Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
100% SYNTHETIC ABSORBENT WIPES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to liquid cleaning compositions, including concentrated
compositions,
premoistened wipes, including optimized substrates, and implements for use in
cleaning hard
surfaces and/or maintaining their appearance and hygiene, and articles
comprising said
compositions, concentrates, wipes, and the like, in association with
instructions as to how to use
them to provide superior performance. These compositions, wipes, and implement
designs along
with specific instructions for use are advantageous for use on hard surfaces
including bathroom
surfaces, glass surfaces, countertops, walls and floors. Such compositions
typically contain
hydrophilic polymer, detergent surfactant, organic cleaning solvent, and
optional volatile buffers,
perfume, anti-microbials, builders, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of detergent compositions comprising organic water-soluble synthetic
detergent
surfactants, polymers, and cleaning solvents for cleaning hard surfaces in,
e.g., bathrooms, is well
established. Known liquid detergent compositions for this purpose comprise
organic cleaning
solvents, detergent surfactant, and optional detergent builders and/or
abrasives. The
compositions can be acidic for improved removal of hard water deposits.
Liquid cleaning compositions are usually preferred, since they have the
advantage that
they can be applied to hard surfaces in neat or concentrated form so that a
relatively high level of,
e.g., surfactant material and/or organic solvent is delivered directly to the
soil. However, solid
compositions can also be used to form a cleaning solution when diluted with
water. Concentrated
liquid cleaning compositions can also help improve the value equation for
consumers by
economizing on packaging costs, where the concentrated products are intended
to be used in
more dilute form. A concentrated, e.g., 1 OX refill, can also provide
additional convenience to the
consumer in that it lasts longer, weighs less, and occupies less space than a
1 X product. Liquid
cleaning compositions in the form of a "wipe" also can provide convenience by
allowing the
consumer to use the wipe once and dispose of it.
Implements are important in that they can be used to advantageously improve
the
performance of the liquid compositions. Implements, including wipes, pads,
mops and the like,
can provide important mechanical cleaning properties to complement the liquid
composition
choice. Conversely, the liquid compositions can be chosen to suit the choice
of implement. Thus,
the proper choice of implement allows for a significant reduction in the level
of non-volatile
surfactants and other adjuvants needed to achieve excellent cleaning results.
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hard surface cleaning compositions,
preferably liquid,
suitable for removal of and/or prevention of buildup of soils commonly
encountered on floors,
walls, counter tops, glass, and/or in the bathroom, said compositions
preferably comprising
hydrophilic polymers, to render the cleaned surface hydrophilic, and/or
specific surfactant,
preferably alkylpolyglycoside surfactant, selected to minimize
spotting/filming, optionally cleaning
solvents, and optionally organic acids. The invention also relates to cleaning
systems including
implements and instructions for how they are used, preferably, with the
solutions comprising
hydrophilic polymers to achieve a low residue end result. The invention
further relates to methods
of cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of hard surfaces, especially those
that are present in
the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, etc., wherein one can treat the surface and
let the treatment
solution dry without scrubbing and/or rinsing, e.g., the treatment is
preferably a no-rinse
treatment. "No-rinse treatment", e.g. cleaning of hard surfaces without
rinsing, as used herein,
means that at least a substantial part of the surface treatment solution dries
down on the treated
surface. Such treatment solutions are preferably highly dilute. Typically, the
surface is then later,
after the surface is used again, exposed to water, or another cleaning
solution. Preferably, the
surface is one that is normally exposed to water on a regular basis, such as
showers, tubs, sinks,
etc.
The invention also relates to compositions and methods of use in which floors,
counters,
walls, and the like, are cleaned by applying a treatment solution which is
then substantially
removed by absorption and/or rubbing, while leaving on a low to moderate level
of treatment
liquid which then dries. Examples of such methods include applications such as
the use of pre-
moistened wipes (comprising a substrate and aqueous compositions incorporated
in the
substrate) and/or absorbent articles used in conjunction with cleaning
solution. The use of these
implements facilitates the ease of use and can be advantageous in achieving
not only a desired
end result but excellent hygiene. Since pre-moistened wipes or absorbent pads
are typically
disposed of after each use, their use and subsequent disposal reduces the risk
of the implement
harboring and re-inoculating germs onto the surface being cleaned which often
happens with
traditional re-usable sponges, cloths, and mops. The disclosures of
premoistened wipes and
disposable cleaning pads are found hereinafter.
The acidic versions of the present hard surface cleaning compositions can
remove soap
scum and hard water marks. The compositions can have disinfectant properties
achieved
through the choice of antibacterial actives, including citric acid, and can be
used with, or without,
additives such as hydrogen peroxide for additional mold/mildew prevention
benefits. As stated
above, the compositions preferably incorporate one or more hydrophilic
polymers which attach to
the surface to render it hydrophilic, as measured by, e.g., the contact angle,
for improved surface
wetting and/or filming/streaking properties and, optionally, viscosity
control.
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
The hard surface cleaning compositions herein which contain the hydrophilic
polymers,
provide superior surface appearance, especially in a no-rinse application.
Thus, in the context of
a "daily shower" spray application, the compositions herein are sprayed
directly onto tile, more
preferably onto wet tile, and then allowed to dry. Upon the next exposure to
water, e.g., during a
shower, the dried-on, though not visible, residue allows for even faster
wetting of the surface.
Consequently, the product works better, when it is not rinsed or wiped off
after use, in subsequent
cleaning procedures. Additionally, the fact that no, or limited, rinsing or
wiping is involved after
the product is applied improves performance with continued use. One of the
benefits of the
preferred polymers herein is that they ultimately reach a steady state
concentration on the hard
surfaces on which they are sprayed. No build-up occurs because the preferred
polymers are
water soluble, and once steady state concentrations are reached, "fresh"
polymer deposited on
the surface is offset by polymer which is dissolved by the solution. The
reduction of contact angle
of water can be improved over several cycles, even for compositions that
contain essentially no
surfactant.
In the context of a floor, counter, wall cleaner, or the like, the steady
state concentration
achieved after applying a solution composition, wiping and removing a
substantial amount by
absorption and allowing a low to moderate level of treatment to dry is also
important. In these
cases the low level of residue (residue being defined as non-volatile actives)
makes next time
cleaning even easier by providing even better wetting upon subsequent
application, thus reducing
streaking/filming potential by minimizing solution de-wetting which is
particularly important on very
hydrophobic surfaces. This effective wetting benefit provided by polymer at
low levels also allows
the formulator to keep other ingredients in the composition, such as
surfactants, that are typically
involved in wetting, at a minimum. This reduces the possibility of obtaining a
film that can
smudge and/or cause surface stickiness due to the presence on the surface of
too much active
and/or other material. This is important, as it allows for less stickiness
with prolonged product
use.
Accordingly, the cleaning process is preferably a method which comprises using
treatment solution (preferably a ready-to-use-solution) comprising:
a. an effective amount to reduce the contact angle and/or increase surface
hydrophilicity, up to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.005% to about=0.4%,
more
preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition, of
hydrophilic polymer, preferably substantive, that renders the treated surface
hydrophilic, and preferably is a polymer selected from the group consisting
of:
polystyrene sulfonate; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic
acid
copolymer; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer sodium salt; polyvinyl
pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt; polyvinyl pyrrolidone-
vinyl
imidazoline; polyvinyl pyridine; polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide; and mixtures
thereof; and
more preferably polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide;
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
b. optionally, but preferably, an effective amount of primary detergent
surfactant,
preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.01%
to
about 0.4%, most preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.3%, by weight of the
composition, said primary detergent surfactant preferably comprising alkyl
polysaccharide detergent surfactant having an alkyl group containing from
about 8 to
about 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms,
and
from about one to about four, preferably from about one to about 1.5
saccharide
moieties per molecule and/or a combination consisting of alkyl polysaccharide
detergent surfactant having an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 18
carbon atoms, more preferably from about B to about 16 carbon atoms, and from
about one to about four, preferably from about one to about 1.5 saccharide
moieties
per molecule together with an alkyl ethoxylate comprising from about 8 to
about 16
carbon atoms and from about 4 to about 25 oxyethylene units;
c. optionally, an effective amount to provide increased cleaning of organic
cleaning
solvent, preferably from about 0.25% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5%
to
about 4%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3%, by weight of the
composition, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of: mono-
propylene
glycol mono-propyl ether; mono-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene
glycol mono-propyl ether; di-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene
glycol
mono-butyl ether; tri-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; ethylene glycol mono-
butyl
ether; diethylene glycol mono-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether;
diethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether; and mixtures thereof;
d. optionally, a minor amount that is less than the amount of primary
detergent
surfactant b., preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, more preferably
from
about 0.01% to about 0.4%, and even more preferably from about 0.025% to about
0.3%, by weight of the composition, of cosurfactant, preferably anionic and/or
nonionic detergent surfactant, more preferably selected from the group
consisting of:
C8-C12 linear sulfonates, Ce-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; C8-C18 alkyl
sulfates; C8-C18
alkylpolyethoxy sulfates; and mixtures thereof;
e. optionally, an effective amount to improve cleaning and/or antimicrobial
action,
preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.01 % to
about
0.5%, and even more preferably from about 0.01 % to about 0.25%, by weight of
the
composition, of water-soluble mono- or polycarboxylic acid;
f. optionally, an effective amount, up to about 1%, preferably from about
0.01% to about
0.5%, more preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.25%, by weight of the
composition, of cyclodextrin, preferably alpha, beta, or gamma substituted
cyclodextrin, and optionally, with short chain (1-4 carbon atoms) alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
groups; the cyclodextrin is preferably beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl
cyclodextrin, or
mixtures thereof;
g. optionally, an effective amount to provide bleaching, cleaning, and/or
antibacterial
action, up to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 4%, more
preferably
from about 1 % to about 3%, by weight of the composition, of hydrogen
peroxide;
h. optionally, from about 0.005% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.005% to
about
0.5%, more preferably from about 0.01 % to about 0.1%, by weight of the
composition,
of a thickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates,
gums,
and mixtures thereof;
I. optionally, an effective amount of perfume to provide odor effects, and/or
additional
adjuvants; and
j. optionally, an effective amount, preferably from about 0.0001% to about
0.1%, more
preferably from about 0.00025% to about 0.05%, and even more preferably from
about 0.001% to about to about 0.01%, by weight of the composition, of suds
suppressor, preferably silicone suds suppressor, and
k. optionally, but preferably, an aqueous solvent system comprising water and
optional
water soluble solvent, and wherein said treatment solution has a pH under
usage
conditions of from about 2 to about 12, preferably from about 3 to about 11.5,
with
acidic compositions having a pH of from about 2 to about 6, preferably from
about 3
to about 5,
said method involving applying the treatment solution, optionally rubbing the
surface
which is wetted by said treatment solution, and then, optionally, removing
part of said
treatment solution, while leaving a portion of said treatment solution on the
surface.
The improved surface appearance is the result of the use of the hydrophilic
polymer
and/or specific surfactant, especially the alkyl polysaccharide, and
especially the use of only low
levels of all ingredients. For no-rinse and/or limited "buffing" methods, the
specific alkyl
polysaccharide is important for appearance, even without the polymer being
present.
Concentrates of the above product can be made by reducing the amount of water.
Concentrates
of the solution of the present invention (i.e., products intended to be used
diluted) have levels of
active that are scaled up by the stated concentration factor. In a preferred
embodiment,
concentrates come with a measuring device (usually the cap or a graduated
bottle) to help the
consumer make accurate dilutions. Examples of concentrates of the present
invention include,
but are not limited to, 3X, 5X and 10 X products according to the
specification levels defined
above. Unless otherwise specified, all concentrations are implied to be for
"ready-to-use"
products hereinafter. It is understood that those skilled in the art would be
able to make
concentrates, which would then be diluted for use.
Preferred compositions herein can contain only polymer and perfume since the
polymers,
especially the preferred amine oxide polymers, are capable of
solubilizing/suspending substantial
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
amounts of even water insoluble perfumes. Normally, however, the surfactant
will also be
present. Compositions for use with disposable pads are disclosed hereinafter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The hard surface cleaning compositions of the present invention are especially
useful for
maintaining the appearance of hard surfaces and the buildup of hard-to-remove
soils that are
commonly encountered on floors and/or in the bathroom. These include hard
water stains, fatty
acids, triglycerides, lipids, insoluble fatty acid soaps, entrenched
particulate matter, encrusted
food, and the like. The detergent compositions can be used on many different
surface types,
such as ceramic, fiber glass, glass, polyurethane, metallic surfaces, plastic
surfaces, and
laminates of all the above.
a. Hydrophilic Polymer
In most of the embodiments of the invention, the polymeric material that
improves the
hydrophilicity of the surface being treated is essential. This increase in
hydrophilicity provides
improved final appearance by providing "sheeting" of the water from the
surface and/or spreading
of the water on the surface, and this effect is preferably seen when the
surface is rewetted and
even when subsequently dried after the rewetting.
In the context of a product intended to be used as a daily shower product, the
"sheeting"
effect is particularly noticeable because most of the surfaces treated are
vertical surfaces. Thus,
benefits have been noted on glass, ceramic and even tougher to wet surfaces
such as porcelain
enamel. When the water "sheets" evenly off the surface and/or spreads on the
surface, it
minimizes the formation of, e.g., "hard water spots" that form upon drying.
For a product intended
to be used in the context of a floor cleaner, the polymer improves surface
wetting and assists
cleaning performance.
Polymer substantivity is beneficial as it prolongs the sheeting and cleaning
benefits.
Another important feature of preferred polymers is lack of residue upon
drying. Compositions
comprising preferred polymers dry more evenly on floors while promoting an end
result with little
or no haze.
Many materials can provide the sheeting and anti-spotting benefits, but the
preferred
materials are polymers that contain amine oxide hydrophilic groups. Polymers
that contain other
hydrophilic groups such a sulfonate, pyrrolidone, and/or carboxylate groups
can also be used.
Examples of desirable poly-sulfonate polymers include polyvinylsulfonate, and
more preferably
polystyrene sulfonate, such as those sold by Monomer-Polymer Dajac (1675
Bustleton Pike,
Feasterville, Pennsylvania 19053). A typical formula is as follows.
-[CH(C6H4SO3Na) - CH21n- CH(C6H5) - CH2 -
wherein n is a number to give the appropriate molecular weight as disclosed
below.
Typical molecular weights are from about 10,000 to about 1,000,000, preferably
from about
200,000 to about 700,000. Preferred polymers containing pyrrolidone
functionalities include
polyvinyl pyrrolidone, quaternized pyrrolidone derivatives (such as Gafquat
755N from
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
International Specialty Products), and co-polymers containing pyrrolidone,
such as
polyvinylpyrrolidone Idimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (available from ISP) and
polyvinyl
pyrrolidone/acrylate (available from BASF). Other materials can also provide
substantivity and
hydrophilicity including cationic materials that also contain hydrophilic
groups and polymers that
contain multiple ether linkages. Cationic materials include cationic sugar
and/or starch derivatives
and the typical block copolymer detergent surfactants based on mixtures of
polypropylene oxide
and ethylene oxide are representative of the polyether materials. The
polyether materials are less
substantive, however.
The preferred polymers comprise water-soluble amine oxide moieties. It is
believed that
the partial positive charge of the amine oxide group can act to adhere the
polymer to the surface
of the surface substrate, thus allowing water to "sheet" more readily. The
amine oxide moiety can
also hydrogen-bond with hard surface substrates, such as ceramic tile, glass,
fiberglass, porcelain
enamel, linoleum, no-wax tile, and other hard surfaces commonly encountered in
consumer
homes. To the extent that polymer anchoring promotes better "sheeting", higher
molecular weight
materials are preferred. Increased molecular weight improves efficiency and
effectiveness of the
amine oxide-based polymer. The preferred polymers of this invention have one
or more
monomeric units containing at least one N-oxide group. At least about 10%,
preferably more than
about 50%, more preferably greater than about 90% of said monomers forming
said polymers
contain an amine oxide group. These polymers can be described by the general
formula:
P(B)
wherein each P is selected from homopolymerizable and copolymerizable moieties
which attach
to form the polymer backbone, preferably vinyl moieties, e.g. C(R)2 --C(R)2,
wherein each R is H,
C1 -C12 (preferably C1 -C4) alkyl(ene), C6 -C12 aryl(ene) and/or B; B is a
moiety selected from
substituted and unsubstituted, linear and cyclic C1 -C12 alkyl, C1-C12
alkylene, C1-C12 heterocyclic,
aromatic C6-C12 groups and wherein at least one of said B moieties has at
least one amine oxide
(-N-*O) group present; wherein the polymer typically has at least about 10% to
about 90%
monomers containing an amine oxide group; and the average molecular weight of
the polymer is
from about 2,000 to about 500,000, preferably from about 5,000 to about
250,000, and more
preferably from about 7,500 to about 200,000.
The preferred polymers of this invention possess the unexpected property of
being
substantive without leaving a visible residue that would render the surface
substrate unappealing
to consumers. The preferred polymers include poly(4-vinylpyridine N-oxide)
polymers (PVNO),
e.g. those formed by polymerization of monomers that include the following
moiety:
0
t
N
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
wherein the average molecular weight of the polymer is from about 2,000 to
about 500,000
preferably from about 5,000 to about 400,000, and more preferably from about
7,500 to about
300,000. In general, higher molecular weight polymers are preferred. Often,
higher molecular
weight polymers allow for use of lower levels of the wetting polymer, which
can provide benefits in
floor cleaner applications. The desirable molecular weight range of polymers
useful in the present
invention stands in contrast to that found in the art relating to
polycarboxylate, polystyrene
sulfonate, and polyether based additives which prefer molecular weights in the
range of 400,000
to 1,500,000. Lower molecular weights for the preferred poly-amine oxide
polymers of the
present invention are due to greater difficulty in manufacturing these
polymers in higher molecular
weight.
The level of amine oxide polymer will normally be less than about 0.5%,
preferably from
about 0.005% to about 0.4%, more preferably from about 0.01 % to about 0.3%,
by weight of the
end use composition/solution.
Some non-limiting examples of homopolymers and copolymers which can be used as
water-soluble polymers of the present invention are: adipic acid/
dimethylaminohydroxypropyl
diethylenetriamine copolymer; adipic acid/epoxypropyl diethylenetriamine
copolymer; polyvinyl
alcohol; methacryloyl ethyl betaine/methacrylates copolymer; ethyl
acrylate/methyl
methacrylatelmethacrylic acid/acrylic acid copolymer; polyamine resins;
polyquaternary amine
resins; poly(ethenylformamide); poly(vinylamine) hydrochloride; poly(vinyl
alcohol-co-6%
vinylamine); poly(vinyl alcohol-co-12% vinylamine); poly(vinyl alcohol-co-6%
vinylamine
hydrochloride); poly(vinyl alcohol-co-12% vinylamine hydrochloride); and
mixtures thereof.
Preferably, said copolymer and/or homopolymers are selected from the group
consisting of adipic
acid/dimethylaminohydroxypropyl diethylenetriamine copolymer;
poly(vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); polyvinyl alcohol;
ethyl acrylate/methyl
methacrylate/methacrylic acid/acrylic acid copolymer; methacryloyl ethyl
betaine/methacrylates
copolymer, polyquaternary amine resins; poly(ethenylformamide);
poly(vinylamine) hydrochloride;
poly(vinyl alcohol-co-6% vinylamine); poly(vinyl alcohol-co-12% vinylamine);
polyvinyl alcohol-co-
6% vinylamine hydrochloride); polyvinyl alcohol-co-12% vinylamine
hydrochloride); and mixtures
thereof.
Polymers useful in the present invention can be selected from the group
consisting of
copolymers of hydrophilic monomers. The polymer can be linear random or block
copolymers,
and mixtures thereof. The term "hydrophilic" is used herein consistent with
Its standard meaning
of having affinity for water. As used herein in relation to monomer units and
polymeric materials,
including the copolymers, "hydrophilic" means substantially water soluble. In
this regard,
"substantially water soluble" shall refer to a material that is soluble in
distilled (or equivalent)
water, at 25 C, at a concentration of about 0.2% by weight, and are preferably
soluble at about
1% by weight. The terms "soluble", "solubility" and the like, for purposes
hereof, correspond to
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
the maximum concentration of monomer or polymer, as applicable, that can
dissolve in water or
other solvents to form a homogeneous solution, as is well understood to those
skilled in the art.
Nonlimiting examples of useful hydrophilic monomers are unsaturated organic
mono- and
polycarboxylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid,
maleic acid and its half
esters, and itaconic acid; unsaturated alcohols, such as vinyl alcohol and
ally[ alcohol; polar vinyl
heterocyclics such as vinyl caprolactam, vinyl pyridine, and vinyl imidazole;
vinyl amine; vinyl
sulfonate; unsaturated amides such as acrylamides, e.g., N,N-
dimethylacrylamide and N-t-butyl
acrylamide; hydroxyethyl methacrylate; dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; salts
of acids and
amines listed above; and the like; and mixtures thereof. Some preferred
hydrophilic monomers
are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, N,N-dimethyl acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl
methacrylamide, N-t-
butyl acrylamide, dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof.
Polycarboxylate polymers are those formed by polymerization of monomers, at
least some
of which contain carboxylic functionality. Common monomers include acrylic
acid, maleic acid,
ethylene, vinyl pyrrolidone, methacrylic acid, methacryloylethylbetaine, and
the like. Preferred
polymers for substantivity are those having higher molecular weights. For
example, polyacrylic
acid having molecular weights below about 10,000 are not particularly
substantive and therefore
do not normally provide hydrophilicity for three. rewettings with all
compositions, although with
higher levels and/or certain surfactants like amphoteric and/or zwitterionic
detergent surfactants,
molecular weights down to about 1,000 can provide some results. In general,
the polymers
should have molecular weights of more than about 10,000, preferably more than
about 20,000,
more preferably more than about 300,000, and even more preferably more than
about 400,000. It
has also been found that higher molecular weight polymers, e.g., those having
molecular weights
of more than about 3,000,000, are extremely difficult to formulate and are
less effective in
providing anti-spotting benefits than lower molecular weight polymers.
Accordingly, the molecular
weight should normally be, especially for polyacrylates, from about 20,000 to
about 3,000,000;
preferably from about 20,000 to about 2,500,000; more preferably from about
300,000 to about
2,000,000; and even more preferably from about 400,000 to about 1,500,000.
An advantage for some polycarboxylate polymers is the detergent builder
effectiveness of
such polymers. Although such polymers do increase filming/streaking, like
other detergent
builders, they provide increased cleaning effectiveness on typical, common
"hard-to-remove" soils
that contain particulate matter.
Some polymers, especially polycarboxylate polymers, thicken the compositions
that are
aqueous liquids. This can be desirable. However, when the compositions are
placed in
containers with trigger spray devices, the compositions are desirably not so
thick as to require
excessive trigger pressure. Typically, the viscosity under shear should be
less than about 200 cp,
preferably less than about 100 cp, more preferably less than about 50 cp. It
can be desirable,
however, to have thick compositions to inhibit the flow of the composition off
the surface,
especially vertical surfaces.
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CA 02524671 2008-11-05
Non limiting examples of polymers for use in the present invention include the
following:
polyvinyl pyrrotidone/acrylic acid) sold under the name Acrylidone by ISP and
poly(acrylic acid)
sold under the name Accumer by Rohm & Haas. Other suitable materials include
sulfonated
polystyrene polymers sold under the name Versaflexe sold by National Starch
and Chemical
Company, especially Versaflexe 7000.
The level of polymeric material will normally be less than about 0.5%,
preferably from
about 0.01% to about 0.4%. more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.3%. In
general, lower
molecular weight materials such as lower molecular weight poly(acrylic acid),
e.g., those having
molecular weights below about 10,000, and especially about 2,000, do not
provide good anti-
spotting benefits upon rewetting. especially at the lower levels. e.g., about
0.02%. One should
use only the more effective materials at the lower levels. In order to use
lower molecular weight
materials, substantivity should be increased, e.g., by adding groups that
provide improved
attachment to the surface, such as cationic groups, or the materials should be
used at higher
levels, e.g., more than about 0.05%.
b. rfactant
When the polymer is not present in the compositions herein, the compositions
will
normally have one of the preferred surfactants present, such as
alkylpolysaccharides or nonionic
surfactants, including alkyl ethoxylates. The preferred surfactants for use
herein are the
alkylpolysaccharides that are disclosed in U.S. Patents: 5,776,872, Cleansing
compositions,
issued July 7, 1998, to Giret, Michel Joseph; Langlois, Anne; and Duke, Roland
Philip;
5,883,059, Three in one ultra mild lathering antibacterial liquid personal
cleansing composition,
issued March 16, 1999, to Furman, Christopher Allen; Giret, Michel Joseph; and
Dunbar, James
Charles; et al.; 5,883,062, Manual dishwashing compositions, issued March 16,
1999, to Addison,
Michael Crombie: Foley, Peter Robert; and Allsebrook, Andrew Micheal; and
5,906,973, issued
May 25, 1999, Process for cleaning vertical or inclined hard surfaces, by
Ouzounis, Dimitrios and
Nierhaus, Wolfgang
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
I to about 1.5
saccharide, preferably glucoside, groups per molecule. A broad mixture of
chain lengths.
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
particularly C8-C16, is highly desirable relative to narrower range chain
length mixtures, and
particularly versus lower (i.e., C6-C10 or C8-C1$) chainlength alkyl
polyglucoside mixtures. It is also
found that the preferred C&16 alkyl polyglucoside provides much improved
perfume solubility
versus lower and narrower chainlength alkyl polyglucosides, as well as other
preferred
surfactants, including the C8-C14 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.
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.
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.
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. C8-
11
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
C16 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 C8 to C16 alkyl polyglucosides, such as Plantaren
2000 , Plantaren
2000 N , and Plantaren 2000 N UP , available from Henkel Corporation (Postfach
101100, D
40191 Dusseldorf, Germany).
In the context of floor, counter, wall, etc. applications, another class of
preferred nonionic
surfactant is alkyl ethoxylates. The alkyl ethoxylates of the present
invention are either linear or
branched, and contain from about 8 carbon atoms to about 14 carbon atoms, and
from about 4
ethylene oxide units to about 25 ethylene oxide units. Examples of alkyl
ethoxylates include
Neodol 91-6, Neodol 91-8 supplied by the Shell Corporation (P.O. Box 2463, 1
Shell Plaza,
Houston, Texas), and Alfonic 810-60 supplied by Vista corporation, (900
Threadneedle P.O.
