Patent Application
20230051664
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition, which provides improved suds stability while still providing good crystalline grease cleaning and good initial sudsing.
Traditionally manual dishwashing has been performed by filling a sink with water, adding a dishwashing detergent to create a soapy solution, immersing the soiled articles in the solution, scrubbing the articles and rinsing to remove the remaining soils and remove the suds generated from the soapy solution from the washed articles. Traditionally an entire load of soiled dishware has usually been washed in one go. Nowadays some users prefer to clean articles as soon as they have finished with them rather than wait until they have a full load. This involves washing one article or a small number of articles at the time. The washing is usually performed under running water rather than in a full sink. The cleaning should be fast and involve minimum effort from the user. In such washing under the tap, the user typically delivers detergent to a sponge. This has the disadvantage of often dosing more detergent than is actually needed, especially when there are only a few items to be washed. Moreover, excessive amounts of detergent require more water and more time to rinse.
The use of a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition alleviates such problems. However, it remains challenging to formulate a cleaning composition for a spray product which gives both good initial sudsing after spraying and cleans tough to remove greasy soils. Initial sudsing, often referred to as “flash” sudsing, is important to give users the connotation of good cleaning efficacy. Beyond the initial or flash sudsing, it is desirable to maintain suds or foam during the washing process, for example, to maintain foam on a cleaning implement, such as a sponge, as such maintained foam connotes the continued effectiveness of the product, without the need for re-dosing. Some consumers may re-dose product when the amount of foam decreases below a certain threshold amount. Re-dosing tends to reduce the efficiency of the overall washing process (and increase the washing time) and may also contribute to over consumption of product.
A particularly challenging greasy soil to remove is crystalline grease, such as grease which is solid at room temperature such as animal fats, and the like. Typically, good removal of such crystalline grease has required higher levels of detergent composition applied for longer durations, e.g. soaking the dishware with the detergent, in order to soften the crystalline grease to aid removal. However, the need for such soaking time leads to more time needed to wash the dishes, and hence, less satisfied users. Sometimes crystalline grease removal is addressed by formulating highly alkaline cleaning compositions, but highly alkaline compositions may exhibit less than optimal suds stability profiles.
Separately, there is also increasing consumer demand for cleaning products that are more renewable or natural. Consumers also prefer cleaning products that contain a limited number of ingredients and/or recognizable natural ingredients, as communicated by simpler ingredient statements. However, these products are still expected to deliver performance on many attributes, such as cleaning and sudsing, comparable to traditional products.
Hence, a need remains for a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition that includes natural ingredients and fewer overall ingredients, which provides improved suds stability, while still providing good crystalline grease cleaning and good initial sudsing (and hence reduced time to clean the dishes).
WO2021/126643 relates to a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition housed in the spray dispenser, where the cleaning composition comprises alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, a co-surfactant selected from amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant and mixtures thereof, and an organic solvent. WO2021/126645 relates to a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition housed in the spray dispenser, where the cleaning composition comprises anionic surfactant and alkyl polyglucoside surfactant. EP3118301B1 relates to a cleaning product, in particular, to a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition for making the cleaning of dishware easier and faster. JP2016198765 relates to a high foaming cleaning method for tableware, especially for removing oil from portions of the dishware which are hard to reach or unreachable by hand. WO2017204149A1 relates to a detergent composition which exhibits excellent detergency against solid fat-containing oil stains attached to hard surfaces, including tableware, wherein the detergent composition can be applied to the hard surface via a spray. WO2017204148A1 relates to a method for washing tableware without applying thereto mechanical force, by causing a liquid detergent composition which contains not less than 1 mass % of a surfactant, not less than 1 mass % of a chelating agent, and water, to be in contact with tableware having an oil stain such as a solid fat stain, wherein the mass ratio of the surfactant and chelant is not lower than 0.25 and the liquid detergent composition has an electrical conductivity at 25° C. of not less than 0.70 S/m. JP2017210577A relates to a liquid detergent composition for tableware that has excellent low-temperature stability and can satisfactorily clean oil stains, including solid fat, attached to a surface of tableware, without rubbing with a flexible material such as sponge, and without applying mechanical force, by applying, for instance via a spray, a liquid detergent composition containing a branched anion surfactant, a glycol solvent having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and water. JP2017210576A relates to a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces, including tableware, having excellent detergency on oil stains, including solid fat, attached to a plastic hard surface, and a method for cleaning a hard surface using the composition, the composition comprises a sulfosuccinic acid ester or a salt thereof, an anion surfactant containing a hydrocarbon group having carbon atoms of 8 or more and 21 or less and a sulfate ester group or a sulfonic acid group, a specific nonionic surfactant, and water. WO2017110773A relates to a liquid detergent composition for hand-dishwashing, including tableware, having excellent detergency on oil stains, the composition comprising a sulfosuccinic acid ester or a salt thereof, a further anionic surfactant having a hydrocarbon group with 8 to 21 carbon atoms and a sulfuric ester group or sulfonic acid group, an amphoteric surfactant, and water. WO2016110827A1 relates to a detergent solution which can be applied as a spray, for cleaning a receptacle for milk or liquid milk-derived products, the detergent solution comprising water, one or more types of surfactant and an odour absorbing compound, the surfactants dissolve greasy milk-based residues from the receptacle and the odour absorbing compound neutralises odours produced by any remaining milk-based residues not removed by the surfactants. WO2017011191A1 relates to a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition housed in the spray dispenser, the composition comprises: 5% to 15% by weight of the composition of a surfactant system, wherein the surfactant composition comprises: ii. 40% to 90% by weight of the surfactant system of a non-ionic surfactant and 10 to 60% by weight of the surfactant system of a co-surfactant selected from anionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic and mixtures thereof; and a glycol ether solvent. US20070179079A and US20060009369A relate to a cleaning composition comprising a cationic biocide and adapted to clean a variety of hard surfaces, which can be applied via an impregnated material, or dispensed or sprayed as liquid from a container, or as a crystal, powder, paste, or otherwise semi-solid or solid form from a container. US20190055500A relates to an antimicrobial hard surface cleaning composition providing good antimicrobial efficacy, even at low levels of the antimicrobial agent, while also providing improved surface shine. US20100160201A relates to a cleaning composition with a limited number of natural ingredients which contains a hydrophobic syndetic, a hydrophilic syndetic, and a biguanide or a cationic quaternary ammonium salt, the cleaning composition can be used to clean laundry, soft surfaces, and hard surfaces. US20180002636A relates to a detergent solution for cleaning a receptacle for milk or liquid milk-derived products, the detergent solution comprising water, one or more types of surfactant and an odour absorbing compound, the surfactants are provided to dissolve greasy milk-based residues from the receptacle.
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition housed in the spray dispenser, where the cleaning composition comprises: 5% to 25% by weight of the composition of a surfactant system comprising alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and a co-surfactant selected from amphoteric surfactant, zwitterionic surfactant, or mixtures thereof, where the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and co-surfactant are present at a weight ratio of from 10:1 to 1:2; and from 0.10% to 10% by weight of the composition of an organic solvent; where the pH of the composition is less than about 8, more preferably from about 3 to about 7, and most preferably from about 4 to about 6, as measured neat at 20° C.
The present disclosure further relates to a method of cleaning soiled dishware using the product according to the present disclosure comprising the steps of: optionally pre-wetting the soiled dishware; spraying the cleaning composition onto the soiled dishware; optionally scrubbing the dishware; and rinsing the dishware.
