Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a sealable container containing a substrate which
incorporates a composition. The composition comprises a cleaning and/or antimicrobial
compositions. The substrate in combination with the composition can be used to clean
and/or disinfect animate surfaces (e.g., human skin, mouth) and inanimate surfaces
including, but not limited to, hard surfaces like walls, tiles, table tops, glass,
bathroom surfaces, kitchen surfaces, dishes as well as fabrics, clothes, and carpets.
Background of the invention
[0002] Cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions are well known in the art. The compositions
are available in many forms, for example, as liquids, sprays and more recently as
wet wipes.
[0003] Wet wipes provide an easy and fast way of cleaning and/or disinfecting any kind of
surfaces. Indeed, wet wipes may be utilised in a variety of applications both domestic
and industrial. Typically, wet wipes are used to clean and/or disinfect animate surfaces
(e.g., human skin, mouth) and inanimate surfaces including, but not limited to, hard
surfaces like walls, tiles, table tops, glass, bathroom surfaces, kitchen surfaces,
dishes as well as fabrics, clothes, and carpets.
[0004] In general, such wet wipes essentially consist of a substrate which incorporates
a composition. Indeed, the composition used for cleaning wet wipes has to exhibit
at least some cleaning performance benefits. Disinfecting wet wipes can be similar
to cleaning wet wipes, but the composition incorporated thereon additionally comprises
a disinfecting material. It is generally recognised that such a disinfecting material
greatly reduces or even eliminates microorganisms, e.g., bacteria, existing on a surface.
In other more preferred disinfecting compositions residual antimicrobial benefits
are delivered over time (i.e., 12, 24 hrs) since the application is a non-rinsing
one.
[0005] Wet wipes consisting of a substrate which incorporates a composition are already
known in the art. For example, WO 89/05114 discloses disposable wipes for hard surface
cleaning which are impregnated with a liquid composition.
[0006] However, the cleaning and/or disinfecting performance benefits of the currently used
wet wipes may still be further improved. In addition to the cleaning and/or disinfecting
performance benefits, other key benefits sought include reducing the presence of residue
on drying of the composition and improving shine. These benefits can in some instance
work against each other and thus it is the constant effort of the manufacturer to
provide improved cleaning and/or disinfecting performance without negatively impacting
the level of remaining residue and/or shine.
[0007] Furthermore, a drawback associated with the currently used wet wipes is that fluid,
including the composition incorporated onto the substrate may partially or even completely
evaporate during storage, resulting in the drying of the wipe. Drying of the wipe
significantly reduces the cleaning and/or disinfecting performance originally provided
by the wet wipes. Thus, wet wipes can be packaged in a closeable container, for example
a plastic box, as described in the Applicant's co-pending patent application EP 99870131.2.
However, the evaporation of the composition may still take place even though a closeable
container is employed, this may for example be due to the insufficient sealing or
complete lack of sealing provided by such containers and/or insufficient closing mechanisms
of such containers. Thus, the reduction or prevention of the evaporation of the composition
incorporated onto a substrate may still be further improved.
[0008] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a cleaning and/or
disinfecting wet wipe exhibiting improved cleaning, shine, suds suppression and reduced
level of residue on drying and in addition, in disinfecting embodiments, improved
disinfecting efficacy and at least maintain, but preferably improve residual disinfecting
benefit.
[0009] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide cleaning and/or disinfecting
wet wipe wherein the evaporation of the composition incorporated onto the substrate
is reduced or even substantially prevented.
[0010] These objectives are met by the sealable container containing a substrate which incorporates
a composition comprising a multiple surfactant system, according to the present invention.
Background art
[0011] WO 89/05114 discloses disposable impregnated wipes for cleaning hard surfaces impregnated
with an aqueous composition comprising at least one water-miscible solvent.
[0012] US 4,666,621 discloses pre-moistened wipes for cleaning hard surfaces impregnated
with a liquid cleaning solution comprising surfactants and up to 40% of a monohydric
aliphatic alcohol of 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
[0013] WO 94/25554, WO 96/31586, WO 96/24655, WO 96/14378, WO 98/50507 as well as co-pending
patent applications all describe compositions comprising alkyl sulphate, nonionic
and betaine and/or amine oxide surfactants. However, none of these prior art documents
disclose the use of these combination of surfactants with a wet wipe.
Summary of the invention
[0014] The present invention encompasses a sealable container containing a substrate which
incorporates a composition comprising (i) an anionic and/or cationic surfactant, (ii)
a nonionic surfactant and (iii) an amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant.
[0015] In another embodiment, the present invention directed to a process according to claim
22.
Detailed description of the invention
Sealable Container
[0016] The present invention relates to a sealable container containing a wipe comprising
a cleaning composition. The container as used herein must be sealable. Preferably
the container is re-sealable, meaning that it can be opened and then re-sealed.
[0017] The container comprises a container body having at least one opening and a sealable
element, more preferably a re-sealable element by which the container can be sealed.
[0018] The container may be for example a box, bag, pouch, envelope or any other suitable
construction. The container is made using any suitable material. More preferably the
container is made from plastic and/or metal.
[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment the container herein is a box, wherein said
box is molded from a polypropylene material or any other suitable thermoplastic materials
such as polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadiene styrene (ABS), polyester,
polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or elastomer, or a blend of these compounds. In
another particularly preferred embodiment the container herein is a pouch, wherein
said pouch consists essentially of a laminate film of polyethylene, polypropylene
and/or other suitable thermoplastic materials.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment the substrate incorporating the composition (i.e. the wipe)
is housed within a pouch and the pouch housed within a box. The benefit of using such
a container system of both box and pouch, is the further optimisation of the sealing
capabilities of the container.
[0021] The sealable element may be, for example a lid, hatch, cover or any other suitable
means which occludes the opening of the container body. In a preferred aspect of the
present invention the container when sealed is substantially airtight. Thus when in
the airtight sealed position, the container is substantially impermeable to air, even
through the container opening.
[0022] In a preferred aspect of the present invention the container is as described in co-pending
Application number EP 98870244.5.
Substrate
[0023] The substrate according to the present invention incorporates a composition comprising
a surfactant system. The substrate is provided by a web, typically as a sheet of material
cut from the web.
[0024] The web may be woven or nonwoven, foam, sponge, battings, balls, puffs, films, or
tissue paper comprising synthetic and/or man-made fibers. Most preferably the web
is nonwoven comprising synthetic and/or man-made fibers.
[0025] According to the present invention the web may be produced by any method known in
the art. For example nonwoven material substrates can be formed by dry forming techniques
such as air-laying or wet laying, such as on a paper making machine. Other nonwoven
manufacturing techniques such as melt blown, spun bonded, needle punched and spun
laced methods may also be used. A preferred method is air laying.
[0026] While various embodiments of a web, to provide a substrate, are within the scope
of the present invention and are detailed below, in a preferred embodiment the web
is air-laid and non-woven comprising man-made fibres.
[0027] Man-made fibres, as used herein, includes fibres manufactured from cellulose, either
derivative or regenerated. They are distinguishable from synthetic fibres which are
based on synthetic organic polymers. A derivative fibre, as used herein, is a fibre
formed when a chemical derivative of a natural polymer, e.g., cellulose, is prepared,
dissolved, and extruded as a continuous filament, and the chemical nature of the derivative
is retained after the fibre formation process. A regenerated fibre, as used herein,
is a fibre formed when a natural polymer, or its chemical derivative, is dissolved
and extruded as a continuous filament, and the chemical nature of the natural polymer
is either retained or regenerated after the fibre formation process. Typical examples
of man made fibres include: regenerated viscose rayon and cellulose acetate. Preferred
man-made fibres have a fineness of 0.5 dtex to 3.0 dtex, more preferably of 1.0 dtex
to 2.0 dtex, most preferably of 1.6 dtex to 1.8 dtex.
[0028] Preferred man-made fibres used in the present invention are Lyocell® fibres that
are produced by dissolving cellulose fibres in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and which
are supplied by Tencel Fibres Europe, UK.
[0029] Man-made fibres are preferred herein due to their high consumer acceptance and their
cheap and typically ecological production. Importantly, man-made fibres and in particular
cellulose derived man-made fibres, exhibit a high biodegradability and hence are environment
friendly after disposal.
[0030] According to the present invention the web may comprise man-made fibres at a level
of preferably from 5% to 50%, more preferably from 10% to 30%, most preferably from
12% to 25%. Preferably, the web may further comprise a number of different fibre materials.
