Compostable and biodegradable pre-wetted cleaning and bactericidal wipe system based on quaternary ammonium compounds with specific surface friction properties

Abstract

Pre-dosed wipes and packaging systems of such wipes comprising a non-woven substrate formed from natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, where the natural pulp fibers are not only present at the interior of the substrate but are substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the substrate, and where the regenerated cellulose fibers are not present at the interior of the substrate. The natural pulp fibers are exposed on the outer surface of the wipe. As a result of the absence of synthetic fibers, the non-woven substrate and wipe as a whole can meet any applicable biodegradability / compostability standard (e.g., ASTM D6400 or EN13432). The wipe may be substantially free of compostable synthetic polyester fibers or other synthetic fibers, such as PHA, PLA, PVA, PVOH, PP, or PET. A cleaning composition is loaded onto the wipe. A container may be provided within which more than one non-woven substrate previously dosed with a cleaning composition is packaged.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 450,616, filed on August 16, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 404,243, filed on September 7, 2022, and entitled “QUAT-BASED COMPOSTABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE PRE-MOISTENED CLEANING AND DISINFECTING WIPES SYSTEM WITH PARTICULAR SURFACEFRICTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Background of the Invention

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cleaning wipes, such as preloaded cleaning wipes in which the substrate is formed entirely of a compostable (e.g., cellulose) material and is preloaded with a cleaning composition during manufacture. Such preloaded wipes may be provided in a container (e.g., packaged in a container during manufacture).

[0003] 2. Description of Related Technology Many cleaning wipes are available, such as, for example, DISINFECTING WIPE from CLOROX. While such wipes provide good overall cleaning and disinfecting properties, versatility and convenience, there is a continuing need for improved cleaning wipes and methods of making the same.

[0004] For example, a significant portion of the nonwoven substrates used to make such existing wipes are formed from materials derived from non-renewable petrochemical sources, wherein such materials (e.g., polypropylene and / or PET) are generally not biodegradable or compostable. Since such wipes are generally used once and then disposed of, it would be advantageous for such substrates to be formed from renewable materials and / or for such materials to be biodegradable and / or compostable, reducing their impact on the environment.

[0005] In particular, hard surface cleaning and disinfecting wipe substrates are usually formed from synthetic polymers or blends of different types of fibers (synthetic polymer fibers + cellulose fibers) wherein the substrate is dosed with a matrix containing a polymer that kills microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus ( Staph ) and Escherichia coli ( E. Coli) of an antimicrobial agent (commonly referred to in the art as a lotion). The terms "lotion" and "cleaning composition" and similar terms are used interchangeably herein. Commonly employed antimicrobial agents include quaternary ammonium compounds (also known as quaternary amines or "quats"), citric acid, lactic acid, peracetic acid, and hypochlorites. The most common types of fibers used in the substrate are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate / polypropylene (PET / PP), PET / rayon, and PP / wood pulp.

[0006] As the demand for compostable products grows, there is a need to develop pre-moistened wipes that have similar performance properties to existing synthetic substrate-based materials but are also compostable. Existing compostable antiseptic and cleaning wipes are a niche market and are typically made using natural fiber substrates or regenerated cellulose fiber substrates that are dosed with an antimicrobial formulation. There are three main categories of such compostable substrates that are commercially available: 1) 100% natural fiber (wood pulp, cotton, linen, etc.); 2) 100% regenerated cellulose; and 3) Blended substrates that combine natural fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers to varying degrees.

[0007] 100% natural fiber substrates have a major disadvantage - low wet strength and stiffness. 100% recycled substrates have the disadvantage that they are relatively very expensive and do not have the "feel" of natural fiber substrates preferred by consumers. All currently available blending options that combine natural fibers and recycled pulp fibers have a key disadvantage - they are multi-layer structures, in which the natural fibers are always hidden in the middle (inner) layer of the substrate, thereby preventing the substrate from having the desired "feel" characteristics. Such a configuration also reduces the ability of the substrate to accept and maintain texture, for example, in order to include 3D features (texturing). Such 3D features in these types of wipe substrates can be mainly obtained by relocating natural fibers (e.g., wood pulp) with relatively short fiber lengths and therefore easier to move to preferred areas to produce peak-valley 3D textured areas. Although some flushable wipes that can include non-multi-layer blended substrates may be available, such wipes are similar to (1) determined above because they exhibit very low wet strength and stiffness, making them unsuitable for use as cleaning or antiseptic wipes.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for compostable hard surface cleaning and disinfecting wipes made using a blend of natural fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers having improved properties. Brief Overview

[0009] The present invention relates to compostable hard surface cleaning and disinfecting wipes made using a blend of natural fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, the wipes exhibiting improved wet strength, exhibiting an integrated, uniform distribution and structure of different fiber types, wherein the natural fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers are uniformly blended, wherein the natural fibers (wood pulp) "bloom" through or between the regenerated cellulose fibers so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the wipe so as to be available to the consumer to touch and feel (so as to provide a desired "feel"), and wherein the wipes provide specific and unusual frictional properties to promote improved cleaning of sticky and tacky soils from a variety of hard surfaces.

[0010] A cleaning and disinfecting wipe is disclosed that meets the need for a compostable substrate having one or more of the following characteristics: 1) made from compostable cellulose fibers without any binder, synthetic resin fibers or other additives; 2) the fibers are a blend of natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers; 3) the substrate exhibits a substantially uniform integrated nonwoven web structure (i.e., non-laminated); 4) a significant proportion of the natural pulp fibers are accessible on both major sides of the substrate surface (i.e., exposed on both major sides of the substrate surface); 5) relatively high wet strength; 6) formed from regenerated fibers having a fiber length greater than 1 inch; and 7) the wipe exhibits a wet dynamic (sliding) coefficient of friction greater than 0.40 or greater than 0.45, and / or a wet static coefficient of friction greater than 0.5 or greater than 0.55 when loaded with a lotion.

[0011] The use of natural pulp fibers in combination with regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., lyocell, viscose, bamboo, or the like) not only allows the elimination of traditional polypropylene or PET synthetic, non-biodegradable fibers, but also avoids the use of so-called compostable synthetic fibers (e.g., compostable polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or polylactic acid (PLA)), as well as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or polyvinyl acetate (PVA) fibers, which are also synthetic and are generally derived from petrochemical resources rather than renewable resources. Such petrochemically derived thermoplastic binder fibers (whether compostable or not) are not required or present, nor are such fibers required to hold the substrate together. Even without such fibers, the substrate exhibits good wet strength properties that are similar to those of existing non-compostable wipes formed from blends of synthetic fibers and wood pulp.

[0012] Forming the entire substrate from cellulosic fibers (e.g., natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers) allows the nonwoven substrate to meet applicable biodegradability or compostability standards, such as ASTM D6400 (e.g., D6400-19) or EN13432 (e.g., EN13432:2000), because substantially all of the components included therein may be biodegradable and / or compostable. In addition, because the pulp fiber portion of the substrate is not provided in a layered, non-uniform configuration, but rather in a configuration in which both fiber types (pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers) are exposed on the exterior face of the wipe, the resulting wipe exhibits a desired combination of hand and wet strength properties. Such a combination of properties is not available in existing wipe substrates, which do not provide a uniform distribution of pulp fibers throughout the substrate, the pulp fibers being mixed with regenerated cellulose fibers in a uniform or substantially uniform configuration.

