Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PRODUCT
The present invention relates a detergent dispensing cartridge for use
with a washing machine.
The washing of clothes in automatic washing machines is well known and
is practised extensively.
Ways are often sought to improve the washing action by modification of
the detergent used, the nature of the washing cycle and the machine
itself.
There is an ever increasing need to modify washing processes such that
external resources (especially water and electricity) are used more
effectively. Also there is increasing environmental pressure on the
reduction of excessive chemical use in cleaning. Further consumers are
more demanding in terms of the time that they must spend in performing
household chores.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a
detergent dispensing cartridge for use in a washing machine, wherein the
washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate, comprising the
treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a
multiplicity of polymeric particles, the cartridge having multiple
compartments; a first compartment holds a polymeric particle cleaning
formulation; wherein a portion of the contents of the first compartment
are released after a plurality wash cycles have been completed.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a
detergent dispensing cartridge for use in a washing machine, wherein the
washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate, comprising the
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treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a
multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein said formulation is free of
organic solvents, the cartridge having multiple compartments; a first
compartment holds a polymeric particle cleaning formulation; wherein a
portion of the contents of the first compartment are released after a
plurality wash cycles have been completed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a
detergent dispensing cartridge for use in a washing machine, wherein the
washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate, comprising the
treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a
multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein said formulation contains an
organic solvent, the cartridge having multiple compartments; a first
compartment holds a polymeric particle cleaning formulation; wherein a
portion of the contents of the first compartment are released after a
plurality wash cycles have been completed.
The cartridge has been found to be highly efficient and effective at
providing in an accurate way the (very small) detergent doses required by
the type of machine which is most suitable for use with the cartridge. It
has been observed that the same accuracy of dosing cannot be reached
with a traditional, hand-loaded, drawer.
By washing machine any vessel / machine (whether manually operated or
fully / partially automated) which is capable of being used in a washing
operation is intended. The washing machine is preferably an automatic
clothes washing machine. Most preferably the washing machine is one
which has been modified such that it operates using the technology of one
or more of the co-pending patent applications W02007/128962, GB
0902619.6, GB 0907943.5, GB 0916249.6, GB 0916250.4, GB
0920565.9, GB 1002245.7, and GB 1006076.2; the disclosures of which
are incorporated by reference.
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Preferably the ratio of beads to substrate is generally in the range of from
30:1 to 0.1:1 w/w, preferably in the region of from 10:1 to 1:1 w/w, with
particularly favourable results being achieved with a ratio of between 5:1
and 1:1 w/w, and most particularly at around 2:1 w/w. Thus, for
example, for the cleaning of 5 g of fabric, 10 g of polymeric particles
would be employed
The polymeric particles are of such a shape and size as to allow for good
flowability and intimate contact with the textile fibre. A variety of shapes
of particles can be used, such as cylindrical, spherical or cuboid;
appropriate cross-sectional shapes can be employed including, for
example, annular ring, dog-bone and circular. The particles may have
smooth or irregular surface structures and can be of solid or hollow
construction.
Particles are preferably of such a size as to have an
average mass in the region of 5 to 100 mg, preferably from 10 to 30 mg.
In the case of the most preferred beads, the preferred average particle
diameter is in the region of from 0.5 to 6.0 mm, more preferably from 1.0
to 5.0 mm, most preferably from 2.5 to 4.5 mm, and the length of the
beads is preferably in the range from 0.5 to 6.0 mm, more preferably
from 1.5 to 4.5 mm, and is most preferably in the region of 2.0 to 3.0
mm.
Said polymeric particles may comprise any of a wide range of different
polymers. Specifically, there may be mentioned polyalkenes such as
polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters and polyurethanes, which
may be foamed or unfoanned.
Preferably, however, said polymeric
particles comprise polyannide or polyester particles, most particularly
particles of nylon, polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene
terephthalate, most preferably in the form of beads. Said polyannides and
polyesters are found to be particularly effective for aqueous stain/soil
removal, whilst polyalkenes are especially useful for the removal of oil-
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based stains. Optionally, copolymers of the above polymeric materials
may be employed.
Various nylon or polyester horno- or co-polymers may be used including,
but not limited to, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, polyethylene terephthalate and
polybutylene terephthalate. Preferably, the nylon comprises Nylon 6,6
hornopolynner having a molecular weight in the region of from 5000 to
30000 Da!tons, preferably from 10000 to 20000 Da!tons, most preferably
from 15000 to 16000 Da!tons. The polyester will typically have a
molecular weight corresponding to an intrinsic viscosity measurement in
the range of from 0.3-1.5 dl/g, as measured by a solution technique such
as ASTM D-4603.
Generally the polymeric particles comprise nylon chips, e.g. Nylon 6 or
Nylon 6,6.
It has been found that with the use of a cartridge great benefits are
provided to a consumer. The benefits include excellent cleaning results
(presumably brought by regeneration of the cleaning power which can be
associated with / attributable to the effect of the use of the polymeric
particles. Furthermore it has been observed that a reduction in any
detrimental anti-microbial growth on the polymeric particles is achieved.
Such an effect is not always visible to a consumer. Indeed in this regard
it has been observed that through use of cartridge of the present
invention at least 3 log kill efficacy, preferably at least 4 log kill
efficacy at
60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and
most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the group
consisting of: S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and E.hirae, according to
the protocols of prEN12054. Thus according to a third aspect of the
invention there is provided a detergent dispensing cartridge for use in a
washing machine, wherein the washing machine is for cleaning a soiled
substrate, comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a
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formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, the cartridge
having multiple compartments; a first compartment holds a polymeric
particle cleaning formulation; wherein a portion of the contents of the first
compartment are released after a plurality wash cycles have been
completed, wherein at least 3 log kill efficacy, preferably at least 4 log
kill
efficacy at 60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least
three and most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from
the group consisting of: S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and E.hirae,
according to the protocols of prEN12054, is observed on the polymeric
particles.
Further benefits are provided in terms of ease of use. The use of a
cartridge allows discharge of a detersive composition into a washing
machine (over multiple wash cycles) where the consumer has no need to
measure the detersive composition or come into contact with same yet
have the security of knowing that the correct detersive composition has
been applied to the wash load of the machine.
Preferably the cartridge has multiple compartments. Generally each
compartment may be activated separately such that the contents of each
compartment may be released separately / sequentially.
Each
compartment may be designed such that it holds a bespoke complete
detergent formulation or a formulation that focuses upon a single active
component of a detergent formulation. It
is preferred that each
compartment may be activated separately; either in completely individual
activation or in a "program" that activates one or more compartments at
pre-defined portions of a wash cycle so that a portion of the compartment
content may be released. In this way it has been found that the
detergent release can be tailored to suit a particular wash load in terms of
its size, compositions and type of staining present thereon. Clearly it is
envisaged that a particular compartment may be activated once, not at all
or a plurality of occasions in a wash cycle.
