Hard surface cleaning composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid aqueous detergent composition comprising a surfactant system comprising as primary surfactant an anionic surfactant and as secondary surfactant an amphoteric surfactant, while the surfactant system is free of alkyl benzene sulfonate and derivatives thereof. The present invention further relates to a method of cleaning stainless steel hard surfaces using the composition of the present invention and uses thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hard surface cleaning compositions, particularly liquid aqueous detergent compositions comprising a surfactant system, which provide good foaming and cleaning performance on hard stainless steel surfaces such as stainless steel tableware. Background Technology

[0002] Household cleaning activities involve using detergent products and water to rinse them off and complete the cleaning process. These activities are typically performed daily, often more than once a day, such as dishwashing. That said, hard surface cleaning, dishwashing, and other household cleaning activities are time-consuming and ideally can be optimized by using products with excellent cleaning and stain-removing power.

[0003] Dishwashing can be done in an automatic dishwasher, often called machine dishwashing; or by hand, often called manual dishwashing. For manual dishwashing, consumers use visual cues to determine if dishes have been adequately cleaned. One such cue is foam formation. When no foam forms while washing dishes, users may assume the cleaning liquid used is ineffective. Consumers are also sensitive to "water splitting" when washing stainless steel dishes, particularly those popular in South Asia. When cleaning stainless steel dishes (e.g., plates) with a tool dampened with cleaning liquid (e.g., a sponge), the dishes are rinsed with water to remove foam and emulsified dirt. On stainless steel surfaces, if the surface is hydrophobic, for example due to trace amounts of greasy dirt, water is repelled. This is called "water splitting," meaning water is visible as discrete droplets. If the stainless steel surface is hydrophilic, water will cover the surface as a more or less continuous thin layer of water—this is called "water sheeting." Consumers associate water sheeting with clean dishes. On the other hand, water splitting is associated with dishes that are still dirty.

[0004] Currently, some consumers prefer cleaning products with good environmental properties. That is, they prefer products that are "environmentally friendly" and have little or no impact on the environment when used or manufactured. Many cleaning products on the market claim to be "environmentally friendly" or "natural," but consumers don't always easily understand what these positive terms truly mean. Furthermore, some consumers still associate "environmentally friendly" cleaning products with inefficient ones.

[0005] The Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) is one way to quantify the “environmentally friendly” characteristics of ingredients and products. The higher the RCI, the better the renewable nature of the ingredient or product. A further optimized form of this index is the Biorenewable Carbon Index (BCI), in which at least some of the carbon in the ingredient or product originates from a recently living plant or animal organism.

[0006] Surfactant systems in cleaning products contribute to their cleaning efficacy. The RCI and BCI of surfactants can vary significantly depending on certain surfactants with high RCI or BCI, such as alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) and rhamnolipides, because they are very natural, while other surfactants are simply not available from renewable resources. Due to supply, cost, and / or formulation limitations, surfactant systems may not always be formulated using surfactants such as APGs and rhamnolipides alone, and sometimes such surfactant mixtures do not match the desired cleaning properties. Some of the most widely used surfactants are not (economically) available as ingredients with high RCI or BCI, such as alkylbenzene sulfonates (ABS).

[0007] In view of the above, there is still a need for hard surface cleaning compositions with good environmental properties without compromising consumer satisfaction with cleaning experience and performance and / or, for example, foam formation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The inventors have developed a liquid detergent composition that provides improved visual cues, such as foaming and water film formation, especially on hard stainless steel surfaces.

[0009] Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid aqueous detergent composition comprising:

[0010] a. A surfactant system comprising 8 to 30 wt% of:

[0011] i. The main surfactant is an anionic surfactant, containing

[0012] Surfactant A in Formula I: (R1-(OR') n -O-SO3 - ) x M x+ ,

[0013] in:

[0014] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain;

[0015] R' stands for ethylene;

[0016] n is between 1 and 18;

[0017] x equals 1 or 2;

[0018] M x+ To provide a suitable electrically neutral cation, it is selected from sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium; and

[0019] Surfactant B of Formula II: (R1-O-SO3) - ) x M x+ ,

[0020] in:

[0021] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain;

[0022] x equals 1 or 2;

[0023] M x+ To provide a suitable electrically neutral cation, it is selected from sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium; and

[0024] ii. A secondary surfactant of amphoteric surfactants, which contains betaine;

