Acidic bath cleaners and / or acidic all-purpose cleaners without corrosion inhibitors

Abstract

An acidic bathroom cleaner and / or acidic multipurpose cleaner is described that, when present in a metal container such as an aluminum container, provides corrosion protection in the absence of corrosion inhibitors. Corrosion protection is provided by including a combination of one or more organic acids present in the cleaner and one or more anionic surfactants. The cleaner has a pH of 3 or less. The cleaner may also contain nonionic surfactants and have an aqueous carrier, such as purified water. The cleaner can be an aerosol cleaner or a non-aerosol cleaner.

Description

Related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 537,897, filed September 12, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Invention Field

[0002] This invention relates to cleaning agents, particularly bathroom cleaners and / or multi-purpose cleaners, which are acidic, do not contain corrosion inhibitors, and provide corrosion protection throughout the product life of the cleaner when stored in and dispensed from metal containers (including aluminum containers). The cleaning agent can be a non-aerosol cleaning product or an aerosol cleaning product. Background of the Invention

[0003] Bathroom cleaners and multi-purpose cleaners typically have an acidic pH and are housed in metal containers, such as steel or aluminum containers, for storage and dispensing as sprays or foams. Aluminum is generally susceptible to corrosion when in contact with acidic cleaners having a pH outside the 4-7 range. To protect the metal of the container throughout the cleaning product's lifespan, conventional cleaners contain one or more corrosion inhibitors, such as alkali metal phosphates and / or alkali metal sulfates. However, including one or more corrosion inhibitors increases the product's cost and does not contribute to the cleaner's cleaning effectiveness.

[0004] Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide an acidic bathroom cleaner and / or acidic multipurpose cleaner that does not require the inclusion of corrosion inhibitors and is non-corrosive to metal dispensing containers, particularly aluminum dispensing containers. Invention Overview

[0005] An acidic bathroom cleaner and / or acidic multipurpose cleaner (also known as a general-purpose cleaner) (hereinafter referred to as "cleaner" or "cleaner product") is provided, which is compatible with metal dispensing containers (preferably aluminum dispensing containers) in the absence of corrosion inhibitors.

[0006] Acidic detergents have a pH of 3 or less, preferably less than 3, and contain a combination of one or more anionic surfactants and one or more organic acids to provide corrosion protection for the metal containers in which the detergent is stored and dispensed during the product life of the detergent. Therefore, the metal containers exhibit long-term stability.

[0007] Unbound by theory, another benefit is that the cleaning agent will result in a lower corrosion rate on metal surfaces treated with it, such as metal bathroom fixtures.

[0008] Preferred formulations for acidic bathroom cleaners and / or acidic multipurpose cleaners comprise an aqueous carrier, such as water; one or more organic acids, preferably citric acid; one or more anionic surfactants, preferably one or more alkali metal alkylbenzene sulfonates; a nonionic surfactant, preferably one or more ethoxylated alcohols; and one or more adjuvants, such as fragrances. The cleaner is preferably dispensed as an aerosol cleaner and therefore also comprises a propellant. The propellant may be liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed gas propellant. The cleaner can also be dispensed as a non-aerosol from an aluminum container using a trigger-type spray mechanism. The nozzle configuration of the aerosol or non-aerosol embodiment will determine whether the cleaner is dispensed as a liquid spray or a foam. Invention Details

[0009] This invention relates to an acidic bathroom cleaner and / or an acidic multipurpose cleaner, which, without containing corrosion inhibitors, is suitable for storage in and dispensing from a metal container such as an aluminum or steel container. The cleaner has a pH of 3 or less, but is not readily corroded by the metal container in which it is stored and from which it is dispensed. Corrosion on the inner surface of the metal container typically manifests itself as pitting corrosion on the container's inner surface.

[0010] A combination of components in a cleaning agent that provides corrosion protection (i.e., no or minimal internal corrosion of the metal container) is a combination of one or more anionic surfactants present in the cleaning agent formulation and one or more organic acids present in the cleaning agent. "Minimum internal corrosion" is understood as corrosion that does not interfere with the product lifespan of the container and does not cause discoloration or deterioration of the cleaning agent's performance.

