Compositions for surface care applications

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for surface care applications. Specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for cleaning applications comprising a surfactant and a ketal of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2, independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl, C4-C12 cycloalkyl or aryl. R3 is H, a linear or branched alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or a-C (= O) R4 group, wherein R4 is a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl group or a C5-C6 cycloalkyl group; and wherein the mass ratio between the surfactant and the ketal is between 80: 20 and 20: 80. The combination of specific ketal of biological origin and surfactant provides a synergistic effect, improving the performance of the cleaning product. # imgabs0 #

Description

This application is a divisional application of the following application: Application date: October 19, 2020; Application number: 2020800741661; Invention title: "Compositions for Surface Care Applications". This application claims priority to the application filed in the international procedure on October 23, 2019 under Nr IB2019 / 059037, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to surface care applications, particularly cleaning compositions. More specifically, the present invention focuses on compositions comprising a combination of a ketal and a surfactant in a synergistic mass ratio, especially for providing improved cleaning compositions. Background Art

[0002] Various cleaning compositions for surface care applications are known in the art. All-purpose compositions, as well as cleaning compositions for wiping, window and glass compositions, aromatic cleaner compositions, heavy-duty degreaser compositions, and kitchen / oven or bathroom compositions are also known.

[0003] All-purpose cleaners are designed to clean several different types of washable hard surfaces. The benefit of all-purpose cleaners is that they provide consumers with cleaning products that can be used throughout most of the house. For example, all-purpose cleaners can be used for wiping and cleaning work surfaces, bathroom surfaces such as floors, walls, windows, kitchen equipment, etc.

[0004] Cleaning compositions generally contain surfactants and water. Surfactants improve the wettability of the surface to be cleaned and accelerate the penetration of the active components. In addition, after removing dirt or coatings, surfactants can facilitate water rinsing and water cleaning of the substrate.

[0005] Surfactants are the main components in household detergents. Household detergents include laundry detergents (such as washing powder, laundry soap, laundry liquid, laundry paste, and laundry sheets), household cleaning products (such as detergents, floor cleaners, toilet cleaners, and cleaning utensil cleaners), and personal care products (such as shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, and cleaners).

[0006] However, some surfactants, such as dihydroxyethyl coconut amine oxide, ethoxylated alcohol 9EO, and ethoxylated alcohol 7EO, are somewhat toxic and may accumulate in the human body. In addition to the impact on the environment, in long-term use, they cause skin irritation effects and result in a certain degree of damage.

[0007] The ongoing search for sustainable alternatives in several areas of the chemical industry has led to the development of alternatives that meet the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Such alternatives should be competitive and additionally have low toxicity to humans and the environment.

[0008] For example, solvents such as alcohols or diols have been used to replace surfactants to reduce the toxicity and odor of cleaning compositions, but this replacement has a negative impact on cleaning performance.

[0009] “Biobased” solvents can be used as substitutes for petroleum-derived solvents. Solvents that can be provided by renewable resources and that can meet the increasingly demanding technical requirements of cleaning compositions are rarely available. Even when such solvents are available, these solvents may have various drawbacks. For example, d-limonene, which has been used as a substitute for chlorinated solvents in degreasing applications, has a strong odor, is flammable, and is classified as an irritant and a sensitizer. Similarly, ethanol is a versatile solvent that is readily available from biobased sources, but its high flammability limits its use in solvent applications. Another drawback of these solvents is that the chemical and physical properties of the solvents can only be adjusted within a limited range.

[0010] Therefore, there continues to be research for novel and more effective solutions for surface care cleaning compositions.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for alternative cleaning compositions that provide a favorable combination of solubilizing activity, stability under alkaline conditions, volatility, toxicity, environmental properties, and cost.

[0012] It would be advantageous if the cleaning composition meets one or more customer needs, such as appropriate viscosity, low odor, good solubilizing activity, low toxicity, low cost, and excellent cleaning performance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a composition for surface care applications, which comprises a surfactant and a ketal having the formula (I) wherein - R1 and R2, independently of one another, are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C 12 alkyl, C4-C 12 cycloalkyl or aryl. - R3 is H, a linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl or -C(=O)R4 group, where R4 is a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl or C5-C6 cycloalkyl; wherein the mass ratio between the surfactant and the ketal having the formula I is between 80:20 and 20:80.

