Bio-based scrubbing composition and article

Abstract

The present invention is a bio-based homogeneous composition comprising a bio-based polymer and a bio-based wax, wherein the bio-based wax comprises less than about 20% of the bio-based homogeneous composition. The bio-based composition has an elastic modulus of at least about 0.5 GPa and a strain energy density of at least about 0.1 mJ / mm3.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of scrubbing articles. Specifically, the present invention is a bio-based scrubbing composition and article. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Scrubbing pads are widely used for cleaning surfaces such as household surfaces (including surfaces in the home) and vehicle surfaces. Scrubbing pads are typically used with water and soap or detergent, where the scrubbing surface of the scrubbing pad is used to clean the surface. Such surfaces include dishes, utensils, glass, jars, pans, grills, walls, floors, work surfaces and vehicle surfaces, as well as windows.

[0003] Scrubbing materials can be produced in many forms, including nonwoven webs (e.g., the low density nonwoven abrasive web described in U.S. Patent No. 2,958,593). In accordance with their manufacturing process, the scrubbing material web can be cut into individual small pieces sized for hand use (e.g., the individual rectangular pads described in U.S. Patent No. 2,958,593), or the web can be divided into small pieces of convenient size by the end user as needed (e.g., as described in WO 00 / 006341 and U.S. Patent No. 5,712,210). Examples of non-scratching scrubbing pads are sold by the 3M Company, Saint Paul, Minnesota, under the trade name "Scotch-Brite TM ".

[0004] Preferred nonwoven fiber scrubbing materials are low density open cell materials with a relatively high void volume. Such scrubbing materials have a significant cleaning effect (since the voids retain the material removed from the surface being cleaned), but they can be easily cleaned themselves simply by rinsing in water or some other cleaning liquid, so that they can be reused. Nevertheless, many scrubbing materials can only be reused a limited number of times and then are discarded. Since they are often used to clean kitchen work surfaces as well as cooking utensils and tableware, from a hygiene perspective, it is recommended to discard these articles before they become contaminated. However, as consumers become increasingly concerned about environmental issues, they are increasingly reluctant to use disposable items unless they know that these items are recyclable or can degrade quickly without producing harmful by-products. Therefore, consumers are increasingly seeking more sustainable products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, reference to the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure enables a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0006] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a scrubbing article comprising the bio-based homogeneous composition of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2It is a top view of the pattern used in the embodiments of the present application.

[0008] Although the above figures illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, as mentioned in the description, other embodiments are also contemplated. In all cases, the present disclosure introduces the invention by way of example and not limitation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can design numerous other modifications and embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention and conform to the essence of the principles of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention is a bio-based homogeneous composition comprising a bio-based polymer and a bio-based wax, wherein the bio-based wax accounts for less than about 20% of the bio-based homogeneous composition. The bio-based composition has an elastic modulus of at least about 0.5 GPa and a strain energy density of at least about 0.1 mJ / mm 3 .

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention is a scrubbing article comprising a nonwoven substrate and a bio-based composition attached to the nonwoven substrate. The bio-based composition comprises a bio-based polymer and a bio-based wax, wherein the bio-based wax accounts for less than about 20% of the bio-based composition. When measured according to ASTM D790-17, the bio-based composition has an elastic modulus of at least about 0.5 GPa and a strain energy density of at least about 0.1 mJ / mm 3 . The composition of the nonwoven substrate is significantly different from that of the bio-based composition. Detailed Description

[0011] The present invention is a bio-based homogeneous composition that can be incorporated into a scrubbing article. For example, the scrubbing article can be a wipe or a sponge. The bio-based homogeneous composition generally comprises a bio-based polymer and a bio-based wax. When included in a scrubbing article, the bio-based homogeneous composition is attached to a first substrate to form a scrubbing layer, which is then attached to a second substrate by an adhesive. In one embodiment, the scrubbing article comprising the bio-based homogeneous composition is completely bio-based, thus producing a sustainable product. The present invention allows for multiple opportunities to achieve environmental sustainability aspects, such as by using environmentally sustainable raw materials. For example, in one embodiment, the scrubbing article is at least partially biodegradable, bio-based, recyclable, compostable, or made from recycled materials. The scrubbing articles of the present invention provide these beneficial effects while maintaining sufficient scrubbing ability.

[0012] As used herein, a material is "degradable" when it is capable of degrading due to environmental effects of exposure to sunlight, heat, water, oxygen, pollutants, microorganisms, insects, and / or animals. Typically, such materials are naturally occurring and are generally "biodegradable". As used herein, a "biodegradable" material is one that is degraded by microorganisms or enzymes produced by such microorganisms. As used herein, "biodegradable" refers to a material or product that meets the requirements of ASTM D6400-12 (2012), which is a standard for determining whether a material or product meets the requirements labeled "compostable in municipal and industrial composting facilities".

