylene glycol esters, other alkanate esters formed by reactions with glycerides, glycerol, and polyhydric (saccharide or sorbitan / sorbitol) alcohols have applications in specialized embodiments, particularly in 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 substances.

[0119] Examples of nonionic low-foaming surfactants include the following:

[0120] Compounds from (1) that are modified and essentially inverted by adding ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol to provide a hydrophilic substance of a specified molecular weight, and then adding propylene oxide to obtain a hydrophobic block on the outside (end) of the molecule. A hydrophobic moiety with a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 3,100, having a central hydrophilic substance comprising 10% to about 80% by weight of the final molecule. A hydrophobic moiety with a molecular weight of about 2,100 to about 6,700, having a central hydrophilic substance comprising 10% to about 80% by weight of the final molecule.

[0121] Compounds from groups (1), (2), (3), and (4) that have been modified by “end-treatment” or “end-blocking” one or more terminal hydroxyl groups (of the polyfunctional moiety) in order to reduce foaming when reacted with hydrophobic small molecules such as propylene oxide, butylene oxide, and 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, which converts terminal hydroxyl groups to chloride groups. Such modifications to terminal hydroxyl groups may result in all-blocked, block-heteric, heteric-blocked, or all-heteric nonionic substances.

[0122] Further examples of effective low-foaming nonionic substances include the following:

[0123] The alkylphenoxypolyethoxyalkanol, represented by the following formula, is U.S. Patent No. 2,903,486, issued to Brown et al. on September 8, 1959. [ka] (In the formula, R is an alkyl group with 8 to 9 carbon atoms, A is an alkylene chain with 3 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 7 to 16, and m is an integer from 1 to 10).

[0124] A polyalkylene glycol condensate, U.S. Patent No. 3,048,548, issued to Martin et al. on August 7, 1962, having alternating hydrophilic oxyethylene chains and hydrophobic oxypropylene chains, where the molecular weight of the terminal hydrophobic chain, the molecular weight of the intermediate hydrophobic unit, and the molecular weight of the linked hydrophilic unit each account for approximately one-third of the condensate.

[0125] General formula Z[(OR) n OH] z An antifoaming nonionic surfactant disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,382,178, issued to Lissant et al. on May 7, 1968, having the formula (wherein Z is an alkoxylated substance, R is a group derived from an alkylene oxide which can be ethylene and propylene, n is an integer such as 10 to 2,000 or more, and z is an integer determined by the number of reactive oxyalkylated groups).

[0126] Formula Y(C3H6O) n (C2H4O) m A conjugated polyoxyalkylene compound described in U.S. Patent No. 2,677,700, issued to Jackson et al. on May 4, 1954, corresponding to H (wherein Y is a residue of an organic compound having about 1 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 reactive hydrogen atom, n has an average value of at least about 6.4 as determined by the hydroxyl value, and m has a value such that the oxyethylene portion constitutes about 10% to about 90% by weight of the molecule).

[0127] Formula Y[(C3H6O n (C2H4O) m H] xA conjugated polyoxyalkylene compound as described in U.S. Patent No. 2,674,619, issued to Lundsted et al. on April 6, 1954, having the following formula: (wherein Y is a residue of an organic compound having about 2 to 6 carbon atoms and x reactive hydrogen atoms, x has a value of at least about 2, n has a value such that the molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene hydrophobic base is at least about 900, and m has a value such that the oxyethylene content of the molecule is about 10% to about 90% by weight). Examples of compounds that fall within the definition range for Y include propylene glycol, glycerin, pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, and ethylenediamine. The oxypropylene chain optionally, but advantageously, contains a small amount of ethylene oxide, and the oxyethylene chain also optionally, but advantageously, contains a small amount of propylene oxide.

[0128] An additional conjugated polyoxyalkylene surfactant, which is usefully used in some cleaning compositions, has the formula: P[(C3H6O) n (C2H4O) m H] x This corresponds to the formula, where P is a residue of an organic compound having about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and 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 about 10% to about 90% by weight. In either case, the oxypropylene chain may optionally but advantageously contain a small amount of ethylene oxide, and the oxyethylene chain may also optionally but advantageously contain a small amount of propylene oxide.

[0129] Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid amide surfactants for use in this composition include those with the structural formula R2CON. R1 Examples include those having Z, where R1 is H, C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, ethoxy, propoxy group, or a mixture thereof, and R2 is a linear C5-C 31The compound is hydrocarbyl, where Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least three hydroxyls directly bonded 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.

[0130] Alkyl ethoxylate condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with approximately 0 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide are suitable for use in this composition. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol may be linear or branched, either primary or secondary, but generally contains 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0131] Ethoxylation C6~C 18 Fatty alcohols and C6-C 18 Mixed ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, particularly water-soluble ones, are suitable surfactants for use in this composition. Suitable ethoxylated fatty alcohols include C6-C6 alcohols with an ethoxylation degree of 3-50. 18 Ethoxylated fatty alcohols are one example.

[0132] Nonionic alkyl polysaccharide surfactants particularly suitable for use in this composition include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,565,647, Llenado, issued on January 21, 1986. These surfactants comprise a hydrophobic group containing about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, and a hydrophilic group containing a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, containing about 1.3 to about 10 saccharide units. Any reduced saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms may be used; for example, the galactosyl moiety may be substituted with glucose, galactose, and glucosyl moieties. (Optionally, the hydrophobic group may be bonded to positions such as 2-, 3-, 4-, etc., producing glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside.) Bonding between saccharides may be, for example, between one position of an additional saccharide unit and the 2, 3, 4, and / or 6 positions on the preceding saccharide unit.

[0133] Fatty acid amide surfactants suitable for use in this composition include those having the formula: R6CON(R7)2, where R6 is an alkyl group containing 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and each R7 is independently hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, or --(C2H4O) X H is such that x is in the range of 1 to 3.

[0134] A useful class of nonionic surfactants includes alkoxylated amines, or more specifically, alcohol alkoxylated / amination / alkoxylated surfactants. These nonionic surfactants are at least in part, of the general formula: R 20 --(PO) S N--(EO) t H, R 20 --(PO) S N--(EO) t H(EO) t H and R 20 --N(EO) t It can be expressed by H, where R 20 is an alkyl, alkenyl, or other aliphatic group, or alkyl-aryl group, having 8 to 20, preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms; 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 within the range of these compounds are alternative formulas: R 20 --(PO) V --N[(EO) w H][(EO) z It can be expressed by H], where R 20However, as defined above, v is 1 to 20 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 (preferably 2)), and w and z are independently 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5. These compounds are commercially represented by a product line marketed by Huntsman Chemicals as nonionic surfactants. Preferred chemicals in this class include Surfonic® PEA 25 amine alkoxylates. Preferred nonionic surfactants for utensil cleaning compositions include alcohol alkoxylates, EO / PO block copolymers, alkylphenol alkoxylates, and the like.

