Detergent composition for vegetable

Abstract

To provide a novel detergent composition for vegetables which has a foam suppressing property and a defoaming property excellent even under a low-temperature condition and / or has a high stability.SOLUTION: A detergent composition for vegetables includes: a certain nonionic surfactant defined by a predetermined cloud point and a predetermined carbon number; and amine oxide defined by a predetermined carbon number.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vegetable washing composition containing a specific nonionic surfactant and an amine oxide, and a method for washing vegetables using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cut vegetables, fruits, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "vegetables") are sold in containers that are cut into eating sizes, and are popular because they reduce food waste and save cooking time. In the production of cut vegetables, a cleaning process is used in which the vegetables, either as they are or in a cut state, are immersed in a cleaning solution containing a detergent composition, and a physical force is applied to them using aeration or the like to remove foreign matter (e.g., insects, hair, pieces of resin, pieces of wood, soil, sand, pebbles, etc.) attached to the surface.

[0003] As detergent compositions used in the washing process of such vegetables, detergent compositions containing nonionic surfactants, carboxylates, etc. as active ingredients have been reported (Patent Documents 1-3). These detergent compositions are known to increase the wettability of vegetables to enhance the cleaning power against foreign matter, and to have appropriate foaming and defoaming properties, thereby enabling efficient washing of vegetables. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-2859 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-214645 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2022-185477 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional vegetable cleaning compositions lose their foam-inhibiting and defoaming properties under low temperature conditions (e.g., 5°C to 15°C), and in cleaning processes using aeration or the like, foam can overflow, interfering with the cleaning process.

[0006] Furthermore, in conventional vegetable cleaning compositions, the fatty acids contained as antifoaming ingredients bind with hardness components contained in the water used in the cleaning process, posing a risk of causing scale stains.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional vegetable cleaning compositions have the risk of damaging the quality of the vegetables being cleaned due to the monohydric alcohol such as ethanol contained therein as a solvent.

[0008] Furthermore, some of the specific nonionic surfactants contained in conventional vegetable cleaning compositions have become cloudy when used in combination with polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol or glycerin, which can reduce storage stability.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new cleaning composition for vegetables that can solve one or more of the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present inventors have conducted intensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems, and have found that a vegetable cleaning agent composition comprising a specific nonionic surfactant defined by a predetermined cloud point and a predetermined number of carbon atoms, and an amine oxide defined by a predetermined number of carbon atoms, has excellent foam-inhibiting and defoaming properties even under low temperature conditions and aeration conditions, has excellent foam breaking down, and leaves little residual foam.

[0011] The inventors also discovered that a vegetable cleaning agent composition comprising a specific nonionic surfactant defined by a specified cloud point and a specified number of carbon atoms, and an amine oxide defined by a specified number of carbon atoms, has excellent foam-inhibiting and defoaming properties and high storage stability, without using a fatty acid blended as a defoaming component or a monohydric alcohol such as ethanol blended as a solvent.

[0012] In addition, it has been found that a specific nonionic surfactant defined by a given cloud point and a given number of carbon atoms does not cause turbidity even when used in combination with a polyhydric alcohol such as propylene glycol or glycerin, and has high storage stability, etc.

[0013] The present invention is based on these new findings and includes the following inventions. [1] A nonionic surfactant (A) represented by the following formula (a), in which the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is less than 35.5°C and more than 10.5°C: RO-[(EO)x / (AO)y]-H (a) [In the formula, R represents one or more groups selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkylene groups having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, EO represents an oxyethylene group, and x represents the average number of repeats of EO. AO represents an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, and y represents the average number of repetitions of AO. [(EO)x / (AO)y] indicates that EO and AO may be block polymerized or random polymerized, and the order of EO and AO is not important.], and Contains an amine oxide (B) having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, A vegetable cleaning composition. [2] The detergent composition according to [1], wherein, in the [(EO)x / (AO)y], the ratio of x to y (x / y) is 0.5-3 when AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 carbon atoms, and is 7-10 when AO is an oxyalkylene group having 4 carbon atoms. [3] The cleaning composition according to [1] or [2], comprising multiple types of nonionic surfactants in which the AO has a different number of carbon atoms. [4] The cleaning composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein R is selected from the group consisting of branched alkyl groups and alkylene groups having 8 to 12 carbon atoms. [5] The cleaning composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein in [(EO)x / (AO)y], the sum of the numbers x and y is 6 or more. [6] The cleaning composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the composition has a cloud point of 15 to 34°C. [7] The cleaning composition according to any one of [1] to [6], comprising the nonionic surfactant (A) in an amount of 25 mass% or less. [8] The cleaning composition according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a solvent. [9] The cleaning composition according to any one of [1] to [8], which does not contain fatty acids.

