EP1205537B1 - Builder composition - Google Patents

Description

The compulsion to save energy in washing and cleaning processes, e.g. Machine washing of textiles and dishwashing requires ever greater reductions in water consumption. Detergents based on water-insoluble builder systems, such as zeolite or partially soluble systems, such as crystalline layered sodium disilicate, are rapidly reaching their limits. As a negative consequence of the reduction in water consumption, e.g. when washing textiles - especially in dark colored textiles - white residues on the tissues derived from undissolved or poorly dispersed builder.

The object of the present invention was to provide a builder composition which exhibits improved release residue behavior.

EP 0 650 926 describes the granulation of crystalline layered sodium disilicate by roll compacting with the addition of curing agents such as water, silica sol, silica gel, surfactants, water glass, maleic acid-acrylic acid polymers and other copolymers. The aim is to produce a granulate resistant to mechanical abrasion.

EP 0 849 355 describes a powdered detergent and cleaner component, characterized in that it contains a reaction product of an alkaline silicate and an acidic polycarboxylate. The document describes a preparation process which is characterized in that an acidic polycarboxylate solution is applied to an alkaline silicate, preferably using a solid-state mixer and a jet device. Layered silicates which have been treated with an acidic polycarboxylate are also described in DE 199 42 796.

From EP 578 986 the treatment of crystalline sheet silicates with various acids, i.a. also described with sulfuric acid. The comparative examples of US Pat. No. 5,776,893 describe the hydrolysis of delta-Na-disilicate with hydrochloric acid. In both cases, there is no indication of thermal post-treatment.

US 5,540,855 describes a particulate composition consisting of crystalline layered silicate and a solid water-ionizable material selected from the group of organic acids wherein the mixing ratio of silicate to acid is about 3.5: 1 and the content of unbound moisture is less than 5% by weight ,

Surprisingly, it has now been found that crystalline layered sodium silicate based builder compositions obtainable by contacting crystalline layered sodium silicate with water and an acidic H 'releasing component in a particular ratio with each other, wherein the thus obtained Builder compositions are advantageously subsequently thermally and optionally post-treated mechanically, show improved Löserückstandsverhalten.

• a) kristallinem schichtförmigem Natriumsilikat der Formel NaMSi_xO_2x+1·yH₂O, wobei M Natrium oder Wasserstoff, x eine Zahl von 1,9 bis 4 und y eine Zahl von 0 bis 20 bedeuten,
• b) Wasser und
• c) Natriumhydrogensulfat oder Schwefelsäure als saure H⁺-abgebende Komponente, wobei das
• d) molare Verhältnis vom kristallinen schichtförmigen Natriumsilikat a) zur Gesamtmenge der abgebbaren H⁺ der sauren Komponente c) 4: 1 bis 1000 : 1 beträgt, das
• e) molare Verhältnis vom Wasser b) zur Gesamtmenge der abgebbaren H⁺ der sauren Komponente c) 3 : 1 bis 1000 : 1 beträgt und
• f) das so behandelte Natriumsilikat einer Wärmebehandlung bei 30 bis 400°C während einer Zeit von 0,5 bis 1000 min unterwirft und
• g) das so erhaltene Natriumsilikat kompaktiert und mahlt, wobei die Kompaktierung und Hahlung entweder von oder nach der Wärmebehandlung durch geführt wird.

The subject of the invention is therefore a builder composition obtainable by bringing them into contact, of

• a) crystalline layered sodium silicate of the formula NaMSi _× O ₂ × _{+ 1} × yH ₂ O, where M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4 and y is a number from 0 to 20,
• b) water and
• c) Sodium hydrogen sulfate or sulfuric acid as the acidic H ⁺ -lending component, wherein the
• d) molar ratio of the crystalline layered sodium silicate a) to the total amount of deliverable H ^{+ of} the acid component c) is 4: 1 to 1000: 1, the
• e) molar ratio of water b) to the total amount of deliverable H ^{+ of} the acidic component c) is 3: 1 to 1000: 1, and
• f) subjecting the thus treated sodium silicate to a heat treatment at 30 to 400 ° C for a time of 0.5 to 1000 min and
• g) the resulting sodium silicate compacted and ground, wherein the compaction and Hahlung either from or after the heat treatment is performed by.

The bringing into contact of the components a), b) and c) can be carried out by all methods which ensure sufficient contact of the components with each other. Mention here only mixing, spraying and spraying techniques.

The water b) and / or the acid component c) can also be brought into contact with the crystalline layered sodium silicate a) in the gaseous or vaporous state.

Advantageously, the components a), b) and c) are brought into contact with each other by mixing.
Suitable mixers are, for example, Lödige mixers, plowshare mixers, Eyrich mixers and Schugi mixers.
The mixing times are preferably 0.5 s to 60 min, more preferably 2 s to 30 min.

When mixing all mixed variants are conceivable that ensure adequate mixing of the components a), b) and c).
In a preferred embodiment, the acidic component c) and the water b) are first mixed and then the resulting mixture is mixed with the crystalline layered sodium silicate a).
In a further embodiment, the acidic component c) is first mixed with the crystalline layered sodium silicate a) and then the water b) is mixed.
In a further embodiment, first of all the water b) is mixed with the crystalline layered sodium silicate a) and then the acidic component c) is mixed in again.
Also possible is an embodiment in which the acid component c) is mixed with a portion of the water b), then with the crystalline layered sodium silicate a) is mixed and finally the remainder of the water b) is mixed.