[0135] The paper *Nonionic Surfactants*, edited by Schick, MJ, Vol. 1 of the Surfactant Science Series, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1983, is an excellent reference for a wide range of commonly used nonionic compounds. A typical list of nonionic classes and species of these surfactants is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December 30, 1975. Further examples are described in *Surface Active Agents and detergents* (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

[0136] Semipolar nonionic surfactant Semipolar nonionic surfactants are another class of nonionic surfactants useful in several cleaning compositions. Generally, semipolar nonionic substances are foaming agents and foam stabilizers, which can limit their application in CIP systems. Semipolar nonionic surfactants include amine oxides, phosphine oxides, sulfoxides, and their alkoxylated derivatives.

[0137] Amine oxides are tertiary amine oxides corresponding to the following general formula: [ka] In the formula, the arrow is the conventional representation of a semipolar bond, R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 These can be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic, or a combination thereof. Generally, amine oxides used for detergent purposes have R 1 R is an alkyl radical with approximately 8 to 24 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 R is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group consisting of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof. 2 and R 3 For example, they can bond to each other through oxygen or nitrogen atoms to form a ring structure, R 4 n is an alkaline or hydroxyalkylene group containing 2-3 carbon atoms, and n is in the range of 0 to approximately 20.

[0138] Useful water-soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from coconut or taro alkyl di-(lower alkyl)amine oxides, and specific examples thereof are dodecyldimethylamine oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide, tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine oxide, hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide, octadecyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide, dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamine oxide, and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.

[0139] Useful semipolar nonionic surfactants also include water-soluble phosphine oxides having the following structure: [ka] In the formula, the arrow is the conventional representation of a semipolar bond, R 1 R is an alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkyl moiety with a chain length ranging from 10 to approximately 24 carbon atoms. 2 and R 3 Each of these is an alkyl moiety separately selected from alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0140] Examples of useful phosphine oxides include dimethyldecylphosphine oxide, dimethyltetradecylphosphine oxide, methylethyltetradecylphosphonoxide, dimethylhexadecylphosphine oxide, diethyl-2-hydroxyoctyldecylphosphine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylphosphine oxide, and bis(hydroxymethyl)tetradecylphosphine oxide.

[0141] The semipolar nonionic surfactants useful in this specification also include water-soluble sulfoxide compounds having the following structure: [ka] In the formula, the arrow is the conventional representation of a semipolar bond, R 1 R consists of approximately 8 to 28 carbon atoms, 0 to 5 ether bonds, and 0 to 2 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl moieties of hydroxyl substituents. 2 This is an alkyl moiety consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0142] Useful examples of these sulfoxides include dodecyl methyl sulfoxide, 3-hydroxytridecyl methyl sulfoxide, 3-methoxytridecyl methyl sulfoxide, and 3-hydroxy-4-dodecoxybutyl methyl sulfoxide.

[0143] The semipolar nonionic surfactants for this composition include dimethylamine oxides such as lauryldimethylamine oxide, myristyldimethylamine oxide, cetyldimethylamine oxide, and combinations thereof. Useful water-soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from octyl, decyl, dodecyl, isododecyl, coconut, or tallow alkyl di-(lower alkyl)amine oxides, specific examples of which include octyldimethylamine oxide, nonyldimethylamine oxide, decyldimethylamine oxide, undecyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldimethylamine oxide, isododecyldimethylamine oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide, tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine oxide, hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide, These are octadecyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine oxide, tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide, dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamine oxide, and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.

[0144] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use with the composition include alkoxylated surfactants. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants include EO / PO copolymers, capped EO / PO copolymers, alcohol alkoxylates, capped alcohol alkoxylates, and mixtures thereof. Suitable alkoxylated surfactants for use as solvents include EO / PO block copolymers such as Pluronic® and reverse Pluronic® surfactants, alcohol alkoxylates, such as Dehypon LS-54 (R-(EO)5(PO)4) and Dehypon LS-36 (R-(EO)3(PO)6); capped alcohol alkoxylates, such as Plurafac LF221 and Tegoten EC11; and mixtures thereof.

[0145] Anionic surfactants The cleaning composition may also contain one or more anionic surfactants. Anionic surfactants are surface-active substances classified as anionic by the negative charge on a hydrophilic substance, or surfactants in which the hydrophobic portion of the molecule is not charged unless the pH is neutral or higher (e.g., carboxylic acids). Carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, and phosphates are polar (hydrophilic) solubilizing groups found in anionic surfactants. Of the cations (counterions) associated with these polar groups, sodium, lithium, and potassium confer water solubility, ammonium and substituted ammonium ions provide both water and oil solubility, and calcium, barium, and magnesium promote oil solubility. As those skilled in the art will understand, anionic substances are excellent cleaning surfactants and are therefore preferred additives to strong detergent compositions.

[0146] Suitable anionic sulfate surfactants for use in this composition include alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfates, alkylphenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, and C5-C 17 Examples include acyl-N-(C1-C4 alkyl) and -N-(C1-C2 hydroxyalkyl) glucamine sulfates, as well as sulfates of alkyl polysaccharides, such as sulfates of alkyl polyglucosides. Other examples include alkyl sulfates, alkyl poly(ethylene oxy) ether sulfates, and aromatic poly(ethylene oxy) sulfates, such as sulfates or condensation products of ethylene oxide and nonylphenol (usually having 1 to 6 oxyethylene groups per molecule).

[0147] Suitable anionic sulfonate surfactants for use in this composition include alkyl sulfonates, linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfonates, and aromatic sulfonates with or without substituents.

[0148] Suitable anionic carboxylate surfactants for use in this composition include carboxylic acids (and salts) such as alkanic acids (and alkanoates), ester carboxylic acids (e.g., alkyl succinates), ether carboxylic acids, and sulfonated fatty acids such as sulfonated oleic acid. Such carboxylates include alkylethoxycarboxylates, alkylarylethoxycarboxylates, alkylpolyethoxypolycarboxylate surfactants, and soaps (e.g., alkylcarboxyls). Useful secondary carboxylates in this composition include those containing carboxyl units connected to a secondary carbon. The secondary carbon may be present in a ring structure, for example, p-octylbenzoic acid or alkyl-substituted cyclohexylcarboxylate. Secondary carboxylate surfactants typically do not contain ether bonds, ester bonds, or hydroxyl groups. Furthermore, they typically lack a nitrogen atom in the head group (amphiphilic moiety). Suitable secondary soap surfactants typically contain a total of 11 to 13 carbon atoms, but more carbon atoms (e.g., up to 16) may be present. Suitable carboxylates also include acyl amino acids (and salts) such as acyl glutamates, acyl peptides, sarcosinates (e.g., N-acyl sarcosinates), and taurates (e.g., N-acyl taurates and fatty acid amides of methyl taurides).