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Separate containnnent and release has been found to be useful for many
reasons including storage stability of connpartnnent components,
particularly for antagonistic components. For example the antagonist
interaction between bleach and enzyme may be obviated. A further
example is the reduction / elimination of components that have opposite
ionic charges. In this regard most dye fixatives / dye transfer inhibitors
(e.g. such as PVP, PVP-VI, PVNO based compounds or derivates thereof)
(hereafter DTIs) have a positive charge. The presence of this positive
charge brings about a detrinnental interaction between anionic surfactants
which are typically employed in detergents (especially laundry detergents
to provide cleaning function). The dye fixatives / DTIs and the anionic
surfactants "couple" together because of their opposing charges,
compromising their respective functions. One way to avoid this problem
is to replace the anionic surfactants with nonionic surfactants which
avoids the coupling effect however typically nonionic surfactants provide a
poorer cleaning function that anionic surfactants. By the placement of the
dye fixatives / DTI in a connpartnnent separate from any anionic surfactant
the coupling problem may be obviated.
Additionally with the containnnent / release in separate connpartnnents, the
tennperature / heating of the wash liquor may be tailored such that it is
optimized to work with the contents of the connpartnnent being released at
that juncture. As an example when a bleach / bleach activator
composition is released heating of the wash liquor (e.g. to around 40-
60 C) may be appropriate to ensure that optimal functioning of the bleach
/ bleach activator composition occurs. In contrast many of the other
detergent components require no wash liquor heating to achieve their
optimal function. In this aspect it is to be understood that the entire
wash liquor or a portion thereof may be heated. Where only a portion of
the wash liquor is heated the portion may be a portion of the wash liquor
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which is passing through r adjacent to the cartridge or the portion passing
through or adjacent to any wash liquor circulation system.
Moreover the containment / release in separate compartments allows the
pH of the wash liquor may be tailored such that it is optimized to work
with the contents of the compartment being released at that juncture. As
an example when a bleach / bleach activator composition is released
raising of the pH of the wash liquor (e.g. to an alkaline pH by release of a
suitable pH modifying agent) may be appropriate to ensure that optimal
functioning of the bleach / bleach activator composition occurs. In
contrast many of the other detergent components require no pH
adjustment to achieve their optimal function.
Plus with the containment / release in separate compartments, release of
individual detergent actives may be tailored such that it is optimized to
work with the system of W02007/128962.
In this regard it has been found that one preferred release profile is in the
following order:-
a) Release of an enzyme containing formulation;
b) Release of an oxidising formulation;
c) Release of a builder / fabric conditioner containing formulation.
Another preferred release profile is in the following order:-
a) Release of an enzyme containing formulation;
b) Release of a oxidising formulation;
c) Release of a builder / fabric conditioner containing formulation.
d) Release of a dye fixative / DTI containing formulation.
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Composition (a) and / or (b) and / or (c) may also contain a surfactant.
The oxidising formulation may contain a bleach and / or a bleach activator
/ catalyst.
Preferably step (d) occurs at the end of the washing machine cycle,
during the rinse phase. This for two reasons: dye fixative / DTI are
generally "quaternary" molecules (i.e. inclusing at least one NI+ moiety),
as such they could cause precipitation in presence of anionic surfactants.
Also if added before the cleaning phase, dye fixative / DTI could fix the
stains (e.g. to the material being cleaned).
In accordance with the method of W02007/128962 the polymeric
particles used may be present throughout the entire laundry washing
cycle or only for a portion thereof. Where the polymeric particles are only
present for a portion of the washing cycle it is preferred that the
polymeric particles are removed form the washing area of the washing
machine at a rinse cycle (preferably a final rinse cycle) of the washing
machine operation.
The cartridge may comprise compartments for release of some detersive
components in a pre-wash cycle (which may be before the beads are
added to the machine) of the washing machine operation. This has been
found to be beneficial with certain detergent components, the activity of
which may be compromised by adsorption on the polymeric particles.
Additionally or alternatively the cartridge may comprise compartments for
release of some detersive components in a rinse cycle (preferably a final
rinse cycle) of the washing machine operation. This has been found to be
beneficial with certain detergent components, the activity of which may
be compromised by adsorption on the polymeric particles. Preferred
examples of detersive components for release at this stage (and for which
there is preferably a compartment in the cartridge) are optical brighteners
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and fragrances. The cartridge compartments may be modular, e.g. one
or more compartments of the cartridge may be replaceable without
replacing the entire cartridge. Equally it is preferred that a consumer
may select which compartments are most suitable for their kind of typical
washing so that a complete cartridge may be constructed using the
compartments that they are most like to require in their washing.
Each compartment may have a volume of from 1 to 5000 cc, more
preferably from 10 to 900 cc, more preferably from 20 to 600 cc, more
preferably from 20 to 400 cc, more preferably from 20 to 300 cc, more
preferably from 20 to 200 cc and most preferably from 20 to 100 cc.
The positioning of the cartridge in the washing machine is flexible.
Clearly it is preferred that the cartridge is positioned such that the
cartridge contents can be dispensed into the area of washing of the
washing machine. A conduit may be present to connect the cartridge
output to the washing area. Alternatively and / or additionally the
cartridge may be positioned such that its output is adjacent to or
connected to fresh incoming wash fluid (e.g. water). The cartridge may
be positioned / the washing machine may be designed such that fresh
incoming wash fluid / wash liquor flows over / around the device.
The cartridge compartment activation may be operated by one or more of
a number of mechanisms. Different activation mechanisms may be used
for different compartments of the cartridge.
Preferred operation mechanisms may be manual or non-manual
mechanisms. Preferred non-manual operation mechanisms include
physical and chemical activation triggers associated with changes within
the washing cycle). Preferred examples include time, temperature /
temperature changes, smell/ odour, humidity / water presence (or some
other associated property of the cleaning liquor, e.g. such as ionic
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strength or pH), drum rotation / centrifugal force or other force. Other
operation mechanisms may arise from a result of a conduit from the
cartridge to the washing machine (particularly the washing machine
operating schematics) such that the operation of the washing machine,
triggered by the schematics of the washing machine, influences or causes
operation of one or more of the compartments or the cartridge at one or
more time points within the washing cycle. In this way different washing
cycles may triggers different activation / operation of the cartridge /
compartments thereof. Additionally different wash loads / conditions may
trigger a differential degree of operation of one or more compartments.
The cartridge may also have a manual override which can be accessed by
a consumer. This manual override may overcome any normal dispense
activity of the cartridge and influence the dispensing such that the release
of one or more compartments is increased / reduced and / or the timing
of the release is affected.
