Patent # 4,849,256 containing 21 claims, issued 07/18/1989. An improved method for the production of a plasticizer-containing dry flowable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin blend capable of thermoplastic processing. The method provides for the incorporation of plasticizers in intimate contact with the PVA resin without heating, cooling, or extended drying steps. Specifically, PVA resin granules having an appropriately small particle size distribution are spray-coated with a liquid plasticizer medium, and then mixed with a dry, fine powder coating medium to produce a flowable, dry plasticized PVA blend. Additional components, such as antioxidants, dyes, and antiblocking agents, may also be incorporated into the finished product.

 

Concentrated non-phosphate detergent paste compositions:

Patent # 4,743,394 containing 29 claims, issued 05/10/1988. In one embodiment, the invention provides novel low-temperature-effective non-phosphate detergent paste compositions comprising: A concentrated non-phosphate, detergent paste composition which is rapidly soluble in cold water comprising, by weight: (a) about 10-50% of at least one nonionic surfactant; (b) about 5-70% of at least one water insoluble non-phosphate builder; (c) about 0-70% of at lest one water soluble non-phosphate builder; wherein the ratio of (b+c): a is greater than or equal to about 1.0; and wherein the ratio of b:a is less than about 2.0. The novel detergent paste compositions provide good removal of oily and particulate soils from both natural and synthetic fibers and yet surprisingly are rapidly soluble/dispersible in cold water. Furthermore, adjuncts such as nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants; phase stabilizers; fluorescent whitening agents; anti-redeposition agents; corrosion-inhibiting agents; dyes; pigments; bleaches, fabric softeners; enzymes; and fragrances may be added to the novel paste detergents of this invention. The invention also provides novel delivery means in the form of unit dosage size water soluble polyvinyl alcohol film packets to deliver the novel detergent paste compositions into wash water.

Low-temperature-effective detergent compositions and delivery systems therefore:

Patent # 5,362,413 containing18 claims, issued 11/08/1994. The invention provides novel low temperature detergent mull compositions comprising: A detergent composition which comprises (a) solid builder, (b) liquid surfactant and, optionally, (c) one or more adjuncts, in the form of a low-temperature wash water dispersible, phase stable mull whose solid phase consists essentially of particulate solid builder having an average particle size greater than 10 microns and whose liquid phase consists essentially of at least one non-ionic surfactant, wherein said liquid phase has a pour point of less than 75° F., thereby rendering said mull readily dispersible in cold wash water, and wherein said mull is rendered phase stable by the presence thereby of (i) a weight percent amount of said particulate builder which exceeds the weight percent of said liquid nonionic surfactant, or (ii) 0.1% to 5% by weight of the mull of added water, or (iii) both.

Polymer film composition for rinse release of wash additives:

Patent # 4,765,916 containing 18 claims, issued 08/23/1988. A polymeric film for the rinse release of wash additives comprises an outer film layer of a hydroxybutylmethylcellulose (HBMC)/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) blend. An inner film layer is a PVA film having a metalloid oxide cross-linking agent present in an amount sufficient to cause the PVA film to gel in a pH of below about 9.0. Both film layers include a plasticizer and may include a surfactant. The film can be used as a seal for an insoluble container, or made into a water-soluble pouch. Optionally, either a third film layer of the HBMC/HPMC blend, or a nonwoven fabric layer may be included for greater durability. The films remain intact during normal wash cycles and over a range of typical water temperatures, then rapidly dissolve in the rinse.

 

Rinse soluble polymer film composition for wash additives:

Patent # 4,972,017 containing 14 claims, issued 11/20/1990. A polymeric film material for the rinse release of wash additives comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and an alkyl cellulose. A metalloid oxide cross-linking agent is present in an amount sufficient to sharply reduce the solubility rate of the film blend in an alkaline wash, yet allow dissolution in a less alkaline rinse. Optionally, a hydrophobic cationic species is included to further reduce the dissolution rate in the wash pH. The films remain intact during normal wash cycles and over a range of typical water temperatures, then rapidly dissolve in the rinse. The film can be used to microencapsulate an additive, or made into a water-soluble pouch, or as a soluble seal for a pouch or container.

 

Borate solution soluble polyvinyl alcohol films:

Patent # 4,626,372 containing 6 claims, issued 12/02/1986. Conventional polyvinyl alcohol envelopes will not readily dissolve in wash water which has a significant borate concentration and a pH frequently encountered in wash liquors. Herein, such films are rendered sufficiently soluble in such solutions. In the preferred embodiment this is done by utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol film wherein at least a portion of the polyvinyl alcohol has a number average molecular weight below about 50,000, or a polyvinyl alcohol film containing a polyhydroxy compound having a binding constant with borate of at least about 800M^-2, or utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol film having an acid having an acid dissociation constant of 10^-9 M or larger; or a polyvinyl alcohol film containing mixtures thereof.

Rubber toughened polyvinyl alcohol film compositions:

Patent # 4,608,187 containing 19 claims, issued 08/26/1986. Polymer compositions are provided which may be cast as thin, self-supporting films, useful in forming sealed envelopes or pouches containing granulated pulverulent or non-aqueous liquid materials. The cast films comprise a polymeric matrix, having at least about 50 weight percent polyvinyl alcohol, and a plurality of microdomains dispersed throughout the polymeric matrix. The films have good resistance to breakage at low temperatures and low relative humidities. 

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