[0149] Suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl or alkylarylethoxycarboxylates of the following formulas: RO-(CH2CH2O) n (CH2) m -CO2X (3) In the formula, R is C8~C 22 Alkyl alkyl group, or [ka] And R 1 However, C4~C 16It is an alkyl group, where n is an integer from 1 to 20, m is an integer from 1 to 3, and X is a counterion such as hydrogen, sodium, potassium, lithium, or ammonium, or an amine salt such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine. In some embodiments, n is an integer from 4 to 10, and m is 1. In some embodiments, R is C8 to C 16 It is an alkyl group. In some embodiments, R is C 12 ~C 14 It is an alkyl group, where n is 4 and m is 1.

[0150] In other embodiments, R is [ka] And R 1 C6~C 12 It is an alkyl group. In yet another embodiment, R 1 It is a C9 alkyl group, n is 10, and m is 1.

[0151] Such alkyl and alkylaryl ethoxycarboxylates are commercially available. These ethoxycarboxylates are typically available in anionic or acidic form that can be readily converted to salt forms. A commercially available carboxylate is Neodox23-4, C 12~13 Examples include alkylpolyethoxy(4)carboxylic acid (Shell Chemical) and Emcol CNP-110, C9 alkylarylpolyethoxy(10)carboxylic acid (Witco Chemical). Carboxylates also include the product Sandopan® DTC, C 13 Alkyl polyethoxy(7)carboxylic acids, etc., are available from Clariant.

[0152] Cationic surfactants Surface active substances are classified as cationic if the charge on the hydrotrope portion of the molecule is positive. Surfactants whose hydrotropes are not charged unless the pH is near or below neutral, but subsequently become cations (e.g., alkylamines), also belong to this group. Theoretically, cationic surfactants can be synthesized from any combination of elements containing the "onium" structure RnX+Y--, but may include compounds other than nitrogen (ammonium), such as phosphorus (phosphonium) and sulfur (sulfonium). In practice, the field of cationic surfactants is probably dominated by nitrogen-containing compounds because the synthetic pathways to nitrogenous cationic substances are simpler, easier, and yield higher yields, making them less expensive.

[0153] Cationic surfactants preferably comprise, and more preferably, compounds containing at least one long-carbon hydrophobic group and at least one positively charged nitrogen atom. The long-carbon group may be bonded to the nitrogen atom directly by simple substitution, or more preferably indirectly by crosslinking functional groups or groups in so-called interrupted alkylamines and amidoamines. Such functional groups can make the molecule more hydrophilic and / or more water-dispersible, allowing it to dissolve more readily in water with co-surfactant mixtures and / or making it water-soluble. Further primary, secondary, or tertiary amino groups may be introduced to increase water solubility, or the amino nitrogen may be quaternized using low molecular weight alkyl groups. Furthermore, the nitrogen may be part of a branched or linear chain with varying degrees of unsaturation, or part of a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. In addition, cationic surfactants may contain complex bonds having two or more cationic nitrogen atoms.

[0154] Surfactant compounds classified as amine oxides, amphoteric substances, and zwitterionic compounds are generally cationic in solutions with near-neutral to acidic pH, and their classification can overlap with that of surfactants. Polyoxyethylated cationic surfactants generally act like nonionic surfactants in alkaline solutions and like cationic surfactants in acidic solutions.

[0155] The simplest cationic amines, amine salts and quaternary ammonium compounds, can be schematically described in this way. [ka] In the formula, R represents an alkyl chain, R', R'', and R''' may be either an alkyl chain or an aryl group or hydrogen, and X represents an anion. Amine salts and quaternary ammonium compounds are preferred for practical use due to their high degree of water solubility.

[0156] The majority of commercially available cationic surfactants can be subdivided into four main classes and further subgroups known to those skilled in the art, as described in "Surfactant Encyclopedia," Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2) 86-96 (1989). The first class includes alkylamines and their salts. The second class includes alkylimidazolines. The third class includes ethoxylated amines. The fourth class includes quaternary compounds such as alkylbenzyldimethylammonium salts, alkylbenzene salts, heterocyclic ammonium salts, and tetraalkylammonium salts. Cationic surfactants are known to possess a variety of properties that can be beneficial in this composition. These desirable properties may include cleaning power in compositions with a neutral pH or lower, antimicrobial efficacy, and thickening or gelling in conjunction with other agents.

[0157] Cationic surfactants useful in compositions include those of formula R 1 m R 2 x Y L Includes those with Z, and each R 1 It is optionally substituted with up to three phenyl or hydroxyl groups, and has up to four of the following structures: [ka] Alternatively, an organic group containing a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group optionally interrupted by isomers or mixtures of these structures, which contains approximately 8 to 22 carbon atoms. 1 The group may further contain up to 12 ethoxy groups. m is a number from 1 to 3. Preferably, there is one or fewer R groups in the molecule. 1 The group has 16 or more carbon atoms when m is 2, or more than 12 carbon atoms when m is 3. Each R 2 It is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a benzyl group, and has 1 or fewer R groups in the molecule. 2 is benzyl, and x is a number from 0 to 11, preferably from 0 to 6. The remaining carbon atoms at any position on the Y group are filled with hydrogen.

[0158] Y is [ka] The group may also include, but is not limited to, a mixture thereof. Preferably, L is 1 or 2, and the Y group, when L is 2, has 1 to about 22 carbon atoms and 2 free carbon single bonds. 1 and R 2 The components are separated by a portion selected from analogs (preferably alkylene or alkenylene). Z is a water-soluble anion such as a halide anion, sulfate anion, methyl sulfate anion, hydroxide anion, or nitrate anion, with chloride anions, bromide anions, iodide anions, sulfate anions, or methyl sulfate anions being particularly preferred in terms of the number of components that impart electrical neutrality to the cationic components.

[0159] Amphoteric surfactants Amphoteric or amphoteric electrolyte surfactants contain both basic and acidic hydrophilic groups as well as organic hydrophobic groups. These ionic entities may be either anionic or cationic groups as described herein for other types of surfactants. Basic nitrogen and acidic carboxylate groups are typical functional groups employed as basic and acidic hydrophilic groups. In some surfactants, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphonates, or phosphates provide a negative charge.

