Detergent composition
The present invention comprises a detergent composition. The composition comprises a gel having a first colour and primary particles having a second colour. Radiation emitted by the gel interacts with radiation emitted by the primary particles such that at least a portion of the composition has a third colour.
1 . A detergent composition comprising a gel having a first colour and primary particles having a second colour, wherein radiation emitted by the gel interacts with radiation emitted by the primary particles such that at least a portion of the composition has a third colour.
2 . A semi-opaque detergent composition comprising a gel having a first colour and primary particles having a second colour, wherein radiation emitted by the gel interacts with radiation emitted by the primary particles such that at least a portion of the composition has a third colour.
3 . A detergent composition comprising a gel containing primary particles having a first colour and secondary particles having a second colour, wherein radiation emitted by the primary particles interacts with radiation emitted by the secondary particles such that at least a portion of the composition has a third colour.
4 . A detergent composition comprising a gel having a first colour containing primary particles having a second colour and secondary particles having a third colour, wherein radiation emitted by the primary particles interacts with the secondary particles and the radiation emitted by the gel such that at least a portion of the composition has a fourth colour.
5 . A composition according to claim 3 , wherein the secondary particles are in the form of emulsion particles (micelles), suspended particles or gas bubbles (preferably air).
6 . A composition according to claim 3 , wherein the secondary particles are at least partially reflective.
7 . A composition according to claim 3 , wherein the secondary particles have a particle size of less than 50 μm.
8 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the composition has a transmittance of from 30 to 90%.
9 . A composition according to claim 1 , comprising a detergent active which is at least partially encapsulated within the primary particles.
10 . A composition according to claim 9 , wherein the primary particles are water soluble and comprise a water-soluble encapsulating agent.
11 . A composition according to claim 10 , wherein the water soluble particles comprise at least 0.3 wt % of the detergent composition.
12 . A composition according to claim 9 , wherein the migration speed of the particles is less than 1.0 cm per month.
13 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the gel has a viscosity greater than 4,000 mPas.
14 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the gel contains a thickening agent, preferably polyacrylic acid.
15 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the gel has a density of greater than 1.1 g/cm 3 .
16 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the gel is substantially water free having a water content of less than 5%.
17 . A composition according to wherein the gel has a water content of from 5 to 65%.
18 . A composition according to claim 17 , wherein the composition has a salt content of at least 70%.
19 . A composition according to claim 18 , wherein the salt is a phosphate, citrate or sulphate salt.
20 . A composition according to claim 11 , wherein the detergent active comprises one or more of an enzyme, a bleach activator/catalyst or a fragrance.
21 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the particles contain a stabilising aid for the enzyme.
22 . A composition according to claim 10 , wherein the encapsulating agent comprises a coating for the particles.
23 . A composition according to claim 22 , wherein the encapsulating agent comprises 2 to 15% of the particle.
24 . A composition according to claim 10 wherein the encapsulating agent comprises a portion of the core of the particle.
25 . A composition according to claim 24 , wherein the encapsulating agent comprises at least 10% of the particles.
26 . A composition according to claim 10 , wherein the encapsulating agent contains a plasticiser.
27 . A composition according to claim 26 , wherein the plasticiser is a polyglycol or a nonionic surfactant.
28 . A composition according to claim 26 , wherein the encapsulating agent is a cellulose derivative, a polyvinyl alcohol or an admixture thereof.
29 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein the gel and the primary particles have a difference in density of no greater than 0.9 g/cm 3 .
30 . A composition according to claim 29 , wherein the primary particles contain a density aid.
31 . A composition according to claim 1 , wherein more than 80% of the primary particles have a particle size from 50 to 1,000 micrometres.
32 . A composition according to claim 1 for use in dishwashing or and/or laundry applications.
33 . A composition in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the composition is disposed in a pouch of polyvinylalcohol.
34 . A method of dishwashing or laundry comprising the use of a detergent composition in accordance with claim 1.