Solid laundry composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid detergent composition, particularly to a solid detergent composition having a detergent particle with good dissolution properties. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition which has good dissolution profile. It was surprisingly found that when a solid detergent composition includes a co-granule having a combination of hydrotrope, specific dissolution aid and carbonate builder the solid detergent composition is storage stable, has good powder flow properties and provides good dissolution upon addition to water. Surprisingly the inventors found that there was no adverse effect during storage when the carbonate builder and the dissolution aid were provided in the co-granule.

Description

[0001] SOLID LAUNDRY COMPOSITION

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a solid detergent composition, particularly to a solid detergent composition having a detergent particle with good dissolution properties.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Detergent composition for laundry application typically uses linear alkyl benzene sulphonate as the primary surfactant.

[0006] Solid laundry detergent compositions are conventionally surfactant particle having low bulk density prepared by spray-drying process which particle are porous and amenable to dissolution in aqueous washing solutions. A second type of known solid laundry detergent composition is in the form of compact, high bulk density surfactant particle prepared by mixing and agglomeration process which are less porous. The porosity of the solid laundry detergent composition, which depends on the process for making the surfactant particle is one of the factors that determines the dissolution of the composition.

[0007] One of the concerns expressed by consumers of solid detergent composition, especially laundry detergent compositions, is the formation of residues or insoluble clumps of surfactant in the dispensing drawer, bottom of the bucket or on the fabric, in particular the composition forms gel residues. The formation of residues, insoluble clumps, or gels leads to incomplete delivery of the surfactant into the wash water and can lead to poorer cleaning performance unless the consumer adds extra laundry detergent composition to the wash.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to improve the delivery of detergent compositions to the wash. One approach to this problem has been to improve the solubility of the surfactant by changing the way in which the composition is formulated. However, even rapidly dissolving surfactants have the tendency to stick together to form gels or insoluble clumps upon first contact with water. The problem of poor delivery of the surfactant to the wash can also be addressed by improving the dispersion of the surfactant.

[0009] One solution to address dissolution of the detergent composition and particularly to address the problem of gel formation and poor dispensing is by the incorporation of a hydrotrope into the detergent composition comprising the surfactant. WO 95 / 23205 (1995, P&G) discloses a detergent agglomerate having sulphated surfactant system, hydrotrope and builder which provides for significantly improved dissolution of the anionic surfactant especially at 5°C to 30°C.

[0010] WO 98 / 44084 (1998, P&G) discloses a detergent composition with improved dispensing properties which comprises a detergent particle having anionic sulphonate surfactant and a hydrotrope.

[0011] WO 98 / 44085 (1998, P&G) discloses a granular detergent composition with improved dispensing properties which comprises a detergent particle having anionic sulphate surfactant and a hydrotrope.

[0012] However, the present inventors have found that dissolution is an issue when the solid laundry composition has an anionic surfactant in combination with a builder, particularly in presence of sodium carbonate, zeolite, or mixtures thereof. In presence of higher levels of anionic surfactant around 10 wt.% or more and / or higher levels of builder around 20 wt.% or more, the dissolution problem becomes even more apparent. Sodium carbonate is known to form hydrates in contact with water which are difficult to dissolve. Carbonate builder has been found to exhibit poor dissolution kinetics when cold water is employed for washing and may result in clumping of detergent which remain undissolved and may deposit on washed clothes as unsightly spots. Particularly in hard water conditions, the dissolution becomes even more difficult due to precipitation of calcium carbonate which interferes with the dissolution of the detergent particle. It was also found that zeolite may swell and reduce the water penetration into the detergent particle, which is particularly noticeable in hand washing conditions.

[0013] To address the above problem relating to dissolution issues of the detergent particle, one may reduce the levels of the zeolite or carbonate builder or both in the composition. However, any reduction in the level of the builders may impact the flowability, cleaning performance and the overall stability of the detergent composition.

[0014] It is therefore desired to address the dissolution issue which is particularly recognizable when builder is present in the composition along with anionic surfactant.

[0015] Accordingly, despite the disclosures in the art, there remains a need for a detergent composition which has improved solubility, especially in cold temperature washing conditions. There is also a need for detergent composition which provides improved solubility under different water conditions, particularly under high water hardness. Also, there is a need for a solid laundry detergent composition which exhibits improved biodegradability.

[0016] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition which has good dissolution profile.

[0017] It is thus also an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition which is free flowing and has good storage properties.

[0018] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition which has good dissolution properties while maintaining desired alkalinity levels.

[0019] Summary of the Invention

[0020] The present invention meets at least some of the needs identified above by providing a solid detergent composition which includes a co-granule having an anionic surfactant in combination with hydrotrope, a dissolution aid and a carbonate builder. The present inventors have found that when a solid laundry detergent composition includes a co-granule having intimately mixed anionic surfactant, hydrotrope, dissolution aid and carbonate builder it provides for good dissolution profile. It was surprisingly found that when the co-granule includes a combination of hydrotrope, dissolution aid, anionic surfactant, and carbonate builder is incorporated into a solid detergent composition, the composition is storage stable, has good powder flow properties, and provides good dissolution upon addition to water. Surprisingly the inventors found that there was no adverse effect during storage when the carbonate builder and the dissolution aid were provided in the co-granule.

[0021] According to the first aspect of the present invention, provided is a co-granule for a solid detergent composition, said co-granule comprises: i) an anionic surfactant; ii) an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii) a dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid, (b) a water- soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixture thereof; iv) an alkali metal carbonate and, v) 1 wt.% to 8 wt.% water. According to a second aspect of the present invention, provided is solid detergent composition comprising: i. anionic surfactant; ii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid, (b) a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixture thereof; and, iv. 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% alkali metal carbonate; wherein the composition comprises the co-granule according to the first aspect, said co-granule comprising (by weight of the co-granule): i. anionic surfactant; ii. an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid; (b) a water- soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 30 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixtures thereof; iv. alkali metal carbonate; and, v. 1 wt.% to 8 wt.% water.

[0022] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0023] According to the first aspect of the present invention disclosed is a co-granule having an anionic surfactant, a hydrotrope, a dissolution aid, and an alkali metal carbonate builder.

[0024] Co-granule

[0025] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the solid detergent composition includes a co-granule. As used herein, the term "co-granule" means a particle or granule which comprises more than one compound or component of the solid laundry composition. The term "granule" is to be interpreted broadly and is intended to encompass various particulate forms such as but not limited to granulate, coarse powder, extrudate, agglomerate, noodles and mixtures thereof. The co-granule refers to a solid matter which can be of various shapes such as spheres, rod, flakes of regular or irregular shapes, but they are not fibrous. The co-granule is free flowing. The co-granule is not in the form of a compacted powder. In the context of the present invention, the co-granule comprises an intimate mixture comprising anionic surfactant, an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group , a dissolution aid, and an alkali metal carbonate builder. Preferably the anionic surfactant, a hydrotrope, a dissolution aid and an alkali metal carbonate builder are present in intimate contact with each other.

[0026] The co-granule is preferably an agglomerated co-granule, spray-dried co-granule, extruded cogranule, and mixtures thereof. It is particularly preferred that the co-granule is an agglomerate co-granule.

[0027] The process of forming the co-granule preferably involves a step of agglomeration wherein preferably anionic surfactant, dissolution aid, alkali metal carbonate builder and an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group are intimately mixed. More preferably anionic surfactant, sodium carbonate builder, dissolution aid, and an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group are intimately and homogenously mixed to form the co-granule.

[0028] In one preferred process for forming the co-granule, the co-granule is formed preferably by a spray-drying step. The spray-drying step involves mixing the anionic surfactant or its acid precursor with the alkali metal carbonate to form a slurry which is then spray dried followed by intimate mixing with the aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group, and dissolution aid. Also, preferably the aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group, dissolution aid are added to the slurry before spray-drying. The spray-drying process of forming the co-granule involves preferably spraying the acid precursor of the anionic surfactant or its salt form onto alkali metal carbonate, or preferably the sodium carbonate builder along with continuous mixing. The aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group, dissolution aid is added to the mixture either before or after spraying the mixture of anionic surfactant and the alkali metal carbonate. Preferably the aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group, dissolution aid and the salt or acid form of the anionic surfactant are added in separate step during the process.