Such fibre materials include hydrophilic fibre material such as viscose, cotton, or
flax and hydrophobic fibre material such as polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET) or polypropylene
(PP). In a preferred aspect the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibres are present in
a ratio of 10%-90% hydrophilic and 90%-10% hydrophobic material by weight. A particularly
preferred web comprises 70% wood pulp, 12% man-made fibres and 18% latex binder, preferably
a butadiene-styrene emulsion.
[0031] The web preferably has a weight of at least 20 gm
-2 and preferably less than 150 gm
-2, and most preferably the base weight is in the range of 20 gm
-2 to 100 gm
-2, more preferably from 50 gm
-2 to 95 gm
-2. The web may have any calliper. Typically, when the web is made by an air laying
process, the average web calliper is less than 1.0 mm. More preferably the average
calliper of the web is from 0.1 mm to 0.9 mm. The web calliper is measured according
to standard EDANA nonwoven industry methodology, reference method # 30.4-89.
[0032] In addition to the fibres used to make the web, the web can comprise other components
or materials added thereto as known in the art, including binders as specified. Furthermore,
the web may also comprise agents to improve the optical characteristics of the web,
such as opacifying agents, for example titanium dioxide.
[0033] According to the present invention the web may comprise a non-acrylate binder. The
term "binder" as used herein describes any agent employed to interlock fibers. Such
agents comprise wet strength resins and dry strength resins. It is often desirable
particularly for cellulose based materials to add chemical substances known in the
art as wet strength resins. A general dissertation on the types of wet strength resins
utilised namely in the paper art can be found in TAPPI monograph series No. 29, Wet
Strength in Paper and Paperboard, Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry
(New York, 1965). In addition to wet strength additives, it can also be desirable
to include certain dry strength and lint control additives known in the art such as
starch binders.
[0034] Preferred binders used to bond non-wovens are polymeric binders, preferably latex
binders, more preferably waterbome latex binders. Suitable binders include butadiene-styrene
emulsions, ethylene vinyl acetate emulsions, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride and combinations
thereof. Preferred latex binders are made from styrene, butadiene, acrylonitrile-butadiene
emulsions or combination thereof.
[0035] The term non-acrylate binder, as used herein, encompasses all latex binders that
do not comprise acrylic acid or acrylic acid ester or vinyl acetate monomers. Preferred
binders according to the present invention include: Butadiene-styrene emulsions, carboxylated
styrene-butadiene emulsion, Acrylonitrile-butadiene emulsions, polyacrylamide resins,
Polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene emulsion, Styrene
Acrylonitrile. The most preferred binder according the present invention is a butadiene-styrene
emulsion, which can be commercially obtained from the Ameribol Svnpol Corp. as Rowene™
SB 5550.
[0036] The binder can be applied to the web by any method known in the art. Suitable methods
include spraying, printing (e.g. flexographic printing), coating (e.g. gravure coating
or flood coating), padding, foaming, impregnation, saturation and further extrusion
whereby the composition is forced through tubes in contact with the substrate whilst
the substrate passes across the tube or combinations of these application techniques.
For example spraying the composition on a rotating surface such as calendar roll that
then transfers the composition to the surface of the substrate. The most preferred
method for the application of the binder is spraying onto the web. Most preferably
the binder is sprayed onto one side of the web in one step of application and onto
the other side of the web in a independent step of application.
[0037] Typically, the amount of the binder applied to the web, as measured in weight % of
the dry weight of the fibres comprised by the web, is from 5% to 30%, more preferably
from 10% to 25 %, most preferably from 14% to 22%. Of course the amount of binder
to be applied largely depends on the kind of web to be treated.
[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention the substrate incorporates
a cleaning composition as described herein. By "incorporates" it is meant herein that
said substrate or wet wipe is coated or impregnated with a liquid cleaning composition
as described herein.
[0039] In preparing wet wipes according to the present invention, the composition is applied
to at least one surface of the substrate material. The composition can be applied
at any time during the manufacture of the wet wipe. Preferably the composition can
be applied to the substrate after the substrate has been dried. Any variety of application
methods that evenly distribute lubricious materials having a molten or liquid consistency
can be used. Suitable methods include spraying, printing, (e.g. flexographic printing),
coating (e.g. gravure coating or flood coating) extrusion whereby the composition
is forced through tubes in contact with the substrate whilst the substrate passes
across the tube or combinations of these application techniques. For example spraying
the composition on a rotating surface such as calender roll that then transfers the
composition to the surface of the substrate. The composition can be applied either
to one surface of the substrate or both surfaces, preferably both surfaces. The preferred
application method is extrusion coating.
[0040] The composition can also be applied uniformly or non uniformly to the surfaces of
the substrate. By non uniform it is meant that for example the amount, pattern of
distribution of the composition can vary over the surface of the substrate. For example
some of the surface of the substrate can have greater or lesser amounts of composition,
including portions of the surface that do not have any composition on it. Preferably
however the composition is uniformly applied to the surfaces of the wipes. The composition
is typically applied in an amount of from about 0.5 g to 10 g per gram of substrate,
preferably from 1.0 g to 5 g per gram of substrate, most preferably from 2 g to 4
g per gram of dry substrate.
[0041] Preferably, the composition can be applied to the substrate at any point after it
has been dried. For example the composition can be applied to the substrate preferably
after calendering and prior to being wound up onto a parent roll. Typically, the application
will be carried out on a substrate unwound from a roll having a width equal to a substantial
number of wipes it is intended to produce. The substrate with the composition applied
thereto is then subsequently perforated utilising standard techniques in order to
produce the desired perforation line.
Composition
[0042] The composition of the present invention is preferably suitable for use as a cleaning
and/or disinfecting composition. The compositions may be formulated in any suitable
form for example as a solid, paste or liquid. In the case where the compositions according
to the present invention are formulated as solids, they can be applied to the substrate
as a solid or alternatively can be mixed with an appropriate solvent, typically water,
before application to the substrate. Where the composition is in liquid form, the
compositions are preferably but not necessarily formulated as aqueous compositions.
Liquid compositions are preferred herein for convenience of use.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment the liquid compositions according to the present invention
are aqueous compositions typically comprising from 50% to 99.9% by weight of the total
composition of water, preferably from 70% to 99% and more preferably from 80% to 99%.
These aqueous compositions preferably have a pH as is of not more than 13.0, more
preferably from 1 to 11, and most preferably from 2 to 10. The pH of the compositions
can be adjusted by using organic or inorganic acids, or alkalinising agents.
[0044] Suitable organic acids include citric acid, lactic acid and mixtures thereof. In
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition herein comprises
an organic acid, preferably citric acid, lactic acid or a mixture thereof, and most
preferably lactic acid.
[0045] Compositions suitable for use as a cleaning composition preferably have pH in the
range of from 5 to 13, more preferably from 7 to 13 and most preferably from 8 to
10. Compositions for use as disinfecting compositions preferably have a pH in the
range of from 0 to 7, more preferably from 1 to 5 and most preferably from 2 to 4.
[0046] In another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the liquid compositions
herein are substantially free, preferably free, of pH modifying agents. Preferably,
the compositions being substantially free, preferably free, of pH modifying agents
have a pH of from 6.5 to 7.5, more preferably of from 6.8 to 7.2. By "substantially
free" it is meant herein, that the liquid composition comprises less than 1%, preferably
less than 0.5%, more preferably less than 0.1%, and even more preferably less than
0.05%, by weight of the total composition of a pH modifying agent.
[0047] By "pH modifying agents" it is meant herein, ingredients solely added for the purpose
of modifying the pH of the compositions described as for example acids, sources of
alkalinity and buffers and mixtures thereof.
[0048] By acids it is meant herein any organic acid, as for example, citric acid, maleic
acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid and adipic acid, and
mixtures thereof and/or any inorganic acid, as for example, sulphuric acid, chloridric
acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and mixtures thereof. By sources of alkalinity
for use herein are the caustic alkalis such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide
and/or lithium hydroxide, and/or the alkali metal oxides such as sodium and/or potassium
oxide, and/or other suitable sources of alkalinity including ammonia, ammonium carbonate
and hydrogen carbonate.