The addition of the water b) and the acidic component c) to the crystalline layered sodium silicate a) can be carried out at ambient temperature, but also at elevated temperature. Preference is given to temperatures from 0 to 400 ° C., more preferably from 10 to 200 ° C. The heat can be introduced by external heating. Optionally, all components or even individual can be preheated.

Compliance with the molar ratios mentioned under points d) and e) is of essential importance for the invention.
The molar ratio d) of the crystalline layered sodium silicate a) to the total amount of H ⁺ releasable of the acidic component c) is preferably 5: 1 to 550: 1, more preferably 15: 1 to 150: 1.
The molar ratio e) of the water b) to the total amount of deliverable H ^{+ of} the acidic component c) is preferably 4: 1 to 110: 1, more preferably 6: 1 to 85: 1.

The sodium silicates a) are preferably those having x values of 2, 3 or 4. Particular preference is given to sodium disilicates Na ₂ Si ₂ O ₅ .yH ₂ O with x being equal to 2. The sodium silicates a) may also be used to trade mixtures.

Crystalline layered sodium disilicate is composed of varying percentages of the polymorphic phases alpha, beta, delta and epsilon. Commercial products may also contain amorphous portions.

Preferred crystalline layered sodium silicates a) contain 0 to 40 wt .-% alpha-sodium disilicate, 0 to 40 wt .-% beta-sodium disilicate, 40 to 100 wt .-% delta-sodium disilicate and 0 to 40 wt .-% amorphous shares.
Particularly preferred crystalline layered sodium silicates a) contain 7 to 21% by weight of alpha-sodium disilicate, 0 to 12% by weight of beta-sodium disilicate and 65 to 95% by weight of delta-sodium disilicate.
Particularly preferred are crystalline layered sodium silicates a) having a content of 80 to 100 wt .-% delta-sodium disilicate.

In a further embodiment, crystalline layered sodium silicates a) with a content of 80 to 100% by weight of beta-sodium disilicate can also be used.

The abovementioned alpha-sodium disilicate corresponds to the Na-SKS-5 described in EP-B-0 164 514, characterized by the X-ray diffraction data given there, which are assigned to the alpha-Na ₂ Si ₂ O ₅ whose X-ray diffraction diagrams are in the Joint Committee of Powder Diffraction standards are registered with the numbers 18-1241, 22-1397, 22-1397A, 19-1233, 19-1234 and 19-1237.
The abovementioned beta-sodium disilicate corresponds to the Na-SKS-7 described in EP-B-0 164 514, characterized by the X-ray diffraction data given there, which are assigned to the beta-Na ₂ Si ₂ O ₅ whose X-ray diffraction diagrams are available from the Joint Committee of Powder Diffraction standards are registered with the numbers 24-1123 and 29-1261.
The abovementioned delta-sodium disilicate corresponds to the Na-SKS-6 described in EP-B-0 164 514, characterized by the X-ray diffraction data given there, which are assigned to the delta-Na ₂ Si ₂ O ₅ whose X-ray diffraction diagrams are available from the Joint Committee of Powder Diffraction standards with the number 22-1396 are registered.

In a particular embodiment, the crystalline layered sodium silicates a) contain additional cationic and / or anionic constituents.
The cationic constituents are preferably alkali metal ions and / or alkaline earth metal cations and / or Fe, W, Mo, Ta, Pb, Al. Zn, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co and / or Ni.
The anionic constituents are preferably sulfates, fluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides, carbonates, bicarbonates, nitrates, hydrated oxides, phosphates and / or borates.
In a particular embodiment, the crystalline layered sodium silicates, based on the total content of SiO ₂ , contain up to 10 mol% boron. In a further preferred embodiment, the crystalline layered sodium silicates, based on the total content of SiO ₂ , contain up to 20 mol% % Phosphorus.

Preferably, the crystalline layered sodium silicate is used as a powder having an average particle size of 0.1 to 4000 .mu.m, more preferably 10 to 500 .mu.m, particularly preferably 20 to 200 .mu.m.

After bringing the components a), b) and c) into contact, the composition obtained is further treated mechanically and thermally.

After bringing the components a), b) and c) into contact, the resulting composition is compacted, then ground and subsequently optionally grain-fractionated. Surprisingly, the compaction step leads to a further improvement in the dissolution residue behavior.
The compacting is preferably a roll compacting, a press granulation or a briquetting, particularly preferably a roll compaction.
The temperature of the material during the compaction is preferably between 10 and 200 ° C, wherein the desired temperature can be controlled by external heating / cooling or adjusts itself by the released frictional heat.

In roll compaction, the pressing pressure is preferably between 2 and 200 kN / cm roll width, more preferably between 10 and 100 kN / cm roll width.
Suitable roll compactors are, for example, those of Hosokawa-Bepex and Alexanderwerk.
The slugs produced during roll compaction are comminuted with mills of the relevant type and optionally grain-fractionated.

The compaction can be carried out discontinuously in batch mode or continuously. In continuous operation, the Subkom is fed back into the Kompaktor in Kreislauffahrweise and the coarse grain is returned to the mill.

In the compaction optionally up to 10 wt .-% Kompaktierhilfsmittel, preferably water, water glass, polyethylene glycols, nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, Polycarboxylatcopolymere, modified and / or unmodified celluloses, bentonites, hectorites, saponites and / or other Detergent ingredients added.

The heat treatment of the builder composition leads to a further improvement in the dissolution residue behavior.
The heat treatment may be carried out directly after bringing components a), b) and c) into contact, or it may take place after compaction. Multiple heat treatments at different process stages are also within the meaning of the invention.
The heat treatment is carried out at temperatures between 30 and 400 ° C, more preferably between 40 and 150 ° C.
The duration of the heat treatment is 0.5 to 1000 minutes, more preferably 2 to 120 minutes.
Suitable apparatus for the heat treatment are, for example, fluidized beds, belt and tunnel ovens, air conveyors and storage containers.