[10] A method for washing vegetables, comprising a washing step of contacting vegetables with a washing liquid containing the detergent composition according to any one of [1] to [9].

[11] The cleaning method according to

[10] , wherein the cleaning solution has a temperature of 5 to 15°C.

[12] The cleaning method according to

[10] or

[11] , wherein the cleaning step is carried out by aeration cleaning. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vegetable cleaning composition which has excellent foam-inhibiting and defoaming properties even under low temperature and aeration conditions, has excellent foam breaking down properties, and leaves little residual foam.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vegetable cleaning agent composition that has excellent foam-inhibiting and defoaming properties and high storage stability, without using a fatty acid blended as a defoaming component or a monohydric alcohol such as ethanol blended as a solvent.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vegetable cleaning agent composition which does not become cloudy even when used in combination with a polyhydric alcohol such as propylene glycol or glycerin, and which has high storage stability, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The vegetable cleaning composition of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "cleaning composition") contains the following nonionic surfactant (A) and amine oxide (B).

[0018] In the present invention, the nonionic surfactant is represented by the following formula (a), and is a surfactant having a cloud point of less than 35.5°C and more than 10.5°C in a 1% by mass aqueous solution. RO-[(EO)x / (AO)y]-H (a) [In the formula, R represents one or more groups selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkyl and alkylene groups having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, EO represents an oxyethylene group, and x represents the average number of repeats of EO. AO represents an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, and y represents the average number of repetitions of AO. [(EO)x / (AO)y] indicates that EO and AO may be block polymerized or random polymerized, and the order of EO and AO is not important.]

[0019] In the present invention, the "cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution" refers to the temperature at which a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the nonionic surfactant is prepared, heated while stirring, and becomes opaque. When the nonionic surfactant contains a plurality of types, a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the mixture is prepared, heated in the same manner, and becomes opaque.

[0020] The cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the nonionic surfactant in the present invention is less than 35.5° C. and more than 10.5° C., preferably 34° C. to 15° C., and more preferably 33° C. to 21° C. In the nonionic surfactant in the present invention, when AO is an oxybutylene group, the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is particularly preferably less than 32.5° C., and particularly preferably 22° C. to 30° C. By setting the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of the nonionic surfactant to the above range, excellent low-foaming properties can be imparted to the cleaning composition of the present invention, which contributes to suppression of foaming and / or defoaming in the cleaning composition and a cleaning liquid containing the same.

[0021] In the formula, R is a straight or branched chain alkyl or alkylene group.

[0022] The number of carbon atoms in R is 8 to 12, preferably 8 to 11, and more preferably 8 to 10. By setting the number of carbon atoms within the above range, excellent low-foaming properties can be imparted to the cleaning composition of the present invention, which contributes to suppressing foaming and / or defoaming in the cleaning composition and a cleaning liquid containing the same.

[0023] In the formula, EO represents an oxyethylene group, and x represents the average number of repetitions of EO (i.e., the average number of moles added). x is a number from 1 to 30, preferably from 2 to 20, more preferably from 4 to 12, and even more preferably from 4 to 8.

[0024] In the formula, AO represents an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms (i.e., an oxypropylene group (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "PO")) or an oxybutylene group (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "BO")), and y represents the average number of repetitions of AO (i.e., the average number of moles added). y is a number from 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 5, and even more preferably 1 to 4.

[0025] Preferably, the sum of the numbers of x and y (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "EO / AO added mole number") is 4 or more, more preferably 6 or more, and even more preferably 8 or more, and the upper limit is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 40 or less. The range of the sum of the numbers of x and y in the present invention can be expressed using two numerical values ​​selected from the above lower limit and upper limit numerical values, respectively, and for example, the sum of the numbers of x and y in the present invention can be an amount appropriately selected from the range of 4 to 40, preferably 6 to 40, more preferably 6 to 20, even more preferably 6 to 16, and particularly preferably 6 to 11. In addition, preferably, the ratio of x to y (x / y) (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "EO / AO ratio") is preferably 0.5 to 3 (for example, 0.5 to 2.5), more preferably 1.0 to 2.0, when AO is an oxypropylene group (PO), and is preferably 7 to 10, more preferably 8 to 9, when AO is an oxybutylene group (BO). By setting the numbers of x and y within the above ranges, excellent low-foaming properties can be imparted to the cleaning composition of the present invention, which contributes to suppressing foaming and / or defoaming in the cleaning composition and a cleaning liquid containing the same.

