General Purpose Formulations

Abstract

To provide an effective composition with short, adequate and reasonable contact times for a healthcare environment. [Solution] A composition comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound, at least one alcohol ethoxylate, at least one chelating agent, and at least one amine oxide, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one polyquaternium compound.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound, at least one alcohol ethoxylate, and at least one amine oxide, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one polyquaternium compound.The present invention also relates to a wet wipe, which comprises a substrate impregnated with the composition.The present invention also relates to the use of the composition or the wet wipe for disinfecting a surface. [Background technology]

[0002] In the healthcare environment, there is a very wide range of surfaces, equipment and devices, which not only need to be kept clean, but also place special demands on the cleaning products used. In particular, in the medical industry, it must be taken into account that on the one hand the surfaces in question must be hygienic, and on the other hand the cleaning products must not overly fatigue the material. Typically, such articles are made of stainless steel, other metals, glass, and / or a wide range of plastics and rubber. They may include screens, keyboards, trays, wheelchairs, trolleys, walls, windows, as well as many different pieces of medical equipment and equipment tables, bed frames, mattresses, portable toilets, and furniture.

[0003] As the infection control market evolves, the need for broad spectrum products has emerged that include efficacy against more resistant microorganisms such as non-enveloped viruses. These organisms are highly infectious pathogens that are responsible for significant health care associated infections. Non-enveloped viruses pose challenges for disinfection due to structural differences in the capsid core, the availability and number of targets, and the accessibility of nucleic acids.

[0004] Wet wipes comprising a substrate impregnated with a disinfecting composition have been on the market for many years and have provided healthcare services and other areas with a simple and effective solution for infection control.

[0005] The wipes have broad spectrum antimicrobial capabilities, but improved performance against adenovirus and norovirus with short contact times is possible, and good material compatibility is desirable, especially with polymeric surfaces.

[0006] Furthermore, improvements in the results obtained against yeasts, especially Candida albicans, and non-enveloped viruses (especially Noro and Adeno), may be possible.

[0007] EP1634942A1 relates to acid disinfectant and cleaning compositions containing one or more selected quaternary ammonium salts, one or more selected alcohol alkoxylates, one or more alcohols and one or more hydroxycarboxylic acids.

[0008] W02019051310A1 relates to an alcohol-enhanced antibacterial soap formulation containing an alcohol-enhanced antibacterial agent.

[0009] However, conventional formulations for disinfecting hands or plastic surfaces use alcohol-based solvents, and furthermore, these formulations have an acidic pH or contain a high concentration of active ingredients. In particular, the high alcohol content of these disinfectants makes them evaporate quickly on surfaces, so that, for example, they have a strong drying effect on hands and short exposure times are required to effectively kill viruses or bacteria. The short exposure times of such disinfectant formulations with high alcohol content (+20%) in turn require high concentrations of active ingredients (biocides) and acidic or basic pH. Alcohol-containing formulations also pose additional risks during production, since the ingredients are flammable.

[0010] Thus, the formulations known from the prior art have limited suitability for use in hand or surface disinfection, since they can be harmful to the skin and damage polymeric surfaces.

[0011] In particular, the adverse effects of prior art disinfectants on human skin must be taken into account: due to non-neutral pH values, high concentrations of biocides and high alcohol content in the overall composition, the hands are quickly dried out and therefore become more sensitive to external influences.

[0012] A similar effect is observed on plastic surfaces because, for example, the plasticizer is relatively easily dissolved from the material, making the surface brittle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition that is effective at short, appropriate and reasonable contact times for healthcare environments, and in particular to provide a composition that has improved activity against viruses at the reasonably short contact times required in hospital disinfection. Another object is to achieve the required performance of many known biocides while maintaining surface and skin compatibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] This object is solved by a composition comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound, at least one alcohol ethoxylate, at least one chelating agent and at least one amine oxide, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one polyquaternium compound. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the results of the antibacterial activity test. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The composition is not classified as hazardous and does not contain any ingredients known or suspected to be harmful to humans. Furthermore, the composition according to the present invention is free of phenolic compounds and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).

