Synergistic Combination of Carbohydrate Polymer with Conventional Active Materials for Detergent Formulations

– Novel ecofriendly polymeric surfactant based on Sorbitol and Maleic anhydride has been synthesized and used successfully in detergent composition. Sorbitol is obtained majorly as a vegetable product. In present research work a small quantity of Maleic anhydride and Benzoic acid along with major quantity of Sorbitol has been used in synthesis of polymer. The mole ratio of ingredients and cooking schedule has been standardized to get desired molecular weight, HLB ratio and surfactant properties. Powder detergents have been formulated based on these novel polymer and conventional active ingredients such as alpha olefin sulphonate, sodium lauryl sulphate. And linear alkyl benzene sulphonate. This synergistic combination of novel polymer has been used as a 60 to 80% replacement of conventional linear alkyl benzene sulphonate in detergent powder formulation. The preparation of this polymer is ecofriendly and has a potential for commercial use as an ecofriendly detergent in powder form. The surface tension, foam height, % detergency and stain removing characteristics have been evaluated and compared with commercially available powder detergent sample. The petroleum resources are soaring in price and their replacement with novel polymer of vegetable origin will certainly promote the cause of Green Chemistry and Green Environment.