日本ゼオライト学会　刊行物 Publication of Japan Zeolite Association

The compact heavy-duty powder (HDP) detergents were introduced in Japan in 1987 and are already dominating in the market, i.e. 92.0% out of total HDP. Last year more compacted detergents, namely "super compact detergents", were introduced but there is new ones, so-called "super super compact detergents", launched in spring this year. This tendency would be welcome from the view point of environmental aspects and save of energy. However new builders are essential to realize this tendency.

Many kinds of the builders, not only inorganic but organic ones, has been consumed for HDP detergents in the world. Although 4A-type Zeolite has been mostly applied since many years, there is a discussion about modification of 4A-type Zeolite and new Zeolite namely P-type. Furthermore new Silicate builders have been developed and launched in the market. The Crystalline Layered Sodium Silicate (δ-type) is one of the newest Silicate duilders and has many superior properties as a multi-functional one. Consequently it seems to be impossible to launch the "super super compact detergents" without these new multi-functional Silicates.

Although the layered Silicates were known many decade ago, synthetic ones were developed recently. The Crystalline Layered Sodium Silicate (δ-type) is one of them and it can provide many kinds of functions, which are required as the builder, such as water-softening effect, alkalinity & buffer effect, dispersing-ability and etc. Therefore it is called as the "Multifunctional builder". In addition, it has environmentally benigh character owing to its solubility in water contrary to 4A-type Zeolite.