[0025] b. 0.10 to 5 wt% of an inorganic salt, wherein the inorganic salt is selected from sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and combinations thereof;

[0026] The weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B is in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.5;

[0027] The surfactant system described herein does not contain alkylbenzene sulfonates or their derivatives; and

[0028] The weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is in the range of 4:1 to 13:1.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning hard surfaces using the compositions of the present invention and their uses. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Any feature of one aspect of the invention may be used in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” means “including”, but not necessarily “consisting of” or “comprises of”. In other words, the listed steps or options are necessarily exhaustive. Except where explicitly stated in the operational and comparative examples, or elsewhere, all figures in this specification indicating the quantity of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials, and / or uses should be understood to be modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the form of “from x to y” should be understood to include both x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the format of “x to y” for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also covered. Unless otherwise stated, quantities used herein are expressed as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the composition and are abbreviated as “wt%”. The use of any and all embodiments or exemplary language such as “such as” provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and is not in any way to limit the scope of the additionally claimed invention. Room temperature is defined as a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius.

[0031] Aqueous detergent composition

[0032] The composition of the present invention is an aqueous cleaning composition, that is, the composition contains water. The amount of water will depend on the desired concentration of the other components. Preferably, the composition contains 60 to 92 wt% water, more preferably not less than 62 wt%, even more preferably not less than 65 wt%, but generally not more than 85 wt%, more preferably not more than 80 wt%, even more preferably not more than 75 wt%.

[0033] The composition is a liquid, meaning it can be poured. The composition of the present invention preferably has a 21s viscosity measured at a controlled temperature of 25°C in the range of 1000 to 2700 cps on a Hacker viscometer (models including VT181, VT501, VT550 or equivalent) equipped with an MV cup and an MV2 pendulum, featuring a "cup" and "pendulum" geometry. -1 Lower viscosity. Preferably 1500-2500, more preferably 1700-2300. Users sometimes prefer thicker compositions because they may be easier to dispense. For compositions with lower surfactant content, viscous products can also validate the user's perception of the appropriate cleaning ability of such compositions.

[0034] surfactant system

[0035] The compositions of the present invention comprise a surfactant system. The surfactant system comprises at least a primary surfactant and a secondary surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is from 4:1 to 13:1. Preferably, the weight ratio is 6:1 to 12:1, more preferably 8:1 to 11:1.

[0036] The surfactant system is present in the composition at a concentration of 8-30 wt%. Preferably, the surfactant system has a weight ratio of 8 to 25 wt%, more preferably 8 to 20 wt%, and even more preferably 10 to 20 wt%.

[0037] main surfactant

[0038] The main surfactant is an anionic surfactant, which includes surfactant A of the following formula (Formula I):

[0039] (R1-(OR') n -O-SO3 - ) x M x+ ,in:

[0040] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain, preferably a C12-C14 hydrocarbon chain; more preferably, R1 is a saturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain, more preferably a saturated C12-C14 hydrocarbon chain.

[0041] R' is ethylene;

[0042] n is 1 to 18, preferably 1 to 15, more preferably 1 to 10, and even more preferably 1 to 5;

[0043] x equals 1 or 2;

[0044] M x+ To provide a suitable electrically neutral cation, sodium, calcium, potassium, or magnesium are preferred, with sodium cation being more preferred.

[0045] Preferably, the main surfactant, surfactant A, comprises sodium lauryl ether sulfate having 1 to 3 ethylene oxide units per molecule; more preferably, sodium lauryl ether sulfate having 1 to 2 ethylene oxide units per molecule.

[0046] The main surfactant also includes surfactant B of the following formula (Formula II):

[0047] (R1-O-SO3 - ) x M x+ ,in:

[0048] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain, preferably a C12-C14 hydrocarbon chain; more preferably, R1 is a saturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain, more preferably a saturated C12-C14 hydrocarbon chain.

[0049] x equals 1 or 2;

[0050] M x+ To provide a suitable electrically neutral cation, sodium, calcium, potassium, or magnesium are preferred, with sodium cation being more preferred.

[0051] Examples of surfactant B include sodium lauryl sulfate. Suitable examples include alkyl sulfates from synthetic sources, traded under the names Safol 23, Dobanol 23A or 23S, Lial 123S, Alfol 1412S, Empicol LC3, and Empicol 075SR. Other suitable and preferred examples include alkyl sulfates available commercially from natural resource companies under the trade names Galaxy 689, Galaxy 780, Galaxy 789, and Galaxy 799SP.

