Bleaching systems in domestic laundry detergents: A review

Giulia O. Bianchetti, Carolyn L. Devlin*, Kenneth R. Seddon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Laundry detergent is an indispensable commodity which is used by consumers worldwide. The global market for laundry detergents is in the region of $60.9 billion (2012, based on retail value), of which $11.7 billion comes from Western Europe. Non-chlorine bleach was incorporated in a detergent for the first time just over a century ago and it remains an important component of detergents, particularly powder detergents. Detergent development is mainly carried out in industrial laboratories and, as a result, relatively few papers have been published in this area. The aim of this review is to compile this information, along with that contained in the patent literature and other sources, to give future researchers a more comprehensive overview of this important topic. Specifically, oxygen-based bleaching systems have been examined, with focus on their development through the years. Current research targets as described by the available literature are also discussed, such as the development of better bleaching species, alternative bleach systems, and steps to incorporate a bleaching system in liquid laundry detergents (a key development which continues to elude researchers).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)65365-65384
JournalRSC Advances
Volume5
Issue number80
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03 Aug 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Bleaching systems in domestic laundry detergents: A review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this