The entire contents of a compartment may be discharged in a single wash
cycle, either in one part of a single wash cycle or at multiple parts
thereof. More preferably the contents of a compartment may be released
over a plurality of wash cycles, e.g. over 10-30 wash cycles (such as
about 20 wash cycles) for added convenience to a consumer. In this case
the cartridge contents may still be released at multiple points over a
plurality of cycles. Preferably the cartridge and / or one or each
compartment thereof may have an "end-of-life" indicator to make sure
that a consumer is aware that the contents of one or more compartment
has been exhausted and needs to be replenished. The end-of-life"
indicator may be triggered by or arise through liaison with the schematics
of the washing machine
Equally in one embodiment of the device the cartridge is intended for a
single washing cycle.
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Compartment release operation may be by one or more of a number of
mechanisms. Preferred compartment release mechanisms include manual
release (e.g. opening, squeezing), gravitational release, active release
(e.g. by a motor / pump, such as a powered motor, wax motor, piezo,
injection or spray) and passive release driven by a flow or wash liquor /
polymeric particles through or adjacent to a compartment drawing the
contents of the compartment (or a portion thereof) there from. The
release may be combination of active and passive mechanisms, e.g. an
access means to a compartment may be opened under a certain condition
to allow release of an active from a compartment. A preferred example of
such an activating mechanism is a bimetallic driven opening means such
that the opening means is activated at a certain predetermined
temperature to allow release (by whatever mechanism) to occur.
For detersive components (and associated compartments) which make up
a smaller portion of the entire detersive formulation (e.g. fragrances,
optical brighteners) more active dispensing methods, e.g. spraying may
be preferred. For detersive components (and associated compartments)
which make up a larger portion of the entire detersive formulation (e.g.
surfactants, builders) more passive dispensing methods may be preferred.
The compartment contents may be in any suitable physical form.
Preferred forms include liquids (dispersions, suspensions, pastes,
solutions and emulsions, gels) and solids (solidified gels, powders,
tablets). In a cartridge the content of differing compartments may be in
differing physical forms.
The compartment contents may be contained in a secondary packaging,
e.g. such as an encapsulation means, pouch or sachet.
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The compartment contents may be refillable. The refill contents may be
in the form of granules, powders, or liquids / gel dependent on the
chemical / physical nature of the nature of the composition for the / each
compartment. The refill composition may be in the form of a "unit-dose"
composition, e.g. a compressed / solidified / moulded tablet or the refill
may be package in a film pouch wherein the film may be entirely water
soluble / dispersible or have a water soluble potion or pierce-able section
to allow release of the pouch contents. The film pouch may comprise a
metallic foil or a plastics material, e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyvinylalcohol, ABS, PET, polyarnides, PMMA or PC. Clearly the unit
dose composition will be sized to fit the respective compartment and allow
ease of refilling without exposing a consumer to any harmful chemicals.
A plurality of unit-dose entities may fit in one compartment; such an
arrangement may have a separate support frame associated therewith.
As well as conventional detersive actives (see later) the cartridge may
contain one or more actives directed to increasing the activity of the
polymeric particles. In this regard one preferred active is a plasticiser for
the polymeric particles. It is postulated that with the use of such a
plasticiser the Tg of the polymeric particles would be lowered such that
the polymeric particles would be more active at lower temperatures. The
formulation may include sacrificial agents that are absorbed onto sites on
the polymeric particles, wherein these sites would otherwise cause
detrimental adsorption of one or more detersive active.
The cartridge may include a compartment which contains
(supplementary) polymeric particles. These particles may be purely
polymer or may have been physical or chemically altered to affect their
activity. Preferred means of chemical alteration include polymeric
particles into which a detersive active has been reversibly / irreversibly
adsorbed (e.g. enzyme, bleach catalyst) or upon which a detersive active
has been coated.
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With the use of the cartridge of the invention it has been found that the
overall detersive formulation may be altered because of the presence of
the polymeric particles. One example of an alteration is that the overall
amount of detergent required per wash cycle is considerably lower.
Indeed in this regard it has been found that the amount of detergent
required may be as low as 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% or even 10% of the
amount that would ordinarily be expected for a clothes washing operation
in an autonnatic laundry washing machine. As an example it has been
found that with the use of the cartridge of the invention an equivalent
washing standard can be achieved for a 5kg load of laundry in an
autonnatic laundry washing machine using as little as 15g of a liquid
detergent formulation (whereas in a conventional washing process in an
autonnatic laundry washing machine 150g of the same liquid formulation
would be required).
Where a smaller amount of detergent is used it has been found that the
amount(s) of certain components typically found in a household laundry
detergent may be reduced. In particular it has been found that the
amount of builder required may be lower. Another alteration is that it has
been found that the detersive surfactant may be altered (in terms of
amount and / or nature thereof) because the polymeric particles may
form a modified detersive micelle with a polymeric particle at the centre
of the micelle. A further alteration is that (due to the lower amount of
wash liquor the amount of certain actives, e.g. such as fragrance, optical
brightener, which would be wasted by extraction with excessive rinse
water, may be dramatically reduced.
Since a smaller amount of detergent (than for conventional laundry
washing) is required it has been found that the overall size of the
cartridge and the individual connpartnnents thereof may be small with
enhanced convenience for a consumer.
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With the use of the cartridge of the invention it has been found that
overall washing cycle may be altered. One example of an alteration is
that higher temperatures may be used (on at least a portion of the wash
liquor), typically for brief periods, (with no detriment to the amount of
energy used since the amount of wash liquor in the machine is lower).
This has been found to be beneficial in that the action of certain detersive
components, e.g. bleaches, can be increased, often at a lower
concentration of the active and possibly without any co-active (for bleach
a co-active would be a bleach catalyst / bleach activator).
It is understood that generally the washing cycle temperature is from 0 C
to 90 C, more preferably between 5 C and 90 C, more preferably between
C and 70 C, more preferably between 15 C and 40 C, e.g. about 30 C.
The washing cycle time is preferably between 15 and 150 minutes, more
preferably between 15 and 120 minutes, and most preferably between 20
and 40 minutes. The rinsing proportion of the cycle is preferably up to
50% of the entire cycle time, more preferably up to 40%, more preferably
up to 20%, more preferably up to 10%. The final spin may be around 5%
of the entire cycle time. Intermediate spins (e.g. between parts of the
cycle) may be (individually or collectively) around 1-2% of the entire
cycle time.