[0052] The weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B is in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.5, preferably in the range of 1.5:1 to 1:2.

[0053] Preferably, based on the total amount of the main surfactant, the main surfactant comprises at least 70 wt% of surfactant A and surfactant B. More preferably, at least 80 wt%, even more preferably at least 90 wt%, and still more preferably at least 95 wt%. Preferably, the main surfactant consists of surfactant A and surfactant B.

[0054] The main surfactant may include other anionic surfactants such as rhamnolipids, which are anionic biosurfactants.

[0055] The main surfactant may be present at a concentration of 80 wt% to 93 wt%, preferably 85 wt% to 92 wt%, and more preferably 89 wt% to 92 wt%, based on the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0056] secondary surfactants

[0057] The surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant containing betaine.

[0058] Preferably, based on the total amount of the secondary surfactant, the secondary surfactant contains at least 70 wt% betaine. More preferably, at least 80 wt%, even more preferably, at least 90 wt%, and still more preferably, at least 95 wt%. Preferably, the secondary surfactant is composed of betaine.

[0059] The surfactant may be present at a concentration of 7 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably 8 wt% to 14 wt%, and more preferably 8 wt% to 12.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0060] betaine

[0061] Amphoteric surfactants include betaine. Suitable betaine include alkyl betaine, alkylamido betaine, alkylamidopropyl betaine, alkyl sulfono betaine, and alkyl phosphate betaine, wherein the alkyl group preferably has 8-19 carbon atoms. Examples include cocamidopropyl betaine, cetyl betaine, lauramide propyl betaine, caprylic / decanoic betaine, caprylyl / decanoamide propyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysulfono betaine, and cocamidopropyl hydroxysulfono betaine, with lauryl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, and sodium cocamidopropyl propionate being preferred. Preferably, the betaine is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

[0062] Other surfactants

[0063] In addition to anionic surfactants as the primary surfactant and amphoteric surfactants as secondary surfactants, the surfactant systems of the present invention may contain other types of surfactants. More specifically, the surfactant systems may also contain cationic and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0064] Suitable nonionic surfactants include condensation products of higher alcohols (e.g., alkanols with straight-chain or branched configurations containing about 8 to 18 carbon atoms) condensed with about 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide, such as lauryl alcohol or myristyl alcohol condensed with about 16 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), tridecanol condensed with about 6 moles of EO, myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of EO per mole of myristyl alcohol, condensation products of EO with coconut fatty alcohol fractions (containing a mixture of fatty alcohols with a length of 10 to about 14 carbon atoms) (wherein the condensate contains about 6 moles of EO per mole of total alcohol or about 9 moles of EO per mole of alcohol), and tallow ethoxylates containing 6 to 11 EO per mole of alcohol. Particularly preferred are lauryl alcohols condensed with 5, 7, and 9 moles of ethylene oxide (lauryl alcohol polyether 5, lauryl alcohol polyether 7, and lauryl alcohol polyether 9). Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is selected from lauryl ether 5, lauryl ether 7 and lauryl ether 9, or a mixture thereof.

[0065] 2 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide with mono- and tri-C sorbitol 10 -C 20 Condensations of alkyl esters with an HLB of 8 to 15 can also be used as nonionic surfactants. These surfactants are well known and are available from Imperial Chemical Industries under the trade name Tween. Suitable surfactants include polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitol monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitol monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitol trioleate, and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitol tristearate.

[0066] Another nonionic surfactant that can be used is alkyl polysaccharide glycoside. They are likely preferred due to their high renewable carbon index (RCI) and biorenewable carbon index (BCI).

[0067] When present, the concentration of the nonionic surfactant is 0.1% to 5% (by weight) of the surfactant system, preferably at least 0.3%, more preferably at least 0.5%, but preferably not more than 4%, more preferably not more than 3%, and even more preferably not more than 2% (by weight).

[0068] Some surfactants are known to have other functions and are sometimes classified as such, although such components are generally known to be surfactants. For example, benzalkonium chloride (BKC) is a known cationic surfactant that can also be used as an antimicrobial agent. For the purposes of this invention, these components are taken into account when calculating the weight percentage of surfactants.

[0069] Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) and Biorenewable Carbon Index (BCI)

[0070] Renewable carbon is defined as carbon derived from recently living plant or animal organisms (as opposed to fossil carbon derived from coal, oil, or petroleum-based sources), as well as carbon derived from CO2 capture.