[0049] It has been observed that when a substrate incorporating a liquid composition as
described herein is used to clean and/or disinfect an animate or inanimate surface,
wherein said liquid composition is substantially free, preferably free, of pH modifying
agents, streaking and/or spotting benefits can be observed. Indeed, the absence of
pH modifying agents in the liquid compositions herein can contribute to reduce or
even prevent the formation of streaks and/or spots on a surface cleaned and/or disinfected
with a substrate incorporating a liquid composition as described herein being substantially
free of pH modifying agents as compared to a similar surface cleaned and/or disinfected
with a substrate incorporating a liquid composition not being substantially free of
pH modifying agents. By reducing or even preventing the formation of streaks and/or
spots on said cleaned and/or disinfected surface, shine benefits are provided to said
surface.
Surfactant System
[0050] According to the present invention the substrate incorporates a composition comprising
a surfactant system. The surfactant system consists of a synergistic system comprising
at least three surfactants, namely an anionic and/or cationic surfactant, a nonionic
surfactant and an amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant.
[0051] The compositions preferably comprises the surfactant system at a level by weight
of the total composition of from 0.05-20%, more preferably from 0.1-5% and most preferably
from 0.2-3%.
Anionic Surfactant:
[0052] Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein include alkyl sulphates. Suitable alkyl
sulphates for use herein include water-soluble salts or acids of the formula ROSO
3M wherein R is a C
6-C
24 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, preferably a C
8-C
20 alkyl group, more preferably a C
8-C16 alkyl group and most preferably a C
10-C14 alkyl group, and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium), or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-,
and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium
and dimethyl piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines
such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof).
[0053] Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein further include alkyl aryl sulphates.
Suitable alkyl aryl sulphates for use herein include water-soluble salts or acids
of the formula ROSO
3M wherein R is an aryl, preferably a benzyl, substituted by a C
6-C
24 linear or branched saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, preferably a C
8-C20 alkyl group and more preferably a C
10-C
16 alkyl group and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium,
lithium, calcium, magnesium) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-,
and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium
and dimethyl piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines
such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof).
[0054] Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein further include alkoxylated sulphate
surfactants. Suitable alkoxylated sulphate surfactants for use herein are according
to the formula RO(A)
mSO
3M wherein R is an unsubstituted C
6-C
24 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkyl aryl group, having a linear or branched C
6-C
24 alkyl component, preferably a C
12-C
20 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, more preferably C
12-C
18 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy or butoxy unit or a mixture thereof,
m is greater than zero, typically between 0.5 and 6, more preferably between 0.5 and
3, and M is H or a cation which can be, for example, a metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium), ammonium or substituted-ammonium cation.
Alkyl ethoxylated sulphates, alkyl butoxylated sulphates as well as alkyl propoxylated
sulphates are contemplated herein. Specific examples of substituted ammonium cations
include methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such
as tetramethyl-ammonium, dimethyl piperdinium and cations derived from alkanolamines
such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, mixtures thereof. Exemplary surfactants
are C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (1.0) sulphate (C
12-C
18E(1.0)SM), C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulphate (C
12-C
18E(2.25)SM), C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (3.0) sulphate (C
12-C
18E(3.0)SM), and C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (4.0) sulphate (C
12-C
18E(4.0)SM), wherein M is conveniently selected from sodium and potassium.
[0055] Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein further include alkyl sulphonates. Suitable
alkyl sulphonates for use herein include water-soluble salts or acids of the formula
RSO
3M wherein R is a C
6-C
20 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, preferably a C
8-C
18 alkyl group and more preferably a C
14-C
17 alkyl group, and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium), or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-,
and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium
and dimethyl piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines
such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof).
[0056] Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein further include alkyl aryl sulphonates.
Suitable alkyl aryl sulphonates for use herein include water-soluble salts or acids
of the formula RSO
3M wherein R is an aryl, preferably a benzyl, substituted by a C
6-C
20 linear or branched saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, preferably a C
8-C
18 alkyl group and more preferably a C
9-C
14 alkyl group, and M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g.,
methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations,
such as tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and quaternary ammonium
cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine,
and mixtures thereof).
[0057] Particularly suitable alkyl sulphonates include C
14-C
17 paraffin sulphonate like Hostapur ® SAS commercially available from Hoechst. An example
of commercially available alkyl aryl sulphonate is Lauryl aryl sulphonate from Su.Ma..
Particularly preferred alkyl aryl sulphonates are alkyl benzene sulphonates commercially
available under trade name Nansa® available from Albright&Wilson.
[0058] Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein further include alkoxylated sulphonate
surfactants. Suitable alkoxylated sulphonate surfactants for use herein are according
to the formula R(A)
mSO
3M wherein R is an unsubstituted C
6-C
20 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkyl aryl group, having a linear or branched C
6-C
20 alkyl component, preferably a C
12-C
20 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, more preferably C
12-C
18 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy or butoxy unit, m is greater than
zero, typically between 0.5 and 6, more preferably between 0.5 and 3, and M is H or
a cation which can be, for example, a metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium,
calcium, magnesium), ammonium or substituted-ammonium cation. Alkyl ethoxylated sulphonates,
alkyl butoxylated sulphonates as well as alkyl propoxylated sulphonates are contemplated
herein. Specific examples of substituted ammonium cations include methyl-, dimethyl-,
trimethyl-ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium,
dimethyl piperdinium and cations derived from alkanolamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine,
triethylamine, mixtures thereof. Exemplary surfactants are C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (1.0) sulphonate (C
12-C
18E(1.0)SM), C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (2.25) sulphonate (C
12-C
18E(2.25)SM), C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (3.0) sulphonate (C
12-C
18E(3.0)SM), and C
12-C
18 alkyl polyethoxylate (4.0) sulphonate (C
12-C
18E(4.0)SM), wherein M is conveniently selected from sodium and potassium. Particularly
suitable alkoxylated sulphonates include alkyl aryl polyether sulphonates like Triton
X-200® commercially available from Union Carbide.
[0059] Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein further include C
6-C
20 alkyl alkoxylated linear or branched diphenyl oxide disulphonate surfactants. Suitable
C
6-C
20 alkyl alkoxylated linear or branched diphenyl oxide disulphonate surfactants for
use herein are according to the following formula:
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=2006/01/DOC/EPNWB1/EP00975546NWB1/imgb0001)
wherein R is a C
6-C
20 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, preferably a C
6-C
18 alkyl group and more preferably a C
6-C
14 alkyl group, and X+ is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium). Particularly suitable C
6-C
20 alkyl alkoxylated linear or branched diphenyl oxide disulphonate surfactants to be
used herein are the C
12 branched di phenyl oxide disulphonic acid and C
16 linear di phenyl oxide disulphonate sodium salt respectively commercially available
by DOW under the trade name Dowfax 2A1® and Dowfax 8390®.
[0060] Other suitable anionic surfactants for use herein include alkyl-carboxylates. Other
anionic surfactants can include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium,
ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts)
of soap, C
8-C
24 olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids prepared by sulfonation of the
pyrolyzed product of alkaline earth metal citrates, e.g., as described in British
patent specification No. 1,082,179; acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol
sulfates, alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates, alkyl phosphates, isethionates
such as the acyl isethionates, N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates,
monoesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C
12-C
18 monoesters) diesters of sulfosuccinate (especially saturated and unsaturated C
6-C
14 diesters), acyl sarcosinates, sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates
of alkylpolyglucoside (the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described below),
branched primary alkyl sulfates, alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the
formula RO(CH
2CH
2O)
kCH
2COO-M
+ wherein R is a C
8-C
22 alkyl, k is an integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation. Resin
acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as rosin, hydrogenated
rosin, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tall
oil. Further examples are given in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I
and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). A variety of such surfactants are also generally
disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,929,678, issued December 30, 1975 to Laughlin, et al. at
Column 23, line 58 through Column 29, line 23.
[0061] In one preferred embodiment, preferred anionic surfactants for use herein are the
C8-C16 alkyl sulfonates, C8-C16 alkyl sulfates, including branched alkyl sulphates,
C8-C16 alkyl alkoxylated sulfates (e.g., C8-C16 alkyl ethoxylated sulfates), C8-C16
alkyl alkoxylated sulphonates and mixtures thereof. Such anionic surfactants are preferred
herein as it has been found that they contribute to the disinfecting properties of
a disinfecting composition herein. For example, C8-C16 alkyl sulfate acts by disorganizing
the bacteria cell membrane, inhibiting enzymatic activities, interrupting the cellular
transport and/or denaturing cellular proteins. Indeed, it is speculated that the improved
disinfecting performance further associated with the addition of an anionic surfactant,
especially a C8-C16 alkyl sulfonate, a C8-C16 alkyl sulfate and/or a C8-C16 alkyl
alkoxylated sulfate, in a composition according to the present invention, is likely
due to multiple mode of attack of said surfactant against the bacteria.