[0026] In the formula, [(EO)x / (AO)y], EO and AO may be block polymerized or random polymerized. In the block polymerization, the order of EO and AO does not matter, but (EO) x And (AO) y In other words, -(EO) x -(AO) y - is preferred.

[0027] In the present invention, the nonionic surfactant may be used alone, or two or more nonionic surfactants having different R and / or [(EO)x / (AO)y] may be used in combination. For example, in the present invention, the nonionic surfactant preferably contains both the nonionic surfactant in which AO is an oxypropylene group (PO) and the nonionic surfactant in which AO is an oxybutylene group (BO), thereby imparting a more excellent low-foaming property than when any one of the nonionic surfactants is contained, and a higher foaming suppression and / or defoaming effect can be obtained in the cleaning composition and the cleaning solution containing the same.

[0028] The content of the nonionic surfactant in the cleaning composition of the present invention is 50% by mass or less, preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and further preferably 10% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the cleaning composition. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1% by mass or more, preferably 3% by mass or more, and more preferably 5% by mass or more. The range of the content of the nonionic surfactant in the present invention can be expressed using two numerical values ​​selected from the above lower and upper limits, respectively. For example, the content of the nonionic surfactant in the present invention can be appropriately selected from the range of 1 to 25% by mass, preferably 3 to 20% by mass, and more preferably 5 to 10% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the cleaning composition. By setting the content of the nonionic surfactant within the above range, excellent low foaming properties can be imparted to the cleaning composition of the present invention, which contributes to suppression of foaming and / or defoaming in the cleaning composition and the cleaning liquid containing it.

[0029] In the present invention, the amine oxide is an amine oxide having 8 to 11 carbon atoms, and preferably an amine oxide having 8 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0030] The amine oxide can be represented by the following formula (b). R3N→O (b) In the formula, R3 can be independently selected from linear or branched alkyl groups and linear or branched alkenyl groups, as long as the number of carbon atoms is within the above range, and each group may contain any of an alkylene group, -CONH-, -NHCO-, -COO-, -OCO-, and -O-.

[0031] Examples of amine oxides that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, octyldimethylamine oxide, decyldimethylamine oxide, lauryldimethylamine oxide, and the like, with octyldimethylamine oxide and decyldimethylamine oxide being preferred.

[0032] The content of the amine oxide in the cleaning composition of the present invention is 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and further preferably 2% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the cleaning composition. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, more than 0.06% by mass, preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, and further preferably 1% by mass or more. The range of the content of the amine oxide in the present invention can be expressed using two numerical values ​​selected from the above lower and upper limits, respectively. For example, the content of the amine oxide in the present invention can be appropriately selected from the range of more than 0.06% by mass to 20% by mass or less, preferably 1 to 10% by mass, more preferably 1.5 to 5% by mass, and further preferably 1.5 to 2% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the cleaning composition. By setting the content of the amine oxide in the above range, excellent low-foaming properties can be imparted to the cleaning composition of the present invention, which contributes to suppression of foaming and / or defoaming in the cleaning composition and a cleaning liquid obtained by diluting the same.

[0033] The cleaning composition of the present invention may further contain a solvent. As the solvent, one or more selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, glyceryl ethers, glycol ethers, and sugars can be suitably used.

[0034] The polyhydric alcohol is preferably one having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin, isopropylene glycol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and tripropylene glycol.

[0035] The glyceryl ether preferably has 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, hexyl glyceryl ether, methyl glyceryl ether, ethyl glyceryl ether, propyl glyceryl ether, butyl glyceryl ether, pentyl glyceryl ether, heptyl glyceryl ether, octyl glyceryl ether, and 2-ethylhexyl glyceryl ether.

[0036] The glycol ether is preferably one having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and examples thereof include ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, propylene glycol monophenyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, phenyl carbitol, phenyl cellosolve, and benzyl carbitol, but are not limited to these.

[0037] As the saccharide, monosaccharides and disaccharides can be suitably used. As the monosaccharide, sugar alcohols are preferred, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, sorbitol, mannitol, erythritol, maltitol, xylitol, lactitol, etc. Furthermore, as the disaccharide, examples thereof include, but are not limited to, trehalose, maltose, sucrose, lactose, erythrose, etc.

[0038] In the present invention, the solvent may be selected from these and used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0039] In the present invention, the solvent is particularly preferably propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, or trehalose.

