All you wanted to know about laundry detergent formulation and more...

[sudsmaster]

I found this great link PQ Corporation in Pennsylvania, which details the exact composition of various laundry detergents as produced by the manufacturer.

It also contains formulations for other applications, such as dishwashing detergents.

Here's a sample formulation for a consumer laundry powder. Words in brackets are mine:

BRITESIL® C24 hydrous polysilicate 20.0% [sodium silicate]
STPP 30.0%
Sodium carbonate 10.5%
C12-C15 linear alcohol, 7 moles EO 4.0% [surfactant]
Sodium sulfate 24.0% [inert filler]
CMC 1.0% [carboxy methyl cellulose]
LAS 10.0% [Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, surfactant]
Optical brightener, Perfume 0.5%

http://www.pqcorp.com/literature/bulletin_41-26.pdf

 

[toggleswitch]

Where can I get me some?

STPP 30.0%

Is this stuff with this ingredient sold in the U.S.?

 

[sudsmaster]

No idea.

Try contacting PQ Corp.

 

[mixedup]

STPP

Can be purchased at the Chemistry Store

http://chemistrystore.com/sodium_tripolyphosphate.htm

 

[peterh770]

So roughly 25% of detergent is filler? Nice...

 

[launderess]

Yes, one can purchase phosphates from The Chemistry Store, but strongly urge one to check out other sources/local suppliers. This is especially true if one can store a large (50lb or more)container. Stpp is not that expensive, but the Chemistry Store makes a good mark-up for repacking the stuff into smaller containers,then charges a handling fee onto each order.

Many commercial laundry chemical suppliers used to sell phoshates in bulk, but as many states have clamped down on phosphated laundry products many have stopped. Even Amway/Quixtar stopped selling "Smashing White" laundry booster which contained phosphates.

L.