[0029] The present inventors have found that preferably in presence of 10 wt.% or more of anionic surfactant, particularly sulphonate surfactant, sulphate surfactant and mixtures thereof, the cogranule dissolution issues become apparent, the issue becomes even more prominent in presence of higher levels of alkali metal carbonate that is when the alkali metal carbonate is preferably in an amount of 10 wt.% and at these higher levels of either or both the anionic surfactant and the builder the combination of hydrotrope and the dissolution aid provides improved dissolution behavior. The co-granule was also found to have lower bulk density and had good flow properties even over extended storage period. The combination of hydrotrope and the dissolution aid also provided for better dissolution of alkali metal carbonate and anionic surfactant even in hard water conditions and low agitation of the wash liquor.

[0030] Preferably the co-granule comprises zeolite. Preferably the co-granule comprises from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% zeolite, still more preferably from 0 wt.% to 15 wt.%, still more preferably from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.%. Still preferably the co-granule has less than 4 wt.% zeolite. When the cogranule is formed by the spray-drying process, it is preferred that the co-granule has a zeolite content ranging from 0 wt.% to 15 wt.%, preferably 0 wt.% to 12 wt.%, preferably 0 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably from 1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably less than 5 wt.% zeolite, still preferably less than 4 wt.% zeolite, more preferably 0 wt.% zeolite. In an agglomerate cogranule, it is preferred that the co-granule has a zeolite content ranging from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably 1 wt.% to 15 wt.%, preferably 1 wt.% to 12 wt.%, preferably 1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably less than 10 wt.% zeolite, preferably 1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, also preferably 1 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably less than 4 wt.% zeolite, more preferably 0 wt.% zeolite.

[0031] Preferably the co-granule has less than 4 wt.% phosphate builder. Phosphate salts may even be completely absent from the co-granule and / or detergent composition of the invention. More preferably the co-granule has 0 wt.% phosphate builder, particularly 0 wt.% STPP.

[0032] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have surprisingly found that preferably when the anionic surfactant, dissolution aid, hydrotrope and the alkali metal carbonate are in the co-granule it allowed good dissolution of the overall detergent composition having the sodium carbonate.

[0033] Zeolite in addition to acting as a builder for the surfactant also improves the flowability of solid detergent composition. However, it was found that when the co-granule includes a zeolite, the zeolite may swell and act as a barrier which inhibits the water penetration into the co-granule resulting in the dissolution issues. The dissolution issues are addressed by the co-granule of the present invention which includes a combination of a hydrotrope and dissolution aid in a cogranule comprising anionic surfactant and preferably zeolite. Preferably the co-granule according to the present invention may be in the form of a low pH cogranule. The low pH co-granule preferably has a pH of 6.5 to 9 when measured using a 1 wt.% solution with distilled water at 25°C. The low pH co-granule may preferably include an organic carboxylic acid, or a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof. Preferably the low pH co-granule may be spray-dried, agglomerated or mixtures thereof. Preferably spray-dried co-granule which further comprises an organic carboxylic acid, or a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof. The low pH co-granule may also preferably include silica, preferably the silica is in-situ formed.

[0034] Preferably the co-granule may include fillers selected from the group consisting of sulphate salt, chloride salt, silicate salt and mixtures thereof. More preferably the fillers may comprise sodium sulphate, sodium chloride, sodium silicate and mixtures thereof. Also preferred is a mixture of sodium sulphate and sodium chloride. Preferably the co-granule includes from 5 to 70 wt.% sodium sulphate, 5 to 70 wt.% sodium chloride or 5 to 70 wt.% of a mixture of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate. Preferably the co-granule includes from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% sodium silicate, more preferably spray-dried co-granule includes from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.% sodium silicate.

[0035] Anionic surfactant:

[0036] According to the first aspect of the present invention the co-granule includes an anionic surfactant. Suitable anionic surfactants may be chosen from the surfactants described "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1 , by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958, in the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company or in "Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981 or in Anionic Surfactants: Organic Chemistry edited by Helmut W. Stache (Marcel Dekker 1996).

[0037] The anionic surfactant may be sulphonated or sulphate surfactant. Preferably the anionic surfactant may be an alkoxylated anionic surfactant. The sulphonate or sulphate surfactant may be linear or branched. The anionic surfactant preferably comprises a sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. More preferably the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant has a linear alkyl group comprising from C to C22 alkyl group, more preferably from C10 to Cis alkyl group, more preferably from C10 to Cw alkyl group still more preferably from Cw to Cw alkyl group.

[0038] Sulphonate surfactant: Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is an alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the alkyl chain in the alkyl benzene sulphonate is straight or branched, more preferably linear. Preferably the sulphonate surfactant is a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate with a Cw to Cw alkyl group, still preferably Cw to C14 alkyl group and most preferably Cw to Cw linear alkyl benzene sulphonate. Preferably the higher linear alkyl benzene sulfonate is a sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS), which preferably has a straight chain alkyl radical of average length of about 11 to 13 carbon atoms. Suitable alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) is obtainable, preferably obtained, by sulphonating commercially available linear alkyl benzene (LAB); suitable LAB includes low 2-phenyl LAB, other suitable LAB includes high 2-phenyl LAB, such as those supplied by Sasol under the tradename Hyblene®.

[0039] Preferably Cw to Cw alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), still preferably Cw to C14 alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), still preferably the benzene sulfonate (LAS) has at least 50 wt.% of Cw alkyl benzene sulfonate, still preferably 80 wt.% Cw alkyl benzene sulfonates. The alkyl benzene sulphonate is preferably in the salt form with the cation selected from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or alkanolamine. Preferably alkali metal selected from sodium or potassium, most preferably sodium.

[0040] Preferably the co-granule includes from 1 wt.% to 50 wt.% surfactant, more preferably where the anionic surfactant is alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. More preferably the alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant is linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant. Preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant ranges from 1 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still preferably from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.%, more preferably 8 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still more preferably from 10 wt.% to 50 wt.%. Still preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is preferably in an amount ranging from 1 wt.% to 40 wt.%, still preferably from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.%, more preferably 8 wt.% to 40 wt.%, still more preferably from 10 wt.% to 40 wt.%, more preferably from 10 wt.% to 30 wt.%, still more preferably from 10 wt.% to 25 wt.%. Preferably the amount of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant in the detergent particle is not less than 1 wt.%, still preferably not less than 5 wt.%, more preferably not less than 8 wt.%, still more preferably not less than 10 wt.%, but typically not more than 45 wt.%, preferably not more than 40 wt.% or still preferably not more than 30 wt.%.

[0041] Other suitable sulphonate surfactants include methyl ester sulphonates, alpha olefin sulphonates, modified alkylbenzene sulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99 / 05243, WO 99 / 05242 and WO 99 / 05244 and mixtures thereof.

[0042] Sulphate surfactant: Suitable sulphate surfactants include alkyl sulphate, preferably Cs to Cis alkyl sulphate, or predominantly C12 to C18 alkyl sulphate. The alkyl sulphate, alkyl alkoxylated sulphate may be linear or branched, substituted or un-substituted. The alkyl sulphate, alkyl alkoxylated sulphate and alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant may be derived from petrochemical material, biomaterial, or a waste material.

[0043] Specific sulphated anionic surfactants which can be used in the solid laundry composition of the present invention include sulphated ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated fatty alcohols, preferably linear primary or secondary monohydric alcohols with C10 to C18, preferably C12 to C16, alkyl groups and, if ethoxylated, on average from 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) per mole of alcohol, and sulphated ethoxylated alkylphenols with Cs to C16 alkyl groups, preferably Cs to C9 alkyl groups, and on average from 4 to 12 moles of EO per mole of alkyl phenol. A preferred sulphate detersive surfactant is alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate has an average degree of alkoxylation of from 0.5 to 20, preferably from 0.5 to 10, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate is a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 10, preferably from 0.5 to 5, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 and most preferably from 0.5 to 1.5.

[0044] Nonlimiting examples of sulphate anionic surfactants useful herein include: C10 to C20 primary, branched chain and random alkyl sulfates (AS); C10 to Cis secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates; C10 to Cis alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AES) wherein x is from 1-30; mid-chain branched alkyl sulfates as discussed in US 6,020,303 and US 6,060,443; mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfates as discussed in US 6,008, 181 and US 6,020,303.