[0062] In a second preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group
consisting of : C
6-24 alkyl sulphates; C
6-24 alkyl aryl sulphates; C
6-24 alkyl alkoxylated sulphates; C
6-24 alkyl sulphonates, including paraffin sulphonates; C
6-24 alkyl aryl sulphonates; C
6-24 alkyl alkoxylated sulphonates; C
6-C
24 alkyl alkoxylated linear or branched diphenyl oxide disulphonates; naphthalene sulphonates;
and mixtures thereof. More preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from the
group consisting of : C
6-24 alkyl sulphonates; C
6-24 alkyl sulphates; C
6-24 alkyl alkoxylated sulphates; C
6-24 alkyl aryl sulphonates; and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably the anionic surfactant
for use herein is a paraffin sulphonate. Most preferably the anionic surfactant for
use herein is a C
14-C
17 paraffin sulphonate.
[0063] In a third preferred embodiment the anionic surfactant is a branched alkyl sulphate
surfactant. Branched alkyl sulphate is herein defined to mean a an alkyl sulfate comprising
a sulfate group and a carbon chain of preferably from 2 to 20, more preferably from
2 to 16, most preferably from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The carbon chain of the branched
alkyl sulfate comprises at least one branching group attached to the carbon chain.
The branching group is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group having
from 1 to 20 , more preferably from 1 to 10 and most preferably from 1 to 4 carbon
atoms. The branching group may be located at any position along the alkyl chain of
the branched alkyl sulfate. More preferably the branching group is located at position
from 1 to 4 along the alkyl chain. The sulfate group can be at any point along the
length of the alkyl chain, most preferable at a terminus.
[0064] Suitable preferred branched alkyl sulfates include those available from Albright
& Wilson under the tradename Empicol 0585/A.
Cationic Surfactant:
[0065] Suitable cationic surfactants for use herein include derivatives of quaternary ammonium,
phosphonium, imidazolium and sulfonium compounds. Preferred cationic surfactants for
use herein are quaternary ammonium compounds wherein one or two of the hydrocarbon
groups linked to nitrogen are a saturated, linear or branched alkyl group of 6 to
30 carbon atoms, preferably of 10 to 25 carbon atoms, and more preferably of 10 to
20 carbon atoms, and wherein the other hydrocarbon groups (i.e. three when one hydrocarbon
group is a long chain hydrocarbon group as mentioned hereinbefore or two when two
hydrocarbon groups are long chain hydrocarbon groups as mentioned hereinbefore) linked
to the nitrogen are independently substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched,
alkyl chain of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and
more preferably are methyl groups. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds suitable
for use herein are non-chloride/non halogen quaternary ammonium compounds.
[0066] Particularly preferred for use in the compositions of the present invention are trimethyl
quaternary ammonium compounds like myristyl trimethylsulfate, cetyl trimethylsulfate
and/or tallow trimethylsulfate. Such trimethyl quaternary ammonium compounds are commercially
available from Hoechst, or from Albright & Wilson under the trade name EMPIGEN CM®.
Another preferred quaternary surfactant is Benzalkonium Chloride
Nonionic Surfactant:
[0067] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein are fatty alcohol ethoxylates and/or
propoxylates which are commercially available with a variety of fatty alcohol chain
lengths and a variety of ethoxylation degrees. Indeed, the HLB values of such alkoxylated
nonionic surfactants depend essentially on the chain length of the fatty alcohol,
the nature of the alkoxylation and the degree of alkoxylation. Surfactant catalogues
are available which list a number of surfactants, including nonionics, together with
their respective HLB values. Preferred nonionic surfactants for one embodiment are
those having an average HLB from 8 to 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, most preferably
from 11 to 16. These hydrophobic nonionic surfactants have been found to provide good
grease cutting properties.
[0068] Preferred hydrophobic nonionic surfactants for use in the compositions according
to the present invention are surfactants having an HLB below 16 and being according
to the formula RO-(C
2H
4O)
n(C
3H
6O)
mH, wherein R is a C
6 to C
22 alkyl chain or a C
6 to C
28 alkyl benzene chain, and wherein n+m is from 0 to 20 and n is from 0 to 15 and m
is from 0 to 20, preferably n+m is from 1 to 15 and, n and m are from 0.5 to 15, more
preferably n+m is from 1 to 10 and, n and m are from 0 to 10. The preferred R chains
for use herein are the C
8 to C
22 alkyl chains. Accordingly, suitable hydrophobic nonionic surfactants for use herein
are Dobanol
R 91-2.5 (HLB= 8.1; R is a mixture of C9 and C
11 alkyl chains, n is 2.5 and m is 0), or Lutensol
R TO3 (HLB=8; R is a C
13 alkyl chains, n is 3 and m is 0), or Lutensol
R AO3 (HLB=8; R is a mixture of C
13 and C
15 alkyl chains, n is 3 and m is 0), or Tergitol
R 25L3 (HLB= 7.7; R is in the range of C
12 to C
15 alkyl chain length, n is 3 and m is 0), or Dobanol R 23-3 (HLB=8.1; R is a mixture
of C
12 and C
13 alkyl chains, n is 3 and m is 0), or Dobanol R 23-2 (HLB=6.2; R is a mixture of C
12 and C
13 alkyl chains, n is 2 and m is 0), or Dobanol
R 45-7 (HLB=11.6; R is a mixture of C
14 and C
15 alkyl chains, n is 7 and m is 0) Dobanol
R 23-6.5 (HLB=11.9; R is a mixture of C
12 and C
13 alkyl chains, n is 6.5 and m is 0), or Dobanol
R 25-7 (HLB=12; R is a mixture of C
12 and C
15 alkyl chains, n is 7 and m is 0), or Dobanol
R 91-5 (HLB=11.6; R is a mixture of C
9 and C
11 alkyl chains, n is 5 and m is 0), or Dobanol
R 91-6 (HLB=12.5 ; R is a mixture of C
9 and C
11 alkyl chains, n is 6 and m is 0), or Dobanol
R 91-8 (HLB=13.7 ; R is a mixture of C
9 and C
11 alkyl chains, n is 8 and m is 0), Dobanol
R 91-10 (HLB=14.2 ; R is a mixture of C
9 to C
11 alkyl chains, n is 10 and m is 0), or mixtures thereof. Preferred herein are Dobanol
R 91-2.5 , or Lutensol
R TO3, or Lutensol
R AO3, or Tergitol
R 25L3, or Dobanol
R 23-3, or Dobanol
R 23-2, or mixtures thereof. These Dobanol
R surfactants are commercially available from SHELL. These Lutensol
R surfactants are commercially available from BASF and these Tergitol
R surfactants are commercially available from UNION CARBIDE.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment the nonionic surfactant herein is an alkoxylated nonionic
surfactant according to the formula RO-(A)
nH, wherein : R is a C
6 to C
22, preferably a C
8 to C
22, more preferably a C
9 to C
14 alkyl chain, or a C
6 to C
28 alkyl benzene chain; A is an ethoxy or propoxy or butoxy unit; and wherein n is from
0 to 20, preferably from 1 to 15 and, more preferably from 2 to 15 even more preferably
from 2 to 12 and most preferably from 4 to 10. Preferred R chains for use herein are
the C
8 to C
22 alkyl chains. Even more preferred R chains for use herein are the C
9 to C
12 alkyl chains. Ethoxy/butoxylated, ethoxy/propoxylated, butoxy/propoxylated and ethoxy/butoxy/propoxylated
nonionic surfactants may also be used herein. Preferred alkoxylated nonionic surfactants
are ethoxylated nonionic surfactants.
