Cleaning Composition

Abstract

The invention relates to an aqueous cleaning and/or sanitising composition comprising (a) at least one biocidal component (b) a polymeric delayed release additive, and (c) at least one surfactant, wherein said composition dries onto a surface being cleaned to form a dry residue and wherein properties of said dry residue are tailored by manipulation of brittleness of the polymeric delayed release additive through identity and/or quantity of the biocidal component and/or surfactant selected. The composition is intended for the cleaning and/or sanitisation of carpet, upholstery or other textiles. The invention also relates to a method of controlling the friability of the dried residue of the composition. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning and/or sanitising a textile article by applying the composition of the invention to said article, and a process of preparing said cleaning and/or sanitising composition.

Claims

1. An aqueous cleaning and/or sanitising composition comprising: a. at least one biocidal component, b. a polymeric delayed release additive, and; c. at least one surfactant; wherein said composition dries onto a surface being cleaned to form a dry residue and wherein properties of said dry residue are tailored by manipulation of brittleness of the polymeric delayed release additive through identity and/or quantity of the biocidal component and/or surfactant selected.

2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the biocidal component is selected from the group consisting of one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic terpenes, an aromatic or phenolic biocide and combinations thereof.

3. A composition according to claim 2, wherein the biocidal component is selected from the group consisting of thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, menthol, terpineol, carvone, citral and combinations thereof.

4. A composition according to claim 1 also comprising a biocidal essential oil.

5. A composition according to claim 4, wherein the biocidal essential oil is selected from the group consisting of the essential oils of cloves, thyme, fennel, caraway, peppermint, lemon myrtle, tea tree and combinations thereof.

6. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the biocidal component acts as a crosslinking agent of the polymeric delayed release additive.

7. A composition according to claim 6, wherein the crosslinking biocidal component is a transition metal salt.

8. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the biocide is present at a concentration of between about 0.01 to 10% w/w of the composition.

9. A composition according to claim 8, wherein the biocidal component is present at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 2.0% w/w of the composition.

10. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric delayed release additive is selected from a water soluble acrylic polymer/copolymer or styrene-maleic anhydride resin.

11. A composition according to claim 10, wherein the polymeric delayed release additive dries to a friable powder or brittle film.

12. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric delayed release additive is present at a concentration of between about 0.5 to 30.0% w/w of the composition.

13. A composition according to claim 12, wherein the polymeric delayed release additive is present at a concentration of between about 2.0 to 10.0% w/w of the composition.

14. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactants are selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants.

15. A composition according to claim 14, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonates and combinations thereof.

16. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant is present at a concentration of between about 0.5 to 30.0% w/w of the composition.

17. A composition according to claim 16, wherein the surfactant is present at a concentration of about 1.5 to 10.0% w/w of the composition.

18. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.0 to 9.0.

19. A composition according to claim 18, wherein the composition has a pH in the range of about 5.5 to 7.0.

20. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition also contains a bacterial spore germinant.

21. A composition according to claim 20, wherein the bacterial spore germinant is selected from the group consisting of dodecylamine, L-alanine, L-valine, Lasparagine and a bile acid salt.

22. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition also contains an insect/animal repellent, odour absorbing compound or miticide.

23. A composition according to claim 1 which generates a semi-permanent antimicrobial coating on treated textile articles.

24. A method of controlling friability of dried residue of a cleaning and/or sanitising composition comprising: a. at least one biocidal component, b. a polymeric delayed release additive, and c. at least one surfactant; by manipulation of identity and/or quantities of the biocidal component, polymeric delayed release additive and surfactant.

25. A method of cleaning and/or sanitising a textile article by applying the composition according to claim 1 to said article.

26. A process of preparing a cleaning and/or sanitising composition, comprising combining: a. at least one biocidal component, b. a polymeric delayed release additive, and c. at least one surfactant; to form a concentrate, wherein properties of dried residue of the composition are tailored by manipulation of brittleness of the polymeric delayed release additive through identity and/or quantity of the biocidal component and/or surfactant selected.