[0071] Biorenewable carbon is defined as carbon derived from recently living plant or animal organisms and therefore does not have the characteristics of fossil carbon derived from coal, oil, or petroleum.

[0072] In the context of this invention, RCI is defined as the value calculated by dividing the number of renewable carbons by the total number of carbons in the entire molecule, and BCI is defined as the value calculated by dividing the number of biologically renewable carbons by the total number of carbons in the entire molecule. For example, if 80% of the carbons present in the surfactant system are renewable carbons, then the RCI is 0.8.

[0073] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention comprises a surfactant system having an RCI of at least 0.85, more preferably at least 0.9, and even more preferably at least 0.95. Ideally, the RCI of the surfactant system is 1.

[0074] For liquid detergent compositions requiring an "eco" label, it should be understood that the surfactant system preferably has a BCI of at least 0.8. Preferably, at least 0.85, more preferably at least 0.9, and even more preferably at least 0.95. Ideally, the surfactant system has a BCI of 1.

[0075] Alkylbenzene sulfonate (ABS)

[0076] ABS is not readily available from renewable or biorenewable carbon sources. Therefore, any amount of ABS in the surfactant system of the compositions of this invention will not contribute to the RCI or BCI of the surfactant system. Therefore, the surfactant system of the compositions of this invention is free of alkylbenzene sulfonates and their derivatives.

[0077] Alkylbenzene sulfonates (ABS) and their derivatives include water-soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulfonic acids having an alkyl group, which typically contains about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably 12 to 15 carbon atoms, and can be saturated or unsaturated. Examples include sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl toluene sulfonates, alkyl xylene sulfonates, alkylphenol sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, ammonium dipentylnaphthalene sulfonate, and sodium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate, as well as mixtures with olefin sulfonates.

[0078] Inorganic salts

[0079] The composition contains 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% of an inorganic salt selected from sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and combinations thereof. The inorganic salt advantageously controls the viscosity of the detergent composition.

[0080] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition contains 0.5 to 4 wt%, more preferably 1.0 to 3 wt%, and even more preferably 1.5 to 2.5 wt% of inorganic salt.

[0081] Polyethylene oxide

[0082] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention may optionally contain polyethylene oxide with a molecular weight greater than 200,000 g / mol. The polyethylene oxide may be present as a single compound with a molecular weight greater than 200,000 g / mol or as a mixture of at least two polyethylene oxides.

[0083] As used herein, “polyethylene oxide” refers to polyethylene oxide (PEO) or high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG). As used herein, “high molecular weight polyethylene glycol” refers to a linear homopolymer derived from ethylene oxide and having a molecular weight of at least 200,000 g / mol, for example, from 200,000 g / mol to 4,000,000 g / mol.

[0084] Preferably, the molecular weight of the polyethylene oxide is from 300,000 g / mol to 4,000,000 g / mol, more preferably from 500,000 g / mol to 3,000,000 g / mol, and even more preferably from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 g / mol.

[0085] Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, commercially available polyethylene oxides under the trade names WSR N-10, WSR N-80, WSR N-750, WSR 205, WSR1105, WSR N-12K, WSR N-60K, WSR-301, WSR-303, and WSR-308, all from The Dow Chemical Company; polyethylene oxide (PEO) from MSE, Beantown chemicals, or Acros Organics; PEO 100K from Polysciences; PEO-1, PEO2, PEO-3, PEO-4, PEO-8, PEO-15, PEO-18, PEO-57, and PEO-29 from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Ltd.; or ALKOX polyethylene glycol from Meisei Chemical Works.

[0086] If present, the amount of polyethylene oxide is 0.001 to 0.2 wt% of the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the polyethylene oxide is present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.18, more preferably 0.1 to 0.15 wt%.

[0087] pH of the composition

[0088] Preferably, the pH of the composition of the present invention is between 4.0 and 8.0. More preferably, the pH is between 4.5 and 7.5, more preferably between 4.5 and 7.0, and even more preferably between 5.0 and 6.5.

[0089] Optional ingredients

[0090] The compositions of the present invention may contain other ingredients that contribute to cleaning or sensory properties. In addition to the ingredients already mentioned, the compositions according to the present invention may also contain a variety of other optional ingredients, such as thickeners, colorants, preservatives, fatty acids, antimicrobial agents, fragrances, pH adjusters, chelating agents, alkaline agents, and water-soluble agents.