[0070] Suitable alkylpolysaccharides for use herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647,
Llenado, issued Jan. 21, 1986, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6
to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms and a
polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group. For acidic or alkaline cleaning
compositions/solutions suitable for use in no-rinse methods, the preferred alkyl polysaccharide
preferably comprises a broad distribution of chain lengths, as these provide the best
combination of wetting, cleaning, and low residue upon drying. This "broad distribution"
is defined by at least about 50% of the chainlength mixture comprising from about
10 carbon atoms to about 16 carbon atoms. Preferably, the alkyl group of the alkyl
polysaccharide consists of a mixtures of chainlength, preferably from about 6 to about
18 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and hydrophilic
group containing from about one to about 1.5 saccharide, preferably glucoside, groups
per molecule. This "broad chainlength distribution" is defined by at least about 50%
of the chainlength mixture comprising from about 10 carbon atoms to about 16 carbon
atoms. A broad mixture of chain lengths, particularly C
8-C
16, is highly desirable relative to narrower range chain length mixtures, and particularly
versus lower (i.e., C
8-C
10 or C
8-C
12) chainlength alkyl polyglucoside mixtures. It is also found that the preferred C
8-16 alkyl polyglucoside provides much improved perfume solubility versus lower and narrower
chainlength alkyl polyglucosides, as well as other preferred surfactants, including
the C
8-C
14 alkyl ethoxylates. Any reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms can be
used, e.g., glucose, galactose and galactosyl moieties can be substituted for the
glucosyl moieties. (optionally the hydrophobic group is attached at the 2-, 3-, 4-,
etc. positions thus giving a glucose or galactose as opposed to a glucoside or galactoside.)
The intersaccharide bonds can be, e.g., between the one position of the additional
saccharide units and the 2-, 3-, 4-, and/or 6- positions on the preceding saccharide
units. The glycosyl is preferably derived from glucose.
[0071] Optionally, and less desirably, there can be a polyalkyleneoxide chain joining the
hydrophobic moiety and the polysaccharide moiety. The preferred alkyleneoxide is ethylene
oxide. Typical hydrophobic groups include alkyl groups, either saturated or unsaturated,
branched or unbranched containing from 8 to 18, preferably from 10 to 16, carbon atoms.
Preferably, the alkyl group is a straight-chain saturated alkyl group. The alkyl group
can contain up to about 3 hydroxyl groups and/or the polyalkyleneoxide chain can contain
up to about 10, preferably less than 5, alkyleneoxide moieties. Suitable alkyl polysaccharides
are octyl, nonyldecyl, undecyldodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl,
heptadecyl, and octadecyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexaglucosides and/ or galatoses.
Suitable mixtures include coconut alkyl, di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentaglucosides and
tallow alkyl tetra-, penta- and hexaglucosides.
[0072] To prepare these compounds, the alcohol or alkylpolyethoxy alcohol is formed first
and then reacted with glucose, or a source of glucose, to form the glucoside (attachment
at the 1-position). The additional glycosyl units can then be attached between their
1-position and the preceding glycosyl units 2-,3-, 4- and/or 6-position, preferably
predominantly the 2-position.
[0073] In the alkyl polyglycosides, the alkyl moieties can be derived from the usual sources
like fats, oils or chemically produced alcohols while their sugar moieties are created
from hydrolyzed polysaccharides. Alkyl polyglycosides are the condensation product
of fatty alcohol and sugars like glucose with the number of glucose units defining
the relative hydrophilicity. As discussed above, the sugar units can additionally
be alkoxylated either before or after reaction with the fatty alcohols. Such alkyl
polyglycosides are described in detail in WO 86/05199 for example. Technical alkyl
polyglycosides are generally not molecularly uniform products, but represent mixtures
of alkyl groups and mixtures of monosaccharides and different oligosaccharides. Alkyl
polyglycosides (also sometimes referred to as "APG's") are preferred for the purposes
of the invention since they provide additional improvement in surface appearance relative
to other surfactants. The glycoside moieties are preferably glucose moieties. The
alkyl substituent is preferably a saturated or unsaturated alkyl moiety containing
from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, preferably from about 8 to about 10 carbon
atoms or a mixture of such alkyl moieties. C
8-C
16 alkyl polyglucosides are commercially available (e.g., Simusol® surfactants from
Seppic Corporation, 75 Quai d'Orsay, 75321 Paris, Cedex 7, France, and Glucopon®425
available from Henkel. However, it has been found that purity of the alkyl polyglucoside
can also impact performance, particularly end result for certain applications, including
daily shower product technology. In the present invention, the preferred alkyl polyglucosides
are those which have been purified enough for use in personal cleansing. Most preferred
are "cosmetic grade" alkyl polyglucosides, particularly C
8 to C
16 alkyl polyglucosides, such as Plantaren 2000®, Plantaren 2000 N®, and Plantaren 2000
N UP®, available from Henkel Corporation (Postfach 101100, D 40191 Dusseldorf, Germany).
Amphoteric/Zwitterionic Surfactant:
[0074] Suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include amine oxides having the following
formula R
1R
2R
3NO wherein each of R1, R2 and R3 is independently a saturated substituted or unsubstituted,
linear or branched hydrocarbon chains of from 1 to 30 carbon atoms. Preferred amine
oxide surfactants to be used according to the present invention are amine oxides having
the following formula R
1R
2R
3NO wherein R1 is an hydrocarbon chain comprising from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably
from 6 to 20, more preferably from 8 to 16, most preferably from 8 to 12, and wherein
R2 and R3 are independently substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched hydrocarbon
chains comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and
more preferably are methyl groups. R1 may be a saturated substituted or unsubstituted
linear or branched hydrocarbon chain.
[0075] Suitable amine oxides for use herein are for instance natural blend C8-C10 amine
oxides as well as C12-C16 amine oxides commercially available from Hoechst and Clariant.
[0076] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants for use herein contain both cationic and anionic
hydrophilic groups on the same molecule at a relatively wide range of pH's. The typical
cationic group is a quaternary ammonium group, although other positively charged groups
like phosphonium, imidazolium and sulfonium groups can be used. The typical anionic
hydrophilic groups are carboxylates and sulfonates, although other groups like sulfates
and phosphonates can be used. A generic formula for some zwitterionic surfactants
to be used herein is
R
1-N
+(R
2)(R
3)R
4X
-
wherein R
1 is a hydrophobic group; R
2 and R
3 are each C
1-C
4 alkyl, hydroxy alkyl or other substituted alkyl group which can also be joined to
form ring structures with the N; R
4 is a moiety joining the cationic nitrogen atom to the hydrophilic group and is typically
an alkylene, hydroxy alkylene, or polyalkoxy group containing from 1 to 10 carbon
atoms; and X is the hydrophilic group which is preferably a carboxylate or sulfonate
group. Preferred hydrophobic groups R
1 are alkyl groups containing from 1 to 24, preferably less than 18, more preferably
less than 16 carbon atoms. The hydrophobic group can contain unsaturation and/or substituents
and/or linking groups such as aryl groups, amido groups and ester groups. In general,
the simple alkyl groups are preferred for cost and stability reasons.
[0077] Highly preferred zwitterionic surfactants include betaine and sulphobetaine surfactants,
functionalized betaines such as acyl betaines, alkyl imidazoline alanine betaines,
glycine betaines, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. Said betaine or sulphobetaine
surfactants are preferred herein as they help disinfection by increasing the permeability
of the bacterial cell wall, thus allowing other active ingredients to enter the cell.
[0078] Furthermore, due to the mild action profile of said betaine or sulphobetaine surfactants,
they are particularly suitable for the cleaning of delicate surfaces, e.g., delicate
laundry or surfaces in contact with food and/or babies. Betaine and sulphobetaine
surfactants are also extremely mild to the skin and/or surfaces to be treated.
[0079] Suitable betaine and sulphobetaine surfactants for use herein are the betaine/sulphobetaine
and betaine-like detergents wherein the molecule contains both basic and acidic groups
which form an inner salt giving the molecule both cationic and anionic hydrophilic
groups over a broad range of pH values. Some common examples of these detergents are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,082,275, 2,702,279 and 2,255,082. Preferred betaine
and sulphobetaine surfactants herein are according to the formula
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=2006/01/DOC/EPNWB1/EP00975546NWB1/imgb0002)
wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably
from 8 to 18, more preferably from 12 to 14, wherein R2 and R3 are hydrocarbon chains
containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 1 carbon atom, wherein n is an integer
from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 6, more preferably is 1, Y is selected from the
group consisting of carboxyl and sulfonyl radicals and wherein the sum of R1, R2 and
R3 hydrocarbon chains is from 14 to 24 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof.