[0040] The content of the solvent in the cleaning composition of the present invention is less than 50% by mass, preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and further preferably 15% by mass or less, based on 100% by mass of the cleaning composition. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but may be 0% by mass, or, for example, 0.5% by mass or more, preferably 1% by mass or more, and preferably 5% by mass or more. The range of the content of the solvent in the present invention can be expressed using two numerical values ​​selected from the above lower and upper limits, respectively. For example, the content of the solvent in the present invention can be appropriately selected from the range of 0.5% by mass or more and less than 50% by mass (for example, 0.5 to 30% by mass), preferably 1 to 20% by mass, and more preferably 3 to 15% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the cleaning composition. By including the solvent in the above amount, the cleaning composition of the present invention can be provided with stability at low and high temperatures and excellent low foaming properties, which contributes to suppression of foaming and / or defoaming in the cleaning composition and a cleaning liquid obtained by diluting the same.

[0041] The cleaning composition of the present invention contains water in addition to the above components and has a liquid form. The water may be tap water, soft water, hard water, pure water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, etc., and may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, tap water and ion-exchanged water are preferably used from the viewpoints of economy and storage stability. The content of water contained in the cleaning composition of the present invention is the sum of water contained in the form of water of crystallization or an aqueous solution derived from each component blended in the cleaning composition of the present invention and water added from the outside, and is blended in a balanced manner so that the entire cleaning composition is 100% by mass.

[0042] Since the cleaning composition of the present invention has excellent low foaming properties due to the above-mentioned components, it does not need to contain a fatty acid or a salt thereof, and preferably the cleaning composition of the present invention does not contain a fatty acid or a salt thereof.

[0043] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the cleaning agent composition of the present invention may further contain, as necessary, optional components such as a pH adjuster (citric acid, potassium hydroxide, etc.), a preservative (e.g., benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, methylisothiazolinone, chloromethylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, etc.), a bactericide, an antioxidant, a colorant, a fragrance, a dye, an enzyme, a surfactant (a nonionic surfactant other than the above-mentioned nonionic surfactants, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant), a cleaning builder, a viscosity adjuster (a thickener, a thickener), etc., within a range that does not affect the desired performance.

[0044] The pH of the cleaning composition of the present invention is preferably 5 to 9, more preferably 6 to 8, at 25°C. By setting the pH of the cleaning composition of the present invention within the above range, it is effective to prevent deterioration of the quality of vegetables to be washed. The pH value of the cleaning composition of the present invention can be measured according to a conventionally known method (for example, JIS Z-8802:2011 "pH measurement method"). The pH of the cleaning composition of the present invention can be adjusted by adding a pH adjuster (citric acid, potassium hydroxide, etc.) or the like.

[0045] The cleaning composition of the present invention is produced according to a conventionally known production method. That is, it can generally be produced by adding (A) a nonionic surfactant and (B) an amine oxide (A), as well as the above-mentioned other components and optional components as necessary, to water as a dispersion medium, and stirring and mixing them. The production procedure is not particularly limited, and the order of addition and dissolution of each component, as well as the adjustment of heating / cooling (as necessary) can be appropriately selected and adjusted according to the composition of the composition.

[0046] The cleaning composition of the present invention is provided in a plastic container, a container with a pump, a pouch, a tube, etc. It can also be provided in an individual package in an amount corresponding to one use.

[0047] The detergent composition of the present invention is used in a method for washing vegetables.

[0048] The method for washing vegetables of the present invention can be carried out by a washing step including contacting the vegetables to be washed with a washing liquid containing the detergent composition of the present invention.

[0049] The vegetables may be, for example, whole or halved vegetables, or cut into serving sizes. The vegetables may be pre-washed, for example, by first washing with running water to remove dirt and the like adhering to the outer surface.

[0050] The washing step can be carried out in accordance with a conventionally known production method. In one embodiment, the washing step can be carried out by, for example, using a washing tank or the like and putting the vegetables into a washing solution.

[0051] The cleaning solution is prepared by adding water and the cleaning composition of the present invention to a cleaning tank. The content of the cleaning composition in the cleaning solution is, for example, 0.0001% by mass to 1% by mass, preferably 0.001% by mass to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.03% by mass to 1% by mass, further preferably 0.05% by mass to 1% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by mass.

[0052] The washing liquid preferably has a pH of 5 to 9, more preferably a pH of 6 to 8, at 25° C. If the pH of the washing liquid is within the above range, it is effective in preventing deterioration of the quality of the vegetables to be washed.