Features and benefits of the various embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description, which includes examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad representation of the disclosure. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description and from practice of the disclosure. The scope is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed and the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims.
The term “dishware” as used herein includes cookware and tableware made from, by nonlimiting examples, ceramic, china, metal, glass, plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.) and wood.
The term “grease” or “greasy” as used herein means materials comprising at least in part (i.e., at least 0.5 wt % by weight of the grease) saturated and unsaturated fats and oils, preferably oils and fats derived from animal sources such as beef, pig and/or chicken.
The term “renewable” is synonymous with the terms “natural,” “bio-derived”, “bio-based,” and means that a material is derived from substances derived from living organisms, such as farmed plants, rather than, for example, geologically derived, e.g., coal-derived or petroleum-derived.
“Geologically derived” means derived from, for example, petrochemicals, natural gas, or coal. “Geologically derived” materials cannot be easily replenished or regrown (e.g., in contrast to plant- or algae-produced materials).
The term “particulate soils” as used herein means inorganic and especially organic, solid soil particles, especially food particles, such as for non-limiting examples: finely divided elemental carbon, baked grease particle, and meat particles.
The term “sudsing profile” as used herein refers to the properties of a cleaning composition relating to suds character during the dishwashing process. The term “sudsing profile” of a cleaning composition includes suds volume generated upon dissolving and agitation, typically manual agitation, of the cleaning composition in the aqueous washing solution, and the retention of the suds during the dishwashing process. Preferably, hand dishwashing cleaning compositions characterized as having “good sudsing profile” tend to have high suds volume and/or sustained suds volume, particularly during a substantial portion of or for the entire manual dishwashing process. This is important as the consumer uses high suds as an indicator that sufficient cleaning composition has been dosed. Moreover, the consumer also uses the sustained suds volume as an indicator that sufficient active cleaning ingredients (e.g., surfactants) are present, even towards the end of the dishwashing process. The consumer usually renews the washing solution when the sudsing subsides. Thus, a low sudsing cleaning composition will tend to be replaced by the consumer more frequently than is necessary because of the low sudsing level.
As used herein, the term “renewable component” refers to a component that is derived from renewable feedstock and contains renewable carbon. A renewable feedstock is a feedstock that is derived from a renewable resource, e.g., plants, and non-geologically derived. A material may be partially renewable (less than 100% renewable carbon content, from about 1% to about 90% renewable carbon content, or from about 1% to about 80% renewable carbon content, or from about 1% to about 60% renewable carbon content, or from about 1% to about 50% renewable carbon content) or 100% renewable (100% renewable carbon content). A renewable feedstock may be blended or chemically reacted with a geologically derived feedstock, resulting in a material with a renewable component and a geologically derived component.
“Renewable carbon” may be assessed using the “Assessment of the Biobased Content of Materials” method, ASTM D6866-16.
As used herein, the term “natural oils” means oils that are derived from plant or algae matter (also referred to as renewable oils). Natural oils are not based on kerosene or other fossil fuels. The term “oils” include fats, fatty acids, waste fats, oils, or mixtures thereof. Natural oils include, but are not limited to, coconut oil, babassu oil, castor oil, algae byproduct, beef tallow oil, borage oil, camelina oil, Canola® oil, choice white grease, coffee oil, corn oil, Cuphea viscosissima oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil, hemp oil, hepar oil, jatropha oil, Lesquerella fendleri oil, linseed oil, Moringa oleifera oil, mustard oil, neem oil, palm oil, perilla seed oil, poultry fat, rice bran oil, soybean oil, stillingia oil, sunflower oil, tung oil, yellow grease, cooking oil, and other vegetable, nut, or seed oils. A natural oil typically includes triglycerides, free fatty acids, or a combination of triglycerides and free fatty acids, and other trace compounds.
The term “substantially free of” or “substantially free from” as used herein refers to either the complete absence of an ingredient or a minimal amount thereof merely as impurity or unintended byproduct of another ingredient. A composition that is “substantially free” of/from a component means that the composition comprises less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25%, less than about 0.1%, less than about 0.05%, or less than about 0.01% by weight of the composition, of the component.
As used herein the term “dye” includes aesthetic dyes that modify the aesthetics of the cleaning composition as well as dyes and/or pigments that can deposit onto a dishware and alter the tint of the dishware. Dyes include colorants, pigments, and hueing agents.
Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.
All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated. It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
Cleaning Product
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning product, which is a hand dishwashing cleaning product, the product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition. The cleaning composition is comprised within the spray dispenser.
By “spray dispenser” is herein meant a container comprising a housing to accommodate the composition and means to spray that composition. The preferred spraying means being a trigger spray. The composition of use in the present disclosure foams when it is sprayed on the surface to be treated.
The need for a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition, which provides improved suds stability while still delivering good crystalline grease cleaning and good initial sudsing is met by formulating the cleaning composition with a surfactant system comprising an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and a co-surfactant, which is selected from the group consisting of a zwitterionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures thereof, as well as an organic solvent, at a select pH range, while limiting the amount of anionic surfactant present in the composition. Such cleaning compositions have been found to improve suds stability, as well as softening of crystalline grease (and hence aid its removal from the dish article being treated). Moreover, since the detergent composition is comprised in a spray container, the composition can be uniformly applied to the surface of the article and left for a period in order to further loosen crystalline grease, as part of a pretreatment step before the main cleaning step. The surfactant system disclosed herein, comprising an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant in combination with a zwitterionic surfactant and/or an amphoteric surfactant, has also been found to provide good initial sudsing. It is believed that limiting the amount of, or even more preferably avoiding, anionic surfactant improves initial sudsing, since anionic surfactants favour the formation of strong surfactant micelles and thereby inhibiting initial suds formation.
Cleaning Composition:
The cleaning composition is preferably a hand dishwashing cleaning composition, preferably in liquid form. The cleaning composition is suitable for spraying.
Preferably the pH of the composition is less than about 8, more preferably from about 3 to about 7, and most preferably from about 4 to about 6, as measured neat at 20° C. Formulating the composition at this select pH range has been found to strongly improve the suds stability profile.
The cleaning product may comprise a composition having a Newtonian viscosity, such as from 1 mPa·s to 50 mPa·s, preferably from 1 mPa·s to 20 mPa·s, more preferably from 1 mPa·s to 10 mPa·s, at 20° C. as measured using the method defined herein.
Alternatively the cleaning product may comprise a composition having a shear thinning rheology profile, such as having a high shear viscosity of from 1 mPa·s to 50 mPa·s, preferably from 1 mPa·s to 20 mPa·s, more preferably from 5 mPa·s to 15 mPa·s, when measured at a shear rate of at 1000 s−1 at 20° C., and a low shear viscosity of from 100 mPa·s to 1,000 mPa·s, preferably from 200 mPa·s to 500 mPa·s, when measured at 0.1 s−1 at 20° C., using the method defined herein.
Preferably the cleaning composition has a Newtonian viscosity.
The liquid cleaning composition typically comprises an aqueous carrier in which all the other composition actives are dissolved or eventually dispersed. As such, water can be present in an amount of from 60% to 90%, preferably from 75% to 85% by weight of the composition.