[0013] As used herein, a material is "compostable" when it is capable of decomposing into natural elements in a composting environment. As used herein, "compostable" refers to a material that degrades during composting by a biological process to produce carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass at a rate consistent with other compostable materials and leaves no visible, distinguishable, or toxic residues. As used herein, "biodegradable" refers to a material or product that meets the requirements of ASTM D6400.

[0014] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the scrubbing article 100 of the present invention is shown. Without departing from the intended scope of the present invention, the scrubbing article 100 can be of any shape. The scrubbing article 100 generally includes a scrubbing layer 102 that includes a bio-based homogeneous composition deposited on a first substrate 104. The scrubbing layer 102 is then attached to a second substrate 108 by an adhesive 106.

[0015] The bio-based homogeneous composition generally contains a bio-based polymer and a bio-based wax. The bio-based polymer is the main component of the bio-based homogeneous composition and must have good adhesion to the first substrate and a minimum hardness to effectively scrub. In one embodiment, the bio-based polymer has a Shore D durometer hardness of at least about 50 when measured according to ASTM D2240-15. At a Shore D of less than about 50, the bio-based polymer may be too soft to effectively scrub and may be prone to indentation. As a result, the bio-based homogeneous composition may deform rather than remove adherent particles from the surface to be cleaned. This can lead to reduced scrubbing and durability of the bio-based homogeneous composition. Examples of suitable bio-based polymers include, but are not limited to: polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.

[0016] The biobased wax serves to increase lubricity and maintain the viscosity of the biobased homogeneous composition. The biobased wax is less than about 20%, and in particular less than about 10%, of the biobased homogeneous composition. If the amount of biobased wax in the biobased homogeneous composition is too high, this can lead to segregation of the wax, resulting in the biobased homogeneous composition becoming soft and reducing the scrubbing efficiency of the biobased homogeneous composition. If the amount of biobased wax in the biobased homogeneous composition is too low, the biobased homogeneous composition may not be easily melted and flow, making it difficult to deposit onto the first substrate. Importantly, the melting point of the biobased wax is higher than the use temperature such that it does not melt during use. In one embodiment, the biobased wax has a melting point of at least about 50 °C and in particular at least about 60 °C. In one embodiment, the biobased wax is hydrogenated. Examples of suitable biobased waxes include but are not limited to: soybean oil, castor oil, and ethylenebisstearamide. Particularly suitable examples include hydrogenated castor oil and hydrogenated soybean oil glyceride.

[0017] The entire biobased homogeneous composition is uniform throughout and is not a fluid with suspended particles. The biobased homogeneous composition has an elastic modulus of at least about 0.5 GPa and a strain energy density of at least about 0.1 mJ / mm 3 The elastic modulus is a measure of the stiffness of the material, and the strain energy density is the potential energy stored in the material when it is deformed. The strain energy density is defined as the area under the stress-strain curve when stress and strain are performed in accordance with ASTM D790-17 and is calculated using Equation 3 and Equation 5, respectively. The elastic modulus is calculated using Equation 6 in ASTM D790-17.

[0018] The biobased homogeneous composition has a wet coefficient of friction of about 0.50 or less, in particular about 0.45 or less, and more particularly about 0.40 or less. If the wet coefficient of friction is too high, the biobased homogeneous composition will not slide smoothly on the surface to be cleaned but will "grab" the surface to be cleaned, even when the surface to be cleaned is not contaminated. The biobased homogeneous composition has a percent crystallinity of about 50% or less, in particular about 40% or less, and more particularly about 35% or less. The crystallinity of the biobased homogeneous composition can affect processing, particularly thermal melt processing. The crystallinity should be low to help avoid the formation of "gel" particles in the coolspots of the printing equipment.

[0019] The biobased homogeneous composition is applied to the surface of the first substrate when melted and must therefore be within a certain viscosity range at the temperatures typically used for thermal melt coating. The complex viscosity of the biobased homogeneous composition is at least about 5×10 1 Pa-s at 100 °C and less than about 1×10 5Pa-s, especially at least about 1×10 2 Pa-s at 100 °C and less than about 5×10 4 Pa-s at 175 °C, and more particularly at least about 1×10 3 Pa-s at 100 °C and less than about 1×10 4 Pa-s at 175 °C. In one embodiment, the bio-based homogeneous composition is substantially free of tackifiers.