[0014] The combination of specific ketals and surfactants provides a synergistic effect and improves the performance of cleaning products.

[0015] The present invention also provides the use of the above composition for cleaning hard surfaces.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is a ketal of formula I wherein - R1 and R2, independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl, C4-C12 cycloalkyl or aryl. - R3 is H, linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl or -C(=O)R4 group, where R4 is linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl or C5-C6 cycloalkyl; Use for replacing the surfactant in a cleaning composition containing a surfactant at a surfactant:ketal mass ratio of 80:20 to 20:80, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyglycoside (APG), amine oxide, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), alcohol ethoxylate 7EO and alcohol ethoxylate 9EO. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above advantages are more clear to those skilled in the art from the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 Shows the results of tests conducted on alkyl polyglycoside and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0019] Figure 2 Shows the results of tests conducted on amine oxide and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0020] Figure 3 Shows the results of tests conducted on amine oxide and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0021] Figure 4 Shows the results of tests conducted on dodecylbenzenesulfonate and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0022] Figure 5 Shows the results of tests conducted on alcohol ethoxylate 7EO and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0023] Figure 6 Shows the results of tests conducted on alcohol ethoxylate 7EO and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0024] Figure 7 Shows the results of tests conducted on alcohol ethoxylate 9EO and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol. Detailed Description

[0025] Cleaning products typically contain water and surfactants. Most surfactants are toxic and not environmentally friendly, and therefore, it is recommended to replace some of the surfactants with ketals, which can even improve the performance of the cleaning product considering the synergistic combination.

[0026] More specifically, the present invention discloses a composition for surface care applications, which comprises a surfactant and a ketal having the formula (I) wherein - R1 and R2, independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of: linear or branched C1-C 12 alkyl, C4-C 12 cycloalkyl or aryl. - R3 is H, linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl or -C(=O)R4 group, wherein R4 is linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl or C5-C6 cycloalkyl; wherein the mass ratio between the surfactant and the ketal having the formula I is between 80:20 and 20:80.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, R1 and R2, independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of: methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or phenyl.

[0028] Advantageously, in the above formula I, R3 is H or -C(=O)R4 group, wherein R4 is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-propyl, isobutyl, n-butyl or tert-butyl. More preferably, R3 is H.

[0029] A preferred embodiment is when R1 and R2 are methyl and R3 is H. In this case, the ketal is 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, according to the following structure:

[0030] The ketal is commercially available, for example, under the name Clean Multi, SL191 or Solketal. The ketal can be synthesized by the reaction between glycerol and acetone under well-known classical conditions.

[0031] In another embodiment, R1 is methyl, R2 is isobutyl and R3 is H. In this case, the ketal is 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, according to the following structure:

[0032] The ketal is commercially available, for example, under the name Clean Plus or Film. The ketal can be synthesized by the reaction between glycerol and methyl-isobutyl ketone under well-known classical conditions.

[0033] Preferably, R1 is CH3, R2 is CH3 or isobutyl, R3 is H, and the mass ratio between the surfactant and the ketal is between 80:20 and 60:40.

[0034] When used in a specific mass ratio, the compounds of formula I improve the performance in cleaning applications, have a low odor and are not toxic to humans or the environment. Additionally, due to their high flash points, their use does not pose safety problems.

[0035] The cleaning performance is measured according to the test described in ASTM D4488-95.

[0036] "Improved performance" should be understood as that the cleaning performance of the composition according to the present invention is improved or not significantly reduced compared to the same composition having a surfactant:ketal mass ratio of 100:0.

[0037] "Not significantly reduced performance" should be understood as that the cleaning performance has a reduction of up to 5% measured according to the test described in ASTM D4488-95, i.e., it achieves at least 95% of the performance of the same composition having a surfactant:ketal mass ratio of 100:0.

