PQ Corporation is a leading producer of specialty inorganic chemicals,

catalysts and engineered glass products. PQ Corporation operates worldwide

more than 60 plants in about 20 countries and has one of the most compre
hensive global manufacturing and distribution networks serving a large
variety of industries with a broad range of environmental friendly products.

Doucil 4A zeolite

DOUCIL 4A is a zeolite of the first generation optimized for use as a builder,

liquid carrier and/or processing aid in laundry detergent products, helping
manufacturers to produce detergents with excellent physical properties and
cleaning performance.

Benefits of DOUCIL 4A zeolite for detergents

crystalline material of very high purity

effective water softening

high liquid carrying capacity

very consistent quality enabling customers to minimize

process adjustments

non toxic, environmentally safe

Doucil 4A Zeolite
Key Attributes

Figure 1 Particle Size Distribution

7
6

Na2O 2SiO2 Al2O3 4.5H2O

Doucil 4A has a silicon: aluminum ratio of 1 (the maximum
attainable aluminum content). 29Si and 27Al NMR spectra
indicate an ordered distribution of tetra-hedrally coordinated
atoms with no extra framework aluminum species. The
maximum aluminum content leads to the highest negative
charge on the framework and hence to the highest theoretically
achievable calcium ion exchange capacity. This is important
for detergents, since it allows maximum water softening.

Particle Size and Morphology

Doucil 4A zeolite is supplied as a powder, with an average
particle size of approximately 3 microns. The narrow particle
size distribution (figure 1) ensures minimal incrustation of
zeolite particles on fabrics. Doucil 4A zeolite is a highly
crystalline material of cubic form with rounded edges (figure
2), thus protecting fibers against damage.

Wt %

Structure and Composition

Doucil 4A zeolite is a crystalline material, with a zeolite
A-type structure. It is produced by precipitation and
crystallization from pure sodium aluminate and sodium silicate
solutions to yield a product with the following composition:

Doucil 4A

5
4
3
2
1
0

0.1

1.0

particle diameter (microns)

Figure 2 Scanning electron micrograph

10

Processability

Doucil 4A zeolite exchanges the sodium ions in its pores for

the calcium ions in the wash water (figures 180
3 and 4). The high
crystallinity of Doucil 4A zeolite improves170the accessibility
to the pores, leading to effective softening of the water and
160
enhanced cleaning performance.

Detergent powders contain both solid and liquid components.

In order to maintain a free flowing detergent powder, the solid
components need to absorb the liquids, such as surfactants.
Detergent formulators are often forced to use excessive
amounts of solid builders or fillers, simply to be able to
include sufficient liquid actives in their formulations.

Capacity (mg CaO/g zeolite)

Ion Exchange Capacity

150

Ion exchange will also take place with heavy metal ions e.g.
Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb and Zn, which are commonly 140
introduced via tap
water or soil. Removal of these ions is beneficial, as these can
130
have negative effects on the bleaching process.

DoucilThe
4A

high liquid carrying capacity of Doucil 4A zeolite

(figure 5) allows non-tower processing routes to be used in
the production of detergent powders, thus saving on capital
investment and energy costs.

120
110

10

20

30

Temperature (C)

Figure 4 Ca - Na Ion Exchange Isotherm

Figure 3 Calcium Binding Capacity

180

Figure 5 Liquid Carrying Capacity

50

nonionic (g/100 g zeolite)

1.0

170
0.8

160
0.6

150

Doucil 4A

140

Doucil 4A

Ca (s)

Capacity (mg CaO/g zeolite)

Doucil
4A zeolite is also an effective anti-caking aid,
50
improving flow properties.

40

0.4

130

40
30
20
10

0.2

120
110

0
0

10

20

30

40

50

Carbonate (light)
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

Ca (z)

Temperature (C)

1.0

Doucil 4A is also available as an aqueous suspension (4AS)

which
may be advantageous in some detergent slurry
0.8
applications.
0.6

Ca (s)

Doucil 4A
Product Properties
0.4

Doucil 4A

Doucil 4AS

D50
0.2 m

2.0-5.0

2.0-5.0

CBC

>155

>155

LCC

0.2

Ca-uptake rate

0.4

0.6

Ca (z)
sec

% loss on ignition
Viscosity (Din cup, sec)

0.8

38
1.0
30

30

18-22

51.5-53.5
20 max

1.0

STPP

NTA

Zeolite 4A

Packaging
Doucil zeolites are available in bulk, big bags or small bags,
fitted with a PE inner layer.

Storage and handling

Doucil zeolites are not particularly hygroscopic, but to preserve
their properties it is recommended that they are stored in dry
conditions.

Zeolites: Safe for human and

environment
Head Office in Europe
PQ Corporation
De Brand 24
P.O. Box 664
3800 AR Amersfoort
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 33 450 9030
Fax +31 33 450 9031

Customer Service Center

PQ Silicas B.V.
Ir. Rocourstraat 28
6245 AD Eijsden
P.O. Box 1
6245 ZG Eijsden
The Netherlands
Tel. +31 43 409 9333
Fax +31 43 409 4165

www.pqcorp.com
e-mail: info@pqcorp.com

It has long been known that detergents can have a considerable

impact on the environment. In the 1970s issues regarding
eutrophication of surface water, with excessive formation
of algae and subsequent oxygen deficiency led to a search
for detergent phosphate substitutes. In the 1980s zeolite
found worldwide acceptance as an environmentally friendly
builder for use in zero P formulations and has replaced
sodiumtripolyphosphate (STPP) in many countries in Europe,
America and Asia. With the ongoing concern for water quality
this trend still continues.
Tests by independent consumer organizations have
demonstrated excellent performance for the zeolite based
formulations compared with the phosphate containing
products.
The introduction of zeolites in detergents allowed detergent
formulators to make more concentrated formulations.
Introduction of these so-called compact and supercompact
products, in combination with new dosage instructions to
consumers, has significantly reduced the load of detergent
chemicals on the environment.

The information presented in this brochure is true and

accurate, to the best of our knowledge, but without any
guarantee unless explicitly given. Since the conditions
of use are beyond our control, we disclaim any liability,
including for patent infringement, incurred in connection
with the use of these products, data or suggestions.

Detergent zeolites have undergone extensive toxicological

studies and have been shown to be nontoxic in living
organisms.

Registered trademark PQ Corporation

Copyright PQ Nederland B.V.
Issue: September 2009

Material Safety Data Sheets providing detailed toxicological

and handling information on PQ Corporation zeolites for
detergent applications are available upon request.

Health and Safety