Box 19029, Houston, TX). More preferred surfactants are the alkyl ethoxylates
comprising from
about 9 to about 12 carbon atoms, and from about 4 to about 8 ethylene oxide
units. These
surfactants offer excellent cleaning benefits and work synergistically with
the required hydrophilic
polymers. A most preferred alkyl ethoxylate is C11E05, available from the
Shell Chemical
Company under the trademark Neodol 1-5. This surfactant is found to provide
desirable wetting
and cleaning properties, and can be advantageously combined with the preferred
C8_16 alkyl
polyglucoside in a matrix that includes the wetting polymers of the present
invention. While not
wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that the C8.16 alkyl
polyglucoside can provide a
superior end result (i.e., reduce hazing) in compositions that additionally
contain the preferred
alkyl ethoxylate particularly when the preferred alkyl ethoxylate is required
for superior cleaning.
The preferred the C8.16 alkyl polyglucoside is also found to improve perfume
solubility of
compositions comprising alkyl ethoxylates. Higher levels of perfume can be
advantageous for
consumer acceptance.
The usage of liquid compositions according to the present invention are
prepared with
relatively low levels of active materials. Typically, compositions will
comprise sufficient surfactant
and optional solvent, as discussed hereinafter, to be effective as hard
surface cleaners yet remain
economical; accordingly they typically contain from about 0.005% to about 0.5%
by weight of the
composition of surfactant, preferably alkylpolyglycoside and/or C8.14
alkylethoxylate surfactant,
more preferably from about 0.01 % to about 0.4% surfactant, and even more
preferably from about
0.01% to about 0.3% surfactant. It has been found that use of low, rather than
high levels of
surfactant are advantageous to overall end result performance. It is also been
found that when
the primary surfactant system includes preferred alkyl ethoxylates that end
result hazing is
12
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
mitigated by specific cosurfactants. These preferred cosurfactants are C8
sulfonate and Poly-
Tergent CS-1, and are further described below in Section d.
c. Optional Organic Cleaning Solvent
The compositions, optionally, can also contain one, or more, organic cleaning
solvents at
effective levels, typically no less than about 0.25%, and, at least about
0.5%, preferably at least
about 3.0%, and no more than about 7%, preferably no more than about 5%, by
weight of the
composition.
The surfactant provides cleaning and/ or wetting even without an organic
cleaning solvent
present. However, the cleaning can normally be further improved by the use of
the right organic
cleaning solvent. By organic cleaning solvent, it is meant an agent which
assists the surfactant to
remove soils such as those commonly encountered in the bathroom. The organic
cleaning
solvent also can participate in the building of viscosity, if needed, and in
increasing the stability of
the composition. The compositions containing C8-16 alkyl polyglucosides and/or
Ce-14
alkylethoxylates also have lower sudsing when the solvent is present. Thus,
the suds profile can
be controlled in large part by simply controlling the level of hydrophobic
solvent in the formulation.
Such solvents typically have a terminal C3-C6 hydrocarbon attached to from one
to three
ethylene glycol or propylene glycol moieties to provide the appropriate degree
of hydrophobicity
and, preferably, surface activity. Examples of commercially available
hydrophobic cleaning
solvents based on ethylene glycol chemistry include mono-ethylene glycol n-
hexyl ether (Hexyl
Cellosolve available from Union Carbide). Examples of commercially available
hydrophobic
cleaning solvents based on propylene glycol chemistry include the di-, and tri-
propylene glycol
derivatives of propyl and butyl alcohol, which are available from Arco
Chemical (3801 West
Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073) and Dow Chemical (1691 N. Swede Road,
Midland,
Michigan) under the trade names Arcosoly and Dowanol .
In the context of the present invention, preferred solvents are selected from
the group
consisting of mono-propylene glycol mono-propyl ether; di-propylene glycol
mono-propyl ether;
mono-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene glycol mono-propyl ether;
di-propylene
glycol mono-butyl ether; tri-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; ethylene
glycol mono-butyl ether;
di-ethylene glycol mono-butyl ether; ethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether; di-
ethylene glycol mono-
hexyl ether; and mixtures thereof. "Butyl" includes both normal butyl,
isobutyl and tertiary butyl
groups. Mono-propylene glycol and mono-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether are
the most
preferred cleaning solvent and are available under the tradenames Dowanol DPnP
and Dowanol
DPnB from Dow Chemical. Di-propylene glycol mono-t-butyl ether is
commercially available
from Arco Chemical under the tradename Arcosolv PTB .
The amount of organic cleaning solvent can vary depending on the amount of
other
ingredients present in the composition. The hydrophobic cleaning solvent is
normally helpful in
providing good cleaning, such as in floor cleaner applications.
13
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
For cleaning in enclosed spaces, the solvent can cause the formation of
undesirably small
respirable droplets, so compositions/solutions for use in treating such spaces
are desirably
substantially free, more preferably completely free, of such solvents.
d. Optional Additional Cosurfactant
The liquid compositions of the present invention optionally can include a
small amount of
additional cosurfactant such as anionic and/or nonionic detergent surfactant.
Such anionic
surfactants typically comprise a hydrophobic chain containing from about 8 to
about 18 carbon
atoms, preferably from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and typically include
a sulfonate or
carboxylate hydrophilic head group. In general, the level of optional, e.g.,
anionic, cosurfactants in
the compositions herein is from about 0.01% to about 0.25%, more preferably
from about 0.01%
to about 0.2%, most preferably from about 0.01 % to about 0.1 %, by weight of
the composition.
In the context of floor, counter and other surface applications, the choice of
cosurfactant
can be critical in both selection of type and level. In compositions
comprising C8-C14 alkyl
ethoxylates, it is found that low levels of C8 sulfonate can improve end
result by providing a
"toning" effect. By toning, it is meant an improvement in the visual
appearance of the end result,
due to less haziness. If present, the C8 sulfonate is preferably used in from
about 1:10 to about
1:1 weight ratio with respect to the primary surfactant(s). C8 sulfonate is
commercially available
from Stepan under the tradename Bio-Terge PAS-8 as well as from.the Witco
Corporation under
the tradename Witconate NAS-8 . Another outstanding "toning" surfactant of
benefit to the
present invention is Poly-Tergent CS-1 which can be purchased from BASF. If
present, the Poly-
Tergent CS-1 is preferably used in from about 1:20 to about 1:1 weight ratio
with respect to the
primary surfactant(s).
Other surfactants which can be used, though less preferably, and typically at
very low
levels, include C8-C18 alkyl sulfonates (Hostapur SAS from Hoechst,
Aktiengesellschaft, D-6230
Frankfurt, Germany), C,0-C14 linear or branched alkyl benzene sulfonates, C9-
C15 alkyl ethoxy
carboxylates detergent surfactant (Neodox surfactants available from Shell
Chemical
Corporation), C1414 alkyl sulfates and ethoxysulfates (e.g., Stepanol AM from
Stepan). Alkyl
ethoxy carboxylates can be advantageously used at extremely low levels (about
0.01% or lower )
to dissolve perfume. This can be an important benefit given the low levels of
active needed for
the present invention to be most effective.
Alternative nonionic detergent surfactants for use herein are alkoxylated
alcohols
generally comprising from about 6 to about 16 carbon atoms in the hydrophobic
alkyl chain of the
alcohol. Typical alkoxylation groups are propoxy groups or propoxy groups in
combination with
ethoxy groups. Such compounds are commercially available under the tradename
Antarox
available from Rhodia (P.O. Box 425 Cranberry, New Jersey 08512) with a wide
variety of chain
length and alkoxylation degrees. Block copolymers of ethylene oxide and
propylene oxide can
also be used and are available from BASF under the tradename Pluronic .
Preferred nonionic
14
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
detergent surfactants for use herein are according to the formula R(X)nH, were
R is an alkyl chain
having from about 6 to about 16 carbon atoms, preferably from about 8 to about
12 carbon atoms,
X is a propoxy, or a mixture of ethoxy and propoxy groups, n is an integer of
from about 4 to
about 30, preferably from about 5 to about 8. Other non-ionic surfactants that
can be used
include those derived from natural sources such as sugars and include C8-C16 N-
alkyl glucose
amide surfactants. if present, the concentration of alternative nonionic
surfactant is from about
0.01% to about 0.2%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, by weight
of the
composition.
e. Mono- or Polycarboxylic Acid
For purposes of soap scum and hard water stain removal, the compositions can
be made
acidic with a pH of from about 2 to about 5, more preferably about 3. Acidity
is accomplished, at
least in part, through the use of one or more organic acids that have a pKa of
less than about 5,
preferably less than about 4. Such organic acids also can assist in phase
formation for
thickening, if needed, as well as provide hard water stain removal properties.
It is found that
organic acids are very efficient in promoting good hard water removal
properties within the
framework of the compositions of the present invention. Lower pH and use of
one or more
suitable acids is also found to be advantageous for disinfectancy benefits.
Examples of suitable mono-carboxylic acids include acetic acid, glycolic acid
or (3-hydroxy
propionic acid and the like. Examples of suitable polycarboxylic acids include
citric acid, tartaric
acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, and mixtures thereof. Such
acids are readily
available in the trade. Examples of more preferred polycarboxylic acids,
especially non-polymeric
polycarboxylic acids, include citric acid (available from Aldrich Corporation,
1001 West Saint Paul
Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin), a mixture of succinic, glutaric and adipic
acids available from
DuPont (Wilmington, Delaware) sold as "refined AGS di-basic acids", maleic
acid (also available
from Aldrich), and mixtures thereof. Citric acid is most preferred,
particularly for applications
requiring cleaning of soap scum. Glycolic acid and the mixture of adipic,
glutaric and succinic
acids provide greater benefits for hard water removal. The amount of organic
acid in the
compositions herein can be from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from
about 0.01% to
about 0.5%. most preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.25% by weight of the
composition.
f. Odor Control Agents
As used herein, the term "cyclodextrin" includes any of the known
cyclodextrins such as
unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six to twelve glucose units,
especially, alpha-
cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives
and/or mixtures
thereof. The alpha-cyclodextrin consists of six glucose units, the beta-
cyclodextrin consists of
seven glucose units, and the gamma-cyclodextrin consists of eight glucose
units arranged in
donut-shaped rings. The specific coupling and conformation of the glucose
units give the
cyclodextrins rigid, conical molecular structures with hollow interiors of
specific volumes. The
"lining" of each internal cavity is formed by hydrogen atoms and glycosidic
bridging oxygen atoms;
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
therefore, this surface is fairly hydrophobic. The unique shape and physical-
chemical properties
of the cavity enable the cyclodextrin molecules to absorb (form inclusion
complexes with) organic
molecules or parts of organic molecules which can fit into the cavity. Many
odorous molecules
can fit into the cavity including many malodorous molecules and perfume
molecules. Therefore.
cyclodextrins, and especially mixtures of cyclodextrins with different size
cavities, can be used to
control odors caused by a broad spectrum of organic odoriferous materials,
which may, or may
not, contain reactive functional groups. The complexation between cyclodextrin
and odorous
molecules occurs rapidly in the presence of water. However, the extent of the
complex formation
also depends on the polarity of the absorbed molecules. In an aqueous
solution, strongly
hydrophilic molecules (those which are highly water-soluble) are only
partially absorbed, if at all.
Therefore, cyclodextrin does not complex effectively with some very low
molecular weight organic
amines and acids when they are present at low levels on wet surfaces. As the
water is being
removed however, e.g., the surface is being dried off, some low molecular
weight organic amines
and acids have more affinity and will complex with the cyclodextrins more
readily.
The cavities within the cyclodextrin in the solution of the present invention
should remain
essentially unfilled (the cyclodextrin remains uncomplexed) while in solution,
in order to allow the
cyclodextrin to absorb various odor molecules when the solution is applied to
a surface. Non-
derivatised (normal) beta-cyclodextrin can be present at a level up to its
solubility limit of about
1.85% (about 1.85g in 100 grams of water) at room temperature. Beta-
cyclodextrin is not
preferred in compositions which call for a level of cyclodextrin higher than
its water solubility limit.
Non-derivatised beta-cyclodextrin is generally not preferred when the
composition contains
surfactant since it affects the surface activity of most of the preferred
surfactants that are
compatible with the derivatised cyclodextrins.
Preferably, the aqueous cleaning solution of the present invention is clear.
The term
"clear" as defined herein means transparent or translucent, preferably
transparent, as in "water
clear," when observed through a layer having a thickness of less than about 10
cm.
Preferably, the cyclodextrins used in the present invention are highly water-
soluble such
as, alpha-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or
derivatives thereof,
derivatised beta-cyclodextrins, and/or mixtures thereof. The derivatives of
cyclodextrin consist
mainly of molecules wherein some of the OH groups are converted to OR groups.
Cyclodextrin
derivatives include, e.g., those with short chain alkyl groups such as
methylated cyclodextrins,
and ethylated cyclodextrins, wherein R is a methyl or an ethyl group: those
with hydroxyalkyl
substituted groups, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins and/or hydroxyethyl
cyclodextrins,
wherein R is a -CH2-CH(OH)-CH3 or a -CH2CH2-OH group; branched cyclodextrins
such as
maltose-bonded cyclodextrins; cationic cyclodextrins such as those containing
2-hydroxy-3-
(dimethylamino)propyl ether, wherein R is CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-N(CH3)2 which is
cationic at low
pH; quaternary ammonium, e.g., 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether
chloride groups,
16
-------------
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
wherein R is CH2-CH(OH)-CH2-N'`(CH3)3CI'; anionic cyclodextrins such as
carboxymethyl
cyclodextrins, cyclodextrin sulfates, and cyclodextrin succinylates;
amphoteric cyclodextrins such
as carboxymethyl/quaternary ammonium cyclodextrins; cyclodextrins wherein at
least one
glucopyranose unit has a 3-6-anhydro-cyciomalto structure, e.g., the mono-3-6-
anhydrocyclodextrins, as disclosed in "Optimal Performances with Minimal
Chemical Modification
of Cyclodextrins", F. Diedaini-Pilard and B. Perly, The 7th International
Cyclodextrin Symposium
Abstracts, April 1994, p. 49, and mixtures
thereof. Other cyclodextrin derivatives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.:
3,426,011, Parmerter et
al., issued Feb. 4, 1969, 3,453,257; 3,453,258; 3,453,259; and 3,453,260, all
in the names of
Parmerter et al., and all issued July 1, 1969; 3,459,731, Gramera et al.,
issued Aug. 5, 1969;
3,553,191. Parmerter et al., issued Jan. 5, 1971; 3,565,887, Parmerter et al.,
issued Feb. 23.
1971; 4,535,152, Szejtli et al., issued Aug. 13, 1985; 4,616,008, Hirai et
al., issued Oct. 7, 1986;
4,678,598, Ogino et al., issued Jul. 7, 1987; 4,638,058, Brandt et al., issued
Jan. 20, 1987; and
4,746,734, Tsuchiyama et al., issued May 24, 1988,
Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are those having water solubility of at
least about 10 g
in 100 ml of water at room temperature, preferably at least about 20 g in 100
ml of water, more
preferably at least about 25 g in 100 ml of water at room temperature. The
availability of
sotubilized, uncomplexed cyclodextrins is essential for effective and
efficient odor control
performance. Solubilized, water-soluble cyclodextrin can exhibit more
efficient odor control
performance than non-water-soluble cyclodextrin when deposited onto surfaces.
Examples of preferred water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives suitable for use
herein are
hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated
beta-cyclodextrin,
hydroxyethyl beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin.
Hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin
derivatives preferably have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about
14, more preferably
from about 1.5 to about 7, wherein the total number of OR groups per
cyclodextrin is defined as
the degree of substitution. Methylated cyclodextrin derivatives typically have
a degree of
substitution of from about 1 to about 18, preferably from about 3 to about 16.
A known
methylated beta-cyclodextrin is heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl-p-cyclodextrin,
commonly known as
DIMEB, in which each glucose unit has about 2 methyl groups with a degree of
substitution of
about 14. A preferred, more commercially available, methylated beta-
cyclodextrin is a randomly
methylated beta-cyclodextrin, commonly known as RAMEB, having different
degrees of
substitution, normally of about 12.6. RAMEB is more preferred than DIMES,
since DIMEB affects
the surface activity of the preferred surfactants more than RAMEB. The
preferred cyclodextrins
are available, e.g., from Cereslar USA, Inc. and Wacker Chemicals (USA), Inc.
It is also preferable to use a mixture of cyclodextrins. Such mixtures absorb
odors more
broadly by complexing with a wider range of odoriferous molecules having a
wider range of
molecular sizes. Preferably at least a portion of the cyclodextrin is alpha-
cyclodextrin and/or its
17
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
derivatives, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or its derivatives, and/or derivatised
beta-cyclodextrin, more
preferably a mixture of alpha-cyclodextrin, or an alpha-cyclodextrin
derivative, and derivatised
beta-cyclodextrin, even more preferably a mixture of derivatised alpha-
cyclodextrin and
derivatised beta-cyclodextrin, most preferably a mixture of hydroxypropyl
alpha-cyclodextrin and
hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin, and/or a mixture of methylated alpha-
cyclodextrin and
methylated beta-cyclodextrin.
It is preferable that the usage compositions of the present invention contain
low levels of
cyclodextrin so that no visible residue appears at normal usage levels.
Preferably, the solution
used to treat the surface under usage conditions is virtually not discernible
when dry. Typical
levels of cyclodextrin in usage compositions for usage conditions are from
about 0.01% to about
1 %, preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.75%, more preferably from about
0.1% to about 0.5%
by weight of the composition. Compositions with higher concentrations can
leave unacceptable
visible residues.
g. Optional Source of Peroxide
The compositions of the invention can contain peroxide such as hydrogen
peroxide, or a
source of hydrogen peroxide, for further disinfectancy, fungistatic and
fungicidal benefits. The
components of the present composition are substantially compatible with the
use of peroxides.
Preferred peroxides include benzoyl peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These can
optionally be
present in the compositions herein in levels of from about 0.05% to about 5%,
more preferably
from about 0.1 % to about 3%, most preferably from about 0.2% to about 1.5%.
When peroxide is present, it is desirable to provide a stabilizing system.
Suitable
stabilizing systems are known. A preferred stabilizing system consists of
radical scavengers
and/or metal chelants present at levels of from about 0.01 % to about 0.5%,
more preferably from
about 0.01% to about 0.25%, most preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, by
weight of the
composition. Examples of radical scavengers include anti-oxidants such as
propyl gallate,
butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) and the like.
Examples of
suitable metal chelants include diethylene triamine penta-acetate, diethylene
triamine penta-
methylene phosphonate, hydroxyethyl diphosphonate and the like.
h. Optional Thickening Polymer:
Low levels of polymer can also be used to thicken the preferred aqueous
compositions of
the present invention. To the extent a given polymer can be considered a
hydrophilic polymer or a
thickening polymer, such polymer shall be considered a hydrophilic polymer for
purposes of the
present invention. In general, the level of thickening polymer is kept as low
as possible so as not
to hinder the product's end result properties. Xanthan gum is a particularly
preferred thickening
agent as it can also enhance end result properties, particularly when used in
low concentrations.
The thickening polymer agent is present in from about 0.001% to about 0.1%,
more preferably
from about 0.0025% to about 0.05%, most preferably from about 0.005% to about
0.025%, by
weight of the composition.
18
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
i. Aqueous Solvent System
The compositions which are aqueous, comprise at least about 80% aqueous
solvent by
weight of the composition, more preferably from. about 80% to over 99% by
weight of the
composition. The aqueous compositions are typically in micellar form, and do
not incorporate
substantial levels of water insoluble components that induce significant
micellar swelling.
The aqueous solvent system can also comprise, in addition to water, low
molecular
weight, highly water-soluble solvents typically found in detergent
compositions, e.g., ethanol,
isopropanol, etc. These solvents can be used to provide disinfectancy
properties to compositions
that are otherwise low in active. Additionally, they can be particularly
useful in compositions
wherein the total level of perfume is very low. In effect, highly volatile
solvents can provide "lift',
and enhance the character of the perfume, Highly volatile solvents, if present
are typically
present in from about 0.25% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.5% to
about 3%, most
preferably from about 0.5% to about 2%, by weight of the composition. Examples
of such
solvents include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, iso-butanol, 2-
butanol, pentanol, 2-
methyl-l-butanol, methoxymethanol, methoxyethanol, methoxy propanol, and
mixtures thereof.
The compositions of the present invention can also include other solvents, and
in
particular paraffins and isoparaffins, which can substantially reduce the suds
created by the
composition.
j. Optional Suds Suppressor
Suitable silicone suds suppressors for use herein include any silicone and
silica-silicone
mixtures. Silicones can be generally represented by alkylated polysiloxane
materials while silica
is normally used in finely divided forms exemplified by silica aerogels and
xerogels and
hydrophobic silicas of various types. In industrial practice, the term
"silicone has become a
generic term which encompasses a variety of relatively high-molecular-weight
polymers
containing siloxane units and hydrocarbyl groups of various types. Indeed,
silicone compounds
have been extensively described in the art, see for instance United States
Patents: US
4,076,648; US 4,021,365; US 4,749,740; US 4,983,316 and European Patents: EP
150,872; EP
217,501; and EP 499,364, Preferred
are polydiorganosiloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxanes having trimethylsilyl
end blocking units
and having a viscosity at 25 C of from 5 x .10-5 m2/s to 0.1 m2/s, i.e. a
value of n in the range 40
to 1500. These are preferred because of their ready availability and their
relatively low cost,
A preferred type of silicone compounds useful in the compositions herein
comprises a
mixture of an alkylated siloxane of the type hereinabove disclosed and solid
silica. The solid
silica can be a fumed silica, a precipitated silica or a silica made by the
gel formation technique.
The silica particles can be rendered hydrophobic by treating them with
diakylsilyl groups and/or
trialkylsilane groups either bonded directly onto the silica or by means of
silicone resin. A
preferred silicone compound comprises a hydrophobic silanated, most preferably
trimethylsilanated silica having a particle size in the range from 10 mm to 20
mm and a specific
19
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
surface area above 50 m2/g. Silicone compounds employed in the compositions
according to
the present invention suitably have an amount of silica in the range of 1 to
30% (more preferably
2.0 to 15%) by weight of the total weight of the silicone compounds resulting
in silicone
compounds having an average viscosity in the range of from 2 x 10-4m2/s to
1m2/s. Preferred
silicone compounds can have a viscosity in the range of from 5 x 10-3m21s to
0.1m2/s.
Particularly suitable are silicone compounds with a viscosity of 2 x 10`2m2/s
or 4.5 x 10-2m2/s.
Suitable silicone compounds for use herein are commercially available from
various
companies including Rhone Poulenc, Fueller and Dow Corning. Examples of
silicone compounds
for use herein are Silicone D130 100 and Silicone Emulsion 2-35970 both
commercially available
from Dow Corning.
k. Optional Perfume and/or Additional Adjuvants
Optional components, such as perfumes and/or other conventional adjuvants can
also be
incorporated in the present compositions.
Perfume
An optional, but highly preferred ingredient, is a perfume, usually a mixture
of perfume
Ingredients. As used herein, perfume includes constituents of a perfume which
are added
primarily for their olfactory contribution, often complimented by use of a
volatile organic solvent
such as ethanol.
Most hard surface cleaner products contain some perfume to provide an
olfactory
aesthetic benefit and to cover any "chemical" odor that the product may have.
The main function
of a small fraction of the highly volatile, low boiling (having low boiling
points), perfume
components in these perfumes is to improve the fragrance odor of the product
itself, rather than
impacting on the subsequent odor of the surface being cleaned. However, some
of the less
volatile, high boiling perfume ingredients can provide a fresh and clean
impression to the
surfaces, and it is sometimes desirable that these ingredients be deposited
and.present on the
dry surface.
The perfumes are preferably those that are more water-soluble and/or volatile
to minimize
spotting and filming. The perfumes useful herein are described in more detail
in U.S. Patent
5,108,660, Michael, issued April 28, 1992, at col. 8 lines 48 to 68, and col.
9 lines 1 to 68, and col.
10 fines 1 to 24,
Perfume components can be natural products such as essential oils, absolutes,
resinoids,
resins, concretes, etc., and/or synthetic perfume components such as
hydrocarbons, alcohols,
aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acids, acetals, ketals, nitrites, and the like,
including saturated and
unsaturated compounds, aliphatic, carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds.
Examples of such
perfume components are: geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, linalyl acetate,
tetrahydrolinalool,
citronellol, citronellyl acetate, dihydromyrcenol, dihydromyrcenyl acetate,
terpineol, terpinyl
acetate, acetate, 2=phenylethanol, 2-phenylethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol,
benzyl acetate. benzyl
salicylate, benzyl benzoate, styrallyl acetate, amyl salicylate,
dimenthytbenzylcarbinol,
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
trichloromethylphenycarbinyl acetate, p-tert.butyl-cyclohexyl acetate,
isononyl acetate, alpha-n-
amylcinammic aldehyde, alpha-hexyl-cinammic aldehyde, 2-methyl-3-(p-
tert.butytphenyt)-
propanat, 2-methyl-3(p-isopropylphenyl)propanal, 3-(p-
tert.butylphenyl)propanal, tricyclodecenyl
acetate, tricyclodecenyl propionate, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methyipentyl)-3-
cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 4-
(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 4-acetoxy-3-pentyl-
tetrahhydropyran, methyl
dihydrojasmonate, 2-n-heptyl-cyclopentanone, 3-methyl-2-pentyl-cyctopentanone,
n-decanal, n-
dodecanal, 9-decenol-1, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, phenylacetaldehyde dimenthyl
acetal,
phenylacetaldehyde dicetyll acetal, geranonitrile, citronellonitrile, cedryl
acetate, 3-isocamphyl-
cyclohexanol, cedryl ether, isolongifolanone, aubepine nitrite, aubepine,
heliotropine, coumarin,
eugenol, vanillin, diphenyi oxide, hydroxycitronellal, ionones, methyl
ionones, isomethyl ionones,
irones, cis-3-hexenol and esters thereof, indane musks, tetralin musks,
isochroman musks,
macrocyctic ketones, macrolactone musks, ethylene brassylate, and aromatic
nitromusk.
Compositions herein typically comprise from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the total
composition of a
perfume ingredient, or mixtures thereof, preferably from 0.1 % to 1.%. In the
case of the preferred
embodiment containing peroxide, the perfumes must be chosen so as to be
compatible with the
oxidant.