[0080] Examples of particularly suitable betaine surfactants include C12-C18 alkyl dimethyl
betaine such as coconut-betaine and C10-C16 alkyl dimethyl betaine such as laurylbetaine.
Coconutbetaine is commercially available from Seppic under the trade name of Amonyt
265®. Laurylbetaine is commercially available from Albright & Wilson under the trade
name Empigen BB/L®.
[0081] Other specific zwitterionic surfactants have the generic formulas:
R
1-C(O)-N(R
2)-(C(R
3)
2)
n-N(R
2)
2(+)-(C(R
3)
2)
n-SO
3(-)
or
R
1-C(O)-N(R
2)-(C(R
3)
2)
n-N(R
2)
2(+)-(C(R
3)
2)
n-COO
(-)
wherein each R
1 is a hydrocarbon, e.g. an alkyl group containing from 8 up to 20, preferably up to
18, more preferably up to 16 carbon atoms, each R
2 is either a hydrogen (when attached to the amido nitrogen), short chain alkyl or
substituted alkyl containing from one to 4 carbon atoms, preferably groups selected
from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxy substituted ethyl or propyl
and mixtures thereof, preferably methyl, each R
3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy groups and each n is
a number from 1 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3, more preferably 3, with no more than
one hydroxy group in any (C(R
3)
2) moiety. The R
1 groups can be branched and/or unsaturated. The R
2 groups can also be connected to form ring structures. A surfactant of this type is
a C
10-C
14 fatty acylamidopropylene(hydroxypropylene)sulfobetaine that is available from the
Sherex Company under the trade name "Varion CAS sulfobetaine"®. Another surfactant
of the preferred sulfobetaine type is C12-14 sulfobetaine commerically available from
Witco tradename Rewoteric AMCAS.
[0082] In a preferred embodiment the surfactant system comprises an anionic surfactant,
a nonionic surfactant and a zwitterionic and/or a amphoteric surfactant. In a further
embodiment in which the pH of the composition is less that 7, the anionic surfactant
is preferably short chain having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms.
[0083] In a further preferred embodiment, the molar ratio of anionic surfactant to amphoteric
surfactant is from 0.5:1 to 4:1, more preferably from 2:1 to 3.5:1 and the molar ratio
of nonionic surfactant to anionic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactant is from
0.5:1 to 2:1, more preferably from 1:1 to 1.5:1.
Optional Ingredients
[0084] The compositions herein may further comprise a variety of other optional ingredients
such as peroxygen bleach, essential oils, organic acids, additional surfactants, chelants,
solvents, builders, stabilisers, bleach activators, soil suspenders, dye transfer
agents, brighteners, perfumes, anti dusting agents, enzymes, dispersant, dye transfer
inhibitors, pigments, perfumes, radical scavengers, pH buffers, dyes or mixtures thereof.
Peroxygen Bleach
[0085] The compositions according to the present invention may comprise a peroxygen bleach
as an optional feature.
[0086] A preferred peroxygen bleach is hydrogen peroxide, or a water soluble source thereof,
or mixtures thereof. As used herein a hydrogen peroxide source refers to any compound
which produces hydrogen peroxide when said compound is in contact with water. Suitable
water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide for use herein include percarbonates, persilicates,
persulphates such as monopersulfate, perborates and peroxyacids such as diperoxydodecandioic
acid (DPDA), magnesium perphthalic acid and mixtures thereof.
[0087] In addition, other classes of peroxides can be used as an alternative to hydrogen
peroxide and sources thereof or in combination with hydrogen peroxide and sources
thereof. Suitable classes include dialkylperoxides, diacylperoxides, preformed percarboxylic
acids, organic and inorganic peroxides and/or hydroperoxides. The most preferred peroxygen
bleach is hydrogen peroxide.
[0088] The presence of said peroxygen bleach especially hydrogen peroxide, persulfate and
the like, in the compositions according to the present invention can contribute to
disinfection properties of said compositions. Indeed, said peroxygen bleach may attack
the vital function of the micro-organism cells, for example, it may inhibit the assembling
of ribosomes units within the cytoplasm of the microorganisms cells. Also said peroxygen
bleach like hydrogen peroxide, is an oxidiser that generates hydroxyl free radicals
which attack proteins and nucleic acids. Furthermore, the presence of said peroxygen
bleach, especially hydrogen peroxide, provides strong stain removal benefits which
are particularly noticeable for example in laundry and hard surfaces applications.
[0089] Typically, peroxygen bleach or a mixture thereof is present in the compositions according
to the present invention at a level of at least 0.01% by weight of the total composition,
preferably from 0.1% to 15%, and more preferably from 1% to 10%.
Essential Oils
[0090] Another preferred component of the compositions of the present invention is an antimicrobial
essential oil or an active thereof, or a mixture thereof.
[0091] Suitable antimicrobial essential oils to be used herein are those essential oils
which exhibit antimicrobial activity. By "actives of essential oils", it is meant
herein any ingredient of essential oils or natural extracts that exhibit antimicrobial
activity. It is speculated that said antimicrobial essential oils and actives thereof
act as proteins denaturing agents. Also said antimicrobial oils and actives thereof
are compounds which contribute to the safety profile of a composition comprising them
when it is used to disinfect any surface. A further advantage of said antimicrobial
oils and actives thereof is that they impart pleasant odor to a composition comprising
them without the need of adding a perfume.
[0092] Such antimicrobial essential oils include, but are not limited to, those obtained
from thyme, lemongrass, citrus, lemons, oranges, anise, clove, aniseed, pine, cinnamon,
geranium, roses, mint, lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, camphor, ajowan,
sandalwood, rosmarin, vervain, fleagrass, lemongrass, ratanhiae, cedar, origanum,
cypressus, propolis extracts and mixtures thereof. Preferred antimicrobial essential
oils to be used herein are thyme oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, geranium oil, eucalyptus
oil, peppermint oil, citronella oil, ajowan oil, mint oil, origanum oil, propolis,
cypressus oil cedar , garlic extract or mixtures thereof.
[0093] Actives of essential oils to be used herein include, but are not limited to, thymol
(present for example in thyme, ajowan), eugenol (present for example in cinnamon and
clove), menthol (present for example in mint), geraniol (present for example in geranium
and rose, citronella), verbenone (present for example in vervain), eucalyptol and
pinocarvone (present in eucalyptus), cedrol (present for example in cedar), anethol
(present for example in anise), carvacrol, hinokitiol, berberine, ferulic acid, cinnamic
acid, methyl salicylic acid, methyl salycilate, terpineol, limonene and mixtures thereof.
Preferred actives of essential oils to be used herein are thymol, eugenol, verbenone,
eucalyptol, terpineol, cinnamic acid, methyl salicylic acid, limonene, geraniol, ajolene
or mixtures thereof.
[0094] Thymol may be commercially available for example from Aldrich, eugenol may be commercially
available for example from Sigma, Systems - Bioindustries (SBI) - Manheimer Inc.
[0095] Typically, the antimicrobial essential oil or active thereof or mixture thereof is
present in the composition at a level of at least 0.001% by weight of the total composition,
preferably from 0.006% to 10%, more preferably from 0.01% to 8% and most preferably
of from 0.03% to 3%.
[0096] It has now been found that combining said antimicrobial essential oil or an active
thereof or a mixture thereof with a peroxygen bleach, in a composition, delivers not
only excellent immediate disinfecting properties to the surfaces treated with said
composition, but also long lasting disinfecting properties. Indeed, it is speculated
that peroxygen bleach and said essential oils/actives adsorb on a surface having been
treated with said composition and thus reduce or even prevent the contamination of
microorganisms over time, typically up to 48 hours after the surface has been treated
with said composition, thereby delivering long lasting disinfection. In other words,
it is speculated that a microfilm of said active ingredients is deposited on the surface
treated with said compositions allowing protection against microorganisms recontamination
overtime. Advantageously, this long lasting disinfection benefits is obtained with
the compositions of the present invention comprising peroxygen bleach and antimicrobial
essential oils/actives even when used under highly diluted conditions, i.e., up to
dilution levels of from 1:100 (composition:water).
[0097] Excellent long lasting disinfection is obtained by treating a surface with a composition
comprising a peroxygen bleach and an antimicrobial essential oil or active thereof
as described herein, on a variety of microorganisms, e.g., the growth of Gram positive
bacteria like
Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram negative bacteria like
Pseudomonas aeroginosa as well as of fungi like
Candida albicans is reduced or even prevented on a surface having been treated with said composition.