[0013] The natural fibers (eg, pulp fibers) and regenerated cellulose fibers are provided as being relatively uniformly blended together, rather than being present as distinct and identifiable distinct or different layers within the substrate. In addition to the different blended fiber materials, a cleaning composition loaded onto a nonwoven substrate is also provided.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments relate to a pre-loaded hard surface cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing wipe, the wipe comprising a non-woven substrate as described above, for example comprising natural (e.g., pulp) fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers. The pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers are generally evenly distributed throughout the substrate, with the natural pulp fibers exposed on the outer face of the wipe. In an embodiment, the non-woven substrate can be airlaid, wet-laid, carded, through-air bonded, hydroentangled, hydroembossed, needle-punched, etc. During manufacture, a cleaning composition comprising an antimicrobial agent pre-loaded on the non-woven substrate is provided to provide disinfection or sterilization. One class of particularly suitable antimicrobial agents includes quaternary ammonium compounds, but it should be understood that cleaning compositions based on other antimicrobial chemistries, such as cleaning compositions using organic acids (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, etc.), peracetic acid or other peracids, hypochlorites, phenolic compounds (e.g., thymol, limonene, terpineol, etc.), hydrogen peroxide, or any mixture or combination thereof, may also be suitable for use. In an embodiment, the substrate as loaded has a CD / MD extensibility ratio of less than 2.

[0015] Another embodiment is directed to a pre-loaded wipe system for hard surface cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing wipes, the pre-loaded wipe system comprising more than one non-woven substrate as described above, for example, a non-woven substrate comprising natural (e.g., pulp, cellulose, etc.) fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., rayon, lyocell, viscose, modal, acetate, etc.), wherein the pulp fibers are uniformly dispersed throughout the substrate, wherein the natural pulp fibers are exposed on the outer face of the wipe. The substrate may include 50%-90% by weight of natural pulp fibers and from 10%-50% by weight of regenerated cellulose fibers. The cleaning composition may include 0.05%-5% by weight of one or more antimicrobial agents, 0.05%-1% by weight of surfactants, 0.1%-5% by weight of at least one glycol ether solvent and / or alcohol solvent, and at least 90% by weight of water. A container (e.g., a flexible bag, cylinder, tub, or other dispensing container) may be provided within which more than one nonwoven substrate loaded with a cleaning composition is packaged. In an embodiment, the substrate as loaded has a CD ductility of less than 50%.

[0016] Another embodiment relates to a pre-loaded wipe system for hard surface cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing wipes, the pre-loaded wipe system includes more than one non-woven substrate as described above, such as a non-woven substrate composed of natural (e.g., pulp) fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, wherein the pulp fibers are evenly dispersed throughout the substrate, wherein the natural pulp fibers are exposed on the outer face of the wipe. The cleaning composition may include one or more antimicrobial agents and at least 90% water by weight. A container (e.g., a flexible bag, a cylinder, a basin or other dispensing container) may be provided, and more than one non-woven substrate loaded with the cleaning composition is packaged in the container. The substrate as loaded may have a volume greater than 3 lb. f / in CD modulus.

[0017] In an embodiment, the antimicrobial agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0018] In embodiments, the wipe, as loaded, has a wet dynamic coefficient of friction greater than 0.40 or greater than 0.45 and / or a wet static coefficient of friction greater than 0.50 or greater than 0.55.

[0019] In an embodiment, the nonwoven substrate comprises from 50%-90% by weight natural pulp fibers and from 10%-50% by weight regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0020] In an embodiment, the nonwoven substrate comprises from 60%-80% by weight natural pulp fibers and from 20%-40% by weight regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0021] In an embodiment, the nonwoven substrate comprises greater than 50% by weight natural pulp fibers and less than 50% by weight regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0022] In an embodiment, the wipe has a wet (loaded) CD / MD ductility ratio of about 1, such as less than 2, less than 1.8, less than 1.7, less than 1.6, less than 1.5, such as from 0.8 to 1.7, from 0.8 to 1.5, or from 0.8 to 1.3. The CD / MD ductility ratio is defined as the ratio between the ductility (or stretch) of the loaded wipe in the cross direction divided by the ductility of the loaded wipe in the longitudinal direction, tested according to ASTM D-5035 using the 4.2.1.4 2C—50 mm (2.0 inch) cut strip test.

[0023] In an embodiment, the natural pulp fibers comprise wood pulp fibers.

[0024] In an embodiment, the regenerated cellulosic fibers comprise lyocell, viscose, or similar fibers.

[0025] In an embodiment, the substrate is substantially free of or completely free of synthetic binder fibers (e.g., PP, PE), including synthetic polyester binder fibers (e.g., PET), compostable polyester binder fibers (e.g., PHA, PLA), or other compostable binder fibers (e.g., PVA, PVOH).

[0026] In an embodiment, the substrate is substantially free of chemical adhesives, such as EVA, PVOH, or other chemical adhesives.

[0027] In embodiments, the substrate as loaded has a CD ductility of less than 50%, less than 40%, such as 30%-35%.

[0028] In embodiments, the loaded substrate has a mass greater than 3 lb f / in, greater than 3.5 lb f / in or greater than 4 lb f / in CD modulus.

[0029] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more specific description of the present invention will be presented by referring to the specific embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings located in the specification. It should be understood that these drawings only depict typical embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope. The present invention will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1A The cross direction to machine direction (CD / MD) extensibility ratios of various tested pre-dosed wipes are shown.

[0032] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A CD ductility of the same substrates tested in .

[0033] Figure 2-Figure 7 are photographs of various exemplary substrate materials tested for various parameters.

[0034] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1A-1B CD modulus values ​​for the same pre-dosed substrates tested in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] I. Definitions Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the system or process parameters of particular illustration, and these systems or process parameters can certainly change. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing a specific embodiment of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0036] All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0037] The term "comprising," which is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0038] The term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and "those materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics" of the claimed invention.

[0039] As used herein, the term "consisting of excludes any element, step or ingredient not specified in a claim.

[0040] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a surfactant" includes one, two or more surfactants.

[0041] All percentages, ratios, parts and amounts used and described herein are by weight unless otherwise stated.

[0042] As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the numeral, percentage, ratio or other value stated herein may include this value, and also include other values ​​approximately or approximating to the stated value.Therefore, all values ​​herein are understood to be modified by the term "approximately".Such a value therefore includes an amount or state close to the stated amount or state, which still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result.Therefore, the stated value should be interpreted widely enough to encompass the value at least close enough to the stated value to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result, and / or the value rounded to the stated value.The stated value at least includes the variation expected in typical manufacturing or other processes, and may include the value of within 10%, within 5%, within 1% of the stated value, etc.

[0043] Some ranges may be disclosed herein. Additional ranges may be defined between any values ​​disclosed herein as examples of specific parameters. All such ranges are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] In this application, effective amounts are generally those amounts listed as ranges or levels of ingredients in the subsequent description. Unless otherwise stated, amounts listed as percentages ("%) are by weight percentage of any composition (based on 100% active material).

[0045] If used herein, the wording 'free of' or similar words means that the composition or article contains 0% of the stated component, i.e., the component is not intentionally added. However, it will be understood that in some cases, such components may be formed later accidentally, or such components may be present accidentally, for example as an accidental contaminant.

[0046] As used herein, the phrase 'substantially free' or similar phrases means that the composition or article preferably contains 0% of the stated component, although it is understood that very small concentrations may be present, for example, by accidental formation, contamination, or even by intentional addition. If present, such components may be present in an amount of less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.25%, less than 0.1%, less than 0.05%, less than 0.01%, less than 0.005%, less than 0.001%, or less than 0.0001%. In some embodiments, the compositions or articles described herein may be free or substantially free of any particular component not mentioned in this specification.

[0047] As used herein, "disposable" is used in its ordinary sense to mean an article that is disposed of or discarded after a limited number of use events, preferably less than 25 times, more preferably less than about 10 times, and most preferably after a single use event. The wipes disclosed herein are generally disposable.