[0053] The surface tension of the cleaning liquid is preferably 25 mN / m to 65 mN / m, more preferably 29 mN / m to 50 mN / m or less, and even more preferably 35 mN / m to 45 mN / m or less. By setting the surface tension of the cleaning liquid within the above range, it is effective to remove foreign matter attached to the object to be cleaned. The surface tension of the cleaning liquid can be measured by a method specifically described in the following examples. The surface tension of the cleaning liquid can be adjusted by blending the nonionic surfactant contained in the cleaning agent composition of the present invention and a surfactant as an optional component (a nonionic surfactant other than the above nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant).

[0054] The washing can be performed by putting the vegetables into the washing liquid. The washing is preferably performed by aeration washing. In aeration washing, air bubbles, more preferably microbubbles, are generated from an aeration unit provided in the washing tank, and the generated air bubbles rise in the washing liquid and peel off foreign matter attached to the surface of the vegetables. Among the peeled foreign matter, those with a smaller specific gravity than the washing liquid (e.g., insects, hair, resin pieces, wood chips, etc.) rise together with the air bubbles and remain on the upper surface of the washing liquid. These are discharged outside the washing tank by blowing air from an air nozzle, blowing liquid (e.g., water, washing liquid, etc.) from a liquid nozzle, overflow, squeegee, etc. On the other hand, among the peeled foreign matter, those with a larger specific gravity than the washing liquid (e.g., soil, sand, pebbles, etc.) sink in the washing liquid and are discharged outside the washing tank.

[0055] The temperature of the washing solution in the washing step is determined in consideration of the quality of the vegetables and is, for example, 0°C to 40°C, preferably 5°C to 25°C, and more preferably 5°C to 15°C.

[0056] The residence time of the vegetables in the washing liquid (ie, the washing time) is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 300 seconds or less.

[0057] After a desired washing time has elapsed, the vegetables are removed from the washing solution. The vegetables removed from the washing solution are treated with rinsing water, and if necessary, may be cut to a desired size or may be sterilized by contacting with a disinfectant (hypochlorous acid, ozone, etc.).

[0058] As described above, the detergent composition of the present invention appropriately suppresses foam generation during the cleaning step, has good foam rinse-off, and leaves little foam residue, allowing vegetables to be washed efficiently. The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. EXAMPLES

[0059] I. Test Method 1. Preparation of vegetable cleaning composition The components shown below were mixed according to the composition shown in the table below to prepare 100 g of a cleaning composition. Each component was placed in a 100 mL beaker and stirred with a magnetic stirrer to obtain a cleaning composition of each example. In the table, the "appropriate amount" in the blending amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and citric acid is the amount required to make the cleaning composition have the pH shown in the table. In addition, the "appropriate amount" in the preservative is the amount required to prevent the cleaning composition described in each example from spoiling. The "remainder" in the blending amount of water is the amount required to make the total amount of the cleaning composition 100 mass %.

[0060] The following components were used: <(A) Nonionic surfactant> Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-1: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO ratio is 0.5-2.5, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 9-11, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 21-25°C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-2: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO ratio is 2-3, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 6-8, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 34° C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-3: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO ratio is 1, the number of moles of EO / AO added is >30, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 15-17°C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-4: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 8 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO addition molar number is ≥ 6, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 32.5-33°C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-5: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO ratio is 3, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 8, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 41° C.

[0061] Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-6: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO ratio is 0.5, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 6, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 10.5. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-7: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 12, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is higher than 70° C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-8: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 13, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 44° C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-9: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 8 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO addition molar number is ≥ 9, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 64°C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-10: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a linear alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a primary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO ratio is 2.7, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 11, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 54° C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-11: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, the EO / AO ratio is 2.8, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 9-10, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 35.5°C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)-12: polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 9 to 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is PO, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 30°C.

[0062] Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO)-1: polyoxyethylene polyoxybutylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a branched alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a secondary carbon atom, AO is BO, the number of moles of EO / AO added is 7-10, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 22-30°C. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO)-2: polyoxyethylene polyoxybutylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 13-15 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a primary or secondary carbon atom, AO is BO, and the cloud point of the mass % aqueous solution is less than 5.0°C Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO)-3: polyoxyethylene polyoxybutylene alkyl ether, a compound in which, in the above formula (a), R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 13 to 15 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R bonded to -O- is a primary or secondary carbon atom, AO is BO, the EO / AO addition mole number is 4.5 to 10, and the cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution is 32.5°C. Pluronic block polymer: manufactured by ADEKA Corporation, product name "ADEKA Pluronic L-61", a compound with a hydrophobic group (polypropylene glycol) molecular weight of 1750, 10% ethylene oxide in the total molecule, and a cloud point of a 1% by weight aqueous solution of 24-28°C

