Performance of alpha olefin sulfonates derived from ziegler olefins in light duty liquid detergents

Single carbon number olefins derived from Ziegler technology were sulfonated in a continuous fallingfilm SO₃ reactor. The resulting alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) was evaluated in a dishwashing test at several water hardnesses. Statistical analysis of the data led to the selection of compositions suitable for hand dishwash applications. AOS, prepared by sulfonating a blend of C₁₄ and C₁₆ olefins, was evaluated for hand dishwashing efficiency in a ternary mixture consisting of AOS, an alcohol ether sulfate and monoethanolamide. Regression equations calculated from the data permit the prediction of performance levels for all practical combinations of the three ingredients. The effect of unreacted olefin on AOS dishwash performance was also determined. With a binary blend of AOS and monoethanolamide it was shown that up to 5% free oil (based on AOS active) could be tolerated without significant deleterious effect.