Wet wipes

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to toilet tissues, cleaning tissues, or personal care tissues with improved water-disintegrability and improved user comfort, which have sufficient strength during use and disintegrate quickly enough under actual use conditions to be flushed down the toilet without causing sanitation problems.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to wet wipes that have improved water-disintegrability and comfort compared to existing water-disintegrable wet wipes, including toilet wipes, cleaning, sanitary, and disinfecting wet wipes, and personal care wet wipes. [Background technology]

[0002] Many wet wipes that are not designed to be flushable, such as baby, cleaning, and personal hygiene wipes, are flushed down toilets and other wastewater treatment systems. Certain wet wipes can be flushed down the toilet after use. Flushable wipes decompose relatively quickly and are degraded in the public septic system. However, disintegratable wipes are required to decompose rapidly and not cause any problems during use.

[0003] Even known wet tissues that are commercially available as flushable wet tissues may require a relatively long time and / or agitation in water and / or heat energy until their strength is sufficiently reduced after use to become water-disintegratable.

[0004] Currently available flushable wipes contain a nonwoven fabric composed of short cellulose fibers (pulp) and long cellulose fibers. Other products contain short and medium cellulose fibers and use a salt-trigger binder, where the binder system contains one or more ingredients and a liquid that maintains the wipe's strength with a salt concentration higher than that found in typical public sewer systems. The fibers are bonded together through chemical and / or mechanical treatments. After use, these products are designed to separate and hydrolyze during agitation with large amounts of water in the drainage system, allowing them to be flushed down the toilet after use.

[0005] Furthermore, many conventional wet wipes use alcohols such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol as a disinfectant ingredient, but these alcohols can excessively dry out the skin and cause skin irritation, especially for users with sensitive skin. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The ideal flushable wet wipe should be comfortable and strong enough to serve its intended purpose, yet disintegrate very quickly when flushed. The faster the wipe disintegrates, the less likely it is to cause potential problems such as clogged sewer pipes. Therefore, the technical challenge is to produce a wipe that has the seemingly contradictory properties of being strong during use and quickly disintegrating after use.

[0007] That is, there is a need to provide improved degradable wet wipes that (1) are sufficiently comfortable for the user and have sufficient strength during use, and (2) decompose rapidly under actual use conditions so as not to cause problems with drainage systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The wet tissue of the first embodiment comprises (a) a homogeneous fibrous material and (b) a liquid component, (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) The liquid component contains (1) approximately 73% to approximately 74% water by weight, (2) approximately 20% dipropylene glycol by weight, and (3) approximately 4% calcium chloride by weight.

[0009] The wet tissue of the second embodiment comprises (a) a homogeneous fibrous material and (b) a liquid component, (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) The liquid component contains (1) approximately 70% to approximately 75% water by weight, (2) approximately 10% to approximately 25% dipropylene glycol by weight, and (3) approximately 0% to approximately 6% calcium chloride by weight.

[0010] In another embodiment, the liquid component further comprises at least one of a preservative, a soothing agent, a chelating agent, an emulsifier, an emollient, a moisturizer, a pH adjuster, or a deodorant.

[0011] In another embodiment, the liquid component further comprises a fragrance.

[0012] In another embodiment, the liquid component further comprises magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, corn starch, silica, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In another embodiment, the wet wipe has a machine direction wet tensile strength of about 260 g / inch (about 102 g / cm) and a cross direction wet tensile strength of about 233 g / inch (about 92 g / cm).

[0014] In another embodiment, the wet tissue has a wet tensile strength in the machine direction ranging from about 185 g / inch to about 360 g / inch (about 73 g / cm to about 142 g / cm) and a wet tensile strength in the cross direction ranging from about 195 g / inch to about 282 g / inch (about 77 g / cm to about 111 g / cm).

[0015] In a further embodiment, after immersion in water for any period of time, the wet tensile strength in the machine direction decreases to about 50 g / inch or less (about 20 g / cm or less) and the wet tensile strength in the cross direction decreases to about 25 g / inch or less (about 9.8 g / cm or less).