[0038] The compounds of formula I, which can be derived from renewable resources, have an excellent combination of properties for surface care applications, including solubilizing activity, low flammability, non-corrosiveness and low odor.

[0039] A variety of surfactants can be used in the compositions of the present invention, such as nonionic, anionic, cationic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants.

[0040] The surfactant improves the wettability of the surface to be cleaned and accelerates the penetration of the active components. In addition, after removing dirt or coatings, the surfactant can promote water rinsing and water cleaning of the substrate.

[0041] Suitable non-ionic surfactants include alkylamine oxides such as C8-20 alkyldimethylamine oxides, alkylphenol ethoxylates, linear and branched alcohol ethoxylates, carboxylic acid esters, alkanolamides, alkylpolyglycosides, copolymers of ethylene oxide / propylene oxide, etc. Among these surfactants, linear and secondary alcohol ethoxylates, octylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates, alkanolamides and alkylpolyglycosides are particularly preferred. Mixtures of two or more of these surfactants can be used. All of these surfactants are commercially available.

[0042] Useful zwitterionic / amphoteric surfactants include alkylaminopropionic acid, alkyleneiminopropionic acid, imidazoline carboxylates, alkyl betaines, sulfobetaines, and sultaines. Mixtures of two or more of these can be used. All of these surfactants are commercially available.

[0043] Useful cationic surfactants include primary amine salts, diamine salts, quaternary ammonium salts, and ethoxylated amines. Mixtures of two or more of these can be used. All of these surfactants are commercially available.

[0044] Useful anionic surfactants include carboxylates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, secondary n-alkane sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, dialkyloxydiphenyl sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, hydroxyethyl sulfonates, linear alcohol sulfates such as alkyl sulfates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate), and linear ethoxylated alcohol sulfates, water-soluble salts of alkylbenzene sulfonates. Alkylbenzene sulfonates are recommended, especially the water-soluble salts of alkylbenzene sulfonates. Mixtures of two or more of these can be used. All of these surfactants are commercially available.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkylpolyglycoside (APG), amine oxide, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), alcohol ethoxylate 7EO, and alcohol ethoxylate 9EO.

[0046] In a more preferred embodiment, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkylpolyglycoside (APG), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), and alcohol ethoxylate 9EO.

[0047] In a most preferred embodiment, the surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), the ketal is 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, and the mass ratio between the surfactant and the ketal is from 60:40 to 40:60, preferably 40:60.

[0048] It has been found that a composition comprising the above surfactant and a ketal of formula I improves the cleaning performance of a cleaning composition for surface care, particularly useful for cleaning soiled and oily surfaces.

[0049] The use according to the invention allows for an improvement in the cleaning performance of a surface care cleaning composition, especially when compared to a surface care cleaning composition containing only the ketal of formula I or only the surfactant, rather than a combination thereof.

[0050] In another embodiment, the composition of the invention further comprises water.

[0051] In different embodiments, the composition of the invention further comprises an alkalizing agent.

[0052] Advantageously, the composition of the invention comprises a surfactant, a ketal of formula I, an alkalizing agent and water.

[0053] Preferably, the alkalizing agent is selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine (MEA), potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine (TEA) and methylisopropylamine (MIPA).

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the surface care cleaning composition comprises a combination of 0.5% to 2% by weight of a surfactant and a ketal of formula I, 0.5% to 2% by weight of an alkalizing agent, and 96% to 99% by weight of water.

[0055] In a most preferred embodiment, the surface care cleaning composition comprises 1% by weight of a combination of a surfactant and a ketal of formula I, 1% by weight of an alkalizing agent, and 98% by weight of water.

[0056] The invention also relates to the use of the cleaning composition for cleaning surfaces, particularly hard surfaces.

[0057] According to the invention, the cleaning composition relates to surface care applications, including hard surfaces, soft surfaces and general cleaning applications. Non-limiting examples of hard surface cleaning compositions are dishwashing compositions, glass cleaning compositions, oven cleaning compositions, concrete cleaning compositions, foam cleaning compositions and industrial cleaning compositions, multi-purpose compositions, aromatic cleaner compositions, kitchen cleaners, degreasers, powerful compositions and bathroom cleaner compositions.