In a preferred execution, the perfume ingredients are hydrophobic and highly
volatile,
e.g., ingredients having a boiling point of less than about 260 C, preferably
less than about
255 C; and more preferably less than about 250 C, and a CIogP of at least
about 3, preferably
more than about 3.1, and even more preferably more than about 3.2.
The logP of many ingredients has been reported; for example, the Pomona92
database,
available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems, Inc. (Daylight CIS),
Irvine, California,
contains many, along with citations to the original literature. However, the
IogP values are most
conveniently calculated by the "CLOGP" program, also available from Daylight
CIS. This program
also lists experimental IogP values when they are available in the Pomona92
database. The
"calculated IogP" (ClogP) is determined by the fragment approach of Hansch and
Leo (cf., A. Leo,
in Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 4, C. Hansch, P. G. Sammens, J. B.
Taylor and C.
A. Ramsden, Eds., p. 295, Pergamon Press, 1990). The
fragment approach is based on the chemical structure of each ingredient. and
takes into account
the numbers and types of atoms, the atom connectivity, and chemical bonding.
The ClogP
values, which are the most reliable and widely used estimates for this
physicochemical property,
are preferably used instead of the experimental IogP values in the selection
of the principal
solvent ingredients which are useful in the present invention. Other methods
that can be used to
compute ClogP include, e.g., Crippen's fragmentation method as disclosed in J.
Chem. Inf.
Comput. Sci,, 27, 21 (1987); Viswanadhan's fragmentation method as disclose in
J. Chem. Inf.
Comput. Sci., 29, 163 (1989); and Broto's method as disclosed in Eur. J. Med.
Chem. - Chim.
Theor., 19, 71 (1984).
Other Adjuvants
21
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
The compositions herein can comprise a variety of other optional ingredients,
including
further actives and detergent builder, as well as primarily aesthetical
ingredients.
In particular the rheology of the compositions herein can be made suitable for
suspending
particles in the composition, e.g., particles of abrasives.
Detergency Builders
Detergent builders that are efficient for hard surface cleaners and have
reduced
filming/streaking characteristics at the critical levels are another optional
ingredient. Preferred
detergent builders are the carboxylic acid detergent builders described
hereinbefore as part of the
polycarboxylic acid disclosure, including citric and tartaric acids. Tartaric
acid improves cleaning
and can minimize the problem of filming/streaking that usually occurs when
detergent builders are
added to hard surface cleaners.
The detergent builder is present at levels that provide detergent building,
and, those that
are not part of the acid pH adjustment described hereinbefore, are typically
present at a level of
from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, more preferably from about 0.005% to about
0.2%, and most
preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.1 %, by weight of the composition.
Buffers
The compositions herein can also contain other various adjuncts such as
buffers,
preservatives, and antibacterial agents, which are known to the art for
detergent compositions.
Preferably they are not used at levels that cause unacceptable
filming/streaking. Buffers are an
important class of adjuncts in the present compositions. This occurs mainly as
a result of the low
levels of active employed. An ideal buffer system will maintain pH over a
desired narrow range,
while not leading to streakingffilming issues. Preferred buffers in the
context of the invention are
those which are highly volatile, yet can provide cleaning benefits in use. As
such, they are
advantageous in that they can be used at higher levels than corresponding
buffers that are less
volatile. Such buffers tend to have low molecular weight, i.e., less than
about 150 g/mole and
generally contain no more than one hydroxy group. Examples of preferred
buffers include
ammonia, methanol amine, ethanol amine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-
dimethylamino-2-
methyl-1-propanol, acetic acid, glycolic acid, and the like. Most preferred
among these are
ammonia, 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-l-propanol, and acetic acid. When used,
these buffers are
typically present at levels of from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, by weight of
the composition, with
the higher levels being more preferred for the more volatile buffer materials.
Non-volatile buffers can also be used in this invention. Such buffers are used
at generally
lower levels than the preferred levels because of increased streaking/filming
tendencies.
Examples of such buffers include, but are not limited to, sodium carbonate,
potassium carbonate
and bicarbonate, 1,3-bis(aminomethyl) cyclohexane, sodium citrate, citric
acid, maleic acid,
tartaric acid, and the like. Maleic acid is particularly preferred as a buffer
because of its tendency
not to induce surface damage. Citric acid is also desirable since it provides
anti-microbial benefits
as a registered EPA active. Additionally, in compositions comprising the
hydrophilic polymers of
22
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
the present invention for daily shower applications, acidity has been found to
promote better
wetting and provide longer lasting "sheeting' effects. When used, non-volatile
buffers are present
in from about 0.001 % to about 0.05% by weight of the composition.
Non-limiting examples of other adjuncts are: enzymes such as proteases;
hydrotropes
such as sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, and potassium
xylene sulfonate;
and aesthetic-enhancing ingredients such as colorants, providing they do not
have an adverse
impact on filming/streaking.
Preservatives and Antibacterial Agents
Preservatives can also be used, and may be required in many of the
compositions of the
present invention, since they contain high levels of water. Examples of
preservatives include
bronopol, hexitidine sold by Angus chemical (211 Sanders Road, Northbrook,
Illinois, USA).
Other preservatives include Kathon , 2-((hydroxymethyl) (amino)ethanol,
propylene glycol,
sodium hydroxymethyl amino acetate, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, dichloro-
s-triazinetrione,
trichloro-s-triazinetrione, and quaternary ammonium salts including dioctyl
dimethyl ammonium
chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, C12, C14 and C15 dimethyl
benzyl. Preferred
preservatives include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one and polyhexamethylene
biguanide sold by Avicia
Chemicals (Wilmington, Delaware 19897), chlorhexidine diacetate sold by
Aldrich-Sigma (1001
West Saint Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233), and sodium pyrithione sold by
Arch Chemicals
(501 Merritt Seven, P.O. Box 5204, Norwalk CT 06856). When used, preservatives
are
preferentially present at concentrations of from about 0.0001% to about 0.01%.
These same
preservatives can function to provide antibacterial control on the surfaces,
but typically will require
use at higher levels from about 0.005 to about 0.1%. Other antibacterial
agents, including
quaternary ammonium salts, can be present, but are not preferred in the
context of the present
invention at high levels, i.e., at levels greater than about 0.05%. Such
compounds have been
found to often interfere with the benefits of the preferred polymers. In
particular, quaternary
ammonium surfactants tend to hydrophobically modify hard surfaces. Thus, the
preferred
polymers are found to be ineffective in compositions comprising significant
concentrations of
quaternary ammonium surfactants. Similar results have been found using
amphoteric
surfactants, including lauryl betaines and coco amido betaines. When present,
the level of
cationic or amphoteric surfactant should be at levels below about 0.1 %,
preferably below about
0.05%. More hydrophobic antibacterial/germicidal agents, like orthobenzyl-para-
chlorophenol,
are to be avoided. If present, such materials should be kept at levels below
about 0.05%.
COMPOSITIONS, INCLUDING BATHROOM, FLOOR, COUNTER, WALL CLEANING AND
GLASS COMPOSITIONS
The present invention relates to compositions for the cleaning of floors,
counters, walls,
and other surfaces for which no, or minimal, rinsing is required. Examples of
such applications
include ready-to-use aqueous cleaners and dilutable aqueous, multipurpose
cleaners. These
23
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
compositions can be used with conventional cleaning processes such as sponge
mops, string
mops, strip mops, cloth, paper towels, sponges, rags, and the like, as
disclosed hereinafter.
A. "Daily Shower" Compositions
Compositions for use in the bathroom and/or shower on a regular basis provide
the
benefit of maintaining cleanliness and appearance rather than having to remove
large amounts of
built-up soil. Such compositions are used after each shower, bath, wash-up,
and the like, and left
on to protect the surface and make the removal of any subsequent soil easier.
Such
compositions are essentially dilute "usage" compositions.
These compositions typically comprise:
a. an effective amount to reduce the contact angle and/or increase surface
hydrophilicity, up to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.4%.
more
preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition, of
hydrophilic polymer, preferably substantive, that renders the treated surface
hydrophilic, and preferably is a polymer selected from the group consisting
of:
polystyrene sulfonate; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic
acid
copolymer; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer sodium salt; polyvinyl
pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt; polyvinyl pyrrolidone-
vinyl
imidazoline; polyvinyl pyridine; polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide; and mixtures
thereof; and
more preferably polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide;
b. optionally, but preferably, an effective amount of primary detergent
surfactant,
preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.5%. more preferably from about 0.01%
to
about 0.4%, most preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.3%, by weight of the
composition, said primary detergent surfactant preferably comprising alkyl
polysaccharide detergent surfactant having an alkyl group containing from
about 8 to
about 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms,
and
from about one to about four, preferably from about one to about 1.5
saccharide
moieties per molecule and/or a combination consisting of alkyl polysaccharide
detergent surfactant having an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 18
carbon atoms, more preferably from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and from
about one to about four, preferably from about one to about 1.5 saccharide
moieties
per molecule together with an alkyl ethoxylate comprising from about 8 to
about 16
carbon atoms and from about 4 to about 25 oxyethylene units;
c. optionally, an effective amount to provide increased cleaning of organic
cleaning
solvent, preferably from about 0.25% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5%
to
about 4%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3%, by weight of the
composition, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of: mono-
propylene
glycol mono-propyl ether; mono-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene
glycol mono-propyl ether; di-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene
glycol
24
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
mono-butyl ether; tri-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; ethylene glycol mono-
butyl
ether; diethylene glycol mono-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether;
diethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether; and mixtures thereof;
d. optionally, a minor amount that is less than the amount of primary
detergent
surfactant b., preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, more preferably
from
about 0.01% to about 0.4%, and even more preferably from about 0.025% to about
0.3%, by weight of the composition, of cosurfactant, preferably anionic and/or
nonionic detergent surfactant, more preferably selected from the group
consisting of-
C8-C12 linear sulfonates, C8-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; C8-C18 alkyl
sulfates; C8-C18
alkylpolyethoxy sulfates; and mixtures thereof;
e. optionally, an effective amount to improve cleaning and/or antimicrobial
action,
preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.01% to
about
0.5%, and even more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.25%, by weight of
the
composition, of water-soluble mono- or polycarboxylic acid;
f. optionally, an effective amount, up to about 11%, preferably from about
0.01% to about
0.5%, more preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.25%, by weight of the
composition, of cyclodextrin, preferably alpha, beta, or gamma substituted
cyclodextrin, and optionally, with short chain (1-4 carbon atoms) alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl
groups; the cyclodextrin is preferably beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl
cyclodextrin, or
mixtures thereof;
g. optionally, an effective amount to provide bleaching, cleaning, and/or
antibacterial
action, up to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 4%, more
preferably
from about 1 % to about 3%, by weight of the composition, of hydrogen
peroxide;
h. optionally, from about 0.005% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.005% to
about
0.5%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, by weight of the
composition,
of a thickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates,
gums,
and mixtures thereof;
i. optionally, an effective amount of perfume to provide odor effects, and/or
additional
adjuvants; and
j. optionally, an effective amount, preferably from about 0.0001% to about
0.1%, more
preferably from about 0.00025% to about 0.05%, and even more preferably from
about 0.001% to about to about 0.01%, by weight of the composition, of suds
suppressor, preferably silicone suds suppressor, and
optionally, but preferably, the balance being an aqueous solvent system,
comprising water, and
optional water soluble solvent, and wherein said composition has a pH under
usage conditions of
from about 2 to about 12, preferably from about 3 to about 11.5, with acidic
compositions having a
pH of from about 2 to about 6, preferably from about 3 to about 5.
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
The ingredients in. these "daily shower" compositions are selected so as to
avoid the
appearance of spots/films on the treated surface, even when the surface is not
rinsed or wiped
completely to a dry state. For stress conditions, the selection of both a
polyvinylpyridine amine
oxide, or polyvinylpyridine polymer, and a preferred primary detergent
surfactant, such as an alkyl
polysaccharide detergent surfactant, are required for optimum appearance.
B. Glass Cleaner Compositions
Glass cleaner compositions typically contain less materials than other
compositions, since
glass composition residues are more easily seen. For these compositions, only
the optimal
polymers and surfactants, and methods which provide at least some rubbing
action, are required.
Glass cleaner compositions comprise:
a. an effective amount to reduce the contact angle and/or increase surface
hydrophilicity, up to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.4%,
more
preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition, of
hydrophilic polymer, preferably substantive, that renders the treated surface
hydrophilic, and preferably is a polymer selected from the group consisting
of:
polystyrene sulfonate; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic
acid
copolymer; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer sodium salt; polyvinyl
pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt; polyvinyl pyrrolidone-
vinyl
imidazoline; polyvinyl pyridine; polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide; and mixtures
thereof; and
more preferably polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide;
b. an effective amount of primary detergent surfactant, preferably from about
0.001% to
about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.3%, most preferably
from
about 0.025% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition, said primary
detergent
surfactant preferably comprising as the primary surfactant, alkyl
polysaccharide
detergent surfactant having an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 18
carbon atoms, more preferably from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, the alkyl
distribution wherein at least about 50% of the chainlength mixture comprises
from
about 10 carbon atoms to about 16 carbon atoms, optionally, as the primary
surfactant, but preferably as the cosurfactant, a minor amount that is less
than the
amount of primary surfactant, e.g., from about 0.0001% to about 0.3%,
preferably
from about 0.001% to about 0.2%, more preferably from about 0.05% to about
0.2%,
of cosurfactant;
c. optionally, an effective amount to provide increased cleaning, e.g., from
about 0.5%
to about 7%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, more preferably from
about
0.5% to about 3%, of one or more organic cleaning solvents, preferably
selected from
the group consisting of: mono-propylene glycol mono-propyl ether; mono-
propylene
glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene glycol mono-propyl ether; di-propylene
glycol
mono-butyl ether; di-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; tri-propylene glycol
mono-
26
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
butyl ether; ethylene glycol mono-butyl ether; diethylene glycol mono-butyl
ether,
ethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether; diethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether, and
mixtures
thereof;
d. optionally, an effective amount to provide bleaching, cleaning, and/or
antibacterial
action, up to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 4%, more
preferably
from about 1 % to about 3%, of hydrogen peroxide;
e. optionally, an effective amount of perfume to provide odor effects and/or
additional
adjuvants; and
the balance being an aqueous solvent system comprising water and optional
water-soluble
solvent, and wherein said treatment solution has a pH under usage conditions
of from about 3 to
about 11.5, preferably from about 4 to about 10.
Glass cleaning compositions comprising the polymers of the present invention
can be
used as a spray execution, and with one or more substrates, including rags,
cloths, or paper
towels. In such a context, it has been found that some of the preferred
polymers, such as
polyvinyl amine oxides provide anti-fog benefits. It is believed that the
hygroscopic properties of
the preferred polymers are responsible for the benefits.
C. General Purpose and Conventional Floor Cleaning Compositions
The general purpose and conventional floor cleaning compositions of the
present
invention can be either liquid or solid and can be used diluted, or, for the
liquid, full strength.
These compositions comprise:
a. an effective amount to reduce the contact angle and/or increase surface
hydrophilicity, up to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.2%,
more
preferably from about 0.0125% to about 0.1%, by weight of the composition, of
hydrophilic polymer, preferably substantive, that renders the treated surface
hydrophilic, and preferably is a polymer selected from the group consisting
of:
polystyrene sulfonate; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic
acid
copolymer; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer sodium salt; polyvinyl
pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt; polyvinyl pyrrolidone-
vinyl
imidazoline; polyvinyl pyridine; polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide; and mixtures
thereof; and
more preferably polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide;
b. an effective amount of primary detergent surfactant, preferably from about
0.005% to
about 10%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 8%, most preferably from
about 0.025% to about 4%, by weight of the composition, said primary detergent
surfactant preferably comprising alkyl polysaccharide detergent surfactant
having an
alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, more
preferablyfrom
about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and from about one to about four, preferably
from
about one to about 1.5 saccharide moieties per molecule, preferably having a
broad
alkyl distribution, and, optionally, cosurfactant, preferably anionic and/or
nonionic
27
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
detergent surfactant, e.g., preferably selected from the group consisting of.
C8-C12
linear sulfonates, C8-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; Ce-C,8 alkyl sulfates; C8-
C,e
alkylpolyethoxy sulfates; and mixtures thereof;
c. optionally, an effective amount to provide increased cleaning of organic
cleaning
solvent, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.5%
to
about 6%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, by weight of the
composition, and is preferably selected from the group consisting of: mono-
propylene
glycol mono-propyl ether; mono-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene
glycol mono-propyl ether; di-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; di-propylene
glycol
mono-butyl ether; tri-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; ethylene glycol mono-
butyl
ether; diethylene glycol mono-butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether;
diethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether; and mixtures thereof;
d. optionally, an effective amount to improve cleaning and/or antimicrobial
action,
preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.01% to
about
0.5%, and even more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.25%, by weight of
the
composition, of water-soluble mono- or polycarboxylic acid;
e. optionally, an effective amount, up to about 1%, preferably from about
0.01% to about
0.5%, more preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.25%, by weight of the
composition, of cyclodextrin, preferably alpha, beta, or gamma substituted
cyclodextrin, and optionally, with short chain (1-4 carbon atoms) alkyl or
hydroxyalkyl
groups; the cyclodextrin is preferably beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl
cyclodextrin, or
mixtures thereof;
f. optionally, an effective amount to provide bleaching, cleaning, and/or
antibacterial
action, up to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 4%, more
preferably
from about 1 % to about 3%, by weight of the composition, of hydrogen
peroxide;
g. optionally, from about 0.005% to about 1%. preferably from about 0.005% to
about
0.5%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, by weight of the
composition,
of a thickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates,
gums,
and mixtures thereof;
h. optionally, an effective amount of perfume to provide odor effects, and/or
additional
adjuvants; and
I. optionally, an effective amount, preferably from about 0.0001 % to about
0.1 %, more
preferably from about 0.00025% to about 0.05%, and even more preferably from
about 0.001% to about to about 0.01%, by weight of the composition, of suds
suppressor, preferably silicone suds suppressor, and
the balance being an aqueous solvent system, comprising water and optional
water soluble
solvent, or, less preferably, the balance comprising water and inorganic salts
including detergent
builders and/or inert salts and/or abrasives, and wherein said composition has
a pH under usage
28
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
conditions of from about 2 to about 12, preferably from about 3 to about 11.5.
with acidic
compositions having a pH of from about 2 to about 6, preferably from about 3
to about 5.
D. Wet Wipes for Glass and Shiny Surfaces, Floors, Counter Walls and Other
Surfaces
The glass cleaning compositions described in Section B. above and General
Purpose and
Floor compositions described in Section C. above can be used in a pre-
moistened wipe. The wipe
substrate can be composed of suitable unmodified and/or modified naturally
occurring fibers
including cotton, Esparto grass, bagasse, hemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp,
chemically modified
wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose, and/or cellulose acetate. Suitable synthetic
fibers can comprise
fibers of one, or more, of polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride,
polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics such as ORLON, polyvinyl acetate, Rayon
, polyethylvinyl
acetate, non-soluble or soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as
polyethylene (e.g.,
PULPE)( ) and polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon, polyesters such as
DACRON or
KODEL , polyurethanes, polystyrenes, and the like, including fibers comprising
polymers
containing more than one monomer. The absorbent layer can comprise solely
naturally occurring
fibers, solely synthetic fibers, or any compatible combination of naturally
occurring and synthetic
fibers.
The fibers useful herein can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or can be a
combination of both
hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. As indicated above, the particular
selection of hydrophilic or
hydrophobic fibers depends upon the other materials included in the absorbent
(and to some
degree) the scrubbing layer described hereinafter. Suitable hydrophilic fibers
for use in the
present invention include cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic fibers,
rayon, cotton, polyester fibers
such as hydrophilic nylon (HYDROFIL ). Suitable hydrophilic fibers can also be
obtained by
hydrophilizing hydrophobic fibers, such as surfactant-treated or silica-
treated thermoplastic fibers
derived from, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyacrylics,
polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like.
Suitable wood pulp fibers can be obtained from well-known chemical processes
such as
the Kraft and sulfite processes. It is especially preferred to derive these
wood pulp fibers from
southern soft woods due to their premium absorbency characteristics. These
wood pulp fibers
can also be obtained from mechanical processes, such as ground wood, refiner
mechanical,
thermomechanical, chemimechanical, and chemi-thermomechanical pulp processes.
Recycled or
secondary wood pulp fibers, as well as bleached and unbleached wood pulp
fibers, can be used.
Another type of hydrophilic fibers for use in the present invention are
chemically stiffened
cellulosic fibers. As used herein, the term "chemically stiffened cellulosic
fibers" means cellulosic
fibers that have been stiffened by chemical means to increase the stiffness of
the fibers under
both dry and aqueous conditions. Such means can include the addition of a
chemical stiffening
agent that, for example, coats and/or impregnates the fibers. Such means can
also include the
stiffening of the fibers by altering the chemical structure, e.g., by
crosslinking polymer chains.
29
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Where fibers are used as the absorbent layer (or a constituent component
thereof), the
fibers can optionally be combined with a thermoplastic material. Upon melting,
at least a portion
of this thermoplastic material migrates to the intersections of the fibers,
typically due to interfiber
capillary gradients. These intersections become bond sites for the
thermoplastic material. When
cooled, the thermoplastic materials at these intersections solidify to form
the bond sites. that hold
the matrix or substrate of fibers together in each of the respective layers.
This can be beneficial in
providing additional overall integrity to the cleaning wipe.
Amongst its various effects, bonding at the fiber intersections increases the
overall
compressive modulus and strength of the resulting thermally bonded member. In
the case of the
chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers, the melting and migration of the
thermoplastic material also
has the effect of increasing the average pore size of the resultant substrate,
while maintaining the
density and basis weight of the substrate as originally formed. This can
improve the fluid
acquisition properties of the thermally bonded substrate upon initial exposure
to fluid, due to
improved fluid permeability, and upon subsequent exposure, due to the combined
ability of the
stiffened fibers to retain their stiffness upon wetting and the ability of the
thermoplastic material to
remain bonded at the fiber intersections upon wetting and upon wet
compression. In net,
thermally bonded substrates of stiffened fibers retain their original overall
volume, but with the
volumetric regions previously occupied by the thermoplastic material becoming
open to thus
increase the average interfiber capillary pore size.
Thermoplastic materials useful in the present invention can be in any of a
variety of forms
including particulates, fibers, or combinations of particulates and fibers.
Thermoplastic fibers are
a particularly preferred form because of their ability to form numerous
interfiber bond sites.
Suitable thermoplastic materials can be made from any thermoplastic polymer
that can be melted
at temperatures that will not extensively damage the fibers that comprise the
primary substrate or
matrix of each layer. Preferably, the melting point of this thermoplastic
material will be less than
about 190 C, and preferably between about 75 C and about 175 C. In any event,
the melting
point of this thermoplastic material should be no lower than the temperature
at which the thermally
bonded absorbent structures, when used in the cleaning pads, are likely to be
stored. The
melting point of the thermoplastic material is typically no lower than about
50 C.
The thermoplastic materials, and in particular the thermoplastic fibers, can
be made from a
variety of thermoplastic polymers, including polyolefins such as polyethylene
(e.g., PULPEX )
and polypropylene, polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylvinyl
acetate, polyvinyl
chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics, polyamides, copolyamides,
polystyrenes,
polyurethanes and copolymers of any of the foregoing such as vinyl
chloride/vinyl acetate, and the
like. Depending upon the desired characteristics for the resulting thermally
bonded absorbent
member, suitable thermoplastic materials include hydrophobic fibers that have
been made
hydrophilic, such as surfactant-treated or silica-treated thermoplastic fibers
derived from, for
example, polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics,
polyamides,
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. The surface of the hydrophobic
thermoplastic fiber can
be rendered hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant, such as a nonionic or
anionic surfactant,
e.g., by spraying the fiber with a surfactant, by dipping the fiber into a
surfactant or by including
the surfactant as part of the polymer melt in producing the thermoplastic
fiber. Upon melting and
resolidification, the surfactant will tend to remain at the surfaces of the
thermoplastic fiber.
Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as Brij 76
manufactured by ICI Americas.
Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, and various surfactants sold under the
Pegosperse trademark by
Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich. Connecticut- Besides nonionic surfactants,
anionic
surfactants can also be used. These surfactants can be applied to the
thermoplastic fibers at
levels of, for example, from about 0.2 to about 1 gram per square centimeter
of thermoplastic
fiber.
Suitable thermoplastic fibers can be made from a single polymer (monocomponent
fibers), or can be made from more than one polymer (e.g., bicomponent fibers).
As used herein,
"bicomponent fibers" refers to thermoplastic fibers that comprise a core fiber
made from one
polymer that is encased within a thermoplastic sheath made from a different
polymer. The
polymer comprising the sheath often melts at a different, typically lower,
temperature than the
polymer comprising the core. As a result, these bicomponent fibers provide
thermal bonding due
to melting of the sheath polymer, while retaining the desirable strength
characteristics of the core
polymer.
Suitable bicomponent fibers for use in the present invention can Include
sheath/core fibers
having the following polymer combinations: polyethylene/ polypropylene,
polyethylvinyl
acetate/polypropylene, polyethylenelpolyester, polypropylene/polyester,
copolyester/polyester,
and the like. Particularly suitable bicomponent thermoplastic fibers for use
herein are those
having a polypropylene or polyester core, and a lower melting copolyester,
polyethylvinyl acetate
or polyethylene sheath (e.g., those available from Danaklon a/s, Chisso Corp.,
and CELBOND ,
available from Hercules). These bicomponent fibers can be concentric or
eccentric. As used
herein, the terms "concentric" and "eccentric" refer to whether the sheath has
a thickness that is
even, or uneven, through the cross-sectional area of the bicomponent fiber.
Eccentric
bicomponent fibers can be desirable in providing more compressive strength at
lower fiber
thicknesses.
Methods for preparing thermally bonded fibrous materials are described in U.S.
Patent No. 5,607,414 ( Richards et al.), issued March 4, 1997 (see especially
pages 16-20)
and U.S. Patent 5,549,589 (Homey et al.), issued August 27, 1996 (see
especially Columns 9 to
10).
The absorbent layer can also comprise a HIPE-derived hydrophilic, polymeric
foam. Such
foams and methods for their preparation are described in U.S. Patent 5,550,167
(DesMarais),
issued August 27, 1996; and commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,563,179 (Stone
et al.).
issued October 8, 1996.