The compositions of the present disclosure may comprise renewable components and exhibit good performance, such as cleaning and suds mileage. The compositions disclosed herein may comprise from about 1%, or from about 5%, or from about 10%, or from about 20% or from about 30%, of from about 40% or from about 50%, to about 40%, or to about 50%, or to about 60% or to about 70% or to about 80% or to about 90%, or to about 100% by weight of renewable components. The compositions disclosed herein may be at least partially or fully bio-based, As such, the composition can comprise a bio-based carbon content of about 50% to about 100%, preferably about 70% to about 100%, more preferably about 75% to about 100%, even more preferably about 80% to about 100%, most preferably about 90% to about 100%. The percent bio-based carbon content can be calculated as the “percent Modern Carbon (pMC)” as derived using the methodology of ASTM D6866-16. The compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of petroleum-derived solvents. The compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of surfactants or even polymers derived from petroleum-derived alcohols.
The compositions disclosed herein may have about 50% transmittance or greater, preferably about 75% transmittance or greater, more preferably about 90% transmittance or greater, of light using a 1 cm cuvette at wavelength of 410-800 nanometers. Alternatively, transparency of the composition may be measured as having an absorbency in the visible light wavelength (about 410 to 800 nm) of less than about 0.3, which is in turn equivalent to at least 50% transmittance using a cuvette and wavelength noted above. For purposes of the disclosure, as long as one wavelength in the visible light range has greater than 50% transmittance, it is considered to be transparent/translucent.
The compositions disclosed herein may be housed in containers that have about 25% transmittance or greater, preferably about 50% transmittance or greater, more preferably about 75% transmittance or greater, of light at a wavelength of about 410-800 nanometers.
The compositions disclosed herein may comprise less than about 15 ingredients, preferably less than about 10 ingredients, more preferably less than about 15 ingredients and greater than about 5 ingredients. The compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of dyes, enzymes, chelants, polymers, monoethanolamine, or a combination thereof.
Surfactant System:
The composition comprises from 5% to 25%, preferably from 7% to 20%, more preferably from 8% to 15% by weight thereof of a surfactant system. The surfactant system comprises an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant. The surfactant system comprises a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures thereof, preferably a zwitterionic surfactant, more preferably a betaine surfactant. The alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and co-surfactant are present at a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:2 preferably from about 8:1 to about 1:1, most preferably from about 5:1 to about 1.5:1.
The surfactant system comprises less than 3% by weight of the liquid detergent composition of an anionic surfactant, preferably less than 2%, more preferably less than 1%, most preferably is free of anionic surfactant.
Alkyl Polyglucoside Surfactant:
The surfactant system preferably comprises the alkyl polyglucoside (“APG”) at a level of from about 2.0% to about 12%, preferably from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
For improved crystalline grease removal, the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant can have a number average alkyl carbon chain length between 8 and 18, or between 8 and 16, preferably between 10 and 16, most preferably between 12 and 14, with an average degree of polymerization of between 0.1 and 3.0 preferably between 1.0 and 2.0, most preferably between 1.2 and 1.6. Preferably the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant comprises a C8-C18 alkyl chain distribution, more preferably a dominant C12-C14 alkyl chain length distribution. Most preferably, for improved crystalline grease cleaning, the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is a mid-cut hence dominant C12-C14 alkyl chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant with a number average alkyl carbon chain length between 12 and 14 and an average degree of polymerization of between 1.2 and 1.6.
For improved initial sudsing, the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant can have a number average alkyl carbon chain length between 8 and 18, preferably between 8 and 14, most preferably between 8 and 10, with an average degree of polymerization of between 0.1 and 3.0 preferably between 1.0 and 2.0, most preferably between 1.2 and 1.6. Preferably the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant comprises a C8-C16 alkyl chain distribution, more preferably a dominant C8-C10 alkyl chain length distribution. Most preferably, for improved initial sudsing, the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is a low-cut hence dominant C8-C10 alkyl chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant with a number average alkyl carbon chain length between 8 and 10 and an average degree of polymerization of between 1.2 and 1.6.
Low-cut and mid-cut alcohols, used as starting materials in the respective low-cut and mid-cut alkyl polyglucoside production, can be achieved through fractionation of the respective targeted alcohol chain lengths out of the broad natural C8 to C18 alcohol chain length distribution.
C8-C18 alkyl polyglucosides are commercially available from several suppliers (e.g., Simusol® surfactants from Seppic Corporation; and Glucopon® 215 UP, Glucopon® 420 UP, Glucopon® 600 CSUP, Glucopon® 650 EC, Glucopon® 600 CSUP/MB, and Glucopon® 650 EC/MB, from BASF Corporation).
Co-Surfactants:
The co-surfactants are selected from zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, or mixtures thereof. The cleaning composition can comprise the co-surfactant at a level of from about 0.5% to about 5.0%, preferably from about 1.0% to about 4.5%, more preferably from about 2.0% to about 4.0% by weight of the composition.
Zwitterionic Surfactant:
As mentioned earlier, betaine surfactants are preferred for use as the co-surfactant. In compositions of the present disclosure, the use of zwitterionic surfactants as a co-surfactant has been found to improve the removal of polymerised or “baked-on” grease. Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include betaine surfactants. Such betaine surfactants includes alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaine, amidazoliniumbetaine, sulphobetaine (INCI Sultaines) as well as the Phosphobetaine, and preferably meets formula (I):
R1—[CO—X(CH2)n]x—N+(R2)(R3)—(CH2)m—[CH(OH)—CH2]y—Y−
wherein in formula (I),
R1 is selected from the group consisting of: a saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl residue, preferably C8-18 alkyl residue, more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl residue, most preferably a saturated C12-14 alkyl residue;
X is selected from the group consisting of: NH, NR4 wherein R4 is a C1-4 alkyl residue, O, and S,
n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, more preferably 3,
x is 0 or 1, preferably 1,
R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of: a C1-4 alkyl residue, hydroxy substituted such as a hydroxyethyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably both R2 and R3 are methyl, m is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably 1, 2 or 3,
y is 0 or 1, and
Y is selected from the group consisting of: COO, SO3, OPO(OR5)O or P(O)(OR5)O, wherein R5 is H or a C1-4 alkyl residue.
Preferred betaines are the alkyl betaines of formula (Ia), the alkyl amido propyl betaine of formula (Ib), the sulphobetaines of formula (Ic) and the amido sulphobetaine of formula (Id):
R1—N(CH3)2—CH2COO− (Ia)
R1—CO—NH—(CH2)3—N+(CH3)2—CH2COO− (Ib)
R1—N+(CH3)2—CH2CH(OH)CH2SO3− (Ic)
R1—CO—NH—(CH2)3—N+(CH3)2—CH2CH(OH)CH2SO3− (Id)
in which R1 has the same meaning as in formula (I). Particularly preferred are the carbobetaines [i.e. wherein Y—═COO— in formula (I)] of formulae (Ia) and (Ib), more preferred are the alkylamidobetaine of formula (Ib).
Suitable betaines can be selected from the group consisting or [designated in accordance with INCI]: capryl/capramidopropyl betaine, cetyl betaine, cetyl amidopropyl betaine, cocamidoethyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaines, decyl betaine, decyl amidopropyl betaine, hydrogenated tallow betaine/amidopropyl betaine, isostearamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, oleamidopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, palmamidopropyl betaine, palmitamidopropyl betaine, palm-kernelamidopropyl betaine, stearamidopropyl betaine, stearyl betaine, tallowamidopropyl betaine, tallow betaine, undecylenamidopropyl betaine, undecyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Preferred betaines are selected from the group consisting of: cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaines, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Lauramidopropyl betaine is particularly preferred.