[0058] Soft surface cleaning compositions are also targeted, such as laundry compositions for leather or fabrics made of synthetic or natural fibers. Fabrics include woven or non-woven fabrics, such as carpets or textiles. Synthetic fibers include polyester, polyamide, and others; natural fibers include cotton, silk, wool, and others. The cleaning composition is used to remove substances such as paint, graffiti, mold, ink, sealants, adhesives, glues, photoresists, waxes, polishes, asphalt, paraffin, juices, oils, greases, or combinations thereof.

[0059] In another specific embodiment, the cleaning composition is a hard surface cleaner having a general composition known in the art and can be formulated for industrial, institutional, office, or household use. These can be formulated, for example, as general-purpose hard surface cleaners, toilet cleaners, shower / bathtub / tile cleaners, disinfectants, soap scum removers, mold removers, glass / mirror cleaners, or degreasers. Many of these cleaners are formulated as dilute solutions or emulsions and many are applied by spraying. In the hard surface cleaning composition, the cleaning blend of the present invention can achieve any one or all of several functions, such as (1) dirt dissolution and / or removal; (2) compatibility of ingredients, especially minor water-insoluble ingredients, in water; (3) formation of a co-solvent mixture in which one or more other ingredients are dissolved or dispersed, (4) elimination or reduction of surfactants and / or organic solvents or others.

[0060] The compositions of the present invention are preferably used for general cleaning, including multi-purpose agents, aromatic cleaners, kitchen cleaners, oven cleaners, degreasers, powerful agents, bathroom cleaners.

[0061] When used with co-solvents or other components, the cleaning composition can be provided as a concentrate. The concentrate is typically diluted in water for use as a working water-based cleaning composition.

[0062] The cleaning composition can be in the form of a solid, gel, liquid, emulsion. A single composition can have more than one use, for example, a single composition can be used to clean both hard surfaces and soft surfaces.

[0063] Alternatively, the cleaning composition can be formulated into other forms for use in removal, such as gels, wipes, aerosols, etc. The removal composition can be formulated into a gel form by adding an effective amount of a gelling agent, such as fumed silica, organic gums, polymers, copolymers, paraffin wax, bentonite, and cellulose ethers such as methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (commercially available from Dow Chemical). Cellulose ethers are commercially available. Wipes are typically natural or synthetic fabric sheets impregnated with a gel or liquid removal composition. When used in aerosol form, the cleaning composition is formulated with a propellant known in the art under pressure.

[0064] Non-limiting examples of hard surfaces that can be treated with the compositions of the present invention are the surfaces of refractory materials, such as glazed and unglazed tiles, bricks, porcelain, ceramics and stones, marble, granite, stone and other surfaces; glass, metals, plastics, such as polyesters, vinyl resins, fiberglass, and other known hard surfaces for cabinets and work surfaces and also for wall and floor surfaces.

[0065] The compositions of the present invention can also be used to clean the external and internal metal surfaces of kitchen and bathroom appliances, such as the metal surfaces of kitchen appliances, including but not limited to, polished, chrome-plated, buffed surfaces or pads or brushed metal surfaces present on kitchen work surfaces, housings of electrical appliances, appliance surfaces including external appliance surfaces such as doors, and also internal surfaces such as the internal spaces of dishwashers, ovens and cooktops.

[0066] The compositions of the present invention provide cleaning and reduction of stains, rust or other discoloration of metals, such as those caused by the accumulation of dirt and grease or oxidation of the treated metal surfaces. Non-limiting examples of metals that may be mentioned include aluminum, copper, steel, stainless steel, brass and metal alloys that may comprise one or more of the foregoing metals, and also non-metallic substrates having metallic or metallized surfaces.

[0067] When used in laundry detergents, the compositions of the present invention provide stain removal and prevent redeposition of dirt and grime without damaging textiles. The fibers of the textiles used may include one or more of the materials listed below: polyester, aromatic polyamide, cotton, acrylic, wool, nylon, silk, polyurethane.