[0016] In a further aspect, the wet tensile strength in the machine direction and the wet tensile strength in the cross direction decrease to an unmeasurable level after immersion in water for any period of time.

[0017] In another embodiment, the wet wipes have a dispersion rate of about 90% or greater after about 10 seconds, as measured in accordance with "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" of INDA's "Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products - Edition 4."

[0018] In another embodiment, the wet tissue has a water disintegration rate of about 70% or more after about 1 minute, as measured based on "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0019] In another embodiment, the wet tissue has a water disintegration rate of about 50% or more after about 2 minutes, as measured, for example, based on "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0020] In another embodiment, the wet tissue has a hydrolysis rate of about 30% or more after about 5 minutes, as measured based on "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Decomposition Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0021] In another aspect, when flushed down a toilet, the wipe completely loses tensile strength in both the longitudinal and transverse directions when tested in accordance with INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)" FG503.R1(18) Household Pump Test, and disintegrates to less than about ½ square inch (about 3.2 cm) in turbulence through the toilet bowl drain and into the household pump basin during a single flush of a standard household toilet without causing a clog in the household pump or leaving the wipe intact in the basin. 2 hydrolyzes into small pieces (less than 100g).

[0022] In another aspect, when tested in accordance with "FG507.R1(18) Municipal Sewage Pump Test" of INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the wet wipe exhibits a longitudinal tensile strength of less than about 50 g / inch (less than about 20 g / cm) and a transverse tensile strength of less than about 25 g / inch (less than about 9.8 g / cm) when immersed in water, and when passed through a municipal sewer pump, the wet wipe exhibits a tensile strength of less than about ½ square inch (less than about 3.2 cm). 2 The resulting hydrolysis results in fragments of less than 2% or no power enhancement.

[0023] In another aspect, when tested in accordance with "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" of INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the wipes exhibit no measurable strength when immersed in water and disintegrate to less than about ½ square inch meter (about 3.2 cm ) when passed through a public sewer pump. 2 The resulting hydrolysis results in fragments of less than 2% or no power enhancement.

[0024] In another embodiment, the wet wipes are packaged.

[0025] In another embodiment, the homogeneous fiber material is made from 100% plant-based material.

[0026] In another aspect, the homogeneity of the homogeneous fiber material is visualized by scanning electron microscopy.

[0027] In another embodiment, the liquid further comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0028] In another embodiment, the one or more cellulose fibers comprise pulp fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers, and the one or more water-soluble binders comprise carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0029] In another embodiment, the one or more cellulose fibers account for about 75% to about 99% by weight of the entire wet tissue, and the carboxymethyl cellulose accounts for about 1% to about 25% by weight of the entire wet tissue.

[0030] In another embodiment, the wet wipes are free or substantially free of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.

[0031] In another embodiment, the wet wipes are free or substantially free of glycereth-26. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a scanning electron microscope image of a cross section of a homogenous fiber component. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a scanning electron microscope image of a cross section of a homogenous fiber component. [Figure 3] A scanning electron microscope image of the non-homogeneous fiber content is shown in Figure 3. The wet nonwoven sheet was air dried and stained with iodine vapor stain for 72 hours to highlight the distribution of the binder. [Figure 4] A scanning electron microscope image of the cross section of the non-homogeneous fiber component is shown in Figure 4. The wet nonwoven sheet was air dried and stained with iodine vapor stain for 72 hours to highlight the distribution of the binder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present application relates to wet wipes with improved degradability and user comfort, particularly wet wipes that have sufficient strength when used as toilet wipes, cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting wipes, and / or other personal care wipes. Embodiments of the present application offer significant advantages over current technology, for example, by providing wet wipes that are composed of a homogeneous fibrous material (e.g., a nonwoven) component that is not hydroentangled (spunlaced) and a liquid component, and that degrade more quickly than currently available products. The toilet wipes of the present application degrade more quickly than conventional toilet wipes. As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" have substantially the same meaning, and when used in conjunction with a number, are meant to encompass that number and any number within 5% of that number.