[0011] The composition of the cleaning agent is based on 100 weight percent (wt.%) and on the wt.% of the components themselves as contained in the cleaning agent, not on the active substances of the components. Any subranges within the given descriptive range should be understood to also apply to obtaining the desired cleaning agent.

[0012] Examples of anionic surfactants suitable for detergents are alkali metal alkylbenzene sulfonates, preferably sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and / or sodium xylene sulfonate; α-olefin sulfonates; PC48-sulfolane; alkyl sulfates, preferably sodium lauryl sulfate; alkyl ether sulfates, preferably sodium lauryl ether sulfate; and C14-C17 alkyl secondary sulfonates. One or more anionic surfactants are present in amounts from about 0.05 wt.% to about 5.00 wt.%, preferably from about 0.10 wt.% to about 1.00 wt.%, and more preferably from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.57 wt.%.

[0013] Examples of organic acids suitable for cleaning agents are citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and buffer solutions of acetic acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, hydrochloric acid, and peracetic acid. Citric acid is a preferred acid. The organic acid is present in amounts from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10.00 wt.%, preferably from about 0.01 wt.% to about 3.00 wt.%, and more preferably from about 2.00 wt.% to about 2.89 wt.%.

[0014] The cleaning agent preferably also contains a nonionic surfactant to help provide the desired cleaning effect. Suitable and preferred nonionic surfactants are alkyl ethoxylated alcohols, such as C9-C11 ethoxylated alcohols; and alkyl polyglucosides. The nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.00 wt.% to about 5.00 wt.%, preferably about 0.20 wt.% to about 3.00 wt.%, and more preferably about 0.40 wt.% to about 1.75 wt.%.

[0015] The cleaning agent contains an aqueous carrier, such as water. The water is preferably purified water, such as deionized water, reverse osmosis water, distilled water, and the like.

[0016] When the cleaning agent is dispensed from the aerosol metal container, a suitable propellant may be liquefied petroleum gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), such as hydrocarbons (e.g., isobutane, butane, propane, and mixtures thereof), dimethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, etc., as commonly known. Isobutane is a preferred LPG. The propellant may also be one or more compressed gas propellants, such as nitrogen, air, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, argon, or mixtures thereof. Based on the total aerosol formulation composition, one or more propellants are present in the cleaning agent product in an amount from about 0.4 wt.% to about 30.0 wt.%. LPG propellants are preferably present in the range of about 3 wt.% to about 6 wt.%. Compressed gas propellants are generally present in lower amounts such that the container is filled to about 128 PSI (pounds per square inch) to about 150 PSI, preferably to about 138 PSI.

[0017] Additives that do not affect the desired characteristics of the cleaning agent of the present invention may be present in an amount of less than 0.2 wt.%. Preferred additives are fragrances (which are understood to include one or a mixture of fragrances or perfumes that impart a desired scent). Conventional fragrance components suitable for use are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0018] Table 1 below lists preferred embodiments of the acidic bathroom cleaner and / or acidic multipurpose cleaner of the present invention, which provide corrosion protection when contained in a metal container, particularly an aluminum container, while not containing corrosion inhibitors.

[0019] Table 1

[0020] As described above, the cleaning agent may contain propellant in a metal storage and dispensing container, or be dispensed using a trigger dispenser. When LPG is used as the propellant, a foaming product is provided using a conventional packaging arrangement. A light mist product or foam is produced using nitrogen or a similar propellant, depending on the dispensing head used as is conventionally known in the art.

[0021] Preferred alternative pairings of the anionic surfactant and organic acid according to the invention are lactic acid and α-olefin sulfonate; glycolic acid and sodium xylenesulfonate; acetic acid and PC48-sulfolane; sulfuric acid and sodium lauryl sulfate; and aminosulfonic acid and sodium lauryl ether sulfate. The pairing of lactic acid and α-olefin sulfonate is preferably further combined with an alkyl polyglucan nonionic surfactant.