[0068] A cleaning method, such as removing a substance such as a coating, dirt and / or stain from a substrate, includes contacting the substance with a composition comprising the composition of the present invention, the method comprising placing at least one of the foregoing under conditions for removal, such as for a time effective to dissolve and / or strip the substance; and separating the dissolved and / or stripped material from the substrate. As used herein, "dissolve" includes partial dissolution of the material, commonly referred to as softening, such that the material can be further removed from the substrate by rinsing or mechanical action.

[0069] The cleaning composition can be used to remove a wide variety of substances, typically those that can be dissolved or softened by organic solvents. Examples include materials such as dirt, stains, grease, inks, etc. for all types of substrates (including paper, wood, plastics, metals, textiles, ceramics, stone, skin) for indoor or outdoor use; adhesives and sealants such as silicone, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyvinyl acetate (including copolymers with ethylene), phenolic resin, amino resin, cyanoacrylate, polyester, polyamide, rubber (styrene-butadiene and natural rubber) or acrylic adhesives and sealants; adhesives; photoresists; waxes such as floor wax or beeswax; asphalt; juices (as used herein including asphalt, rosin, tar and natural resins such as sap); residual materials left in templates or molds such as polymers such as alkyd resin, polyacetal, polyacrylate, polyacrylic acid, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether, polyethylene, polyimide, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene resin, silicone, natural and synthetic rubber, etc., and polymer additives; greases such as silicone and petroleum-based greases; oils including engine oil; and paints, finishes and other coatings such as alkyd enamel, acrylic enamel, polyester, polyurethane, epoxy resin coatings, latex paints, oil-based paints, shellac, phenolic coatings, gum varnishes, silicone coatings, polyethylene resin, polyvinyl cinnamate, polyamide, polyimide, alkyl polyacrylate, alkyl polymethacrylate, drying oils, polyvinyl acrylate and cellulose resins.

[0070] Substrates treated with the cleaning composition have a relatively high tolerance to the cleaning composition, including natural and synthetic fabrics, wood, cardboard and coated paper (especially if treated with wax or other protective materials), glass, thermosetting resins, thermoplastic resins, ceramics, stone, masonry substrates, cement or metals (e.g., aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, stainless steel or galvanized steel).

[0071] Of course, the method of bringing the surface into contact with the cleaning composition can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as in aerosol form or other spraying devices, such as through a standard spray nozzle; brushing; dipping; coating; applying in gel form such as through an extrusion bottle or brush, etc. If the surface to be cleaned is easily accessible, spraying can be used. The spray pressure is typically from 1.3 bar to 8.0 bar absolute pressure. The mechanical force of the impact removal composition is beneficial for the removal of substances. On the other hand, if the surface to be cleaned has depressions or other inaccessible shapes, dipping can be used. Of course, the two methods can be used in combination and / or varied in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. During or after contact, mechanical actions such as scraping, flaking, rubbing, wiping, etc. can be employed to increase contact and / or assist in dissolution and / or peeling.

[0072] The contact time required to effect effective dissolution and / or stripping of a substance from a substrate depends on the nature and thickness of the substance, the composition of the cleaning composition (including component concentrations), the temperature of the composition, and other factors. For certain substances and under certain conditions, a contact time of from a few minutes (e.g., 2 - 3 minutes) to one hour may be sufficient. The working temperature when using the removal composition can be from 0 to 180 degrees Celsius or higher, specifically 15 to 90 degrees Celsius, or 21 to 55 degrees Celsius. Treatment is most conveniently carried out at ambient temperature, but the stripping time can be shortened as needed by heating the cleaning composition and / or the substrate. Heating can be achieved by applying heat locally, such as with a hot air gun, or more globally, such as with an electric heater, an infrared heater, etc. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can determine the optimal conditions for a particular removal application with a minimum of experimentation. Higher temperatures generally increase the rate at which a substance is removed from the surface.

[0073] Specific language is used in the specification to facilitate understanding of the principles of the invention. However, it should be understood that the use of such specific language does not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant technical fields can, in particular, think of modifications, improvements, and refinements based on their own common general knowledge.

[0074] The term "and / or" includes the meanings "and", "or", and all other possible combinations of the elements associated with that term.