[0017] Furthermore, the compositions according to the invention have a reduced content of alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactants (nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactants) when compared to the disinfectant compositions already described, thereby optimizing the biocidal performance of the composition while improving material compatibility with polymeric surfaces.

[0018] Surprisingly, it has been found that the composition according to the invention, although no biocide was added, exhibits good antimicrobial activity in suspension tests in clinically relevant time periods. It has also been observed that the composition is capable of enhancing the antimicrobial activity of biocides.

[0019] Moreover, it has been surprisingly found that polyquaternium compounds achieve excellent results when used in disinfectant compositions. The inclusion of polyquaternium compounds in combination with other components of the composition is believed to result in excellent properties of the composition, particularly with respect to high efficacy against Candida albicans and non-enveloped viruses, such as norovirus or adenovirus, and the polyquaternium compounds are in particular polyquaternium-6 (poly(diallyl)dimethylammonium chloride), polyquaternium-4 (hydroxyethylcellulose dimethyldiallylammonium chloride copolymer), polyquaternium-5 (copolymer of acrylamide and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-7 (copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride), polyquaternium-10 (quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose), polyquaternium-11 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-8 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-9 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-10 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-11 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-12 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-13 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-14 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-15 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-16 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-17 ( Polyquaternium-14 (copolymer of trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-16 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole), Polyquaternium-22 (copolymer of acrylic acid and diallyldimethylammonium chloride), Polyquaternium-28 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium), Polyquaternium-29 (chitosan modified with propylene oxide and quaternized with epichlorohydrin), Polyquaternium-39 (terpolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride), Polyquaternium-46 (terpolymer of vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrrolidone, and quaternized vinylimidazole), or any mixture thereof.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the polyquaternium compound is polyquaternium-6.

[0021] The compositions provide a range of antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, such as norovirus and adenovirus.

[0022] A particular advantage of the compositions according to the invention is their high effectiveness against bacteria, yeasts, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, while at the same time exhibiting low intrinsic toxicity and being not too aggressive towards hands and plastic materials, thus avoiding damage to both the skin and plastics (environmental stress tracking).

[0023] Polyquaternium is the international cosmetic ingredient nomenclature for several polycationic polymers. Polyquaternium is a neologism used to emphasize the presence of quaternary ammonium centers in the polymer.

[0024] The different polymers are differentiated by a number following the word "polyquaternium." Polyquaternium-5, Polyquaternium-7, and Polyquaternium-47 are three examples, each of which is a chemically distinct type of polymer. The numbers are assigned by the order in which they are registered, not by their chemical structure.

[0025] The following table lists the identities of each of the polyquaternium compounds:

[0026] [Table 1]

[0027] [Table 2]

[0028] [Table 3]

[0029] [Table 4]

[0030] In connection with the definition of polyquaternium compounds used in this application, the inventors further refer to the following patent documents: Iwata, Hiroshi; Shimada, Kunio (2012-10-02) Formulas, Ingredients and Production of Cosmetics:Technology of Skin- and Hair-Care Products in Japan Springer Science&Business Media ISBN 9784431540618. Schueller, Randy; Romanowski, Perry (1999-02-02) Conditioning Agents for Hair and Skin CRC Press ISBN 9780824719210