[0020] The bio-based homogeneous composition can be incorporated into a scrubbing article as part of a scrubbing layer. The scrubbing / texturing layer of the present invention is not brittle and is hard enough in warm soapy water to resist deformation under hand pressure while still being melt processable. When the bio-based homogeneous composition is incorporated into a scrubbing article, the bio-based homogeneous composition is attached to a first substrate to form a scrubbing layer. The scrubbing layer must have reasonably good durability and allow the scrubbing article to slide along various types of surfaces. The scrubbing layer must also be able to adhere to the first substrate. The first substrate must have reasonably good cohesive strength in the thickness direction such that the scrubbing layer does not disintegrate prematurely.

[0021] The first substrate has a basis weight between about 50 gsm and about 500 gsm. If the first substrate has a basis weight less than about 50, unsightly adhesive saturation through the first substrate to the top surface of the scrubbing article can be observed. If the first substrate has a basis weight greater than about 500 gsm, it may be too hard and inflexible to conform well when actually used to clean a surface. In one embodiment, the first substrate is bio-based. In one embodiment, the first substrate is fibrous. A fibrous substrate can facilitate conformability / flexibility and allow water to flow through the structure. The first substrate may or may not participate in the scrubbing action of the scrubbing article. In one embodiment, the first substrate is a nonwoven or bicomponent nonwoven. In one embodiment, the first substrate is a spunbond bicomponent nonwoven comprising a core and a skin. The skin has a low enough melting point to achieve good cohesive strength (i.e., good z-direction strength), but the melting point is not so low that the skin melts and hardens when the bio-based homogeneous composition is attached to the first substrate (e.g., when the bio-based homogeneous composition is thermally melt screen printed onto the first substrate). The core and skin can be formed from the same or different compositions and have a ratio between about 70 / 30 core / skin and about 50 / 50 core / skin. Examples of the first substrate include but are not limited to various grades of: polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate. However, the first substrate must have a composition different from that of the bio-based homogeneous composition. The compositional difference helps prevent the first substrate from melting when the bio-based homogeneous composition is attached to the first substrate.

[0022] The biobased homogeneous composition can be attached to the first substrate as a patterned layer having a texture that aids in scrubbing. In some embodiments, the patterned layer has a pattern, such as Figure 2 pattern 200. The biobased homogeneous composition can be attached to the first layer in a plurality of discrete segments. The discrete segments can form a pattern or can be randomly positioned on the surface of the first substrate. In one embodiment, the discrete segments are a plurality of points. In one embodiment, the points have a height between about 0.1 mm and about 5 mm, particularly between about 0.2 mm and about 2.5 mm, and more particularly between about 0.3 mm and about 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, the scrubbing layer is attached as a thin layer along the entire surface of the first substrate. The biobased homogeneous composition can be attached to the first substrate by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as, but not limited to, by spraying or screen printing. In one embodiment, the biobased composition is attached to the first substrate by a melt coating process, such as hot melt screen printing, hot melt gravure roll coating, or spraying. In one embodiment, when the biobased homogeneous composition is screen printed, the biobased homogeneous composition covers between about 1% and about 100% of the surface of the first substrate, particularly between about 10% and about 30% of the surface of the first substrate, and more particularly between about 15% and about 20% of the surface of the first substrate. In one embodiment, when the biobased homogeneous composition is sprayed, the biobased homogeneous composition covers at most about 80%, particularly at most about 90%, and more particularly at most about 100% of the surface of the first substrate.

[0023] Although the biobased homogeneous composition is completely biobased, the biobased homogeneous composition can still effectively scrub when used as part of a scrubbing layer.

[0024] The scrubbing layer including the first substrate and the biobased homogeneous composition can optionally be attached to a second substrate. The second substrate can provide a better grip to the user and can also provide a second surface by which the scrubbing article can be used to clean a surface. Examples of the second substrate can include, but are not limited to, cellulose or foam sponge or nonwoven fabric. In one embodiment, the second substrate is biobased.

[0025] When the scrubbing article includes a second substrate, the scrubbing layer is attached to the second substrate by an adhesive. The adhesive must allow each of these layers to have flexibility to obtain good conformability. The adhesive must also not delaminate in warm water. In one embodiment, the adhesive is biobased. In one embodiment, the adhesive can include, but is not limited to, polyamide. To adhere the scrubbing layer to the second substrate, the adhesive is first sprayed, roll coated, or extruded onto one surface of the second substrate, and then the scrubbing layer is placed on the surface of the second substrate having the adhesive.