[0063] <(B) Amine oxide> C8 Amine Oxide: Octyldimethylamine oxide C10 amine oxide: Decyl dimethyl amine oxide ·C12 Amine Oxide: Lauryl Dimethyl Amine Oxide

[0064] <Other> Solvent: Sugar alcohol: Sorbitol pH adjuster: Citric acid pH adjuster: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) Preservatives: Isothiazolinone complex preservatives ·Water: Purified water Solvent: Polyhydric alcohol: Propylene glycol Solvent: Polyhydric alcohol: Glycerin

[0065] 2.Surface tension measurement A 0.1% diluted solution of each cleaning composition was prepared, and the diluted solution was discharged from a syringe having a needle with a tip diameter of 0.71 mm in an environment of 25°C, and the surface tension of the cleaning composition was calculated from the droplets formed. The surface tension (γ) of the detergent composition was measured by the pendant drop method. The maximum diameter (equatorial diameter) of the pendant drop was d e and d from the bottom of the hanging drop e The diameter of the pendant drop at the position where it has risen by d s The surface tension was calculated by measuring the surface tension with a camera. The calculation formula is given below.

[0066]

number

[0067] 3. Evaluation of liquid appearance (25℃) The temperature of each cleaning composition was adjusted to 25° C., and the appearance was visually observed to evaluate the transparency. Cleaning compositions that exhibit white turbidity may be unstable when stored for a long period of time. (Evaluation Criteria) ○:Transparent ×: Cloudy

[0068] 4. Evaluation of low temperature stability The cleaning composition of each example was allowed to stand in an environment of -10°C for one day, and the presence or absence of freezing was visually confirmed. (Evaluation Criteria) ○: No freezing ×: Frozen

[0069] 5. Evaluation of high temperature stability The cleaning composition of each example was heated in a test tube, and the temperature at which it became cloudy was taken as the cloud point to confirm high-temperature stability. Regarding the evaluation results, ○ and △ were judged to be at a level that does not cause problems in practical use. (Evaluation Criteria) ○:40℃≦cloud point △:25℃≦cloud point<40℃ ×: Cloud point<25℃

[0070] 6. Foam performance evaluation (strong vibration test) A 0.1% diluted solution of each cleaning composition was prepared, and 50 mL of the diluted solution was placed in a 100 mL color comparison tube and cooled to 10° C. The cooled diluted solution was shaken vigorously 10 times, and the foaming performance was evaluated by reading the foam volume from the scale. "Foam suppression" (foaming ability) was evaluated based on the foam volume in mL immediately after vigorously shaking, "foam loss" was evaluated based on the foam volume after 10 seconds, and "foam retention" was evaluated based on the foam volume after 60 seconds.

[0071] The lower the amount of foam, i.e., the lower the foaming ability, the lower the risk of foam overflowing from the cleaning machine during cleaning. Also, if the foam does not disappear slowly, the foam may accumulate during cleaning, causing the foam to overflow from the cleaning machine. If foam remains, it will adhere to the object to be cleaned or the cleaning machine after the cleaning test, requiring more rinsing. For this reason, the lower the amount of foam, the more favorable the results for foam inhibition, foam disappearance, and foam residue. Regarding the evaluation results, ◎, ○, and △ were determined to be at levels that are acceptable for practical use.

[0072] (Evaluation Criteria) ·Foam control ◎: Foam volume ≦15mL 〇:15mL<foam volume≦25mL ×:25mL<foam volume -Bubble break ◎: Foam volume ≦5mL 〇:5mL<foam volume≦10mL △:10mL<foam volume≦20mL ×:20mL<foam volume Residual foam ◎: Foam volume ≦1mL 〇:1mL<foam volume≦3mL △:3mL<foam volume≦4mL ×: 4mL<foam volume

[0073] 7. Foam performance evaluation (aeration test) A 0.1% diluted solution of each cleaning composition was prepared, and 300 mL of the diluted solution was placed in a 1 L beaker and cooled to 10°C. 20 L of finely divided air was supplied to the cooled diluted solution using an air stone, while stirring with a magnetic stirrer, and the generated foam was supplied to the entire diluted solution. After the air supply for 30 seconds was completed, the amount of foam that rose to the liquid surface was read from the scale to evaluate the foam performance.