[0045] The co-granule according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably comprises from

[0046] 1 wt.% to 50 wt.% of anionic surfactant, most preferably from 1 wt.% to 40 wt.% anionic surfactant. Preferably the co-granule comprises at least 4 wt.%, still preferably at least 5 wt.%, still preferably at least 8 wt.%, still preferably at least 10 wt.%, still more preferably at least 12 wt.% of the anionic surfactant, most preferably at least 15 wt.% of the anionic surfactant, but typically not more than 45 wt.%, still preferably not more than 40 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 35 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 30 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 25 wt.% of an anionic surfactant based on the weight of the co-granule. Preferably a spray-dried co-granule comprises 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% anionic surfactant. Typically, an agglomerate co-granule comprises from 5 wt.% to 30 wt.% anionic surfactant.

[0047] Preferably the total anionic surfactant includes 0 wt.% to 25 wt.% alkyl sulfate surfactant, preferably 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% alkyl sulfate surfactant, preferably primary alkyl sulphate surfactant (PAS). The total anionic surfactant may also preferably include from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% MES, more preferably 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% MES. The anionic surfactant may include an alkyl alkoxylate sulphate surfactant, preferably an alkyl ethoxylate sulphate surfactant with 1 to 7EO group, still preferably a sodium lauryl ether sulphate with 1 to 7 EO, still preferably SLES 1 to 3 EO, preferably included in the composition in an amount from 0 wt.% to 15 wt.%, preferably 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% SLES, still preferably 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% SLES. Preferably the detergent composition includes alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant as the sole anionic surfactant or the anionic surfactant is the mixture of alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant primary alkyl sulphate surfactant (PAS). In still other embodiments the alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant and / or primary alkyl sulphate surfactant (PAS) is present in combination with other sulphonate surfactant, sulphate surfactant or alkyl alkoxylate sulphate surfactant.

[0048] Preferably the anionic surfactant includes a combination of alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant and alkoxylated alkyl sulphate surfactant wherein the ratio of the alkoxylated alkyl sulphate surfactant to alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant is from 30:70 to 40:60.

[0049] Hydrotrope:

[0050] According to the first aspect, the present invention provides a co-granule comprising an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group hydrotrope. The hydrotrope is an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group.

[0051] Suitable example of unsubstituted aryl sulphonate includes benzene sulphonate, preferably sodium benzene sulphonate. Suitable example of Ci to C4 alkyl group substituted aryl sulphonate includes toluene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate, cumene sulphonate preferably their sodium salt. The term sulphonate include sulphonic acid. The hydrotrope is preferably present in the salt form which includes alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, alkyl amine or ammonium salt of the sulphonic acid. More preferably sodium salt.

[0052] More preferably the aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group hydrotrope is selected from the group consisting of a salt of benzene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate, cumene sulphonate and mixtures thereof, more preferably the hydrotrope is a sodium cumene sulphonate, sodium toluene sulphonate, sodium xylene sulphonate and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group hydrotrope is sodium cumene sulphonate.

[0053] Preferably the co-granule according to the present invention includes from 0.2 wt.% to 10 wt.% aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% hydrotrope, still more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group, furthermore preferably from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.% an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 0.3 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.35 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.45 wt.%, most preferably at least 0.5 wt.% of the hydrotrope, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 6 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 4 wt.% and most preferably not more than 2 wt.%, hydrotrope by weight of the detergent composition. Still preferably when the co-granule is spray-dried or agglomerated co-granule with the level of inclusion of the aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group hydrotrope in the co-granule in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

[0054] Dissolution aid:

[0055] According to the first aspect, the present invention provides a co-granule comprising a dissolution aid. The dissolution aid is selected from the group consisting of (a) organic acid; (b) a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C, (c) a swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixtures thereof. Organic acid

[0056] Preferably the dissolution aid is organic acid. Preferably the organic acid is organic carboxylic acid. Preferably organic carboxylic acid is monomeric organic carboxylic acid, still preferably a monomeric organic polycarboxylic acid.

[0057] Suitable examples of the organic acid, more preferably organic carboxylic acid include but is not limited to formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, caprylic acid and lauric acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, chloroacetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, glyoxylic acid, acetoacetic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, adipic acid, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, phenylalanine, nicotinic acid, picolinic acid, fumaric acid, benzoic acid, succinic acid, dipicolinic acid, mellitic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, carboxymethoxysuccinic acid, alkenyl succinic acid and glycolic acid. Preferably, the organic acid, more preferably organic carboxylic acid is selected from the group citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, organic carboxylic acid is citric acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid. Most preferably organic carboxylic acid dissolution aid is citric acid.

[0058] Preferably the organic acid dissolution aid present in the co-granule is in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%. Preferably the co-granule comprises at least 0.6 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 1 wt.%, most preferably at least 1.5 wt.% of the organic acid dissolution aid, but typically not more than 15 wt.%, still preferably not more than 12 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 10 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 8 wt.% and most preferably not more than 5 wt.%, organic acid dissolution aid by weight of the co-granule. Preferred level of inclusion of the organic acid dissolution aid in the co-granule is in the range from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.%, still preferably 0.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%, still more preferably from 0.5 wt.% to 1.5 wt.%, still more preferably 1 wt.% to 2 wt.%.

[0059] Water-soluble organic salt.

[0060] Preferably the dissolution aid is a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water which is more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C, more preferably at least 50 g / 100 mL of water at a temperature of 25°C.

[0061] Preferably the water-soluble organic salt includes those selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salt of di-, tri- or tetracarboxylic acid. More preferably the water-soluble organic salt is an alkali metal salt of citric acid, acetic acid, mellitic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, carboxymethoxysuccinic acid, malonic acid, dipicolinic acid and alkenyl succinic acid. Most preferably the water-soluble organic salt is selected from an alkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt of citric acid, an alkali metal salt or alkaline earth metal salt of acetic acid, and mixtures thereof. Still more preferably the water-soluble organic salt is alkali metal salt of citric acid, most preferably citric acid.

[0062] Preferably the water-soluble organic salt includes aliphatic organic salt, aromatic organic salt, or mixtures thereof. More preferably the water-soluble organic salt includes sodium citrate dihydrate, urea, sodium acetate, sodium acetate trihydrate, or mixtures thereof. It is highly preferred that the water-soluble organic salt dissolves in water in an ionised form.

[0063] Preferably the water-soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid is present in the co-granule in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%. Preferably the co-granule comprises at least 0.6 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 1 wt.%, most preferably at least 1.5 wt.% of the organic acid dissolution aid, but typically not more than 15 wt.%, still preferably not more than 12 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 10 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 8 wt.% and most preferably not more than 5 wt.%, water-soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid by weight of the co-granule. Preferred level of inclusion of the water-soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid in the co-granule is in the range from 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%, still preferably 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably 1 wt.% to 3 wt.%.

[0064] Preferably the co-granule includes a mixture of the organic acid and water-soluble salt of organic acid as described hereinabove. Preferably the amount of the mixture of the organic acid and water-soluble salt of organic acid present in the co-granule ranges from 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%. Preferably the co-granule comprises at least 0.6 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 1 wt.%, most preferably at least 1.5 wt.% of the organic acid dissolution aid, but typically not more than 15 wt.%, still preferably not more than 12 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 10 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 8 wt.% and most preferably not more than 5 wt.%, of the mixture by weight of the co-granule. Preferred level of inclusion of the mixture of organic acid and the water-soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid in the co-granule is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%. Swellable dissolution aid

[0065] Preferably the dissolution aid is a swellable dissolution aid. By the term swellable it is meant to include any substance which increases its volume upon contact with water.

[0066] The swellable dissolution aid is preferably a polymer material. The polymer material is water- swellable. The water swellable polymeric dissolution aid are typically water insoluble and are generally dispersible in water. The polymers that swell on contact with water as well as those that facilitate water influx and / or efflux by forming channels in co-granule are preferred. Preferably the swellable dissolution aid has sufficient water absorptivity, the swellable dissolution aid can preferably absorb at least one time their own weight of water, preferably at least two times, still preferably at least three times, further preferably at least four times their own weight of water. Preferably the swellable dissolution aid has a water uptake of at least 14 grams of water per gram of the swellable dissolution aid. Examples of suitable swellable dissolution aid which is a polysaccharide includes starch, cellulose, and derivatives thereof, and alginate. Examples of suitable swellable dissolution aid which is a polyvinyl pyrrolidone includes cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0067] Preferably the swellable dissolution aid which is a polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of starch and its derivatives, alginate and derivatives thereof; cellulose and derivatives thereof; microcrystalline cellulose, and combinations thereof, preferably the polysaccharide is a is a cellulose ether, still preferably selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, , carboxy methyl cellulose and salts thereof.

