Silicas and alkali metal salt compositions, detergents formed from such compositions and method of forming such compositions and detergents

Abstract

The current disclosure relates to a silica-based particle containing at least approximately 5% silica by solid weight, at least approximately 15% alkali metal salt by solid weight; and at least approximately 15% water by total weight. Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a detergent containing a silica/alkali metal salt particle and also containing at least a surfactant. Still another embodiment relates to a method of producing a silica/alkali metal salt particle. According to the method, one may combine a metal silicate and an amount of at least one acid source sufficient to form silica from the silicate and at least one alkali metal salt from the metal and acid, precipitate the silica to form precipitated silica, and, without washing the precipitated silica to remove the alkali metal salt, form a particle comprising the precipitated silica and at least approximately 15% alkali metal salt by solid weight.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.