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one polyquaternium compound is selected from the following: Polyquaternium-1, Polyquaternium-2, Polyquaternium-4, Polyquaternium-5, Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-8, Polyquaternium-9, Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-12, Polyquaternium-13, Polyquaternium-14, Polyquaternium-15, Polyquaternium-16, Polyquaternium-17, Polyquaternium-18, Polyquaternium-19, Polyquaternium -20, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-24, Polyquaternium-27, Polyquaternium-28, Polyquaternium-29, Polyquaternium-30, Polyquaternium-31, Polyquaternium-32, Polyquaternium-33, Polyquaternium-34, Polyquaternium-35, Polyquaternium-36, Polyquaternium-37, Polyquaternium-39, Polyquaternium-42, Polyquaternium-43, Polyquaternium-44, Polyquaternium-45, Polyquaternium-46, Polyquaternium-47, and any mixtures thereof.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one polyquaternium compound is: Polyquaternium-6 (poly(diallyl)dimethylammonium chloride), Polyquaternium-4 (hydroxyethylcellulose dimethyldiallylammonium chloride copolymer), Polyquaternium-5 (copolymer of acrylamide and quaternized dimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-7 (copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride), Polyquaternium-10 (quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose), Polyquaternium-11 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-14 (trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-15 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-16 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-17 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-18 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-19 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-20 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-21 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-22 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-23 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-24 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-25 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternary dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), Polyquaternium-26 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone polyquaternium-16 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole), polyquaternium-22 (copolymer of acrylic acid and diallyldimethylammonium chloride), polyquaternium-28 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium), polyquaternium-29 (chitosan modified with propylene oxide and quaternized with epichlorohydrin), polyquaternium-39 (terpolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride), polyquaternium-46 (terpolymer of vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole), or mixtures thereof.

[0033] The most preferred polyquaternium compound is polyquaternium-6.

[0034] The selection of the at least one alcohol ethoxylate is generally not limited, but preferably the at least one alcohol ethoxylate comprises a non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate having an HLB of 4-16.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one alcohol ethoxylate comprises a non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate having an HLB of 8-14, more preferably 11-13.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one alcohol ethoxylate comprises a non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate C9-11, EO6 (C9-11 Pareth 6).

[0037] Typically, alcohol ethoxylates have a combination of properties including cleaning, foaming, and surface tension building and reduction. The addition of one or more alcohol ethoxylates improves fat and protein solubilization, which may aid in microbiological activity.

[0038] Alcohol ethoxylates are a group of nonionic surfactants obtained by alkoxylation, i.e. by reacting ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or butylene oxide, preferably ethylene oxide, with primary long-chain aliphatic alcohols or oxoalcohols in the presence of basic or acidic catalysts at temperatures between 120 and 200° C. and pressures between 1 and 10 bar.

[0039] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises a primary alcohol ethoxylate in an amount of 0.01-0.5% w / w.

[0040] In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one amine oxide compound in an amount of 0.01-1% w / w.

[0041] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises N,N-dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide as the at least one amine oxide compound.

[0042] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one chelating agent in an amount of 0.01-1% w / w.

[0043] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate as at least one chelating agent.

[0044] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one polyquaternium compound in an amount of 0.01-1.0% w / w.

[0045] In one embodiment, the composition comprises at least one preservative.Preservative is a substance or chemical that is added to prevent degradation by microbial growth or undesirable chemical changes.Preservative is preferably an antibacterial preservative that prevents degradation by bacteria.

[0046] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises 2-phenoxyethanol as a preservative.

[0047] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention does not comprise 2-phenoxyethanol.

[0048] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention further comprises benzalkonium chloride and / or didecyldimethylammonium chloride as additional quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0049] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises a further quaternary ammonium compound in the form of C12 to C16 benzalkonium chloride, especially in an amount of 0.01 to 0.7% w / w.

[0050] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises a further quaternary ammonium compound in the form of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, especially in an amount of 0.01 to 0.7% w / w.

[0051] In one embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises at least one preservative in an amount of 0.01-1% w / w.

[0052] In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of one or more disinfectants, stabilizers, preservatives, dyes, fragrances, odor masking agents and / or mixtures thereof.

[0053] In one embodiment, the composition according to the present invention is in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion. In a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention is in the form of an aqueous solution having a pH of 3 to 9, preferably 4 to 8, more preferably 5 to 7.

[0054] The composition according to the invention is preferably characterized in that: The composition comprises: 0.01-0.25% w / w of N,N-dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide, 0.01-0.1% w / w of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates C9-11, E06, 0.01-1.0% w / w poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), 0.01-1.0% w / w disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate Including, The solvent comprises water, and preferably the solvent is pure water.