The amount of washing water used in a wash cycle is preferably around 6
litres per kilo of wash load; with around 3 liters for the washing stage(s)
and 3 litres for the rinsing stage(s). The amount of water can be lower,
e.g. preferably between 2.5:1 and 0.1:1 litres per kilo of wash load; more
preferably, the ratio is between 2.0:1 and 0.8:1 litres per kilo of wash
load, with particularly favourable results having been achieved at ratios
such as 1.5:1, 1.2:1 and 1.1:1 litres per kilo of wash load.
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This compares to around 13 litres per kilo of wash load for a conventional
washing machine; with around 4 liters for the washing stage(s) and 9
litres for the rinsing stage(s).
The cartridge may be designed to be placed at a suitable locus in or on
the washing machine, e.g. in the drum / drawer.
The cartridge may operate with a suitable cartridge receiving means
within or associated with the washing machine. The cartridge receiving
means may be entirely mechanical. Alternatively the cartridge receiving
means may include an electronic component with associates with a
portion of the cartridge (and optionally drives operation of a portion of the
cartridge). The cartridge receiving means may include a mechanism that
identifies the presence of a cartridge (and / or individual connpartnnents
thereof), e.g. such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) mechanism,
e.g. such as a bar code on the cartridge.
The cartridge preferably comprises a plastics material, e.g. polypropylene,
polyethylene, ABS, PET, polyannides, PMMA or PC. The cartridge /
connpartnnent material may be coated, e.g. with a barrier layer. Such a
layer may be used to allow more aggressive chemical inclusion (e.g. to
aid the prevention of polymer stress cracking).
In one embodiment of the invention it is preferred that a plurality of
separate cartridges may be used simultaneously in a washing machine /
washing machine cycle. Each cartridge may be disposed in a different
part of the washing machine or the same part of the washing machine.
Each cartridge may contain the same or a complementary detergent
composition or compositions (e.g. in a number of connpartnnents).
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A bead cleaning process may be carried out typically every 5-6 washes,
allows the surface of the beads to remain highly active in the washing
process. Preferably, bead cleaning is carried out by adding individual
doses of surfactants (non-ionic and/or anionic and/or cationic), and
optionally other more aggressive chemicals, selected from, for example,
sodium/potassium hydroxide, hypochlorates, hypochlorites or the other
bleaches and activators previously recited, to an amount of water, such
that the ratio of water to beads is preferably in the region of 0.5-3 litres
water/kg of beads. The bead cleaning process may be facilitated by
release of a suitable cleaning composition from the cartridge.
Preferred examples of surface active agents include anionic, non-ionic,
cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surface active agent or mixture
thereof.
Examples of anionic surfactants are straight-chained or branched alkyl
sulfates and alkyl polyalkoxylated sulfates, also known as alkyl ether
sulfates. Such surfactants may be produced by the sulfation of higher C8-
C20 fatty alcohols.
Examples of primary alkyl sulfate surfactants are those of formula:
ROS03-M
wherein R is a linear C8-C20 hydrocarbyl group and M is a water-
solubilising cation.
Preferably R is C10-C16 alkyl, for example C12-C14, and M is alkali metal
such as lithium, sodium or potassium.
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Examples of secondary alkyl sulfate surfactants are those which have the
sulfate moiety on a "backbone" of the molecule, for example those of
formula:
CH2(CH2),(CHOS03-M )(CH2)mCH3
wherein m and n are independently 2 or more, the sum of nri-Fn typically
being 6 to 20, for example 9 to 15, and M is a water-solubilising cation
such as lithium, sodium or potassium.
Especially preferred secondary alkyl sulfates are the (2,3) alkyl sulfate
surfactants of formulae:
CH2(CH2)x(CHOS03-M )CH3 and
CH3(CH2)x(CHOS03-M )CH2CH3
for the 2-sulfate and 3-sulfate, respectively. In these formulae x is at
least 4, for example 6 to 20, preferably 10 to 16. M is cation, such as an
alkali metal, for example lithium, sodium or potassium.
Examples of alkoxylated alkyl sulfates are ethoxylated alkyl sulfates of the
formula:
RO(C2H40),S03-M
wherein R is a C8-C20 alkyl group, preferably C10-C18 such as a C12-C16, n
is at least 1, for example from 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 15, especially 1 to
6, and M is a salt-forming cation such as lithium, sodium, potassium,
ammonium, alkylanrwrionium or alkanolammonium. These compounds can
provide especially desirable fabric cleaning performance benefits when
used in combination with alkyl sulfates.
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The alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates will generally be used in the
form of mixtures comprising varying alkyl chain lengths and, if present,
varying degrees of alkoxylation.
Other anionic surfactants which may be employed are salts of fatty acids,
for example C8-C18 fatty acids, especially the sodium potassium or
alkanolarnrnoniunn salts, and alkyl, for example C8-C18, benzene
sulfonates.
Examples of nonionic surfactants are fatty acid alkoxylates. The
ethoxylated and propoxylated nonionic surfactants are preferred.
Preferred alkoxylated surfactants can be selected from the classes of the
nonionic condensates of alkyl phenols, nonionic ethoxylated alcohols,
nonionic ethoxylated/ propoxylated fatty alcohols, nonionic ethoxylate/
propoxylated condensates with propylene glycol, and the nonionic
ethoxylate condensation products with propylene oxide/ethylene diarnine
adducts. Preferred fatty acid ethoxylates, are especially those of formula:
R(C2H40),-,OH
wherein R is a straight or branched C8-C16 alkyl group, preferably a Cg-
C15, for example C10-C14, or C12-C14 alkyl group and n is at least 1, for
example from 1 to 16, preferably 2 to 12, more preferably 3 to 10.
The alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactant will frequently have a
hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) which ranges from 3 to 17, more
preferably from 6 to 15, most preferably from 10 to 15.
Examples of fatty alcohol ethoxylates are those made from alcohols of 12
to 15 carbon atoms and which contain about 7 moles of ethylene oxide.
Such materials are commercially marketed under the trademarks Neodol
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25-7 and Neodol 23-6.5 by Shell Chemical Company. Other useful
Neodols include Neodol 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol averaging 11
carbon atoms in its alkyl chain with about 5 moles of ethylene oxide;
Neodol 23-9, an ethoxylated primary C12-C13 alcohol having about 9
moles of ethylene oxide; and Neodol 91-10, an ethoxylated C9-C11
primary alcohol having about 10 moles of ethylene oxide.
Alcohol ethoxylates of this type have also been marketed by Shell
Chemical Company under the Dobanol trademark. Dobanol 91-5 is an
ethoxylated C9-C11 fatty alcohol with an average of 5 moles ethylene
oxide and Dobanol 25-7 is an ethoxylated C12-C15 fatty alcohol with an
average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of fatty alcohol.
Other examples of suitable ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants
include Tergitol 15-S-7 and Tergitol 15-S-9, both of which are linear
secondary alcohol ethoxylates available from Union Carbide Corporation.