Particularly preferred is a method in which after contacting the components a), b) and c) first heat-treated, then compacted, then ground and then optionally grain-fractionated.

Also particularly preferred is a process in which after contacting the components a), b) and c) first compacted, then ground, then optionally grain-fractionated and then heat-treated.

The builder composition according to the invention is used as granules having an average particle size of 200 to 2000 .mu.m, preferably 400 to 900 .mu.m.

Also preferred is the use of the builder composition of the invention as a ground granules having an average particle size of 0.1 to 300 .mu.m, preferably 10 to 200 .mu.m.

Furthermore, the builder compositions of the invention are preferably characterized in that the Löserückstand a 0.25% aqueous solution, at 20 ° C and after stirring for 20 minutes, less than or equal to 50%, preferably less than or equal to 30%.

The invention also provides detergents and cleaners containing at least one of the builder compositions according to the invention.

The detergents are preferably heavy-duty detergents, compact heavy duty detergents, compact color detergents, heavy duty bulk detergents, special detergents, e.g. Stain salts, bleach boosters, curtain washes, wool detergents, kit detergents and commercial laundry detergents.

The cleaning agents are preferably machine-wash and machine-dishwashing detergents. Here, silicates are in demand because of their good dirt dispersion, their high alkalinity and their protective effect on the glass. By glass damage is meant both the formation of layered deposits on glasses as well as the erosion of the glass surface - both leads to the known undesirable turbidity of glasses.

• a) 0.5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• b) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Cobuilder
• c) optional 1 bis 50 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe
• d) optional 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%. Bleichsysteme
• e) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Preferred washing and cleaning agents included

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• b) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, co-builder
• c) optionally 1 to 50 wt .-%, preferably 2 to 30 wt .-%, surfactants
• d) optionally 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%. bleaching systems
• e) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• b) 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Cobuilder
• c) optional 1 bis 50 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe,
• d) optional 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%. Bleichsysteme
• e) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Particularly preferred detergents and cleaners contain

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• b) 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, co-builder
• c) optionally 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 2 to 30% by weight, surface-active substances,
• d) optionally 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%. bleaching systems
• e) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• c) 1 bis 50 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe
• b) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Cobuilder
• d) optional 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%. Bleichsysteme
• e) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Furthermore, particularly preferred washing and cleaning agents

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• c) 1 to 50 wt .-%, preferably 2 to 30 wt .-%, surfactants
• b) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, co-builder
• d) optionally 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%. bleaching systems
• e) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• d) 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Bleichsysteme
• b) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.%, Cobuilder
• c) optional 1 bis 50 Gew.%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe
• e) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Furthermore, particularly preferred washing and cleaning agents

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• d) 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, bleaching systems
• b) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt.%, Preferably 5 to 50 wt.%, Cobuilder
• c) optionally 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 2 to 30% by weight, surface-active substances
• e) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• e) 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• b) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Cobuilder
• c) optional 1 bis 50 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe,
• d) optional 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Bleichsysteme
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Furthermore, particularly preferred washing and cleaning agents

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• e) 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• b) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, co-builder
• c) optionally 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 2 to 30% by weight, surface-active substances,
• d) optionally 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, bleaching systems
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• b) 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Cobuilder
• c) 1 bis 50 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe,
• d) optional 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Bleichsysteme
• e) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Furthermore, particularly preferred washing and cleaning agents

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt.% Of the builder composition according to the invention
• b) 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, co-builder
• c) 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 2 to 30% by weight, surface-active substances,
• d) optionally 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, bleaching systems
• e) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• b) 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.%, Cobuilder
• c) 1 bis 50 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe,
• d) 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Bleichsysteme
• e) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Furthermore, particularly preferred washing and cleaning agents

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• b) 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt.%, Cobuilder
• c) 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 2 to 30% by weight, surface-active substances,
• d) 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, bleaching systems
• e) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• b) 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Cobuilder
• c) 1 bis 50 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 2 bis 30 Gew.-%, grenzflächenaktive Stoffe,
• d) 1 bis 70 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, Bleichsysteme
• e) 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-%, bevorzugt 5 bis 50 Gew.-%, pH-Regulatoren
• f) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Furthermore, particularly preferred washing and cleaning agents

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• b) 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, co-builder
• c) 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 2 to 30% by weight, surface-active substances,
• d) 1 to 70 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, bleaching systems
• e) 0.5 to 80 wt .-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt .-%, pH regulators
• f) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

Special detergents and cleaners contain from 1 to 50% by weight. For example, heavy duty detergents, color detergents, water softeners and stain salts, or 60 to 100% by weight, for example modular detergent systems, of the builder composition according to the invention.

Other special detergents and cleaners, e.g. Machine dishwashing detergent, containing 1 to 30 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention.

The co-builders are preferably crystalline aluminosilicates, mono-, oligo- or polymeric or copolymeric carboxylic acids, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal orthophosphates, alkali metal polyphosphates and alkali polyphosphates, crystalline phyllosilicates, crystalline alkali metal silicates without layer structure and / or X-ray amorphous alkali metal silicates.

The bleach systems are preferably active chlorine carriers and / or organic or inorganic active oxygen carriers, bleach activators (e.g., TAED), bleach catalysts, discoloration-removing enzymes, perborates, and / or percarbonates.

The surface-active substances are preferably anionic, cationic, nonionic and / or zwitterionic surfactants.