[0091] organic solvents

[0092] The preferred composition does not contain the large amounts of organic solvents typically added to improve cleaning performance, i.e., it contains 0-1 wt% organic solvents. Preferably, the composition is free of organic solvents.

[0093] siloxane

[0094] The compositions of the present invention preferably contain only a limited amount of siloxane, because these siloxanes may not provide the desired user properties for the cleaning compositions of the present invention. Siloxanes can, for example, leave a “slippery” feeling on hard surfaces. Therefore, the compositions of the present invention preferably contain 0 to 1 wt%, more preferably 0 to 0.5 wt%, and even more preferably 0 to 0.1 wt% of siloxane. Still more preferably, the compositions are siloxane-free.

[0095] Product Form

[0096] The composition can be used in pure or diluted form. For hard surface cleaning or more specifically for dishwashing purposes, the cleaning composition is typically applied directly to the surface or tool (e.g., a sponge or cloth). When applied in diluted form, the composition is preferably diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1 to 1:100, more preferably at a ratio of 1:1 to 1:10.

[0097] The composition can be packaged in any commercially available bottle for storing liquids.

[0098] Bottles containing liquids can have different sizes and shapes to hold different volumes of liquid; preferably 0.25-2L, more preferably 0.25-1.5L or even 0.25-1L. The bottles are preferably equipped with dispensers, which allow consumers to disperse the liquid more easily. Spray or pump dispensers can also be used.

[0099] method

[0100] This invention also relates to a method for cleaning hard surfaces of stainless steel, comprising the following steps:

[0101] a. Contact the hard surface with the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, optionally in diluted form, and

[0102] b. Remove the detergent composition from hard surfaces by rinsing with water.

[0103] Preferably, the cleaning method is manual cleaning, more preferably manual dishwashing.

[0104] As used in this article, "hard surface" generally refers to utensils or kitchenware, kitchen countertops, sinks, and kitchen cabinet surfaces. Preferably, a hard surface is stainless steel tableware.

[0105] On the other hand, the present invention relates to the use of the liquid detergent composition of the present invention for manually washing hard stainless steel surfaces, preferably stainless steel tableware.

[0106] In any of the methods described above, the composition of the present invention is applied to a hard surface in pure or diluted form. The composition can be applied by any known means, such as by using a cleaning tool, such as a scrubber, sponge, paper, cloth, rag, or any other direct or indirect application. The applied composition can be cleaned with water using a cleaning tool such as a scrubber, sponge, paper, cloth, or rag, or rinsed off with water (optionally running water).

[0107] The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0108] Example

[0109] Standard dirt

[0110] A standard dirt mixture was prepared by mixing the ingredients in Table 1.

[0111] Table 1 - Standard Fouling Mixtures

[0112] Element gram stearic acid 1.25 Oleic acid 1.25 Sunflower seed oil 47.5 wheat flour 50 Water (5FH) Up to 500

[0113] Dirty plates

[0114] Use the following method to prepare a dirty stainless steel plate.

[0115] 1. Dispense 1.5 ml of standard dirt onto a clean, dry stainless steel dish with a diameter of 20 cm. The dish should be at room temperature.

[0116] 2. Use a rubber stopper to spread the dirt evenly on the front surface of the plate and let it age for 15 minutes.

[0117] 3. Spray 5ml of water onto the surface of the plate to wet it.

[0118] 4. Allow the moistened soil to age for another 15 minutes.

[0119] 5. Prepare the dirty plate for the cleaning test.

[0120] Cleaning solution

[0121] A cleaning solution was prepared by mixing 3.75 grams of the cleaning composition with 40 grams of water. This solution is a "test solution".

[0122] Cleaning test

[0123] 1. Fold the damp green pad (Scotch Brite scrubbing pad, from 3M, 224×158mm) precisely in the middle.

[0124] 2. Immerse the moistened green pad in the test solution. Then place the pad at three points on the dirty plate.

[0125] 3. Scrub the front of the plate 6 times clockwise and 6 times counterclockwise, covering the entire surface of the plate.

[0126] 4. Rub the sides (i.e., edges) 5 times, 3 strokes each time.

[0127] 5. Scrub the back of the plate clockwise 3 times and counterclockwise 3 times.

[0128] 6. Visually assess the foam level on each plate and report it as foam (F), low foam (L), or no foam (N).