[0160] Amphoteric surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, where the aliphatic radical may be linear or branched, and one of the aliphatic substituents contains about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and another contains an anionic water-soluble group, e.g., carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphat, or phosphono. Amphoteric surfactants are known to those skilled in the art and are subdivided into two main classes, as described in the "Surfactant Encyclopedia" Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2) 69-71 (1989), which is incorporated herein by reference. The first class includes acyl / dialkylethylenediamine derivatives (e.g., 2-alkylhydroxyethylimidazoline derivatives) and their salts. The second class includes N-alkyl amino acids and their salts. Some amphoteric surfactants can be imagined to belong to both classes.

[0161] Amphoteric surfactants can be synthesized by methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, 2-alkylhydroxyethylimidazoline is synthesized by condensation and ring closure of a long-chain carboxylic acid (or derivative) with a dialkylethylenediamine. Commercial amphoteric surfactants are derivatized, for example, with chloroacetic acid or ethyl acetate, by subsequent hydrolysis and ring opening of the imidazoline ring by alkylation. During alkylation, one or two carboxyalkyl groups react to form a tertiary amine and an ether linkage, and different alkylating agents produce different tertiary amines.

[0162] Long-chain imidazole derivatives with potential applications generally have the following general formula: [ka] The formula has the following characteristics, where R is an acyclic hydrophobic group containing about 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and M is a cation, generally sodium, for neutralizing the charge of the anion. Commercially well-known amphoteric compounds derived from imidazolines that can be used in this composition include, for example, cocoamphopropionate, cocoamphocarboxy-propionate, cocoamphoglycinate, cocoamphocarboxy-glycinate, cocoamphopropyl-sulfonate, and cocoamphocarboxy-propionic acid. Amphocarboxylic acids can be produced from aliphatic imidazolines, where the dicarboxylic acid functional group of the amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid and / or dipropionic acid.

[0163] In this specification, the carboxymethylated compounds (glycinates) described above are often referred to as betaines. Betaines are a special class of amphoteric compounds described below in the following section entitled Zwitterionic surfactants.

[0164] Long-chain N-alkyl amino acids are readily prepared by the reaction RNH2, where R is C8~C 18 These are fatty amines having linear or branched alkyl and halogenated carboxylic acids. Alkylation of the primary amino group of an amino acid yields secondary and tertiary amines. The alkyl substituent may have an additional amino group providing one or more reactive nitrogen centers. The most commercially available N-alkylamine acids are alkyl derivatives of beta-alanine or beta-N(2-carboxyethyl)alanine. Examples of commercially available N-alkylamino acid amphoteric electrolytes with potential applications include alkylbeta-aminodipropionates, RN(C2H4COOM)2 and RNHC2H4COOM. In embodiments, R may be an acyclic hydrophobic group containing about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, while M is a cation to neutralize the anion's charge.

[0165] Suitable amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconut products such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acids. Additional suitable coconut-derived surfactants include, as part of their structure, an ethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety, e.g., glycine, or a combination thereof, and an aliphatic substituent with about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such surfactants may also be considered alkylamphodicarboxylic acids. These amphoteric surfactants are C 12 -alkyl-C(O)-NH-CH2-CH2-N + (CH2-CH2-CO2Na)2-CH2-CH2-OH or C 12 -alkyl-C(O)-N(H)-CH2-CH2-N + It may include a chemical structure represented as (CH2-CO2Na)2-CH2-CH2-OH. Disodium cocoamphodipropionate is one preferred amphoteric surfactant, marketed under the trademark name Miranol® FBS by Rhodia Inc., Cranbury, NJ. Another preferred coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant having the chemical name disodium cocoamphodiacetate is similarly marketed under the trademark name Mirataine® JCHA by Rhodia Inc., Cranbury, NJ.

[0166] A typical list of amphoteric classes and species of these surfactants is provided in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December 30, 1975. Further examples are provided in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry, and Berch). Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0167] Zwitterionic surfactant zwitterionic surfactants can be considered a subset of amphoteric surfactants and may contain anionic charges. Zwitterionic surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium, or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Typically, zwitterionic surfactants contain a positively charged quaternary ammonium, or in some cases sulfonium or phosphonium ion; a negatively charged carboxyl group; and an alkyl group. Zwitterions generally contain cationic and anionic groups that ionize approximately equally in the isoelectric region of the molecule, resulting in a strong "inner salt" attraction between the positive and negative charge centers. Examples of such zwitterionic synthetic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds where the aliphatic radical may be straight or branched chain, one of the aliphatic substituents contains 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and one contains an anionic solubilizing group such as carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate.

[0168] Betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary zwitterionic surfactants for use herein. The general formula for these compounds is

Chemical formula

[0169] Examples of zwitterionic surfactants having the above structure include 4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate, 5-[S-3-hydroxypropyl-S-hexadecylsulfonio]-3-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate, 3-[P,P-diethyl-P-3,6,9-trioxatetracosanphosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane-1-phosphate, 3-[N,N-dipropyl-N-3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl-ammonio]-propane-1-phosphonate, 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate, and 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N- Examples include hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propane-1-sulfonate, 4-[N,N-di(2(2-hydroxyethyl)-N(2-hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate, 3-[S-ethyl-S-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphate, 3-[P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio]-propane-1-phosphonate, and S[N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecylammonio]-2-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate. The alkyl group contained in the detergent surfactant may be linear or branched, and may be saturated or unsaturated.

[0170] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants for use in this composition include betaines having the following general structure. [ka]

[0171] These surfactant betaines typically do not exhibit strong cationic or anionic characteristics at extreme pH levels, nor do they show a reduction in water solubility within their isoelectric range. Unlike "external" quaternary ammonium salts, betaines can coexist with anions. Examples of suitable betaines include coconut acylamidopropyl dimethyl betaine, hexadecyldimethyl betaine, and C 12~14Acylamidopropyl betaine, C 8~14 Acylamidohexyl diethyl betaine, 4-C 14~16 Acylmethylamido diethylammonio-1-carboxybutane, C 16~18 Acylamidodimethyl betaine, C 12~16 Acylamidopentane diethyl betaine, and C 12~16 Acylmethylamidodimethyl betaine are included.

[0172] Potentially useful sultaines include compounds having the formula (R(R 1 )2N + R 2 SO 3- wherein R is a C6-C 18 hydrocarbyl group, each R 1 is typically independently a C1-C3 alkyl, such as methyl, and R 2 is a C1-C6 hydrocarbyl group, such as a C1-C3 alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group.