[0026] The scrubbing product of the present invention is biodegradable. One measure of biodegradability is disintegration. Disintegration can be measured under thermophilic aerobic composting conditions according to ISO 20200 or with a minimum vessel volume of 35 L according to ISO 16929. In one embodiment, when measured according to modified ISO 20200:2015 (testing for 8 weeks instead of 12 weeks), the scrubbing product has a disintegration degree of at least about 50% after 8 weeks. Compostability can be measured according to ISO 20200, where if after twelve weeks in a controlled composting test, no more than 10% of the original dry weight of the plastic product remains after screening on a 2.0 mm sieve, the plastic product is considered to have exhibited satisfactory disintegration. Biodegradation can also be measured with additional CO2 measurements according to other test methods listed in Section 6.3 of ISO - 20200.

[0027] Other materials can be added to the scrubbing product for special purposes, including but not limited to: grinding aids, lubricants, wetting agents, surfactants, pigments, dyes, colorants, fillers, fragrances, coupling agents, plasticizers, mild abrasives, abrasive materials, cross - linkers, antistatic agents, antioxidants, particles, and suspending agents. Materials can be added for functional purposes or aesthetic purposes. For example, dyes, colorants, fragrances, and particles can be used for aesthetic purposes. Examples of suitable abrasive materials include but are not limited to: crushed walnut shells, peach pits, rice husks, etc. Other suitable abrasive materials are inorganic, such as for example iron - oxide - based pigments. In one embodiment, the additives are composed of sustainable materials. That is, the additives can be biodegradable, bio - based, recyclable, compostable, or made from recycled materials.

[0028] Example

[0029] The present invention is described more specifically in the following examples which are intended to be illustrative only, since many modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise specified, all parts, percentages, and ratios reported in the following examples are by weight.

[0030] Table 1: Materials

[0031]

[0032]

[0033] Example

[0034] Substrate

[0035] Four substrates were prepared according to the general method disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,802,817 (Matsuki et al.). The fiber-forming material was melted in an extruder and pumped into an extrusion head that included a plurality of orifices arranged in a regular pattern (e.g., a straight line). Filaments of the fiber-forming liquid were extruded from the extrusion head and conveyed through an air-filled space to a attenuator. The filaments were of a core / shell configuration. This configuration existed even though the core and shell were made of the same material because there was an interface between the two layers (core and shell) of the material. An air quenching stream was directed toward the extruded filaments; this air could reduce the temperature of the extruded filaments or partially cure them.

[0036] The filaments passed through the attenuator and were then deposited onto a generally flat collector surface where the filaments were collected as a mat of fibers or a web.

[0037] The collector was typically porous, and a gas evacuation (vacuum) device could be positioned below the collector to assist in depositing the fibers onto the collector (the porosity of the collector (e.g., relatively small-scale porosity) did not change the fact that the collector was generally flat as defined above).

[0038] The sheath / core filaments were extruded at a temperature of 200 °C to 230 °C and then drawn to form a nonwoven web by quench air at 10 °C and an air volume flow rate of 23 m 3 / min. The web speed was adjusted as needed to obtain the desired basis weight. The resulting web basis weight was between 45 grams per square meter and 150 grams per square meter (gsm). When the core and sheath had different compositions, i.e., were bicomponent, the ratio of core to sheath was about 50 / 50 or 70 / 30, as indicated below.

[0039] Substrate 1:

[0040] Spunbonded PLA 6102D nonwoven fabric with 45 gsm in the core and sheath.

[0041] Substrate 2:

[0042] Spunbonded PLA 6202D nonwoven fabric with 2% pigment concentrate (made from a mixture of 2:1 brown masterbatch and white masterbatch) at 100 gsm, 125 gsm, and 150 gsm, which was calendered between two hot rolls at 104 °C at 3 meters per minute (m / min) and a roll nip pressure of 90,000 N / m. One of the calender rolls was smooth and the other had a pattern that contacted 17% of the treated area.

[0043] Substrate 3:

[0044] A spunbond bicomponent nonwoven fabric having a PLA 6202D core and a PBS FZ71 sheath (PTT MCC Biochem Company, Thailand), the core / sheath ratio of the spunbond bicomponent nonwoven fabric being about 70 / 30, at 100 gsm and calendered as described above for substrate 2.

[0045] Substrate 4:

[0046] A spunbond bicomponent nonwoven fabric having a PLA 6100D core and a PLA 6302D sheath, the core / sheath ratio of the spunbond bicomponent nonwoven fabric being about 70 / 30, at 100 gsm, spunbonded and calendered as described above for substrate 2.