[0075] "Synergy" is a situation where the interaction between the components present in a cleaning composition improves the performance compared to the individual performance of the pure components.

[0076] "Improve performance" should be understood to mean that the compositions according to the invention are capable of improving or not significantly reducing the solubility of organic or inorganic substances such as dirt, grime, oil, grease, polymers, waxes, polishes, inks, adhesives, sealants, asphalt, juices, paints, varnishes, or combinations thereof on a substrate, which substrate is a hard surface such as tile, metal, concrete, plastic, etc., or a soft surface such as leather or fabric made of synthetic or natural fibers.

[0077] "Not significantly reduce performance" should be understood to mean that the cleaning performance of the compositions according to the invention has a reduction of up to 5% as measured by the tests described in ASTM D4488 - 95, i.e., it achieves at least 95% of the performance of the same composition having a surfactant:ketal mass ratio of 100:0.

[0078] "Surfactant" is a compound that reduces the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. Example

[0079] For comparative performance testing, a standard composition of the multi-purpose cleaner is used as shown in Table I below. Table I - Standard Composition of Multi-Purpose Cleaner

[0080] The composition prepared according to the present invention is used to compare the results with the standard composition. The composition of the present invention is shown in Table II below. Table II - Composition of the Present Invention for Multi-Purpose Cleaner *X + Y = 1.00

[0081] The tests for evaluating the cleaning efficacy and the materials used for conducting the tests are described below. Cleaning efficacy - Evaluation method

[0082] The cleaning efficacy is evaluated using the method described in the standard ASTM D4488 - 95 “Standard Guide for Testing Cleaning Performance of Products Intended for Use on Resilient Flooring and Washable Walls”.

[0083] The test results of the combination between the surfactant and the ketal of the present invention are compared with the standard composition (where the mass ratio of surfactant:ketal is 100:0). Thus, the results of the synergistic composition vary based on the standard composition.

[0084] First, combinations of the surfactant alkyl polyglycoside and the ketal 2 - isobutyl - 2 - methyl - 1,3 - dioxolane - 4 - methanol at different mass ratios were tested.

[0085] The following Table III shows the concentrations of the components in the composition: Table III: Concentrations of Combinations of APG, 2 - isobutyl - 2 - methyl - 1,3 - dioxolane - 4 - methanol, MEA, and Water (in % w / w)

[0086] Figure 1The test results are shown. It can be noted that the combination of APG and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol at mass ratios between 80:20 and 60:40 provides a synergistic cleaning effect, since the performance of the compositions of the present invention is improved compared to the individual performance of APG and the solvent.

[0087] In the second test conducted, the surfactant used was amine oxide (AO), and the ketal was 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0088] Table IV shows the concentrations of the components in the compositions at different mass ratios: Table IV: Concentrations of the combination of AO, 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, MEA and water (in % w / w)

[0089] The same test was conducted with the ketal 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0090] Table V shows the concentrations of the components in the compositions at different mass ratios: Table V: Concentrations of the combination of AO, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, MEA and water (in % w / w)

[0091] Figure 2 and 3 The synergy between the surfactant AO and the ketals 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol at mass ratios of 80:20 and 60:40 was confirmed. It is important to note that although the performance results of the compositions of the two ketals tested at a mass ratio of 60:40 were slightly lower than the standard composition, the expectation based on the prior art was that there would be a greater decrease in performance when part of the surfactant was replaced with a ketal. Therefore, a decrease of up to 5% was considered to mean that there was still synergy between the components.

[0092] In another test conducted, the surfactant used was sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), and the ketal was 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0093] Table VI shows the concentrations of the components in the compositions: Table VI: Concentrations of the combination of SDBS, 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, MEA and water (in % w / w)

[0094] Figure 4 Shows the test results according to standard ASTM D4488-95. As can be seen, the combination of SDBS and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol shows a large synergistic effect, especially at mass ratios of 60:40 and 40:60, where the cleaning performance is more than 40% higher when compared to the standard composition.

