Thickened peracid precursor compositions

Reference Number: N 03-07

Inventors: Farr, James P.; Carty, Daniel T.

Owner: NISTAC

USPTO Link: 4900469

Invention Summary

A thickened cleaning composition for laundry products incorporates low levels of a fluorescent whitening agent or dye, a surfactant, an acidic pH adjusting agent and an insoluble peracid precursor. At the acidic pH, the fluorescent whitening agent precipitates as a colloidal particle, and is stabilized by associating with the surfactant, resulting in thickening. The precursor is stably suspended in its inactive form in the thickener, and provides oxidizing power as the corresponding peracid is formed when added to an alkaline wash or rinse solution. The composition preferably is formulated with an acidic soluble bleach source and most preferably with a peroxygen bleach.