[0068] Preferably the swellable dissolution aid which is a polysaccharide is selected from cellulose ether. Cellulose ethers are derivatives of cellulose, which are produced by partial or complete substitution of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxy groups in the cellulose. Kind of substituents, number of substituted hydroxy groups and their distribution in the cellulose ethers used according to the invention can be varied in wide ranges. Preferably, cellulose ethers are used, which are soluble in water. This is understood to mean a solubility of at least 1 gram of cellulose ether in 1 L of water of 25°C.

[0069] Non-limiting examples of cellulose ethers includes carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), methyl cellulose (MC), ethyl cellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) or hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). Other examples of cellulose ethers that can be used are mixed cellulose ethers, such as methyl ethyl cellulose (MEC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose or carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose.

[0070] Preferred is carboxymethylcellulose.

[0071] Examples of suitable swellable dissolution aid include starches, for example, maize, rice and potato starches and starch derivatives, such as Primojel™, carboxymethyl starch and Explotab™, sodium starch glycolate; celluloses, for example, Vivapur, Arbocel®-B and Arbocel®-BC (beech cellulose) , Arbocel®-BE (beech-sulphite cellulose) , Arbocel®-B-SCH (cotton cellulose), Arbocel®-FIC (pine cellulose) as well as further Arbocel® types from Rettenmaier and cellulose derivatives, for example Courlose™ and Nymcel™, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Ac-di-Sol™ cross-linked modified cellulose, and Hanfloc™ microcrystalline cellulosic fibres; and various synthetic organic polymers. These swellable dissolution aid are commercially available from suppliers which include Rettenmaier in Germany and FMC Corporation in USA. Other suitable swellable dissolution aid include methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cross-linked celluloses such as cross-linked carboxy methylcellulose (CMC), dextrans, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidones. More preferably the water swellable dissolution aid is selected from the group consisting of wholly or partially cross-linked polymer, still preferably from the group consisting of cross-linked cellulose, cross-linked sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, cross-linked starch, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, microcrystalline cellulose and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the polymeric swellable dissolution aid is microcrystalline cellulose, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone or mixtures thereof. Preferably the water-swellable swellable dissolution aid is modified cellulose. Preferably chemically modified to enhance its water uptake capacity. The chemically modified cellulose may have ionic substitutions, preferably it is nonionic. The water-swellable cellulosic polymeric dissolution aid is preferably not used in finely divided form, but instead it is converted to a coarser form, for example, by granulating or compacting, before being added to the premixes to be pressed.

[0072] Preferably the swellable dissolution aid is present in the co-granule in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%. Preferably the co-granule comprises at least 1 wt.%, still preferably at least 1.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 2 wt.%, most preferably at least 2.5 wt.% of the swellable dissolution aid, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 6 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 5 wt.% and most preferably not more than 3 wt.%, swellable dissolution aid by weight of the detergent composition. Preferred level of inclusion of the swellable dissolution aid in the solid detergent composition is in the range from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%. Alkali metal carbonate:

[0073] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the co-granule comprises an alkali metal carbonate. Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is sodium carbonate. Preferably in addition to the sodium carbonate builder the composition may also preferably include sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sesquicarbonate and mixtures thereof.

[0074] Preferably the alkali metal carbonate is present in the co-granule in an amount ranging from 10 wt.% to 60 wt.%, more preferably 10 wt.% to 50 wt.%. Preferably the co-granule comprises from 20 to 50 wt.%, still preferably from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.% alkali metal carbonate. Preferably the co-granule comprises at least 6 wt.%, still preferably at least 10 wt.%, still preferably at least 12 wt.%, most preferably at least 20 wt.% of the alkali metal, but typically not more than 55 wt.%, still preferably not more than 50 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 45 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 40 wt.% and most preferably not more than 35 wt.%, alkali metal carbonate by weight of the co-granule. Preferred level of inclusion of the alkali metal carbonate in the spray-dried co-granule is in the range from 5 wt.% to 60 wt.%. Preferred level of inclusion of the alkali metal carbonate in the agglomerated co-granule is in the range from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.%.

[0075] Preferably when the amount of the anionic surfactant in the co-granule is 10 wt.% or less, the amount of the alkali metal carbonate in the co-granule is preferably from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.%, more preferably from 10 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still preferably from 25 wt.% to 50 wt.% by weight of the co-granule. Still preferably the anionic surfactant is linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0076] Preferably when the amount of the anionic surfactant in the co-granule is 12 wt.% to 35 wt.%, more preferably from 12 wt.% to 30 wt.% then then co-granule preferably includes from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.%, more preferably from 35 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still preferably from 38 wt.% to 50 wt.% alkali metal carbonate by weight of the co-granule. Preferably where the anionic surfactant is an alkyl aryl sulphonate surfactant. Still preferably the anionic surfactant is linear alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant.

[0077] Preferably the co-granule further includes an alkaline source selected from the group consisting of alkali metal bicarbonate, alkali metal sesquicarbonate and mixtures thereof.

[0078] Preferably the co-granule does not include a perborate compound. Solid detergent composition

[0079] According to an aspect of the present invention provided is a solid detergent composition comprising: i. anionic surfactant; ii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid; (b) a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixtures thereof; iv. 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% alkali metal carbonate; wherein the composition comprises the co-granule according to the first aspect, said co-granule comprising (by weight of the co-granule): i. anionic surfactant; ii. an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: a. organic acid; b. a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; c. swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixtures thereof. iv. alkali metal carbonate; and, v. 1 wt.% to 8 wt.% water.

[0080] According to an aspect of the present invention provided is a solid detergent composition comprising: i. anionic surfactant; ii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid; (b) a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixtures thereof; iv. 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% alkali metal carbonate; wherein the composition comprises the co-granule according to the first aspect, said co-granule comprising (by weight of the co-granule): i. anionic surfactant; ii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.% dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: a. organic acid; b. a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; c. swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixtures thereof; iv. 5 wt.% to 60 wt.% alkali metal carbonate; and, v. 1 wt.% to 8 wt.% water.

[0081] Preferably the solid laundry composition includes a co-granule which includes from 10 wt.% to 60 wt. % alkali metal carbonate, still preferably from 12 wt.% to 60 wt. % alkali metal carbonate, still more preferably from 15 wt.% to 60 wt.%, still further preferably from 12 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still more preferably from 15 wt.% to 50 wt.% and most preferably from 15 wt.% to 50 wt.% alkali metal carbonate.

[0082] The solid detergent composition is preferably a laundry composition. The solid detergent composition according to the present invention may be made via a variety of conventional methods known in the art and those which includes but is not limited to the mixing of ingredients, including dry-mixing, compaction such as agglomerating, extrusion, tabletting, or spray-drying of the various compounds comprised in the detergent component, or mixtures of these techniques, whereby the components herein also can be made by for example compaction, including extrusion and agglomerating, or spray-drying. The detergent composition may be made by any of the conventional processes, especially preferred is the technique of slurry making and spray drying.

[0083] The compositions herein can take a variety of physical solid forms including forms such as powder, granule, ribbon, noodle, needle, paste, tablet, flake, pastille, and bar, and preferably the composition is in the form of powder, granules or a tablet, still preferably the composition is in the form of a powder. The composition may be in the form of a unit dose formulation, delayed delivery formulation, detergent contained on or in a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The composition according to the present invention may preferably be in a form selected from powder, unit dose or pouch form, tablet, gel, paste, bar, or flake. Preferably the composition is for manual-washing.

[0084] The compositions preferably have a bulk density of more than 350 grams / litre, more preferably more than 450 grams / litre or even more than 570 grams / litre.

[0085] The composition according to the present invention has a pH of from 8 to 13, preferably from

[0086] 8.5 to 12, when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C. The composition of the present invention preferably also includes further alkaline source which is selected from bicarbonates and semi-bicarbonates. The composition may preferably include a buffer.

[0087] In particular the solid laundry detergent composition may be in the form of a low pH composition having a co-granule as discussed above. The low pH solid detergent composition has a pH of

[0088] 6.5 to 9 when measured using a 1 wt.% solution with distilled water at 25°C. The low pH solid detergent composition may preferably include an organic carboxylic acid, or a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof.

