Algerian montmorillonite as a builder in a detergent powder

Algerian montmorillonite treated with sodium chloride was used as a substitute for the builders sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium sulfate in a detergent powder. The following performance parameters of the substituted composition powder were examined: pH, foaming, cleaning, sequestering, and ion exchange capacities. The latter factors remained the most important ones for effective detergency. Despite anticipated improvement in hard water ion removal, constant detergency results were observed with the treated montmorillonite-containing powder. This level of efficacy does not meet the cost-effectiveness of a standard detergent powder containing STPP.