[0173] A typical list of the zwitterionic classes and species of these surfactants is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued to Laughlin and Heuring on December 30, 1975. Further examples are described in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). Each of these references is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0174] Whitening agent The cleaning composition may optionally include a whitening agent. The whitening agent can be used to make the substrate a brighter color, but typically under the conditions encountered during the cleansing process, Cl2, Br2, -OCl - , and / or -OBr -The bleaching agent may contain bleaching compounds that can release active halogen species, such as those mentioned above. Suitable bleaching agents may contain chlorine-containing compounds such as chlorine, hypochlorite, and chloramine. Some examples of halogen-releasing compounds include alkali metal dichloroisocyanurate, chlorinated trisodium phosphate, alkali metal hypochlorite, monochloramine, and dichloramine. Encapsulated chlorine sources may also be used to enhance the stability of the chlorine source in the composition. The whitening agent may also contain or act as an active oxygen source. Active oxygen compounds act to provide an active oxygen source, for example, by releasing active oxygen into an aqueous solution. Active oxygen compounds may be inorganic or organic, or mixtures thereof. Some examples of active oxygen compounds include peroxygen compounds or peroxygen compound adducts. Some examples of reactive oxygen species compounds or sources of reactive oxygen species include hydrogen peroxide, perborate, sodium carbonate hydride, phosphate peroxide, potassium peroxymonosulfate, and sodium perborate monohydrate and tetrahydrate, with or without activators such as tetraacetylethylenediamine.

[0175] The utensil cleaning composition may contain a whitening agent in a range of up to about 15% by weight, more preferably about 0.01% to about 12% by weight, and most preferably about 1% to about 10% by weight, with a maximum of about 15% by weight.

[0176] Manufacturing method When the cleaning composition is prepared as a solid composition, examples of solid compositions that are not limited to these include granular and pelletized solid compositions, powders, solid block compositions, cast solid block compositions, extruded solid block compositions, and pressed solid compositions.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, a solid premix is ​​obtained, a liquid premix is ​​obtained, and a surfactant is obtained. These are then combined according to the method disclosed below. In one embodiment, the surfactant may be present in the solid premix (in the case of a solid surfactant) or in the liquid premix (in the case of a liquid surfactant).

[0178] Solid particulate matter compositions for cleaning utensils can be prepared by simply blending dry solid components in appropriate ratios, or by agglomerating the materials in a suitable agglomeration system. Pelleted materials can be prepared by compressing solid granules or agglomerated materials in a suitable pelletizing apparatus to produce appropriately sized pelletized materials. Solid blocks and cast solid block materials can be prepared by introducing either a pre-cured block of material or a castable liquid that hardens into a solid block in the container into a container. Preferred containers include disposable plastic containers or water-soluble film containers. Other suitable packaging for the compositions include flexible bags, parcels, shrink wrap, and water-soluble films such as polyvinyl alcohol.

[0179] Solid compositions for cleaning utensils can be formed using batch or continuous mixing systems. In exemplary embodiments, a single-screw or twin-screw extruder is used to combine and mix one or more components at high shear to form a homogeneous 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 forming, 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, crystalline structure, and other similar properties by methods known in the art. Generally, cleaning compositions are substantially homogeneous with respect to the distribution of components throughout their mass and are dimensionally stable.

[0180] In the extrusion process, liquid and solid components are introduced into a final mixing system and continuously mixed until the components form a substantially homogeneous 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 molding means. The product is then packaged. In exemplary embodiments, the formed composition begins to harden into a solid state in approximately 1 minute to approximately 3 hours. More specifically, the formed composition begins to harden into a solid state in approximately 1 minute to approximately 2 hours. More specifically, the formed composition begins to harden into a solid state in approximately 1 minute to approximately 20 minutes.

[0181] In the casting process, the liquid and solid components are introduced into a final mixing system and continuously mixed until the components form a substantially homogeneous liquid mixture, in which case 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 state in approximately 1 minute to approximately 3 hours. More specifically, the cast composition begins to harden into a solid state in approximately 1 minute to approximately 2 hours. More specifically, the cast composition begins to harden into a solid state in approximately 1 minute to approximately 20 minutes.

[0182] In a press solid process, fluid solids, such as granular solids or other particulate solids, can be combined under pressure. In a press solid process, the fluid solids of the composition are placed within a mold (e.g., a mold or container). The method may include gently pressing the fluid solids within the mold to produce a utensil cleaning solid composition. Pressure can be applied by a block machine or rotary press, etc. The pressure may be applied at about 1 to about 3000 psi, about 5 to about 2500 psi, or about 10 to about 2000 psi. As used herein, the terms “psi” or “pounds per square inch” refer to the actual pressure applied to the fluid solid being pressed, and not to a gauge or water pressure measured at a point in the pressing apparatus. The method may include a curing step to produce a solid composition. Where referred to herein, an uncured composition containing fluid solids is compressed to provide sufficient surface contact between the particles constituting the fluid solids, which will cause the uncured composition to solidify into a stable solid composition. A sufficient amount of particles in contact with each other (e.g., granules) provides effective bonding of particles to each other to produce a stable solid composition. The inclusion of an optional curing step may include allowing the pressed solid to solidify for a period of time such as several hours or about a day (or longer). In additional embodiments, the method may include vibrating a fluid solid within a mold or formwork, such as the method disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,889,048, which is incorporated herein by reference in whole.

[0183] The use of pressed solids offers numerous advantages over conventional solid block or tablet compositions produced by extrusion, which requires casting that necessitates the melting of the composition under high pressure or significant energy consumption within a tablet press, and / or requires expensive equipment and advanced technical expertise. Pressed solids overcome the various limitations of other solid formulations, which are the very reasons why the need to produce solid compositions exists. Furthermore, pressed solid compositions retain their shape under conditions under which the composition may be stored or handled.

[0184] The term “solid” implies that the cured composition will not flow under moderate stress or pressure, or simply gravity, and will substantially retain its shape. The solid can be in various forms, such as powder, flakes, granules, pellets, tablets, lozenges, discs, briquettes, bricks, solid blocks, unit doses, or other solid forms known to those skilled in the art. The degree of hardness of solid cast compositions and / or pressed solid compositions can range from the hardness of relatively dense and hard fused solid products, such as concrete, to a density characterized as a cured paste. In addition, the term “solid” refers to the state of the composition under the expected storage and use conditions of the cleaning composition. Generally, cleaning compositions are expected to remain in a solid state even when exposed to temperatures up to approximately 37.8°C and specifically up to approximately 48.9°C.