Tergitol 15-S-7 is a mixed ethoxylated product of a C11-C15 linear
secondary alkanol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide and Tergitol 15-S-9 is
the same but with 9 moles of ethylene oxide.
Other suitable alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactants are Neodol 45-11,
which is a similar ethylene oxide condensation products of a fatty alcohol
having 14-15 carbon atoms and the number of ethylene oxide groups per
mole being about 11. Such products are also available from Shell
Chemical Company.
Further nonionic surfactants are, for example, C10-C18 alkyl
polyglycosides, such s C12-C16 alkyl polyglycosides, especially the
polyglucosides. These are especially useful when high foaming is desired.
Further surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C10-C18 N-
(3-rnethoxypropyl) glycarnides and ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block
polymers of the Pluronic type.
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Examples of cationic surfactants are those of the quaternary ammonium
type.
Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds have the formula (I) or (Ia),
or include a mixture thereof;
[R'-(C0)-0-R-N (-R")(-(R0),-,H)(-R-0-(C0)-R')K (I)
[R'-(C0)-NH-R-N (-R1)(-(R0),-,H)(-R-NH-(C0)-R')PC (Ia)
wherein:
R is an alkylene or alkenylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms;
R' is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms;
n is an integer having a value of 1 to 4;
R" is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R1 is an alkyl group
having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or hydrogen; and
X- is a softener-compatible anion.
Non-limiting examples of softener-compatible anions (X-) include chloride,
formate, nitrate, sulfate or C1-4 alkyl sulfate, preferably methyl sulfate.
The alkyl or alkenyl R' ideally must contain at least 10 carbon atoms,
preferably at least 14 carbon atoms, more preferably at least 16 carbon
atoms. The group may be straight or branched.
A specific example of quaternary ammonium compound is di-(tallow
carboxyethyphydroxyethylrnethyl ammonium X.
A cationic fabric co-softener may be present.
Examples of arnphoteric surfactants are Cio-C18 amine oxides and the C12-
C18 betaines and sulfobetaines.
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Suitable builders are alkali metal or ammonium phosphates,
polyphosphates, phosphonates, polyphosphonates,
carbonates,
bicarbonates, borates, polyhydroxysulfonates, polyacetates, carboxylates
such as citrates and other polycarboxylates / polyacetyl carboxylates such
as succinate, rnalonate, carboxyrnethyl succinate.
There are three main types of method of action for water-softening
agents, described below.
1) Ion exchange agents - such agents include alkali metal (preferably
sodium) aluminosilicates either crystalline, amorphous or a mixture of the
two. Such aluminosilicates generally have a calcium ion exchange
capacity of at least 50 mg CaO per gram of aluminosilicate, comply with a
general formula:
0.8-1.5 Na20. A1203. 0.8-6 5i02
and incorporate some water. Preferred sodium aluminosilicates within the
above formula contain 1.5-3.0 SiO2units. Both amorphous and crystalline
aluminosilicates can be prepared by reaction between sodium silicate and
sodium alurninate, as amply described in the literature.
Suitable crystalline sodium aluminosilicate ion-exchange detergency
builders are described, for example, in GB 1429143 (Procter & Gamble).
The preferred sodium aluminosilicates of this type are the well known
commercially available zeolites A and X, and mixtures thereof. Also of
interest is zeolite P described in EP 384070 (Unilever).
Another class of compounds are the layered sodium silicate builders, such
as are disclosed in US-A-4464839 and US-A-4820439 and also referred to
in EP-A-551375.
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These materials are defined in US-A-4820439 as being crystalline layered,
sodium silicate of the general formula
NaMSix02x-Fi = YH20
wherein
M denotes sodium or hydrogen,
x is frorn 1.9 to 4 and y is frorn 0 to 20.
Quoted literature references describing the preparation of such materials
include Glastechn. Ber. 37,194-200 (1964), Zeitschrift fur Kristallogr.
129, 396-404 (1969), Bull. Soc. Franc. Min. Cris., 95, 371-382 (1972)
and Amer. Mineral, 62, 763-771 (1977). These materials also function to
remove calcium and magnesium ions from water, also covered are salts of
zinc which have also been shown to be effective water softening agents.
2) Ion capture agents - agents which prevent metal ions from forming
insoluble salts or reacting with surfactants, such as polyphosphate,
monomeric polycarboxylates, such as citric acid or salts thereof,
polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/rnaleic
copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, EDTA, algins, alginates.
3) Anti-nucleating agents - agents that prevent seed crystal growth, such
as polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/rnaleic
copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, and sulfonates. Such polymers
may also act as ion capture agents as well.
Preferred organic water-soluble water softening agents which may be
present include polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates,
acrylic/rnaleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, monomeric
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polycarboxylates such as citrates, gluconates, oxydisuccinates, glycerol
mono- di- and trisuccinates,
carboxyrnethyloxysuccinates,
carboxyrnethyloxyrnalonates, dipicolinates, hydroxyethylirninodiacetates,
phosphonates, irninodisuccinates, polyaspartic acids, BHT, phosphonate
stabilisers such as, diethylenetriarninepenta (methylene phosphonic acid
and its corresponding pentasodiurn salt) available under the trade names
Dequest 2060 and Dequest 2066 Monsanto Chemical Co), DTPMP and
DTPMA (Dequest 2010) and HEDP.
Preferably the water-soluble water softening agent is a neutralised or
partially neutralised carboxylic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid or
rnaleic acid, and/or a neutralised or partially neutralised polycarboxylic
acid, such as a polyacrylate of Mw: 4000-8000 (such as Acusol 445N
(Rohm & Haas) CAS REG Nr. 66019-18-9 or Sokalan from BASF).
Further examples of such suitable polymers include polymers based on an
unsaturated sulphonic acid monomer. The unsaturated sulphonic acid
monomer is preferably one of the following: 2-acrylannido methyl-1-
propanesultonic acid, 2-nnethacrylannido-2-methyl-1-propanesulphonic
acid, 3-nnethacrylannido-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, allysulphonic
acid, rnethallysulphonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulphonic
acid,
rnethallyloxybenzensulphonic acid, 2-
hydroxy-3-(2-
propenyloxy)propanesulphonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulphonic
acid, styrene sulphonic acid, vinylsulphonic acid, 3-sulphopropyl acrylate,
3-sulphopropyl rnethacrylate,
sulphornethylacrylannid,
sulphornethylnnethacrylannide, and water soluble salts thereof.
The unsaturated sulphonic acid monomer is most preferably 2-
acrylannido-2-propanesulphonic acid (AMPS).