[0089] More preferably the low pH solid detergent composition may include a spray-dried detergent low pH particle in addition to the co-granule as discussed above. The spray dried detergent particle preferably has a pH of 4 or more, more preferably a pH ranging from 4 to 8.5, still preferably 6 to 8.5, more preferably above 7, still preferably from 7 to 8.5 when measured using a 1 wt.% solution with distilled water at 25°C. Preferably the low pH spray-dried detergent particle may include an organic carboxylic acid, or a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, (d) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal and mixtures thereof.

[0090] The solid detergent composition of the present invention includes from 1 wt.% to 50 wt.% of anionic surfactant, more preferably from 2 wt.% to 50 wt.%, still preferably from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.%, also preferably from 5 wt.% to 35 wt.% anionic surfactant, also still preferably from 5 wt.% to 25 wt.% anionic surfactant. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 4 wt.%, still preferably at least 5 wt.%, still preferably at least 8 wt.%, still preferably at least 10 wt.%, still more preferably at least 12 wt.% of the anionic surfactant, most preferably at least 15 wt.% of the anionic surfactant, but typically not more than 45 wt.%, still preferably not more than 40 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 35 wt.%, still more preferably not more than

[0091] 30 wt.% and most preferably not more than 25 wt.%, still more preferably not more than

[0092] 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant based on the weight of the solid detergent composition.

[0093] The solid detergent composition of the present invention includes from 0.2 wt.% to 10 wt.% hydrotrope, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% hydrotrope, still more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.% hydrotrope. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 0.3 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.35 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.45 wt.%, most preferably at least 0.5 wt.% of the hydrotrope, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 6 wt.%, still more preferably not more than

[0094] 4 wt.% and most preferably not more than 2 wt.%, hydrotrope by weight of the detergent composition. Preferred level of inclusion of the hydrotrope in the solid detergent composition is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 2 wt.%.

[0095] Preferably the swellable dissolution aid is present in the solid detergent composition in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 1 wt.%, still preferably at least 1.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 2 wt.%, most preferably at least 2.5 wt.% of the swellable dissolution aid, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 6 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 5 wt.% and most preferably not more than 3 wt.%, swellable dissolution aid by weight of the detergent composition. Preferred level of inclusion of the swellable dissolution aid in the solid detergent composition is in the range from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

[0096] Preferably the water-soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid is present in the solid detergent composition is in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to

[0097] 5 wt.%. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 0.6 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 1 wt.%, most preferably at least 1.5 wt.% of the water soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 6 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 5 wt.% and most preferably not more than 3 wt.%, water-soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid by weight of the detergent composition. Preferred level of inclusion of the water- soluble salt of organic acid dissolution aid in the solid detergent composition is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%. Preferably the solid detergent composition includes a mixture of the organic acid and water-soluble salt of organic acid as described hereinabove. Preferably the organic acid dissolution aid present in the solid detergent composition is in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 0.6 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 1 wt.%, most preferably at least 1.5 wt.% of the organic acid dissolution aid, but typically not more than 8 wt.%, still preferably not more than 7.5 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 6 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 5 wt.% and most preferably not more than 3 wt.%, organic acid dissolution aid by weight of the detergent composition. Preferred level of inclusion of the organic acid dissolution aid in the solid detergent composition is in the range of 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

[0098] The detergent composition of the present invention includes from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% alkali metal carbonate. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 6 wt.%, still preferably at least 8 wt.%, still preferably at least 10 wt.%, most preferably at least 12 wt.% of the alkali metal carbonate, most preferably at least 15 wt.% of the alkali metal carbonate but typically not more than 38 wt.%, still preferably not more than 35 wt.%, most preferably not more than 30 wt.%, most preferably not more than 25 wt.% of alkali metal carbonate based on the weight of the solid detergent composition.

[0099] Preferred ingredients

[0100] Preferably the solid detergent composition of the present invention may include optional ingredients which may be selected from builders, cleaning ingredients, care ingredients, bleach, fragrances, polymers, enzymes, enzyme stabilizer, brightening agents, hueing agent, bleach, chelating agent, humectant, perfume, filler or carrier, an alkalinity system, a buffer or combinations thereof.

[0101] The solid detergent composition may preferably include builders selected from the group consisting of silicates, silica, zeolites, phosphates, or mixtures thereof. Yet others which may be present include organic builders which are not limited to as succinates, carboxylates, malonates, polycarboxylates, citric acid or a salt thereof.

[0102] Suitable silicates include the water-soluble sodium silicates with an SiO2:Na2O ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8, with ratios of from 1.6 to 2.4 being preferred, and 2.0 ratio being most preferred. The silicates may be in the form of either anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt. Sodium silicate with an SiC>2: Na2O ratio of 2.0 is the most preferred silicate. Silicates are preferably present in the detergent compositions in accordance with the invention at a level of from 2% to 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 5% to 40% by weight, even more preferably 7% to 20%.

[0103] The detergent composition according to the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 6 wt.% zeolite, still preferably from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% zeolite. Preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of zeolite builder. By substantially free it is meant that the composition does not include deliberately added zeolite.

[0104] The detergent composition according to the present invention includes from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder. Preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of phosphate builder. By substantially free it is meant that the composition does not include deliberately added phosphate.

[0105] Polymers:

[0106] The composition of the present invention may preferably include polymers which provide cleaning or care benefits. The cleaning polymer includes but is not limited to soil release polymer, carboxylate polymers, antiredeposition polymers, cellulosic polymers, care polymers, dye-transfer inhibiting polymer, amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers, clay soil cleaning polymers, soil suspending polymers or mixtures thereof.

[0107] Suitable carboxylate polymer includes polymers such as a maleate / acrylate random copolymer or polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers homopolymeric or copolymeric carboxylic acids, such as polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid. Preferred representatives of this group are sodium polyacrylate and sodium salts of acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymers.

[0108] Soil release polymers are designed to modify the surface of the fabric to facilitate the ease of removal of soil. Suitable soil release polymers are sold by Clariant under the TexCare® series of polymers, e.g., TexCare® SRN240. Other suitable soil release polymers are sold by Rhodia under the Repel-o-Tex® series of polymers, e.g., Repel-o-Tex® SF2. A preferred polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyester soil release polymer, both end-capped and non- end-capped sulphonated or unsulphonated PET / POET polymers. Preferably the levels of these soil release polymer in the adjunct particle is from 3 wt.% to 15wt.%. Anti-redeposition polymers are designed to suspend or disperse soil. Typically, antiredeposition polymers are polyethylene glycol polymers, polycarboxylate polymers, polyethyleneimine polymers or mixtures thereof. Such polymers are available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan®CP5 (neutralised form) and Sokalan®CP45 (acidic form). Suitable antiredeposition polymers are ethoxylated and or propoxylated polyethylene imine or polycarboxylate materials, for example, acrylic acid-based homo or copolymers available under the trademark ACLISOL from Dow Chemical, Alcosperse from Akzonobel or Sokalan from BASF.

[0109] Suitable care polymers include cellulosic polymers that are cationically modified or hydrophobically modified. Such modified cellulosic polymers can provide anti- abrasion benefits and dye lock benefits to fabric during the laundering cycle. Suitable cellulosic polymers include cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0110] Examples of suitable sequestering polymers are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering polymers sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates.

[0111] The cleaning composition is preferably substantially free of phosphate based sequestering polymers. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no phosphate based sequestering polymers is deliberately added.

[0112] Enzymes:

[0113] The composition of the present invention preferably includes one or more enzymes. Preferred examples of the enzymes include those which provide cleaning performance and / or fabric care benefits.

[0114] Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, xyloglucanase, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, G-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, and amylases, or mixtures thereof. A typical combination is an enzyme cocktail that may comprise, for example, a protease and lipase in conjunction with one or more of amylase, mannanase and cellulase. When present in a detergent composition, the aforementioned additional enzymes may be present at levels from about 0.00001% to about 2%, from about 0.0001% to about 1% or from 0.001% to about 0.5% enzyme protein by weight of the detergent composition. Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase®, Savinase®, Primase®, Durazym®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase Ultra®, Savinase Ultra®, Ovozyme®, Neutrase®, Everlase® and Esperase® by Novozymes A / S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxaca®l, Maxapem®, Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3®, FN4®, 10 Excellase® and Purafect OXP® by Genencor International, those sold under the tradename Opticlean® and Optimase by Solvay Enzymes. Suitable commercially available alpha-amylases include DURAMYL®, LIQUEZYME®, TERMAMYL®, TERMAMYL ULTRA®, NATALASE®, SUPRAMYL®, STAINZYME®, STAINZYME PLUS®, FUNGAMYL® and BAN® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), 15 KEMZYM® AT 9000 Biozym Biotech Trading GmbH Wehlistrasse 27b A-1200 Wien Austria, RAPIDASE®, PURASTAR®, ENZYSIZE®, OPTISIZE HT PLUS®, POWERASE® and PURASTAR OXAM® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California) and KAM® (Kao, 14-10 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, 1-chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-8210, Japan). In one aspect, suitable amylases include NATALASE®, STAINZYME and STAINZYME PLUS® and mixtures thereof. Preferred lipases would include those sold under the tradenames Lipex® and Lipolex®. Suitable endoglucanases are sold under the tradenames Celluclean® and Whitezyme® (Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). Other preferred enzymes include pectate lyases sold under the tradenames Pectawash®, Pectaway®, Xpect® and mannanases sold under the tradenames Mannaway® (all from Novozymes A / S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), and Purabrite® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California).