27. A process according to claim 26 comprising diluting said concentrate with water.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In accordance with the present invention there is provided an aqueous cleaning and/or sanitising composition comprising:

[0040] a. at least one biocidal component,

[0041] b. a polymeric delayed release additive, and;

[0042] c. at least one surfactant;

wherein said composition dries onto a surface being cleaned to form a dry residue and wherein properties of said dry residue are tailored by manipulation of brittleness of the polymeric delayed release additive through identity and/or quantity of the biocidal component and/or surfactant selected.

[0043] pH

[0044] The pH of the compositions generally affects biocidal action, and the preferred pH will vary depending on the particular biocidal components utilised in the composition. For example, phenolic biocides are at their most biocidal when present in their unionised form and a neutral to mild acid pH would be preferable. Phenolic compounds used in an alkaline medium are also more susceptible to oxidation. For cationic biocides, a mildly alkaline pH (about 7-9) is preferable due to their increased biocidal performance in this range.

[0045] The selection of pH also generally affects compatibility with the textile type that is to be treated. For example, for the cleaning of wool, the high level of alkalinity of woollen blends or silk textiles can cause significant degradation of the textile fibres. In a more preferred embodiment the pH of the composition is mildly acidic in the range of about 5.5 to 7.0 to allow for the composition to be used for the cleaning of a wide range of carpet or upholstery fibres including those which are sensitive to high levels of alkalinity. Other embodiments may be contemplated that have higher pH values, for example in the range of about 9-11 if their use is only intended for use on non-alkalinity sensitive fibres such as polyamide or polyolefin.

[0046] Biocidal Component

[0047] The composition of the invention comprises at least one biocidal component. In a preferred embodiment, the combination of biocidal components is stable and maintains its antimicrobial activity during and following the drying of the composition onto the textile substrate. In a particularly preferred embodiment the biocidal components may reduce the brittle nature of the polymeric delayed additive, such that adhesive failure from the textile surface due to the physical forces experienced during the textile's normal use, is significantly reduced. In a particularly preferred embodiment, when used in conjunction with the polymeric delayed release additive and surfactant, the biocidal components are capable of generating a semi-permanent antimicrobial prevention layer on treated textiles.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the biocidal component is selected from the group consisting of one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic terpenes, an aromatic or phenolic biocide and combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment the biocidal component is selected from the non-limiting group consisting of thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, menthol, terpineol, carvone, citral and combinations thereof. In another preferred example the biocidal component is a synthetically derived phenolic compound such as o-phenylphenol, 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol or chloroxylenol.

[0049] In a further aspect of the invention the biocidal component may be in the form of an essential oil such as the essential oils of cloves, thyme, fennel, caraway, peppermint, lemon myrtle, tea tree or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a synergistic combination of thymol and carvacrol are used. In a highly preferred embodiment, phenolic biocides are used in combination with a biocidal essential oil.

[0050] Alternatively, or in addition, biocidal components that may act as crosslinking agents may be employed to increase the hardness of the polymeric delayed release additive to tailor the friability of the dried residue into the desired range. In a preferred embodiment, the crosslinking biocidal agent is a transition metal salt. In a particularly preferred embodiment the crosslinking biocidal agent is a zinc salt.

[0051] The total quantity of the biocidal components will be largely dependent on the antimicrobial activities of the selected components, the degree of soiling of the textile articles to be treated and if the composition is intended to be diluted prior to use. Preferably the biocidal components are present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.01 to 10% w/w of the composition, more preferably at a concentration of about 0.05 to 5% w/w, even more preferably at a concentration between about 0.1 to 2% w/w of the composition.

[0052] Polymeric Delayed Release Additive

[0053] The composition of the invention comprises at least one polymeric delayed release additive that functions as a polymeric delayed release additive. The least one polymeric delayed release additive is selected from either a water soluble anionic acrylic based copolymer or styrene maleic anhydride resin which, on drying, will result in a non-tacky solid. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric delayed release additive will form a brittle film upon drying.