[0048] As used herein, the term "substrate" is intended to include any material for cleaning articles or surfaces. The example of cleaning substrate includes but is not limited to wipes, gloves, pads, or single material sheets for cleaning surfaces by hand, or can be attached to cleaning tools such as floor mops, handles or handheld cleaning tools such as toilet cleaning devices. "Substrate" as used herein can include high friction coefficients (that is, they are attached to surfaces, thereby providing better cleaning), and therefore can exclude the need for low-attachment personal cleaning applications. Especially, wipes of the present invention and substrates are configured for cleaning hard surfaces. Such substrates can be in the form of wipes generally.

[0049] Such substrate can be formed by the structure of the individual fibers interwoven in an unrecognizable manner (for example, nonwoven fabric). The nonwoven substrate included in the substrate of the present invention or the layer for constituting such nonwoven substrate can be formed by any suitable process. Since the substrate of the present invention does not adopt thermoplastic fibers, some processes (for example, melt-blown and similar processes) that are usually used for the formation of nonwoven fabrics that rely on such thermoplastic materials can not be used. Exemplary processes that can be used include but are not limited to air-laid, wet-laid, carded, air-bonded, entangled, embossed, needle-punched or its combination. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that a variety of processes for forming such nonwoven fabrics, many of which are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,696,109, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. EP applications EP992338, EP1687136, EP1861529, EP1303661 and US2004 / 0157524 are also incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. These references describe a variety of nonwoven structures that are generally illustrative and can be modified by using the contemplated pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers described herein.

[0050] The terms "wipe," "substrate," and similar terms may overlap in meaning, and although "wipe" may generally be used herein for convenience, it is understood that the term is generally interchangeable with "substrate."

[0051] As used herein, "wiping" refers to any shearing action that the wipe undergoes when in contact with a target surface. This includes hand or body motion, substrate-tool motion on the surface, or any disturbance of the substrate via an energy source such as ultrasound, mechanical vibration, electromagnetic, etc.

[0052] The cleaning compositions that are quantitatively fed to the substrate as described herein can provide disinfection, sterilization or sterilization, other cleaning or other processing.As used herein, the term "disinfection (sanitize)" should mean that the "target" pollutant in the inanimate environment is reduced to a level that is considered safe according to public health regulations, or when public health requirements have not yet been established, the "target" bacteria population is reduced to a significant number.By way of example, at least 99% of the reduction of bacteria population in a 24-hour period is considered to be "significant".When disinfecting or sterilizing, a higher level of reduction (e.g., 99.9%, 99.99% etc.) is possible, and a faster processing time (e.g., in 10 minutes, in 5 minutes, in 4 minutes, in 3 minutes, in 2 minutes or in 1 minute) is also possible.

[0053] As used herein, the term "disinfect" shall mean the elimination of many or all "target" pathogenic microorganisms on a surface other than bacterial endospores.

[0054] As used herein, the term "sterilization" shall mean the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of "target" microbial life, as well as something authorized under applicable regulatory laws to be legally claimed as a "sterilant" or having sterilizing properties or qualities.

[0055] Some embodiments can provide at least a 2 or more log reduction (e.g., a 3 log reduction or a 6 log reduction) in a bacterial population within a specified time period (e.g., 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 10 seconds, or the like). A 2 log reduction is equivalent to a 99% reduction, a 3 log reduction is equivalent to at least a 99.9% reduction, a 4 log reduction is equivalent to at least a 99.99% reduction, a 5 log reduction is equivalent to at least a 99.999% reduction, and the like. An example of a target microorganism can be Staphylococcus aureus ( Staphylococcus aureus ). It will be appreciated that microefficacy against other target microorganisms may also be achieved, many examples of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although many methods and materials similar or equivalent to the methods and materials described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, preferred materials and methods are described herein.

[0057] Unless otherwise specified, references to ASTM or other standardized tests refer to the latest edition of such standards.Standards referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0058] II. Exemplary Nonwoven Substrates In aspect, the present invention relates to pre-loaded nonwoven substrates, wherein they are specifically formed of more environmentally friendly materials than the non-biodegradable, non-compostable materials typically used as synthetic fibers in such wipes. The structure of the wipe can be such that the natural (e.g., pulp) fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers are provided with all such fibers simply blended together, such as provided with a generally uniform distribution of the various fiber components, rather than being present as generally separate layers (e.g., with pulp fibers sandwiched between layers of regenerated cellulose fibers). Because the fibers are generally uniformly distributed throughout the substrate, a large portion of the exterior surface defined by the wipe (i.e., the two major faces of such a generally two-dimensional wipe) is formed by exposed natural pulp fibers that "bloom" from the interior of the substrate so as to be exposed on the exterior face of the wipe.

[0059] By way of example, the fraction of the outer face of either or both major faces of the wipe that is comprised of exposed pulp fibers may be approximately equal to the weight fraction of pulp fibers within the substrate. For example, where pulp fibers may comprise 70% by weight of the substrate, approximately 70% of the outer surface of the wipe may be exposed pulp fibers. This assumes that the density of pulp fibers is approximately equal to the density of regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0060] In embodiments, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% of the exterior surface may be composed of exposed pulp fibers. Similarly, no more than 90%, no more than 80%, or no more than 70% of the exterior surface may be composed of exposed pulp fibers.

[0061] The exposure of natural pulp fibers on the exterior surface of the substrate serves to provide desirable hand feel properties, while the wipes of the present invention exhibit greater stiffness and wet strength than substrates formed from 100% natural pulp fibers (e.g., paper towels or tissues). The substrates of the present invention also provide excellent absorption properties (the ability to load the substrate to a desired loading ratio with a cleaning composition), even at loading ratios higher than those typically employed with conventional non-compostable wipes. Because thermoplastic fibers are not present in the substrate, melt softening and bonding that occurs in other substrates including such thermoplastic fibers to provide strong bonding of natural pulp fibers is not present in the wipes of the present invention. Instead, bonding of the pulp fibers is provided by mechanical entanglement of the pulp fibers with regenerated cellulose fibers. The strength of the substrate is a complex (and unpredictable) property that depends on many interrelated variables and is not inherently and exclusively related to the amount of thermoplastic material or its lack thereof. For example, the strength of the substrate depends on (a) the raw materials (fibers), particularly the crystallinity and polymer type, and (b) the substrate construction, including bonding levels, fiber orientation, presence of strength additives, etc. In any case, a strong bond between the two types of fibers is provided so that tearing or splitting of the substrate is not likely to occur.

[0062] It has also been found that the substrate of the present invention comprising a homogeneous blend of natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers exhibits unusual ductility properties, for example, in that the ductility in the transverse direction is similar to the ductility in the longitudinal direction, so that the CD / MD ductility ratio of the loaded wipe is close to 1. By way of example, the desirable ductility range of such substrates in the transverse direction (as well as the longitudinal direction) is less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, or less than 40%, such as between about 15% and 50%, between about 20% and 40%, and between about 30% and 35%. By way of example, the ductility of the exemplary test substrate is about 32% in the transverse direction and about 30% in the longitudinal direction. Such relatively low ductility values ​​are desirable due to favorable processability and consumer dispensing experience. Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A CD ductility of the same substrates tested in .

[0063] The uniform distribution of the two types of fibers throughout the substrate advantageously provides the same hand feel characteristics to both sides of the wipe without the complexity associated with a 3-ply wipe. A 2-ply wipe with different layers will provide different hand feel characteristics on opposite sides of the wipe, which is undesirable according to the present invention. In an embodiment, a single substrate structure is provided that bonds the different fiber types into an integral whole without the need for any chemical adhesives, thermoplastic binder fibers, or the like.

[0064] Regardless of the process by which the dry nonwoven substrate is formed, once formed, the desired cleaning composition may be loaded onto the nonwoven substrate.