[0115] Enzyme stabilizing system:

[0116] The enzyme-containing compositions described herein may optionally comprise from 0.001% to 10%, by weight of the composition, of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive enzyme. Such stabilizing systems can, for example, comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acids, boronic acids, chlorine bleach scavengers and mixtures thereof, and are designed to address different stabilization problems depending on the type and physical form of the cleaning composition. In the case of detergent compositions comprising protease, a reversible protease inhibitor, such as a boron compound, including borate, 4-formyl phenylboronic acid, phenylboronic acid and derivatives thereof, or compounds such as calcium formate, sodium formate and 1,2-propane diol may be added to further improve stability.

[0117] Brightening agents:

[0118] Optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents may be incorporated at levels from 0.01% to 1.2%, by weight of the composition. Commercial brighteners suitable for the present invention can be classified into subgroups, including but not limited to derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, benzoxazoles, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiophene-5, 5- dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Preferred commercially available Brighteners includes Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation, Tinopal UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. The brighteners may be added in particulate form or as a premix with a suitable solvent, for example nonionic surfactant, monoethanolamine, propane diol.

[0119] Fabric hueing agents:

[0120] The composition may comprise a fabric hueing agent (sometimes referred to as shading, bluing or whitening agents). Typically, the hueing agent provides a blue or violet shade to fabric. Hueing agents can be used either alone or in combination to create a specific shade of hueing and / or to shade different fabric types. This may be provided for example by mixing a red and green-blue dye to yield a blue or violet shade. Hueing agents may be selected from any known chemical class of dye, including but not limited to acridine, anthraquinone (including polycyclic quinones), azine, azo (e.g., monoazo, disazo, trisazo, tetrakisazo, polyazo), including 30 premetallized azo, benzodifurane and benzodifuranone, carotenoid, coumarin, cyanine, diazahemicyanine, diphenylmethane, formazan, hemicyanine, indigoids, methane, naphthalimides, naphthoquinone, nitro and nitroso, oxazine, phthalocyanine, pyrazoles, stilbene, styryl, triarylmethane, triphenylmethane, xanthenes and mixtures thereof. Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, and organic and inorganic pigments.

[0121] Foam boosting agent:

[0122] The solid detergent composition according to the present invention preferably includes a foam boosting agent. The foam boosting agent used herein means an agent which can increase the level of foam produced in the aqueous solution of the detergent composition and / or increase the duration that the foam lasts by stabilizing the bubbles in the foam; compared to the foam of a composition that does not contain the foam boosting agent.

[0123] Non-limiting examples of the foam boosting ingredient includes isethionate surfactant, siloxane with polyoxyalkylene group, sulphated ethoxylated Cs to C Guerbet alcohol surfactant.

[0124] The isethionate surfactant is preferably a Cs to Cis isethionate surfactant. Still preferably an isethionate surfactant of the formula (I) wherein R1represents a C4 to 36 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; each of R2, R3, R4and R5independently represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci to 4 alkyl group and M+represents a cation.

[0125] Preferably R1is selected from a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl group. More preferably R1is selected from a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group. Preferably R1is an alkyl group. Most preferably R1is an unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group, especially an unsubstituted alkyl group. Preferably R1represents a Cs to 30 alkyl group, preferably a C7 to 24 alkyl group, more preferably a C? to 2i alkyl group, most preferably a Cs to i s alkyl group. Most preferably the isethionate surfactant is a Csto is isethionate surfactant.

[0126] In some embodiments R2represents a Cit04 alkyl group, suitably a Cit04 alkyl group in which a propyl or butyl group, when present, is straight-chained. Suitably R2may represent an n-propyl, ethyl or preferably, a methyl group. However, in preferred embodiments R2is hydrogen. Preferably R3represents a hydrogen atom. In some embodiments R4and R5represents a hydrogen atom and the other represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci to 4 alkyl group. Suitable one of R4and R5represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci to 4 alkyl group in which a propyl or butyl group is straight-chain. Preferably one of R4and R5represents an n-propyl, ethyl, or methyl group or, most preferably, a hydrogen atom. Most preferably both R4and R5represent hydrogen atoms. In especially preferred embodiments each of the R2, R3, R4and R5is hydrogen and the isethionate compound is of formula R1CO2CH2CH2SO3M.

[0127] Preferably M+represents a metal cation or an ammonium cation. Suitable metal cations include alkali metal cations, for example sodium, lithium and potassium cations, and alkaline earth metal cations, for example calcium and magnesium cations. Preferably M+represents a potassium cation, or, especially, a sodium cation.

[0128] Examples of the isethionate surfactant includes but is not limited to the group consisting of sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium hydrogenated cocoyl methyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium myristoyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl isethionate, sodium oleoyl methyl isethionate, sodium palm kerneloyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl methyl isethionate, sodium isethionate, dibromopropamidine diisethionate, hexamidine diisethionate, sodium methyl isethionate, and combinations thereof. Most preferably the composition of the present invention comprises sodium lauroyl isethionate and / or sodium cocoyl isethionate. The isethionate surfactant may further comprise one or more of sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate and sodium oleoyl methyl isethionate. Sodium cocoyl isethionate is especially preferred.

[0129] Suitable examples of the commercially available isethionate surfactants include sodium cocyl isethionate available under the tradename Pureact SNDT-LO, Pureact I-78 / 80, Pureact I-85EC, Pureact I-85E Flakes and Pureact I-85C from Innospec, Inc.

[0130] Another preferred foam boosting agent is the siloxane with a polyoxyalkylene group represented by the following general formula (I):

[0131] (R13-aYaSiOl / 2)j(R32-bYbSiO2 / 2)k(R22SiO2 / 2)P, (I) wherein:

[0132] R1is same or different and is selected from an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; or alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms comprising a functional group, or mixtures thereof;

[0133] Y is a polyoxyalkylene group having 19 to 30 oxyalkylene group,

[0134] R2and R3are same or different and is selected from an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; or alkyl, alkenyl or aryl alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms comprising a functional group, wherein, a is 0, 1 or 2, b is 1 or 2, where if a is 0 then p is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3, and if a is 1 or 2 then p is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50, j, k, are independent of each other and is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50, where either j or k or both is at least 1, with the proviso that the siloxane comprises at least one Y radical per molecule.

[0135] Yet another preferred foam boosting agent is the sulphated ethoxylated Cs to Cw Guerbet alcohol surfactant with a number average degree of ethoxylation in the range of 2.5 to 10, still preferably from 2.5 to 6, still preferably from 3 to 6, further preferably from 3 to 5, more preferably from 3 to 4.5. Most preferably the number average degree of ethoxylation is 4 or 5. Preferably the foam boosting agent is a sulphated ethoxylated C Guerbet alcohol surfactant with a number average degree of ethoxylation in the range from 3 to 6.

[0136] Preferably the solid detergent composition according to the present invention comprises from

[0137] 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.% foam boosting agent. Preferably the solid detergent composition comprises at least 0.05 wt.%, preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.15 wt.% and most preferably at least 0.2 wt.%, but typically not more than 4 w.t%, still preferably not more than

[0138] 3 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 2 wt.% and most preferably not more than 1.5 wt.% foam boosting agent.

[0139] Bleach:

[0140] The solid detergent composition of the present invention may include a bleach. The bleach is preferably selected from percarbonate bleach. More preferably a bleach activator is present. An example of bleach activator includes TAED.