[0022] Comparative test samples demonstrating the corrosion protection provided by the acidic cleaning agent of the present invention are listed in Table 2 below.

[0023] Table 2

[0024] Test data also showed that the combination of 10 wt.% citric acid and 1 wt.%–5 wt.% sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DDBSA) significantly reduced the likelihood of pitting corrosion on the inner surface of aluminum containers. A preferred combination was approximately 2.9 wt.% citric acid and 0.4 wt.% DDBSA to significantly reduce the likelihood of pitting corrosion. These test samples were calculated using a citric acid:DDBSA molar ratio of 2.9 wt.% citric acid:DDBSA (15.1:0.43); and 10 wt.% citric acid:DDBSA (52.05:1.06).

[0025] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or unnecessarily limiting of the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention, enabling those skilled in the art to practice it. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made within the scope of the foregoing description. These modifications, within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, form part of this invention.

[0026] It should be noted that terms such as “specifically,” “preferably,” “typically,” “generally,” and “usually” are not used herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, necessary, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are intended only to highlight optional or additional features that may or may not be used in a particular embodiment of the invention. It should also be noted that terms such as “substantially” and “about” are used herein to indicate the inherent degree of uncertainty attributable to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

[0027] The values ​​and ranges disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​stated. Rather, unless otherwise stated, each such value is intended to refer to both the stated value and the functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a value disclosed as “10 wt.%” is intended to mean “about 10 wt.%”. Any range described herein includes any and all subranges within the stated range, even if not specifically indicated.

Claims

1. An acidic bathroom cleaner and / or an acidic multipurpose cleaner, comprising: (a) One or more organic acids; (b) One or more anionic surfactants; (c) Optionally, one or more nonionic surfactants; (d) Optionally, one or more fragrances; (e) Optionally, propellant components; and (f) Aqueous carrier; Corrosion inhibitors are not included in the acidic bathroom cleaners and / or acidic multipurpose cleaners. The cleaning agent described herein has a pH value equal to or less than 3, and When the cleaning agent is stored in a metal container, the cleaning agent provides corrosion protection to the inner surface of the metal container.

2. A combination product comprising (1) Acidic bathroom cleaners and / or acidic multipurpose cleaners, which contain: (a) One or more organic acids; (b) One or more anionic surfactants; (c) Optionally, one or more nonionic surfactants; (d) Optionally, one or more fragrances; (e) Optionally, propellant components; and (f) Aqueous carrier; Corrosion inhibitors are not included in the acidic bathroom cleaners and / or acidic multipurpose cleaners, and The cleaning agent described herein has a pH value equal to or less than 3; and (2) A metal container in which the bathroom cleaner and / or multipurpose cleaner is stored and dispensed from the metal container during use, wherein when the cleaner is stored in the metal container, the cleaner reduces corrosion of the inner surface of the metal container.

3. The cleaning agent according to claim 1, wherein the one or more organic acids are present in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, and the one or more anionic surfactants are present in an amount of about 0.05 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

4. The combination product of claim 2, wherein the detergent comprises one or more of the organic acids in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, and comprises one or more of the anionic surfactants in an amount of about 0.05 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

5. The cleaning agent according to claim 1, wherein the one or more acids are one or more of the following: citric acid; lactic acid; glycolic acid; and a buffer solution of acetic acid, sulfuric acid, aminosulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid and peracetic acid.

6. The combined product according to claim 2, wherein the one or more acids are one or more of the following: citric acid; lactic acid; glycolic acid; and buffer solutions of acetic acid, sulfuric acid, aminosulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid and peracetic acid.

7. The cleaning agent according to claim 1, wherein the one or more anionic surfactants are one or more selected from alkali metal alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, PC48-sulfolane, sodium alkyl sulfate, sodium alkyl ether sulfate, and C14-C17 alkyl secondary sulfonates.