31
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
The wipe can consist of one or more layers including an optional scrub layer
for maximum
cleaning efficiency. For pre-moistened wipes that use a single substrate, the
substrate preferably
contains fibers comprising of some combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic
fibers, and more
preferably fibers comprising at least about 30% hydrophobic fibers and even
more preferably at
least about 50% of hydrophobic fibers in a hydroentangled substrate. The term
"hydrophobic
fibers" includes polyester fibers as well as fibers derived from polyolefins
such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, and the like. The combination of hydrophobic fibers and
absorbent hydrophilic
fibers represents a particularly preferred embodiment for the single substrate
pre-moistened. wipe
since the absorbent hydrophilic fibers, typically cellulose, aid in the
sequestering and removal of
dust and other soils present on the surface. The hydrophobic fibers are
particularly useful in
cleaning greasy soils, in improving the pre-moistened wipe and in lowering the
friction between
substrate and hard surface (glide). In terms of rank ordering of fiber
composition for improved
glide, the inventors have found polyester fibers, particularly polyester
fibers in combination with
polypropylene fibers, to be most effective in providing excellent glide,
followed by polyethylene
fibers. Cellulose (or rayon) based pre-moistened wipes, though highly
absorbent, lead to
significant friction between substrate and surface to be cleaned. Fiber blends
are more difficult to
rank order for providing excellent glide, though it has been found that even
low levels of polyester
or polypropylene fiber content can significantly improve the glide performance
in virtually all
cases. Fiber compositions that typically have a coefficient of friction with
glass can be improved,
as needed, by impregnating or chemically bonding the wipe with low levels of
silicone or other
chemicals that are known to reduce friction. Silicones are preferred since
they also reduce
composition sudsing, leading to improved result.
Various forming methods can be used to form a suitable fibrous substrate for
the
premoistened wipes of the present invention. For instance, the substrate can
be made by
nonwoven dry forming techniques, such as air-laying, or alternatively by wet
laying, such as on a
paper-making machine. Other non-woven manufacturing techniques, including but
not limited to
techniques such as melt blown, spunbonded, needle punched, and
hydroentanglement methods,
can also be used.
In one embodiment, the dry fibrous substrate can be an airlaid nonwoven
substrate
comprising a combination of natural fibers, staple length synthetic fibers,
and a latex binder. The
dry fibrous substrate can be from about 20% to about 80%, by weight, of wood
pulp fibers, from
about 10% to about 60%, by weight, of staple length polyester fibers, and from
about 10% to
about 25%, by weight, of binder.
The dry, fibrous substrate can have a basis weight of between about 30 and
about 100
grams per square meter. The density of the dry substrate can be measured after
evaporating the
liquid from the premoistened wipe, and the density can be less than about 0.15
grams per cubic
centimeter. The density is the basis weight of the dry substrate divided by
the thickness of the dry
substrate, measured in consistent units, and the thickness of the dry
substrate is measured using
32
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
a circular load foot having an area of about 2 square inches and which
provides a confining
pressure of about 95 grams per square inch. In one embodiment, the dry
substrate can have a
basis weight of about 64 grams per square meter, a thickness of about 0.06 cm,
and a density of
about 0.11 grams per cubic centimeter.
In one embodiment, the dry fibrous substrate can comprise at least about 50
percent. by
weight, of wood pulp fibers, and more preferably at least about 70 percent by
weight wood pulp
fibers. One particular airtaid nonwoven substrate which is suitable for use in
the present invention
comprises about 73.5 percent by weight cellulosic fibers (Southern softwood
Kraft having an
average fiber length of about 2.6 mm); about 10.5 percent by weight polyester
fibers having a
denier of about 1.35 gram/9000 meter of fiber length and a staple length of
about 0.85 inch; and
about 16 percent by weight of a binder composition comprising a styrene
butadiene copolymer.
The binder composition can be made using a latex adhesive commercially
available as Rovenel
5550 (49 percent solids styrene butadiene) available from Mallard Creek
Polymers of Charlotte.
N.C.
One suitable airlaid non-woven substrate for use in the present invention is
the airlaid
nonwoven substrate employed in PAMPERSe BABY FRESH brand baby wipes marketed
by The
Procter & Gamble Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The following patents are related to
substrates: U.S. Patent 3,862,472 issued Jan 28, 1975; U.S. Patent 3,982,302
issued Sept. 28,
1976; U.S. Patent 4,004,323 issued Jan. 25, 1977: U.S. Patent 4,057,669 issued
Nov. 8, 1977;
U.S. Patent 4,097,965 issued July 4, 1978; U.S. Patent 4,176,427 issued Dec.
4. 1979; U.S.
Patent 4,130,915 issued Dec. 26, 1978; U.S. Patent 4,135,024 issued Jan. 16,
1979; U.S. Patent
4,189,896 issued Feb. 26, 1980; U.S. Patent 4,207,367 issued June 10, 1980;
U.S. Patent
4,296,161 issued Oct. 20, 1981; U.S. Patent 4,309,469 issued Jan 25, 1982;
U.S. Patent
4,682,942 issued July 28, 1987; and U.S. Patents 4,637,859; 5,223.096;
5,240,562; 5,556,509;
and 5,580,423.
The art recognizes the use of dusting sheets such as those in U.S. Patent
3,629,047,
U.S. Patent 3,494,421, U.S. Patent 4,144,370, U.S. Patent 4,808,467, U.S.
Patent 5,144,729, and
U.S. Patent 5.525,397, as effective for picking
up and retaining particulate dirt. These sheets require a structure that
provides reinforcement yet
free fibers in order to be effective. It has been found that similar
structures used dry for dusting
can also be advantageously used when pre-moistened with liquid at levels of at
least about 0.5
gram of chemical solution per gram of dry substrate or greater. These levels
are significantly
higher than the levels used for chemical additives such as mineral oils,
waxes, and the like, often
applied to conventional dusting sheets to enhance performance. In particular,
the wipes of this
invention are specifically intended to be used pre-moistened with aqueous
compositions.
In one preferred embodiment, the cleaning sheet has at least two regions where
the
regions are distinguished by basis weight.
33
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
Briefly, the measurement is achieved
photographically, by differentiating dark (low basis weight) and light (high
basis) network regions.
In particular, the cleaning sheet comprises one or more low basis weight
regions, wherein the low
basis region(s) have a basis weight that is not more than about 80% of the
basis weight of the
high basis weight regions. In one preferred aspect, the first region is
relatively high basis weight
and comprises an essentially continuous network. The second region comprises a
plurality of
mutually discrete regions of relatively low basis weight and which are
circumscribed by the high
basis weight first region. In particular, a preferred cleaning sheet comprises
a continuous region
having a basis weight of from about 30 to about 120 grams per square meter and
a plurality of
discontinuous regions circumscribed by the high basis weight region, wherein
the discontinuous
regions are disposed in a random, repeating pattern and have a basis weight of
not more than
about 80% of the basis weight of the continuous region.
In one embodiment, the cleaning sheet will have, in addition to regions which
differ with
regard to basis weight, substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. The term
"macroscopic
three-dimensionality", when used to describe three dimensional cleaning sheets
means a three
dimensional pattern is readily visible to the naked eye when the perpendicular
distance between
the viewer's eye and the plane of the sheet is about 12 inches. In other
words, the three
dimensional structures of the pre-moistened sheets of the present invention
are cleaning sheets
that are non-planar, in that one or both surfaces of the sheets exist in
multiple planes. By way of
contrast, the term "planar", refers to sheets having fine-scale surface
aberrations on one or both
sides, the surface aberrations not being readily visible to the naked eye when
the perpendicular
distance between the viewer's eye and the plane of the sheet is about 12
Inches. In other words,
on a macro scale the observer will not observe that one or both surfaces of
the sheet will exist in
multiple planes so as to be three-dimensional.
Briefly, macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of
average height differential, which is defined as the average distance between
adjacent peaks and
valleys of a given surface of a sheet, as well as the average peak to peak
distance, which is the
average distance between adjacent peaks of a given surface. Macroscopic three
dimensionality
is also described in terms of surface topography index of the outward surface
of a cleaning sheet;
surface topography index is the ratio obtained by dividing the average height
differential of a
surface by the average peak to peak distance of that surface. In a preferred
embodiment, a
macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheet has a first outward surface
and a second
outward surface wherein at least one of the outward surfaces has a peak to
peak distance of at
least about 1 mm and a surface topography index from about 0,01 mm to about 10
mm. The
macroscopically three-dimensional structures of the pre-moistened wipes of the
present invention
optionally comprise a scrim, which, when heated and the cooled, contracts so
as to provide
further macroscopic three-dimensional structure.
34
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
In another alternative embodiment, the substrate can comprise a laminate of
two outer
hydroentangled substrates, such as nonwoven substrates of polyester, rayon
fibers or blends
thereof having a basis weight of about 10 to about 60 grams per square meter,
joined to an inner
constraining layer, which can be in the form of net like scrim material which
contracts upon
heating to provide surface texture in the outer layers..
The pre-moistened wipe is made by wetting the dry substrate with at least
about 1.0 gram
of liquid composition per gram of dry fibrous substrate. Preferably, the dry
substrate is wetted
with at least about 1.5 and more preferably at least about 2.0 grams of liquid
composition per
gram of the dry fibrous substrate. The exact amount of solution impregnated on
the wipe will
depend on the product's intended use. For pre-moistened wipes intended to be
used for cleaning
counter tops, stove tops, glass, and the like, optimum wetness is from about 1
to about 5 grams of
solution per gram of substrate. In the context of a floor cleaning wipe, the
pre-moistened wipe
can preferably include an absorbent core reservoir with a large capacity to
absorb and retain fluid.
Preferably, the absorbent reservoir has a fluid capacity of from about 5 grams
to about 15 grams
per gram of absorptive material.. Pre-moistened wipes intended to be used for
the cleaning of
walls, exterior surfaces, etc. will have a capacity of from about 2 grams to
about 10 grams of dry
fibrous substrate.
D1. Glass Wipes:
Pre-moistened wipes for use on glass can comprise either mono-layer or multi-
laminate
substrates. In the context of mono-layer substrates, since the surface is not
wiped to dryness in
the context of a pre-moistened wipe, it is essential that the content of non-
volatile materials in the
aqueous composition be kept to a minimum. Thus, the actives described above
are preferably
used at even lower levels for best end result. Also, it has been found that
compositions consisting
solely of organic hydrophobic cleaning solvents can deliver an excellent end
result along with
good cleaning in a pre-moistened wipe. These solvents, as opposed to the
aqueous hydrophilic
solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol and the like, have been found to provide
better and more
even surface wetting. This is important as it leads to a more uniform drying,
which provides
reassurance to consumers that streaks are not going to form. Additionally,
while not wishing to be
limited by theory, it is believed that in a soiled environment, the
hydrophobic organic cleaning
solvents will dry with less streaking. For example, in the context of glass
wipes current mono-
layer glass wipes, e.g., GlassmatesTM manufactured by Reckitt & Colman, which
use hydrophilic
solvents only (i.e., they lack hydrophobic organic cleaning solvent) dry in
spots. In the context of
a pre-moistened wipe, the cleaning solvents are employed in a level of from
about 0.5% to about
10%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5%. Preferred hydrophobic organic
cleaning
solvents include mono-propylene glycol propyl ether, mono-propylene glycol
butyl ether, mono-
ethylene glycol butyl ether, and mixtures thereof. Other aqueous hydrophilic
solvents such as
ethanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, 2-butanol, methoxypropanol, and the like,
can be used to
provide perfume lift. Buffers with molecular weights of less than about 150
g/mole as described
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
above, can be used advantageously to improve cleaning without harming end
result performance.
Examples of preferred buffers include ammonia, methanol amine, ethanol amine,
2-amino-2-
rnethyl-1-propanot, 2-dimethytamino-2-methyl-1-propanol, acetic acid, glycolic
acid, and the like.
Most preferred among these are ammonia, 2-dimethytamino-2-methyl-l-propanol
and acetic acid,
When used, these buffers are present from about . 0.005% to about 0.5%, by
weight of the
composition, with the higher levels being more preferred for the more volatile
chemicals. In the
context of glass wipes, simple compositions using low levels of non-volatile
surfactant with
preferably high levels of the preferred organic cleaning solvent are
sufficient to provide excellent
cleaning and wetting performance even in the absence of the hydrophilic
polymer. However, the
addition of polymer can advantageously be used to provide other benefits such
as anti-spotting,
antifogging and easier next-time cleaning.
The art recognizes the use of pre-moistened wipes. For example, US Patent
4,276,338
discloses a multi-laminate absorbent article comprising adjacent first and
second layers
maintained together to improve wicking. US Patent 4,178,407 discloses a single
towel having
absorbent surface on both sides that additionally comprises an inner layer
impermeable to liquid.
The towel is designed to have little wet strength and the layer of absorbent
material consists of
loose fibers. The art also discloses pre-moistened wipes for use in glass
cleaner applications.
US Patent 4,448,704 discloses an article suitable for cleaning hard surfaces
such as glass. The
article may be wet or comprise compositions contained within rupturable
pouches, The article of
U.S. Patent 4,448,704 is pre-washed with demineralized water or the solution
used to impregnate
said article; the liquid composition has a surface tension of less than 35
dynes/cm, and preferably
includes a surface-active agent and a partially esterified resin such as a
partially esterified
styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer.
The pre-moistened wipes of the present invention advantageously are not pre-
washed, yet
the inventors have found that they deliver excellent end result even as single
layered sheets. An
additional benefit of the premoistened glass wipes is to keep linting at a
minimum. Steps such as
pre-washing typically loosens up fibers, making the substrate more prone to
tinting. In the context
of hydroentangled structures specifically, the tightness of the fiber
integration is optimally
achieved in processing of the fibrous materials, not during the making or
preparation of the pre-
moistened wipe. As a result, preferred compositions of the present invention
display improved
linting. Additionally, the liquid composition used on the pre-moistened wipes
for glass is
preferably substantially free of surface active agents. As such, the surface
tension of the liquid
does not need to reduce surface tension below 35 dynes/cm. In the context of a
multi-layered
ssubstrate for the premoistened wipe of the present invention, the wipe can
have two sides that
differ in function. One side Is pre-moistened and acts to deliver the liquid
while the other is
preferably not wet and is designed for buffing or finishing.
In the context of glass and other cleaning situations where lower levels of
liquid are
required to reduce amount of liquids left on surfaces and grease cleaning
efficacy is required, a
36
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
preferred embodiment includes a dry fibrous substrate substrate where at least
about 65% of the
dry fibrous substrate is composed of hydrophobic fibers such as polyester,
polypropylene,
polyethylene fibers, and the like, and lower levels of hydrophilic fibers such
as wood pulp, cotton
fibers, and the like, are at levels of less than about 35%. The lower level of
hydrophilic fibers
helps reduce how much liquid the wipe can retain while the higher level of
hydrophobic fibers
helps to better absorb grease. Aside from benefits associated with improved
grease cleaning, it
has been found that hydrophobic fibers also improve the feel of the wipe on
glass and other hard
surfaces, providing an easier cleaning feel to both the consumer and to the
surface being treated.
This improved ease-of-cleaning, lubricity, or "glide" can be experimentally
quantified by friction
measurements on relevant hard surfaces. Improved glide from the substrate
provides additional
freedom in the formulation of the liquid composition.
Hydrophobic fibers in the substrate of the premoistened wipe provide glide
benefits
whether the wipe is completely pre-moistened and when the wipe is completely
dry. This is
significant since wipes become increasingly dry as they are used. Thus, the
level of C14 or higher
chainlength surfactants, which are known to provide lubricity benefits, can be
substantially
reduced or preferably altogether eliminated from the liquid composition used
in the pre-moistened
wipe herein while still preserving excellent glide (low friction)
characteristics. The .use of wipes
comprising some level of hydrophobic fibers, particularly polyester, also
provides increased
flexibility in developing pre-moistened wipes for glass at acidic pH. It has
been found that acidic
cleaning compositions significantly hinder the glide of cellulosic substrates
such as common
paper towels or cellulosic pre-moistened wipes.
In addition to the substrate composition, the wipe dimensions can also be used
to control
dosing as well as provide ergonomic appeal. Preferred wipe dimensions are from
about 5 112
inches to about 9 inches in length, and from about 5 1/2 inches to about 9
inches in width to
comfortably fit in a hand. As such, the wipe preferably has dimensions such
that the length and
width differ by no more than about 2 inches. In the context of heavier soil
cleaning, wipes are
preferably bigger so that they can used and then folded, either once or twice,
so as to contain dirt
within the inside of the fold and then the wipe can be re-used. For this
application, the wipe has a
length from about 5 Y2 inches to about 13 inches and a width from about 10
inches to about 13
inches. As such, the wipe can be folded once or twice and still fit
comfortably in the hand.
In addition to having wipes prepared using a mono-layer substrate, it is
advantageous in
some situations to have the pre-moistened wipe constructed using a multi-layer
substrate. In a
preferred embodiment, the wipe consists of a multi-laminate substrate
comprising a pre-
moistened outer layer, an impermeable film or membrane inner layer and second
outer-layer
which is substantially dry. To improve the wet capacity of the wipe and to
protect the back layer
from getting prematurely wet, an optional absorbent reservoir layer can be
placed between the
pre-moistened first outer-layer and the impermeable film or membrane inner
layer. Preferably,
37
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
the dimensions of the reservoir layer are smaller than the dimensions of the
two outer layers to
prevent liquid wicking from the front layer onto the back layer.
The use of a multi-laminate substrate as herein described can be highly
desirable in that it
allows for a dry buffing step, aimed at substantially removing most of the
liquid remaining on the
glass following application of the wet side of the pre-moistened wipe on the
glass. The inventors
have found that even with a buffing step, hydrophilic polymer in the pre-
moistened wipe, if
present, remains on the glass providing anti-fog properties to the glass. The
buffing step also
provides improved overall flexibility in the level of solids used in the
liquid composition because
most of the solids are wiped up together with the remainder of the aqueous
composition during
the buffing step. In fact, those skilled in the art can recognize that it can
be advantageous to use
very low levels, preferably less than about 0.02%, water-soluble, though
crystalline, surfactants
because of improved propensity for dry the substrate to remove such
crystalline solids from the
glass surface.
The multi-laminate substrate is further advantageously used in the context of
heavier
soiled situations, such as those encountered on outside windows or car glass.
By allowing use of
a fresh, clean surface for buffing, the multi-laminate substrate reduces the
amount of dirty liquid
pushed around by the pre-moistened wipe.
When a multi-laminate substrate is used, it is preferred that the outer pre-
moistened layer
contain at least about 30% hydrophobic fibers for oil removal and glide. The
impermeable inner
layer is most preferably polyethylene, polypropylene, or mixtures thereof. The
composition
mixture and thickness of the impermeable layer is chosen so as to minimize, or
more preferably
eliminate any seepage of liquid from the pre-moistened first outer-layer to
the dry second outer-
layer. Use of a reservoir core layer or of a high fluid capacity pre-moistened
outer-layer will test
the impermeable layer, such that more than one impermeable layer can be
required to ensure
sufficient dryness for the second outer-layer of the wipe. The reservoir
layer, if present, will
preferably consist of treated or untreated cellulose, either as a stand-alone
material or as a hybrid
with hydrophobic fibers. The hydrophobic content of the reservoir layer is
preferably less than
about 30%, more preferably less than about 20% by weight of the total fiber
content of the layer.
In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir consists of air-laid cellulose. The
second outer-layer,
which is substantially dry to the touch, preferably consists of high
absorbency cellulose, or blends
of cellulose and synthetic fibers.
The inventors have recognized that packing of the wipes that contain a pre-
moistened
side and a dry side can be challenging. To resolve this packing issue, a
preferred folding scheme
has been developed. The wipes are folded in either halves, thirds or in
another suitable way such
that all of the pre-moistened layers of each of the premoistened wipes are
folded inward and into
each other. As a result, all of the outer dry layers of successive wipes piled
into a pouch,
container or box, do directly contact any pre-moistened wipe sides. By
"directly contact", it is
meant that all of the pre-moistened sides of the wipes are separated from dry
sides by a liquid
38
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
impermeable layer. By packing the wipes in such a preferred manner, it is
ensured that the dry
sides of the wipes do not become contaminated with liquid during storage in
the wipes container
and prior to use. The packing material can be made of any suitable material,
including plastic or
cellophane. Optionally, another means to further address potential liquid
wicking into the buffing
layer, is by simply, adding superabsorbent polymer into the buffing layer or
between the
impermeable layer and the buffing layer.
In a preferred embodiment, a starter kit comprises a sturdy box or other
receptacle
capable of holding from about eight to about twenty-four wipes which have been
folded at least
once, and lower cost packages capable of holding from about five to about
twelve wipes are used
as refill packages.
Importantly, the pre-moistened wipe can be used as a stand-alone or in
conjunction with
an implement comprising a handle and attachment device for the wipe. As used
herein,
implement signifies any physical means for attachment of substrate, such as
pad, dry wipe pre-
moistened wipe, and the like. Optionally, but preferably, the pre-moistened
wipe includes one or
more preservatives so as to ensure fungistatic benefits. Examples of
preservatives to be used in
association with the pre-moistened wipes of the invention include methyl
paraben, bronopol,
hexetidine, dichloro-s-triazinetrione, trichloro-s-triazinetrione, and
quaternary ammonium salts
including dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium
chloride, C12, C14 and
C16 dimethyl benzyl (Bardac 2280 and Barquat MB-80 sold by Lonza), and the
like at
concentrations below about 0.02%. Preferred preservatives include citric acid,
tetrakis
(hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate) ("THPS"), sodium pyrithione, Kathon , and
1,2-
benzisothiazolin-3-one sold by Avicia Chemicals. The preservatives, if used,
are in
concentrations of from about 0.001% to about 0.05%, more preferably from about
0.005% to
about 0.02%, by weight of the composition. Alternatively, preservation can be
achieved using
product pH, by making the pH of the aqueous composition squeezed out of the
pre-moistened
wipe either greater than about 10.5 or less than about 3Ø Preferred pH-based
preservatives
include those which are highly volatile such as ammonia (for high pH) and
acetic acid (for low
pH). When pH-based preservatives are used, particularly when volatile
preservatives are used,
the concentration of the preservative can be substantially higher than 0.02%.
The use of wipes
comprising hydrophobic fibers provides sufficient glide on the surface so as
to even allow the use
of acidic preservation agents. Additionally, a combination of preservatives
can be used to
achieve the desired preservation benefits. In any event, the preservative(s)
can either be applied
directly onto the wipe prior to the solution, or alternatively dispersed into
the solution prior to
moistening the wipe.
Alternatively, it can be beneficial to incorporate antimicrobial actives
directly into the
substrate. In this context, it is preferred to use highly water-insoluble
antimicrobial actives such
as those derived from heavy metals. Examples of insoluble antimicrobials
include zinc pyrithione,
bismuth pyrithione, copper naphthenate, copper hydroxy quinoline, and the
like. Other examples
39
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
of actives, which do not use heavy metals, include dichloro-s-triazinetrione
and trichloro-s-
triazinetrione.
D2. Premoistened Wipes for Floors, Counters, and/or Walls
The aqueous cleaning compositions described in Sections B. and C. above can be
used
in a pre-moistened wipe for general purpose, counter, wall and floor cleaning.
The material
descriptions and processes described above in Sections D. and D1. are also
applicable to floor,
counter and wall cleaning methods. It is particularly advantageous in the
context of floor wipes to
have structures with three-dimensionality. The three-dimensional structure of
the substrates
described above have been found to provide improved hair pick-up relative to
planar sheets,
which in a wet surface environment is surprising. In a preferred embodiment,
the user
advantageously uses slight weaving motions in an up-and-down wiping pattern to
maximize hair
pick-up.
Optimum wetness of the premoistened wipe is from about I to about 5 grams of
solution per
gram of wipe. In the context of a floor cleaning premoistened wipe, the
substrate can optionally
include an absorbent core reservoir layer with a large capacity to absorb and
retain fluid.
Preferably, the absorbent reservoir layer has a fluid capacity of from about 5
to about 15 grams
per gram of absorptive material. Pre-moistened wipes intended to be used for
the cleaning of
walls, exterior surfaces, etc. will have an absorbent capacity of from about 2
to about 10 grams of
liquid per gram of dry fibrous substrate.
Since there is no rinsing step in the context of a general purpose pre-
moistened wipe, it is
essential that the non-volatile content be kept to a minimum to avoid
film/streak residue from
product. Thus, the active materials described in Section C. "General purpose
and Conventional
Floor Cleaners" above are preferably used at even lower levels for best end
result. Also, it has
been found that compositions consisting of primarily organic hydrophobic
cleaning solvents can
deliver an excellent end result along with good cleaning in the context of a
general purpose pre-
moistened wipe for reasons similar to those described in pre-moistened glass
wipes. Buffers with
molecular weights of less than about 150 g/mole can be used advantageously to
improve
cleaning without harming end result performance. Examples of preferred buffers
include
ammonia, methanol amine, ethanol amine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-
dimethylamino-2-
methyl-l-propanol, acetic acid, glycolic acid, and the like. Most preferred
among these are
ammonia, 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol, and acetic acid. When used,
these buffers are
present in from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, with the higher levels being more
preferred for the
more volatile chemicals. As in the case of glass wipes (see Section D1.), it
has been found that
simple compositions using low levels of non-volatile surfactant with
preferably high levels of the
preferred organic cleaning solvent are sufficient to provide excellent
cleaning and wetting
performance even in the absence of the hydrophilic polymer. However, the
addition of polymer
can advantageously be used to provide other benefits such as anti-spotting,
antifogging, and
easier next-time cleaning.
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
To provide added convenience genera! purpose pre-moistened wipes can be
attached to
a mop head with a handle. In such an execution the pre-moistened wipe is ideal
for light cleaning
and disinfecting. Since the amount of solution released from the wipe is much
more limited than
that delivered through conventional cleaning, very effective anti-microbial
systems need to be
used. In one such composition the general purpose and floor pre-moistened wipe
can contain a
solution comprising an effective level of detergent surfactant and citric acid
at about 0.5 to about
5%. To boost the efficacy of such solution hydrogen peroxide or a source of
hydrogen peroxide
can be added at about 0.5% to about 3%. An alternative composition could use
quaternary
ammonium salts such as dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl
ammonium
chloride, C12, C14 and C16 dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides, at levels
greater than about
0.05%. Such compounds have been found to often interfere with the benefits of
the preferred
polymers. While these solutions (e.g., those comprising sources of hydrogen
peroxide, quaternary
ammonium compounds and citric acid) deliver a. high. degree of anti-microbial
efficacy they can
leave a filmy surface because they are solids and need to be used at high
levels.
