AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER

DETERGENTS
Raw materials and chemical additives
CONTENT

PRODUCT CATEGORY PAGES

AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER GELS

General information 5

Basic formulation of Dishwasher Gel 7

Cleaning effect 11

DISHWASHER RINSE AIDS

General information 17

Basic formulations of Dishwasher Rinse Aid 19

Rinse Aid test – results 23

DISHWASHER CLEANERS

General information 27

Basic formulations of Dual Layer Dishwasher Cleaners 29

Degreasing properties 33
 AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER GELS
General information

The most popular detergents on the market for Automatic Dishwashing are formulations
in the form of tablets or pods, however dishwasher gels are quite common as well. Their
application into dispenser is easy and quick. Those types of formulations are expected
to wash the dishes well, leave them without streaks and deposits, not damage the
cleaned surfaces and be universal for different types of surfaces and various types of
dirt. The best detergents for automatic dishwashing, not only prevent redeposition of
dirt, but also limit the accumulation of minerals and discoloration of the dishes.

Depending on the type of formulation, different ingredients are used, however, they usually
contain the following components:
• Sequestring/Dispersing agents – responsible for scale build-up prevention as well
as reducing calcium and magnesium ions by chelating or dispersing mechanism.
Phosphates are characterized by the highest chelating effect, however nowadays,
they are being replaced by the usage of environmentally friendly additives such as
organic polymers (products form EXOlat serie).
• Oxygen-based bleaches – break up and bleach organic deposits. They are mainly
found in tablets and liquids containing chlorine-based bleaching agents for
professional usage.
• Nonionic surfactants – compounds that lower the surface tension of water, emulsify
oil deposits and prevent the formation of stains on the vessel surfaces.
• Enzymes – hydrolyze dirt deposits based on proteins and polysaccharides.
• Corrosion inhibitors – decrease the corrosion rate of a material. The most often
used compound is sodium metasilicate.

4 Automatic Dishwasher Gels Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 5
 AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER GELS
Basic formulation of Dishwasher Gel

The example recipe of automatic dishwashing gel is presented below. One of the main
function in this formulation is fulfilled by the:
• ROKAnol L5P5, low-foaming nonionic surfactant, which belongs to a group of
alkoxylated natural alcohols. It exhibits excellent wetting and detergent properties
for broadly understood cleaning, where low foaming profile is required. The product
exhibits cleaning properties at the level of widely used lauryl alcohol ethoxylates, but
it is characterized by several times lower foaming abilities. ROKAnol L5P5 is one of
the most universal low-foaming surfactant from PCC EXOL SA offer used in ADW
application.
• EXOlat C40/EXOlat ZA, organic polymers, which are capable of removing water
hardness by dispersion of calcium and magnesium ions. They prevent the limescale
deposition as well as enhance the detergent effect.

6 Automatic Dishwasher Gels Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 7
AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING GEL
INGREDIENT FORMULATION 1 [%] FORMULATION 2 [%] FUNCTION

EXOlat C40
– 12.0 sequestrant
(homopolymer of acrylic acid)

EXOlat ZA
(copolymer of acrylic acid 12.0 – sequestrant
and maleic anhydride)

ROKAnol L5P5 5.0 5.0 cleaning and wetting agent

Sodium polyacrylate,
6.0 6.0 anti-redeposition agent
Mw=4000-6000, 40%

Sodium Citrate 4.0 4.0 chelating agent

Subtilisin, 40% 4.0 4.0 enzyme

Tetrasodium EDTA, 40% 4.0 4.0 chelating agent

Amylase, 40% 1.0 1.0 enzyme

Xanthan Gum 0.8 0.8 thickener

Citric Acid 0.5 0.5 pH adjuster

Water up to 100 up to 100 solvent

Additives* q.s. q.s. –

* Additives: preservatives, dyes, fragrances and other

Procedure:
1. Mix Xanthan Gum with water (50°C). combined with each other.
2. Add EXOlat C40/EXOlat ZA, ROKAnol 3. Cool the mixture down to 20-25°C.
L5P5, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, 4. Add enzymes and mix until homogenous
Citric Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate and mix solution is obtained.
until all the ingredients are uniformly

8 Automatic Dishwasher Gels Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 9
 AUTOMATIC
DISHWASHER GELS
Cleaning effect

The detergency measurements were conducted based on modified IKW method:

„Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Dish-
washer Detergents (Part B, Update 2015)”. According to IKW method there are 8 types
of dirt, which are divided into 4 classes. Corresponding to the composition of dish-
washing detergents of bleach, alkali and various enzymes, at least one soil type from
each of the four soil classes (bleachable, persistent/alkaline-sensitive, starch-contain-
ing amylase-sensitive and protein containing protease-sensitive) were used in testing.