[0185] The resulting solid composition may take the form of a cast solid product; an extruded, molded, or formed solid pellet, block, tablet, powder, granule, or flake; or a pressed solid; or the formed solid may subsequently be crushed or formed into a powder, granule, or flake. In exemplary embodiments, the extruded pellet material formed by the solidification matrix has a weight of approximately 50 grams to approximately 250 grams, the extruded solid formed by the composition has a weight of approximately 100 grams or more, and the solid block detergent formed by the composition has a mass of approximately 1 to approximately 10 kilograms. The solid composition provides a stabilized source of functional material. In some embodiments, the solid composition may be dissolved, for example, in an aqueous medium or other medium to produce a concentrated solution and / or a solution for use. The solution may be directed to a reservoir for later use and / or dilution, or it may be applied directly to the point of use.

[0186] The following patents disclose various combinations of solidifying agents, binders, and / or curing agents that can be used in solid compositions. A detailed description from the following U.S. patents is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patents Nos. 7,153,820, 7,094,746, 7,087,569, 7,037,886, 6,831,054, 6,730,653, 6,660,707, 6,653,266, 6,583,094, and 6,410,49 Patent No. 5, No. 6,258,765, No. 6,177,392, No. 6,156,715, No. 5,858,299, No. 5,316,688, No. 5,234,615, No. 5,198,198, No. 5,078,301, No. 4,595,520, No. 4,680,134, U.S. Reissue Patent No. RE32,763, and No. RE32818.

[0187] Instructions for use - Wash items inside the dishwasher. A method of using a solid dishwashing composition generally involves contacting an article with the dishwashing composition (in a concentrated or diluted form) and rinsing the dish. Any suitable dish may be washed. In a preferred embodiment, contact is made in a dishwasher, most preferably an under-counter dishwasher. In a preferred embodiment, the dishwashing composition provides a solution of use having a pH of about 9 to about 14 when dissolved. As discussed herein, the dishwashing composition preferably has a controlled dissolution rate and does not dissolve completely during a single wash cycle.

[0188] In a preferred use, the dishwashing solid composition is inserted into a dispenser in a dishwasher, most preferably an under-counter dishwasher, or a dispenser attached to such a dishwasher. In a preferred embodiment, the dishwashing solid composition may be provided in a multi-use dose having a dose of about 2 to about 100 washes, more preferably 3 to 70 washes, and most preferably 4 to 50 washes per solid composition. In another embodiment, the dishwashing solid composition may be formulated as a single-use composition that is used only once for washing.

[0189] The method may also include forming a working solution with a solid cleaning composition and water, bringing the dirt on articles in a dishwasher into contact with the cleaning solution, removing the dirt, and rinsing the articles with drinking water without requiring the use of a separate rinsing aid composition. Rinsing is performed with drinking water alone.

[0190] In another embodiment, the method of the present invention may include providing individual components of a solid composition for cleaning utensils separately, and mixing the individual components in situ with water to form a desired cleaning solution.

[0191] When carrying out the method of the present invention, the above-mentioned solid dishwashing composition is inserted into a dishwasher dispenser. The dispenser can be selected from a variety of different dispensers depending on the physical form of the composition. For example, liquid compositions can be distributed by discharging from a pressurized chamber or by diffusion through a membrane or permeable surface, using, for example, a peristaltic or bellows pump, syringe / plunger injection, gravity feed, siphon feed, aspirator, unit dose, using a water-soluble packet or foil pouch such as polyvinyl alcohol. If the composition is a gel or a thick liquid, the composition can be distributed by discharging from a pressurized chamber or by diffusion through a membrane or permeable surface, using a pump such as a peristaltic or bellows pump, syringe / plunger injection, caulking gun, unit dose using a water-soluble packet such as polyvinyl alcohol or foil pouch. Preferably, if the composition is solid or powder, the composition may be dispensed using a spray, flood, auger, shaker, tablet-type dispenser, a water-soluble packet such as polyvinyl alcohol or foil pouch, or by diffusion through a membrane or permeable surface. The dispenser may be a dual dispenser in which one component is dispensed on one side and the other component on the other side. These exemplary dispensers may be located in or associated with various dishwashers, including under-counter dishwashers, bar washers, door machines, conveyor machines, or flight machines. The dispenser may be located inside the dishwasher, in a separate location, or outside the dishwasher. A single dispenser may supply one or more dishwashers.

[0192] When the dishwashing solid composition is inserted into the dispenser, the dishwasher's washing cycle begins, and a washing solution is formed. The washing solution consists of the dishwashing solid composition and water from the dishwasher. The water can be any type of water, including hard water, soft water, clean water, or dirty water. The most preferred washing solution maintains a preferred pH range of about 7 to about 11.5, more preferably about 9.5 to about 11.5, when measured by a pH probe based on the solution of the composition in a 16-gallon dishwasher. Millivolts can be measured using the same probe if the probe allows for both functions, simply by switching the probe from pH to millivolts. The dispenser or dishwasher may optionally include a pH probe for measuring the pH of the washing solution throughout the washing cycle. The actual concentration or water-to-detergent ratio depends on the specific surfactant used. Exemplary concentration ranges may include up to 3000 ppm, preferably 1 to 3000 ppm, more preferably 100 to 3000 ppm, and most preferably 300 to 2000 ppm. Here again, the actual concentration used depends on the surfactant selected.

[0193] The solution used can be hot (i.e., heated to a high temperature when used according to the method of the present invention). In one example, a solution used having a temperature between about 45°C and about 100°C, or between about 140°F and about 185°F, is brought into contact with the substrate to be cleaned. In another example, a solution used having a temperature between about 50°C and about 85°C is brought into contact with the substrate to be cleaned.

[0194] After the cleaning solution is formed, it comes into contact with the dirt on the items in the dishwasher. Examples of dirt typically include food-related dirt such as protein stains, hydrophobic fatty stains, starchy and sugary stains related to carbohydrates and monosaccharides, dirt from dairy and dairy products, and dirt from fruits and vegetables. Minerals from hard water, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium, may also be included as dirt. Items that may come into contact include those made of glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, copper, brass, silver, rubber, wood, and ceramics. Items typically found in dishwashers include glass, bowls, plates, cups, pots and pans, heat-resistant items such as cookie sheets, cake pans, and muffin pans, silverware such as forks, spoons, and knives, and cooking utensils such as wooden spoons, spatulas, rubber scrapers, utility knives, tongs, grilling utensils, and serving utensils. The cleaning solution can come into contact with the dirt in several ways, including spraying, immersion, drain pump solution, misting, and atomization.