[0141] Visual cues:

[0142] The solid detergent composition of the present invention may include visual cues. These are preferably coloured particles, more preferably coloured particles which have a colour contrasting with the remaining detergent composition. The visual cue may be of any shape. These includes spherical, rod shaped, square or triangle.

[0143] Clay:

[0144] The solid detergent composition according to the present invention may include a clay. Preferably the clay is a smectite clay, still preferably bentonite. Preferably the clay is present in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 5, still preferably 0.5 to 3, further preferably from 1 to 2.

[0145] Sequestrant:

[0146] The solid detergent composition according to the present invention may include a sequestrant. Preferably the sequestrant is HEDP, GDA, gluconate, GLDA or mixtures thereof. Preferably the sequestrant is present in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 3 wt.%, still preferably 0.1 to 3 wt.%, further preferably from 0.5 to 2 wt.% of the solid laundry detergent composition.

[0147] Additional surfactants:

[0148] In addition to the primary anionic detersive surfactant and the cosurfactant the detergent composition according to the present invention may include additional surfactants selected from but not limited to non-ionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant cationic surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, or mixtures thereof.

[0149] Non-ionic surfactant:

[0150] Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants include: C12 to C18 alkyl ethoxylates, Ce to C12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates wherein the alkoxylate units are a mixture of ethyleneoxy and propyleneoxy units; C12 to C18 alcohol and Ce to C12 alkyl phenol condensates with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block alkyl polyamine ethoxylates alkylpolysaccharides and ether capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants.

[0151] Cationic surfactant

[0152] Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include: the quaternary ammonium surfactants, which can have up to 26 carbon atoms include: alkoxylate quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants, dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium, dimethyl hydroxyethyl lauryl ammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants and cationic ester surfactants.

[0153] Zwitterionic surfactant

[0154] Non-limiting examples of zwitterionic or ampholytic surfactants include derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Examples of zwitterionic surfactants includes betaines, including alkyl dimethyl betaine and cocodimethyl amidopropyl betaine, Cs to C18 (for example from C12 to Cis) amine oxides and sulfo and hydroxy betaines, such as N-alkyl-N, N-dimethylammino-1-propane sulfonate where the alkyl group can be Cs to Cis and in certain embodiments from C10 to C14.

[0155] Moisture content:

[0156] The solid detergent composition includes from 1 to 3.5 wt.%, still preferably 1 to 3 wt.% water. Preferably the solid detergent composition is either agglomerated or spray-dried.

[0157] Alkaline earth metal salt of carbonate

[0158] The solid detergent composition according to the present invention may preferably include an alkaline earth metal salt of carbonate. Preferably the alkaline earth metal salt of carbonate includes calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate or mixtures thereof. The detergent composition preferably includes a flow aid selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, double salt of calcium and magnesium carbonate, dolomite, calcite or mixture thereof. Without being bound by theory it is believed that alkaline earth metal salt of carbonate provides as a flow aid and ensures free flowing characteristics of the solid laundry detergent composition. It was further found that the addition of the alkaline earth metal salt of carbonate does not negatively impact the dissolution properties of the composition. Preferably the calcium carbonate is selected from ground natural calcium carbonate (GNCC) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). Preferably the calcium carbonate is finely divided. The calcium carbonate may preferably be surface treated. The calcium carbonate may preferably have a specific surface area ranging from 5 to 200 m2 / g measured using nitrogen and the BET method according to ISO 9277:2010. Preferably the calcium carbonate has specific pore volume in the range from 0.1 to 2.3 cm3 / g calculated from mercury porosimetry measurement.

[0159] Any crystalline form of calcium carbonate may be used or a mixture thereof, these includes calcite, aragonite, vaterite, but calcite is preferred because aragonite and vaterite appear to be more difficult to prepare with high surface areas. Calcium carbonate can be prepared conveniently by precipitation processes, for example by passing carbon dioxide into a suspension of calcium hydroxide, or by reaction between any fairly soluble calcium salt and a soluble carbonate salt, for example calcium sulphate or calcium hydroxide with sodium carbonate, after which the calcium carbonate needs to be filtered from the reaction medium and then dried. Suitable forms of calcium carbonate, especially calcite, are commercially available. The calcium carbonate is preferably in substantially pure form, but this is not essential, and the calcium carbonate used may contain minor amounts of other cations with or without other anions.

[0160] The detergent composition of the present invention includes from 0.1 wt.% to 40 wt.% alkaline earth metal carbonate, preferably calcium carbonate. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 0.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 1 wt.%, still preferably at least 2 wt.%, most preferably at least 5 wt.% of the alkaline earth metal carbonate salt, but typically not more than 38 wt.%, still preferably not more than 35 wt.%, most preferably not more than 30 wt.% of alkaline earth metal carbonate based on the weight of the solid laundry detergent composition.

[0161] The alkaline earth metal carbonate may also preferably be magnesium carbonate or a double salt of calcium and magnesium carbonate. Preferably the detergent composition includes dolomite at levels ranging from 1 wt.% to 20 wt.%.

[0162] Inorganic filler:

[0163] The solid detergent composition may preferably include fillers. Preferably the fillers are selected from the group consisting of sulphate salt, chloride salts and mixtures thereof. Preferably the fillers include sodium sulphate, sodium chloride and mixtures thereof. Preferably the solid detergent composition includes from 5 to 70 wt.% sodium sulphate, 5 to 70 wt.% sodium chloride, or 5 to 70 wt.% of a mixture of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate. Preferably the solid detergent composition includes from 0 to 20 wt.% silicate salt, preferably sodium silicate.

[0164] Layering agent:

[0165] Optionally, a "layering agent" or "flow aid" may be introduced at any appropriate stage in the process of the invention. This is to improve the granularity of the product, e.g., by preventing aggregation and / or caking of the granules. Any layering agent flow aid is suitably present in an amount of 0.1 wt.% to 15 wt.% of the solid laundry composition and more preferably in an amount of 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

[0166] Suitable layering agents / flow aids include crystalline or amorphous alkali metal silicates, aluminosilicates including zeolites, citrates, calcite, diatomaceous earths, silica, for example precipitated silica, chlorides such as sodium chloride, sulphates such as magnesium sulphate, carbonates such as calcium carbonate and phosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphate. Mixtures of these materials may be employed as desired.

[0167] Zeolite MAP is especially useful as a layering agent. Layered silicates are also useful as layering agents. Powder flow may also be improved by the incorporation of a small amount of an additional powder structurant, for example, a fatty acid (or fatty acid soap), sugar, an acrylate or acrylate / maleate polymer, or sodium silicate which is suitably present in an amount of from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

[0168] Methods of laundering:

[0169] According to a second aspect of the present invention, disclosed is a method for laundering a textile surface with the detergent composition according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising the steps of: i) preparing an aqueous wash liquor by contacting the detergent composition according to the first aspect with a liquid; ii) soaking said textile surface in the wash liquor for a predetermined period of time; and, iii) optionally rinsing the textile surface.

[0170] The compositions are preferably employed at concentrations of from about 200 ppm to about 15,000 ppm in solution. The water temperatures preferably range from about 5°C to about 100°C. Machine laundry methods herein typically comprise treating soiled laundry with an aqueous wash solution in a washing machine having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of the detergent composition in accordance with the invention. By an effective amount of the detergent composition, it is meant from 20 g to 300 g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 5 to 65 liters, as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine laundry methods. Handwashing methods, and combined handwashing with semiautomatic washing machines are also included.

[0171] According to a third aspect of the present invention disclosed is the use of an anionic detersive surfactant selected from sulphate surfactant, sulphonate surfactant or mixtures thereof, sodium carbonate and a hydrotrope in a detergent composition to provide improved dissolution of the composition in wash liquor. More preferably the improved dissolution in cold water having a temperature ranging from 6°C to 25°C.

[0172] The invention will now be illustrated more fully with the aid of the following non-limiting examples. It will be appreciated that other modifications of the present invention within the skill of those in the art can be undertaken without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. All of the formulations exemplified hereinafter are prepared via conventional formulation and mixing methods unless specific methods are given. All parts, percentages, and ratios herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.

[0173] Examples

[0174] Example 1: Different detergent compositions were prepared by mixing the ingredients mentioned in table 1 to form a solid detergent composition comprising a co-granule.

[0175] The solid detergent compositions were studied for their dissolution rate by following the below protocol.