Four types of dirt were selected, one from each class (table below). After washing cycle,
a visual assessment was carried out, scoring from 0 to 9 or from 0 to 10, depending on
the degree of cleaning and type of dirt. The higher the score the better the detergent
effect.

10 Automatic Dishwasher Gels Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 11
Types of dirt and their scores are presented below.
Persistent/ Starch-containing, Protein-containing,
SOIL CLASS Bleachable
alkaline-sensitive amylase-sensitive protease-sensitive

SOIL TYPE Black tea Milk Pasta Egg yolks

SCORING 0 - 10 0-9 0 - 10 0 - 10

METHOD DESCRIPTION
3 x a glass of baked milk
3 x dirty plate with pasta
USED DISHES
3 x cup soiled with tea
3 x metal plate soiled with egg yolk

DISHWASHER TYPE BOSCH Silence Plus

WASHING METHOD „ECO”*

WASHING CYCLE NUMBER 1

WATER TYPE Tap water (13°dH)

FORMULATION DOSE 30 ml
DETERGENCY RESULTS
MEASUREMENT METHOD visual assessment - point scale
35,0
* Washing program: pre-wash, 50°C wash, intermediate rinse, rinse with 65°C polishing, drying

30,0

DETERGENCY RESULTS 25,0

TOTAL SCORE
20,0
AVERAGE NUMBER OF POINTS TOTAL POINTS

15,0
SOIL TYPE Black tea Milk Pasta Egg yolks

WATER 0.3 3.3 1.3 2.0 6.9 10,0

FORMULATION 1 4.7 8.3 9.0 9.0 31.0

5,0

FORMULATION 2 5.7 8.0 9.0 10.0 32.7

0,0

Water Formulation 1 Formulation 2

12 Automatic Dishwasher Gels Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 13
DETERGENCY RESULTS – VISUAL ASSESSMENT DETERGENCY RESULTS – VISUAL ASSESSMENT

BLACK TEA PASTA MILK EGG YOLK

WATER WATER

FORMULATION 1 FORMULATION 1

FORMULATION 2 FORMULATION 2

14 Automatic Dishwasher Gels Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 15
 DISHWASHER
RINSE AIDS
General information

Rinse aids are used in the final rinse cycle to minimize the deposition of residual water,
soluble minerals and surface-active soil components on washed items. The main
component of rinse aid formulations are low foaming nonionic surfactants from the
group of ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols or EO/PO block copolymers.

The surfactant in rinse aid formulation contribute to decreasing of surface tension

of water and improves the wetting on the hydrophobic surfaces. Improved wetting,
reduces the tendency of the rinsing water to form drops on the vessel surfaces, which
give rise to spots upon drying.

The other components in rinse aid detergents are complexing agents, such as citric
acid and hydrotropes, such as tetrasodium cumenesulfonate. The complexing agent
prevents scale build-up and it contributes to the brilliancy and shiny appearance on
a glass surface. The hydrotropes are responsible for raising the cloud point of low
foaming surfactants and keep the formulation clear.

16 Dishwasher Rinse Aids Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 17
 DISHWASHER
RINSE AIDS
Basic formulations of Dishwasher Rinse Aid

18 Dishwasher Rinse Aids Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 19
ECONOMIC RINSE AID FORMULATION RINSE AID METHOD DESCRIPTION
The rinse aid method is based on EN 50242/ EN 60436 „Electric dishwashers for household use – Methods for
COMPONENT CONCENTRATION [%] FUNCTION measuring the performance”. The test was performed on clean glasses and knives.