Amphoteric Surfactant:
The composition may comprise an amphoteric surfactant, for example, an amine oxide surfactant. The amine oxide surfactant can be linear or branched, though linear are preferred. Suitable linear amine oxides are typically water-soluble, and characterized by the formula R1—N(R2)(R3) O wherein R1 is a C8-18 alkyl, and the R2 and R3 moieties are selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl groups, C1-3 hydroxyalkyl groups, and mixtures thereof. For instance, R2 and R3 can be selected from the group consisting of: methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl, and mixtures thereof, though methyl is preferred for one or both of R2 and R3. The linear amine oxide surfactants in particular may include linear C10-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides.
Preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide, and mixtures thereof. Alkyl dimethyl amine oxides are preferred, such as C8-18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides, or C10-16 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides (such as coco dimethyl amine oxide). Suitable alkyl dimethyl amine oxides include C10 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant, C10-12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant, C12-C14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant, and mixtures thereof. C12-C14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide are particularly preferred.
Alternative suitable amine oxide surfactants include mid-branched amine oxide surfactants. As used herein, “mid-branched” means that the amine oxide has one alkyl moiety having n1 carbon atoms with one alkyl branch on the alkyl moiety having n2 carbon atoms. The alkyl branch is located on the a carbon from the nitrogen on the alkyl moiety. This type of branching for the amine oxide is also known in the art as an internal amine oxide. The total sum of n1 and n2 can be from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 20, and more preferably from 10 to 16. The number of carbon atoms for the one alkyl moiety (n1) is preferably the same or similar to the number of carbon atoms as the one alkyl branch (n2) such that the one alkyl moiety and the one alkyl branch are symmetric. As used herein “symmetric” means that | n1- n2| is less than or equal to 5, preferably 4, most preferably from 0 to 4 carbon atoms in at least 50 wt %, more preferably at least 75 wt % to 100 wt % of the mid-branched amine oxides for use herein. The amine oxide further comprises two moieties, independently selected from a C1-3 alkyl, a C1-3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an average of from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. Preferably, the two moieties are selected from a C1-3 alkyl, more preferably both are selected as C1 alkyl.
Alternatively, the amine oxide surfactant can be a mixture of amine oxides comprising a mixture of low-cut amine oxide and mid-cut amine oxide. The amine oxide of the composition of the present disclosure can then comprises:
a) from about 10% to about 45% by weight of the amine oxide of low-cut amine oxide of formula R1R2R3AO wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls or mixtures thereof, and R3 is selected from C10 alkyls and mixtures thereof, and
b) from 55% to 90% by weight of the amine oxide of mid-cut amine oxide of formula R4R5R6AO wherein R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls or mixtures thereof, and R6 is selected from C12-C16 alkyls or mixtures thereof. In a preferred low-cut amine oxide for use herein R3 is n-decyl, with preferably both R1 and R2 being methyl. In the mid-cut amine oxide of formula R4R5R6AO, R4 and R5 are preferably both methyl.
Preferably, the amine oxide comprises less than about 5%, more preferably less than 3%, by weight of the amine oxide of an amine oxide of formula R7R8R9AO wherein R7 and R8 are selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls and mixtures thereof and wherein R9 is selected from C8 alkyls and mixtures thereof. Limiting the amount of amine oxides of formula R7R8R9AO improves both physical stability and suds mileage.
Amine oxides may be particularly useful in formulations that contain reduced amounts of anionic surfactant or formulations that are free from anionic surfactants or anionic compounds in general. At the select pH range disclosed herein, amine oxides may become protonated and thereby interact with anionic compounds to form undesirable precipitates.
Anionic Surfactant:
Should the detergent composition comprise an anionic surfactant, suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, those surface-active compounds that contain an organic hydrophobic group containing generally 8 to 22 carbon atoms or generally 8 to 18 carbon atoms in their molecular structure and at least one water-solubilizing group preferably selected from sulfonate, sulfate, and carboxylate so as to form a water-soluble compound. Usually, the hydrophobic group will comprise a linear or branched C8-C22 alkyl, or acyl group. Such surfactants are employed in the form of water-soluble salts and the salt-forming cation usually is selected from sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and mono-, di- or tri-alkanolammonium, with the sodium, cation being the usual one chosen.
Since anionic surfactants are not preferred for compositions of use in the present disclosure, the surfactant system comprises less than 3%, preferably less than 2%, more preferably less than 1% by weight of an anionic surfactant. Most preferably the detergent composition according to the present disclosure is free of anionic surfactant.
Further Non-Ionic Surfactant:
The surfactant system can further comprise non-ionic surfactant. If present, the surfactant system can comprise from 0.5% to 10%, preferably from 1.0% to 6.0%, more preferably from 2.0% to 5.0% by weight of the composition of the further nonionic surfactant.
Suitable further non-ionic surfactants include alkyl alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants, more preferably ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants. Suitable nonionic surfactants include the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, preferably straight
The further nonionic surfactant is preferably a low-cut alkyl ethoxylate surfactant. Low-cut alcohol ethoxylate surfactants include alcohol ethoxylate surfactants with an average alkyl carbon chain length of C10 and below. More preferably the alkyl ethoxylate surfactant has an average alkyl chain length of between C5 to C8, preferably between C5 to C7, and a number average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 10, preferably from 3 to 8, more preferably from 4 to 6. Suitable non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactants include commercially available materials such as Emulan® HE50 or Lutensol CS6250 (available from BASF).
Other suitable non-ionic surfactants for use herein can be selected from fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, fatty acid glucamides, and mixtures thereof.
Most preferably the surfactant system comprises or consists of an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, a betaine surfactant, and an alkyl ethoxylate surfactant, especially a low-cut alcohol ethoxylate surfactant as described earlier.
Most preferably the surfactant system comprises or consists of i) from about 5.0% to about 10% of an alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, preferably having an average alkyl chain length between about 8 and about 18, more preferably between about 8 and about 14, and an average degree of polymerization of between about 1.2 and about 1.6, ii) about 2.0% to about 4.0% of a betaine surfactant, preferably lauramidopropyl betaine, and iii) from about 2.0% to about 5.0% of a low cut alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant, preferably having an average alkyl chain length of between C5 and C7 and a number average degree of ethoxylation of from 4 to 6.
Other Surfactant:
The compositions of use in the present disclosure are preferably free of cationic surfactant and especially free of antimicrobial cationic surfactants, since such surfactants are typically detrimental to grease cleaning and surface shine. Such antimicrobial cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium compounds such as dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof.
Organic Solvent:
For improved penetration and removal of crystalline grease, the composition comprises an organic solvent. Suitable organic solvents can be selected from the group consisting of: glycol ether solvents, alcohol solvents, ester solvents, and mixtures thereof, with glycol ether solvents being preferred as they are particularly effective when used in combination with the alkyl polyglucoside to remove crystalline grease, and can also improve sudsing.