[0074] The foam suppression ability was evaluated based on the foam volume in mL immediately after the air supply was stopped, the foam loss was evaluated based on the foam volume after 10 seconds, and the foam remaining was evaluated based on the foam volume after 60 seconds. The evaluation results were judged to be at a level that was acceptable for practical use, with ◎ and ○ being given.

[0075] (Evaluation Criteria) ·Foam control ◎: Foam volume ≦200mL 〇:200mL<foam volume≦350mL ×:350mL<foam volume -Bubble break ◎: Foam volume ≦50mL 〇:50mL<foam volume≦100mL ×: 100mL<foam volume Residual foam ◎: Foam volume ≦5mL 〇:5mL<foam volume≦10mL ×: 10mL<foam volume

[0076] II. Test Results Cleaning compositions of Examples 1 to 26 and Comparative Examples 1 to 20 were prepared according to the compositions shown in Tables 1 to 9 below, and various performances were evaluated as described above. The results are also shown in Tables 1 to 9. The amount of each component in the tables is shown in mass %, with the cleaning composition being 100 mass %.

[0077] 1. Combinations of nonionic surfactants (foam performance in strong vibration tests) Cleaning compositions containing different nonionic surfactants were prepared and their foam performance was evaluated by a strong shaking test. As shown in Table 1 below, it was confirmed that the cleaning compositions containing polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) or polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO) as a nonionic surfactant all had excellent foam suppression and foam breaking down, and also had little residual foam. In particular, it was confirmed that polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) had excellent foam breaking down and little residual foam, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO) had excellent foam suppression.

[0078] On the other hand, when a Pluronic block polymer was used together with polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) (Comparative Example 1), it was confirmed that, like the case where polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) was used alone (Example 1), the foam-removal was excellent and the amount of remaining foam was small, but the foam-suppressing ability was low.

[0079] [Table 1]

[0080] 2. Combinations of nonionic surfactants (foam performance in aeration tests) Detergent compositions containing different nonionic surfactants were prepared and their foam performance was evaluated by an aeration test. As shown in Table 2 below, it was confirmed that all of the cleaning compositions containing polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) and / or polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO) as a nonionic surfactant had excellent foam suppression and foam breaking properties, and also had little residual foam. In particular, it was confirmed that when polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) and polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO) were used in combination (Example 5), the foam suppression was superior to when each was used alone.

[0081] On the other hand, when a Pluronic block polymer was used together with polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) (Comparative Example 2), it was confirmed that, like the case where polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) was used alone (Example 3), the foam-removal was excellent and the amount of remaining foam was small, but the foam-suppressing ability was low.

[0082] [Table 2]

[0083] 3. Solvent compatibility (evaluation of liquid appearance, low and high temperature stability) Detergent compositions containing various solvents together with a nonionic surfactant were prepared, and their liquid appearance and low-temperature and high-temperature stability were evaluated.

[0084] As shown in Tables 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 below, when polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether and amine oxide were mixed with water (Examples 6, 7, and 9), good results were obtained in terms of liquid appearance (25°C), and good results were also obtained in terms of high-temperature stability due to an increase in the cloud point.

[0085] Furthermore, when polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, sugar alcohol, polyhydric alcohol, and sugars were blended with water (Examples 8, 10, and 11), good results were obtained in terms of liquid appearance (25° C.), as well as good results in terms of low-temperature stability, and it was confirmed that it was possible to prevent freezing at −10° C. On the other hand, when polyhydric alcohol was blended, the cleaning composition may become cloudy when the blending amount of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether was 3.0% by mass (Comparative Examples 6 and 7), but it was confirmed that no clouding occurred when sugar alcohol was used, even when the blending amount of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether was 3.0% by mass (Example 8).

[0086] On the other hand, when the composition consisted of two components, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether and water (Comparative Examples 3, 4, and 5), it was confirmed that the high-temperature stability and / or low-temperature stability was low.

[0087] [Table 3-1]

[0088] [Table 3-2]

[0089] [Table 3-3]

[0090] 4. Nonionic surfactant content Detergent compositions containing different amounts of nonionic surfactant were prepared and their liquid appearance and low temperature stability were evaluated.

[0091] As shown in Table 4 below, even when 25% by mass of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether was included, good results were obtained with respect to liquid appearance and low temperature stability.

[0092] [Table 4]

[0093] 5. Amine oxide Amine oxides having different carbon numbers were mixed to prepare cleaning compositions, and foam performance was evaluated by a strong shaking test.