As nonionic surfactants, alkyl alkoxylates, gluconamides and / or alkylpolyglycosides are particularly preferred.

Among the alkyl alkoxylates are preferably ethoxylated alcohols, preferably primary alcohols, preferably having 8 to 22 C atoms and preferably 1 to 80 EO units per mole of alcohol used, wherein the alcohol radical is linear or preferably methyl-branched in the 2-position or linear and methyl-branched radicals in the mixture, as is usually the case in Oxoalkoholresten. Preferred ethoxylated alcohols include, for example, C ₁₁ alcohols having 3, 5, 7, 8 and 11 EO units, (C ₁₂ -C ₁₅ ) alcohols having 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13 EO units, (C ₁₄ -C ₁₅ ) -alcohols having 4, 7 and 8 EO units, (C ₁₆ -C ₁₈ ) -alcohols having 8, 11, 15, 20, 25, 50 and 80 EO units and mixtures thereof. The degrees of ethoxylation given represent statistical means which, for a particular product, may be an integer or a fractional number. In addition to these It is also possible to use fatty alcohol EO / PO adducts, for example the ®Genapol types 3970, 2909 and 2822 from Clariant GmbH.
Further suitable surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides of the formula R ₂ -CO-N (R ₃ ) -Z, in which R ₂ CO is an aliphatic acyl radical having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, R _{3 is} hydrogen, an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Z is a linear or branched polyhydroxyalkyl radical having 3 to 10 carbon atoms and 3 to 10 hydroxyl groups.
Alkylglycosides of the general formula RO (G) _x are preferably used, where R is a primary straight-chain or methyl-branched, in particular 2-methyl-branched, aliphatic radical having 8 to 22, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and G is a glycose unit with 5 or 6 carbon atoms, preferably glucose. The degree of oligomerization x, which indicates the distribution of monoglycosides and oligoglycosides, is preferably a number between 1 and 10, more preferably x is between 1.2 and 1.4.

Preference is given to alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, preferably having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, in particular fatty acid methyl esters, as described for example in Japanese Patent Application JP 58/217598 or preferably those as described in the international patent application WO Are used.

Suitable anionic surfactants of the sulfonate type are preferably the known (C ₉ -C ₁₃ ) -alkylbenzenesulfonates, alpha-olefinsulfonates and alkanesulfonates. Also suitable are esters of sulfo fatty acids or the disalts of the alpha-sulfo fatty acids. Other suitable anionic surfactants are sulfated Fettsäureglycerinester which mono-, di- and triesters and mixtures thereof, as in the preparation by esterification by 1 mole of monoglycerol with 1 to 3 moles of fatty acid or in the transesterification of triglycerides with 0.3 to 2 Mole of glycerol can be obtained. Suitable alkyl sulfates are, in particular, the sulfuric acid monoesters of (C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ ) fatty alcohols, such as lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol, and the fatty alcohol mixtures obtained from coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil, which additionally contain portions of unsaturated alcohols, eg Oleyl alcohol, may contain.

As further anionic surfactants are particularly soaps into consideration. Suitable are saturated fatty acid soaps, such as the salts of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, hydrogenated erucic acid and behenic acid, and in particular those derived from natural fatty acids, such as coconut, palm kernel or tallow fatty acids, derived soap germs. The anionic surfactants can be present in the form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts, as well as soluble salts of organic bases, such as mono-, di- or triethanolamine. The anionic surfactants are preferably present in the form of their sodium or potassium salts, in particular in the form of the sodium salts.
The pH regulators are preferably soda, citric acid, sodium citrate and / or bicarbonate.

Finally, the detergents and cleaners may optionally contain enzymes, e.g. Protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase.

The invention also relates to components for detergent modular systems which preferably contain from 60 to 100% by weight of the builder composition according to the invention.

The invention furthermore relates to water softeners which comprise at least one of the builder compositions according to the invention. Water softeners exert a performance-enhancing effect on the washing result and a protective effect with regard to the washing machine, especially in regions with high water hardness.

• a) 0,5 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung
• b) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-% Cobuilder
• c) optional 0 bis 15 Gew.-% grenzflächenaktive Substanzen
• d) optional 0,5 bis 80 Gew.-% pH-Regulatoren

Preferred water softeners included

• a) 0.5 to 99 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention
• b) optionally 0.5 to 80 wt .-% cobuilder
• c) optionally 0 to 15 wt .-% surfactants
• d) optionally from 0.5 to 80% by weight of pH regulators

As components a), b), c) and d), the compounds listed above are preferably used.

The builder composition according to the invention can also be used expressly as a component for the preparation of compounds for detergents and cleaners, water softeners and detergent building block systems. With compounds it is possible to achieve special effects. Thus, e.g. liquid components are incorporated into powdered or tablet-shaped detergents and cleaners. In addition, so the coloring or sprinkling of detergents and cleaners is possible. Likewise, special disintegration effects, better dispersion of difficultly dispersible components or the porosity of tablets can be achieved thereby.

• a) 70 bis 99,5 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung, bevorzugt als Pulver mit mittleren Teilchengrößen von 1 bis 500 µm, besonders bevorzugt 20 bis 100 µm, oder in einer anderen Ausführungsform bevorzugt als Granulat mit einer mittleren Teilchengröße von 200 bis 2000 µm, bevorzugt 300 bis 900 µm, und
• b) 0,5 bis 30 Gew.-% anionische, kationische, nichtionische und/oder zwitterionische Tenside.

