Solidification matrix

1. A solidification matrix consisting essentially of:

(a) methacrylate;

(b) sodium carbonate; and

(c) water;

(d) wherein the methacrylate, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid;

(e) wherein if heated at a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the solidification matrix is dimensionally stable and has a growth exponent of less than 2%; and

(f) wherein the solidification matrix is substantially phosphorus-free.

2. The solidification matrix of claim 1 , wherein the methacrylate is selected from the group consisting of: sodium polymethacrylate, lithium polymethacrylate, potassium polymethacrylate, ammonium polymethacrylate, and alkanolamine polymethacrylates.

3. The solidification matrix of claim 1 , wherein the methacrylate constitutes between about 1% and about 10% by weight of the solidification matrix.

4. The solidification matrix of claim 3 , wherein the methacrylate constitutes between about 1% and about 7% by weight of the solidification matrix.

5. The solidification matrix of claim 1 , wherein the sodium carbonate constitutes between about 15% and about 80% by weight of the solidification matrix.

6. The solidification matrix of claim 5 , wherein the sodium carbonate constitutes between about 20% and about 70% by weight of the solidification matrix.

7. The solidification matrix of claim 1 , wherein the solidification matrix comprises less than about 0.5% nitrilotriacetic acid.

8. The solidification matrix of claim 1 , and further comprising at least one functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of: chelating agents, sequestering agents, inorganic detergents, organic detergents, alkaline sources, surfactants, cleaning agents, rinse aids, bleaching agents, sanitizers, anti-microbial agents, activators, detergent builders, fillers, defoaming agents, anti-redeposition agents, optical brighteners, dyes, odorants, secondary hardening agents, and solubility modifiers.

9. A method of solidifying a composition, the method comprising:

(a) adding a solidification matrix consisting essentially of methacrylate, sodium carbonate, and water, wherein the solidification matrix is substantially phosphorus-free; and

(b) solidifying the composition for between about 1 minute and about 3 hours to form a solid composition that, if subjected to a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, is dimensionally stable and has a growth exponent of less than 2%.

10. The method of claim 9 , and further comprising forming the material into a block.

11. The method of claim 9 , and further comprising casting the material into a packaging container.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the block solidifies in between about 1 minute and about 2 hours.

13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the material in the packing container solidifies in between about 1 minute and about 20 minutes.