[0047] Bio-based composition

[0048] Examples 1 to 16 (EX1-EX16) and Comparative Examples 1 to 10 (CE1-CE10)

[0049] Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 2 to 6 were compounded on a Coperion (Stuttgart, Germany) 18 mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder operated between 160 °C and 195 °C and between 7 kg / hr and 14 kg / hr. Examples 10 to 21 were compounded on a Berstorff 25 mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder operated between 190 °C and 220 °C and at 7.5 kg / hr. Then the selected compositions were printed on the above substrates using a custom-built hot melt screen printer (Telstar Engineering, Burnsville MN USA), except for Comparative Example 1 which was used as supplied and hand printed as described below. Comparative Examples 8 to 14 and Examples 7 to 12 were not printed. The printing temperature and web speed were varied to create the optimum appearance. Generally, unless otherwise specified, the hot melt printing temperature was 160 °C to 190 °C and the web speed was 3 m / min to 30 m / min. If indicated, dots typically 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter and about 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm in height were printed on the substrates with the compositions.

[0050] Comparative Example 1 (CE1)

[0051] Use HJ-2000 as it is. Create an array of flat vertices spaced 5 mm apart on substrate 1 by melting the HJ-2000 composition on the substrate while using a perforated metal plate as a stencil. Before peeling off the stencil, scrape off the excess with a heated putty knife.

[0052] Example 1 (EX1):

[0053] Compound a 60 / 40 blend of HJ-2000 and CaCO3, and then print it on substrate 2 in a pattern of 200 dots as shown. Figure 2 as shown.

[0054] Comparative Example 2 (CE2)

[0055] Compound a blend of 95% PLA 4060D / PLA 6252D / R8010 / citric acid / CaCO3 (ratio 30 / 50 / 10 / 2 / 8) and 5% yellow masterbatch, and then print it on substrate 2 in a dot pattern as shown. Figure 2 as shown.

[0056] Example 2 (EX2):

[0057] Compound a blend of PLA 6252D / HJ2000 / MP-80 / CaCO3 at a ratio of 60 / 10 / 10 / 20. During printing on substrate 2 as shown, the composition requires a temperature of up to 190 °C and a line speed of up to 45 m / min. Figure 2 as shown

[0058] Examples 3 (EX3) and 4 (EX4):

[0059] Compound a blend of PBS FZ71 and MP-80 at a ratio of 90 / 10, and then print it in a dot pattern as shown on substrate 2 and substrate 3 to form EX3 and EX4 respectively. Figure 2 as shown

[0060] Comparative Examples 3 (CE3) and 4 (CE4):

[0061] Compound a blend of PBS FZ71 / MP-80 / citric acid at a ratio of 70 / 28 / 2, and then print it in a dot pattern as shown on substrate 2 and substrate 3 to form CE3 and CE4 respectively. Figure 2 as shown

[0062] Examples 5 (EX5) and 6 (EX6):

[0063] Compound a blend of PBS FZ71 / MP-80 / citric acid at a ratio of 80 / 18 / 2, and then print it in a dot pattern as shown Figure 2The dot patterns shown are printed on substrates 2 and 3 to form EX5 and EX6 respectively.

[0064] Example 7 (EX7):

[0065] A blend of PLA 6361 / MP-80 is compounded at a ratio of 90 / 10 and then printed on substrate 4 in the dot pattern as Figure 2 shown.

[0066] Example 8 (EX8):

[0067] A blend of PLA 6361 / MP-80 is compounded at a ratio of 95 / 5 and then printed on substrate 4 in the dot pattern as Figure 2 shown.

[0068] Example 9 (EX9):

[0069] PLA 6361 (100%) is used as a control without a printed dot array or dot pattern.

[0070] Example 10 (EX10):

[0071] A blend of 94.5 wt% of PLA 6361, 5 wt% of ethylene bis(stearamide) wax, and 0.5 wt% of a brown masterbatch is compounded and then printed on substrate 4 in a dot array. A dot array with a 5 mm spacing is printed using the above-mentioned thermal melt screen printing machine.

[0072] Examples 11 to 16 (EX11-EX16) and Comparative Examples 5 to 10 (CE5-CE10):

[0073] Ecovio or Ecoflex polyester resin is blended with soybean wax according to the composition defined in Table 2.

[0074] Table 2: Composition

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] Wiping article

[0078] Examples 17 to 21 (EX17-EX21) and Comparative Example 11 (CE11)

[0079] Various adhesives are applied to one side of cellulose sponges of different thicknesses by extruding or roll-coating the molten adhesive, and then the unprinted side of the printed substrate is brought into contact with the adhesive-coated cellulose, and pressure is applied by hand or by clamping between rubber rollers to prepare a laminated wiping sponge structure. Alternatively, the adhesive is first applied to the unprinted side of the printed substrate, and then the adhesive-coated side is brought into contact with the cellulose sponge and pressure is applied to prepare a laminated structure.