The compounds contain preferred

• a) 70 to 99.5 wt .-% of the builder composition according to the invention, preferably as a powder having average particle sizes of 1 to 500 .mu.m, more preferably 20 to 100 .mu.m, or in another embodiment preferably as granules having an average particle size of 200 to 2000 microns, preferably 300 to 900 microns, and
• b) from 0.5 to 30% by weight of anionic, cationic, nonionic and / or zwitterionic surfactants.

As surfactants c) the compounds listed above are preferably used.

• a) 50 bis 99 Gew.-% der erfindungsgemäßen Builder-Zusammensetzung,
• b) 0,01 bis 10 Gew.-% Farbstoff
• c) ad 100 Gew.-% weitere übliche Inhaltsstoffe.

Other preferred compounds included

• a) 50 to 99% by weight of the builder composition according to the invention,
• b) 0.01 to 10 wt .-% dye
• c) ad 100 wt .-% further customary ingredients.

The detergents, cleaners, water softeners and modular components can be used, for example, in powder form, granule form, gel form, liquid form or tablet form.
To produce the tablets, the respective composition is pressed by means of a tablet press into the appropriate shape, wherein the shape may be varied (eg cylindrical, cuboid, elliptical, annular, etc). In the case of the cylindrical shape, the ratio of radius to height between 0.2 to 5 be. The pressing pressure can be between 12 and 0.3 kN / cm ² . The pressing pressure is essentially independent of the geometric shape of the tablet.
Pressing pressures of 0.7 to 14.2 kN / cm ^{2 are} preferred for the tableting of machine-dishwashing detergents, particular preference being given to pressures of 2.8 to 10 kN / cm ² . Preference is also the multi-stage compression to more complex forms. The division into different compartments serves a certain separation of otherwise incompatible ingredients. For multilayer tablets, any desired proportions of the formulation are pressed successively onto one another in several steps, resulting in several layers. In the case of a two-layer tablet, a layer thickness ratio of the two layers is particularly preferably from 1:10 to 10: 1. Other applications include tablets with inserted spherical compartments. The different layers and compartments of the tablets can also be colored differently.

The following examples serve to illustrate the invention without, however, restricting it.

Determination of the phase composition of the crystalline layered sodium disilicates used:
A crushed solid sample is measured in a Philips PW1710 X-ray powder diffractometer (CuK alpha 2 radiation, wavelength 1.54439 angstroms, acceleration voltage 35 kV, heating current 28 mA, monochromator, scanning rate 3 degrees 2 theta per minute). The measured intensities are evaluated as follows: substance characteristic peak (d value in angstroms) Alpha phase 3.29 +/- 0.07, typically 3.31 Beta phase 2.97 +/- 0.06 Delta phase 3.97 +/- 0.08

The crystalline proportions in percent by weight are calculated from the intensities I _a , I _b and I _d -measured in pulses-of the alpha, beta and delta phases according to the following formulas:

Alpha content: A [%] = 100 * I _a / (I _a + I _b + I _d )

Beta content: B [%] = 1.41 * 100 * I _b / (I _a + I _d )

Delta content: D [%] = 100-A - D

To determine the X-ray amorphous content (AM), the background (impulses) of the X-ray peak at a d value of 2.65 angstroms is determined (I _am ) and converted into the percentage by the following empirical formula: AM [%] = (I _am - 70) * 100/450

If in an analysis not only the crystalline parts but also X-ray amorphous parts are mentioned, the contents A, B, C are corrected by AM.

Compacting and milling the builder compositions:

In a roll compactor (Hosokawa-Bepex company), the starting material is conveyed between the compactor rolls by means of a plug screw (setting level 5). This happens so fast that a pressing pressure of 10 to 100 kN / cm roll length is created. The roller revolution is set to levels 3 to 7, the nip is 0.1 mm. The resulting slugs (length about 50mm, thickness about 2 to 5 mm, width about 10 to 15 mm) are in a hammer mill (type UPZ, Fa. Alpine) with a Sieblochdurchmesser of 5mm at a speed of 600 to 1400 rpm Broken. From the crushed powdery product Überkom (sieve with hole diameter 1000 microns) and undersize (sieve with hole diameter 300 microns) are separated. The oversize is subjected to another grinding step and sieved again. The two fractions with particle size between 300 microns and 1000 microns are combined.

Determination of the particle size distribution of the builder compositions by sieve analysis:

In a screening machine from the company Retsch the inserts are used with the desired sieves. The mesh size of the sieves decreases from top to bottom. 50 g of the powder to be tested are placed on the widest sieve. Due to the oscillating motion of the screening machine, the powder material is conveyed through the various screens. The residues on the sieves will be balanced and mathematically based on the material weight. From the values, the d ₅₀ value can be calculated.

Preparation of the test detergents:

The optical brighteners are mixed in a quarter of the amount of the molten alkyl ethoxylate and mixed in a household Multimixer (Braun) with half of the soda or bicarbonate or phosphate amount. In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, the residual soda and the total amounts of builder composition according to the invention, phosphate, zeolite, bicarbonate, citric acid or polymer are mixed for 15 minutes at 300 rpm. Thereafter, half of the remaining alkyl ethoxylate is sprayed on in 5 minutes. Thereafter, the builder composition of the present invention is added and mixed for 10 minutes. Then the remaining second half of the alkyl ethoxylate is sprayed on for a further 5 minutes. Finally, alkanesulfonate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, alkylbenzenesulfonate, soap, antifoaming agent, phosphonate or compound with optical brightener are added and admixed for 10 minutes at 300 rpm. In the tumble mixer, the mixture from the Lödige mixer is mixed with percarbonate, perborate, TAED or enzymes under low shear and mixed for 5 minutes.