[0055] In a further embodiment, the composition according to the invention is characterized in that: The composition comprises: 0.01-0.7% w / w of C12-C16 benzalkonium chloride, 0.01-0.7% w / w of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, 0.01-0.25% w / w of N,N-dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide, 0.01-0.1% w / w of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates C9-11, E06, 0.01-1.0% w / w poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), 0.01-1.0% w / w disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate Including, The solvent is water, preferably the solvent is pure water.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the composition according to the invention is characterized in that: The composition comprises: 0.01 to 1.0% w / w phenoxyethanol, e.g. 0.01 to 1.0% w / w; 0.01-0.7% w / w of benzalkonium chloride, C12-C16; 0.01-0.7% w / w of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, 0.01-0.25% w / w of N,N-dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide, 0.01-0.1% w / w of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates C9-11, E06, 0.01-1.0% w / w poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), 0.01-1.0% w / w disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate Including, The solvent comprises water, and preferably the solvent is pure water.

[0057] The present invention further relates to a wet wipe comprising a substrate impregnated with the composition described in the previous section.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the composition according to the invention is applied to a surface by means of a sprayer, dispenser, or equivalent device.

[0059] The substrate impregnated with the composition is preferably a nonwoven material. Suitable nonwoven materials include, but are not limited to, binder-free types, so that the binder is not adversely affected by the composition and does not contribute to smearing itself. Examples of binder-free nonwoven materials include spunlace nonwoven materials or hydroentangled nonwoven materials. However, other types, such as wet-laid, air-laid, thermal-bonded or stitch-bonded types, can also be used.

[0060] The wipes may include fibers made from any or mixtures of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, viscose, cotton, recycled wood pulp and cellulose. They may also include microfiber and nanofiber products.

[0061] The substrate is preferably manufactured in the form of individual tissues or perforated rolls of material from which individual tissues can be separated, which are impregnated with the composition and packaged ready to be dispensed from resealable tubs, buckets, flow wrap packs or the like. Alternatively, the impregnated wipes may be individually sealed in wrappers made of suitable packaging material such as impermeable foil, cellophane, etc.

[0062] The components of the composition of the present invention are simply mixed together to form an aqueous or aqueous alcoholic solution or dispersion which can then be used to impregnate a substrate by immersing the substrate in the composition, thereby making a wet wipe according to the present invention.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, compositions according to the present invention are provided as concentrates rather than as aqueous or alcoholic solutions, and can be suitably diluted by the addition of a suitable solvent.

[0064] Such wet wipes are suitable for cleaning a wide range of surfaces and materials and for removing various types and levels of soils, both organic and inorganic, in a manner that leaves the surface clean and disinfected.

[0065] The present invention further relates to the use of the aforementioned composition or wet wipes for disinfecting surfaces.

[0066] The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES

[0067] The following compositions were prepared by mixing the listed ingredients in water.

[0068] Part A example Possible preferred content ranges for individual components are shown in Table 1. When a relatively low range of 0 is given, this means that the component is not present in the composition, or that the component is present in the composition in an amount greater than 0, in which case 0 is excluded from the given range.

[0069] [Table 5]

[0070] A preferred composition according to the invention is given in Table 2 below and is referred to below as Inventive Example (IE1):

[0071] [Table 6]

[0072] The compositions of the invention according to Table 2 (IE1) were tested to measure the improvement of the microbiological effectiveness of the compositions of the invention (against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli, and Candida Albeicans) and the improvement of the broad spectrum effectiveness according to standard methods. The microbiological effectiveness was tested according to the EN standards for yeast / fungi (EN 13624) or bacteria (EN 13727). All tests were performed using clinically relevant medical contamination conditions to ensure that the formulations / wipes work under the most stringent clinically relevant conditions.

[0073] [Table 7]

[0074] The composition of the invention according to Table 2 (IE1) shows a log reduction of more than 3 for all tested bacteria and yeasts / fungi. From this it can be concluded that the composition according to the invention shows good antimicrobial action in suspension tests in clinically relevant times, even though no biocide was added.

[0075] Further tests according to EN13727 / EN13624 (by organisms) were carried out to verify the increased antibacterial (antimicrobial) activity of the composition of the invention (IE1) according to table 2, by adding a biocide (BZK = C12-C16 benzalkonium chloride) to obtain IE2. The data were generated under medically contaminated conditions, with a contact time of 30 seconds. The antibacterial activity of BZK alone is normalized as 100. The results of this test are shown in figure 1.