[0098] Long lasting disinfection properties of the compositions herein may be measured by
the bactericidal activity of said compositions. A test method suitable to evaluate
the long lasting bactericidal activity of a composition may be as follow: First, the
surfaces (e.g. glass) to be tested are respectively treated with either a composition
according to the present invention or a reference composition, e.g., a negative control
composed of pure water (for example by spraying the composition directly on the surface
or first spraying the composition on a sponge used to clean the surface or when the
composition herein is executed in the form of wipe by wiping the surface therewith).
After a variable time frame (e.g. 24 hours) each surface is respectively inoculated
with bacteria (10
67cfu/slide) cultured in for example TSB (Tryptone Soya Broth) and left typically from
a few seconds to 2 hours before evaluating the remaining living bacteria. Then living
bacteria (if any) are recovered from the surface (by touching TSA + neutraliser plates
and by re-suspending the bacteria into the neutralisation broth and plating them on
agar) and incubated at appropriate temperature, e.g. 37°C to let them grow typically
over night. Finally, a visual grading of the living bacteria is made by comparing
side by side the cultures and/or dilutions thereof (e.g. 10
-2 or 10
-1) resulting from the surfaces treated with the compositions according to the present
invention and the reference composition.
[0099] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, depending on the end use desired
with said compositions they may further comprise, as optional ingredients, other antimicrobial
compounds that further contribute to the antimicrobial/antibacterial activity of the
compositions according to the present invention. Such antimicrobial ingredients include
parabens like ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, methyl paraben, glutaraldehyde or mixtures
thereof.
Additional Surfactants
[0100] The compositions of the present invention may comprise an additional surfactant.
The additional surfactant may be selected from other nonionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic,
cationic or anionic surfactants including but not limited to those described above.
Alternatively the additional surfactant may include for example a C6-C20 conventional
soaps (alkali metal salt of a C6-C20 fatty acid, preferably sodium salts).
Chelating Agent
[0101] The compositions herein may further comprise a chelating agent as a preferred optional
ingredient. Suitable chelating agents may be any of those known to those skilled in
the art such as the ones selected from the group comprising phosphonate chelating
agents, aminophosphonate chelating agents, substituted heteroaromatic chelating agents,
amino carboxylate chelating agents, other carboxylate chelating agents, polyfunctionally-substituted
aromatic chelating agents, biodegradable chelating agents like ethylene diamine N,N'-
disuccinic acid, or mixtures thereof.
[0102] Suitable phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein include etidronic acid (I-hydroxyethylene-diphosphonic
acid (HEDP)), and/or alkali metal ethane 1-hydroxydiphosphonates.
[0103] Suitable amino phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein include amino alkylene
poly (alkylene phosphonates), nitrilotris(methylene)triphosphonates, ethylene diamine
tetra methylene phosphonates, and/or diethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonates.
Preferred aminophosphonate chelating agents to be used herein are diethylene triamine
penta methylene phosphonates.
[0104] These phosphonate/amino phosphonate chelating agents may be present either in their
acid form or as salts of different cations on some or all of their acid functionalities.
Such phosphonate/amino phosphonate chelating agents are commercially available from
Monsanto under the trade name DEQUEST®.
[0105] Substituted heteroaromatic chelating agents to be used herein include hydroxypiridine-N-oxide
or a derivative thereof.
[0106] Suitable hydroxy pyridine N-oxides and derivatives thereof to be used according to
the present invention are according to the following formula:
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=2006/01/DOC/EPNWB1/EP00975546NWB1/imgb0003)
wherein X is nitrogen, Y is one of the following groups oxygen, -CHO, -OH, -(CH2)n-COOH,
wherein n is an integer of from 0 to 20, preferably of from 0 to 10 and more preferably
is 0, and wherein Y is preferably oxygen. Accordingly particularly preferred hydroxy
pyridine N-oxides and derivatives thereof to be used herein is 2-hydroxy pyridine
N-oxide. Hydroxy pyridine N-oxides and derivatives thereof may be commercially available
from Sigma.
[0107] Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents may also be useful in the
compositions herein. See U.S. patent 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et
al. Preferred compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such
as 1,2-dihydroxy -3,5-disulfobenzene.
[0108] A preferred biodegradable chelating agent for use herein is ethylene diamine N,N'-disuccinic
acid, or alkali metal, or alkaline earth, ammonium or substitutes ammonium salts thereof
or mixtures thereof. Ethylenediamine N,N'- disuccinic acids, especially the (S,S)
isomer have been extensively described in US patent 4, 704, 233, November 3, 1987
to Hartman and Perkins. Ethylenediamine N,N'- disuccinic acid is, for instance, commercially
available under the tradename ssEDDS® from Palmer Research Laboratories. Ethylene
diamine N,N'- disuccinic acid is particularly suitable to be used in the compositions
of the present invention.
[0109] Suitable amino carboxylate chelating agents useful herein include ethylene diamine
tetra acetates, diethylene triamine pentaacetates, diethylene triamine pentoacetate
(DTPA), N-hydroxyethylethylenediamine triacetates, nitrilotri-acetates, ethylenediamine
tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexa-acetates, ethanoldiglycines, propylene
diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) and methyl glycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), both in their
acid form, or in their alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salt forms.
Particularly suitable to be used herein are diethylene triamine penta acetic acid
(DTPA), propylene diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) which is, for instance, commercially
available from BASF under the trade name Trilon FS® and methyl glycine di-acetic acid
(MGDA).
[0110] Further carboxylate chelating agents to be used herein includes malonic acid, salicylic
acid, glycine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, or mixtures thereof.
[0111] Typically, the compositions according to the present invention comprise up to 5%
by weight of the total composition of a chelating agent, or mixtures thereof, preferably
from 0.01% to 3% by weight and more preferably from 0.01% to 1.5%.
Radical Scavenger
[0112] The compositions herein may comprise a radical scavenger as another optional ingredient.
Suitable radical scavengers for use herein include the well-known substituted mono
and di hydroxy benzenes and derivatives thereof, alkyl- and aryl carboxylates and
mixtures thereof. Preferred radical scavengers for use herein include di-tert-butyl
hydroxy toluene (BHT), p-hydroxy-toluene, hydroquinone (HQ), di-tert-butyl hydroquinone
(DTBHQ), mono-tert-butyl hydroquinone (MTBHQ), tert-butyl-hydroxy anysole (BHA), p-hydroxy-anysol,
benzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxyterephtalic acid, toluic acid,
catechol, t-butyl catechol, 4-allyl-catechol, 4-acetyl catechol, 2-methoxy-phenol,
2-ethoxy-phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol, 3,4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde, 2,3-dihydroxy
benzaldehyde, benzylamine, 1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl) butane,
tert-butyl-hydroxy-anyline, p-hydroxy anyline as well as n-propyl-gallate. Highly
preferred for use herein are di-tert-butyl hydroxy toluene, which is for example commercially
available from SHELL under the trade name IONOL CP® and/or tert-butyl-hydroxy anysole.
These radical scavengers further contribute to the stability of the peroxygen bleach-containing
compositions herein.
[0113] Typically, the compositions according to the present invention comprise up to 5%
by weight of the total composition of a radical scavenger, or mixtures thereof, preferably
from 0.002% to 1.5% by weight and more preferably from 0.002% to 1%.
Solvent
[0114] The compositions herein may comprise as a particularly preferred, but optional ingredient
a solvent or mixtures thereof. When used, solvents will, advantageously, give an enhanced
cleaning to the compositions herein. It has been found that in a composition where
solvents are present, the contact time required to achieve defined cleaning result
is reduced versus a composition where solvent is not present. Contact time is defined
as the time of contact between the composition and a soil. The reduction in contact
time is specifically relevant to the cleaning of hard surfaces, especially non-horizontal
surfaces, since it is not convenient to always apply the composition to a soil, allow
to sit for a period of time and then rinse.