Tabletting of detergents:

For tableting, the detergent formulations are mixed and pressed with a tablet press from Matra in the appropriate form. The pressing pressure can be between 12 and 0.3 kN / cm ² . The pellets have a height of about 18 mm and a diameter of 41 mm.

Manufacture of machine dishes:

In a ploughshare mixer Fa. Lödige the solid components, except enzymes, bleach and perfume, submitted and mixed well. Then the alkyl ethoxylate is sprayed on. Enzymes, perfume and bleach system are finally mixed in.

Execution of the solvent residue tests:

800 ml of tap water (water hardness 20 degrees German hardness, molar ratio Ca: Mg = approx. 4: 1) are heated to 20 ° C. 2 g of the test substance are added and stirred for 20 minutes with a magnetic stirrer. With the light vacuum of a water jet pump, the dispersion is drawn through a cotton fabric in a Büchner funnel (diameter approx. 95 mm, type WFK 10A from wfk-Testgewebe GmbH, Christenfeld 10, 41379 Brueggen, Germany). The sieve is dried at 80 to 100 ° C for 1 hour in a convection oven. The weight increase is based on the initial weight, normalized to percentages and referred to as the solvent residue (KRT in%).

Example 1 (comparison):

From a commercially available crystalline layered sodium disilicate granules (SKS-6 granules, Clariant GmbH), the dissolution residue, the bulk density and the average particle diameter d _{50 are} determined. The measured values are summarized in Table 1.

Example 2 (comparison):

The dissolution residue is determined from a commercially available crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder (SKS-6 powder, Clariant GmbH). The measured values are summarized in Table 1. The X-ray powder diffractometry gives the following phase composition: alpha-disilicate 19.1% by weight, beta-disilicate 9.4% by weight and delta-disilicate 71.5% by weight.

Example 3 (comparison):

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from Example 2 is mixed with a solution of 96% strength sulfuric acid and water in the proportions given in Table 1 to a total of 18 kg of powder mixture in four batches. From the powder mixture, the dissolution residue is determined. In comparison with the untreated powder from Example 2, an improved dissolution residue behavior results (see Table 1 and compare Example 2).

Example 4 (comparison):

Of the mixture of Example 3 8 kg are processed in a roll compactor at a pressing pressure of 32 kN / cm roll length. It will be about 3 kg of good grain obtained, from which the solvent residue is determined. The additional compaction leads to an improved solvent residue behavior (see Table 1 and see Example 3).

Example 5 (comparison):

From the mixture of Example 3, 10 kg are heat treated in a drying oven at 75 ° C for 1 h. The warm storage improves the dissolution residue behavior (see Table 1 and see Example 3).

Example 6:

The material of Example 5 is processed in a roll compactor at a press pressure of 32 kN / cm roll length. About 5 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). The Löserückstandsverhalten is compared with the examples 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 improved. X-ray powder diffractometry shows that the polymorph disilicate phases did not change: alpha disilicate 19.3%, beta disilicate 9.9%, delta disilicate 70.8%.

Example 7:

From the material of Example 6 4 kg are ground for about 45 minutes with a ball mill U 280A0 Fa. Welte, the metal-lined inside and the drum rotates at about 50 rev / min, milled. As grinding media 44 kg porcelain balls are used. The grinding improves the dissolution residue behavior compared with the granules from Example 6 (see Table 1 and see Example 6).

Example 8 (comparison):

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from Example 2 is mixed in two batches with a solution of 96% strength sulfuric acid and water in the proportions given in Table 1 to give 9 kg of powder mixture. The mixture is heat treated in a drying oven for 1 hour at 85 ° C and then processed in a roll compactor at a pressing pressure of 32 kN / cm roll length. Approximately 4 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). The lower water to acid ratio compared to Example 6 causes a deteriorated Löserückstandsverhalten.

Example 9:

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from Example 2 is mixed in two batches with a solution of 96% strength sulfuric acid and water in the proportions given in Table 1 to give 9 kg of powder mixture. The mixture is heat treated in a drying oven for 1 hour at 85 ° C and then processed in a roll compactor at a pressing pressure of 32 kN / cm roll length. Approximately 4 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). Despite the lower amount of acid / water used, the dissolution residue behavior is similar to that in Example 6.

Example 10:

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from Example 2 is mixed with a solution of 96% strength sulfuric acid and water in the proportions given in Table 1 to form 9 kg of powder mixture in two batches. The mixture is heat treated in a drying oven for 1 hour at 85 ° C and then processed in a roll compactor at a pressing pressure of 32 kN / cm roll length. Approximately 4 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). Despite the high amount of acid / water used, the dissolution residue behavior is similar to that in Example 6.

Example 11:

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from Example 2 is mixed in two batches with a solution of 96% strength sulfuric acid and water in the proportions given in Table 1 to give 9 kg of powder mixture. The mixture is heat-treated in a drying oven for 10 minutes at 100 ° C and then processed in a roll compactor at a pressing pressure of 32 kN / cm roll length. Approximately 4 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). Despite the changed conditions in the heat treatment, the dissolution residue behavior is similar to that in Example 6.

Example 12:

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from Example 2 is mixed in two batches with a solution of 96% strength sulfuric acid and water in the proportions given in Table 1 to give 9 kg of powder mixture. The mixture is heat treated in a drying oven for 1 h at 85 ° C and then processed in a roll compactor at a pressure of 100 kN / cm roll width. Approximately 4 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). Despite the changed pressing pressure, the dissolution residue behavior is similar to that in Example 6.