[0034] Additionally, as used herein, the terms "tissue (wipes)" or "wet tissue (wet wipes)" are intended to include toilet tissues, cleaning tissues, hygiene tissues, disinfecting tissues, and / or personal care tissues.

[0035] The present invention is technically distinct and advanced over existing degradable wet wipes for several reasons: Because the homogeneous fibrous material (e.g., nonwoven) component of the present invention is not formed by hydroentanglement, its degradability does not depend on fiber unraveling, and the present wet wipes are more rapidly degradable than existing products that contain hydroentangled nonwoven components.

[0036] The inventors have achieved a wet wipe that is more quickly degradable while still providing sufficient safety, comfort, and strength by combining a nonwoven, non-hydroentangled, homogeneous fiber component with a novel liquid component.

[0037] Additionally, through experimentation, the inventors have identified certain liquid ingredients that provide one or more of the following additional and beneficial characteristics to the products claimed herein: (1) improved aesthetic characteristics (improved skin feel, such as reduced greasiness and / or stickiness, reduced skin irritation after use), (2) improved settling characteristics, (3) improved odor resistance, (4) improved preservative properties, (5) enhanced pH stability, (6) reduced toxicity, and (7) reduced production costs.

[0038] In one embodiment, the wet wipe comprises: (a) a homogeneous fibrous material; and (b) a liquid component; (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 70% to about 75% by weight of water in the liquid component; (2) about 10% to about 25% by weight of dipropylene glycol in the liquid component; (3) calcium chloride in an amount of about 0% to about 6% by weight of the liquid component; Includes.

[0039] In another aspect, a wet wipe comprises: (a) a homogeneous fibrous material; and (b) a liquid component; (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 73% to about 74% water by weight in the liquid component; (2) about 20% by weight of dipropylene glycol in the liquid component; (3) calcium chloride in an amount of about 4% by weight of the liquid component; Includes.

[0040] In another aspect, a wet wipe comprises: (a) a homogeneous fibrous material; and (b) a liquid component; (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 70% to about 75% by weight of water in the liquid component; (2) about 10% to about 25% by weight of dipropylene glycol in the liquid component; (3) calcium chloride in an amount of about 0% to about 6% by weight of the liquid component; (4) at least one of a preservative, a soothing agent, a chelating agent, an emulsifier, an emollient, a moisturizer, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, or a deodorizer; Includes.

[0041] In another aspect, a wet wipe comprises: (a) a homogeneous fibrous material; and (b) a liquid component; (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 73% to about 74% water by weight in the liquid component; (2) about 20% by weight of dipropylene glycol in the liquid component; (3) calcium chloride in an amount of about 4% by weight of the liquid component; (4) at least one of a preservative, a soothing agent, a chelating agent, an emulsifier, an emollient, a moisturizer, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, or a deodorizer; Includes.

[0042] In another aspect, the wet wipe comprises: (a) a homogeneous fibrous material (e.g., a nonwoven material); and (b) a liquid component; (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 65% to about 90% by weight of the liquid component (for example, about 65% to about 75% by weight, or about 70% to about 75% by weight) of water; (2) about 10% to about 35% by weight (for example, about 10% to about 25% by weight, or about 15% to about 20% by weight) of an organic solvent in the liquid component; (3) about 1% to about 10% by weight (e.g., about 3% to about 5% by weight) of a polyvalent salt (e.g., a divalent salt) in the liquid component; Includes.