The surfactant system and the organic solvent are preferably in a weight ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 4:1 to about 1:2, most preferably about 4:1 to about 1:1. Compositions of use in the present disclosure, having such a weight ratio of surfactant system to organic solvent have been found to provide improved coverage on the dishware with minimum over-spray (residual spray droplets remaining in suspension in the air). Therefore, such spray compositions reduce wastage and minimise the amount of spray droplets which can be inhaled. Compositions having a surfactant:solvent weight ratio lower than about 1:5 have been found to be less foaming and/or have a greater tendency to phase separate over time. Compositions having a surfactant:solvent weight ratio higher than about 5:1 are typically more difficult to spray and are more prone to gelling when sprayed onto greasy soils, when the soil is not first wetted. Such gel formation inhibits the spreading of the composition onto the greasy surface and hence leads to less satisfactory cleaning.
Suitable glycol ether solvents can be selected from the group consisting of:
Suitable alcohol solvents can be selected from the group consisting of: C4-C6 linear mono-alcohols, branched C4-C10 mono-alcohols having one or more C1-C4 branching groups, alkyl mono-glycerols, and mixtures thereof
Suitable ester solvents can be selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers of:
The composition comprises from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 1.0% to 8.0%, more preferably from 3.0% to 7.0% by weight of the total composition of the organic solvent.
The surfactant system and the organic solvent can be in a weight ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 4:1 to about 1:2, most preferably about 4:1 to about 1:1.
Suitable glycol ether solvents can be selected from glycol ethers of Formula I, Formula II, and mixtures thereof:
a) Formula I=R1O(R2O)nR3
wherein
R1 is a linear or branched C4, C5 or C6 alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, preferably n-butyl. Benzyl is one of the substituted phenyls for use herein.
R2 is ethyl or isopropyl, preferably isopropyl
R3 is hydrogen or methyl, preferably hydrogen
n is 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2
b) Formula II=R40(R50)nR6
wherein
R4 is n-propyl or isopropyl, preferably n-propyl
R5 is isopropyl
R6 is hydrogen or methyl, preferably hydrogen
n is 1, 2 or 3 preferably 1 or 2
Suitable glycol ether solvents according to Formula I include ethyleneglycol n-butyl ether, diethyleneglycol n-butyl ether, triethyleneglycol n-butyl ether, propyleneglycol n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, ethyleneglycol n-pentyl ether, diethyleneglycol n-pentyl ether, triethyleneglycol n-pentyl ether, propyleneglycol n-pentyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-pentyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-pentyl ether, ethyleneglycol n-hexyl ether, diethyleneglycol n-hexyl ether, triethyleneglycol n-hexyl ether, propyleneglycol n-hexyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-hexyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-hexyl ether, ethyleneglycol phenyl ether, diethyleneglycol phenyl ether, triethyleneglycol phenyl ether, propyleneglycol phenyl ether, dipropyleneglycol phenyl ether, tripropyleneglycol phenyl ether, ethyleneglycol benzyl ether, diethyleneglycol benzyl ether, triethyleneglycol benzyl ether, propyleneglycol benzyl ether, dipropyleneglycol benzyl ether, tripropyleneglycol benzyl ether, ethyleneglycol isobutyl ether, diethyleneglycol isobutyl ether, triethyleneglycol isobutyl ether, propyleneglycol isobutyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isobutyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isobutyl ether, ethyleneglycol isopentyl ether, diethyleneglycol isopentyl ether, triethyleneglycol isopentyl ether, propyleneglycol isopentyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isopentyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isopentyl ether, ethyleneglycol isohexyl ether, diethyleneglycol isohexyl ether, triethyleneglycol isohexyl ether, propyleneglycol isohexyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isohexyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isohexyl ether, ethyleneglycol n-butyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol n-butyl methyl ether triethyleneglycol n-butyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol n-butyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-butyl methyl ether, ethyleneglycol n-pentyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol n-pentyl methyl ether, triethyleneglycol n-pentyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol n-pentyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-pentyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-pentyl methyl ether, ethyleneglycol n-hexyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol n-hexyl methyl ether, triethyleneglycol n-hexyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol n-hexyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-hexyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-hexyl methyl ether, ethyleneglycol phenyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol phenyl methyl ether, triethyleneglycol phenyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol phenyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol phenyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol phenyl methyl ether, ethyleneglycol benzyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol benzyl methyl ether, triethyleneglycol benzyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol benzyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol benzyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol benzyl methyl ether, ethyleneglycol isobutyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol isobutyl methyl ether, triethyleneglycol isobutyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol isobutyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isobutyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isobutyl methyl ether, ethyleneglycol isopentyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol isopentyl methyl ether, triethyleneglycol isopentyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol isopentyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isopentyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isopentyl methyl ether, ethyleneglycol isohexyl methyl ether, diethyleneglycol isohexyl methyl ether, triethyleneglycol isohexyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol isohexyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isohexyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isohexyl methyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred glycol ether solvents according to Formula I are ethyleneglycol n-butyl ether, diethyleneglycol n-butyl ether, triethyleneglycol n-butyl ether, propyleneglycol n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
The most preferred glycol ether solvents according to Formula I are propyleneglycol n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable glycol ether solvents according to Formula II include propyleneglycol n-propyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-propyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-propyl ether, propyleneglycol isopropyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isopropyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isopropyl ether, propyleneglycol n-propyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-propyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-propyl methyl ether, propyleneglycol isopropyl methyl ether, dipropyleneglycol isopropyl methyl ether, tripropyleneglycol isopropyl methyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred glycol ether solvents according to Formula II are propyleneglycol n-propyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-propyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
The most preferred glycol ether solvents are propyleneglycol n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, and mixtures thereof, especially dipropyleneglycol n-butyl ether. Suitable glycol ether solvents can be purchased from The Dow Chemical Company, in particularly from the E-series (ethylene glycol based) Glycol Ether and the P-series (propylene glycol based) Glycol Ether line-ups. Suitable glycol ether solvents include Butyl Carbitol, Hexyl Carbitol, Butyl Cellosolve, Hexyl Cellosolve, Butoxytriglycol, Dowanol Eph, Dowanol PnP, Dowanol DPnP, Dowanol PnB, Dowanol DPnB, Dowanol TPnB, Dowanol PPh, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable alcohols can be selected from the group consisting of C4-C6 linear mono-alcohols, branched C4-C10 mono-alcohols having one or more C1-C4 branching groups, alkyl mono-glycerols, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred C4-C6 linear mono-alcohols are selected from pentanol, hexanol, and mixtures thereof, preferably 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred branched C4-C10 mono-alcohols having one or more C1-C4 branching groups for use herein are C4-C8 primary mono-alcohols having one or more C1-C4 branching groups, and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred branched C4-C10 mono-alcohols having one or more C1-C4 branching groups for use herein include methyl butanol, ethyl butanol, methyl pentanol, ethyl pentanol, methyl hexanol, ethyl hexanol, propyl hexanol, dimethyl hexanol trimethyl hexanol, methyl hepanol, ethyl heptanol, propyl heptanol, dimethyl heptanol, trimethyl heptanol, methyl octanol, ethyl octanol, propyl octanol, butyl octanol, dimethyl octanol, trimethyl octanol, methyl nonanol, ethyl nonanol, propyl nonanol, butyl nonanol, dimethyl nonanol and trimethyl nonanol, and mixtures thereof. More preferred for use herein are the primary 1-alcohol member of branched C4-C10 mono-alcohols having one or more C1-C4 branching groups, especially preferred are the primary 1-alcohol family members of methyl butanol, ethyl butanol, methyl pentanol, ethyl pentanol, methyl hexanol, ethyl hexanol, propyl hexanol, dimethyl hexanol trimethyl hexanol, methyl hepanol, ethyl heptanol, propyl heptanol, dimethyl heptanol, trimethyl heptanol, methyl octanol, ethyl octanol, propyl octanol, butyl octanol, dimethyl octanol, trimethyl octanol, methyl nonanol, ethyl nonanol, propyl nonanol, butyl nonanol, dimethyl nonanol, trimethyl nonanol, and mixtures thereof.