[0080] Comparative Example 11 (CE11)

[0081] The Technomelt 6240 adhesive is extruded onto cellulose sponges and sponge cloths of various thicknesses using a Coperion ZSX18 co-rotating twin-screw extruder operated at about 250 °C to deliver a coating weight of 80 g / m 2 and then laminated by clamping onto substrate 2 previously printed with the compositions described in Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example 4.

[0082] Example 17 (EX17):

[0083] The Technomelt 6240 adhesive is extruded onto cellulose sponges and sponge cloths of various thicknesses using a Coperion ZSX18 co-rotating twin-screw extruder operated at about 250 °C to deliver a coating weight of 80 g / m 2 and then laminated by clamping onto substrate 3 previously printed with the compositions described in Example 5 and Example 6.

[0084] Example 18 (EX18):

[0085] HY288 is extruded onto substrate 4 previously printed with the composition described in Example 7 using a Coperion ZSX18 co-rotating twin-screw extruder operated at about 110 °C to deliver a coating weight of 150 g / m 2 The coated substrate is immediately clamped onto sponges and sponge cloths of various thicknesses, both dry and wet.

[0086] Example 19 (EX19):

[0087] HY288 is applied onto substrate 4 previously printed with the composition described in Example 7 using a Coperion ZSX18 co-rotating twin-screw extruder operated at about 115 °C to deliver a coating weight of 215 g / m 2 The coated substrate is immediately clamped onto sponges and sponge cloths of various thicknesses, both dry and wet.

[0088] Example 20 (EX20):

[0089] Using a Model 775 hot melt SPR S / T laminator (Black Bros Co., Mendota IL USA), HY288 was roll-coated onto a 15 mm thick cellulose and sponge cloth at an adhesive temperature of approximately 180 °C. Then, the substrate 4 previously printed with the composition described in Example 7 was applied to the coated cellulose and held under pressure until the adhesive hardened. The coating weight was between 172 g / m 2 and 366 g / m 2 between.

[0090] Example 21 (EX21):

[0091] Using a Model 775 hot melt SPR S / T laminator (Black Bros Co., Mendota IL USA), 3M adhesive 3789 was roll-coated onto 15 mm thick cellulose at an adhesive temperature of approximately 180 °C. Then, the substrate 4 previously printed with the composition described in Example 7 was applied to the coated cellulose and held under pressure until the adhesive hardened. The coating weight was between 172 g / m 2 and 366 g / m 2 between.

[0092] Test method

[0093] In-sink test:

[0094] The sink was filled with tap water at 45 °C between 2 liters and 6 liters, and approximately 3 g of liquid dish detergent (Dawn, Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA) was added. A wiping sponge construct was used to wash lightly soiled ceramic and / or plastic tableware for a total of approximately 5 to 10 minutes, then the wiping sponge was rinsed in warm water, and the substrate wear, dot loss, and delamination between the printed substrate and the cellulose sponge were visually inspected. The wiping sponge was air-dried and then the test was repeated several times or until breakage was observed.

[0095] Sink tests showed that for Comparative Example 11 and Example 17, the adhesive softened in warm water, which allowed the printed substrate and the cellulose to separate. For Example 18 and Example 21, the adhesive delaminated after 1 to 6 uses. For Example 19 and Example 20, the adhesive adhered well and showed no delamination when used several times in the sink test, except for the case of the lowest adhesive application level on Example 20, which delaminated on the first use.

[0096] Hardness, friction and three-point bending tests:

[0097] The samples were melted in a Blue M gravity convection laboratory oven (Thermal Product Solutions, White Deer PA, USA) at temperatures between 275°F and 375°F, and then poured into aluminum pans or silicone molds to prepare flat sheets, plates, or discs with a thickness between 1.5 mm and 1 cm, depending on the requirements of the hardness, friction, and 3-point bend tests described below.

[0098] Hardness test:

[0099] Shore D hardness tests were performed on small pieces of each point composition with a thickness between 0.5 cm and 1 cm using a Shore D gauge in accordance with the method of ASTM D2240-15.

