<P>The desired outcome is for dishwasher operators (either in the home, or in institutional setting) to be able to treat any and all metal ware in their dishwasher with complete confidence that these items will not suffer damage, corrosion, discoloration, or other negative effects. Currently, the chemicals contained in automatic dishwashing -- in conjunction with the high heat and presence of standing water droplets involved in the automatic dishwashing process -- may in some cases lead to some degree of damage to metal surfaces. Many consumers have learned through experience, or have been taught by others, not to put certain items into the dishwasher. Some manufacturers of pots & pans warn consumers not to place their pots & pans into the dishwasher. In fact, automatic dishwashing detergents are already completely safe for some metal items, but the fact that some degree of damage may take place on certain other types of metalware makes for a confusing situation wherein the consumer is not certain which items may be put through the dishwasher safely, and which ones may not.<P>The technology will comprise or otherwise be incorporated into some form of a consumable product.</P><P><B><U>The technology must result in minimal or no trade-offs in the following areas:</U> </B><BR> </P><UL><LI>No visible residues such as streaking, spotting, visible films <BR> </LI><LI>In addition, the technology does not change the inherent visible properties of the surface; for example, shiny surfaces are not dulled, whereas "flat"/"matte"/lustrous surfaces are not rendered glossy <BR> </LI><LI>No tactile negatives such as greasiness, stickiness, or grittiness <BR> </LI><LI>No odor negatives Human safety (e.g., the most preferred solutions will be applicable to dish surfaces, so will need to be Generally Recognized As Safe) <BR> </LI><LI>Robust temperature stability (e.g. able to withstand stovetop or oven cooking) <BR> </LI><LI>Effectiveness over a wide range of metal surfaces (e.g. iron, stainless steel, silver, aluminum, etc.) <BR> </LI><LI>Compatibility with the chemistry of standard current automatic dishwashing detergent ingredients (e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, chlorine or peroxygen bleaches, enzymes, dispersant polymers, etc.) <BR> </LI><LI>Environmental acceptability Cost effectiveness</LI></UL><P> </P><P> <B> <U>Selection Criteria</U> </B> </P><UL> <LI>Overall scientific and technical merit of the innovation (and its proposed development approach, if it's not an established technology).</LI><LI>Proof-of-concept results (or firm technical basis, and approach to create proof-of-concept results in Phase I-see below).</LI><LI>The technology must have compelling commercial potential and be highly focused.</LI><LI>The technology must be innovative and unique. It must be a stand-out.</LI></UL>

<P>The preferred solution would involve an additive that could be included at low level within conventional automatic dishwashing detergent powders, tablets, gels, liquids, or rinse aids. However, other solutions involving alternative delivery routes will also be considered, for domestic or institutional use. <BR></P><P>Some representative automatic dishwashing detergents are as follows. These detergents result in wash liquor pH's ranging anywhere from 8-13.</P><UL><LI>Liquid/Gel, bleach-free: 5% polyacrylate polymer, 1% potassium hydroxide, 25% sodium tripolyphosphate, 10% sodium silicate, 3% low-foaming nonionic surfactant, balance water and aethetics.</LI><LI> Liquid/Gel, chlorine bleach containing: 20% sodium tripolyphosphate, 10% sodium hydroxide, 15% sodium silicate, 7% sodium hypochlorite, balance water and aethetics.</LI><LI> Powder, chlorine bleach containing: 20% sodium carbonate, 20% sodium tripolyphosphate, 15% sodium silicate, 5% sodium dichloroisocyanurate, balance sodium sulfate and aethetics</LI><LI> Powder, enzyme-containing: 20% sodium carbonate, 20% sodium tripolyphosphate, 15% sodium silicate, 5% sodium perborate, 1% enzymes, 1% low-foaming nonionic surfactant, balance sodium sulfate and aethetics.</LI><LI> Commercial powder, bleach-free: 30% sodium tripolyphosphate, 40% sodium hydroxide, 10% sodium silicate, 1% low foaming nonionic surfactant, balance sodium sulfate</LI></UL><P>A representative rinse aid formulation is as follows: 40% nonionic surfactant, 5% ethanol, 2% citric acid, 5% sodium cumenesulfonate, balance water and aethetics.<BR></P><P>A typical home dishwashing process involves using anywhere from 30-150 g of detergent product. Typical home dishwashers use water from the home's hot water heater which is often in the 100 - 150 degrees Fahrenheit range. Most dishwashers comprise a succession of several subcycles each involving a fill of anywhere from 4-7 liters of tap water. Between each of these subcycles, the water is drained from the machine. The sequence of subcycles is typically as follows: one or more "pre-wash" subcycles, a "main wash" subcycle of anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, and one or more rinse subcycles. The detergent "cup" (usually located in the dishwasher door) is programmed to release the detergent into the "main wash". <BR></P>