ABSTRACT
The revolution started in Japan in 1987 when the Kao Corporation introduced Attack, a compact high-density powder product. Sustaining a high level of cleaning performance in compact powders requires increased reliance on efficient, multifunctional ingredients formulated into high active particles. The move to compact powders has fueled significant change in both the process of detergent manufacture and the chemical technologies used in detergent formulation. The surfactants used in early synthetic detergents were prepared by reacting benzene with propylene tetramer to form the alkyl aryl group, which was then sulfonated. The unique process requirements for manufacturing compact detergents with acceptable physical properties and performance are beyond the capability of modern spray tower operations. The conversion to compacts continues to drive significant technical development in detergent process and chemical technologies. The pace of change experienced by the powder detergent market over the last several years is expected to continue with an emphasis on improving value and product performance.