8. The combined product according to claim 2, wherein the one or more anionic surfactants are one or more selected from alkali metal alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, PC48-sulfolane, sodium alkyl sulfate, sodium alkyl ether sulfate, and C14-C17 alkyl secondary sulfonates.

9. The cleaning agent according to claim 1, wherein one or more nonionic surfactants are present in the cleaning agent.

10. The combined product of claim 2, wherein one or more nonionic surfactants are present in the detergent.

11. The cleaning agent according to claim 9, wherein the one or more nonionic surfactants are present in an amount greater than 0 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

12. The combined product of claim 10, wherein the one or more nonionic surfactants are present in an amount greater than 0 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

13. The cleaning agent according to claim 1, wherein the propellant component is present and is one of the following: liquid petroleum gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), dimethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, or one or more compressed gases.

14. The combined product of claim 2, wherein the propellant component is present and is one of the following: liquid petroleum gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), dimethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, or one or more compressed gases.

15. The cleaning agent according to claim 1, wherein the metal container is an aluminum container.

16. The combined product of claim 2, wherein the metal container is an aluminum container.

17. The cleaning agent of claim 1, wherein the one or more acids and the one or more anionic surfactants comprise one of the following pairs: sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium xylenesulfonate and citric acid; lactic acid and α-olefin sulfonate; glycolic acid and sodium xylenesulfonate; acetic acid and PC48-sulfolane; sulfuric acid and sodium lauryl sulfate; and aminosulfonic acid and sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

18. The combined product of claim 2, wherein the one or more acids and the one or more anionic surfactants comprise one of the following pairs: sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium xylenesulfonate and citric acid; lactic acid and α-olefin sulfonate; glycolic acid and sodium xylenesulfonate; acetic acid and PC48-sulfolane; sulfuric acid and sodium lauryl sulfate; and aminosulfonic acid and sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

19. The cleaning agent according to claim 1, wherein the one or more acids are lactic acid, the one or more anionic surfactants are α-olefin sulfonates, and the one or more nonionic surfactants are present and are alkyl polyglucosides.

20. The combined product of claim 2, wherein the one or more acids are lactic acid, the one or more anionic surfactants are α-olefin sulfonates, and the one or more nonionic surfactants are present and are alkyl polyglucosides.

21. An acidic bathroom cleaner and / or an acidic multipurpose cleaner, comprising: (a) One or more organic acids, including citric acid; (b) One or more anionic surfactants, including sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and sodium xylene sulfonate; (c) One or more nonionic surfactants, including C9-C11 ethoxylated alcohols; (d) Optionally, one or more fragrances; (e) Optionally, propellant components; and (f) A carrier, which includes water; Corrosion inhibitors are not included in the acidic bathroom cleaners and / or acidic multipurpose cleaners. The cleaning agent described herein has a pH value equal to or less than 3, and When the cleaning agent is stored in a metal container, the cleaning agent provides corrosion protection to the inner surface of the metal container.

22. A combination product comprising (1) Acidic bathroom cleaners and / or acidic multipurpose cleaners, which contain: (a) One or more organic acids, including citric acid; (b) One or more anionic surfactants, including sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and sodium xylene sulfonate; (c) One or more nonionic surfactants, including C9-C11 ethoxylated alcohols; (d) Optionally, one or more fragrances; (e) Optionally, propellant components; and (f) A carrier, which includes water; Corrosion inhibitors are not included in the acidic bathroom cleaners and / or acidic multipurpose cleaners, and The cleaning agent described herein has a pH value equal to or less than 3; and (2) A metal container in which the bathroom cleaner and / or multipurpose cleaner is stored and dispensed from the metal container during use, wherein when the cleaner is stored in the metal container, the cleaner reduces corrosion of the inner surface of the metal container.

23. The cleaning agent of claim 21, wherein the metal container is an aluminum container.

24. The combined product of claim 22, wherein the metal container is an aluminum container.

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