[0065] Cellulose fibers showing a variety of biodegradable and / or compostable properties can be used to form nonwoven substrates of the present invention, such as a minority of fibers used to form nonwoven substrates of the present invention. Although polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC, polyacrylic acid, polyamide, polystyrene or the like may have been used as synthetic binder fibers in the past, many (if not all) such materials are not biodegradable or compostable to any significant extent within a reasonable time frame (e.g., 5 years or less), and are therefore avoided in the present invention. Similarly, even if there are some compostable resin materials (e.g., PHA, PLA, PVA, PVOH, etc.), such materials are still synthetic generally, generally derived from petrochemical sources or similar energy-intensive sources, and generally not as easily compostable or biodegradable as cellulosic fiber materials. The non-limiting examples of such regenerated cellulosic fibers include but are not limited to lyocell, viscose, rayon and / or bamboo fibers. Such regenerated cellulosic fibers can generally have a length longer than natural pulp fibers. The present invention contemplates blends of natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulosic fibers such that all or substantially all of the fibers present in the substrate are cellulosic.

[0066] Natural fiber can comprise any one in multiple natural fiber.In embodiments, such natural fiber can comprise wood pulp fiber, although other sources of pulp fiber certainly also are possible (for example, cotton, hemp, other fibers based on agriculture or plant).Natural pulp fiber can have shorter length than regenerated cellulose fiber usually.By way of example, natural pulp fiber can have fiber length from 0.5 mm to 10 mm, from 1 mm to 10 mm or from 2 mm to 10 mm, and regenerated cellulose fiber is not continuous fiber, but still significantly longer, such as greater than 0.5 inch (13 mm), greater than 0.75 inch (19 mm) or greater than 1 inch (25 mm), such as length from 1 inch (25 mm) to 2 inches (51 mm) or longer.

[0067] The basis weight of the nonwoven substrate may be expressed in grams per square meter (gsm), and may be, for example, not greater than 200 gsm, not greater than 100 gsm, such as from 5 gsm to 80 gsm, or from 10 gsm to 60 gsm.

[0068] It should be understood that the wipes of the present invention may include any of a variety of textures, or may have no texture at all. Figure 2-Figure 7Additional texture examples are shown in U.S. Application No. 16 / 710,676 filed by the applicant on December 11, 2019. Figure 1A - Figure 1D and Figure 7 A- Figure 7 F, which U.S. application has attorney docket number 510.186A (20984.12.1), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0069] Advantageously, the nonwoven substrate can be substantially composed of regenerated cellulose fibers and pulp fibers, so that the wipes as a whole easily meet such biodegradability / compostability standards. In an example, the wipes may be free of or substantially free of fibers that do not meet such standards, i.e., free of polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC, polyacrylic acid, polyamides, polystyrenes or the like. As mentioned, the wipes may even be free of so-called compostable and / or biodegradable polyester resin fibers. The wipes may be free of intentionally added chemical adhesives. Although such adhesives or binders may not be so intentionally added, it should be understood that a so-called spin finish (e.g., grease) may be provided on a given fiber type (e.g., regenerated cellulose) to better allow such fibers to move through upstream processes and / or processes for making the substrate of the present invention.

[0070] Non-woven substrates are different from substrates used for personal care applications (e.g., for soft surfaces such as skin, rather than hard surface cleaning wipes). For example, such personal care wipes are usually formed by a spunlace process and include a high polyester fiber content to provide a very soft feel on the skin with minimal attachment. The substrate of the present invention is significantly more attached to the surface, with a higher coefficient of friction and a significantly higher pulp content (and of course there is no polyester fiber). Similarly, the non-woven substrate of the present invention is different from the structure used in diapers, such as even different from the diaper structural layer. For example, in diapers, there is a similar interest in providing a soft and smooth surface for comfortable skin contact with very low friction. In addition, in diapers and similar products, the structure is configured to absorb and retain moisture, rather than release or deliver a liquid cleaning composition, which is provided by the wipes of the present invention. In addition, for example, due to skin sensitivity, the antimicrobial agent (e.g., quaternary ammonium compound) usually expected is not usually included in the diaper or similar structure intended to contact the skin over an extended period of time.

[0071] The nonwoven substrate can be packaged in any desired container system. Examples of such containers include, but are not limited to, flexible bags, cylinders, basins, or other containers for storage and distribution. Due to the structural integrity provided by the substantially uniform blend of natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, the wipes can generally be pulled through an orifice, such as is generally provided in such a container, without fear of tearing or splitting of the wipes.

[0072] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide the substrate with a lofted structure in order to increase the bulk and thickness of the substrate while maintaining a desired basis weight. Such lofting is facilitated by the fact that all fibers in the substrate are natural fibers (e.g., pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers). If desired, such lofting can be further enhanced by any suitable technique that can increase the bulk and thickness of the layer by adding lofting materials to the layer that include interstices, air pockets, and / or fluffy lofting properties.

[0073] In an embodiment, pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers can provide relatively low ductility to the substrate in both the transverse direction as well as the longitudinal direction. As mentioned, the ductility in these two directions can be substantially the same, providing a wet (i.e., loaded) CD / MD ductility ratio of approximately 1. Specific ductility properties can be important in providing the overall desired durability and dimensional stability for the finished wipe. Wipes with lower ductility properties and a CD / MD ductility ratio close to 1 are more desirable during dispensing because the stretch of the wipe is more "square", meaning that the wipe stretches substantially equally in both directions and the wipe is more likely to retain its original shape during dispensing and use.

[0074] III. Cleaning Compositions Many cleaning composition components as known in the art can be suitable for the wipes of the pre-dosed delivery of the present invention. In embodiments, the cleaning composition is an aqueous liquid composition, comprising at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% water (e.g., 90% to 99% water) by weight. Such a composition may not contain or substantially contain a solid suspended material that may precipitate out. The composition may include 0.05% to 5% quaternary ammonium compound or other antimicrobial agents by weight. For example, by the weight of the cleaning composition, from 0.05%, from 0.1%, up to 5%, up to 4%, up to 3%, up to 2% or up to 1% quaternary ammonium compound may be included. In some embodiments, glycol ether solvents and / or another solvent may be present. By way of example, such a solvent may exist by 0.05% to 5% by weight. In another embodiment, by the weight of cleaning composition, can comprise from 0.05%, from 0.1%, from 0.25%, up to 5%, up to 4%, up to 3%, up to 2% or up to 1% such solvent.Other solvents, surfactants and various other auxiliary agents (adjuvant) that are usually included in the cleaning composition that is preloaded in the wipe can be optionally present.And some embodiments can include lower alcohol solvents (for example, C1-C4 alcohol), the amount of such volatile solvent can be limited to for example by weight less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1% or less than 0.5%.In some embodiments, composition can be free of or substantially free of such lower alcohol or other highly volatile solvents.