Example 13 (comparison)

Another dissolution residue is determined from another commercially available crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder (SKS-6 powder, Clariant GmbH). The measured values are summarized in Table 1. X-ray powder diffraction gives the proportions of the polymorphic disilicate phases: alpha-disilicate 9.8% by weight, beta-disilicate 1.7% by weight and delta-disilicate 88.5% by weight. Comparing the phase compositions and solvent residues of Examples 13 and 2, it can be seen that a higher delta phase content leads to a more favorable effect. The effect obtained by increasing the delta phase content is comparable to that achieved by simply mixing crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder with water and sulfuric acid (see Examples 2 and 3).

Example 14:

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from example 13 is mixed with a solution of 96% strength sulfuric acid and water in the proportions given in table 1 to give 9 kg of powder mixture in two batches. The mixture is heat-treated in a drying oven for 1 hour at 85 ° C and then processed in a roll compactor at a pressure of 32 kN / cm roll width. Approximately 4 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). The dissolution residue is more favorable than in Example 13. X-ray powder diffractometry shows that the phase distribution of the Sodium disilicate has not changed: alpha-disilicate 10.6%, beta-disilicate 0%, delta-disilicate 89.4%.

Example 15 (comparison):

The solution residue is determined from a pulverulent detergent and cleaner component prepared according to EP 0 849 355 (see Table 1).

Example 16:

In a ploughshare mixer from Lödige, crystalline layered sodium disilicate powder from Example 13 is mixed with a solution of sodium hydrogensulfate and water in the proportions given in Table 1 to form 9 kg of powder mixture in two batches. The mixture is heat treated in a drying oven for 1 hour at 80 ° C and then processed in a roll compactor at a pressure of 50 kN / cm roll width. About 4 kg of good grain are obtained, from which the residue is determined (see Table 1). The dissolution residue behavior is significantly better than in Comparative Example 13.

Examples 17 to 21 and 24 to 27:

According to the general procedure "preparation of the test detergents", test detergents having the compositions indicated in Table 2 are prepared.

Example 22:

In Lödige's ploughshare mixer, a water softener formulation according to Table 2 is prepared, the solid components being mixed for 15 minutes at 300 rpm. The alkyl ethoxylate is melted and sprayed on with mixing.

Example 23:

According to the general instructions "preparation of the test detergents" and "tabletting of detergents" detergent tablets are prepared with compositions according to Table 2.

Example 28:

In Lödige's ploughshare mixer, a stain-salt formulation according to Table 2 is prepared, with the solid components being mixed for 15 minutes at 300 rpm. The alkanesulfonate is melted and sprayed on with mixing.

Examples 29 to 30:

According to the general regulation "Manufacture of machine-harness cleaners", machine-dishwashing detergents are prepared with the compositions according to Table 3.

Example 31:

A machine dishwashing detergent gel having the composition shown in Table 4 is prepared by mixing together in a disperser (Ultraturrax, Messrs. Hanke and Kunkel) water glass, phosphate, soda, sodium hydroxide, phosphonate, polymer, alkanesulfonate, phosphoric acid esters. The builder composition according to the invention according to Example 6 and sodium hypochlorite are finally mixed in.

Used chemicals:

AE 1 ® Genapol 3070, Clariant GmbH AE 2 ® Genapol 2822, Clariant GmbH alkanesulfonate ®Hostapur SAS 60, Clariant GmbH alkylbenzenesulfonate ®Marlon ARL, Fa. Huls antifoam ® 11 Plv ASP3, from Wacker citric acid Fa. Jungbunzlauer CMC ® Tylose 2000, Clariant GmbH Enzyme 1 ®Termamyl 60T, from Solvay Enzymes Enzyme 2 ®Termamyl 120T, from Solvay Enzymes Enzyme 3 ® Savinase 6.0 TW, from Solvay Enzymes Sodium acetate th Merck KGaA sodium bicarbonate Solvay sodium chloride Merck KGaA Sodium citrate th Fa. Jungbunzlauer sodium hydroxide Microprills 100%, Riedel-de Haen sodium hypochlorite Fa. Celanese GmbH Sodium metasilicate ph Fa. Van Baerle Sodium perborate mh Degussa Sodium perborate th Degussa sodium ®Oxyper C, from Solvay Interox Sodium phosphate 1 Sodium tripolyphosphate, Fa. Thermphos Intl. Sodium phosphate 2 ® Macrophos 1018, BK Giulini Sodium phosphate 3 ®Thermphos NW coarse, Fa. Thermphos Intl. sodium sulphate Solvay 45.5% active ingredient, module 2.0, Clariant Sodium silicate France SA Opt. Brightener ®Tinopal CBS-X, Ciba Perfume Lemon Perfume 78122D, Fa Orissa Phosphonate 1 ®Dequest 2041, Monsanto Phosphonate 2 ®Dequest 200, from Monsanto Polycarboxylate 1 ® Sokalan CP5 powder, BASF Polycarboxylate 2 ® Sokalan CP45, BASF Polycarboxylate 3 ® Sokalan CP5 liquid, BASF polyvinylpyrrolidone ® Sokalan HP50, BASF Soap ®Liga basic soap HM11E soda Schwersoda, Fa. Matthes & Weber Soil release polymer ® SRC 1, Clariant GmbH TAED 1 ®Peractive AN, Clariant GmbH TAED 2 ®Peractive AC White, Clariant GmbH Zeolite A ®Wessalith P, Degussa