[0129] 7. Rinse the plate under running water, then observe the water separation pattern and report it as water separation (X) or aqueous film formation (C).

[0130] Repeat steps 3-7 using another dirty plate until no foam is visible in step 6. These plates are referred to as the first plate (1S), the second plate (2S), the third plate (3S), and so on.

[0131] Cleaning Composition

[0132] Cleaning compositions were prepared according to Table 2. Cleaning tests were performed on each prepared cleaning composition. The results of the cleaning tests are shown in Table 3.

[0133] Table 2 (wt%, based on total product, water up to 100%)

[0134]

[0135]

[0136] SLES: Galaxy TM LES 170, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C14 Natural, 1EO; CAPB: Galaxy TM CAPB SB, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C18 Natural; PAS: Galaxy TM 780, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C14 Natural; LAS: LABSA, from Fogla Corp.

[0137] Table 3 - Cleaning Test Results

[0138]

[0139]

[0140] F = foam; L = low foam; N = no foam; X = water separation; C = aqueous film formation. Samples 1 and 16 provided sufficient foam formation and appropriate aqueous film formation.

Claims

1. A liquid aqueous detergent composition comprising: a. A surfactant system comprising 8 to 30 wt% of: i. is the main surfactant of anionic surfactants, which contains Surfactant A in Formula I: (R1-(OR') n -O-SO3 - ) x M x+ , in: R1 is either saturated or unsaturated C8-C. 16 hydrocarbon chain; R' stands for ethylene; n is between 1 and 18; x equals 1 or 2; M x+ To provide a suitable electrically neutral cation, it is selected from sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium; and Surfactant B of Formula II: (R1-O-SO3) - ) x M x+ , in: R1 is either saturated or unsaturated C8-C. 16 hydrocarbon chain; x equals 1 or 2; M x+ To provide a suitable electrically neutral cation, it is selected from sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium; and ii. A secondary surfactant of amphoteric surfactants, which contains betaine; b. 0.10 to 5 wt% of an inorganic salt, wherein the inorganic salt is selected from sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and combinations thereof; The weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B is in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.5; The surfactant system described herein does not contain alkylbenzene sulfonates or their derivatives; and The weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is in the range of 4:1 to 13:

1.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the main surfactant comprises sodium lauryl ether sulfate having 1 to 2 ethylene oxide units per molecule.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B is in the range of 1.5:1 to 1:

2.

4. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the secondary surfactant comprises betaine selected from alkyl betaine, alkylamido betaine, alkylamidopropyl betaine, alkyl sulfobetaine, alkyl phosphate betaine, and combinations thereof.

5. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the betaine is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

6. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the surfactant system is 8-25 wt%.

7. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the surfactant system is 8-20 wt%.

8. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the surfactant system is 10-20 wt%.

9. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is 6:1 to 12:

1.

10. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is 8:1 to 11:

1.

11. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pH of the composition is 4-8.

12. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition is measured at a controlled temperature of 25°C on a Hacker viscometer equipped with an MV cup and an MV2 pendulum, wherein the 21s value is measured on a Hacker viscometer having a "cup" and "pendulum" geometry. -1 The viscosity ranges from 1000 cps to 2700 cps.

13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the viscosity of the composition is in the range of 1500 cps to 2500 cps.

14. The composition of claim 12, wherein the viscosity of the composition is in the range of 1700 cps to 2300 cps.

15. The composition of claim 12, wherein the Hacker viscometer is of model number including VT181, VT501, VT550 or equivalent.

16. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising 0.001-0.2 wt% of polyethylene oxide with a molecular weight greater than 200,000 g / mol.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the polyethylene oxide has a molecular weight of 500,000 g / mol to 3,000,000 g / mol.

18. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surfactant system has a renewable carbon index (RCI) of at least 0.

85.

19. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surfactant system has a renewable carbon index (RCI) of at least 0.

9.

20. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surfactant system has a renewable carbon index (RCI) of at least 0.

95.

21. A method for cleaning a hard surface of stainless steel, comprising the following steps: a. Contact the hard surface with the liquid aqueous detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20, optionally in diluted form, and b. Remove the liquid aqueous detergent composition from the hard surface by rinsing with water.

22. The cleaning method according to claim 21, wherein the hard surface is stainless steel tableware.

23. Use of the liquid aqueous detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20 for hand washing hard surfaces of stainless steel.

24. Use of the liquid aqueous detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 20 for hand washing stainless steel tableware.

Images