Suitable enzymes include peroxidises, proteases, lipases, amylases and
cellulase enzymes. Such enzymes are commercially available and sold,
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for example, under the registered trade marks Esperase, Alcalase,
Savinase, Terrnarnyl, Lipolase and Celluzyrne by Nova Nordisk A/S. When
present desirably the enzymes are present (as a proportion of the
cartridge contents) in an amount of from 0.5 to 3 wt%, especially 1 to 2
wt%.
Suitable bleaches / oxidising agents / bleaching agents usually cornpsies a
source of active oxygen, e.g. hydrogen peroxide; urea / hydrogen
peroxide; percarboxylic adds, peroxy / per- acids suich as phthalimido-
peroxy-hexanoic-acid (PAP); per-salts such as; perborate, perphosphate,
percarbonate, persulphate, persilicate. The bleaching agent may be
based on alternative chemistry, e.g. chlorine based bleaching agents,
such as hypochlorite bleaches, sodium dichloro-isocyanurate or NaDCC.
Other examples of suitable bleaches include N-acyiated lactam bleach
precursors, perbenzoic add precursors, perbenzoic add derivative
precursors and cationic peroxyacid precursors, or mixtures thereof
Suitable bleach activators include tetraacetylethylendiarnine (TAED),
acetylated triazine derivatives, in particular 1,5-Diacety1-2,4-
dioxohexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (DADHT), acetylated glycoluriles, in
particular Tetraacetylglycolurile (TAGU), acylirnides, in particular n-
nonanoylsuccinirnide (NOSI), acetylated phenolsulfonates, in particular n-
nonanoyloxi or n-lauroyloxibenzolsulfonate (NOBS and/or PRAISE),
acetylated phenol carbonic acids, in particular nonanoyloxi or
decanoyloxibenzoesaeure (NOBA and/or DOBA), carbonic acid anhydrides,
acetylated sugar derivatives, in particular pentaacetylglucose (PAG),
pentaacetylfructose, tetraacetylxylose and octaacetyllactose as well as
acetylated N-alkylated glucarnine and gluconolactone, and/or N-
acetylated lactarns, for example N-Benzoylcaprolactarn. Hydrophilically
substituted ecyl acetals and ecyl lactarns are likewise preferentially used.
Particularly preferential bleach activators are TAED and DOBA.
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Bleaching catalysts may be present.
Preferred examples include
complexes of manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium
or vanadium.
When using metal salts in particular manganese salts are in the oxidation
state +2 or +3 preferentially, for example manganese halides, whereby
the chloride is preferential.
Manganese sulfate, manganese salts of
organic acids such as manganese acetates, acetylacetonate, oxalates as
well as manganese nitrates are suitable.
The bleach / oxidising agent constituent may comprise one or more of the
foregoing compounds or materials which are described above, which may
be present in any effective amount in order to provide a sanitizing or
disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which they have been applied.
Advantageously, the bleach / oxidising agent agent constituent is
preferably present (in a solid formulation) in amounts of from
0.0001%wt. to 60%wt., preferably from 30%wt. to 50%wt., more
preferably 40%wt. to 50%wt., and particularly preferably about 45%wt.
based on the total weight of the composition of which they form a part.
Indeed a preferred solid formulation for the polymeric particle cleaning
formulation (comprising a solid bleach based formulation) is below:-
gmwmmRaiorMaterial 4.411spositiorpwt91.0
...............................................................................
...............................................................................
..
Sodurn Carbonate 30
Sodurn Sulphate 15.00
Sodurn Percarbonate coated 44.00
TAED 4
Zeolite 0.50
Silicate 4.00
Water and minors To 100
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The bleach / oxidising agent constituent may comprise one or more of the
foregoing compounds or materials which are described above, which may
be present in any effective amount in order to provide a sanitizing or
disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which they have been applied.
Advantageously, the bleach / oxidising agent agent constituent is
preferably present (in a liquid formulation) in amounts of from
0.0001%wt. to 60%wt., preferably from 0.1%wt. to 20%wt., more
preferably 2%wt. to 10%wt., and particularly preferably about 5%wt.
based on the total weight of the composition of which they form a part.
Indeed a preferred solid formulation for the polymeric particle cleaning
formulation (comprising a liquid bleach based formulation) is below:-
Raw Material Composition wt%
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH 50%) 1
Surfactant 10
Hydrogen peroxide. 50% 10.00
Water and minors To 100
Metal complexes with nnacronnolecular ligands may be used such as1,4,7-
Trimethy1-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (me-TACN), 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane
(TACN), 1,5,9-Trinnethy1-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (me-TACD), 2-Methyl-
1,4,7 trinnethy1-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (MeMeTACN) and/or 2-Methyl-
1,4,7 triazacyclononane (Me/TACN) or ligands such as 1,2-bis (4,7-
Dirnethyl 1,4,7-triazacyclonono-i-y1) ethane (Me4-DTNE).
The bactericidal / antimicrobial agents are generally cationic. nitrogen
compounds. Among. these cationic compounds there may be mentioned
by way of
example:
diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyidinnethyibenzyiannnnonium
chloride,
dodecyltrinnethylannnnoniunn bromide, 15
dodecyidinnethyi(2-
:phenoxyethyl)annnnoniunn bromide, benzyidinnethyistearylannnnoniunn
chloride, cetylpyridiniurn chloride, quaternized 5-amino-1,3-bis(2-
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ethylhexyl)-5-methyl-hexahydroxypyrinnidine, trinnethylcetylannnnoniunn
bromide, alkyidinnethylhydroxyethylannnnoniunn bromide (where alkyl
denotes a mixture of radicals derived from copra fatty acids),
chlorhexidine, alexidine, and cationic tertiary aliphatic amines.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may include one or
more organic acids providing an antimicrobial benefit. Exemplary organic
acids are those which generally include at least one carbon atom, and
include at least one carboxyl group (--COOH) in its structure. Derivatives
of said organic acids are also contemplated to be useful. Exemplary
organic acid include linear aliphatic acids such as acetic acid; dicarboxylic
acids, acidic amino acids, and hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic
acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, alpha-hydroxybutyric acid, glyceric acid, rnalic
acid, tartaric acid and citric acid, as well as acid salts of these organic
acids. Of these, glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid and/or
derivatives thereof, e.g., salicylic acid derivatives such as esters of
salicylic acid, such as ethylhexyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate,
TEA salicylate, salicylic acid 2-ethylhexylester, salicylic acid 4-isopropyl
benzylester, salicylic acid hornornenthylester are preferred.