[0100] Wet dynamic coefficient of friction:

[0101] The wet dynamic coefficient of friction (WDCOF) was measured on flat sheets with a thickness between 1.5 mm and 4 mm using a BOT3000E digital friction and wear tester (Regan Scientific Instruments) equipped with a styrene-butadiene rubber sensor in accordance with the method of ANSI B101.3-2012. Four scans were performed on each sample and four readings were taken for each scan. Dry static COF was performed in the absence of any liquid on the surface in accordance with the instrument manufacturer's instructions. The Shore D hardness and coefficient of friction results are shown in Table 3.

[0102] Table 3: Hardness and CoF results

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] ND = Not determined

[0106] The range of durometer readings for Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 3, and Comparative Example 4 is given because these samples frequently cracked during the durometer test.

[0107] Three-point bending test:

[0108] Based on ASTM D790-17, the average failure strain, strain energy density, and elastic modulus were evaluated using a three-point bending test on wafers sized approximately 15 cm × 21 mm × 3.5 mm. The strain energy density was calculated as the area under the stress-strain curve from zero strain to specimen failure or to 2% strain, whichever came first. In cases where the specimen did not fail, the failure strain and strain energy density could not be determined; however, the strain and strain energy density at the end of the test were calculated and used as a lower bound for the failure properties (and indicated by >). The modulus was calculated as the slope of the tangent to the initial straight portion of the load-deflection curve as the tangent elastic modulus in Equation 6 of Section 12.5.1 of ASTM D790-17.

[0109] Table 4: Summary of average failure strain, strain energy density and modulus at fracture or 0.02 strain

[0110]

[0111]

[0112] Melting characteristics:

[0113] The melt properties of the point compositions were measured using an ARES G2 rheometer. The complex viscosity (η*) in Pa-s at different temperatures is recorded in Table 5.

[0114] Table 5: Melting characteristics test results

[0115]

[0116] ND = Not Determined

[0117] Crystallinity:

[0118] The crystallinity of the selected compositions was determined using a Discovery 2500 differential scanning calorimeter (DSC2A-00883 / RCS) system in temperature modulation mode using a heat-cool-heat method. The percentage of crystallinity was estimated by dividing the measured heat of fusion ΔH f,DSC of the composition by the heat of fusion ΔH f,P of the pure crystalline polymer (e.g., 91 J / g for PLA) and multiplying by the mass fraction X P of the polymer in the composition. The results are recorded in Table 6.

[0119] Crystallinity % ≈ ΔH f,DSC / (ΔH f,P x P )

[0120] Table 6: Crystallinity test results

[0121]

[0122] Ecoflex Batch AB1 is 40% PBAT (60% CaCO3); Ecovio F2341 is 25% filler (CaCO3 and talc) and 75% polymer at a ratio of 55% PBAT / 45% PLA. For the calculation of the crystalline weight %, the theoretical 100% crystallization enthalpies of PLA and PBAT are 91 J / g and 114 J / g, respectively.

[0123] Biodegradability test:

[0124] Examples 22 to 25 (EX22-EX25)

[0125] Samples were prepared on substrate 4 printed with the composition described in EX7 with the material and binder weight parameters defined in Table 7, except for the control (3M Scrub Dot obtained from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA), which was made of a cellulose sponge approximately 15 mm thick laminated to a non-biodegradable material. Before starting the tests, all samples and the control were rinsed several times to remove the preservative from the cellulose.

[0126] Table 7: Sample materials and coating weights

[0127] Adhesive Adhesive coating weight (g / m2) Sponge type EX22 HY-288 172 Sponge cloth EX23 HY-288 256 Sponge cloth EX24 HY-288 366 15 mm thick cellulose EX25 3M 3789 248 15 mm thick cellulose

[0128] ISO 20200 was used to measure the disintegration degree, but with the following modifications: the C / N ratio and pH of the compost inoculum were not measured; the volatile solids were not measured before or after the test; a ventilated oven was used instead of a recirculating oven; pine wood shavings (0 mm to 3 mm) were used instead of sawdust; water was added regularly to compensate for the water vapor escaping from the containers; and only one replicate test was performed for each material ID. Composting was carried out in five 5.0-liter containers under aeration as described in Section 6 of ISO-20200. The mature compost inoculum was obtained from SET Company, Rosemount, MN in August 2020 and stored at 40°F until the test start date. After completing the test and drying at 58°C for ten days to obtain the balanced remaining dry matter, each container was weighed and compared with the original weight to determine the solid loss. Then the materials were sieved using sieves with openings of 9.5 mm, 4.75 mm, and 2 mm. The captured material was dried at 105°C for 18 hours to remove any water content. The material captured by each sieve was recorded, and the degree of disintegration was calculated as the amount of material passing through a given sieve size divided by the original sample mass. During the 8-week test period, the samples were observed to decompose up to 99% (measured on the 9.5 mm sieve) (see Table 8).