[0075] Quaternary ammonium compounds have broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. A variety of different quaternary ammonium compounds can be used in cleaning compositions. Non-limiting examples of quaternary ammonium compounds generally include alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium, alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium, alkyl dimethyl ammonium or similar halides (e.g., chlorides). The alkyl group of such quaternary ammonium compounds can generally be from C 12 To C 18 Quaternary ammonium compounds are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,825,158, which is incorporated herein by reference, and those skilled in the art will already be familiar with these quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0076] Organic acids can also be used to provide antimicrobial properties. Suitable organic acids include, but are not limited to, citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and any combination thereof. By way of example, such organic acids can be included in an amount of at least 0.1%, or at least 0.5%, up to 5%, up to 4%, up to 3%, up to 2%, up to 1.5%, or up to 1% by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0077] Cleaning compositions can include solvent.In some embodiments, solvent can include glycol ether solvent.Exemplary glycol ether solvent includes but is not limited to ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether or diethylene glycol monopropyl ether or diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether or tripropylene glycol methyl ether or dipropylene glycol ethyl ether or tripropylene glycol ethyl ether or dipropylene glycol propyl ether or tripropylene glycol propyl ether or dipropylene glycol butyl ether or tripropylene glycol butyl ether, acetate and / or propionate of glycol ether.By the weight of cleaning compositions, can include from 0.05%, from 0.1%, from 0.25%, up to 5%, up to 4%, up to 3%, up to 2% or up to 1% such glycol ether solvent.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of a variety of surfactants (e.g., anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and / or amphoteric surfactants) can be included in the cleaning composition as desired. If included, from 0.05%, from 0.1%, up to 10%, up to 5%, up to 4%, up to 3%, up to 2%, or up to 1% surfactant can be present by weight of the cleaning composition. A variety of surfactants and other optional adjuvants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,678 to Laughlin and Heuring, 4,259,217 to Murphy, 5,776,872 to Giret et al., 5,883,059 to Furman et al., 5,883,062 to Addison et al., 5,906,973 to Ouzounis et al., 4,565,647 to Llenado, and U.S. Publication No. 2013 / 0028990. Each of the above patents and applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0079] Examples of nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol propoxylates, other alcohol alkoxylates, including fatty acids (e.g., C6, C8, C 10 or C 12 or higher) alcohols or other ingredients that have been alkoxylated to include both ethoxy and propoxy groups (EO-PO surfactants), alkyl phosphine oxides, alkyl glucosides and alkyl pentosides, alkyl glycerides, alkyl ethoxylates and all types of alkyl ethoxylates and alkylphenol ethoxylates, polyalkoxylated (e.g., ethoxylated or propoxylated) C6-C 12 Linear or branched alkylphenol, C6-C 22Straight or branched aliphatic primary or secondary alcohols and C2-C8 straight or branched aliphatic diols. Block copolymers or random copolymers of C2-C6 straight or branched alkylene oxides may also be suitable nonionic surfactants. Capped nonionic surfactants in which the terminal hydroxyl groups are replaced by; halides; C1-C8 straight, branched or cyclic aliphatic ethers; C1-C8 straight, branched or cyclic aliphatic esters; phenyl ethers, benzyl ethers or C1-C4 alkyl aryl ethers; or phenyl esters, benzyl esters or C1-C4 alkyl aryl esters. Sorbitan esters and ethoxylated sorbitan esters may also be useful nonionic surfactants. Other suitable nonionic surfactants may include those of formula R 1 CONR 2 R 3 The monoalkoxylated amide or polyalkoxylated amide of formula R 1 NR 2 R 3 Amines, where R 1 It is C5-C 31 A linear or branched alkyl group, and R 2 and R 3 is C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl, or is alkoxylated with 1-3 moles of linear or branched alkylene oxide. Biosoft 91-6 (Stepan Co.) is a C9 to C4 alkyl with an average degree of ethoxylation of 6 moles. 11 Examples of methylene chain length alkyl ethoxylates (or alcohol ethoxylates).An example of an alcohol ethoxylate is ECOSURF EH-9, which is more specifically ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer mono(2-ethylhexyl) ether available from Sigma-Aldrich.

[0080] Alkyl polysaccharide nonionic surfactants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647 to Llenado, which have a linear or branched alkyl group, an alkylphenyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group or a hydroxyalkylphenyl group containing from 6 to 30 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide hydrophilic group such as a polysaccharide glycoside hydrophilic group containing from 1.3 to 10 sugar units. Suitable sugars may include, but are not limited to, glucosides, galactosides, lactosides and fructosides. The alkyl polysaccharide glycoside may have the formula: R 2 O(C n H 2n O) t (Sugar) x , where R 2 Selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof, wherein the alkyl group contains from 10 to 18 carbon atoms; n is 2 or 3; t is from 0 to 10, and x is from 1.3 to 10.

[0081] Fatty acid sugar esters and alkoxylated fatty acid sugar esters may also be suitable for use in the present invention. Examples include, but are not limited to, sucrose esters such as sucrose cocoate and sorbitan esters such as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate.

[0082] Phosphate surfactants may also be suitable. These include phosphoric acid and C4-C 18 Mono-, diesters and triesters of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, alkyl ether, aryl ether and alkyl aryl ether alcohols (eg disodium octyl phosphate).

[0083] Zwitterionic surfactants may be suitable. Since zwitterionic surfactants include both positive and negative functional groups, they may also be classified as nonionic surfactants. Many such zwitterionic surfactants contain nitrogen. Such examples include amine oxides, sarcosinates, taurates, and betaines. Examples include C8-C 18 Alkyl dimethylamine oxides (e.g., octyl dimethylamine oxide, lauryl dimethylamine oxide (also known as lauryl amine oxide), and hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide), C4-C 16 Dialkylmethylamine oxides (e.g. didecylmethylamine oxide), C8-C 18 Alkyl morpholine oxides (e.g., lauryl morpholine oxide), tetraalkyl diamine dioxides (e.g., tetramethyl hexane diamine dioxide, lauryl trimethyl propane diamine dioxide), C8-C 18 Alkyl betaines (such as decyl betaine and hexadecyl betaine), C8-C 18 Acyl sarcosinates (e.g. sodium lauroyl sarcosinate), C8-C 18 Acyl C1-C6 alkyl taurates (e.g. sodium cocoyl methyl taurate), C8-C 18 Alkyl imino dipropionates (e.g. sodium lauryl imino dipropionate) and combinations thereof. Lauryl dimethylamine oxide (Ammonyx LO), myristyl dimethylamine oxide (Ammonyx MO), decylamine oxide (Ammonyx DO) are examples of suitable zwitterionic surfactants available from Stepan Co.

[0084] Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants include alkyl sulfates (e.g., C8-C 18 Linear or branched chain alkyl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium tetradecyl sulfate), alkyl sulfonates (e.g. C6-C 18 Straight or branched chain alkyl sulfonates, such as sodium octane sulfonate and secondary alkane sulfonate (SAS), alkyl ethoxy sulfates, fatty acids and fatty acid salts (e.g. C6-C 16Fatty acid soaps such as sodium laurate) and alkyl amino acid derivatives. Other examples may include sulfate derivatives of the following: alkyl ethoxylate propoxylates, alkyl ethoxylate sulfates, α-olefin sulfonates, C6-C 16 Acyl isethionates (e.g. sodium cocoyl isethionate), C6-C 18 Alkyl, aryl or alkyl aryl ether sulfates, C6-C 18 Alkyl, aryl or alkyl aryl ether methyl sulfonates, C6-C 18 Alkyl, aryl or alkyl aryl ether carboxylates, sulfonated alkyl diphenyl oxides (eg sodium dodecyl diphenyl oxide disulfonate) and the like.

[0085] More specific examples of nonionic surfactants and / or zwitterionic surfactants include lauryl dimethylamine oxide (Ammonyx LO) (also known as lauramine oxide), myristyl dimethylamine oxide (Ammonyx MO), decylamine oxide (Ammonyx DO), other amine oxides, any betaine, linear alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol propoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides, and combinations thereof.

[0086] The cleaning compositions may optionally include one or more additional auxiliary agents and / or be used in combination with one or more additional auxiliary agents. Auxiliary agents include, but are not limited to, spices or flavors, waxes, dyes and / or colorants, solubilizing materials, stabilizers, thickeners, defoamers, hydrotropes, buffers, builders, lotions and / or mineral oils, enzymes, bleaching agents, cloud point modifiers and / or preservatives. A variety of builders and detergents may be used in the cleaning compositions and / or be used in combination with the cleaning compositions. Such builder detergents include, but are not limited to, phosphate-silicate compounds, zeolites, alkali metals, polyammonium acetates and substituted ammonium acetates, mono-, di- and tri-basic salts of nitrilotriacetic acid, carboxylates, aluminosilicate materials, silicates, polycarboxylates, zeolites, carbonates, phosphates, bicarbonates, polyphosphates, amines, alkanolamines, aminopolycarboxylates, polyhydroxysulfonates, starch derivatives, ethylenediaminetetraacetates and / or metal ion chelators (e.g., aminopolyphosphonates, such as, but not limited to, ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonic acid and diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid).