[0043] In another aspect, the wet wipe comprises: (a) a homogeneous fibrous material (e.g., a nonwoven material); and (b) a liquid component; (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 0% to about 80% by weight of the liquid component (for example, about 10% to about 60% by weight, or about 25% to about 35% by weight) of water; (2) an organic solvent in an amount of about 20% to about 100% by weight (for example, about 10% to about 25% by weight, or about 15% to about 20% by weight) in the liquid component; (3) optionally, about 0% to about 10% by weight (e.g., about 3% to about 5% by weight) of a multivalent salt (e.g., a divalent salt) in the liquid component; Includes.

[0044] In another aspect, the wet wipe comprises: (a) a homogeneous fibrous material (e.g., a nonwoven material); and (b) a liquid component; (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises one or more water-soluble binders; (b) The liquid component includes water, an organic solvent, a polyvalent salt (e.g., a divalent salt), a chelating agent, an emulsifier, an emollient, a moisturizer, a pH adjuster, and a deodorant.

[0045] In additional embodiments, any of the liquid ingredients described herein further comprise one or more flavoring agents.

[0046] In additional embodiments, any of the liquid components described herein may further comprise magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, corn starch, silica, and any combination thereof.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the wet wipes, cleaning wipes, or personal care wipes of the present application are packaged.

[0048] [Homogeneous fiber component] In at least one embodiment, the homogeneous fibrous material described herein comprises a nonwoven material.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "nonwoven component," "nonwoven agent," "nonwoven material," or "nonwoven substrate" refer to materials and webs of material formed without the aid of a fibrous weaving or knitting process.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "homogeneous fiber material," "homogeneous fiber component," and "homogeneous nonwoven material" mean that different elements of the fiber material or fiber component are not separated but integrated. "Homogeneous fiber material," "homogeneous fiber component," and "homogeneous nonwoven material" are illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

[0051] The toilet tissue of the present application may generally have a fiber density of about 0.025 g / cc to about 0.2 g / cc. The toilet tissue of the present application may generally have a fiber density of about 20 g / m 2 ~Approx. 150g / m 2 Weight per unit area, for example, about 30 g / m 2 ~about 90g / m 2 , or about 50 g / m 2 ~about 60g / m 2 The weight per unit area may be 1.005 .mu.m.

[0052] The nonwoven material may include one or more water-soluble binders made of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or any combination thereof. Fibers are selected based on, for example, the end product application and fiber cost. Suitable fibrous substrates include, but are not limited to, cotton, linen, jute, hemp, wool, and wood pulp. Similarly, regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose rayon and cupric ammonium rayon, modified cellulose fibers such as cellulose acetate, and synthetic fibers derived from polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and polyacrylics may be used alone or in combination. Mixtures of one or more of the above fibers may also be used if desired. Wood pulp fibers may be any known papermaking fiber, including softwood and hardwood fibers. Fibers include, for example, chemically pulped or mechanically pulped fibers, bleached or unbleached fibers, virgin or recycled fibers, and high- or low-yield fibers. Mercerized, chemically reinforced, or crosslinked fibers may also be used.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the homogeneous fiber material is made from 100% plant-based material.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the homogeneous fibrous material comprises wood pulp and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

[0055] Synthetic cellulose fibers include all types of rayon and other fibers derived from viscose or chemically modified cellulose, including solvent-spun cellulose such as regenerated cellulose and lyocell. Chemically treated natural cellulose fibers, such as mercerized pulp, chemically reinforced fibers, crosslinked fibers, or sulfonated fibers, can also be used. Virgin fibers as well as recycled fibers can be used. Microbial cellulose and other cellulose derivatives can also be used. As used herein, the term "cellulose" is meant to include any material primarily composed of cellulose, e.g., any material containing at least 50% cellulose or a cellulose derivative by weight. Thus, the term "cellulose" includes, but is not limited to, cotton, typical wood pulp, non-wood cellulose fibers, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, rayon, thermomechanical wood pulp, chemical wood pulp, separated chemical wood pulp, milkweed, or bacterial cellulose. Materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or nylon can also be used.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the homogenous fibrous material comprises one or more cellulose fibers in an amount of about 50% to about 99% by weight of the homogenous fibrous material, and one or more water-soluble binders. In at least one embodiment, the one or more water-soluble binders can comprise about 1% to about 50% by weight of the homogenous fibrous material. In at least one embodiment, the one or more cellulose fibers comprise pulp fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers, and the one or more water-soluble binders comprise carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the one or more cellulose fibers comprise about 75% to about 99% by weight of the entire wet tissue, and the carboxymethyl cellulose comprises about 1% to about 25% by weight of the entire wet tissue.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fibers are viscose, lyocell, or a combination thereof. In a further aspect, the regenerated cellulose fibers comprise about 10% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the wet tissue.