ROKAnol L7 6 x clean glasses

5.5 wetting agent USED DISHES
(Laureth-7) 6 x clean knives

ROKAnol LP2500 DISHWASHER TYPE BOSCH Silence Plus

(Alcohols, C12-C15, branched and linear, 3.5 wetting agent
ethoxylated, propoxylated)
WASHING METHOD „ECO”*
Sodium Cumenesulfonate, 40% 5.0 hydrotrope
WASHING CYCLE NUMBER 6
Citric Acid, monohydrate 3.0 chelating agent / pH adjustor
WATER TYPE Tap water (13°dH)
Water up to 100 solvent
FORMULATION DOSE 10 ml
Additives * q.s. –
STEP 1: counting spots
* Additives: preservatives, dyes, perfumes and other MEASUREMENT METHOD
STEP 2: assessing the shine level

Procedure: * Washing program: pre-wash, 50°C wash, intermediate rinse, rinse with 65°C polishing, drying

1. Mix non-ionic surfactants ROKAnol LP2500 3. Mix until a clear solution is obtained. The measurement method consists of 2 steps. The first one is counting spots on glasses and knives, the second one
and ROKAnol L7 with water. is assessing of shining level. Each step has its own scoring which is briefly described below.
2. Add Sodium Cumenesulfonate, Citric Acid
and other additives.

STANDARD RINSE AID FORMULATION

STEP 1 [counting spots]: the scoring depends on the number of stains (glasses + knives). The maximum number
COMPONENT CONCENTRATION [%] FUNCTION of spots dishes is 60. The bigger number of spots on glasses and knives the worse effect. The highest score (7)
is assigned to the smallest number of spots.
ROKAnol LP2500
(Alcohols, C12-C15, branched and linear, 9.0 wetting agent
ethoxylated, propoxylated) NUMBER OF SPOTS 0–8 9 – 16 17 – 24 25 – 32 33 – 40 41 – 49 50 – 59 60≤

Sodium Cumenesulfonate, 40% 5.0 hydrotrope

SCORING 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Citric Acid, monohydrate 3.0 chelating agent / pH adjuster

Water up to 100 solvent

Additives * q.s. –

* Additives: preservatives, dyes, perfumes and other STEP 2 [assessing the shine level]: the score depends on the shine level. Evaluation has been made only on glasses
due to the too small surface of knives. The higher the score the better the effect.

Procedure:
APPEARANCE HIGH MATT EFFECT MEDIUM MATT EFFECT WEAK MATT EFFECT SHINY EFFECT
1. Mix ROKAnol LP2500 with water. 3. Mix until a clear solution is obtained.
2. Add Sodium Cumenesulfonate, Citric Acid SCORING 0 1 2 3
and other additives.

20 Dishwasher Rinse Aids Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 21
 DISHWASHER
RINSE AIDS
Rinse Aid test – results

22 Dishwasher Rinse Aids Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 23
RINSE AID TEST – RESULTS
Appearance of dishes after 6 cycles of washing, using basic formulations presented above has been compared to
dishes rinsed only with water.

STANDARD RINSE AID ECONOMIC RINSE AID

WATER
FORMULATION FORMULATION

GLASSES

The rinsing effect is expressed as a total score of counted spots on glasses and knives and shining effect on glasses.
The higher the score the better the rinsing effect.

RINSING EFFECT
14

12

10

TOTAL SCORE
8
KNIVES

Water Economic rinse aid Rinse aid

24 Dishwasher Rinse Aids Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 25
 DISHWASHER
CLEANERS
General information

Due to the growing awareness of consumers, more and more preparations for
specialized applications can be found on store shelves such as liquid dishwasher
cleaners. Dual layer product are becoming increasingly popular because it gives to
the user a feeling of better and stronger action.

Dual layer formula cleans dishwasher by

• fighting grease,
• fighting limescale
• decreasing odour in the hidden parts of machine.

It works safely and effectively by breaking down and removing mineral build up which
is inside the machine, including hard-to-reach parts like the heating element and
sprayer arms.

