Non-polar hydrocarbon analysis in powder detergent compositions

Since 1989 the BATTELLE–Geneva Research Centre has carried out a World Detergent Program aimed at supplying subscribers with analytical data on compositions of major brands of detergents on a multi-client basis. Due to the continual technical evolution of detergent compositions, the development of new analytical methods is a crucial element for this program. Recently, some European detergent producers have introduced very small percentages (0.01-0.5%) of non-polar hydrocarbons to powder detergent formulations in order to work as antifoaming agents. This study aimed at developing an analytical method allowing the extraction of linear, non-polar hydrocarbons in detergents by using supercritical fluid extraction as well as their quantification and characterization using gas chromatography.