[0059] The nonwoven fabric component may further comprise a surfactant. Non-limiting examples of suitable surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, 1-undecanol, 1-octyl-2-pyrrolidone (Surfadone LP-100), undecyl alcohol + 5EO polyethoxylate (polyethylene glycol (5) undecyl ether), 1-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone (Surfacone LP-300), or a combination thereof. An example of a surfactant combination is sodium lauryl sulfate, 1-undecanol, 1-octyl-2-pyrrolidone, and undecyl alcohol + 5EO polyethoxylate (polyethylene glycol (5) undecyl ether). The surfactant is added to an aqueous solution of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and water and sprayed onto the fibrous material. After applying the surfactant and water solution to the nonwoven fabric component, the nonwoven fabric component is passed through an oven to remove most of the water. The remaining components on the nonwoven fabric component are CMC, surfactant, and trace amounts of water. The amount of surfactant is 0.001% to 2% of the spray solution of CMC and water. Thus, in certain embodiments, the homogeneous fibrous material comprises one or more cellulose fibers in an amount of about 50% to about 99% by weight of the homogeneous fibrous material, and one or more water-soluble binders, surfactants, and aqueous solutions in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight of the homogeneous fibrous material.

[0060] [Liquid component] In one or more embodiments, the liquid component of the wet tissue contains about 70% to about 75% water by weight, about 10% to about 25% dipropylene glycol by weight, and about 0% to about 6% calcium chloride by weight. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the amount of calcium chloride in the liquid component is about 1% to about 5% by weight or about 2% to about 4% by weight.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, the liquid component of the wet wipe comprises about 73% to about 74% water by weight, about 20% dipropylene glycol by weight, and about 4% calcium chloride by weight.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, the liquid component of the wet tissue comprises about 65% to about 90% (e.g., about 65% to about 75% or about 70% to about 75%) water by weight, about 10% to about 35% (e.g., about 10% to about 25% or about 15% to about 20%) organic solvent by weight, and about 1% to about 10% (e.g., about 3% to about 5%) multivalent salt (e.g., divalent salt) by weight.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the liquid component of the wet tissue comprises about 0% to about 80% (e.g., about 10% to about 60% or about 25% to about 35%) water by weight, about 20% to about 100% (e.g., about 10% to about 25% or about 15% to about 20%) organic solvent by weight, and optionally, about 0% to about 10% (e.g., about 3% to about 5%) multivalent salt (e.g., divalent salt) by weight.

[0064] The polyvalent salt may be an inorganic or organic polyvalent salt. In at least one embodiment, the polyvalent salt is a divalent salt. Suitable examples of polyvalent salts include, but are not limited to, salts of alkaline earth metals and transition metals. Suitable divalent cations include Zn 2+, Be 2+ , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , or any combination thereof. Suitable anions include, but are not limited to, halides (fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide), sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, carbonate, oxide, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, etc. For example, the multivalent salts include, but are not limited to, ZnF2, ZnCl2, ZnBr2, ZnI2, MgF2, MgCl2, MgBr2, MgI2, BeF2, BeCl2, BeBr2, BeI2, CaF2, CaCl2, CaBr2, CaI2, ZnSO4, ZnSO3, BeSO4, BeSO3, MgSO4, MgSO3, CaSO4, CaSO3, ZnO, MgO, CaO, BeO, or any combination thereof.