Better end result performance is delivered by compositions containing
primarily the
organic cleaning solvents described above at from about 0.25% to about 10%.
more preferably
0.5% to about 5% to provide cleaning and wetting, in combination with non-
volatile buffers
described above. Low levels of non-volatiles including hydrophilic polymer can
advantageously
be incorporated such that the total level of non-volatiles excluding perfume
and antimicrobials, is
from about 0% to about 0.08%, more preferably from 0% to about 0.055%, most
preferably from
about 0% to about 0.025%. In a preferred embodiment, the combination of
surfactants, wetting
polymers, buffers and hydrophobic organic cleaning solvents are chosen so as a
provide a
surface tension reduction from water (72 dynes/cm) of more than about 25
dynes/cm, more
preferably more than 30 dynes/cm, most preferably more than 35 dynes/cm.
Optionally, low
levels of more effective anti-microbial ingredients such as bronopol,
hexitidine sold by Angus
chemical (211 Sanders Road, Northbrook, Illinois, USA), Kathon , 2-
((hydroxymethyl)
(amino)ethanol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxymethyl amino acetate,
formaldehyde, and
glutaraldehyde, quaternary ammonium salts such as dioctyl dimethyl ammonium
chloride, didecyl
dimethyl ammonium chloride, C12,C14 and C16 dimethyl benzyl (Bardac 2280 and
Barquat
MB-80 sold by Lonza), dichloro-s-triazinetrione, trichloro-s-triazinetrione,
and more preferably 1,2-
benzisothiazolin-3-one sold by Avicia Chemicals, chlorhexidine diacetate sold
by Aldrich-Sigma,
sodium pyrithione and polyhexamethylene biguanide at about 0.001% to about
0.1%, more
preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.05% are added for preserving and/or
providing
antimicrobial benefits.
An important benefit of the wet wipes of the present invention is the fact
that judicious
selection of the antimicrobial actives combined with the lack of a rinsing
step as preferred in the
present invention, and lack of a buffing step (consumers are in the habit of
cleaning floors and
countertops to a wet end result), allow for residual disinfectancy benefits.
By residual
41
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
disinfectancy, it is meant that the residual antimicrobial actives delivered
by the wet wipe onto the
hard surface at least about 99.9% cidal against bacteria and other
microorganisms for a period of
from about 8 to about 72 hours, more preferably from about 12 to about 48
hours, most preferably
at least about 24 hours. While residual disinfectancy can be achieved using
conventional
approaches (i.e., spray product with a paper towel, sponge, rag, etc.), the
premoistened wipe has
the added convenience of delivering the cleaning and disinfectancy benefits in
one package. The
residual properties result from a combination of low vapor pressure and high
cidal efficacy of the
antimicrobial actives associated with the compositions of the present
invention. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that residual disinfectancy benefits, if present in the
context of compositions
comprising a very low level of surfactant, are even more easily achieved in
compositions wherein
the level of surfactants is raised. Residual disinfectancy, in addition to
excellent end result, can
provide consumers with reassurance as to the effectiveness of the wet wipe.
Such reassurance
is most important for tasks such as cleaning of surfaces that are particularly
susceptible to
harboring germs, most particularly counter tops, stove tops, appliances,
sinks, furniture, showers,
glass and other fixtures that are near or inside the kitchen or bathroom(s).
Preferred antimicrobial actives for residual benefits as delivered from a wet
wipe or a dry
wipe that becomes wet as a result of contact with a wet composition during the
cleaning process,
include Kathon , 2-((hydroxymethyl) (amino)ethanol, propylene glycol, sodium
hydroxymethyl
amino acetate, formaldehyde, and glutaraldehyde, quaternary ammonium salts
such as dioctyl
dimethyl ammonium chloride, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl
dimethyl
ammonium chloride, C12,C14 and C16 dimethyl benzyl (Bardac 2280 and BarquatO
MB-80 sold
by Lonza), dichloro-s-triazinetrione, tichloro-s-triazinetrione, and more
preferably
tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulphate (THPS), 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-
one sold by Avicia
Chemicals, chlorhexidine diacetate sold by Aldrich-Sigma, sodium pyrithione
and
polyhexamethylene biguanide at about 0.001% to about 0.1%, more preferably
from about
0.005% to about 0.05%. The specific antimirobial actives and combinations
thereof are chosen
so as to be effective against specific bacteria, as desired by the formulator.
Preferably, the
antimicrobial actives are chosen to be effective against gram-positive and
gram-negative bacteria,
enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, and molds that are commonly present in
consumer
homes, hotels, restaurants, commercial establishments and hospitals. Most
preferably, the
antimicrobials provide residual disinfectancy against Salmonella choleraesuis,
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and combinations
thereof. Wherever
possible, the antimicrobial actives are chosen to have residual disinfectancy
benefits against
more than one bacterial organism, and more preferably against at least one
gram-negative
organism and at least one gram-positive organism.
The inventors have found that residual disinfectancy can also be achieved or
enhanced
using pH. Additionally, use of low levels of surfactants to reduce surface
tension by more than
about 25 dynes/cm, preferably more than about 30 dynes/cm, can advantageously
be used in
42
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
combination with pH effects in the context of a pre-moistened wipe. Thus,
compositions at a pH
10.5 or greater or a pH of 3 or lower are found to deliver the desired
residual efficacy. The
preferred hydrophilic, substantive polymer can be used to improve residuality,
particularly for
voltaile actives such as acetic acid. The use of pH can also help lower the
level of the above
actives needed to achieve residual. Preferred actives that are effective as a-
result of pH include
lactic acid, glycolic acid, C8,C9,C1o fatty acids, sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide.
This approach, i.e., using a combination of hydrophobic organic solvent plus
volatile
buffer plus optionally low levels of non-volatile raw materials to deliver a
superior end result in
combination with effective and low streaking antimicrobials, can be used in a
variety of practical
applications herein disclosed, including general purpose cleaners, glass
cleaners, glass cleaner
wipes, solutions used with disposable pads (either with or without mop
implements).
Use of low levels of non-volatiles in the compositions of the invention
presents a
challenge for perfume incorporation. Some methods to improve solubility of
perfume are
disclosed below. However, in certain instances, particularly when hydrophobic
perfumes are
desired, perfume incorporation can be problematic. To circumvent this issue,
the inventors have
advantageously found that perfume delivery can be achieved by directly
applying concentrated
perfume to either the wipe (or pad). In this manner, virtually any perfume can
be used. In order
to minimize any residue negatives that can be caused by the concentrated
perfume, the perfume
is preferentially applied to the perimeter of the wipe or pad, or to areas
that do not directly contact
the surface to be treated. In another embodiment, perfume can also be added
into the package
containing the wipes. In similar fashion, use of low levels of non-volatile
actives makes
incorporation of effective suds suppressors into the aqueous composition more
difficult. It has
been found that suds suppressors can more easily, and more effectively be
applied directly to the
wipe to prevent suds control. It is found that this not only addresses a
consumer perception of too
much sudsing, but surprisingly also has shown an improved end result upon
surface drying.
Furthermore, it has been found that applying suds suppressor directly onto the
wipes makes
process a lot easier through better control of suds during manufacturing and
packaging.
Preferred suds suppressors are those that are effective at levels of no more
than about 0.1 grams
of suds suppressor per gram of substrate, more preferably at levels less than
about 0.01 grams
suds suppressor per gram of substrate, most preferably, less than about 0.005
grams suds
suppressor per gram of substrate. The most preferred suds suppressor in this
context is DC AF,
manufactured by the Dow Coming company. The use of suds suppressors to improve
surface
appearance is particularly significant since these materials are effective at
very low levels.
E. Floor Cleaning Compositions for Use with Disposable Cleaning Pads
The compositions described in the previous sections on glass wipes and floor
wipes also
pertain to a cleaning system where solution is applied to the surface and then
cleaned. with a
disposable cleaning pad particularly since it again involves a no-rinse
cleaning application. The
proper selection of ingredients and levels used can have a significant impact
on performance.
43
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Compositions for use with a disposable cleaning pad where no rinsing is
involved
comprise:
a. optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to reduce the contact angle
and/or
increase surface hydrophilicity, up to about 0.5%, preferably from about
0.001% to
about 0.4%, more preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.3%, of preferably
relatively substantive hydrophilic polymer that renders the treated surface
hydrophilic,
e.g., polymer selected from the group consisting of: polystyrene sulfonate;
polyvinyl
pyrrolidone; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer; polyvinyl
pyrrolidone acrylic
acid copolymer sodium salt; polyvinyl pyrrolidone acrylic acid copolymer
potassium
salt; polyvinyl pyrrolidone- vinyl imidazoline; polyvinyl pyridine; polyvinyl
pyridine n-
oxide; and mixtures thereof, preferably polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide:
b. optionally, but preferably, an effective amount of detergent surfactant,
preferably from
about 0.001% to about 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.3%,
most preferably from about 0.02% to about 0.3%, by weight of the composition,
said
detergent surfactant preferably comprising alkyl polysaccharide detergent
surfactant
having an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, more
preferably from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and from about one to about
four,
preferably from about one to about 1.5 saccharide moieties per molecule and/or
a
combination consisting of alkyl polysaccharide detergent surfactant having an
alkyl
group containing from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from
about
8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and from about one to about four, preferably from
about
one to about 1.5 saccharide moieties per molecule and preferably having a
broad
distribution of alkyl chains, said alkyl polysaccharide detergent surfactant
being
present when said hydrophilic polymer is not present, and, optionally, as a
cosurfactant, from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.01% to
about
0.4%, more preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.3%, of anionic and/or
nonionic
detergent surfactant, e.g., preferably selected from the group consisting of:
CB-C12
linear sulfonates, C8-C18 alkylbenzene sulfonates; C8-C18 alkyl sulfates; C8-
C18
alkylpolyethoxy sulfates; and mixtures thereof;
c. optionally, an effective amount to provide increased cleaning, e.g., from
about 0.5%
to about 7%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 5%, more preferably from
about
0.5% to about 4%, of one, or more, organic cleaning solvents, preferably
selected
from the group consisting of: mono-propylene glycol mono-propyl ether, mono-
propylene glycol mono-butyl ether, di-propylene glycol mono-propyl ether di-
propylene glycol mono-butyl ether, di-propylene glycol mono-butyl ether; tri-
propylene
glycol mono-butyl ether; ethylene glycol mono-butyl ether; diethylene glycol
mono-
butyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-hexyl ether and diethylene glycol mono-hexyl
ether,
and mixtures thereof, most preferably propoxypropanol;
44
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
d. optionally, an effective amount to improve cleaning and/or antimicrobial
action, e.g.,
from about 0.01% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, more
preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.25%, of water soluble mono- or
polycarboxylic acid;
e. optionally, an effective amount, up to 1 %, preferably from about 0.01 % to
about 0.5%,
more preferably from about 0.025% to about 0.25%, of either an unsubstituted
or
substituted cyclodextrin, either alpha, beta, or gamma cyclodextrin
substituted,
optionally, with short chain (1-4 carbon atoms) alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups,
preferably beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin or mixtures thereof;
f. optionally, an effective amount to provide bleaching, cleaning, and/or
antibacterial
action, up to about 5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 4%, more
preferably
from about 1% to about 3%, of hydrogen peroxide;
g. optionally, from about 0.005% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.005% to
about
0.5%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, of a thickening polymer
selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, gums and mixtures
thereof;
h. optionally, an effective amount of perfume to provide odor effects and/or
additional
adjuvants;
i. optionally, an effective amount, from about 0.0001% to about 0.1%, more
preferably
from about 0.00025 to about 0.05%, most preferably from about 0.001% to about
to
about 0.01% of suds suppressor, preferably silicone suds suppressor,
j. optionally, detergent builder; and
optionally, but preferably, the balance being an aqueous solvent system,
comprising
water, and optional water soluble solvent, and wherein said composition has a
pH under usage
conditions of from about 2 to about 12, preferably from about 3 to about 11.5,
the level of
hydrophobic materials, including hydrophobic cleaning solvents being limited.
These detergent
compositions are used in combination with a disposable, preferably
superabsorbent, cleaning
pad, preferably attached to an implement which facilitates its use. Preferred
detergent
compositions which can be used with the preferred pads containing
superabsorbent material and
optional implement, described hereinafter, require sufficient detergent to
enable the solution to
provide cleaning without overloading the superabsorbent material with
solution, but, typically, if
there is more than about 0.5% detergent surfactant the performance suffers.
Therefore, the level
of detergent surfactant is preferably from about 0.001 %to about 0.5%, more
preferably from about
0.005% to about 0.4%, and even more preferably from about 0.02% to about 0.3%,
by weight of
the composition. The level of hydrophobic materials, including cleaning
solvent, is preferably less
than about 7%, more preferably less than about 6%, and even more preferably
less than about
5% and the pH is typically provided, at least in part, by volatile materials,
to minimize
streaking/filming problems. In some cases an alkaline pH is preferred where
soils are higher in
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
grease composition while in other cases a lower pH is preferred where soils
could have calcium
or calcium soap deposits.
Preferred buffers include ammonia, methanol amine, ethanol amine, 2-amino-2-
methyl-l-
propanol, 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-l-propanol, acetic acid, glycolic acid and
the like. Most
preferred among these are ammonia, 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol and
acetic acid.
Suitable hydrophobic cleaning solvents include short chain (e.g., C1-C6)
derivatives of
oxyethylene glycol and oxypropylene glycol, such as mono- and di-ethylene
glycol n-hexyl ether,
mono-, di- and tri-propylene glycol n-butyl ether, and the like, most
preferably propoxypropanol.
The level of hydrophobic cleaning solvent, e.g., solvent having a solubility
in water of less than
about 10%, is in the cleaning composition at less than about 6%, more
preferably less than about
5% by weight of the composition.
Suitable detergent builders include those derived from phosphorous sources,
such as
orthophosphates, pyrophosphates, tripolyphosphates, etc., and those derived
from non-
phosphorous sources, such as nitrilotriacetates; S,S-ethylene diamine
disuccinates; and the like.
Suitable chelants include ethylenediaminetetraacetates; citrates; and the
like. Suitable suds
suppressors include silicone polymers and linear or branched C10-C18 fatty
acids or alcohols.
Suitable detergent enzymes include lipases, proteases, amylases and other
enzymes known to
be useful for catalysis of soil degradation. The total level of such
ingredients is low, preferably
less than about 0.1%, more preferably less than about 0.05%, to avoid causing
filming/streaking
problems. Preferably, the compositions should be essentially free of materials
that cause
filming/streaking problems. Accordingly, it is desirable to use alkaline
materials that do not cause
filming and/or streaking for the majority of the buffering. Suitable alkaline
buffers are carbonates,
bicarbonates, citrates, etc. The preferred alkaline buffers are alkanol amines
having the formula:
CR2(NR2)CR2OH
wherein each R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl
groups containing
from one to four carbon atoms and the total of carbon atoms in the compound is
from three to six,
preferably, 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-l-propanol.
Soil suspending agents, preferably water soluble polymers, for use in the
detergent
composition and/or cleaning solution of this invention in addition to the said
hydrophilic polymers,
can optionally be selected from a group consisting of, ethoxylated and/or
propoxylated
polyalkylamines, carboxylate polymers, nitrogen-based zwitterionic polymers,
polyethyleneoxides,
polyphosphates, and cellulosic polymers. Preferred soil suspending agents are
ethoxylated
polyalkylamines. Such agents are disclosed in U. S. Pat. Patent Number:
4,891,160, issued
January 2, 1990, entitled Detergent compositions containing ethoxylated amines
having, clay soil
removal/anti-redeposition properties, by Vander Meer, James M. Specific
methods for preparing
ethoxylated amines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,182,306 to Ulrich et al.,
issued Dec. 5, 1939;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,033,746 to Mayle et al., issued May 8, 1962; U.S. Pat. No.
2,208,095 to
Esselmann et al., issued July 16, 1940; U.S. Pat. No. 2,806,839 to Crowther,
issued Sept. 17,
46
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
1957; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,553,696 to Wilson, Issued May 21, 1951.
Still other suitable compounds are disclosed in U. S. Pat. Patent Number:
5,565,145.
issued October 15, 1996, entitled Compositions comprising
ethoxylated/propoxylated,
polyalkyleneamine polymers as soil dispersing agents, by Watson, Randall A.;
Gosselink,
Eugene P.; and Zhang, Shuiin.
An improvement in soil suspension can be achieved at all mixing ratios of the
vinyl
pyrrolidone polymer and the nonionic cellulose ether. Preferably, the ratio of
the vinyl pyrrolidone
polymer to the nonionic cellulose ether in the detergent composition is within
the range from about
8:2 to about 2:8, most preferably from about 6:4 to about 4:6, by weight.
Mixtures of this type are
disclosed in U. S. Pat. Patent Number. 4,999,129, entitled Process and
composition for washing
soiled polyester fabrics, by Michael Hull.
In one preferred embodiment, similar to leamings on glass and floor wipes,
using high
levels of an organic cleaning solvent while minimizing the level of non-
volatile ingredients can be
advantageous, resulting in good cleaning without leaving haze or streaks
particularly on tough to
clean surfaces like ceramic. These compositions contain primarily the organic
cleaning solvents
from about 0.5% to about 10%. more preferably 1 % to about 5% to provide
cleaning and wetting,
in combination with non-volatile buffers described above. Low levels of non-
volatiles including
hydrophilic polymer can advantageously be incorporated such that the total
level of non-volatiles
excluding perfume and antimicrobials, is from about 0% to about 0.2%, more
preferably from 0%
to about 0.1%. more preferably from about 0% to about 0.055% and most
preferably from about
0% to about 0.025%. Also as In the case of glass wipes and floor, counter and
wail wipes, the
inventors have found that simple compositions using low levels of non-volatile
surfactant with
preferably high levels of the preferred organic cleaning solvent are
sufficient to provide excellent
cleaning and wetting performance even in the absence of the hydrophilic
polymer. However, the
addition of polymer can advantageously be used to provide other benefits such
as anti-spotting,
antifogging and easier next-time-cleaning. In a preferred embodiment, the
combination of
surfactants, wetting polymers, buffers and hydrophobic organic cleaning
solvents are chosen so
as a provide a surface tension reduction from water (72 dynes/cm) of more than
about 25
dynes/cm, more preferably more than 30 dynes/cm, most preferably more than 35
dynestcm.
Optionally, low levels anti-microbial ingredients such as bronopol, hexitidine
sold by
Angus chemical (211 Sanders Road, Northbrook, Illinois, USA), dichloro-s-
triazinetrione. trichloro-
s-triazinetrione, quaternary ammonium salts including dioctyl dimethyl
ammonium chloride, octyl
decyl ammmonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, C12,C14 and C16
dimethyl
benzyl (Bardac 2280 and Barquat MB-80 sold by Lonza), Kathonc , 2-
((hydroxymethyl)
(amino)ethanol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxymethyl amino acetate,
formaldehyde, and
glutaraidehyde, and more preferably tetrakis (hydroxymethyl phosphonium
sulfate (THPS), 1,2-
benzisothiazolin-3-one, chlorhexidine diacetate, sodium pyrithione and
polyhexamethylene
47
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
biguanide at about 0.001% to about 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.005% to
about 0.05%
can be added for preserving and/or providing antimicrobial benefits while
maintaining good end
result.As in the case of the wet wipe (part D, D1 and D2.), residual
disinfectancy benefits can be
important for consumers cleaning counter tops, stove tops, appliances, sinks,
furniture, and other
fixtures that are near or inside the kitchen or bathroom(s), and to a lesser
extent in the cleaning of
floors, glass and walls. Such benefits can be delivered via one or more of
these antimicrobial
actives. A full discussion of residual disinfectancy is provided in section D,
D1 and D2 ("Wet-
wipe" for Floors and/or Counters and Walls).
The cleaning pads will preferably have an absorbent capacity, when measured
under a
confining pressure of 0.09 psi after 20 minutes (1200 seconds) (hereafter
referred to as 11200
absorbent capacity"), of at least about 10 g deionized water per g of the
cleaning pad. The
absorbent capacity of the pad is measured at 20 minutes (1200 seconds) after
exposure to
deionized water, as this represents a typical time for the consumer to clean a
hard surface such
as a floor. The confining pressure represents typical pressures exerted on the
pad during the
cleaning process. As such, the cleaning pad should be capable of absorbing
significant amounts
of the cleaning solution within this 1200 second period under 0.09 psi. The
cleaning pad will
preferably have a t1200 absorbent capacity of at least about 15 g/g, more
preferably at least
about 20 g/g, still more preferably at least about 25 g/g and most preferably
at least about 30 g/g.
The cleaning pad will preferably have a tg00 absorbent capacity of at least
about 10 gig, more
preferably a t900 absorbent capacity of at least about 20 g/g.
Values for t1200 and t900 absorbent capacity are measured by the performance
under
pressure (referred to herein as "PUP") method, which is described in detail in
the Test Methods
section in U.S. Patent No. 5,960,508, Holt, Masters and Ping, issued October
5, 1999.
The application
contains a more complete disclosure of the pads, instruments, etc. that are of
use herein.
The cleaning pads will also preferably, but not necessarily, have a total
fluid capacity (of
deionized water) of at least about 100 g, more preferably at least about 200
g, still more
preferably at least about 300 g and most preferably at least about 400 g.
While pads having a
total fluid capacity less than 100 g are within the scope of the invention,
they are not as well
suited for cleaning large areas, such as seen in a typical household, as are
higher capacity pads.
Pads that absorb less than about 100 g or less can be advantageous,
particularly when
used with in conjunction preferred liquid compositions described above for
leaning and
disinfecting smaller areas like bathroom floors or for consumers who typically
have smaller areas
of. washable floors in their home of about 100 square feet or less. Under
these situations
consumers will be less forced to keep partially used pads which still have
absorptive capacity
available. These pads can also be advantageous in that maybe better suited for
spill pick-up
48
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
where again keeping partially used pads is not desired. This pad can be
composed of an
absorbent structure with or without superabsorbent polymer.
In the pads there is preferably an absorbent layer which serves to retain any
fluid and soil
absorbed by the cleaning pad during use and a scrubbing layer. While the
preferred scrubbing
layer, described hereinafter, has some effect on the pad's ability to absorb
fluid, the preferred
absorbent layer plays a major role in achieving the desired overall
absorbency. Furthermore, the
absorbent layer preferably comprises multiple layers which are designed to
provide the cleaning
pad with multiple planar surfaces.
From the essential fluid absorbency perspective, the absorbent layer is
preferably
capable of removing fluid and soil from any "scrubbing layer" so that the
scrubbing layer will have
capacity to continually remove soil from the surface. The absorbent layer also
is preferably
capable of retaining absorbed material under typical in-use pressures to avoid
"squeeze-out" of
absorbed soil, cleaning solution, etc.
The absorbent layer can comprise any material that is capable of absorbing and
retaining
fluid during use. To achieve desired total fluid capacities, it will be
preferred to include in the
absorbent layer a material having a relatively high fluid capacity (in terms
of grams of fluid per
gram of absorbent material). As used herein, the term "superabsorbent
material" means any
absorbent material having a g/g capacity for water of at least about 15 g/g,
when measured under
a confining pressure of 0.3 psi. Because a majority of the cleaning fluids
useful with the present
invention are aqueous based, it is preferred that the superabsorbent materials
have a relatively
high gig capacity for water or water-based fluids.
Representative superabsorbent materials include water insoluble, water-
swellable
superabsorbent gelling polymers (referred to herein as "superabsorbent gelling
polymers") which
are well known in the literature. These materials demonstrate very high
absorbent capacities for
water. The superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention can
have a size,
shape and/or morphology varying over a wide range. These polymers can be in
the form of
particles that do not have a large ratio of greatest dimension to smallest
dimension (e.g.,
granules, flakes, pulverulents, interparticle aggregates, interparticle
crosslinked aggregates, and
the like) or they can be in the form of fibers, sheets, films, foams,
laminates, and the like. The use
of superabsorbent gelling polymers in fibrous form provides the benefit of
providing enhanced
retention of the superabsorbent material, relative to particles, during the
cleaning process. While
their capacity is generally lower for aqueous-based mixtures, these materials
still demonstrate
significant absorbent capacity for such mixtures. The patent literature is
replete with disclosures
of water-swellable materials. See, for example, U.S. Patent 3,699,103 (Harper
et al.), issued
June 13,.1972; U.S. Patent 3,770,731 (Harmon), issued June 20, 1972; U.S.
Reissue Patent
32,649 (Brandt et al.), reissued April 19, 1989; U.S. Patent 4,834,735
(Alemany et al.), issued
May 30, 1989.
49
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
Superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention include a
variety of water-
insoluble, but water-swellabte polymers capable of absorbing large quantities
of fluids. Such
polymeric materials are also commonly referred to as 'hydrocolloids", and can
include
polysaccharides such as carboxymethyl starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and
hydroxypropyl
cellulose; nonionic types such as polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl ethers;
cationic types such as
polyvinyl pyridine, polyvinyl morpholine, and N,N-dimethytaminoethyl or N,N-
diethylaminopropyl
acrylates and methacrytates, and the respective quaternary salts thereof. Well-
known materials
and are described in greater detail, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,076,663
(Masuda et at), issued
February 28, 1978, and in U.S. Patent 4,062,817 (Westerman), issued December
13, 1977.
Preferred superabsorbent gelling polymers contain carboxy groups. These
polymers
include hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, partially
neutralized hydrolyzed starch-
acrylonitrile graft copolymers, starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers.
partially neutralized starch-
acrylic acid graft copolymers, saponified vinyl acetate-acrylic ester
copolymers, hydrolyzed
acrylonitrile or acrylamide copolymers, slightly - network crosslinked
polymers of any of the
foregoing copolymers, partially neutralized polyacrylic acid, and slightly
network crosslinked
polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acid. These polymers can be used
either solely or In
the form of a mixture of two or more different polymers. Examples of these
polymer materials are
disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,661,875, U.S. Patent 4,076,663, U.S. Patent
4,093,776, U.S. Patent
4,666,983, and U.S. Patent 4,734,478.