[0076] [Table 8]

[0077] A preferred composition according to the invention is shown in Table 5 below and is referred to below as Invention Example 3 (IE3):

[0078] [Table 9]

[0079] The compositions of the invention according to Table 5 (IE3) were tested to measure the improvement in microbiological efficacy (against Candida albicans) and broad-spectrum efficacy according to standard methods. Microbiological efficacy was tested according to the EN standard for yeast / fungi (EN 13624). All tests were performed using clinically relevant medical contamination conditions to ensure that the formulations / wipes perform under the most stringent clinically relevant conditions.

[0080] The article is contacted with the fungus and at the end of the contact time, the fungicidal action is neutralized and the number and reduction of surviving fungus is calculated. The article shows a log (Ig) reduction of at least 4 decimal points.

[0081] IE3 was applied to different substrates and compared with non-inventive comparative examples designated CE1, CE2 and CE3.

[0082] The results of the EN13624 test are shown in Table 6 below.

[0083] [Table 10]

[0084] Comparative Examples 1 to 3 IE3: Example 3 of the invention according to Table 5 BZK: C12-C16 benzalkonium chloride DDAC: Didecyldimethylammonium chloride 91-6: Nonionic alcohol ethoxylate C9-11, EO6 Synperonic PEL64: High MW, low HLB, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymer Decylamine oxide N,N-Dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide Polyquaternium 6: Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) Inventive example IE3 exhibited a log reduction of Candida albicans of greater than 4, which passed the test according to EN 13624.

[0085] Part B 1.0 Introduction The resistance to environmental stress cracking (ESC) of medium viscosity polycarbonate (PC), commonly used in medical devices, was evaluated in the presence of two GAMA healthcare formulations. The polymer was provided in the form of "chips" by Resinex, which were then injection moulded by Smithers, Shrewsbury, UK. PC is an amorphous polymer and is susceptible to ESC, the polymers used were: - Polycarbonate (medium viscosity) - Polycarbonate (high viscosity) - Polycarbonate and ABS blend - ABS - PMMA

[0086] All surface wet wipes used for disinfection contain "ESC agents," the levels and severity of which vary between products.

[0087] 2.0 Test Methodology Generally tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 22088-3 "Plastics - Determination of resistance to environmental stress cracking (ESC) - Part 3: Flexed strip method".

[0088] The test involves taking test samples and bending them at a constant tensile strain. This is done using stainless steel "strain jigs," which are metal formed at a constant radius of curvature. The tensile strain can be determined by the following formula:

number

[0089] Testing is performed on a strain jig at 0.5% tensile strain, which is within the expected range for which the device is designed. The test sample is bent parallel to the curvature across the strain jig. The sample is then exposed by application or immersion in a chemical liquid environment for a selected period of time.

[0090] During testing, the test samples are observed for crazing or cracking, which would indicate ESC is occurring. For samples where ESC is not observable at the end of the exposure period for testing, these are tested for tensile properties according to ISO 527-2. The tensile properties of plastics subjected to ESC will change, weakening the plastic, and this additional testing can prove evidence of ESC failure in the absence of crazing or cracking. These are compared to unstrained / unexposed "control" samples.

[0091] I. Test Sample Tensile "dogbones" were injection molded to dimensions according to test sample type 1A as described in ISO 527-2. The strain jig was designed for a nominal test sample thickness of 4 mm, therefore all test samples have this thickness. Prior to testing, samples are conditioned at 23±2°C / 50±10% RH for 24 hours.

[0092] II. Mounting the sample on the strain jig The test samples are aligned with the face containing the ejector pins (resulting from the injection molding) facing up for consistency. The samples are parallel to each other and to the sides of the jig. Each jig holds up to three samples. Tighten the clamps evenly and sufficiently so that the gauge length of the specimen, at least the central 75 mm, is in full contact with the curvature of the strain jig. To avoid excessive stress, do not overtighten the clamps.