More preferred alcohols are butyl octanol, trimethyl hexanol, ethyl hexanol, propyl heptanol, methyl butanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular the primary 1-alcohol family member, more in particular ethyl hexanol, butyl octanol, trimethyl hexanol, and mixtures thereof, especially 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2-butyl-1-octanol, 3,5,5 trimethyl-1-hexanol, and mixtures thereof Preferred alkyl mono-glycerols are selected from the group consisting of branched alkyl mono-glycerols and mixtures thereof, more preferably branched C4-C8 alkyl mono-glycerols with one or more C1 to C4 alkyl branching groups, more preferably selected from the group consisting of ethylhexylglycerol, propylheptylglycerol, and mixtures thereof, most preferably 2-ethylhexylglycerol.
Such alcohols can also improve sudsing.
Especially preferred for use herein are mixtures of mono-alcohols, in particular mixtures comprising a branched C4-C10 mono-alcohol, more in particular mixtures comprising an alcohol selected from the group comprising C4-C8 more preferably C6-C7 branched primary alcohols.
Preferably for use is a mixture of alcohols comprising an alcohol selected from the group comprising C4-C8 branched primary alcohols with an alcohol selected of the group of C4-C6 linear mono-alcohols and alkylglycerols. Such mixtures can boost foaming and improve cleaning of various oily soils.
Suitable ester solvents can be selected from the group consisting of monoester solvents of Formula III, di- or triester solvents of formula IV, benzylbenzoate, and mixtures thereof.
Preferred monoester solvents of formula III can be selected from the group consisting of ethylpropionate, propylpropionate, isopropylpropionate, butylpropionate, isobutylpropionate, amylpropionate, isoamylpropionate, hexylpropionate, isohexylpropionate, ethylbutyrate, propylbutyrate, isopropylbutyrate, butylbutyrate, isobutylbutyrate, amylbutyrate, isoamylbutyrate, hexylbutyrate, isohexylbutyrate, ethylisobutyrate, propylisobutyrate, isopropylisobutyrate, butylisobutyrate, isobutylisobutyrate, amylisobutyrate, isoamylisobutyrate, hexylisobutyrate, isohexylisobutyrate, and mixtures thereof.
Most preferably, the monoester solvents are selected from the group consisting of propylpropionate, isopropylpropionate, butylpropionate, isobutylpropionate, propylbutyrate, isopropylbutyrate, butylbutyrate, isobutylbutyrate, propylisobutyrate, isopropylisobutyrate, butylisobutyrate, isobutylisobutyrate, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable di- or tri-ester solvents of formula IV can be selected from: ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-, amyl-, isoamyl-, hexyl-, isohexyl-, heptyl-, isoheptyl, octyl-, isooctyl-, 2-ethylhexy-di- or tri-esters of succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, glutaconic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof Preferred di- or ti-ester solvents are selected from the group consisting of ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-, amyl-, isoamyl-, hexyl-, isohexyl-di- or tri-esters of succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, glutaconic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof.
More preferably, the di- or tri-ester solvents are selected from the group consisting of ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-di- or tri-esters of succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, glutaconic acid, citric acid, aconitic acid, propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof.
Further Optional Ingredients:
Chelant:
The composition herein may optionally further comprise a chelant at a level of from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 0.2% to 5%, more preferably from 0.2% to 3%, most preferably from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight of the composition.
Suitable chelating agents can be selected from the group consisting of amino carboxylates, amino phosphonates, polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents and mixtures thereof.
Amino carboxylates include ethylenediaminetetra-acetates, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetates, nitrilo-triacetates, ethylenediamine tetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetates, diethylenetriaminepentaacetates, and ethanoldiglycines, alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts therein and mixtures therein, as well as MGDA (methyl-glycine-diacetic acid), and salts and derivatives thereof and GLDA (glutamic-N,N-diacetic acid) and salts and derivatives thereof. GLDA (salts and derivatives thereof) is especially preferred according to the present disclosure.
Builder:
The composition herein may comprise a builder, preferably a carboxylate builder. Salts of carboxylic acids useful herein include salts of C1-6 linear or at least 3 carbon containing cyclic acids. The linear or cyclic carbon-containing chain of the carboxylic acid or salt thereof may be substituted with a substituent group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, ester, ether, aliphatic groups having from 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof Preferred carboxylic acids or salts of carboxylic acids are those selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, maleic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, 3 methyl salicylic acid, 4 hydroxy isophthalic acid, dihydroxyfumaric acid, 1,2, 4 benzene tricarboxylic acid, pentanoic acid, citric acid, and mixtures thereof, preferably citric acid.
Alternative carboxylate builders suitable for use in the composition of the present disclosure include fatty acids and salts of fatty acids like palm kernel derived fatty acids or coconut derived fatty acid, or salts of polycarboxylic acids.
The cation of the salt is preferably selected from alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine or triethanolamine and mixtures thereof, preferably sodium.
The carboxylic acid or salt thereof, when present, is preferably present at the level of from 0.05% to 5%, more preferably from 0.1% to 3% by weight of the total composition.
Hydrotropes
The composition according to the present disclosure may further comprise a hydrotrope. Preferably the hydrotrope is selected from cumene sulphonate, xylene sulphonate, toluene sulphonate, most preferably sodium neutralized cumene sulphonate. When present the hydrotrope is formulated from 0.1% to 5%, preferably from 0.25% to 3%, most preferably from 0.5% to 2% by weight of the detergent composition.
Shear Thinning Rheology Modifier:
The composition according to the present disclosure may further comprise a rheology modifying agent, providing a shear thinning rheology profile to the product. Formulating with a rheology modifying polymer can improve particle size distribution of the resultant spray, as well as mitigating any stinging effect of the spray droplets. Preferably the rheology modifying agent is anon crystalline polymeric rheology modifier. This polymeric rheology modifier can be a synthetic or a naturally derived polymer.
Examples of naturally derived polymeric structurants of use in the present disclosure include: hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, polysaccharide derivatives and mixtures thereof. Polysaccharide derivatives include but are not limited to pectine, alginate, arabinogalactan (gum Arabic), carrageenan, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, gellan gum, xanthan gum and guar gum. Examples of synthetic polymeric structurants of use in the present disclosure include polymers and copolymers comprising polycarboxylates, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyols and derivatives and mixtures thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the composition of use in the present disclosure may comprise a polyethylenoxide (PEO) polymer.
Preferably the composition comprises a rheology modifying polymer selected from a naturally derived rheology modifying polymer, most preferably Xanthan Gum, a polyethylenoxide, or mixtures thereof.
Generally, the rheology modifying polymer will be comprised at a level of from 0.0010% to 1% by weight, alternatively from 0.01% to 0.5% by weight, more alternatively from 0.05% to 0.25% by weight of the composition.