Most preferred polymer materials for use in making the superabsorbent gelling
polymers
are slightly network crosslinked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic
acids and starch
derivatives thereof. Most preferably, the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers
comprise from
about 50 to about 95%, preferably about 75%, neutralized, slightly network
crosslinked,
polyacrylic acid (i.e. poly (sodium acrylate/acrylic acid)). Network
crosslinking renders the
polymer substantially water-insoluble and, in part, determines the absorptive
capacity and
extractable polymer content characteristics of the superabsorbent gelling
polymers. Processes
for network crosslinking these polymers and typical network crosslinking
agents are described in
greater detail in U.S. Patent 4,076,663.
While the superabsorbent gelling polymers is preferably of one type (i.e.,
homogeneous),
mixtures of polymers can also be used In the implements of the present
invention. For example,
mixtures of starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers and slightly network
crosslinked polymers of
partially neutralized polyacrylic acid can be used in the present invention.
While any of the superabsorbent gelling polymers described in the prior art
can be useful
in the present invention, where significant levels (e.g., more than about 50%
by weight of the
absorbent structure) of superabsorbent gelling polymers are to be included in
an absorbent
structure, and in particular where one or more regions of the absorbent layer
will comprise more
than about 50%, by weight of the region, the problem of gel blocking by the
swollen particles can
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
impede fluid flow and thereby adversely affect the ability of the gelling
polymers to absorb to their
full capacity in the desired period of time. U.S. Patent 5,147,343
(Kettenberger et al.), issued
September 15, 1992 and U.S. Patent 5,149,335 (Kellenberger et al.), issued
September 22, 1992,
describe superabsorbent gelling polymers in terms of their Absorbency Under
Load (AUL). where
gelling polymers absorb fluid (0.9% saline) under a confining pressure of 0.3
psi.
The methods for determining AUL
are described in these patents. Polymers described therein can be particularly
useful in
embodiments of the present invention that contain regions of relatively high
levels of
superabsorbent gelling polymers. In particular, where high concentrations of
superabsorbent
gelling polymer are incorporated in the cleaning pad, those polymers will
preferably have an AUL,
measured according to the methods described in U.S. Patent 5,147,343, of at
least about 24 ml/g,
more preferably at least about 27 ml/g after 1 hour; or an AUL, measured
according to the
methods described in U.S. Patent 5,149,335, of at least about 15 ml/g, more
preferably at least
about 18 mI/g after 15 minutes. Commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,562,646
(Goldman et
al.), issued October 8, 1996, also addresses the problem of gel blocking and
describes
superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in overcoming this phenomena. These
applications specifically describe superabsorbent gelling polymers which avoid
gel blocking at
even higher confining pressures, specifically 0.7 psi. In the embodiments of
the present invention
where the absorbent layer will contain regions comprising high levels (e.g.,
more than about 50%
by weight of the region) of superabsorbent gelling polymer, it can be
preferred that the
superabsorbent gelling polymer be as described In the aforementioned
applications by Goldman
et at.
Other useful superabsorbent materials include hydrophilic polymeric foams,
such as
those described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,650,222 (DesMarais et
al.), issued
July 22, 1997 and U.S. Patent No. 5,387,207 (Dyer et al.), issued February 7.
1995. These references describe polymeric, hydrophilic absorbent foams that
are obtained by
polymerizing a high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion (commonly referred to
as HIPEs). These
foams are readily tailored to provide varying physical properties (pore size,
capillary suction,
density, etc.) that affect fluid handling ability. As such, these materials
are particularly useful,
either alone or in combination with other such foams or with fibrous
structures, in providing the
overall capacity required by the present invention.
Where superabsorbent material is included in the absorbent layer, the
absorbent layer will
preferably comprise at least about 15%, by weight of the absorbent layer, more
preferably at least
about 20%, still more preferably at least about 25%, of the superabsorbent
material.
The absorbent layer can also consist of or comprise fibrous material. Fibers
useful in the
present invention include those that are naturally occurring (modified or
unmodified), as well as
synthetically made fibers. Examples of suitable unmodifiedimodified naturally
occurring fibers
51
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
include cotton, Esparto grass, bagasse, hemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp,
chemically modified
wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate. Suitable synthetic
fibers can be made from
polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene,
polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics
such as ORLON , polyvinyl acetate, Rayon , polyethylvinyl acetate, non-soluble
or soluble
polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as polyethylene (e.g., PULPEX ) and
polypropylene,
polyamides such as nylon, polyesters such as DACRON or KODEL , polyurethanes,
polystyrenes, and the like. The absorbent layer can comprise solely naturally
occurring fibers,
solely synthetic fibers, or any compatible combination of naturally occurring
and synthetic fibers.
The fibers useful herein can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or can be a
combination of both
hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. As indicated above, the particular
selection of hydrophilic or
hydrophobic fibers depends upon the other materials included in the absorbent
(and to some
degree the scrubbing) layer. That is, the nature of the fibers will be such
that the cleaning pad
exhibits the necessary fluid delay and overall fluid absorbency. Suitable
hydrophilic fibers for use
in the present invention include cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic
fibers, rayon, polyester fibers
such as hydrophilic nylon (HYDROFIL ). Suitable hydrophilic fibers can also be
obtained by
hydrophilizing hydrophobic fibers, such as surfactant-treated or silica-
treated thermoplastic fibers
derived from, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene,
polyacrylics,
polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like.
Suitable wood pulp fibers can be obtained from well-known chemical processes
such as
the Kraft and sulfite processes. It is especially preferred to derive these
wood pulp fibers from
southern soft woods due to their premium absorbency characteristics. These
wood pulp fibers
can also be obtained from mechanical processes, such as ground wood, refiner
mechanical,
thermomechanical, chemimechanical, and chemi-thermomechanical pulp processes.
Recycled or
secondary wood pulp fibers, as well as bleached and unbleached wood pulp
fibers, can be used.
Another type of hydrophilic fiber for use in the present invention is
chemically stiffened
cellulosic fibers. As used herein, the term "chemically stiffened cellulosic
fibers" means cellulosic
fibers that have been stiffened by chemical means to increase the stiffness of
the fibers under
both dry and aqueous conditions. Such means can include the addition of a
chemical stiffening
agent that, for example, coats and/or impregnates the fibers. Such means can
also include the
stiffening of the fibers by altering the chemical structure, e.g., by
crosslinking polymer chains.
Where fibers are used as the absorbent layer (or a constituent component
thereof), the
fibers can optionally be combined with a thermoplastic material. Upon melting,
at least a portion
of this thermoplastic material migrates to the intersections of the fibers,
typically due to interfiber
capillary gradients. These intersections become bond sites for the
thermoplastic material. When
cooled, the thermoplastic materials at these intersections solidify to form
the bond sites that hold
the matrix or substrate of fibers together in each of the respective layers.
This can be beneficial in
providing additional overall integrity to the cleaning pad.
52
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Amongst its various effects, bonding at the fiber intersections increases the
overall
compressive modulus and strength of the resulting thermally bonded member. In
the case of the
chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers, the melting and migration of the
thermoplastic material also
has the effect of increasing the average pore size of the resultant substrate,
while maintaining the
density and basis weight of the substrate as originally formed. This can
improve the fluid
acquisition properties of the thermally bonded substrate upon initial exposure
to fluid, due to
improved fluid permeability, and upon subsequent exposure, due to the combined
ability of the
stiffened fibers to retain their stiffness upon wetting and the ability of the
thermoplastic material to
remain bonded at the fiber intersections upon wetting and upon wet
compression. In net,
thermally bonded substrates of stiffened fibers retain their original overall
volume, but with the
volumetric regions previously occupied by the thermoplastic material becoming
open to thus
increase the average interfiber capillary pore size.
Thermoplastic materials useful in the present invention can be in any of a
variety of forms
including particulates, fibers, or combinations of particulates and fibers.
Thermoplastic fibers are
a particularly preferred form because of their ability to form numerous
interfiber bond sites.
Suitable thermoplastic materials can be made from any thermoplastic polymer
that can be melted
at temperatures that will not extensively damage the fibers that comprise the
primary substrate or
matrix of each layer. Preferably, the melting point of this thermoplastic
material will be less than
about 190 C, and preferably between about 75 C and about 175 C. In any event,
the melting
point of this thermoplastic material should be no lower than the temperature
at which the thermally
bonded absorbent structures, when used in the cleaning pads, are likely to be
stored. The
melting point of the thermoplastic material is typically no lower than about
50 C.
The thermoplastic materials, and in particular the thermoplastic fibers, can
be made from a
variety of thermoplastic polymers, including polyolefins such as polyethylene
(e.g., PULPEX )
and polypropylene, polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylvinyl
acetate, polyvinyl
chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics, polyamides, copolyamides,
polystyrenes,
polyurethanes and copolymers of any of the foregoing such as vinyl
chloride/vinyl acetate, and the
like. Depending upon the desired characteristics for the resulting thermally
bonded absorbent
member, suitable thermoplastic materials include hydrophobic fibers that have
been made
hydrophilic, such as surfactant-treated or silica-treated thermoplastic fibers
derived from, for
example, polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics,
polyamides,
polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. The surface of the hydrophobic
thermoplastic fiber can
be rendered hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant, such as a nonionic or
anionic surfactant,
e.g., by spraying the fiber with a surfactant. by dipping the fiber into a
surfactant or by including
the surfactant as part of the polymer melt in producing the thermoplastic
fiber. Upon melting and
resolidification, the surfactant will tend to remain at the surfaces of the
thermoplastic fiber.
Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as Brij 76
manufactured by ICI Americas,
Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, and various surfactants sold under the
Pegosperse trademark by
53
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut. Besides nonionic surfactants,
anionic
surfactants can also be used. These surfactants can be applied to the
thermoplastic fibers at
levels of, for example, from about 0.2 to about 1 g. per sq. of centimeter of
thermoplastic fiber.
Suitable thermoplastic fibers can be made from a single polymer (monocomponent
fibers), or can be made from more than one polymer (e.g., bicomponent fibers).
As used herein,
"bicomponent fibers" refers to thermoplastic fibers that comprise a core fiber
made from one
polymer that is encased within a thermoplastic sheath made from a different
polymer. The
polymer comprising the sheath often melts at a different, typically lower,
temperature than the
polymer comprising the core. As a result, these bicomponent fibers provide
thermal bonding due
to melting of the sheath polymer, while retaining the desirable strength
characteristics of the core
polymer.
Suitable bicomponent fibers for use in the present invention can include
sheath/core fibers
having the following polymer combinations: polyethylene/ polypropylene,
polyethylvinyl
acetate/polypropylene, polyethylene/polyester, polypropylene/polyester,
copolyester/polyester,
and the like. Particularly suitable bicomponent thermoplastic fibers for use
herein are those
having a polypropylene or polyester core, and a lower melting copolyester,
polyethylvinyi acetate
or polyethylene sheath (e.g., those available from Danaklon a/s, Chisso Corp.,
and CELSONDO,
available from Hercules). These bicomponent fibers can be concentric or
eccentric. As used
herein, the terms "concentric" and "eccentric" refer to whether the sheath has
a thickness that is
even, or uneven, through the cross-sectional area of the bicomponent fiber.
Eccentric
bicomponent fibers can be desirable in providing more compressive strength at
lower fiber
thicknesses.
Methods for preparing thermally bonded fibrous materials are described in U.S.
Patent No. 5,607,414 (Richards et al.), issued March 4, 1997 (see especially
pages 16-20)
and U.S. Patent 5,549,589 (Homey at al.), issued August 27, 1996 (see
especially Columns 9 to
10).
The absorbent layer can also comprise a HIPE-derived hydrophilic, polymeric
foam that
does not have the high absorbency of those described above as "superabsorbent
materials".
Such foams and methods for their preparation are described In U.S. Patent
5,550,167
(DesMarais), issued August 27, 1996; and commonly assigned U.S. Patent No.
5,563,179
(Stone et al.). issued October 8, 1996.
The absorbent layer of the cleaning pad can be comprised of a homogeneous
material,
such as a blend of cellulosic fibers (optionally thermally bonded) and
swellable superabsorbent
gelling polymer. Alternatively, the absorbent layer can be comprised of
discrete layers of
material, such as a layer of thermally bonded airlaid material and a discrete
layer of a
superabsorbent material. For example, a thermally bonded layer of cellulosic
fibers can be
located lower than (i.e., beneath) the superabsorbent material (i.e., between
the superabsorbent
54
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
material and the scrubbing layer). In order to achieve high absorptive
capacity and retention of
fluids under pressure, while at the same time providing initial delay in fluid
uptake, it can be
preferable to utilize such discrete layers when forming the absorbent layer.
In this regard, the
superabsorbent material can be located remote from the scrubbing layer by
including a less
absorbent layer as the lower-most aspect of the absorbent layer. For example,
a layer of
cellulosic fibers can be located lower (i.e., beneath) than the superabsorbent
material (i.e.,
between the superabsorbent material and the scrubbing layer).
In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent layer comprises a thermally bonded
airlaid
substrate of cellulose fibers (Flint River, available from Weyerhaeuser, Wa)
and AL Thermal C
(thermoplastic available from Danaklon a/s, Varde, Denmark), and a swellable
hydrogel-forming
superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer is preferably incorporated
such that a
discrete layer is located near the surface of the absorbent layer which is
remote from the
scrubbing layer. Preferably, a thin layer of, e.g., cellulose fibers
(optionally thermally bonded) are
positioned above the superabsorbent gelling polymer to enhance containment.
The scrubbing layer is the portion of the cleaning pad that contacts the
soiled surface
during cleaning. As such, materials useful as the scrubbing layer must be
sufficiently durable that
the layer will retain its integrity during the cleaning process. In addition,
when the cleaning pad is
used in combination with a solution, the scrubbing layer must be capable of
absorbing liquids and
soils, and relinquishing those liquids and soils to the absorbent layer. This
will ensure that the
scrubbing layer will continually be able to remove additional material from
the surface being
cleaned. Whether the implement is used with a cleaning solution (i.e., in the
wet state) or without
cleaning solution (i.e., in the dry state), the scrubbing layer will, in
addition to removing particulate
matter, facilitate other functions, such as polishing, dusting, and buffing
the surface being
cleaned.
The scrubbing layer can be a mono-layer, or a multi-layer structure one or
more of whose
layers can be slitted to facilitate the scrubbing of the soiled surface and
the uptake of particulate
matter. This scrubbing layer, as it passes over the soiled surface, interacts
with the soil (and
cleaning solution when used), loosening and emulsifying tough soils and
permitting them to pass
freely into the absorbent layer of the pad. The scrubbing layer preferably
contains openings (e.g.,
slits) that provide an easy avenue for larger particulate soil to move freely
in and become
entrapped within the absorbent layer of the pad. Low density structures are
preferred for use as
the scrubbing layer, to facilitate transport of particulate matter to the
pad's absorbent layer.
In order to provide desired integrity, materials particularly suitable for the
scrubbing layer
include synthetics such as polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene),
polyesters,
polyamides, synthetic cellulosics (e.g., Rayon`), and blends thereof. Such
synthetic materials
can be manufactured using known process such as carded, spunbond, meltblown,
airlaid, needle
punched and the like.
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Cleaning pads of the present invention optionally have an attachment layer
that allows
the pad to be connected to an implement's handle or the support head in
preferred implements.
The attachment layer will be necessary in those embodiments where the
absorbent layer is not
suitable for attaching the pad to the support head of the handle. The
attachment layer can also
function as a means to prevent fluid flow through the top surface (i.e., the
handle-contacting
surface) of the cleaning pad, and can further provide enhanced integrity of
the pad. As with the
scrubbing and absorbent layers, the attachment layer can consist of a mono-
layer or a multi-layer
structure, so long as it meets the above requirements.
The attachment layer can comprise a surface which is capable of being
mechanically
attached to the handle's support head by use of known hook and loop
technology. In such an
embodiment, the attachment layer will comprise at least one surface which is
mechanically
attachable to hooks that are permanently affixed to the bottom surface of the
handle's support
head.
To achieve the desired fluid imperviousness and attachability, it is preferred
that a
laminated structure comprising, e.g., a meltblown film and fibrous, nonwoven
structure be utilized.
In a preferred embodiment, the attachment layer is a tri-layered material
having a layer of
meltblown polypropylene film located between two layers of spun-bonded
polypropylene.
Making processes:
The compositions herein can be made by mixing together all ingredients. It has
been
found that for maximum perfume solubilization in compositions where the
actives are present at
low levels, a preferred order of addition is necessary. This involves the
making of a premix like
the perfume compositions disclosed hereinbefore, that is then added to the
"base" product. The
premix comprises raw materials added in the following order: surfactant(s), if
any, at about 25%
activity or higher, then perfume, then polymer, then the optional suds
suppressor. In certain
cases, it is advantageous to add solvent(s) and/or the optional buffer, to the
premix after the
optional suds suppressor. Thorough mixing of the premix provides the best
results. The premix
is then added to the base, which contains water and the other components. The
combined
mixture (i.e., premix in the base) is then mixed to obtain a homogeneous
solution.
Another preferred method to incorporate maximum perfume into compositions with
limited
surfactant, is to create a premix in which perfume is added to a cyclodextrin
mixture in aqueous
media. Alternatively, the perfume-cyclodextrin mixture can be pre-formed prior
to the premix.
This approach ensures maximum perfume incorporation into the composition, and
can provide
perfume to compositions with little or no surfactant.
In certain cases, perfume solubilization can not be achieved, even with the
preferred
processing methods. However, in applications such as, but not limited to,
counter and floor
cleaners, the entire heterogeneous composition can be added directly to the
article of use.
Examples wherein this method of use is desirable include pre-moistened wipes,
dry absorbent
substrates used in conjunction with solution.
56
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
In cases where the surfactant active level does not limit perfume solubility
in the
compositions, a single step making process can be followed. For example, an
acceptable order
of addition is to first incorporate water, any detergent surfactant and/or
organic acid, followed by
any hydrophobic cleaning solvent. Once the solvent is added, pH is adjusted to
optimum as
desired by the formulator. The polymer can then be added followed by any
optional peroxide,
perfume and/or dye.
F. "Perfume" Compositions
The compositions described in A., B., C., D., and E. above can advantageously
be used
in concentrated form because their ability to solubilize significant levels of
perfume via hydrophilic
polymer. For example perfumes not completely soluble in water at 100 parts per
million can be
dissolved using about 0.05% or more hydrophilic polymer. Additionally, the
preferred alkyl
polyglucoside at low levels can be used to improve perfume solubility. By low
levels, it is meant
concentrations of less than about 0.05% polyglucoside. It is found that the
preferred
polyglucoside can dissolve three to ten times of perfume on a weight basis in
water, and the
ability of the polymer to dissolve/disperse perfume is improved even more.
This is beneficial
since it keeps the amount of non-volatile materials low to minimize residue.
For example, 0.5% of
the preferred alkyl polyglucoside with 0.5% PVNO can be used to dissolve up to
about 0.5%
perfume. At lower surfactant and hydrophilic polymer levels, a larger ratio of
perfume to actives
can be dissolved. Thus, the combination of 0.03% alkyl polyglucoside and
0.015% can dissolve
up to about 0.1% perfume, where other nonionics can only dissolve about half
the level of
perfume.
G. Methods of Use
In preferred methods of use, the compositions herein are distributed over
substantially all
of the shower, bath tub, floor, counter, walls, glass, and the like, using
either a spray container or
distributing device like a sponge, cloth, mop, wipe, roller, absorbent pad,
pre-moistened wipe, and
the like. Preferably the distribution is substantially uniform. It is an
advantage of the type of
product herein that no rinsing is needed and, in fact, can be
counterproductive since the efficiency
of the method is improved by not rinsing. The polymer is primarily effective
as a result of staying
on the surface to render it hydrophilic. In fact, the method can comprise
applying only an
aqueous solution of the polymer, or the polymer plus perfume, to the surface.
Instructions for use are rendered in consumer-friendly language on the
packaging and/or
advertising (e.g., leaflets, coupons, displays, etc.). By consumer-friendly
language, it is meant
that consumers would be instructed how to preferably use the product, e.g.,
"apply five sprays of
product over a two square foot area", "use electrical sprayer device to cover
your entire shower
walls", or "use one cap-full of concentrated floor cleaner product diluted
into half a bucket of
water, to achieve best results. The units of measurement provided to consumers
will reflect
consumer understanding, e.g., English dosing units will be preferred in the
United States, and
metric units will be used in most European nations. Pictures can be used,
either with, or without,
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
words in helping make the instructions consumer-friendly. Special packaging
design can also be
advantageously used to convey instructions in a consumer-friendly fashion.
Ergonomic appeal
can also make product use more intuitive, either with or without words and
pictures. In particular,
the packaging can be designed to facilitate proper dispensing. Although all of
the following
methods described herein (below) are written in metric units; it is understood
that these units will
be converted into consumer-friendly language instructions in the actual
product packaging,
advertising etc., as illustrated above.
The use of the compositions herein, as opposed to the types of compositions
sold
heretofore for treating hard surfaces, provides improved performance. A method
in which a
detergent composition comprising the preferred C&10 alkylpolyglycoside,
especially
alkylpolyglucoside surfactant with broad alkyl distribution, to bathroom
surfaces as part of a
treatment after each shower or bath to maintain the surfaces in clean
condition and, similarly, a
method for cleaning floors using an absorbent pad are also desirable, since
the surface
appearance is improved, even without the presence of the polymer. However, the
best
appearance is provided by the combination. In fact, compositions sold
heretofore cause the
surface to be unsightly due to the failure of the surface to dry evenly, thus
exhibiting spots and/or
streaks. It is an advantage of the compositions/solutions herein that they can
reverse this and
immediately improve appearance. Similar benefits are observed in the context
of floor cleaners
etc. The polymers inhibit soil, hardness, etc. from adhering to the surface
and especially inhibit
the formation of unsightly spots upon drying, thus avoiding the appearance
concerns that might
cause the consumer to rinse, or otherwise remove the polymer for appearance
reasons.
G1. "Daily Shower" Method
In the context of a product for bathroom and/or shower maintenance, an
effective amount
of the composition containing the hydrophilic polymer is used to cover the
surface to be treated.
Distribution can be achieved by using a spray device, a roller, one or more
pads etc., although
sprayer devices are preferred. One of the more important benefits of the
compositions and mode
of use thereof, is soil prevention and prevention of soil build-up, and
general cleanliness of the
shower and related areas.
For best results pertaining to soil prevention, malodor control,
deodorization, germ
prevention and soil build-up control on showers and related surfaces, the
product is applied using
from about 5 milliliters per square meter to about 50 milliliters per square
meter, more preferably
from about 10 milliliters to about 30 milliliters per square meter. The dosing
amount will depend
on the cleanliness of the shower to begin.
For best results, the method will begin with a clean shower. This reduces the
amount of
product needed, provides longer lasting, sustainable benefits and leads to
better initial and on-
going results. When low levels of soil are present, it requires longer periods
of use, usually from
two to four weeks, to achieve the same desired end result.
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
For odor control, the daily shower maintenance product can advantageously
include
cyclodextrin. Care should be taken in the selection of level and type of
perfume and cyclodextrin
so as to minimize filming and/or streaking. This is particularly true on shiny
surfaces such as
chrome and glass, where residual solids are highly visible. To achieve this,
the perfume is
preferably selected to be highly water soluble. Even when little or no
cyclodextrin is used,
deodorization and malodor control can still be achieved if the product is used
as directed, i.e., on
a daily basis. For surfaces where lighting is poor or the surfaces are not as
shiny, such as
fiberglass and mat ceramic, higher levels of surfactant, polymer, perfume and
cyclodextrin can be
used.
Preferably, the amount of solution is sufficient to completely cover the
surface to be
treated so as to evenly distribute the polymer and achieve maximum
sheeting/spotting benefits.
In any event, daily application of the compositions of the invention will
result in eventual full
coverage of the surface.
Additionally, regular use of the product with thorough coverage will not only
maintain
cleanliness, but also provide bacteria-static and fungi-static benefits, i.e.,
it will prevent bacteria
and mold from appearing on the treated surfaces. The appearance of other germs
can also be
eliminated or substantially minimized using the instructions for use herein
disclosed. This mode
of use provides an easier means versus conventional approaches for handling
micro-organism
control (i.e., it eliminates or reduces the need for harsh, streaky actives
such as bleach,
quaternary ammonium salts etc.).
Since the daily shower compositions are intended to be used on a frequent
basis for best
results, i.e., preferably daily or after each shower, it is important that the
product and delivery
mechanism be easily accessible. The packaging and delivery mechanism is
preferably designed
to be kept in close proximity to areas of use. As such, the packaging should
be light, easy to
handle and easy to apply. The packaging can preferably encompass aesthetically
pleasing
features that blend in well in a bathroom setting and optionally includes
devices that allow easy
storage and retrieval of product. Devices separate from the package include
but are not limited
to, hanging baskets or shelving directly on the shower head, walls, doors
sides of tubs, and the
like. Devices that can be part of the package include hooks, fasteners,
suction cups, adhesives,
screws, and the like to attach and/or store product to walls, doors, showers,
etc. Where refill
packaging is used, the refill should also be designed for easy access and
storage as above. This
can be important in that daily use of the product is easily maintainable when
the refill package is
proximate.
Optionally, to achieve even easier use and maintenance for longer period of
time while
minimizing the need to refill, larger system units comprising a hose or
related delivery mechanism
can be used. Examples of such delivery systems include hand-actuated pressure
pumps and
boxes with built in mechanical, battery operated or electrical pumps. These
devices can be
directly attached as part of the shower and tub unit, or can be separate
external units. Electrical
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
pumps should be attached to the source of electricity through a device that
limits the voltage for
safety reasons. As separate devices, all of the fastening mechanisms described
above can be
used, or the device can be completely non-attached. Optionally, and preferably
all of the above
system units can be equipped with devices for proper dosage quantity,
pressure, steam,
temperature control and coverage pattern control. In one such execution, a
concentrate can be
blended with water so as to provide optimum and long lasting delivery of
actives.
G2. Wall Cleaning Processes
In the context of a wall cleaner, the compositions can be distributed using a
spray device
combined with a buffing implement, or dosed more conveniently using a roller,
such as manual or
powered paint rollers. When using rollers, it is important to remove soil from
the roller. This can
be achieved by either washing the device with water when it becomes very
soiled, or using a
wringer to scrape the soil from the roller. The wringing device can be used
separately or housed
together with the roller. Hand implements for wall cleaning can also be used.
Optionally, the implement is attached to a handle for harder to reach areas,
coverage and
ease of use. For increased convenience, the compositions can be delivered in
the form of a pre-
moistened wipe. The pre-moistened wipe can provides cleaning liquid and
scrubbing surface all
in one execution.