[0195] When a cleaning solution comes into contact with dirt, the dirt is removed from the article. The removal of dirt from an article is achieved by a chemical reaction between the cleaning solution and the dirt, as well as by the mechanical action of the cleaning solution on the article, depending on how the cleaning solution is in contact with the article.

[0196] Once the dirt is removed, the items are rinsed as part of a washing cycle in a dishwasher using drinking water, without the use of separate or additional rinsing aid compositions.

[0197] This method may include more or fewer steps than those shown herein. For example, this method may include additional steps typically associated with the dishwasher's washing cycle. For example, this method may also optionally include the use of an acidic detergent. For example, this method may optionally include alternating acidic detergents with alkaline detergents, as described herein.

[0198] Preferred Embodiment

[0199] This disclosure is further defined by the following numbered embodiments.

[0200] 1. A utensil cleaning composition comprising about 20% to about 80% by weight of an alkali metal carbonate, and about 0.1% to about 12% by weight of a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has a degree of ethoxylation of about 10 to about 20 moles, a degree of propoxylation of about 10 to about 20 moles, and a carbon chain length of about 5 to about 15, and a water quality adjuster, wherein the utensil cleaning composition is solid.

[0201] 2. The utensil cleaning composition according to Embodiment 1, wherein the solid is a pressed solid, a cast solid, or an extruded solid.

[0202] 3. The utensil cleaning composition according to Embodiment 2, wherein the solid is a pressed solid.

[0203] 4. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the water conditioner comprises a polycarboxylic acid polymer, a polycarboxylic acid copolymer, a polycarboxylic acid terpolymer, an aminocarboxylic acid or its salt, a phosphate, a phosphonate, or a mixture thereof.

[0204] 5. The utensil cleaning composition according to Embodiment 4, wherein the water conditioner is selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylic acid polymers, sodium triphosphate, phosphonates, aminocarboxylic acids or their salts, and mixtures thereof.

[0205] 6. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has about 12 to about 17 moles of ethoxylation, about 13 to about 19 moles of propoxylation, and a carbon chain length of about 7 to about 13.

[0206] 7. Fatty acid alcohol alkoxylates are C 10 A cleaning composition for utensils according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the utensil is a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate.

[0207] 8. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising a whitening agent.

[0208] 9. The utensil cleaning composition according to Embodiment 8, wherein the whitening agent is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 12% by weight.

[0209] 10. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising an etching protective agent.

[0210] 11. The etching protective agent is the utensil cleaning composition according to Embodiment 10, comprising sodium aluminate.

[0211] 12. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the alkali metal carbonate is a blend of light ash and heavy ash in a ratio of light ash to heavy ash between approximately 1:2 and approximately 1:15.

[0212] 13. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the water conditioner is present in an amount of about 10% to about 35% by weight.

[0213] 14. A utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate is present in an amount of about 3% to about 9% by weight.

[0214] 15. A utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, further comprising a corrosion inhibitor, a deposit inhibitor, a builder, a dye, an enzyme, a neutralizing agent, a deodorant, a disinfectant, or a mixture thereof.

[0215] 16. A utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the composition substantially does not contain an alkylalkoxylate.

[0216] 17. A utensil cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the composition does not contain phosphorus.

[0217] 18. The composition is a tableware cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17, which does not contain an additional surfactant.

[0218] 19. The composition is a tableware cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, which does not crack or break under ambient conditions.

[0219] 20. The composition is a tableware cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19, which has a controlled dissolution rate.

[0220] 21. Obtaining a solid premix, a liquid premix, and a fatty alcohol alkoxylate, wherein the solid mixture contains an alkali metal carbonate, the liquid premix contains a water conditioner, combining the solid premix, the liquid premix, and the fatty alcohol alkoxylate to form a mixture, and solidifying the mixture. A method for producing a tableware cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, including.

[0221] 22. The method according to Embodiment 21, wherein solidifying is pressing, casting, or extruding.

[0222] 23. The method according to Embodiment 22, wherein solidifying is pressing.

[0223] 24. A method for washing and rinsing tableware, including contacting the tableware with a tableware cleaning composition according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20 and rinsing the tableware.

[0224] 25. The method according to Embodiment 24, wherein the tableware includes one or more of glass, ceramic, plastic, and metal.

[0225] 26. The method according to Embodiment 24 or 25, wherein contacting is performed in a dishwasher.

[0226] 27. The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the dishwasher is an under-counter type dishwasher.

[0227] 28. The method according to any one of embodiments 24 to 27, wherein the utensil cleaning composition provides a working solution having a pH of about 9 to about 14.

[0228] 29. The utensil cleaning composition is the method according to any one of embodiments 24 to 28, having a controlled dissolution rate.

[0229] 30. The method according to Embodiment 29, wherein the utensil cleaning composition does not completely dissolve during a single cleaning cycle. [Examples]

[0230] Embodiments are further defined in the following non-limiting embodiments. These embodiments, while illustrating certain embodiments, should be understood to be provided merely as illustrations. From the above considerations and these embodiments, those skilled in the art can identify the essential features of this disclosure and make various changes and modifications to the embodiments to suit various uses and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, various modifications to the embodiments, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0231] Example 1 The basic concept of the applicability of the 2-in-1 chemical approach in commercial dishwashers was tested by directly adding new 2:1 detergent-rinse combinations, prepared according to Table 2, to the washing tank.

[0232] [Table 2]

[0233] The standard protocol for comparing detergent and rinse formulations / products in commercial dishwashers is as follows: Fill the machine with desalinated water, check the water level with a water meter, add 1.0 g / L of product to the washing tank, place a rack with one tray into the machine, start a 60-second washing cycle, open the washing machine after the rinsing arm stops after rinsing, carefully remove the rack from the washing machine, start a 60-second countdown, weigh the paper, after 60 seconds, carefully remove the tray from the rack, position the tray horizontally, and wipe off all water from the front with a wipe. Weigh the paper again and record the increase in weight. Repeat these steps and measurements 10 times for each formulation / product.

[0234] In this experimental setup, a constant detergent concentration of 1.0 g / L was applied directly to the washing tank, while either no rinsing aid was applied or a rinsing aid concentration of 0.3 g / L was used. The experiment was compared to an experiment using the same concentration of detergent (1.0 g / L) but without the rinsing additive present in the 2:1 formulation. Standard concentrations of dishwashing liquid detergent (2.0 g / L) and rinsing aid (0.3 g / L) were applied by directly adding them to the rinse water entering the dishwasher through the rinse arm, which is a standard protocol in commercial dishwashing processes and is in contrast to the 2-in-1 approach where the rinsing aid is added directly to the washing tank in addition to the detergent.