[0094] As shown in Table 5 below, it was confirmed that when an amine oxide having 8 to 10 carbon atoms was blended, the foam-suppressing properties and foam-cutting properties were excellent, and the amount of foam remaining was small (Examples 15 and 16). On the other hand, when an amine oxide having 12 carbon atoms was blended, the foam-suppressing properties and foam-cutting properties were deteriorated, and the foam-suppressing properties in particular were significantly deteriorated (Comparative Example 8).

[0095] [Table 5]

[0096] 6. Cloud point, EO / AO ratio, and EO / AO molar addition number in nonionic surfactants (polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)) Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (EO / PO) with different cloud points, EO / AO ratios, and molar addition numbers were mixed to prepare cleaning compositions, and their liquid appearance and foam performance (strong shaking test) were evaluated.

[0097] As shown in Tables 6-1 and 6-2 below, it was confirmed that the cleaning compositions (Examples 17 to 20) containing polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (EO / PO) having cloud points of 15°C to 34°C were excellent in foam suppression and foam breaking down.

[0098] On the other hand, when the cloud point was 10.5° C. or higher and 35.5° C. or higher, it was confirmed that good results were not obtained with respect to one or more of the foam suppression properties, foam breaking down, and foam residue (Comparative Examples 9 to 15).

[0099] [Table 6-1]

[0100] [Table 6-2]

[0101] 7. On the EO / AO carbon chain number in nonionic surfactants (polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO)) Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (EO / PO) with different EO / AO carbon chain numbers were blended to prepare cleaning compositions, and their liquid appearance and foam performance (strong shaking test) were evaluated.

[0102] As shown in Table 7 below, when the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / PO) contains multiple carbon chains with different carbon numbers, it was confirmed that the foam-inhibiting properties significantly decreased, the foam-breaking ability decreased, and more foam remained (Comparative Example 16), and it was confirmed that it is preferable for the polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether to contain a single type of carbon chain.

[0103] [Table 7]

[0104] 8. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO) Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers (EO / BO) with different cloud points were mixed to prepare cleaning compositions, and their liquid appearance and foam performance (strong shaking test) were evaluated.

[0105] As shown in Table 8 below, it was confirmed that the cleaning composition (Example 22) containing polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether (EO / BO) having a carbon chain carbon number of 10, an EO / AO ratio of 7 to 10, and a cloud point of 22 to 30°C exhibited excellent foam suppression properties.

[0106] [Table 8]

[0107] 9. Amine oxide and sugar alcohol content Detergent compositions with different contents of amine oxide and sugar alcohol (sorbitol) were prepared and their liquid appearance, high temperature stability, and (strong shaking test) were evaluated.

[0108] As shown in Table 9 below, when amine oxide was contained at 0.06 mass % or sorbitol was contained at 50 mass %, a significant decrease in high temperature stability and liquid appearance was confirmed.

[0109] [Table 9]

Claims

1. A nonionic surfactant (A) represented by the following formula (a), which has a cloud point of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of less than 35.5° C. and more than 10.5° C.: RO-[(EO)x / (AO)y]-H...(a) [In the formula, R represents one or more groups selected from the group consisting of alkyl and alkylene groups having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, EO represents an oxyethylene group, and x represents the average number of repeating EO groups. AO represents an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, and y represents the average number of repetitions of AO. [(EO)x / (AO)y] indicates that EO and AO may be block polymerized or random polymerized, and the order of EO and AO is not important.], and Contains an amine oxide (B) having 8 to 12 carbon atoms; A vegetable cleaning composition.

2. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein, in the [(EO)x / (AO)y], a ratio of x to y (x / y) is 0.5-3 when AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 carbon atoms, and is 7-10 when AO is an oxyalkylene group having 4 carbon atoms.

3. The cleaning composition according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of types of nonionic surfactants in which the AO has a different number of carbon atoms.

4. 2. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of branched alkyl and alkylene groups having 8 to 12 carbon atoms.

5. 2. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein in the [(EO)x / (AO)y], the sum of the numbers x and y is 6 or more.

6. The cleaning agent composition according to claim 1, wherein the cloud point of the 1 mass % aqueous solution is 15 to 34° C.

7. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, comprising the nonionic surfactant (A) in an amount of 25 mass% or less.

8. The cleaning composition of claim 1 further comprising a solvent.

9. 10. The cleaning composition of claim 1, which is fatty acid free.

10. A method for washing vegetables, comprising a washing step of contacting vegetables with a washing liquid containing the detergent composition according to claim 1.

11. The cleaning method according to claim 10, wherein the temperature of the cleaning solution is 5 to 15°C.

12. The cleaning method according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning step is carried out by aeration cleaning.

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