It is especially important to control dosing and coverage where the surface is
susceptible
to damage. For best results, i.e., soil removal with minimal or no surface
damage, dosing should
be preferably from about 1 milliliter to about 20 milliliters per square
meter, more preferably from
about 2 milliliters to about 10 milliliters per square meter. For best
results, the product is applied
at the above-recommended doses, covering surfaces to be treated completely,
and allowed to air-
dry. Instructions for use include pictures and/or words detailing preferred
application pattern and
dosing. The compositions of this invention are mild and minimize harm to most
painted surfaces.
Preferably solvent use is limited or not present for this application.
Preferred compositions for
wall cleaning include the preferred C8.16 alkylpolyglycoside either with or
without hydrophilic
polymers. The compositions are ideally suited for light duty jobs, i.e.,
general maintenance of
painted and/ or wall-papered surfaces, because of product mildness and
generally low levels of
actives. Additional benefits for painted walls, provided by the hydrophilic
polymer, include shine,
luster restoration, and soil prevention.
G3. Counter and/or Cabinet Cleaning Processes
In the context of a counter and cabinet cleaner, the compositions can be
distributed using
a spray device combined with a buffing implement, or dosed more conveniently
using a hand-
implement or an implement attached to a handle for harder to reach areas,
coverage, and ease of
use. Optionally, for increased convenience, the compositions can be delivered
in the form of a
pre-moistened wipe. The pre-moistened wipe provides liquid and scrubbing all
in one execution.
The wipe can also incorporate soft and abrasive materials as needed for spot
cleaning. For best
results, i.e., soil removal with delivery of high gloss and no streaks to
treated areas such that no
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
rinsing is required, dosing should be preferably from about 5 milliliter to
about 30 milliliters per
square meter, more preferably from about 10 milliliters to about 20
milliliters per square meter.
The compositions of this invention are mild and minimize harm to most painted
surfaces and
woods or worn Formica . Preferred compositions for wall cleaning include the
preferred 08-16
alkylpolyglycoside either with or without hydrophilic polymers. The
compositions are ideally suited
for light duty jobs, i.e., daily or weekly maintenance, because of product
mildness and generally
low levels of actives. Importantly, residual levels of the hydrophilic
polymers provide shine and
soil prevention. Solvents, particularly volatile solvents, are preferably
incorporated in these
compositions, as they can provide additional cleaning, if needed, without
streaking in a no-rinse
application. The compositions also deliver next-time easier cleaning
advantages of grease,
encrusted foods and stains via the residual polymer left on surface.
Additionally, the
compositions can be used with articles to improve cleaning, such as abrasive
pads, heat and
steam. For counters, antimicrobial benefits are particularly desirable. It Is
found that
compositions comprising can enhance the bacteriocidal benefits of disinfectant
compositions
delivered via cleaning substrates. Moreover, frequent of the product in a
maintenance fashion will
provide bacteria prevention benefits.
G4. Glass Cleaning Processes
In the context of a glass and shiny surfaces cleaner, the compositions can be
distributed
using a spray device combined with a buffing implement, or dosed more
conveniently using or
hand-implement or an implement attached to a handle for harder to reach areas,
coverage, and
ease of use. When sprayed or applied to glass surfaces, product can be wiped
with absorbent
paper towels, cloths, etc. For best results, a preferred wiping pattern
consists of a side-to-side-
overlapping motion starting in the upper left hand (or right hand) corner of
the glass, progressing
the wipe pattern down the glass continuing in side-by side patterns, and
ending in the bottom left
or right corner. The towel or cloth is then flipped to provide clean dry area,
and the glass is buffed
in an up-and-down pattern starting from the left (or right) end of the glass
and progressing to the
right (or left) such that the wiping motion covers the entire piece of glass.
An alternative wiping
pattern begins with up-and-down wiping motions, flipping the towel or cloth
and finishing with
side-to-side wiping motions. The alternative wiping method simply reverses the
timing of the side-
to-side and up-and-down wiping patterns. A benefit to the combined side-to-
side and up-and-
down patterns is minimization of streaks as a result of improved spreading of
solution and the
elimination of streak lines from paper towel linear motions (i.e., the edges
of the paper towel or
cloth form provide visible demarcations of where wiping has taken place). In
accordance with the
above-wiping patterns, solution should be applied at application level of from
about 10 to about 20
sprays per square meter (assuming that one spray delivers about one to two
milliliters). The
above preferred cleaning pattern(s) can also be advantageously used in the
context of a multi-
laminate pre-moistened wipe wherein one outer-layer is pre-moistened while the
other is
substantially dry prior to use. In such cases, wiping is first performed with
the pre-moistened
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
outer layer such that when the towel is flipped, the dry side is exposed to
the surface to be
cleaned. In this manner, cleaning is achieved with a buffing step, which is
often preferred in
highly soiled environments. Many of the hydrophilic polymer benefits,
including water sheeting
and antifog, are substantially retained even a buffing step is included in the
process. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the level of hydrophilic polymer may
have to be increased in
pre-moistened that include a dry outer-layer designed for buffing.
G5. Floor Cleaning Processes
In the context of a floor surfaces cleaner, the compositions can be
distributed using a
sponge, string or strip mop. By floor cleaners, we mean compositions intended
to clean and
preserve common flooring inside or outside of the home or office. Floors that
can be cleaned with
compositions of the present invention include living room, dining room,
kitchen, bathroom, cellar,
attic, patio etc. These floors can consist of ceramic, porcelain, marble,
Formica , no-wax vinyl,
linoleum, wood, quarry tile, brick or cement, and the like.
In the context of conventional, i.e., sponge, string and strip implements
preferably
equipped with mop heads and handles, the compositions can be ready to use,
i.e., used as is, or
diluted in a bucket or other suitable receptacle at dilution factors specified
in the instructions. For
best results, thorough sweeping and/or vacuuming is recommended before wet
mopping. It is
recommended that the lowest soiled floors be cleaned first, with progression
toward more heavily
surfaces. This maximizes the mileage of the solution and limits room to room
contamination. The
implement head is dunked or immersed into the solution (either dilute or ready
to use) and wrung
out. The implement should not be completely dry nor should it be dripping wet
prior to mopping.
A preferred mopping pattern with a sponge mop or floor cloth used with a brush
with a
handle is performed in an up-and-down overlapping motion from left to right
(or right to left) and
then repeated using an up-and-down overlapping pattern from right to left (or
left to right). The
up-and-down motion preferentially covers about 0.5 meters to about 1 meter.
The left to right
distance preferentially is about I to about 2 meters. After mopping this area,
i.e., from about 0.5
square meters to about 2 square meters, the sponge mop or floor cloth should
be re-immersed in
solution and wrung again. By following this procedure the volume of solution
left on solution left
on the floor is from about 20 milliliters to about 50 milliliters per square
meter, preferably from
about 30 milliliters to about 40 milliliters per square meter.
Using a string or strip mop(e.g., cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cotton,
synthetic or
blends, and mixtures thereof), a preferred mopping pattern consists of an up-
and-down
overlapping motion from left to right (or right to left) which is then
repeated using a side to side
overlapping motion from right to left (or left to right). The up-and-down
motion preferentially
covers about 0.5 meters to about 1 meter. The side-to-side pattern right to
left (or left to right) is
preferably covers from about 0.5 meters to about 1 meter. The mopping pattern
preferably
outlines a square shape, i.e., from about 0.5 square meters to about 1 square
meter. After
mopping this area, the strip or string mop should be re-immersed in solution
and wrung again. By
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
following this procedure the volume of solution left on solution left on the
floor is from about 20
milliliters to about 50 milliliters per square meter, preferably from about 30
milliliters to about 40
milliliters per square meter.
Optionally, to better control consistency of results using conventional mops,
the
composition (either diluted or ready to use) is stored in one receptacle, and
the mop-rinsing water
is stored in another receptacle. This dual-receptacle approach can consist of
two separate units
or can be combined as one. Examples of this mode of use include squirt
bottles, trigger sprays,
mechanical sprays, garden misters, and electrical or battery-operated dosing
devices. The
advantages of this mode of use include always providing fresh solution to the
floor, and keeping
soiled water (from the cleaning of the floors) from re-contaminating the
floor. Additionally, this
approach effectively controls micro-organisms through less re-inoculation,
thereby providing a
more germ-free end result. This mode of use is also advantageous for spot
cleaning, i.e., tough-
to-clean areas can be pre-treated with product before the mopping begins; this
mode of use also
allows flexibility with respect to dosage control in that more solution can be
administered to dirty
areas, and less to cleaner areas, thereby improving value.
Optionally, to achieve more consistent and higher quality results, the
composition can be
applied directly to the floor as a ready to use solution in either liquid or
spray form. Examples of
this mode of use include squirt bottles, trigger sprays, mechanical sprays,
garden misters, and
electrical or battery-operated dosing devices. Advantages of this mode of use
include always
providing fresh solution to the floor, and better mop maintenance,
particularly if the mop is not re-
exposed to dirty solution (i.e., the mop can be preserved longer by wringing
out old solution and
only applying fresh solution to the floor.). Additionally, this approach more
effectively removes
microorganisms from the cleaning mechanism, thereby providing a more germ-free
end result
(i.e., less re-inoculation of the microorganisms). This mode of use is also
advantageous for spot
cleaning, i.e., tough-to-clean areas can be pre-treated with product before
the mopping begins;
this mode of use also allows flexibility with respect to dosage control in
that more solution can be
administered to dirty areas, and less to cleaner areas, thereby improving
value.
Optionally, the fresh solution dispensing approach can be delivered using a
motorized
system. An example of a motorized system for floor cleaning is the Dirt Devil
Wet Vac.
Preferably, the motorized system would comprise a chamber containing fresh
solution and a
second chamber to suck up and hold the dirty solution removed from the floor.
The motorized
unit also preferably comprises squeegee and/or scrubbing devices. The
scrubbing device can be
made of cotton, cellulose sponge etc. The dispensing unit can consist of a
simple unit containing
a lever (which can be calibrated for one or more dosing levels) to meter
liquid onto the floor.
Thorough sweeping and/or vacuuming is recommended prior to using the motorized
cleaning
system. A preferred wiping pattern consists of an up-and-down overlapping
motion from left to
right (or right to left) and then repeated using an up-and-down overlapping
pattern from right to
left (or left to right). The up-and-down motion preferentially covers about
0.5 meters to about 1
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
meter. The left to right distance preferentially is about 1 to about 2 meters.
After mopping this
area,, i.e., from about 0.5 square meters to about 2 square meters, the
motorized leaning unit is
engaged, solution is squeezed into a puddle in a raking motion, and then
sucked up into the dirty
solution containment chamber using vacuum.
G6. Methods Using Glass Cleaning Wipes
Optionally, for increased convenience, the compositions can be delivered in
the form of a
pre-moistened wipe. For tough to reach areas (e.g., indoor or outdoor windows,
second or higher
story windows, large pieces of glass), the pre-moistened wipe is optionally
but preferably attached
to a mop head and handle. For ease of use and versatility, the handle can
consist of one or more
small extendible attachment or a telescopic pole. For best results, the mop
head unit includes a
squeegee for optional buffing. The pre-moistened wipe provides liquid and
scrubbing all in one
execution. For best results, i.e., soil removal with delivery of high gloss
and no streaks to treated
areas such that no rinsing is required, dosing should be preferably from about
1 milliliter to about
10 milliliters per square meter, more preferably from about 3 milliliters to
about 5 milliliters per
square meter. For best results, a preferred wiping pattern consists of a side-
to-side- overlapping
motion starting in the upper left hand (or right hand) corner of the glass,
progressing the wipe
pattern down the glass continuing in side-by side patterns, and ending in the
bottom left or right
corner. The pre-moistened wipe is then flipped, and the glass is cleaned in an
up-and-down
pattern starting from the left (or right) end of the glass and progressing to
the right (or left) such
that the wiping motion covers the entire piece of glass. An alternative wiping
pattern begins with
up-and-down wiping motions, flipping the pre-moistened and finishing with side-
to-side wiping
motions. The alternative wiping method simply reverses the timing of the side-
to-side and up-
and-down wiping patterns. A benefit to the combined side-to-side and up-and-
down patterns is
minimization of streaks as a result of improved spreading of solution and the
elimination of streak
lines from paper towel linear motions (i.e., the edges of the paper towel or
cloth form provide
visible demarcations of where wiping has taken place). Preferably, the left-on
solution evaporates
quickly following completion of the wipe pattern. For best end result,
pressure placed on the pre-
moistened wipe is decreased during the final wiping steps. In this manner,
solution dripping is
reduced and the wipe can be effectively used in reabsorbing some of the liquid
during the final
wiping stage. The compositions of this invention work particularly well in a
no-rinse application for
window glass, car glass, mirrors, chrome, silver, stove tops, glass tables,
appliances, and the like.
Unlike conventional glass cleaners, pre-moistened wipes do not require extra
buffing to deliver
excellent filming/streaking end results, particularly for light cleaning
tasks. Additionally, the
hydrophilic polymer delivers several important consumer benefits, including
anti-fog and soil
spotting prevention properties. The compositions are ideally suited for light
duty jobs, i.e., stove
top cleanliness, i.e., weekly maintenance. Importantly, residual levels of the
hydrophilic polymers
provide shine and soil prevention. Solvents, particularly volatile solvents,
are preferably
incorporated in these compositions, as they can provide additional cleaning,
if needed, without
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
streaking in a no-rinse application. The compositions also deliver next-time
easier cleaning
advantages of grease, encrusted foods and stains via the residual polymer left
on surface.
Additionally, the compositions can be used with articles to improve cleaning,
such as abrasive
pads, heat and steam and combinations thereof. For particularly tough soil
removal or highly
soiled surfaces, use of a multi-laminate wipe is even more advantageous. The
same level of
liquid and wiping pattem(s) is used as described above, but instructions would
include an
additional buffing or polishing step in order to remove potentially dirty
liquid and prevent soil
redeposition on glass.
G7. General Purpose and Floor Cleaning Using a Premoistened Wipe
Optionally, for increased floor cleaning convenience, the compositions can be
delivered in
the form of a pre-moistened wipe as described hereinbefore, preferably
attached to a mop head
and/or handle. The pre-moistened wipe can provide liquid and scrubbing all in
one execution.
Mopping pattern with a pre-moistened mop used with a handle is preferably
performed in an up-
and-down overlapping motion from left to right (or right to left) and then
repeated using an up-and-
down overlapping pattern from left to right (or right to left). The up-and-
down motion preferentially
covers about 0.5 meters to about 1 meter. The left to right distance
preferentially is about 1 to
about 2 meters. This mopping pattern is then repeated until the wipe is either
substantially
exhausted or dried out. Pre-moistened wipes can be advantageous particularly
for cleaning small
areas, such as encountered in typical bathrooms. They are also readily
available and versatile in
that they can be used to clean surfaces other than floors, such as counter
tops, walls, etc.,
without having to use a variety of other liquids and/or implements. This
approach also effectively
removes and controls microorganisms by minimizing implement inoculation, which
is often seen
with conventional re-usable systems such as sponge, string and strip mops.
Lack of implement
inoculation leads to a cleaner and more germ-free end result.
G8. Floor Cleaning Using a Disposable Pad
Optionally, and most preferably, convenience and performance can be maximized
by
using a system composed of a disposable cleaning pad and a mode for applying
fresh solution
onto the floor. The pad is composed of a laminate of non-wovens, cellulose and
super-absorbent
polymer. This pad is attached to a device comprising a mop head and handle. In
such a system,
solution application can be achieved via a separate squirt bottle or spray
trigger system, or can
be directly attached or built-in to the device (i.e., on the mop head or the
handle). The delivery
mechanism can be actuated by the operator, or can be battery-induced or
electrical.
This system provides multiple benefits versus conventional cleaning modes. It
reduces
time to clean the floor, because the pad sucks up dirty solution. It
eliminates the need to carry
heavy, messy buckets. Due to the absorbent pad which absorbs and locks away
dirty solution, a
single pad can clean large surface areas.
Additionally, since a fresh pad is used every time, germs and dirt are
trapped, removed
and thrown away, promoting better hygiene and malodor control. Conventional
mops, which are
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
re-usable, can harbor dirt and germs, which can be spread throughout the
household and create
persistent bad odors in the mop and in the home. Through operator-controlled
dosing and more
efficient removal of dirty solution from the floor, better end result is also
achieved.
Additionally, because the cleaning process involves use of low levels of
solution in
contact with the floor for much shorter periods of time relative to
conventional cleaning systems,
(less solution is applied on the floor and the super- absorbent polymer
absorbs most of it such
that volume left behind with the disposable pad and mop is only from about 1
to about 5 milliliters
of solution per square meter), the system provides improved surface safety on
delicate surfaces.
This is particularly important for the cleaning of wood, which tends to expand
and then contract
when excess treated with excess water.
Finally, this system is well suited for pre-treating tough soil spots prior to
full floor cleaning
because of the controlled dosing of solution. Unlike conventional mops, this
system is more
effective and more convenient for removal of spills. For example, conventional
mops actually wet
the floor in attempting to control spills, while absorbent paper towels or
cloths require the user to
bend down to achieve spill removal. Finally, the implement plus pad can be
designed to allow
easy access to tough to clean and hard to reach areas, e.g., under appliances,
tables, counters,
and the like. The use of super-absorbent polymer allows a reduction in volume
of the pad, i.e.,
the pad is thin though highly absorbent due to the super-absorbent structure
being able to absorb
100 times its weight; this is achievable with conventional mops, which require
greater bulk for
absorption purposes (cellulose or a synthetic structures absorb only up to
about from 5 to about
10 times their weight).
For best results using the disposable pad and implement cleaning system, first
thoroughly
sweep and/or vacuum before wet mopping. Prior to application of the solution
to the areas to be
cleaned, preferably apply from about 10 to about 20 milliliters in small area
(e.g., about one-half a
square meter) and wipe pad across area back and forth several times until
solution is almost
completely absorbed. This is important in that it primes the pad, allowing it
to function most
effectively. In an application where the dosing mechanism is separate from the
implement (i.e., a
detached dosing system), a priming set can optionally be to spray solution
directly onto the pad,
with even coverage using from about 10 to about 20 milliliters. Apply solution
at rate of from
about 5 to about 40 milliliters, more preferably from about 10 to about 30
milliliters per square
meter, spreading the liquid out as much as possible over the area section to
be cleaned. This is
followed by wiping using the disposable pad.
A preferred wiping pattern consists of an up-and-down overlapping motion
starting in the
bottom left hand (or right hand) side of the section to be cleaned, and
progressing the wiping
pattern across the floor continuing to use up-and-down wiping motions. Wiping
is then continued
beginning at the top right (or left) side of the section to be cleaned and
reversing the direction of
the wipe pattern using a side-to-side motion. Another preferred wipe pattern
consists of an up-
and-down wiping motion, followed by an up-and-down wiping motion in the
reverse direction.
66
CA 02524671 2008-11-05
These thorough preferred wiping patterns allow the pad to loosen and absorb
more solution, dirt
and germs, and provide a better end result in doing so by minimizing residue
left behind. Another
benefit of the above wiping patterns is minimization of streaks as a result of
improved spreading
of solution and the elimination of streak lines from the edges of the pad.
The pads are versatile in that they can be used for multiple cleanings and
multiple
surfaces. Each pad is designed to clean one average size floor (i.e., from
about 10 to about 20
square meters) with an average soil load. Pads can need to be changed sooner
if floors are
larger than average, or especially dirty. To determine if the pad needs
changing, look at the back
of the pad and ascertain if the back absorbent layer is saturated with liquid
and/or dirt.
The use of the compositions herein, where no rinsing is desirable, as opposed
to the
types of compositions sold heretofore for treating non-bathtub/shower area
surfaces including
floor surfaces, walls and counter tops, provides improved performance.
H. Article of Manufacture
It is highly desirable in the context of using the product defined herein on a
regular, e.g.,
daily, bi-weekly or weekly basis, especially without rinsing, to maintain the
cleanliness of a bath
room, shower, walls, counter tops, glass, floors etc., that the product be
marketed in a container,
in association with instructions to use It on a regular basis, preferably
after showering and/or
bathing, especially without rinsing. The instructions can be either directly
printed on the container
itself or presented in a different manner including, but not limited to, a
brochure, print
advertisement, electronic advertisement, and/or other advertisement, so as to
communicate the
set of instructions to a consumer of the article of manufacture. The consumer
needs to know the
method of use, and the benefits from following the method of use in order to
obtain the full value
of the invention.
In another more preferred embodiment, the compositions of the present
invention are
used in the context of a cleaning implement that comprises a removable
cleaning pad which
alleviates the need to rinse the pad during use. This preferably includes a
cleaning implement
that comprises a removable cleaning pad with sufficient absorbent capacity, on
a gram of
absorbed fluid per gram of cleaning pad basis, that allows the cleaning of a
large area, such as
that of the typical hard surface floor or wall (e.g., 80-100 ft2), without the
need to change the pad.
This, in turn, requires the use of a superabsorbent material, preferably of
the type disclosed
hereinbefore and in U.S. Patent No. 5,960,508.
The liquid compositions described above can be desirably used with an
implement for
cleaning a surface, the implement comprising:
a. cleaning pad, preferably removable, containing an effective amount of a
superabsorbent
material, and having a plurality of substantially planar surfaces, wherein
each of the
substantially planar surfaces contacts the surface being cleaned, more
preferably said
pad is a removable cleaning pad having a length and a width, the pad
comprising
i. scrubbing layer; and
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
ii. optionally an absorbent layer comprising a first layer and a second layer,
where the
first layer is located between the scrubbing layer and the second layer (i.e.,
the first
layer is below the second layer) and has a smaller width than the second
layer; and
b. optionally, a handle.
Optionally, a preferred aspect of the cleaning pad is the use of multiple
planar surfaces
that contact the soiled surface during the cleaning operation. In the context
of a cleaning
implement such as a mop, these planar surfaces are provided such that during
the typical
cleaning operation (i.e., where the implement is moved back and forth in a
direction substantially
perpendicular to the pad's width), each of the planar surfaces contact the
surface being cleaned
as a result of "rocking" of the cleaning pad.
The preferred cleaning implements have a pad which offers beneficial soil
removal
properties due to continuously providing a fresh surface, and/or edge to
contact the soiled
surface, e.g., by providing a plurality of surfaces that contact the soiled
surface during the
cleaning operation.
The detergent surfactant is preferably linear, e.g., branching and aromatic
groups should
not be present, and the detergent surfactant is preferably relatively water
soluble, e.g., having a
hydrophobic chain containing preferably from about 8 to about 16, , carbon
atoms, and, for
nonionic detergent surfactants, having an HLB of from about 9 to about 15,
more preferably from
about 10 to about 13.5. The most preferred surfactants are the
alkylpolyglucosides described
hereinbefore. Other preferred surfactants are the alkyl ethoxylates comprising
from about 9 to
about 12 carbon atoms, and from about 4 to about 8 ethylene oxide units. These
surfactants offer
excellent cleaning benefits and work synergistically with the required
hydrophilic polymers. A
most preferred alkyl ethoxylate is C11EO5, available from the Shell Chemical
Company under the
trademark Neodol 1-5. The C11EO5 is particularly preferred when used in
combination with the
preferred cosurfactants, C8 sulfonate and/or Poly-Tergent CS-1. Additionally,
the preferred alkyl
ethoxylate surfactant is found to provide excellent cleaning properties, and
Can be
advantageously combined with the preferred C8.16 alkyl polyglucoside in a
matrix that includes the
wetting polymers of the present invention. While not wishing to be limited by
theory, it is believed
that the Cs.,s alkyl polyglucoside can provide a superior end result (i.e.,
reduce hazing) in
compositions that additionally contain the preferred alkyl ethoxylate
particularly when the
preferred alkyl ethoxylate is required for superior cleaning. The preferred
the C8.16 alkyl
polyglucoside is also found to improve perfume solubility of compositions
comprising alkyl
ethoxylates. Higher levels of perfume can be advantageous for consumer
acceptance.
The invention also comprises a detergent composition as disclosed herein in a
container
in association with instructions to use it. This container can have an
assembly of one or more
units, either packaged together or separately. For example, the container can
include a pad or a
dry wipe with cleaning solution. A second example is a container with pad or
dry wipe, implement
and solution. A third example is a container with concentrated refill, ready
to use solution and
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
pads with or without superabsorbent gelling. Yet another example is a
container with a pre-
moistened wipe, either with or without an implement, with or without a handle.
The detergent composition, (cleaning solution) is an aqueous-based solution
comprising
the hydrophilic polymer, optionally, but preferably, and optionally one or
more detergent
surfactants, the preferred alkylpolyglycosides being present if the
hydrophilic polymer isn't
present, optional solvents, builders, chelants, suds suppressors, enzymes,
etc. Suitable polymers
are those previously described herein. Suitable surfactants are commercially
and are described
in McCutcheon's Vol. 1: Emulsifiers and Detergents, North American edition,
McCutcheon's
Division, MC Publishing Company, 1999. Again, the most preferred polymers are
polymers
containing amine oxide moieties. The most preferred surfactants are the C8-C16
polyalkylglucosides, and C9.12 ethoxylates with from about 4 to about 8
oxyethylene units, and
mixtures thereof. These compositions have been disclosed hereinbefore.
A suitable preferred cleaning solution for use in the context of floors,
counters, walls,
either as a stand-alone or in conjunction with conventional sponges, mops,
rags, or with
disposable pre-moistened wipes, pads, mops etc. comprises: from about 0.001%
to about 0.25%,
preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.15%, more preferably from about 0.01%
to about 0.07%
of the hydrophilic polymer. The level of polymer chosen will depend on the
application. For
example, it is found that higher levels of hydrophilic polymer can leave a
sticky feel on floors.
Such a tack is more easily tolerated in applications such counters, stove tops
and walls. The
composition can contain only the polymer, but preferably also contains from
about 0.001% to
about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.25%, more preferably from
about 0.005% to
about 0.1%, of detergent surfactant, preferably comprising said
alkylpolyglucoside, more
preferably the preferred alkyl polyglycoside containing a C6.16 alkyl group
and from about 1 to
about 1.5, preferably from about 1.1 to about 1.4 glycosyl groups, and/or
linear alkyl ethoxylate
detergent surfactant (e.g., Neodol 1-5TM, available from Shell Chemical Co.)
and/or an alkyl
sulfonate (e.g., Bioterge PAS-8sTM, a linear C8 sulfonate available from
Stepan Co.); optionally,
from about 0.001% to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.3
volatile buffer
material, e.g., ammonia, 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol; optionally, from
about 0.001% to
about 0.05%, preferably from about 0% to about 0.02% non-volatile buffer
material, e.g.,
potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, and/or bicarbonate; optionally, from
about 0.001% to
about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.25%, of; other optional
adjuvants such dyes
and/or perfumes; and from about 99.9% to about 80%, preferably from about 99%
to about 85%,
more preferably from about 98% to about 90%, deionized or softened water. The
exact level of
deionized or softened water will depend on the nature of the application.