[0115] Suitable solvents for incorporation in the compositions according to the present
invention include propylene glycol derivatives such as n-butoxypropanol or n-butoxypropoxypropanol,
water-soluble CARBITOL® solvents or water-soluble CELLOSOLVE® solvents. Water-soluble
CARBITOL® solvents are compounds of the 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)ethanol class wherein the
alkoxy group is derived from ethyl, propyl or butyl. A preferred water-soluble carbitol
is 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol also known as butyl carbitol. Water-soluble CELLOSOLVE®
solvents are compounds of the 2-alkoxyethoxyethanol class, with 2-butoxyethoxyethanol
being preferred. Other suitable solvents are benzyl alcohol, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl
alcohol and diols such as 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol
and mixture thereof. Preferred solvents for use herein are n-butoxypropoxypropanol,
butyl carbitol®, benzyl alcohol, isopropanol, 1-propanol and mixtures thereof. Most
preferred solvents for use herein are butyl carbitol®, benzyl alcohol, 1-propanol
and/or isopropanol.
[0116] The solvents may typically be present within the compositions according to the invention
at a level up to 15% by weight, preferably from 0.5% to 7% by weight of the composition.
pH buffer
[0117] In the embodiment of the present invention wherein the compositions are formulated
in the alkaline pH range, typically from 7.5 to 12, the compositions according to
the present invention may further comprise a pH buffer or a mixture thereof, i.e.
a system composed of a compound or a combination of compounds, whose pH changes only
slightly when a strong acid or base is added.
[0118] Suitable pH buffers for use herein include borate pH buffer, phosphonate, silicate
and mixtures thereof. Suitable borate pH buffers for use herein include alkali metal
salts of borates and alkyl borates and mixtures thereof. Suitable borate pH buffers
to be used herein are alkali metal salts of borate, metaborate, tetraborate, octoborate,
pentaborate, dodecaboron, borontrifluoride and/or alkyl borate containing from 1 to
12 carbon atoms, and preferably from 1 to 4. Suitable alkyl borate includes methyl
borate, ethyl borate and propyl borate. Particularly preferred herein are the alkali
metal salts of metaborate (e.g. sodium metaborate), tetraborate (e.g., sodium tetraborate
decahydrate) or mixtures thereof.
[0119] Boron salts like sodium metaborate and sodium tetraborate are commercially available
from Borax and Societa Chimica Larderello under the trade name sodium metaborate®
and Borax®.
[0120] Further suitable pH buffers for use herein include carbonates and bicarbonates including
alkali metal salts of carbonates and bicarbonates.
[0121] The pH of the composition can also be adjusted to an acidic pH and/or buffered at
that pH using any suitable acidifying agent, for example organic acids.
[0122] Typically, the compositions according to the present invention may comprise up to
15% by weight of the total composition of a pH buffer, or mixtures thereof, preferably
from 0.01% to 10%, more preferably from 0.01% to 5% and most preferably from 0.1%
to 3%.
Packaging form of the wet wipes
[0123] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the wet wipes are packaged
in the container in any convenient configuration which allows easy removal of a single
or multiple wet wipe from the container. Preferably the wipes are packaged in rolls,
stacks or piles. More preferably the wipes are provided in a stacked configuration
which may comprise any number of wipes. Typically, the stack comprises from 2 to 150,
more preferably from 5 to 100, most preferably from 10 to 60 wipes. Moreover the wipes
may be provided folded or unfolded. Most preferably, the wipes are stacked in a folded
configuration.
Process of treating a surface
[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention encompasses a process of cleaning
and/or disinfecting a surface, preferably a hard surface, comprising the step of contacting,
preferably wiping, said surface with a substrate which incorporates a composition
as described herein.
[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, said process comprises the
steps of contacting parts of said surface, more preferably soiled parts of said surface,
with said substrate which incorporates a composition as described herein.
[0126] In another preferred embodiment said process, after contacting said surface with
said substrate which incorporates a composition as described herein, further comprises
the step of imparting mechanical action to said surface using said substrate which
incorporates a composition as described herein. By "mechanical action" it is meant
herein, agitation of the wet wipe on the surface, as for example rubbing the surface
using the wet wipe.
[0127] By "surface", it is meant herein any surface including animate surface like human
skin, mouth, teeth, and inanimate surfaces. Inanimate surfaces include, but are not
limited to, hard-surfaces typically found in houses like kitchens, bathrooms, or in
car interiors, e.g., tiles, walls, floors, chrome, glass, smooth vinyl, any plastic,
plastified wood, table top, sinks, cooker tops, dishes, sanitary fittings such as
sinks, showers, shower curtains, wash basins, WCs, as well as fabrics including clothes,
curtains, drapes, bed linens, bath linens, table cloths, sleeping bags, tents, upholstered
furniture, and carpets. Inanimate surfaces also include household appliances including,
but not limited to, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, automatic dryers, ovens,
microwave ovens and dishwashers.
Examples
[0128] The compositions of the present invention will be further illustrated by the following
examples.
Ingredients |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
|
(% w/w) |
(% w/w) |
(% w/w) |
(% w/w) |
(% w/w) |
Water |
to balance |
to balance |
to balance |
to balance |
to balance |
Thymol |
0.025 |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
Geraniol |
0.0375 |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
Perfume |
0.0375 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0.15 |
Ethanol |
9.4 |
9.4 |
9.4 |
8 |
8 |
Silicone Dow AF |
--- |
0.003 |
0.003 |
0.003 |
0.003 |
C12-14 amine oxide |
--- |
0.2 |
- |
0.1 |
--- |
C10 amine oxide |
--- |
- |
0.2 |
--- |
0.02 |
C9-10 EO10 |
1.0 |
0.2 |
0.8 |
0.1 |
--- |
C9-11 EO5 |
--- |
--- |
--- |
--- |
0.1 |
C12-14 Betaine sodium salt |
0.25 |
--- |
- |
--- |
|
2 Ethyl Hexyl Sulphate |
0.75 |
0.1 |
0.15 |
0.05 |
0.05 |
Citric acid |
1.5 |
0.75 |
1.0 |
-- |
--- |
Lactic acid |
--- |
--- |
--- |
0.44 |
--- |
Na2CO3 |
--- |
0.1 |
- |
0.06 |
--- |
NaOH |
--- |
0.45 |
- |
0.2 |
--- |
pH "as made lotion" |
2.4 |
9.5 |
2.8 |
9.5 |
7.1 |
pH squeezed out |
2.7 |
NA |
3.2 |
NA |
NA |
[0129] In another
|
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
Alkoxylated nonionic surfactants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C 9-11 EO5 |
0.10 |
- |
0.05 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
C12,14 EO5 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
C11 EO5 |
- |
0.10 |
- |
0.03 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.05 |
C12,14EO21 |
0.10 |
- |
0.05 |
2.0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
C11EO21 |
- |
0.10 |
- |
0.03 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.05 |
Anionic surfactants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NaPS |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.15 |
0.02 |
0.10 |
0.05 |
- |
0.05 |
NaLAS |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
NaCS |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Isalchem® AS |
- |
0.05 |
- |
- |
- |
0.07 |
0.10 |
- |
C12,14AmineOxide |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C12-14Betaine |
0.13 |
0.15 |
0.20 0.04 |
|
- |
0.08 |
0.15 |
- |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.15 |
0.08 |
- |
0.08 |
Buffer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Na2CO3 |
0.10 |
0.20 |
0.10 |
0.05 |
- |
0.20 |
0.20 |
- |
Citric |
0.70 |
0.65 |
0.70 |
0.20 |
0.5 |
0.70 |
0.75 |
0.20 |
Caustic |
0.50 |
0.45 |
0.48 |
0.15 |
0.10 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.05 |
Suds control |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fatty Acid |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.05 |
- |
- |
- |
Branched fatty alcohol |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Isofol 12® |
0.10 |
- |
0.10 |
|
0.10 |
- |
0.05 |
0.05 |
Isofol 16® |
- |
0.10 |
- |
0.05 |
- |
0.05 |
- |
- |
Silicone Dow AF |
0.005 |
0.005 |
0.003 |
- |
0.003 |
0.005 |
0.003 |
- |
Solvents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EtOH |
9.0 |
6.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
9.0 |
12 |
9.0 |
4.0 |
n-BP |
2.0 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
4.0 |
2.0 |
0.55 |
2.0 |
4.0 |
BDGE |
- |
1.0 |
1.0 |
- |
- |
0.55 |
- |
- |
IPA |
- |
3.0 |
- |
4.0 |
- |
- |
- |
4.0 |
n-BPP |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2.0 |
- |
Minors and water |
------ |
------ |
up |
to |
100% |
------ |
|
|
pH |
9.5 |
9.5 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
3.5 |
9.0 |
9.0 |
3.5 |