[0176] 5L of deionized water was added to the mini washing machine (YISHIIN Model: A13JJ, Capacity 2.5 Kg). Concentrated stock solution of hard water was added to obtain desired water hardness (24FH, Calcium to Magnesium ratio of 2:1). The temperature of the water in the washing machine was recorded and maintained at 24°C. The washing machine was closed, and the timer knob was started and agitation (clockwise and anti-clockwise which is approx. 10 seconds) for one pulse was done to mix the water. The timer knob was then turned off and the lid was opened, and 25 grams of the detergent composition was added in the mini washer. After adding the detergent at the bottom of the washing machine the lid wass closed and the stopwatch was started. The timer knob was turned on and the machine was run for one pulse (clockwise and anti-clockwise approximately for 10 seconds) and then the timer knob was turned off. The content of the machine was then left undisturbed. The samples from 5 different locations were collected at regular time intervals (30 sec, 120 sec, 300 sec, 900 sec and 1800 sec).

[0177] A sample of the solution was filtered using a syringe filter. The aliquots were taken, and the AD content was measured using the hyamine titration method.

[0178] At the end of 1800 seconds (30 mins), the wash liquor was filtered through pre-weighed black knitted polyester fabric, and the powder residue was collected by rinsing with deionized water. The fabric was dried overnight to collect the residue.

[0179] Measurement of the total AD (Total active detergent) content:

[0180] 1 L of deionized water was taken in a beaker and kept for stirring by placing it in a magnetic stirrer. 1 gram of the detergent composition was added to the same beaker and mixed for 2 hours under agitation. After completion of 2 hours, aliquot was taken using a pipette and titrated using hyamine titration.

[0181] % Dissolved AD was calculated as follows:

[0182] % dissolved AD = (BR x M x Vi x Mw) / (10 x V2x W) where:

[0183] BR = Titre reading

[0184] M = Molarity of Hyamine

[0185] Vi = Volume of water in the beaker

[0186] Mw = Molecular weight of the AD (Anionic surfactant or active detergent)

[0187] V2= Volume of aliquot taken for titration

[0188] W = weight of powder

[0189] % Dissolution at any given time = (% dissolved AD X 100) / (Total AD)

[0190] The residue amount was measured by gravimetry. The weight of the dry black fabric with residue and the weight of the black fabric at start was measured and the residue amount was calculated as follows. The weight of the detergent composition taken in the analysis was also recorded (Rd) Residue (R, in grams) = Weight of dry fabric with residue (Ri) - Weight of fabric at the start (Ro)

[0191] Residue (%): Weight of dry fabric with residue (R-i ) - Weight of fabric at the start (Ro)

[0192] Amount of detergent composition taken (Rd)

[0193] Table 1

[0194] *Sodium cumene sulphonate (SCS)

[0195] The data in table 1 shows that when the composition has a co-granule having a combination of hydrotrope and the dissolution aid according to the present invention (Ex 1), the solid detergent composition has good dissolution properties in presence of carbonate builder as compared to the comparative solid detergent composition (Ex A, Ex B, Ex C and Ex D).

[0196] Further the residue content on the fabric left behind by the composition according to the present invention (Ex 1) is much lower than the comparative composition (Ex A, Ex B, Ex C and Ex D).

[0197] Example 2: Evaluation of different solid laundry composition comprising the co-granule according to the present invention and solid laundry composition without the co-granule Different solid laundry compositions according to the present invention included a co-granule comprising anionic surfactant, an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; a dissolution aid; and alkali metal carbonate. The co-granule was formed by intimately mixing the ingredients present in the co-granule in a mixer to form an agglomerated co-granule. The co-granule was then combined with other ingredients added to the solid laundry detergent composition to form a composition according to the present invention. (Ex 2 to Ex 5).

[0198] Comparative solid laundry compositions (Ex F to Ex I) were prepared such that the dissolution aid was not present in the co-granule. The co-granule including anionic surfactant, an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; and alkali metal carbonate and the co-granule formed by intimately mixing the ingredients present in the co-granule in a mixer to form an agglomerated co-granule. The co-granule was then combined with the dissolution aid and the other ingredients present in the solid laundry detergent composition to form a comparative solid laundry composition.

[0199] Each composition was evaluated for the % residue content and the dissolution % using the same method described in Example 1.

[0200] Table 2 -Solid laundry composition The data in table 2 shows that when the composition has a co-granule having a combination of an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group and the different dissolution aid according to the present invention (Ex 2 to Ex 5), the solid detergent composition having anionic surfactant has good dissolution properties in presence of carbonate builder as compared to the comparative solid detergent composition (Ex F to Ex I) which does not have a co-granule which has the dissolution aid in the co-granule along with anionic surfactant, alkali metal carbonate and the aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group. Further the residue content on the fabric left behind by the composition according to the present invention (Ex 2 to Ex 5) is much lower than the comparative composition (Ex F to Ex I).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A co-granule for a solid detergent composition, said co-granule comprises: i. an anionic surfactant; ii. an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. a dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid; (b) a water- soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone and mixtures thereof; iv. alkali metal carbonate; and, v. 1 wt.% to 8 wt.% water.

2. A co-granule according to claim 1 wherein the co-granule comprises an inorganic material selected from the group consisting of zeolite, calcite, sodium sulphate, and mixtures thereof.

3. A co-granule according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of dicarboxylic acid, tricarboxylic acid, and mixture thereof.

4. A co-granule according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the swellable dissolution aid which is a polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of starch and its derivatives, alginate and derivatives thereof; cellulose and derivatives thereof; microcrystalline cellulose, and combinations thereof, preferably the polysaccharide is a cellulose ether, still preferably selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose and salts thereof.

5. A co-granule according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the swellable dissolution aid is a polyvinyl pyrolidone more preferably cross linked polyvinyl pyrolidone homopolymer.

6. A co-granule according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the water-soluble organic salt is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salt of di / tri carboxylic acid, more preferably selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salt of citric acid, alkali metal salt of acetic acid and mixtures thereof.

7. A co-granule according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the co-granule is in the form of an agglomerate, spray-dried form, preferably agglomerate form.

8. A co-granule according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the co-granule is a low pH co-granule having a pH ranging from 6 to 9 when measured using a 1 wt.% solution in distilled water at 25°C; preferably the low pH co-granule comprises a salt of organic carboxylic acid selected from (a) organic carboxylic acid salt of aluminium, (b) organic carboxylic acid salt of alkaline earth metal, (c) an aluminium complex of organic carboxylic acid, preferably the salt of organic carboxylic acid is present in combination with organic carboxylic acid salt of alkali metal.

9. A co-granule according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aryl sulphonate is selected from the group consisting of a benzene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate, cumene sulphonate and salts / mixtures thereof.

10. A co-granule according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anionic surfactant is present in an amount ranging from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.%, preferably from 5 wt.% to 30 wt.%.

11. A co-granule according to any one of the preceding claims wherein when the amount of the anionic surfactant in the co-granule is 10 wt.% or less, the amount of the alkali metal carbonate in the co-granule is preferably from 5 wt.% to 50 wt.% and when the amount of the anionic surfactant in the co-granule is 12 wt.% to 35 wt.%, then the amount of the alkali metal carbonate in the co-granule ranges from 30 wt.% to 50 wt.%.

12. A co-granule according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dissolution aid is present in an amount ranging from 0.1 wt.% to 20 wt.%.

13. A solid detergent composition comprising: i. anionic surfactant; ii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid; (b) a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid selected from a polysaccharide and / or polyvinyl pyrolidone; and mixtures thereof; iv. 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% alkali metal carbonate;wherein the composition comprises the co-granule according to claim 1 , said co-granule comprising (by weight of the co-granule): i. anionic surfactant; ii. 0.5 wt.% to 10 wt.% an aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group; iii. 0.5 wt.% to 20 wt.% dissolution aid selected from the group consisting of: (a) organic acid; (b) a water-soluble organic salt having a solubility in water more than 50 grams / 100 mL at a temperature of 25°C; (c) swellable dissolution aid and mixtures thereof; and, iv. 5 wt.% to 60 wt.% alkali metal carbonate; and v. 1 wt.% to 8 wt.% water.

14. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the co-granule is present in an amount ranging from 30 wt.% to 100 wt.%.

15. Use of a combination of aryl sulphonate which is either unsubstituted or substituted with a Ci to C4 alkyl group, dissolution aid according to claim 1 , in a solid laundry detergent composition comprising alkali metal carbonate and an anionic surfactant for providing improved dissolution of the detergent composition.

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