Other Ingredients:
The composition herein may comprise a number of optional ingredients such as rheology trimming agents selected from inorganic salts preferably sodium chloride, C2-C4 alcohols, C2-C4 polyols, poly alkylene glycols and especially polypropyleneglycols having a weight average molecular weight of from 1500 to 4,000, and mixtures thereof.
The compositions of the present disclosure can comprise a cleaning amine such as a cyclic cleaning amine. The term “cyclic diamine” herein encompasses a single cleaning amine and a mixture thereof. The amine can be subjected to protonation depending on the pH of the cleaning medium in which it is used. Especially preferred for use herein are cyclic diamines selected from the group consisting of 1, 3-bis(methylamine)-cyclohexane, 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine, 4-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine and mixtures thereof 1, 3-bis(methylamine)-cyclohexane is especially preferred for use herein. Mixtures of 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine, 4-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine are also preferred for use herein.
The composition may also comprise pH trimming and/or buffering agents such as sodium hydroxyde, hydrochloric acid, (distilled) vinegar, alkanolamines including monoethanolamine, and bicarbonate inorganic salts, and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrochloric acid, (distilled) vinegar, and mixtures thereof. The composition may further comprise minor ingredients selected from preservatives, UV stabilizers, antioxidants, perfumes, coloring agents and mixtures thereof
Spray Dispenser:
The spray dispenser comprises a reservoir to accommodate the composition of the present disclosure and spraying means. Suitable spray dispensers include hand pump (sometimes referred to as “trigger”) devices, pressurized can devices, electrostatic spray devices, etc. Preferably the spray dispenser is non-pressurized and the spray means are of the trigger dispensing type. The reservoir is typically a container such as a bottle, more typically a plastic bottle.
The cleaning product includes the cleaning composition. The cleaning composition is typically suitable for spraying from the spray dispenser onto the dish surface to be treated (“direct application”). The composition preferably forms a foam on the surface immediately upon application without requiring any additional physical (e.g., manual rubbing) intervention.
The spray dispenser typically comprises a trigger lever which, once depressed, activates a small pump. The main moving element of the pump is typically a piston, housed inside a cylinder, with the piston pressing against a spring. By depressing the trigger, the piston is pushed into the cylinder and against the spring, compressing the spring, and forcing the composition contained within the pump out of a nozzle. Once the trigger lever is released, the spring pushes the piston back out, expanding the cylinder area, and sucking the composition from the reservoir, typically through a one-way valve, and refilling the pump. This pump is typically attached to a tube that draws the composition from the reservoir into the pump. The spray dispenser can comprise a further one-way valve, situated between the pump and the nozzle.
The nozzle comprises an orifice through which the composition is dispensed. The nozzle utilises the kinetic energy of the composition to break it up into droplets as it passes through the orifice. Suitable nozzles can be plain, or shaped, or comprise a swirl chamber immediately before the orifice. Such swirl chambers induce a rotary fluid motion to the composition which causes swirling of the composition in the swirl chamber. A film is discharged from the perimeter of the orifice which typically results in dispensing the composition from the orifice as finer droplets.
Since such trigger-activated spray dispensers comprise a pump, the composition preferably is not pressurized within the reservoir and preferably does not comprise a propellant.
The spray dispenser can be a pre-compression sprayer which comprises a pressurized buffer for the composition, and a pressure-activated one-way valve between the buffer and the spray nozzle. Such precompression sprayers provide a more uniform spray distribution and more uniform spray droplet size since the composition is sprayed at a more uniform pressure. Such pre-compression sprayers include the Flairosol® spray dispenser, manufactured and sold by Afa Dispensing Group (The Netherlands) and the pre-compression trigger sprayers described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013/0112766 and 2012/0048959.
Method of Use:
The cleaning products, as described herein, are particularly suited for methods of cleaning dishware comprising the steps of: optionally pre-wetting the dishware; spraying the cleaning composition onto the dishware; optionally scrubbing the dishware; and rinsing the dishware.
The cleaning products described herein are particularly effective at loosening soils, and especially greasy soils. As such, especially for light soiling, scrubbing is optional, and particularly when the dishware is left for at least 15 seconds, preferably at least 30 seconds after the spray step, before the rinsing step is done.
The steps of scrubbing of the dishware and rinsing the dishware can take place at least partially simultaneously, for example, by scrubbing the dishware under running water or when the dishware is submerged in water. The scrubbing step can take between 1 second and 30 seconds.
The present method allows for faster and easier cleaning of dishware when the dishware is lightly soiled. When the dishware is heavily soiled with tough food soils such as cooked-, baked- or burnt-on soils, the present method facilitates the cleaning when the soiled dishware is soaked with the product of the present disclosure in neat form or diluted in water, preferably for a period of from 1 second to 30 seconds, or longer.
A) Viscosity:
The rheology profile is measured using a “TA instruments DHR1” rheometer, using a cone and plate geometry with a flat steel Peltier plate and a 60 mm diameter, 2.026° cone (TA instruments, serial number: SN960912). The viscosity measurement procedure includes a conditioning step and a sweep step at 20° C. The conditioning step consists of a 10 seconds at zero shear at 20° C., followed by pre-shearing for 10 seconds at 10 s−1 at 20° C., followed by 30 seconds at zero shear at 20° C. in order for the sample to equilibrate. The sweep step comprises a logarithmical shear rate increase in log steps starting from 0.01 s−1 to 3,000 s−1 at 20° C., with a 10 points per decade acquisition rate taken in a sample period of 15 s, after a maximum equilibration time of 200 seconds (determined by the rheometer, based on a set tolerance of 3%). When measuring shear thinning product compositions, the high shear viscosity is defined at a shear rate of 1,000 s−1, and the low shear viscosity at a shear rate of 0.1 s−1. For Newtonian product compositions the shear rate is recorded at 1,000 s−1.
B) Foam Stability:
Liquid detergent compositions are provided in Flairosol® spray bottles (supplied by the AFA Dispensing company) of the type commercialized by the Procter & Gamble company under the Dawn Platinum Powerwash product in July 2021. An initial foam volume is created by spraying three full sprays at an angle of 45 degrees towards the center of a tilted 250 ml plastic graduated volumetric cone (supplied by the Kartell Labware company—article 423), after which the mass and initial volume of the resulting spray is recorded. The remaining foam volume is measured at intervals of 5 minutes, until a final measurement at 30 minutes. The foam volumes are expressed as milliliters of foam measured per gram of test product sprayed, and the same spray bottle is used for all the test products to avoid any spray bottle variation. The spray bottle is thoroughly cleaned between product changeovers using demineralized water. Remaining foam volumes are expressed as a percentage of remaining foam volume (versus the initial foam volume) and the average value of 3 replicates per test product is reported.
The foam stability profile is assessed for liquid detergent spray formulas comprising surfactant and solvent systems and finished product pHs according to the present disclosure (Examples 1 and 2) and two comparative compositions that differ single variably (from Example 1 and Example 2, respectively) in finished product pH (Examples A and B). Two compositions that do not contain the cosurfactant according to the present disclosure—one composition at a neat finished product pH of 4 (Comparative Example C) and the other composition at a neat finished product pH of 10 (Comparative Example D)—are also tested.