Table 3 Examples 29 30 Phyllosilicate from Ex. 6 (Wt .-%) 5 - Phyllosilicate from Ex. 14 (Wt .-%) - 5.2 Phyllosilicate from Ex. 16 (Wt .-%) - - Phosphate 2 (Wt .-%) - 47 Sodium metasilicate ph (Wt .-%) - - soda (Wt .-%) 32.7 27.5 sodium hydroxide (Wt .-%) - - Sodium citrate th (Wt .-%) 35.0 - sodium (Wt .-%) 10 - Sodium perborate mh (Wt .-%) - 10 NaDCC (Wt .-%) - - Polycarboxylate 2 (Wt .-%) 7.5 3.5 TAED 2 (Wt .-%) 5 2 Enzyme 2 (Wt .-%) 1.5 1.5 Enzyme 3 (Wt .-%) 1.5 1.5 AE 2 (Wt .-%) 1.5 1.5 Perfume (Wt .-%) 0.3 0.3 dosage - 20 g 20g Table 4 example 31 Phosphate 3 (Wt .-%) 25 Phyllosilicate from Ex. 6 (Wt .-%) 5 soda (Wt .-%) 1 sodium hydroxide (Wt .-%) 1 Phosphonate 2 (Wt .-%) 0.5 Polycarboxylate 3 (Wt .-%) 2 alkanesulfonate (Wt .-%) 1.5 water glass (Wt .-%) 35 sodium hypochlorite (Wt .-%) 9 water (Wt .-%) 20 dosage (G) 40

Claims (21)

1. A builder composition obtainable by bringing into contact with one another

   a) crystalline sheetlike sodium silicate of the formula NaMSi_xO_2x+1·yH₂O, where M is sodium or hydrogen, x is a number from 1.9 to 4 and y is a number from 0 to 20,

   b) water and

   c) sodium hydrogensulfate or sulfuric acid as acidic, H⁺-releasing component, where the

   d) molar ratio of the crystalline sheetlike sodium silicate a) to the total amount of the releasable H⁺ of the acid component c) is 4 : 1 to 1 000 : 1, the

   e) molar ratio of the water b) to the total amount of the releasable H⁺ of the acidic component c) is 3 : 1 to 1 000 : 1 and

   f) subjecting the sodium silicate treated in this way to a heat treatment at 30 to 400°C over a period of from 0.5 to 1000 min and

   g) Compacting and grinding the sodium silicate obtained in this way, the compaction and grinding being carried out either before or after the heat treatment.
2. The builder composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crystalline sheetlike sodium silicate a) comprises 0 to 40% by weight of alpha-sodium disilicate, 0 to 40% by weight of beta-sodium disilicate, 40 to 100% by weight of delta-sodium disilicate and 0 to 40% by weight of amorphous fractions.
3. The builder composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the crystalline sheetlike sodium silicate a) comprises 80 to 100% by weight of delta-sodium disilicate.
4. A builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the crystalline sheetlike sodium silicate a) comprises additional cationic and/or anionic constituents.
5. The builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the crystalline sheetlike sodium silicate a) is used as a powder having an average particle size of from 0.1 to 4 000 µm.
6. The builder composition as claimed in one of claims 1 - 5, wherein, after the components a), b) and c) have been brought into contact, the mixture is firstly heat-treated, then compacted, then ground and is then optionally fractionated according to size.
7. The builder composition as claimed in one of claims 1-5, wherein, after the components a), b) and c) have been brought into contact, the mixture is first compacted, then ground, then optionally fractionated according to size and is then heat-treated.
8. The builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1-7, wherein the compaction is roll compaction.
9. The builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, during the compaction, up to 10% by weight of compacting auxiliaries, preferably water, water glass, polyethylene glycol, nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, polycarboxylate copolymers, modified, and/or unmodified celluloses, bentonite, hectonites and/or saponites.
10. The builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 9, which is granules having an average particle size of from 200 to 2 000 µm.
11. The builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 10, which is ground granules having an average particle size of from 0.1 to 300 µm.
12. The builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dissolution residue of a 0.25% strength aqueous solution at 20°C and after stirring for 20 minutes is less than or equal to 50%.
13. A laundry detergent or cleaner comprising at least one builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 12.
14. The cleaner as claimed in claim 13, which is a machine dishwashing detergent.
15. The laundry detergent or cleaner as claimed in claim 13 and/or 14,which comprises:

    a) 0.5 to 98% by weight of the builder composition

    b) optionally 0.5 to 80% by weight of cobuilders

    c) optionally 1 to 50% by weight of interface-active substances

    d) optionally 0.5 to 80% by weight of pH regulators

    e) optionally 1 to 70% by weight of bleaches

    f) ad 100% by weight of further customary ingredients.
16. A component of a laundry detergent modular system which comprises 60 to 100% by weight of a builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 12.
17. A water softener comprising at least one builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 12.
18. The water softener as claimed in claim 17, which comprises

    a) 0.5 to 99% by weight of the builder composition

    b) optionally 0.5 to 80% by weight of cobuilders

    c) optionally 0 to 10% by weight of interface-active substances and

    d) optionally 0.5 to 80% by weight of pH regulators.
19. A laundry detergent or cleaner, water softener or component of a laundry detergent modular system which comprises at least one builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 12 in the form of a compound of composition

    a) 70 to 99.5% by weight of the builder composition and

    b) 0.5 to 30% by weight of anionic, cationic, nonionic and/or zwitterionic surfactant.
20. A laundry detergent or cleaner, water softener or component of a laundry detergent modular system, which comprises at least one builder composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 12 in the form of a compound of composition

    a) 50 to 99% by weight of the builder composition.

    b) 0.01 to 10% by weight of dye and

    c) ad 100% by weight of further customary ingredients.
21. The composition or component as claimed in at least one of claims 13 to 20, which is in tablet form.