[0054] Preferably the polymeric delayed release additives are present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.5 to 30% w/w of the composition, more preferably at a concentration of about 1.0 to 15% w/w, even more preferably at a concentration between about 2 to 10% w/w of the composition.

[0055] Preferred examples are the aqueous solutions of acrylic acid/methacrylic acid copolymers sold under the trade name Syntran 4020, Syntran 4180 and Syntran 4125, all available from Interpolymer Corporation. Another preferred example is Flexisperse 305 (Innovative Chemical Technologies Inc.). Other polymeric agents will include styrene maleic anhydride copolymers such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,071.

[0056] Typically, within the prior art, these materials find utility as anti-redeposition polymers. An example of this may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/778,208 (published as US 2014/0100153) which utilises a styrene maleic anhydride copolymer as an anti-redeposition agent. As described within the '208 teaching, the function of the anti-redeposition agent is to facilitate sustained suspension of soils in a cleaning solution and prevent the removed soils from being redeposited onto the substrate being cleaned.

[0057] Surfactant

[0058] The composition of the invention includes at least one surfactant. Preferably the surfactant selected is capable of solubilising the biocidal components to form a water white, single phase composition. More preferably the surfactant should be capable of modifying the friability of the polymeric delayed release additive in conjunction with the biocidal components. Anionic surfactants are preferred due to foaming characteristics, tackiness of dried residue and compatibility with stain resist treatments, although embodiments based on non-ionic, cationic and amphoteric are equally envisioned. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonates and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant used is sodium dodecyl sulfate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a combination of anionic and amphoteric surfactants is used.

[0059] Preferably the surfactants are present in the composition at a concentration of about 0.5 to 30% w/w of the composition, more preferably at a concentration of about 1.0 to 15% w/w, even more preferably at a concentration between about 1.5 to 10% w/w of the composition.

[0060] Secondary Components

[0061] In a further aspect of the invention the composition acts as a carrier for secondary compositions appropriate for the control or management of household pests, mites or other biological fouling. Embodiments of the invention may also be suitable for the repellence of insects, arachnids or animals as required. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention may serve as a vehicle or carrier for the transport of secondary compositions appropriate for the control of household pests, mites etc. These secondary compositions are envisioned to be able to be carried in the present invention without compromising the biocidal activity of the present invention.

[0062] Examples of such secondary compositions are miticides such as benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate, odour absorbing compounds such as cyclodextrins or zinc ricinoleate, dog or cat repelling compounds such as 2-undecanone, insect repellent compounds such as dimethyl phthalate or fungicides such as phenoxyethanol or potassium sorbate.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, secondary components will be present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.1 to 5% w/w of the composition of the invention. In a more preferred embodiment the secondary components will be present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.1 and 1.0% w/w of the composition.

[0064] Bacterial Spore Germinant

[0065] In a further aspect of the invention the composition may also contain a bacterial spore germinant. The inclusion of a spore germinant causes exposed bacterial spores to germinate into the vegetative state and therefore be more susceptible to the action of the biocidal components. Examples of suitable spore germinants which may be used in the composition of the invention are dodecylamine and other alkylamines, L-alanine, L-valine, L-asparagine and bile acids.

[0066] In a highly preferred embodiment the composition may include the sodium, potassium or amine salt of a bile acid as a C. difficile spore germinant. In a particularly preferred embodiment the bile acid spore germinant may be selected from the group consisting of sodium cholate, sodium taurocholate, sodium glycocholate, sodium deoxycholate and mixtures thereof.