[0129] Table 8: Disintegration test results

[0130]

[0131] Product cleaning efficacy test:

[0132] The product cleaning efficacy test was performed in a manner generally similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,626,512 (Palaikis et al.). A stainless steel plate was coated with a food soil mixture made of 120 grams of milk, 60 grams of cheddar cheese, 120 grams of hamburger, 120 grams of tomato juice, 120 grams of cherry juice, 20 grams of flour, 100 granular sugars, and one egg. The coated panel was baked in an oven at 230 °C for one hour. The above coating and curing processes were repeated three times to obtain a uniform coating on the plate, and then the plate was attached to the lower turntable of a Schiefer abrasion testing machine that was modified to accommodate the plate. A 2.26 kg (5 lb.) head weight was used as the applied force. The sample was saturated with water, centered, and fastened against the upper turntable of the testing machine, and the test was conducted under wet conditions by lubricating the plate with water at a rate of 1 drop / second. The test was stopped when the coated plate was scrubbed clean or at 5500 cycles (whichever came first). Each sample was tested in triplicate, and the number of cycles used to clean each panel was recorded as the average (Table 9). The control used was 3M Scrub Dots obtained from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

[0133] Table 9: Cleaning efficacy test results

[0134] Control EX7 EX8 5500 3587 879

[0135] As can be seen in Table 9, Examples 7 and 8 performed better than the control.

[0136] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary of the many possible specific arrangements that can be designed when applying the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can design many and different other arrangements based on these principles without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described in this patent application, but should be limited only by the structures described in the words of the claims and their equivalent structures.

Claims

1. A biobased homogeneous composition, the biobased homogeneous composition comprising: A biobased polymer; and A biobased wax, wherein the biobased wax accounts for less than about 20% of the biobased homogeneous composition, and wherein the biobased composition has a modulus of elasticity of at least about 0.5 GPa and a strain energy density of at least about 0.1 mJ / mm 3 2.

2. The biobased homogeneous composition according to claim 1, wherein the biobased polymer is selected from one of the following: polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.

3. The biobased homogeneous composition according to claim 1, wherein the biobased homogeneous composition is substantially free of tackifiers.

4. The biobased homogeneous composition according to claim 1, wherein the biobased polymer has a Shore D durometer hardness of at least about 50 when measured according to ASTM D2240-15.

5. The biobased homogeneous composition according to claim 1, wherein the biobased homogeneous composition has a wet coefficient of friction of about 0.40 or less.

6. The biobased homogeneous composition according to claim 1, wherein the biobased homogeneous composition has a percent crystallinity of about 50% or less.

7. The biobased homogeneous composition according to claim 1, wherein the complex viscosity of the biobased homogeneous composition is at least about 5×10 1 Pa-s at 100 °C and less than about 1×10 5 Pa-s at 175 °C.

8. A scrubbing article, the scrubbing article comprising: A nonwoven substrate; And A biobased composition attached to the nonwoven substrate, the biobased composition comprising: A biobased polymer; And A biobased wax, wherein the biobased wax accounts for less than about 20% of the biobased composition, and Wherein when measured according to ASTM D790-17, the biobased composition has a modulus of elasticity of at least about 0.5 GPa and a strain energy density of at least about 0.1 mJ / mm 3 , wherein the composition of the nonwoven substrate is significantly different from the biobased composition.

9. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the biobased composition is attached to the nonwoven substrate by a thermal melt coating process.

10. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the biobased composition is attached to the nonwoven substrate in a plurality of discrete segments.

11. The scrubbing article according to claim 10, wherein the biobased composition is attached in a pattern.

12. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the substrate is attached to cellulose or a foam sponge.

13. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the scrubbing article has a degree of disintegration of at least about 50% after 8 weeks when measured according to ISO 20200:2015 for 8 weeks.

14. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the biobased polymer is selected from one of the following: polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and mixtures thereof.

15. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the biobased composition is substantially free of tackifiers.

16. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the biobased polymer has a Shore D durometer hardness of at least about 50 when measured according to ASTM D2240-15.

17. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the biobased composition has a wet coefficient of friction of about 0.50 or less.

18. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the biobased composition has a percent crystallinity of about 50% or less.

19. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the complex viscosity of the biobased composition is at least about 5×10 1 Pa-s at 100 °C and less than about 1×10 5 Pa-s at 175 °C.

20. The scrubbing article according to claim 8, wherein the bio-based wax is one of soybean oil, castor oil, and ethylenebisstearamide.

Images