[0087] In one embodiment, the detergent builder comprises a polyacetate and / or polycarboxylate compound. In one aspect of this embodiment, the polyacetate and / or polycarboxylate compound includes, but is not limited to, sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetrapropionic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid and copolymers, benzene polycarboxylic acids, gluconic acid, aminosulfonic acid, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, organic phosphonic acid, acetic acid and citric acid.

[0088] In one embodiment, buffers and pH adjusters, when used, include but are not limited to organic acids, inorganic acids, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of citrates, silicates, metasilicates, polysilicates, borates, carbonates, carbamates, phosphates, polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, triphosphates, tetraphosphates, ammonia, hydroxides, monoethanolamine, monopropanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, triethanolamine and / or 2-amino-2-methylpropanol.

[0089] The buffer itself can be an active detergent, and / or can be an organic material or an inorganic material of low molecular weight for maintaining a desired pH. The buffer can be alkaline, acidic or neutral. The non-limiting examples of buffers include nitrogen-containing materials (e.g., lysine; lower alcohol amines such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine; tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane; 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-methyl-propanol; 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanol; disodium glutamate; methyldiethanolamide; 2-dimethylamino-2-methylpropanol; 1,3-bis(methylamine)-cyclohexane; 1,3-diamino-propanol; N,N'-tetramethyl-1,3-diamino-2-propanol; N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine; tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine; ammonium carbamate; citric acid; acetic acid; ammonia; alkali metal carbonate; and / or alkali metal phosphate). For other buffers that can be used, see McCutcheon's EMULSIFIERS AND DETERGENTS, North American Edition, 1997, McCutcheon Division, MC Publishing Company, which is incorporated herein by reference. In yet another embodiment and / or an alternative embodiment, when used, the solubilizing material can include but is not limited to hydrotropes (e.g., water-soluble salts of low molecular weight organic acids, such as sodium and / or potassium salts of dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid). In another embodiment and / or an alternative embodiment, when used, the acid includes but is not limited to organic hydroxy acids, citric acid, keto acids and similar acids.

[0090] In still another embodiment and / or in selectable embodiment, when using, thickener includes but is not limited to polyacrylic acid, xanthan gum, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, alginate, guar gum, methyl, ethyl, clay and / or propyl hydroxy cellulose.In another embodiment and / or in selectable embodiment, when using, defoamer includes but is not limited to silicone, aminosilicone, silicone blend and / or silicone / hydrocarbon blend.In another embodiment and / or in selectable embodiment, when using, bleaching agent includes but is not limited to peracid, perborate, percarbonate, chlorine-producing material (such as chloroisocyanurate hypohalite source), hydrogen peroxide and / or hydrogen peroxide source.In embodiments, there is no such bleaching agent. In still further embodiments and / or alternative embodiments, when used, preservatives include, but are not limited to, mildewstats or bacteriostats, methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben, short chain organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, lactic acid and / or glycolic acid), biguanide compounds (e.g., Dantagard and / or Glydant) and / or short chain alcohols (e.g., ethanol and / or IPA). In one aspect of this embodiment, the mildewcide or bacteriostatic agent includes, but is not limited to, mildewcide (including non-isothiazolone compounds) including Kathon GC, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, Kathon ICP, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and blends thereof, and Kathon 886, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, all of which are available from Rohm and Haas Company; Bronopol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, from Boots Company Ltd.; Proxel CRL, propyl paraben, from ICI PLC; Nipasol M, o-phenylphenol Na+ salt, from Nipa Laboratories Ltd.; Dowicide A, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, from Dow Chemical Co.; and Irgasan DP 200, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2-hydroxydiphenyl ether from Ciba-Geigy AG.

[0091] As used herein, the terms "liquid" and "cleaning composition" include, but are not limited to, solutions, emulsions, suspensions, etc. Thus, a liquid may include and / or contain one or more of the following: a disinfectant; a preservative; a diluent; a surfactant, such as a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, and / or a cationic surfactant; a wax; an antimicrobial; a sterilant; a sporicide; a microbicide; a bactericide; a fungicide; a viricide; a protozoicide; an algaecide; a bacteriostat; a fungicide; a virucide; a sanitizer; an antibiotic; an insecticide; and the like. Examples of some such components are included, but are not limited to, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,825,158; 8,648,027; 9,006,165; 9,234,165; 9,988,594; 10,219,672; 10,421,929; 10,881,262 and U.S. Publication No. 2008 / 003906, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the substrate can be provided in a dry form, wherein dosing with a selected cleaning composition can be performed afterwards (e.g., by a user). In another embodiment, the wipes can be dosed with a solid cleaning composition, wherein the user can add water to the wipes at or shortly before the time of use, resulting in a dosed wipe ready for use. Pre-dosed wipes may be preferred, for example, because the amounts and concentrations of components in the cleaning composition can be more carefully controlled during manufacture, rather than what might occur where the final composition may depend on dilution or water addition by the user.

[0092] About the substrate of pre-wetting, the liquid of selected amount can be added to container or wipe during manufacture, so that the cleaning substrate comprises the liquid of desired amount.Substrates are not necessarily loaded to their saturation point, but are usually loaded with cleaning composition with some ratios less than fully saturated.For example, many substrates can keep about 8 times to 14 times of liquid of its weight.For many reasons, substrate can be loaded with less than saturated load ratio, for example, with less than 7:1, less than 6:1, less than 5:1, less than 4:1, such as 1:1 to 7:1, from 2:1 to 7:1, from 3:1 to 6:1, from 4:1 to 6:1, such as about 5:1 is loaded.Such load ratio can be slightly higher than the load ratio usually adopted when load comprises the wipe of synthetic fiber.For example, the wipe of synthetic fiber comprising a large part may tend to " pour " composition quickly.By contrast, substrate of the present invention shows more inclined to keep the liquid composition loaded therein, and provides the more uniform delivery of such composition in the whole " mileage " of wipe. Furthermore, because the substrates of the present invention tend to release a loaded composition more evenly, the substrates of the present invention also tend to provide significantly improved "mileage" (i.e., how much surface area or length a wipe can be used before it becomes too dry for continued use) compared to prior wipes that include a significant portion of synthetic fibers.

[0093] It is important to understand and explain how the substrate material may affect the chemical properties of the cleaning composition being dosed onto the wipe. For example, it may be important to avoid or minimize undesirable chemical interactions that may inadvertently inactivate the active agent within the cleaning composition. For example, this may occur due to incompatibility between the components contained in the cleaning composition relative to the substrate. Such interactions may be extremely complex and unpredictable. In any case, care must often be taken to minimize or at least take into account incompatibility between the included antimicrobial agents (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds or others) relative to the substrate material, particularly pulp or any other non-synthetic substrate component. It is desirable that during use, an effective amount of any given active agent is not only loaded into the wipe, but is actually released from the "squozate" from such a wipe. Non-limiting examples of cleaning compositions are disclosed in: U.S. Pat. No. 10,843,233 to Jha et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 10,986,841 to Macnaughtan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,833 to Andrews et al.; 6,221,823 to Crisanti; 6,346,279 to Rochon et al.; 6,551,980 to Wisniewski et al.; 6,699,825 to Rees et al.; 6,803,057 to Ramirez et al.; 6,812,196 to Rees et al.; 6,936,597 to Urban; 7,008,600 to Katsigras et al.; 7,070,737 to Bains et al. ; Ramirez et al., 7,354,604; Cusack et al., 7,598,214; Tamarchio et al., 7,605,096; Bobbert, 7,658,953; McCue et al., 7,696,143; Chopskie et al., 7,915,207; Gaudrealt et al., 8,569,220; Gaudrealt et al., 8,575,084; Hazenkamp et al., 10,064,409; Salminen et al., 10,076,115; Mitchell et al., 10,358,624; Bobbert, U.S. Publication No. 2007 / 0190172; Raso et al., PCT Publication No. WO 99 / 18180 to Masotti et al.; WO 99 / 53006 to Masotti et al.; WO 2004 / 067194 to Arrigoni et al.; WO 2004 / 104147 to Rosiello et al.; WO 2017 / 174959 to Convery; and EPO publication EP 2843034 to Nedic et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0094] The size and shape of the wipes may vary with respect to their intended application and / or end use. The cleaning substrate may have a generally rectangular shape with dimensions that allow it to be easily engaged with standard cleaning equipment or tools, such as, for example, a mop head, a duster head, a brush head, a glove-shaped tool for wiping or cleaning, etc. In another embodiment, another shape (e.g., circular, oval, or the like) may be provided.