Inventive Example 1 comprises a C8 to C16 alkyl polyglucoside (Glucopon® 420, BASF), lauramidopropyl betaine as the co-surfactant, and dipropyleneglycol-n-butyl ether as the organic solvent. Comparative Example A differs from Inventive Example 1 in neat finished product pH—Inventive Example 1 has a neat finished product pH of 4, while Comparative Example A has a neat finished product pH of 10, achieved through trimming the pH 4 product with additional NaOH. Comparative Example B differs from Inventive Example 2 in neat finished product pH—Inventive Example 2 has a neat finished product pH of 4, while Comparative Example B has a neat finished product pH of 10, achieved through trimming the pH 4 product with additional NaOH.
Inventive Example 1 and Inventive Example 2 differ in relative amounts of individual surfactants and solvents, and Inventive Example 1 has an additional short chain nonionic surfactant. Both Comparative Example C and Comparative Example D lack the betaine co-surfactant system according to the present disclosure. Comparative Example C differs from Comparative Example D single variably in neat finished product pH. Test products summarized in Table 1 are prepared through standard mixing of the individual ingredients in a batch type process.
As can be seen from the data in Table 2 below, Examples 1 and 2, which are both at neat finished product pHs of 4 according to the present disclosure, exhibit improved foam stability, in comparison to Comparative Examples A and B, both of which are at neat finished product pHs of 10, outside the scope of the present disclosure. Comparing Example 1 to Example 2 shows that the addition of a short chain nonionic surfactant further boosts the foam stability profile. Comparative Examples C and D, which lack a co-surfactant according to the present disclosure, show an inferior foam stability profile, independent of the neat finished product pHs of the compositions.
Further exemplary detergent compositions according to the present disclosure are summarized in Table 3.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.
The presently described subject matter may include one or more aspects, which should not be regarded as limiting on the teaching of the present disclosure. A first aspect may include a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition, wherein the cleaning composition is housed in the spray dispenser and wherein: the cleaning composition comprises: from about 5% to about 25% of a surfactant system by weight of the cleaning composition, the surfactant system comprising: alkyl polyglucoside surfactant; a co-surfactant selected from zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, or mixtures thereof, and less than about 3% of anionic surfactant by weight of the cleaning composition; wherein the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and the co-surfactant are present at a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:2, and from about 0.1% to about 10% of an organic solvent by weight of the cleaning composition; and the pH of the cleaning composition is less than about 8, more preferably from about 3 to about 7, and most preferably from about 4 to about 6, as measured neat at 20° C.
A second aspect may include a method of cleaning dishware using the cleaning product according to the first aspect, comprising the steps of: optionally pre-wetting the dishware; spraying the cleaning composition onto the dishware; optionally scrubbing the dishware; and rinsing the dishware.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises from about 7% to about 20% by weight thereof of the surfactant system.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises from about 8% to about 15% of the surfactant system by weight of the cleaning composition.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises the alkyl polyglucoside at a level of from about 2.0% to about 12% by weight of the cleaning composition.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises the alkyl polyglucoside at a level of from about 5.0% to about 10% by weight of the cleaning composition.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant comprises a C8-C18 alkyl chain, preferably a C12-C14 alkyl chain, and wherein the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant has a number average degree of polymerization of from about 0.1 to about 3.0.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant comprises a C8-C16 alkyl chain, preferably a C8-C10 alkyl chain, and wherein the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant has a number average degree of polymerization of from about 1.2 to about 1.6.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises the co-surfactant at a level of from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight of the cleaning composition.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises the co-surfactant at a level of from about 2.0% to about 4.0% by weight of the cleaning composition.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the co-surfactant is a zwitterionic surfactant selected from betaine surfactant, preferably wherein the betaine surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaines, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, and mixtures thereof.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and co-surfactant are present at a weight ratio of from greater than about 1:1 to about 8:1.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant and co-surfactant are present at a weight ratio of from greater than about 1.5:1 to about 5:1.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the surfactant system further comprises a nonionic surfactant, at a level of from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the cleaning composition.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the nonionic surfactant is an alkyl ethoxylate surfactant having an average alkyl chain length of C10 or below, preferably C5 to C8, more preferably C5 to C7, and a number average degree of ethoxylation of from about 1 to about 10, preferably from 3 to 8, more preferably from 4 to 6.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the surfactant system comprises less than about 1% of anionic surfactant by weight of the cleaning composition, preferably wherein the cleaning composition is free of anionic surfactant.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises from about 1.0% to about 8.0% of the organic solvent by weight of the cleaning composition.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of: glycol ether solvents, alcohol solvents, ester solvents, and mixtures thereof, preferably a glycol ether solvent.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the surfactant system and the organic solvent are present in a weight ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1:5.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises a bio-based carbon content of about 50% to about 100%, as derived using ASTM D6866-16.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition is substantially free of dyes, enzymes, polymers, or a combination thereof.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition is substantially free of surfactants derived from petroleum-derived alcohols.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition comprises less than 15 ingredients, preferably less than 10 ingredients, more preferably less than 10 ingredients and greater than 5 ingredients.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, wherein the cleaning composition further comprises vinegar.
Another aspect may include any of the previous aspects, further comprising carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, or mixtures thereof; preferably where the carboxylic acids or salts of carboxylic acids are selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, maleic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, 3 methyl salicylic acid, 4 hydroxy isophthalic acid, dihydroxyfumaric acid, 1,2, 4 benzene tricarboxylic acid, pentanoic acid, citric acid, and mixtures thereof, where the carboxylic acid more preferably comprises citric acid.
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any disclosure disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such disclosure. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term “where” or “in which” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining the present technology, it is noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce a recitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should be interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term “comprising.” For the purposes of defining the present technology, the transitional phrase “consisting of” may be introduced in the claims as a closed preamble term limiting the scope of the claims to the recited components or steps and any naturally occurring impurities. For the purposes of defining the present technology, the transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” may be introduced in the claims to limit the scope of one or more claims to the recited elements, components, materials, or method steps as well as any non-recited elements, components, materials, or method steps that do not materially affect the novel characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” may be interpreted to be subsets of the open-ended transitional phrases, such as “comprising” and “including,” such that any use of an open ended phrase to introduce a recitation of a series of elements, components, materials, or steps should be interpreted to also disclose recitation of the series of elements, components, materials, or steps using the closed terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” For example, the recitation of a composition “comprising” components A, B, and C should be interpreted as also disclosing a composition “consisting of” components A, B, and C as well as a composition “consisting essentially of” components A, B, and C. Any quantitative value expressed in the present application may be considered to include open-ended embodiments consistent with the transitional phrases “comprising” or “including” as well as closed or partially closed embodiments consistent with the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
As used in the Specification and appended Claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The verb “comprises” and its conjugated forms should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner. The referenced elements, components or steps may be present, utilized or combined with other elements, components or steps not expressly referenced.
It should be understood that any two quantitative values assigned to a property may constitute a range of that property, and all combinations of ranges formed from all stated quantitative values of a given property are contemplated in this disclosure. The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described in detail and by reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that any detailed description of a component or feature of an embodiment does not necessarily imply that the component or feature is essential to the particular embodiment or to any other embodiment.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described within without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described within provided such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Unless otherwise stated within the application, all tests, properties, and experiments are conducted at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/226,049, filed Jul. 27, 2021, the substance of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63226049 | Jul 2021 | US |