26 Dishwasher Cleaners Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 27
 DISHWASHER
CLEANERS
Basic formulations
of Dual Layer Dishwasher Cleaners

28 Dishwasher Cleaners Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 29
ECONOMIC DUAL LAYER DISHWASHER CLEANER TWO PHASE DISHWASHER CLEANER
COMPONENT CONCENTRATION [%] FUNCTION COMPONENT CONCENTRATION [%] FUNCTION

ROKAnol GT3R ROKAnol GA3

7.0 wetting and degreasing agent 7.0 wetting and degreasing agent
(Alcohols, C9-C16, ethoxylated) (PEG-3 Propylheptyl Ether)

Citric Acid, monohydrate 25.0 chelating agent POLIkol 6000

5.0 accelerates phase separation
(PEG-135)
Water up to 100 solvent
Citric Acid, monohydrate 25.0 chelating agent
Additives * q.s. –
Water up to 100 solvent
* Additives: preservatives, dyes, perfumes and other

Additives * q.s. –

* Additives: preservatives, dyes, perfumes and other

Procedure:
1. Mix non-ionic surfactant ROKAnol GT3R, 2. Mix until a clear solution is obtained.
Citric Acid and other additives.
Procedure:
1. Mix non-ionic surfactant ROKAnol GA3 and 2. Mix until a clear solution is obtained.
POLIkol 6000, Citric Acid and other additives.

STANDARD DUAL LAYER DISHWASHER CLEANER

ECONOMIC DUAL LAYER STANDARD DUAL LAYER TWO PHASE DISHWASHER
COMPONENT CONCENTRATION [%] FUNCTION
DISHWASHER CLEANER DISHWASHER CLEANER CLEANER

ROKAnol IT3
7.0 wetting and degreasing agent
(Isotrideceth-3)

Citric Acid, monohydrate 25.0 chelating agent

Water up to 100 solvent

Additives * q.s. –

* Additives: preservatives, dyes, perfumes and other

Procedure:
1. Mix non-ionic surfactant ROKAnol IT3, 2. Mix until a clear solution is obtained.
Citric Acid and other additives.

30 Dishwasher Cleaners Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 31
 DISHWASHER
CLEANERS
Degreasing Properties

Method of dynamic degreasing verifies the efficiency of degreasing a metal surface

during mechanical mixing. For this purpose the tested surface is immersed for
5 minutes in the used oil and then is applied in 1 L of solution which contains 5 g/L of
tested formulation. The mixing speed is 200 RPM. The degreasing effects are visually
assessed after 2 and 5 minutes from starting the mixing process.

Appearance of metal surface after 2 and 5 minutes

of stirring in solution of tested formulations

ECONOMIC DUAL LAYER STANDARD DUAL LAYER

DISHWASHER CLEANER DISHWASHER CLEANER TWO PHASE DISHWASHER
CLEANER
ROKAnol GT3R ROKAnol IT3

2 min.

5 min.

32 Dishwasher Cleaners Automatic Dishwasher Detergents – Raw materials and chemical additives 33
 PCC EXOL SA
PCC EXOL SA combines Sustainable technologies for new generations
innovative technologies
with experience in designing,
producing and selling surfactants
PCC EXOL SA is a company that combines cutting-edge technologies with rich
and chemical formulations experience in the production of surfactants (surface active agents). The company is
seated in Brzeg Dolny (Poland), where s anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants
production plants are located. With its flexible production processes, the company
offers a wide spectrum of surfactants and industrial formulations, which are often
suited to individual customers operating in various industry sectors. As one of leading
surfactant manufacturers, PCC EXOL SA carries out new investment projects and
implements innovative technologies based on global sustainability trends.

The offered surfactants have a very broad range of application. Aside from the mass
production for personal care products industry, cosmetics and detergents, the
substances produced by PCC EXOL SA also include specialised products used in
various industries.

Paints,
Textiles Paper Oil Metal
Agrochemicals Tanning Construction Mining lacquers and
and clothing processing extraction processing
glues

...and many others.

Their comprehensive portfolio is continuously extended by new, innovative products,

so the company can meet even the strictest market requirements and adapt to individual
PCC GROUP in numbers needs of customers. This is possible due to the dynamic development of the research
facilities, flexible production as well as the knowledge and experienced personnel.
PCC EXOL SA have the key competence necessary for a worldwide production of
surfactants. The ongoing projects will soon bring new opportunities for the company
further development and expansion into new markets. The company offers not only
a wide portfolio and professional servicing but most of all flexible production and
comprehensive system solutions that suit individual customer demands.

82 41 18 3500
The strategic investor in PCC EXOL SA is PCC SE, operating on international markets of
chemical raw materials, transport, energy, coal, coke, petrol, plastics and metallurgy.

COMPANIES SITES COUNTRIES EMPLOYEES For more information, please contact: products@pcc.eu.

34 PCC EXOL SA PCC EXOL SA 35

www.products.pcc.eu

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