Particularly useful quaternary bactericidal / antimicrobial agents include
quaternary compounds, as well as mixtures of two or more different
quaternary compounds. Such useful quaternary compounds are available
under the BARDAC , BARQUAT , HYAMINE , LONZABAC , and
ONYXIDE trademarks, which are more fully described in, for example,
McCutcheon's Functional Materials (Vol. 2), North American Edition, 1998,
as well as the respective product literature from the suppliers identified
below. When one or more cationic surfactants which provide an
appreciable germicidal benefit are present, they may be present as a co-
antimicrobial agent, as the antimicrobial agent described hereinafter is
necessarily present in order to provide the primary antimicrobial benefit.
Further when one or more cationic surfactants which provide an
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appreciable germicidal benefit are present, preferably anionic surfactants
and further optionally, annphoteric surfactants are omitted from the
compositions of the invention. However, as noted previously, in certain
preferred embodiments, cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable
germicidal benefit are expressly excluded from the compositions of the
invention, and thus, anionic surfactants as well as annphoteric surfactants
may be used in such compositions.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may include one or
more of: pyrithiones such as zinc pyrithione, halohydantoins such as
dinnethyldinnethylol
hydantoin,
nnethylchloroisothiazolinone/nnethylisothiazolinone sodium sulfite, sodium
bisulfite, innidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, benzyl alcohol, 2-bronno-2-
nitropropane-1,3-diol, fornnalin (formaldehyde),
iodopropenyl
butylcarbannate, chloroacetannide, nnethanannine, nnethyldibronnonitrile
glutaronitrile, glutaraldehyde, 5-bronno-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, phenethyl
alcohol, o-phenylphenol/sodiunn o-phenylphenol,
sodium
hydroxynnethylglycinate, polynnethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine, dinnethoxane,
thinnersal dichlorobenzyl alcohol, captan, chlorphenenesin, dichlorophene,
chlorbutanol, glyceryl laurate, halogenated diphenyl ethers such as 2,4,4-
trichloro-2-hydroxy-diphenyl ether (Triclosan ) and 2,2-dihydroxy-5,5-
dibronno-diphenyl ether, phenolic antimicrobial compounds such as mono-
and poly-alkyl and aromatic halophenols, such as p-chlorophenol, methyl
p-chlorophenol, 4-chloro-3,5-di methyl phenol, 2,4-
dichloro-3,5-
dichloro nneta xylenol, chlorothynnol, and 5-
chloro-2-
hydroxydiphenylnnethane, resorcinol and its derivatives, bisphenolic
compounds such as 2,2-methylene bis (4-chlorophenol) and bis (2-
hydroxy-5-chlorobenzyl)sulphide, benzoic esters (parabens), halogenated
carbanilides such as 3-
trifluoronnethy1-4,4'-dichlorocarbanilide
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(Triclocarban), 3-trifluorornethy1-4,4-dichlorocarbanilide and 3,3,4-
trichlorocarbanilide.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may include one or
more of: biguanides such as polyhexarnethylene biguanide, p-
chlorophenyl biguanide; 4-chlorobenzhydryl biguanide, 1,6-bis-(4-
chlorobenzylbiguanido)-hexane (Fluorhexidine ), halogenated hexidine
including, but not limited to, chlorhexidine (1,1'-hexarnethylene-bis-5-(4-
chlorophenyl biguanide) (Chlorohexidine ), as well as salts of any of the
foregoing, e.g. polyhexarnethylene biguanide hydrochloride.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial constituent may comprise a peroxygen
compound which may be essentially any compound containing a dioxygen
(0-0) bond. Dioxygen bonds, particularly bivalent 0-0 bonds, are
readily cleavable, thereby allowing compounds containing them to act as
powerful oxidizers. Non-limiting examples of classes of peroxygen
compounds include peracids, peracid salts, and peroxides such as
hydrogen peroxide. The peroxygen can be any aliphatic or aromatic
peracid (or peroxyacid) that is functional for disinfectant purposes in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. While any
functional peroxyacid can be used, peroxyacids containing from 1 to 7
carbons are the most practical for use. These peroxyacids can include, but
not be limited to, peroxyforrnic acid, peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoxalic acid,
peroxypropanoic acid, perlactic acid, peroxybutanoic
acid,
peroxypentanoic acid, peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyadipic acid,
peroxycitric, and/or peroxybenzoic acid. Exemplary peracid salts include
permanganates, perborates, perchlorates, peracetates, percarbonates,
persulphates, and the like. Exemplary peroxide compounds include
hydrogen peroxide, metal peroxides and peroxyhydrates. The metal
peroxides that can be used include, but are not limited to, sodium
peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide,
and/or strontium peroxide. Other salts (for example sodium
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percarbonate) have hydrogen peroxide associated therewith are also
considered to be a source of hydrogen peroxide, thereby producing
hydrogen peroxide in situ.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial constituent may comprise one or more
polyols in amounts which are effective in imparting a sanitizing or
disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which the compositions are applied.
By way of non-limiting example, preferred are polyols containing from 2
to about 6 hydroxyl groups. Preferred polyols are water soluble. Specific
albeit non-limiting examples of polyols include, but are not limited to,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene
glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene
glycol and when present, the polyols should be present in a sufficient
concentration such the antimicrobial constituent of which they form at
least a part, provides an effective sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to
surfaces being treated with the compositions. Advantageously the one or
more polyols comprise up to 100% of the antimicrobial constituent of the
present invention.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial constituents may also comprise one or
more rnonohydric alcohols, especially C1-C4 rnonohydric alcohols and/or
C1-C4 ketones wherein such are present in should be present in a
sufficient concentration such the antimicrobial constituent of which they
form at least a part, provides an effective sanitizing or disinfecting benefit
to surfaces being treated with the compositions. Advantageously the one
or more rnonohydric alcohols and/or ketones comprise up to 100% of the
antimicrobial constituent of the present invention. Further, when present,
the one or more alcohols or ketones may also function as an organic
solvent.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial constituent may comprise a halogenated
compound or species. By way of non-limiting example such include
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halogens, and especially 12, as well as iodophors such as povidone-iodine,
or any substance comprising iodine and a solubilizing agent that releases
free iodine when in solution.
While other halogen species are
contemplated as being potentially useful as the antimicrobial constituent
of the invention, 12, as well as iodophors are preferred for use as being
relatively safe from a toxicological perspective.
The bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may comprise one or
more of the foregoing compounds or materials which are described above,
which may be present in any effective amount in order to provide a
sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which they have been
applied. Advantageously, the antimicrobial agent constituent is preferably
present in amounts of from 0.0001%wt. to 40%wt., preferably from
0.001%wt. to 25%wt., more preferably 0.001%wt. to 20%wt., and
particularly preferably from 0.001%wt. to 10%wt. based on the total
weight of the composition of which they form a part.