[0093] III. Exposure to Chemical Environments A very large amount of liquid would be required to completely immerse the samples, and it would not be feasible to do so. As a result, cotton wool was used to expose the samples to the chemical environment. A small piece of cotton wool was cut and immersed in the liquid, then placed in the center of the sample (see Appendix). At the beginning and end of each work day (9am / 5pm), fluid was added to the wool until it was saturated, and the sample was kept in contact with the fluid.

[0094] All samples were tested in an environmental chamber set at 23°C / 50% RH.

[0095] IV. Observation and Evaluation The test samples were observed for signs of cracking three times per workday during the week of exposure. Following the test week, the samples were observed under low magnification lighting to look for signs of crazing. Cracking early in the week indicates that the chemical environment contains a more aggressive ESC agent that is less compatible with the tested plastic. Non-cracked samples were tested for tensile properties to determine the change in yield and break stress and strain. Samples were considered to have failed if the average break or yield stress was less than 80% or the average break or yield strain was less than 50% of that of the unstrained / unexposed control samples.

[0096] B. Results 1. Environmental stress cracking

[0097] [Table 11]

[0098] [Table 12]

[0099] [Table 13]

[0100] C. Comments Seven days of exposure at ambient conditions of 23°C / 50%RH was used as the test condition due to the long life of the equipment using the tested plastic. During use, Clinell wipes wet the surface for ~2 minutes per wipe, so a seven day exposure would result in a significant number of wipes. For the polymers tested at 0.5% strain level, Comparative Formulation 2, as well as Competitive Formulations A, B, and C, are deemed incompatible due to ESC deficiencies at this exposure period. In contrast, the composition according to the present invention did not show significant ESC effects with the same polymers at the same strain levels, indicating excellent compatibility.

Claims

1. A composition comprising at least one quaternary ammonium compound, at least one alcohol ethoxylate, at least one chelating agent, and at least one amine oxide, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound comprises at least one polyquaternium compound.

2. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one polyquaternium compound is selected from the group consisting of polyquaternium-1, polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-5, polyquaternium-6, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-8, polyquaternium-9, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-11, polyquaternium-12, polyquaternium-13, polyquaternium-14, polyquaternium-15, polyquaternium-16, polyquaternium-17, polyquaternium-18, polyquaternium-19, polyquaternium-20, polyquaternium-21, polyquaternium-22, polyquaternium-23, polyquaternium-24, polyquaternium-25, polyquaternium-26, polyquaternium-27, polyquaternium-28, polyquaternium-29, polyquaternium-30, polyquaternium-31, polyquaternium-32, polyquaternium-33, polyquaternium-34, polyquaternium-35, polyquaternium-36, polyquaternium-37, polyquaternium-38, polyquaternium-39, polyquaternium-40, polyquaternium-41, polyquaternium-42, polyquaternium-43, polyquaternium-44, polyquaternium-45, polyquaternium-46, polyquaternium-47, polyquaternium-48, polyquaternium-49, polyquaternium-50, polyquaternium-51, polyquaternium-52, polyquaternium-53, polyquaternium-54, polyquaternium-55, polyquaternium-56, polyquaternium-57, polyquaternium-58, polyquaternium-59, polyquaternium-60, polyquaternium-61, polyquaternium-62, polyquatern 1. A composition selected from polyquaternium-22, polyquaternium-24, polyquaternium-27, polyquaternium-28, polyquaternium-29, polyquaternium-30, polyquaternium-31, polyquaternium-32, polyquaternium-33, polyquaternium-34, polyquaternium-35, polyquaternium-36, polyquaternium-37, polyquaternium-39, polyquaternium-42, polyquaternium-43, polyquaternium-44, polyquaternium-45, polyquaternium-46, polyquaternium-47, and any mixture thereof.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one polyquaternium compound is selected from the group consisting of polyquaternium-6 (poly(diallyl)dimethylammonium chloride), polyquaternium-4 (hydroxyethylcellulose dimethyldiallylammonium chloride copolymer), polyquaternium-5 (copolymer of acrylamide and quaternized dimethylammonium methyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-7 (copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride), polyquaternium-10 (quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose), polyquaternium-11 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-14 (copolymer of trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-15 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-16 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-17 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-18 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-19 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-20 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-21 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-22 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-23 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-24 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), polyquaternium-25 (copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and quaternized vinyl imidazole), Polyquaternium-16 (a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and quaternized vinyl imidazole), Polyquaternium-22 (a copolymer of acrylic acid and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), Polyquaternium-28 (a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and methacrylamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium), Polyquaternium-29 (chitosan modified with propylene oxide and quaternized with epichlorohydrin), Polyquaternium-39 (a terpolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), Polyquaternium-46 (a terpolymer of vinyl caprolactam, vinyl pyrrolidone and quaternized vinyl imidazole), or any mixture thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one alcohol ethoxylate comprises a nonionic alcohol ethoxylate having an HLB of 4 to 16.

5. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one alcohol ethoxylate comprises a nonionic alcohol ethoxylate having an HLB of 8 to 14, preferably 11 to 13.

6. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one alcohol ethoxylate comprises a nonionic alcohol ethoxylate C9-11, EO6 (C9-11 Pareth 6).

7. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one chelating agent comprises disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

8. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one amine oxide comprises N,N-dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide.

9. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one quaternary ammonium compound further comprises benzalkonium chloride and / or didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

10. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one polyquaternium compound is present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.0% w / w.

11. 3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises a further quaternary ammonium compound in the form of C12 to C16 benzalkonium chloride, in particular in an amount of 0.01 to 0.7% w / w.

12. 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a further quaternary ammonium compound in the form of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, in particular in an amount of 0.01 to 0.7% w / w.

13. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one alcohol ethoxylate is present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.1% w / w.

14. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one amine oxide is present in an amount of 0.01 to 1% w / w.

15. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one chelating agent is present in an amount of 0.01 to 1% w / w.

16. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of one or more disinfectants, stabilizers, preservatives, dyes, fragrances, odor masking agents and / or mixtures thereof.

17. 3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2 in the form of an aqueous or aqueous alcoholic solution or dispersion.

18. The composition comprises: 0.01 to 0.25% w / w of N,N dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide, 0.01-0.1% w / w of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates C9-11, E06, 0.01-1.0% w / w poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), 0.01-1.0% w / w disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid Including, the solvent is water; The composition according to claim 1 or 2.

19. The composition comprises: 0.01 to 0.7% w / w of C12 to C16 benzalkonium chloride, 0.01 to 0.7% w / w of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, 0.01 to 0.25% w / w of N,N dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide, 0.01-0.1% w / w of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates C9-11, E06, 0.01-1.0% w / w poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), 0.01-1.0% w / w disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid Including, the solvent is water; The composition according to claim 1 or 2.

20. The composition comprises: 0.01 to 1.0% w / w of phenoxyethanol, for example 0.01 to 0.5% w / w, 0.01 to 0.7% w / w of C12 to C16 benzalkonium chloride, 0.01 to 0.7% w / w of didecyldimethylammonium chloride, 0.01 to 0.25% w / w of N,N dimethyldecylamine-N-oxide, 0.01-0.1% w / w of nonionic alcohol ethoxylates C9-11, E06, 0.01-1.0% w / w poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), 0.01-1.0% w / w disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid Including, 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the solvent is water.

21. 3. The composition of claim 1, which is free of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and phenol.

22. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, which does not contain 2-phenoxyethanol.

23. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution having a pH of from 3 to 9, preferably from 4 to 8, more preferably from 5 to 7.

24. A wet wipe comprising a substrate impregnated with the composition of claim 1 or 2.

25. 25. The wet wipe of claim 24, wherein the substrate comprises fibers made from any of polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, viscose, cotton, recycled wood pulp, cellulose, microfibers and nanofibers or mixtures thereof.

26. 25. The wet wipe of claim 24, wherein the substrate is packaged ready to be dispensed from a tub, bucket, flow wrap pack, or individually sealed wrapper.

27. 3. Use of a wet wipe comprising a composition according to claim 1 or 2 or a substrate impregnated with a composition according to claim 1 or 2 for disinfecting a surface.

Images