[0067] Given that these bile acids may also function as surfactants, it is envisaged that some embodiments may only contain these bile acids with no additional surfactant within the formulation.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the spore germinant is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.001 to 2% w/w of the composition. In a more preferred embodiment the spore germinant is present in the formulation in an amount between about 0.005 to 1.0% w/w of the composition

EXAMPLES

[0069] The following examples are manufactured by dissolving and mixing the various ingredients into deionised water at room temperature. Each ingredient is dissolved to yield a clear solution before the next ingredient is added. A portion of the water (up to 50%) may be withheld in the initial phase of manufacture and added when all of the ingredients are dissolved if necessary. More concentrated examples may require the hydrophobic components to be first solubilised in a surfactant premix as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Weight Percentages of Actives Ingredient Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 SLS 1.5 2.0 2A1 1.5 BAK 4.0 916 2.0 PCMX 0.5 2.0 TTO 0.5 2.5 1.0 CAR 0.2 1.6 THY 0.2 OPP 0.2 SYN 2.5 20.0 SMA 2.5 15.0 H.sub.2O To 100% To 100% To 100% To 100% LEGEND SLSSodium Lauryl Sulphate 2A1Alkyldiphenyloxide Disulfonate 916Linear (C9-C11) alcohol ethoxylate 6 mol ethylene oxide PCMXChloroxylenol PMOPeppermint Oil BAKBenzalkonium Chloride TTOTea Tree Oil CARCarvacrol THYThymol OPPortho-phenylphenol SYNSyntran 4125 SMAStyrene Maleic Anhydride Copolymer

[0070] The pH of Examples 1-4 may be adjusted with either sodium hydroxide or citric acid to be within the desired range.

[0071] Examples 1 and 2 are intended to be ready-to-use compositions. The compositions of Examples 3 and 4 may be diluted prior to use. The extent of the dilution will vary according to the nature and concentration of active ingredient in the particular formula and the degree of fouling on the particular textile. Dilutions of up to 50 to 1 can be made with the more concentrated products, e.g. Example 3, in situations where the soiling on the textile is minimal or where the composition is being applied as a preventative treatment.

[0072] More specialised formulations may be prepared from the preceding formulation to incorporate secondary compounds such as insect/animal repellents, odour absorbing compounds or miticides. In these cases, the main formulation may serve as a carrier for the secondary compounds. Examples of these modified formulations are as follows:

Example 5Added Miticide

[0073] The formulation of Example 1 is modified by the addition of a readily dispersible solution of miticides, benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate.

[0074] PREMIX A. 0.5 g of benzyl benzoate is mixed with 0.5 g benzyl alcohol and 1.5 g sodium lauryl sulphate. This is dissolved, if need be, with gentle warming.

[0075] 2.5 g of PREMIX A is added very slowly to 100 g of Example 1 under strong agitation. The resulting solution is mixed for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature. The solution is checked for stability and such other quality control characteristics as required.

Example 6Added Odour Neutraliser

[0076] The formulation of Example 4 is modified by the addition of a readily dispersible solution of the odour absorbing compound zinc ricinoleate.

[0077] PREMIX B. 25.0 g of Example 4 is diluted with 100.0 g deionised water while stirring. To this solution is added 5.0 g of Tegosorb A30 while stirring. Stirring is continued for 30 minutes until a clear, homogenous product is obtained. The pH of the sample is adjusted to the range of 7-9 using sodium hydroxide. The solution is checked for stability and other quality control characteristics as required.

Example 7Included Spore Germinant

[0078] The formulation of Example 2 is modified by the addition of a spore germinant. In this example, sodium cholate, a germinant for the spores of Clostridium difficile is used.

[0079] 0.01 g of sodium cholate is added to 100 g of Example 2 with stirring under strong agitation. The resulting solution is mixed for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature. The solution is checked for stability and such other quality control characteristics as required.

Alternative Embodiments

[0080] In the following examples, a crosslinking biocide is used to increase the friability of the dried residue either in isolation or in combination with other biocidal species. In these embodiments, sodium lauryl sulphate is used as the surfactant and Syntran 4125 is used as the polymeric delayed release additive.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Weight Percentages of Actives Water 95.5 94 Zinc Chloride 0.5 0.5 Sodium Lauryl Sulphate 1.5 2.5 Carvacrol 0.5 Syntran 4125 2.5 2.5