Inorganic builders

The use of the detergents mentioned so far as end products, would be costly, and so water is used to dilute these ingredients into the more consumer useable form. Sodium sulphate that is used as a diluting agent in powder detergents is cheap and user friendly. 

The inorganic constituents fall into the five following groups  

The detergent industry has introduced another form of phosphate the so-called condensed phosphates. These materials have a higher proportion of P2O5 and a lower proportion of Na20 in the molecule. These phosphates have a lower alkalinity than trisodium phosphate. The commonly used complex phosphates are  

Both sodium tetraphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate are hygroscopic and are unsuitable for formulation into dry powders. Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) is now used for specialized purposes only, but its potassium analogue is used in liquids. The combination of TSPP and sodium carbonate was more effective than either ingredient used separately [3, 4]. 

Sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) was commercially available in the mid-1940s and had replaced TSPP because of its superior detergent processing, solubility, and hardness ion-sequestering characteristics. Sequestration is defined as the reaction of a cation with an anion to form a soluble complex. The sequestration of Ca and Mg ions leads to softened water and is the most important function of any detergent builder [3, 4]. 

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An unknown commercial detergent may contain some combination of anionic, nonionic, cationic, and possibly amphoteric surfactants, inorganic builders and fillers as weU as some minor additives. In general, the analytical scheme iacludes separation of nonsurfactant and inorganic components from the total mixture, classification of the surfactants, separation of iadividual surfactants, and quantitative determination (131). 

Consideration will first be given to the inorganic builders used to produce the base material. The pH values of several commonly used materials are shown in Table 11.1. Hydroxides are the simplest, strongest alkalis and most commonly used. A major effect of hydroxides in cleaning is saponification the conversion of certain oils and greases to water-soluble soap-type materials. Hydroxides also produce solutions of high conductivity, as required for electrocleaning. 

Other examples of concentrated laundry liquids have been described in the literature [53]. These might be called nonaqueous or low-water formulations. They may contain nonionic and anionic surfactants, inorganic builders, enzyme and bleach additives, and an organic solvent such as a low mole AE [54]. Surfactant levels may range from 30% up to 80%. In some cases, the builder salts are dispersed as solid particles in the non-aqueous phase [55]. 

As can be seen from the preceding discussion, all-purpose cleaners started with the oldest surfactant, soap, and have progressed to more powerful surfactants and then further developed sophisticated surfactant synergies. As these developments are made, there is less and less reliance on the old inorganic builders and more interest in solvents, particularly those with grease cutting ability. Only concerns about human toxicity and environmental regulations limit the choice of solvent. 

Although these functions were recognized in the earlier literature, their relative importance has been affected by several recent developments. These include legislative restrictions on the amount or presence of phosphates in detergents and the use of alternate organic and inorganic builders as a consequence. 

Modified Coco Diethanolamide Yellow Liquid Concentration, % 100 Superior detergent, wetting agent, and industrial hard-surface cleaners, and specialty cleaning compounds. Foam stabilizer and viscosity builder. Exhibits compatibility with inorganic builders in aqueous systems. 

Imparts detergency, wetting power, emulsification and lubricity. Has good compatibility with inorganic builders in aqueous systems. Dispersant and foaming agent especially suited for industrial and specialty cleaning compounds as well as conveyor chain lubricants. 

MACKAMIDE CDC is a modified cocamide which is compatible with inorganic builders and alkalies in aqueous systems. It was developed for Industrial cleaning formulations, which require good detergency in high alkaline systems. 

Although less than 20 years have passed since the first patents [1, 2] of zeolite-A as inorganic builders, its usage in laundry detergents reached 1.1 million tons in 1993, and is still growing [3]. 

Features Where charge neutralization plays a role in overall performance and stable in a wide range of inorganic builders and mineral acids commonly employed in... 

Uses Detergent base for floor cleaners foam stabilizer, emulsifier compat. with inorganic builders Properties Liq. 100% cone. 

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