Concentrates can have
less than 80% deionized or soft water, depending on the concentration factor
(e.g., 5X, 1 OX, 20X).
One embodiment of the invention also preferably comprises a detergent
composition as
disclosed herein in a container in association with instructions to use it
with an absorbent
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
structure comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, and,
optionally, in a
container comprising the implement, or, at least, a disposable cleaning pad
comprising a
superabsorbent material. This invention also relates to the use of a
composition with hydrophilic
polymer and a cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material to effect
cleaning of soiled
surfaces, i.e., the process of cleaning a surface comprising applying an
effective amount of a
detergent composition, typically containing no more than about 11% detergent
surfactant; a level of
hydrophobic materials, including solvent, that is less than about 5%; and
having a pH of more
than about 9 and absorbing the composition in an absorbent structure
comprising superabsorbent
material.
Cleaning Implement
In one preferred aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the
described
detergent composition optionally containing a disappearing dye, with an
implement for cleaning a
surface of the type disclosed hereinbefore, the implement comprising:
a. removable cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material and having a
plurality of
substantially planar surfaces, wherein each of the substantially planar
surfaces contacts the,
surface being cleaned, and preferably a pad structure which has both a first
layer and a second
layer, wherein the first layer is located between the scrubbing layer and the
second layer and has
a smaller width than the second layer; and
b. optionally, a handle
As discussed hereinbefore, in a preferred aspect of the invention, the pad
preferably
contains a superabsorbent material and preferably also provides significant
cleaning benefits.
The preferred cleaning performance benefits are related to the preferred
structural characteristics
described below, combined with the ability of the pad to remove solubilized
soils. The preferred
cleaning pad, as described herein, when used with the preferred detergent
composition, as
described hereinbefore, provides optimum performance.
The preferred pads provide multiple planar surfaces as discussed hereinbefore.
As used herein, all numerical values are approximations based upon normal
variations; all
parts, percentages, and ratios are by weight and by weight of the composition
unless otherwise
specified; and all patents and other publications referred to herein are
incorporated herein by
reference.
Examples
The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples and/or
comparative
examples. The following compositions are made by mixing the listed ingredients
in the listed
proportions in the listed order of addition.
Composition
Comparison products include those marketed under the following names with the
indicated nominal compositions.
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
SCRUB FREE SHOWER SHINE
Manufacturer Benckiser S. C. Johnson & Son
Anionic surfactants 0.1% LAS(
Presence of NaXS(21
Cationic surfactants - -
Non ionic surfactant 0.4% C12-13.14.15 -
ethoxylated alcohol
Acid 0.4% Citric acid -
Solvent - 3.6% Isopropanol
1.3% hexyl celtosolve
1.1 % Butoxy ethanol or
hexylene glycol
pH as is 4.3 12.0
LAS = Sodium Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate. The MW used for the calculation is
344 g/mol.
(2) NaXS = Sodium Xylene sulfonate.
TILEX FRESH SHOWER CLEAN SHOWER
Manufacturer Clorox Clean Shower
Anionic Surfactant Absent Absent
Cationic surfactant Absent 0.1 % BKC(1)
Non-ionic surfactant Absent Absent
Alkyl Polyglucoside Presence of C8_10_12 APG Present
Fatty Acid Absent Absent
2.3% isopropanol 2.4% isopropanol
Solvent 0.2% Butanol
pH as is 12.0 5.2
(1) BKC = Benzalkonium Chloride. The MW used for the calculation is 351 g\mol.
EXAMPLE OF COMPOSITIONS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Sodium C12.14alkyl sulfate 0.20% -
71
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Alkylpolyglucoside - 0.25%
PVN02 0.075% 0.075%
Sodium carbonate 0.015% -
Water Balance Balance
Perfume - -
'Alkylpolyglucoside = Primary Detergent Surfactant
2PVNO = polyvinyl pyridine n-oxide
TEST METHOD FOR PERFORMANCE OF DAILY SHOWER COMPOSITIONS:
Clean glazed ceramic tiles: Dal-Tile glazed blue ceramic tile (P.O. Box
17130, Dallas,
Texas, USA, dimensions 152 mm X 152 mm X 8 mm) and Dal-Tile glazed black
ceramic tile (105
mm X 105 mm X 8mm) are used in the daily shower product testing described
below. Each tile is
first wiped with paper tile, then rinsed with distilled water. Spray isopropyl
alcohol on tile and wipe
with a damp (wet) paper towel or cloth. Re-rinse with distilled water.
Continue cleaning
procedure until distilled water rinse results induces 90+% of water to bead or
run off tile in less
than 5 seconds (beading experiment is conducted by holding tile vertically).
The tiles are then
wiped to dryness, and gloss is recorded.
Gloss measurements: Five gloss readings are made (60 angle measurements using
a
micro-TRI-gloss glossmeter manufactured by BYK Gardner, Germany) for each tile
and the
average of the readings recorded. Measurements are conducted near each of the
corners and at
the center of the tile.
Tile treatment with product: Each tile is positioned vertically against a wall
(or a sink). It is
then sprayed with 5 ml of test product (note: this corresponds to 5 sprays),
applied from a
distance of about 2 feet (60 centimeters) using T8500 sprayers manufactured by
Continental
Sprayers Inc., St. Peters, MO, USA. Tile spraying (misting) is performed so as
to maximize the
product coverage on the tile. Following product treatment, tiles are allowed
to air dry. Once dry,
tile gloss is measured. The tiles are then visually inspected graded for
spots, streaks and film left
by the test product. On average, the difference between the gloss on the clean
tile, and the gloss
following product treatment corresponds to gloss loss due to product.
Simulated showers: Water of known hardness is used to simulate shower events.
The
tiles are positioned to stand vertically on a sink wall and are then sprayed
with city warm city
water (T -100 F or 37 C) at a distance of about 2 feet (60 centimeters) using
T8500 sprayers.
Each tile is sprayed at a constant dosage rate of 80 sprays per minute for
three minutes (240 ml)
and then allowed to dry under ambient conditions. Tile spraying (misting) is
performed so as to
maximize the product coverage on the tile. Once dry, tiles are visually
inspected and graded for
spots and streaks (all product film is rinsed away over the three minute
simulated shower event).
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Cycles: The above procedure can be repeated a number of times in an effort to
simulate
the effects of continuous use of the product following each shower event. It
is observed that
some products perform better with additional uses, though performance does not
tend to improve
any more after the third cycle use.
Final gloss measurement (optional): After the last, simulated shower cycle,
gloss
measurements can be performed to estimate the cumulative effect of product
treatment and
shower rinsing.
Compositions: All raw materials are purchased from commercial sources. The
PVNO
used in the tests below is made by Reilly industries, and has a molecular
weight of -20,000
g/mole. The APG used in all tests is Plantaren 2000 from Henkel, a
commercially available
cosmetic grade Cs-16 polyalkylglucoside. The Tivoli-cyclodextrin complex
described in example 2
is made by mixing perfume and (3-cyclodextrin so as to saturate the cavity of
the Peta-
cyclodextrin. Excess perfume is then removed and the complex is dried to a
solid.
Results on blue ceramic tile: sheeting, spotting and end result performance
Cycle Untreated .25% APG Clean Shower Tilex Fresh Scrub
# Tile .01% Perfume Shower Shine Shower Free
(Benckiser)
0 Tile Gloss reading prior to 98.6 98.7 98.8 99.2 99.6 101.3
test (avg. of 5 readings)
Gloss reading after N/A 97.7 87.5 87.7 83.8 79.5
spraying tile with test
product
Dry tile appearance after Spotty Almost Oily Filmy Oily Filmy
spraying with lest product untreated (streaks) (streaks)
1 % Sheeting at end of 0% 20% 0% 0% 60% 30%
simulated shower event
Tile appearance after spotty Small spots spotty Spotty Spots on 1/2 Spotty on
simulated shower event everywhere on 1/2 of tile everywhere everywhere of tile
1/2 of tile
(dry tile)
Gloss reading spraying N/A 98.0 88.8 88.0 83.8 82.7
after tile with test product
Dry tile appearance after Spotty A few spots Oily Filmy Oily Filmy
spraying with test product- (streaks) (streaks)
2 % Sheeting at end of 0% 40% 0% 10% 100% 20%
simulated shower event %
Tile appearance after spotty Small spots spotty Spotty No spots Spots on 1/2
simulated shower event everywhere on 1/2 of tile everywhere everywhere of tile
(dry tile)
Gloss reading after N/A 97.9 89.0 89.9 83.8 82.5
spraying tile with test
product
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Dry tile appearance after spotty Untreated Oily Filmy Oily Filmy
spraying with test product (streaks) (streaks)
3 % Sheeting at end of 0% 40% 10% 50% 100% 80%
simulated shower event
Tile appearance after spotty Small spots Spotty Spots on 1/2 No spots Spots on
1/4
simulated shower event everywhere on %of tile everywhere of tile of tile
(dry tile)
Results on blue ceramic tile: sheeting, spotting and end result performance -
PVNO addition
Cycle .075% .25% APG Clean Shower Tilex Fresh Scrub
# PVNO .01% Shower Shine Shower Free
Perfume + .075% PVNO + .075% PVNO +.075% (Benckis
075% PVNO er)
+.075%
PVNO
PVNO
0 Tile Gloss reading prior to 99.6 99.2 98.0 99.0 98.0 97.3
test (avg. of 5 readings)
Gloss reading after 99.4 98.7 90.5 88.7 85.9 80.8
spraying tile with test
product
Dry tile appearance after Almost Untreated Oily (streaks) Filmy Oily Filmy
spraying with test product untreated (streaks)
1 % Sheeting at end of 100% 100% 10% 100% 90% 95%
simulated shower event
Tile appearance after Small Small spots spotty No spots Oily (streaks) Two
small
simulated shower event spots on on 1/2 of tile everywhere spots on
(dry tile) 115 of tile tile
Gloss reading spraying 97.2 98.0 90.6 86.9 86.8 85.8
after tile with test product
Dry tile appearance after Almost A few spots Untreated Filmy Oily Filmy
spraying with test product untreated (streaks
2 % Sheeting at end of 100% 40% 20% 100% 80% 100%
simulated shower event %
Tile appearance after No spots Small spots spotty No spots A few spots No
spots
simulated shower event on 1/2 of tile everywhere
(dry tile)
Gloss reading after 97.0 97.9 91.4 85.9 89.9 85.1
spraying tile with test
product
Dry tile appearance after No spots Untreated Untreated No spots Filmy Filmy
spraying with test product
3 % Sheeting at end of 100% 40% 30% 100% 100% 100%
simulated shower event
Tile appearance after No spots Small spots Spotty No spots No spots Two small
simulated shower event on % of file everywhere spots
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
(dry life)
For each of the compositions above, addition of the hydrophilic polymer either
improves
water sheeting and tile spotting or leaves performance unchanged. The largest
benefits are
observed using PVNO alone, PVNO added to APG and PVNO added to the Benckiser
product.
Moreover, incorporation of PVNO to each of the formulations above does not
deleteriously impact
gloss.
In a separate test, 0.075% PVNO is added to Reckitt & Colman's Mist AwayTM
product.
No sheeting or spotting advantages were observed from the hydrophilic polymer.
Analysis of this
product reveals the presence of quaternary ammonium salts. Quaternary
surfactants are known
to hydrophobically modify surfaces, thus increasing the contact angle between
water and the
surface. Addition of PVNO fails to reduce contact angle sufficiently to induce
sheeting.
Example
In the following example end result performance, as measured by streaking and
filming
was measured for several compositions of the present invention, and compared
to commercially
available product. Relevant bath shower substrates tested included blue and
black Daltile
ceramic tiles and glass shower door (Company name, make and dimensions).
Visual grades
were assigned for Film/haze and spots/streaks based on the average of three
expert graders.
Grades were made on a 0-6 sliding scale, where "0" indicates a perfect end
result and "6"
suggests a terrible end result. End result was also dimensioned using
glossmeter measurements.
Each of the gloss measurements is performed following application of the
product after each
cycle. The protocol for the tests is identical to that described at the
beginning of the experimental
section.
Results on blue ceramic tile: Expert graders (0-6 scale)
.075% PVNO 0.075% PVNO 0.10% PVNO 0,075% PVNO Shower Fresh Clean
2.0% C12-14A5 3.0% Ethanol 0.05% 0.25% APG Shine Shower
Shower
.015% Na2CO3 cydodextrin 0.01% Perfume
0.01% Perfume + Perfume
End result 2.3 1.0 0.7 1.0 4.3 4.5 5.0
Round I
Film/Haze (0-6)
End result 4.3 4.8 4.8 1.2 1.7 4.2 3.0
Round 1
Spots/streaks
(0.6)
Overall end 4.0 5.0 4.8 1.3 3.3 5.2 5.3
result
Round 1 (0.6)
End result 3.0 1.8 0.8 1.2 5.8 2.7 1:0
Round 2
Film/Haze (0-6)
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
End result 3.5 2.5 1.5 1.0 4.7 2.7 1.7
Round 2
Spots/streaks
(0-6)
Overall and 2.7 1.7 1.7 0.7 5.0 3.7. 2.3
result
Round 2 (0.6)
Results on Blue Ceramic Tile: Glossmeter readings
0.075% PVNO 0.075% PVNO 0.10% PVNO 0.075% PVNO Shower Fresh Clean
2.0% C12-14AS 3.0% Ethanol 0.05% 0-25% APG
0.015% Na2CO3 Cyclodex. 0.01% Perfume Shine Shower Shower
0.01% Perfume + Perfume
Initial Gloss 90.6 90.9 91.5 92.6 90.1 91.6 94.1
(60' angle)
Gloss Round 1 89.9 86.9 87.6 87.9 84.1 81.5 83.9
(60' angle)
Gloss Round 2 91.3 85.0 93.5 92.3 82.0 82.6 84.7
(60' angle)
Results on Black Ceramic Tile: Expert grader readings (0-6 scale)
.075% PVNO .075% PVNO .10% PVNO .075% PVNO Shower Fresh Clean
2.0% C12-14AS 3.0% Ethanol .05% .25% APG Shine Shower Shower
.015% Na2CO1 Cydodex. _01 % Perfume
.01% Perfume + Perfume
End result Round 1 1.2 1.3 2.0 1.2 5.3 3.7 4.3
Film/Haze (0-6)
End result Round 1 3.0 4.8 5.2 3.0 4.8 3.7 4.0
Spots/streaks (0-6)
Overall end result 3.0 4.8 5.2 3.0 4.8 3.7 4.0
Round 1 (0-6)
End result Round 2 0.5 4.0 2.3 0 4.2 3.0 2.0
FilrrVHaze (0-6)
End result Round 2 0.7 4.8 2.3 0 3.7 2.7 1.3
Spots/streaks (0.6)
Overall end result 1.0 4.7 2.3 0 4.0 3.0 1.8
Round 2 (0-6)
Results on Black Ceramic Tile: Glossmeter readings
0.075% PVNO 0.075% PVNO 0.10% PVNO 0.076% PVNO Shower Fresh Clean
2.0% C12-14AS 3.0% Ethanol 0.05%0 0.25% APG Shine Shower Shower
0.015% Na2CO3 Cyclodextrin 0.01% Perfume
0.01% Perfume + Perfume
Initial Gloss 90.6 90.9 91.5 92.6 90.1 91.6 94.1
(60' angle)
Gloss Round 1 89.9 86.9 87.6 87.9 84.1 81.5 83.9
(60' angle)
Gloss Round 2 91.3 85.0 93.5 92.3 82.0 82.6 84.7
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CA 02524671 2000-09-26
(60= angle)
Results on Glass Shower Door: Expert grader readings (0-6 scale)
0.075% PVNO. 0.075% PVNO 0.10% PVNO 0.075% PVNO Shower Fresh Clean
2.0% C12-14AS 3.0% Ethanol 0.05% 0 0.25% APG Shine Shower Shower
0.015% Cyclodextrin 0.01% Perfume
Na2CO3 + Perfume
0.01 % Perfume
End result Round 1 3.0 1.8 0.8 1.2 5.8 2.7 1.0
Film/Haze (0-6)
End result Round 1 3.5 2.5 1.5 1.0 4.7 2.7 1.7
SPotslstreaks (0-6)
Overall end result 2.7 1.7 1.7 0.7 5.0 3.7 2.3
Round 1 (0-6)
The data above suggest that simple compositions comprising PVNO can be used
to.
deliver excellent end result. All of these PVNO-compositions also provided
unsurpassed sheeting
benefits versus the competitive set.
There is considerable variation in end result performance, though the best
results are
achieved using either APG or with cyclodextrin in the absence of surfactant.
Very good results
are also generally achieved using alkyl sulfate surfactant in combination with
PVNO. In all cases,
end result delivered by the compositions comprising PVNO was superior to that
of the competitive
set, as measured by the glossmeter. Glossmeter tests on glass could not be
measured due to
instrumental limitations.
Examples in Context of Floor Cleaning Product Using Disposable Cleaning Pad
In addition to the benefits seen in a no-rinse shower/tub cleaning
product/process,
preferably for use on a regular, e.g., every shower, basis, the invention
provides benefits of in a
floor cleaning process which involves the use of a disposable pad that absorbs
most, but not all,
of the cleaning solution and in which there is no rinse step. This process is
illustrated by the
following examples. As part of this comparison, it is found that additional
synergistic benefits are
observed when the polymer, especially PVNO, is combined with specific types of
surfactants
and/or solvent. The following compositions are made by mixing the listed
ingredients in the listed
proportions in the listed order of addition:
Ce.16 APG C10-16APG Ce-12 APG C11 E05 PVNO Pro x
Plantaren Plantaren Akzo Neodol Reilly Prooanol
2000 1200 AG6210
Example 1 0.06 _ - - - -
Example 2 0.06 - 0.015 -
Example 3 0.06 - - - 0.015 2.0
Example 4 - 0.06 - - - -
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Example 5 0.06 0.015 -
Example 6 - 0.06 - - 0.015 2.0
Example 7 - - 0.06 - - -
Example 8 0.06 0.015 -
Example 9 - - 0.06 - 0.015 2.0
Example 10 - - - 0.06 - -
Example 11 0.06 0.015 -
Example 12 - - - 0.06 0.015 2.0
Example 13 0.015 -
Example 14 - - - - 0.015 2.0
Note: Examples 1-14 each contain Dow Corning AF suds suppressor at 0.015%.
Perfume at
0.04%. and deionized water balance to 100%.
Compositions: All raw materials are purchased from commercial sources. The
PVNO
used in the tests below is made by Reilly industries, and has a molecular
weight of -20,000
g/mole. The surfactants used are Plantaren 2000 from Henkel a commercially
available, cosmetic
grade, C&16 alkylpolyglucoside, Plantaren 1200 from Henkel is a commercially
available cosmetic
grade C10-16 alkylpolyglucoside. AG-6210 from Akzo, a commercially available
C8.12
alkylpolyglucoside, Neodol C11 E05 is a commercially available non-ionic
alkylethoxylate
containing an alkyl group with an average chain length of about 11 carbon
atoms and about five
ethoxy groups per molecule on the average. The solvent used is Propylene
Glycol Propyl Ether
from Sigma Aldrich.
TEST METHOD FOR FLOOR CLEANING WITH DISPOSABLE PAD
Clean glazed ceramic tiles: 332 mm x 332 mm Italian glazed ceramic tiles from
Valentino
Kerastone (Cermiche Piemme 41053 Maranello Italy) with smooth texture and
light white and
brown marble-like appearance are used for the tests. These tiles were chosen
for use in testing
because they are difficult to wet because of their high glaze..
Tile Preparation: Each tile is first wiped with a paper towel and a solution
containing 20%
isopropyl alcohol to remove any surface soil. Each tile is then re-wiped with
distilled water until
completely dry.
Soil Preparation: The soil used in the test is prepared by mixing 820 g of
isopropyl alcohol
with 320 g de-ionized water. To this add 28.1 g of sifted Vacuum cleaner soil
(provided by
Empirical), 0.78 g of Crisco oil. 0.09 g of polymerized Crisco oil (viscosity
1800 cps) and 1.25 g of
Domino granulated sugar.
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Soiling Procedure: Apply 3 mis. of soil solution to the center of each tile.
Using a 3 inch
nap paint roller, spread the soil out evenly across the tile until uniform
coverage is achieved.
Allow to dry.
Cleaning Pad: Cut an absorbent mopping pad to 100 x 130mm. This pad is
composed of
a 3 layer density gradient core made by Buckeye Chemicals. The first layer
(floor layer) has a
density of 0.06 g/cc and a thickness of 4.5 mm and width of 63 mm. The middle
layer has a
density of 0.1 g/cc and a thickness of 3mm and width of 89 mm. The third layer
(storage layer)
has a density of 0.15 g/cc and a thickness of 1mm and width of 120 mm. Over
the core on the
floor side is an apertured formed film provided by Tredegar. On the outer
edges on the floor
sheet side there are 2X64 mm loops of SwifferTM material (63 gsm Hydro-
entangled polyester with
scrim) attached to provide floating cuffs for scrubbing. On the back side is a
poly barrier provided
by Clopay and 2 X 25 mm wide attachment strips along the length of the pad to
attach the pad to
the implement.
Cleaning Implement: A Swifter dry dusting mop head is cut down to 100 x 130
mm
dimension (includes swivel head to create mopping action). To this mop head, a
male Velcro strip
is glued to provide means for attaching the pad.
Cleaning Procedure:
Pad priming: On a separate clean 332mmX332mm tile apply 3 mis. of a cleaning
solution.
Starting from the left and moving to the right, wipe up and down the tile for
6 cycles then back 6
cycles from right to left. Repeat wiping again such that 24 cycles of wiping
are used.
Cleaning: Apply an additional 3 mis. of the same cleaning solution to the
soiled test tile.
Using a primed pad and again starting from left and moving to the right, wipe
up and down 7
cycles and then back right to left 7 cycles. Repeat wiping until 28 cycles of
wiping are used.
Gradin : After the tiles have completely dried they are examined by expert
graders for
film/streaks. Using a 0 to 4 scale where 0 is none and 4 is severe
film/streaks each tile is graded
for end result appearance.
Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
End result 1.5 1.1 0.8 1.8 1.4 1 2.5 2.3 1.8 2.9 2.5 2.3 2 1.8
film/streak
grade
(0=none
4=severe
The results above suggests that the addition of low levels of PVNO to simple
compositions can improve end result to different degrees depending on other
ingredients used.
Furthermore, the results suggest that different surfactants can provide
different degrees of
performance benefits either on their own or in combination with PVNO.
Specifically, the
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alkylpolyglucoside (APG) surfactants provide better performance than a
standard ethoxylated
nonionic, which is screened as being one of the better versions of this
surfactant type. Even
within the APG's themselves, the version with the broadest chain length range
(C8_16) provides the
best performance (better than either C10.16 or C8_12). Finally, an
additionally improvement is seen
when surfactant, PVNO and a specific solvent is added (propylene glycol propyl
ether. e.g.,
"PGPE").
GLIDE TEST METHOD ON GLASS
Eouipment
^ INSTRON 4400 testing equipment and Computer with INSTRON software
^ INSTRON Slope Board (with pulley wheel) 7" w x 20.5" 1
^ INSTRON rectangle weighted block
^ 7" x 18" piece of window glass (clamped to slope board)
^ materials to be tested
Procedure
1. Place INSTRON slope board in position under cross head.
2. Attach window glass to slope board using C-clamps
3. Position block at beginning of slope.
4. Attach string to block and wrap around pulley wheel and attach to cross
head loop.
5. Adjust cross head to 0 force so that string is taut but not registering
force.
6. Turn on equipment and calibrate.
7. Using computer program, select "Tensile 06 Method - Wipes Glide" (Settings
listed below)
8. Wrap material to be tested around weighted block.
9. Select run test and cross head will automatic move.
10. Once test is finish click on "reset" and cross head will automatic
reposition to height.
11. Graph will show kilograms of force over entire testing time and maximum
kgf. Maximum kgf is
the number used to assess the material.
12. Repeat test three times per material. Clean glass between each repetition.
Options
1. Material can be tested wet or dry.
2. Glide test can be performed on other surfaces. Surfaces need to be cut to
7"x18". Use C-
clamps to attach to INSTRON slope board.
Test Method Settings
Test Direction: UP
CA 02524671 2000-09-26
Cross Head Speed: 304.8 mm/minute
Metric measurement: kilograms of force - maximum force level calculated
Slope Board: angle 12.4
Cross Head Travel: 350 mm
Testing The following premoistened wipes comprising the specified substrates
are tested for
glide performance on glass with the INSTROM apparatus described above. The
specific
substrates are: #1. Bounty paper towel (-100% cellulose); #2. 70% Cellulose
13% Polyester,
17% binder; #3. 75% cellulose, 25% polypropylene; #4. 70% polyester, 30%
cellulose; #5. 100%
polypropylene. Premoistened wipes are tested wet using a 1.7 loading factor,
i.e., 1.7 grams of
liquid (Cinch cleaning spray, available from The Procter & Gamble Company, is
used as the
liquid in all of this testing) per gram of dry substrate. The substrates are
also tested dry, i.e., with
no liquid on the dry wipe. Lower friction numbers are indicative of preferred
glide performance. T
groupings are used to establish significance between the friction readings.
Dry Substrate Testing Results
T Grouping Mean N CLASS
A 0.08053 #1.
B A 0.04027 #5.
B 0.03583 #2.
B 0.03583 #3.
B 0.03580 #4.
Premoistened Wipe Testing Results
T Grouping Mean N CLASS
A 0.147700 #1.
B 0.107400 #3.
C 0.085000 #2.
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C 0.080500 #5.
D 0.040267 #4.
Dry or wet, the cellulosic substrate has the largest degree of friction on
glass, and the high
polyester and high polypropylene-content substrates display significantly
better glide, i.e., lower
friction on glass. Combinations of cellulosic or superabsorbent polymers and
polyester, nylon, or
polyakylene are desirable, especially so long as the hydrophobic fibers,
spots, etc., are on the
surface to provide glide.
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