[0095] In another test conducted, the surfactant used was alcohol ethoxylate 7EO, and the ketal was 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0096] Table VII shows the concentrations of the components in the composition: Table VII: Concentrations (in % w / w) of the combination of alcohol ethoxylate 7EO, 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, MEA, and water

[0097] The same surfactant, namely alcohol ethoxylate 7EO, was combined with the ketal 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol to test the cleaning performance.

[0098] Table VIII shows the concentrations of the components in the composition: Table VIII: Concentrations (in % w / w) of the combination of alcohol ethoxylate 7EO, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, MEA, and water Product 7EO 100 80:20 Solvent 100 Alcohol ethoxylate 7EO 1.00 0.80 - 2,2 - Dimethyl - 1,3 - dioxolan - 4 - methanol - 0.20 1.00 MEA 99% 1.00 1.00 1.00 Water pH 8 98.00 98.00 98.00

[0099] Figure 5 and 6 Shows the test results, where the cleaning performance of the composition of the present invention is reduced by up to 5% compared to the standard composition. As disclosed above, when the concentration of the ketal is increased and the concentration of the surfactant is decreased, one skilled in the art would expect a greater reduction in performance. However, since the reduction is at most 5%, it is considered that the composition still shows a synergistic effect between the components.

[0100] Finally, a final test was conducted, where the surfactant used was alcohol ethoxylate 9EO, and the ketal was 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol.

[0101] Table IX shows the concentrations of the components in the composition: Table IX: Concentrations (in % w / w) of the combination of alcohol ethoxylate 9EO, 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol, MEA, and water

[0102] Figure 7 The test results are shown, wherein the cleaning performance of the composition of the present invention has higher results at mass ratios of 80:20 and 60:20 and is reduced by 5% when compared to the standard composition. Thus, the combination of alcohol ethoxylate 9EO and 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-methanol is also synergistic when used for preparing cleaning compositions.

[0103] Thus, unexpectedly, it has been found that the use of the composition described above allows for an improvement in cleaning performance as compared to cleaning compositions based on pure surfactants and / or ketals.

Claims

1. A composition for cleaning applications, comprising at least one surfactant and at least one ketal having the formula (I) wherein - R1 and R2, independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl groups; - R3 is H, a linear or branched alkyl group; and wherein the surfactant is selected from alkylbenzene sulfonates, and the mass ratio between the surfactant and the ketal is between 60:40 and 40:

60.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein, R1 is CH3.

3. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein R2 is CH3 or isobutyl.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein R3 is H.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein R2 is 2-isobutyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The surfactant is selected from water-soluble salts of alkylbenzene sulfonates (SDBS).

7. The composition according to claim 6, wherein The surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS).

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The composition further comprises an alkalizing agent.

9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein The composition further comprises water.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The composition further comprises an alkalizing agent and water.

11. The composition according to claim 10, wherein, The alkalizing agent is selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine (MEA), potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine (TEA), and methylisopropylamine (MIPA).

12. The composition according to claim 11, comprising a combination of 0.5% to 2% by weight of surfactant and ketal having the formula I, 0.5% to 2% by weight of alkalizing agent, and 96% to 99% by weight of water.

13. The composition according to claim 11, comprising 1% by weight of a combination of surfactant and ketal having the formula I, 1% by weight of alkalizing agent, and 98% by weight of water.

14. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for cleaning hard surfaces.

15. At least one ketal having the formula I wherein - R1 and R2, independently of each other, are selected from the group consisting of linear or branched C1-C12 alkyl groups; - R3 is H, a linear or branched alkyl group; for use in a cleaning composition comprising at least one surfactant to replace the surfactant at a surfactant:ketal mass ratio of 60:40 to 40:60, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkylbenzene sulfonates.

16. The use according to claim 15, wherein The surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS).

17. The use according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the use is to improve the cleaning performance measured by standard ASTM D4488-95 compared to a composition having a surfactant:ketal having the formula I mass ratio of 100:

0.

18. The use according to claim 17, wherein, The improvement in performance means that the cleaning performance is improved or the performance is at least 95% of the performance of the same composition having a surfactant:ketal having the formula I mass ratio of 100:0.

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