[0235] To record the rinsing effectiveness of rinsing aids used in different experiments (2-in-1 versus standard protocols with different concentrations, but using 0.3 g / L of rinsing aid), residual water remaining on polypropylene trays after a single washing cycle was detected. The products tested were as follows: a) Water (as baseline / control); b) A commercially available alkaline solid detergent (detergent 1) with a constant detergent concentration of 1.0 g / L (to compare results with a typical alkaline detergent), without additional rinsing additives; c) A commercially available liquid dishwashing detergent containing a commercially available rinse aid, having a constant detergent concentration of 2.0 g / L and a rinse aid concentration of 0.3 g / L; and d) A test composition of a 2:1 solid formulation having a constant detergent concentration of 1.0 g / L added to the washing tank without additional rinse products. The respective results can be seen in Table 3 and Figure 1.

[0236]

Table 3

[0237] As is clearly evident from the figure, by using a 2:1 solid formulation of 1.0 g / L, drying results similar to those obtained when using a 2.0 g / L liquid detergent and a 0.3 g / L rinse aid product (administered separately through the rinse arm) were found. Thus, the rinsing effect can be achieved with a 2-in-1 formulation containing each rinse surfactant added to the base detergent mixture simultaneously introduced into the washing tank.

[0238] Example 2 The 2:1 solid formulation in Table 2 was further evaluated. Table 4 shows the percentages of the basic formulation (base), liquid premix, and surfactant premix. The base and liquid premixes were prepared according to Tables 5 and 6. Various surfactants and combinations of surfactants as described in Table 7 were compared with each other for effectiveness.

[0239]

Table 4

[0240]

Table 5

[0241]

Table 6

[0242]

Table 7

[0243] The formulations referenced in Table 8 correspond to those in Tables 5-7, with Table 7 providing surfactants and Tables 5 and 6 providing solid (base) and liquid premixes used to prepare the formulations under test. Where ".1" is specified, the phosphorus formulations under test are shown in Tables 5 and 6 (including, e.g., STPP and HEDP). Where ".2" is specified, the formulation is phosphorus-free and contains neither phosphates nor phosphonates.

[0244] As shown in Figure 2 and Table 8, formulation 8.1 (with an EO surfactant of aliphatic alcohol C12-C14) yielded the best results, even better than the commercially available detergent and rinse aid formulation (Detergent 2). All formulations showed results equivalent to or better than the commercially available detergent formulation (Detergent 1).

[0245] Example 3 Press experiments were conducted to produce solid prototypes of formulations containing combinations of raw materials and liquid rinse aids in solid-based detergents, as described in Tables 4-7. The tests confirmed that the compositions could be successfully pressed.

[0246] Although the present invention has been described in this manner, it will be apparent that the same may vary in many ways. Such variations should not be considered departures from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims. The above specification provides a description of the manufacture and use of the disclosed compositions and methods. Many embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. From the foregoing, it can be seen that at least all of the purposes described in this disclosure can be achieved.

[0247] The “Scope” of this Disclosure is defined by the appended claims, together with the entire scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The Scope of this Disclosure shall further be deemed to include any possible modifications to any of the embodiments and / or models disclosed herein that would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, etc., that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A cleaning composition for utensils, Approximately 20% to 80% by weight of alkali metal carbonate, A fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate in an amount of approximately 0.1% to approximately 12% by weight, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has a degree of ethoxylation of approximately 10 to approximately 20 moles, a degree of propoxylation of approximately 10 to approximately 20 moles, and a carbon chain length of approximately 5 to approximately 15, and Contains water conditioners, The aforementioned cleaning composition is a solid cleaning composition.

2. The utensil cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the solid is a pressed solid, a cast solid, or an extruded solid.

3. The utensil cleaning composition according to claim 2, wherein the solid is a pressed solid.

4. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water conditioner comprises a polycarboxylic acid polymer, a polycarboxylic acid copolymer, a polycarboxylic acid terpolymer, an aminocarboxylic acid or its salt, a phosphate, a phosphonate, or a mixture thereof.

5. The cleaning composition for utensils according to claim 4, wherein the water conditioner is selected from the group consisting of polycarboxylic acid polymers, sodium triphosphate, phosphonates, aminocarboxylic acids or their salts, and mixtures thereof.

6. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate has about 12 to about 17 moles of ethoxylation, about 13 to about 19 moles of propoxylation, and a carbon chain length of about 7 to about 13.

7. The aforementioned fatty acid alcohol alkoxide is C １０ A utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the utensil cleaning composition is a fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate.

8. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a whitening agent.

9. The utensil cleaning composition according to claim 8, wherein the amount of the whitening agent is about 0.01% to about 12% by weight.

10. The object cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an etching protective agent.

11. The ware cleaning composition according to claim 10, wherein the etching protective agent comprises sodium aluminate.

12. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the alkali metal carbonate is a blend of light ash and heavy ash in a ratio of light ash to heavy ash between approximately 1:2 and approximately 1:

15.

13. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the water quality adjusting agent is present in an amount of about 10% to about 35% by weight.

14. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate is concentrated in a concentration of about 3% to about 9% by weight.

15. A utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a corrosion inhibitor, a deposit inhibitor, a builder, a dye, an enzyme, a neutralizing agent, a deodorant, a disinfectant, or a mixture thereof.

16. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the composition substantially does not contain an alkylalkoxylate.

17. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the composition does not contain phosphorus.

18. The aforementioned composition is a cleaning composition for utensils according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the composition does not contain additional surfactants.

19. The utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the composition does not crack or shatter under ambient conditions.

20. The composition is a cleaning composition for utensils according to any one of claims 1 to 19, having a controlled dissolution rate.

21. The objective is to obtain a solid premix, a liquid premix, and the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate, wherein the solid mixture contains the alkali metal carbonate and the liquid premix contains the water conditioner. The solid premix, the liquid premix, and the fatty acid alcohol alkoxylate are combined to form a mixture, The mixture is solidified, A method for producing the utensil cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising:

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein solidification is performed by pressing, casting, or extruding.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein solidification is performed by pressing.

24. A method for washing and rinsing objects, The aforementioned object is brought into contact with the object cleaning composition described in any one of claims 1 to 20, A method comprising rinsing the aforementioned object.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the object comprises one or more of glass, ceramic, plastic, and metal.

26. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the contact is performed inside a dishwasher.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the dishwasher is an under-counter type dishwasher.

28. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the utensil cleaning composition provides a working solution having a pH of about 9 to about 14 when dissolved.

29. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the utensil cleaning composition has a controlled dissolution rate.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the utensil cleaning composition does not completely dissolve during a single cleaning cycle.

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