A thickening agent or gelling agent may be used. Suitable thickeners are
polyacrylate polymers such as those sold under the trade mark
CARBOPOL, or the trade mark ACUSOL by Rohm and Hass Company.
Other suitable thickeners are xanthan gums.
The thickener, if present, is generally present in an amount of from 0.2 to
4 wt%, especially 0.2 to 2 wt%.
One or more additional ingredients may optionally be comprised. These
include conventional detergent components such as further surfactants,
bleaches, bleach enhancing agents, builders, suds boosters or suds
suppressors, anti-tarnish and anti-corrosion agents, organic solvents, co-
solvents, phase stabilisers, emulsifying agents, preservatives, soil
suspending agents, soil release agents, germicides, anti-microbial / anti-
bacterial agents, phosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphate or
potassium tripolyphosphate, pH adjusting agents or buffers, non-builder
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alkalinity sources, chelating agents, clays such as srnectite clays, enzyme
stabilizers, anti-lirnescale agents, colourants, dyes, hydrotropes, dye
transfer inhibiting agents, brighteners, and perfumes. If
used, such
optional ingredients will generally constitute no more than 10 wt%, for
example from 1 to 6 wt%, the total weight of the cartridge contents.
Where an enzyme is present materials may optionally be present to
maintain the stability of the enzyme. Such enzyme stabilizers include, for
example, polyols such as propylene glycol, boric acid and borax.
Combinations of these enzyme stabilizers may also be employed. If
utilized, the enzyme stabilizers generally constitute from 0.1 to 1 wt% the
total weight of the cartridge contents.
Materials which serve as phase stabilizers and/or co-solvents may be
used. Example are C1-C3 alcohols or diols such as methanol, ethanol,
propanol and 1,2-propanediol. C1-C3 alkanolarnines such as mono-, di-
and triethanolarnines and rnonoisopropanolarnine can also be used, by
themselves or in combination with the alcohols.
The detersive components, if in liquid form, may be anhydrous, or, for
example, contain up to 5 wt% water. Desirably the aqueous substances
contain more than 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt% or 30 wt% water,
but desirably less than 80 wt% water, more desirably less than 70 wt%,
60 wt%, 50 wt% or 40 wt% water. They may, for example, contain from
30 to 65 wt% water.
Optionally components which adjust or maintain the pH levels may be
used. Examples of pH adjusting agents are NaOH and citric acid. The pH
of the cartridge contents / wash liquor may be from, for example, 1 to 13.
The invention is illustrated with referent to the following examples.
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Examples
REGENERATION OF POLYMERIC PARTICLES FOR CLEANING WASH
LOADS
Objective of the following test was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a
process for regenerating the cleaning performance of polymeric particles.
Equipment
- Washing Device: Linitest Mod. 7451
Materials
- Technical Stains: WFK 141 (lipstick on
cotton)
WFK 10K (coffee on cotton)
CFT CS02 (cocoa on cotton)
- Polymeric Particles: Nylon 6,6 (DuPont Zytel)
- Formulations: Liquid Laundry Detergent
Particles Cleaning Agent (details in
Table 1)
Performance Evaluation
- L*a*b* measurement: X-Rite 8400
Spectrophotometer
D65 illumination, UV calibrated
100 observer
Measuring geometry: D/8
Biggest available aperture
Gloss excluded
- Statistics: 4 replicates per stain (2
internal, 4 external)
2 measurements per replicate (front only)
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Y Value calculation
Statistical significance calculated via
T-Student Methodology
Ingredient Typical Function
Concentration
(0/0 w/w)
Water 53.3 Matrix
Hydrogen Peroxide 50% 23.0 Bleaching Agent
Alkylethoxylate C12-14, 7 8.7 Non-ionic
E0 Surfactant
C12-C16 Alcohols, 3 E0 3.3 Solvent
Su!phonic Acid 96% 7.0 Anionic Surfactant
NaOH 50% 2.0 pH Modifier
HEDP L 0.2 H202 Stabiliser
Slovasol 25-5 0.5 Non-ionic
Surfactant
Plurafac LF 300 2.0 Viscosizing Agent
TABLE 1 ¨ Particle Cleaning Agent
Procedure
50 g of virgin polymeric particles were loaded in each Linitest container (a
container is a sealed 570 cc stainless cylinder 11.5 cm high and 8.0 cm of
diameter), together with 4 g of stains (two 6 cm x 6 cm swatches of each
stain), 21 g of ballast (white swatches) and 50 g of washing solution
(0.11 g of laundry liquid detergent dissolved in 49.89 g of water).
8 containers were then loaded into the Linitest equipment, heated at 40 C
and tumbled for 35 minutes, so to run the wash cycle.
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At the end of the wash cycle each container was opened and the water
solution drained and replaced with 55 g of clean water at room
temperature (RT). The containers were then closed and tumbled at RT
for 5 minutes to run the first rinse. At the end of the cycle the rinse
water was drained and replaced with further 55 g of clean water at RT to
conduct the second and last rinse.
At the end of the second rinse beads, ballast and stains were recovered
and dried at RT. Stains were then ironed and cleaning performance was
assessed by calculating the Y value (the higher the Y value, the better the
performance) and statistically treated as per what reported in the above.
Such results were recorded as Leg ABO1W.
Recovered beads were subsequently used to perform further 9 cleaning
cycles, using the above-mentioned procedure.
Stains from the 10th cycle were again collected and their Y value
calculated. Results from the 10th cycle were recorded as Leg AB1OW.
Beads from the 10th cycles were loaded in Linitest containers with 50 g of
particles cleaning solution (4.35 g of particles cleaning agent dissolved in
45.65 g of water), put in the Linitest equipment, heated to 64 C and
tumbled for 35 minutes. Particles were then rinsed as per previously
described, recovered and left drying at RT.
Particles treated with the particles cleaning solution were then used to run
a further cleaning cycle, following the procedure previously reported, and
cleaning results were calculated. Results were recorded as Leg AB11W.
Cleaning results from all Legs are reported in Table 2.
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Y-Value Y-Value Y-Value
Stain Type of Type of Leg Leg Leg
Code Stain Fabric ABO1W AB1OW AB11W
(a) (b) (c)
WFK 141 Lipstick Cotton 38.3 b 36.8 38.1 b
WFK 10K Coffee Cotton 75.2 b 74.2 77.7 b
CFT CS02 Chocolate Cotton 39.2 b 37.1 39.1 b
a = statistically superior at 95% to (a); b = statistically superior at 95%
to (b)
c = statistically superior at 95% to (c)
TABLE 2 ¨ Performance Results
From Table 2 it can be seen that the average performance of particles
cleaned with the Particles Cleaning Agent of Table 1 is overall significantly
better than that of non-regenerated particles and in line with that of
virgin particles.
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