[0095] The wipes or other cleaning substrates can be arranged to be pre-moistened with the cleaning composition. The wet cleaning substrates can be kept for a period of time in a sealable container, such as, for example, in a bucket or basin with an attachable lid, a sealable bag, a plastic bag (e.g., a "flex bag"), a can, a jar, etc. Desirably, the wet, stacked cleaning substrates are kept in a resealable container. When using an aqueous volatile liquid composition, it is particularly desirable to use a resealable container because a large amount of liquid may evaporate when the first sheet is used, leaving the remaining sheet with little or no liquid. Exemplary resealable containers and dispensers include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,806,309 to Azelton et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 10,278,552 to Ma et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,047 to Doyle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,480 to McFadyen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,048 to Kaspar et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,944 to Jackson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,786 to McBride et al.; the entire contents of each of the foregoing references are incorporated herein by reference.

[0096] Usually, the clean substrate is stacked and placed in a container, and liquid is added to the container subsequently, all of which are carried out during large-scale manufacturing. No matter how packaging and quantitative feeding process, once manufactured and packaged, substrate can be used for wiping surface subsequently. The wetted clean substrate can be used for processing multiple surfaces. As used herein, "processing" surface is used in a broad sense, and includes but is not limited to wiping, polishing, scrubbing, cleaning, washing, disinfecting, scrubbing, flushing, purifying and / or applying activating agent thereto.

[0097] The wipes or other cleaning substrates of the present invention may be provided in a kit form, wherein more than one cleaning substrate and cleaning implement are provided in a single package.

[0098] In addition to material composition and construction, wipes or other substrate sizes can also be used to control dosing and provide ergonomic appeal. In one embodiment, the length of the substrate size is from about 5 ½ inches to about 11 inches, and the width is from about 5 ½ inches to about 11 inches, to comfortably fit the hand. The substrate can have a size that makes the length and width differ by no more than about 4 inches. A larger substrate can be provided, which can be used, and then folded once or twice, so that dirt is contained in the inside of the folded object, and then the wipe can be reused. Such a larger substrate can have a length from about 5 ½ inches to about 13 inches and a width from about 10 inches to about 13 inches. Such a substrate can be folded once or twice, and still comfortably fits the hand.

[0099] The ability of an exemplary multilayer substrate to effectively deliver an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound ("quat") or other active agent to a surface during simulated cleaning can be tested. By way of example, the substrate of the present invention can be loaded with a cleaning composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound from 0.1% to 3%, such as 0.1% to 2%, by weight. In an embodiment, the wipe can release at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, or at least 65% of the quaternary ammonium compound, i.e., compared to the cleaning composition before loading, in the extrudate (i.e., the cleaning composition released from the substrate). The wipe can show at least 3 log reductions of target microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus within a given time frame (e.g., such as 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.).

[0100] The choice of a specific regenerated cellulose fiber material (e.g., viscose versus lyocell), the choice of a specific pulp fiber, and the like can affect the release characteristics described above. As mentioned, the interactions that control how much of the quaternary ammonium compound is released can be complex and unpredictable. For example, in an embodiment, the selected regenerated cellulose fiber material comprises lyocell because lyocell can exhibit significantly improved release characteristics compared to viscose, even though the two materials appear superficially similar to each other (i.e., both are regenerated cellulose fibers).

[0101] IV. Examples and Data Figure 1AThe ductility ratio (CD / MD) of various tested exemplary wipe materials is shown, where the CD / MD ductility ratio is defined as the ratio of the transverse direction ductility of a 2-inch wide test strip with a 3-inch gauge length to the longitudinal direction ductility (e.g., ASTM D-5035 4.2.1.4 2C—50 mm (2.0 inch) cut strip test). As shown, the ductility of the comparative wipes is significantly greater than 1, typically at least 2 and sometimes as high as 3-8. Table 1 below provides details related to various comparative wipes tested for ductility ratios. For the CD / MD ductility test, commercially available products and those that are not commercially available are not all loaded to the same load ratio. The non-commercially available compostable products (e.g., Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 5) are loaded to 5x. The commercially available products are tested in the manner provided by the business. The tested examples are arranged in the tables and figures so that Example 1 and Comparative Example 1-Comparative Example 5 are most comparable because they do not include a synthetic plastic component (i.e., they are natural wipes). Comparative Examples 6-12 comprise synthetic fiber components. The differences between Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-5 are obvious.

[0102] Table 1

[0103] like Figure 1A As shown in , it is unusual for a wipe to have a longitudinal extensibility that is approximately equal to the transverse extensibility. The substrate contemplated by the present invention, which includes uniformly distributed regenerated cellulose fibers and natural pulp fibers, provides such properties. More interestingly, Comparative Example 2 does not provide even similar results, which also includes only regenerated cellulose and natural pulp fibers, but wherein these regenerated cellulose and natural pulp fibers are arranged in a layered configuration, wherein the pulp fibers are interior to the regenerated cellulose fibers. For example, the CD / MD extensibility ratio in Comparative Example 2 is about 4, which is much higher than about 1. Similarly, the wipe of Comparative Example 3 is formed from 100% regenerated cellulose and also exhibits a CD / MD extensibility ratio of about 4. By way of example, in an embodiment, the CD / MD ductility ratio can be about 1, such as less than 2, less than 1.5, less than 1.4, less than 1.3, less than 1.2, such as from 0.8 to 1.4, from 0.8 to 1.4, from 0.8 to 1.3, from 0.9 to 1.2, from 0.9 to 1.1 or from 0.95 to 1.1.

[0104] Figure 2-Figure 7 The figure shows a variety of exemplary wipe substrates that can be used or provided by way of comparison. For example, Figure 2Shown is a wipe substrate formed from a blend of wood pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers that has been patterned to contain unique "dot" features. Since the pulp fibers are evenly distributed throughout the substrate, the introduction of such texture features is possible by moving the short pulp fibers to form such a textured pattern. Figure 3 A comparative multi-layer wipe substrate made by adhering two layers of tissue is shown. Such a wipe contains 100% wood pulp fibers, such as described in U.S. Published Application No. 2020 / 0080031 (425.372A / 17074.141.1) to Dani et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Figure 4 A wet-laid blended substrate comprising wood pulp fibers and synthetic fibers is shown. Figure 5 Another blended substrate comprising wood pulp fibers and synthetic fibers formed to have a "wavy" pattern is shown. Figure 6 A substrate based on 100% PET synthetic fibers is shown. Figure 7 A blended substrate comprising different types of regenerated cellulose fibers, such as the regenerated cellulose fibers described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0111060 (425.388NP / 17074.172.1) to Frank et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is shown.

[0105] Test multiple substrates to determine their friction coefficient characteristics. Measured both dynamic (sliding) friction coefficient and static friction coefficient. Test includes 5 repetitions of each combination of substrate and lotion tested. The results of such test are shown in Table 3A-Table 3B. Use multiple substrates and multiple lotions, on the substrate of load, carry out such friction test with a load ratio of 5:1, wherein the test method is based on ASTM D-1894-14, using Instron friction coefficient fixture 2810-005. According to Instron friction coefficient fixture 2810-005, measure the friction coefficient between wipes and a rectangular metal table with a limited surface finish, wherein the sample wipes are tightly wrapped around a sled (200g / 2.5 inch square sled with a foam coating).

[0106] The composition data of the lotion are shown in Table 2A-Table 2C. Table 2A corresponds to the lotion [A] in Table 3A-Table 3B. Table 2B corresponds to the lotion [B] in Table 3A-Table 3B. Table 2C corresponds to the acidic lotion [C] in Table 3A-Table 3B.

[0107] Table 2A

[0108] Table 2B

[0109] Table 2C

[0110] Table 3A

[0111] Table 3A shows the dynamic (sliding) coefficient of friction data as averages from multiple replicates of the test.

[0112] Table 3B

[0113] Table 3B shows the static coefficient of friction data as an average from multiple replicates of the test.

[0114] The data clearly show that wipes having substrates made from plant-based materials (e.g., Example 1 wipes, Figure 7 Wipes and Figure 3 Wipes) have a higher density than synthetic polymer based substrates (e.g. Figure 5 Wipes, Figure 6 The wipes corresponding to Example 1 exhibit particularly pleasing hand feel and other properties, the wipes comprising a uniform blend of regenerated cellulose and wood pulp fibers arranged in a substantially uniform blend, wherein both types of fibers are present at the exposed exterior face of the wipe. By way of example, the Example 1 wipes comprise 70% pulp fibers and 30% regenerated cellulose (e.g., lyocell fibers). By way of comparison, Figure 7 The wipes include 50% each of two different types of regenerated cellulose fibers, and Figure 3 The wipes comprise 100% pulp fibers arranged in two separate layers adhered together.

[0115] In embodiments, the claimed substrates can provide a wet dynamic (sliding) coefficient of friction (when preloaded) greater than 0.40, greater than 0.45, greater than 0.46, less than 0.7, less than 0.65, or less than 0.6. The claimed substrates can provide a wet static coefficient of friction (when preloaded) greater than 0.50 or greater than 0.55. The wet static coefficient of friction can be less than 0.7. The coefficient of friction value is not just something that the designer can choose, but such a value is determined by the many choices made when designing the substrate.

[0116] Lotions [A]-Lotion [C] were also tested to determine their surface tension properties. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the surface tension of water is about 72 dynes / cm. The lotions employed may have a surface tension of less than 50 dynes / cm, less than 40 dynes / cm, less than 35 dynes / cm, or less than 30 dynes / cm. The results for Lotions [A]-Lotion [C] are shown in Table 4 below.

[0117] Table 4

[0118] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1A-1B Wet CD modulus of the same exemplary material tested in . It is noteworthy that Figure 1B The wet CD ductility values ​​for the substrates of the present invention shown in are lower than all other plant-based substrates tested. The actual values ​​are presented in Table 5 below.

[0119] Table 5

[0120] Similarly, the wet CD modulus ( Figure 8 ) higher than all other plant-based substrates tested. Figure 8 The modulus shown in is defined as the ratio of the strength of the wipe in the transverse direction (expressed in pounds-force) of a 2 inch wide test strip having a 3 inch gauge length to the extensibility of the wipe in the transverse direction (expressed in inches) (e.g., ASTM D-50354.2.1.4 2C—50 mm (2.0 inch) cut strip test). A higher modulus is equivalent to a higher apparent firmness of the loaded wipe. Table 6 below shows the wet CD modulus values. By way of example, in an embodiment, the CD modulus may be greater than 3, greater than 3.5, greater than 4, greater than 4.05, greater than 4.1, or greater than 4.15, less than 10, less than 8, less than 6, or less than 5, such as from 4 to 6, 4 to 5, or 4 to 4.5.

[0121] Table 6

[0122] Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, one of ordinary skill may make various modifications to the present invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Therefore, such changes and modifications are properly, reasonably and intended to be within the full equivalent range of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A compostable hard surface cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing wipe comprising: (a) a nonwoven substrate comprising natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, wherein the pulp fibers and the regenerated cellulose fibers are uniformly distributed throughout the substrate, wherein the natural pulp fibers are exposed on an exterior face of the wipe; and (b) a cleaning composition loaded onto the nonwoven substrate, wherein the cleaning composition comprises an antimicrobial agent, wherein the wipe has a CD / MD extensibility ratio of less than 2 when loaded with the cleaning composition.

2. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.

3. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the wipe is substantially free or completely free of binder fibers and chemical adhesives.

4. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the wipe, when loaded with the cleaning composition, has: (i) a wet dynamic coefficient of friction greater than 0.40; and / or (ii) A wet static coefficient of friction greater than 0.

5.

5. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the regenerated cellulose fibers comprise lyocell fibers.

6. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven substrate comprises from 50% to 90% by weight natural pulp fibers and 10% to 50% by weight regenerated cellulose fibers.

7. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven substrate comprises from 60% to 80% by weight natural pulp fibers and 20% to 40% by weight regenerated cellulose fibers.

8. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven substrate comprises greater than 50% by weight natural pulp fibers and less than 50% by weight regenerated cellulose fibers.

9. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the wipe has a CD / MD extensibility ratio of about 1 when loaded with the cleaning composition.

10. The wipe of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven substrate is substantially free or completely free of synthetic polyester fibers or other synthetic fibers (eg, PHA, PLA, PVA, PVOH).

11. The wipe of claim 1 , wherein the natural pulp fibers comprise wood pulp fibers.

12. A compostable hard surface cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing wipe system packaged in a container, the system comprising: (a) a nonwoven substrate comprising natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, wherein the pulp fibers and the regenerated cellulose fibers are uniformly distributed throughout the substrate, wherein the natural pulp fibers are exposed on the exterior face of the wipe, wherein the nonwoven substrate comprises from 50% to 90% by weight natural pulp fibers and 10% to 50% by weight regenerated cellulose fibers; and (b) a cleaning composition, which is loaded onto the non-woven substrate, wherein the cleaning composition comprises: i. 0.05% to 5% by weight of one or more antimicrobial agents; ii. 0.05%-1% by weight of a surfactant; iii. 0.1% to 5% by weight of at least one glycol ether solvent or alcohol solvent; and iv. at least 90% by weight of water; as well as (c) a container, wherein more than one nonwoven substrate loaded with the cleaning composition is packaged in the container; wherein the substrate has a CD ductility of less than 50% when loaded with the cleaning composition.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the wipe is substantially free or completely free of binder fibers and chemical adhesives.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the wipe has a wet coefficient of friction greater than 0.

45.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the regenerated cellulose fibers comprise lyocell fibers.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the wipe has a CD / MD extensibility ratio of about 1 when loaded with the cleaning composition.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the natural pulp fibers comprise wood pulp fibers.

19. A compostable hard surface cleaning or disinfecting wipe system packaged in a container, the system comprising: (a) a nonwoven substrate comprised of natural pulp fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers, wherein the pulp fibers and the regenerated cellulose fibers are generally uniformly distributed throughout the substrate, wherein the natural pulp fibers are exposed on an exterior face of the wipe; and (b) a cleaning composition, which is loaded onto the non-woven substrate, wherein the cleaning composition comprises: i. one or more antimicrobial agents; ii. at least 90% by weight of water; as well as (c) a container, wherein more than one nonwoven substrate loaded with the cleaning composition is packaged in the container; wherein the CD wet modulus of the nonwoven substrate is greater than 3 lb f / in.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the antimicrobial agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.

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