[0065] The liquid component may further comprise an oil-in-water emulsion containing cetearyl isononanoate, ceteareth-20, cetealkyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, glycerin, cetyl palmitate, or ceteareth-12.

[0066] In a further aspect, the liquid component can further comprise a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0067] In at least one embodiment, any of the liquid components described herein further comprises a humectant. In at least one embodiment, the liquid component comprises about 1% to about 15% humectant by weight. In one or more embodiments, the humectant can include propylene glycol, butylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (e.g., PEG-6, PEG-7, PEG-8, etc.), polypropylene glycol (e.g., PPG-7, PPG-9, PPG-12, PPG-13, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the liquid component and / or the wipes are free or substantially free of glycereth-26.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the liquid components described herein are free or substantially free of alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol (e.g., less than about 0.04 wt%, less than about 0.03 wt%, less than about 0.02 wt%, less than about 0.01 wt%, or less than about 0.005 wt%), which can prevent excessive skin dryness and irritation after use.

[0070] The liquid components described herein are substantially free of benzalkonium chloride (e.g., less than about 0.04 wt%, less than about 0.03 wt%, less than about 0.02 wt%, less than about 0.01 wt%, or less than about 0.005 wt%) or are free of benzalkonium chloride.

[0071] The liquid components described herein are substantially free of iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (e.g., less than about 0.08 wt%, less than about 0.05 wt%, less than about 0.04 wt%, less than about 0.02 wt%, less than about 0.01 wt%, or less than about 0.005 wt%) or free of iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.

[0072] Optionally, the liquid components described herein are substantially free (e.g., less than about 0.03 wt%, less than about 0.02 wt%, less than about 0.01 wt%, less than about 0.005 wt%, or less than about 0.001 wt%) of benzalkonium chloride, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, laureth-9, vinyl dimethicone / methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, or combinations thereof.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the liquid component further comprises magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, corn starch, silica, or any combination thereof.

[0074] The liquid components of the embodiments described herein may further include one or more additional compounds or "additives," such as a carrier medium, a surfactant (e.g., cationic, anionic, nonionic, amphoteric), a pH adjuster / controller, a fragrance, a fragrance solubilizer, an opacifier, a preservative, a skin soothing aid / soothing agent (e.g., aloe vera leaf extract, tocopherol acetate), a skin care additive, a deodorant / deodorizer, a chelating agent, a detackifier, a humectant, a cleanser, a skin conditioning agent, a preservative, an antibacterial agent, an emollient, an emulsifier, a moisturizer, a sensory (surface feel) modifier, and the like.

[0075] Non-limiting examples of chelating agents include edetate disodium, sodium gluconate, phytic acid, sodium phytate, edetate trisodium, edetate tetrasodium, glutamic acid diacetate tetrasodium, etidronic acid, gluconic acid, trisodium phosphate, sodium polyphosphate, and trisodium phosphate.

[0076] (skin care additives) As used herein, the term "skin care additive" refers to an additive that provides one or more benefits to the user, such as reducing the likelihood of diaper rash and / or other skin damage caused by fecal enzymes. Suitable skin care additives include, but are not limited to, the enzyme inhibitors and sequestrants described below.

[0077] The liquid components and toilet wipes of the present application may be added with or contain various skin care additives. In at least one embodiment, the skin care additive is added in particulate form as a fecal enzyme inhibitor, potentially providing the benefit of reducing diaper rash and skin damage caused by fecal enzymes. U.S. Patent No. 6,051,749 discloses organophilic clays in woven or nonwoven webs that are believed to be useful for inhibiting fecal enzymes. Such materials include reaction products of long-chain organic quaternary ammonium compounds with one or more of the following clays: montmorillonite, bentonite, beidellite, hectorite, saponite, and stevensite.

[0078] Other known enzyme inhibitors and scavengers can be used as skin care additives in the liquid components of the present invention, including those that inhibit digestive or fecal enzymes, such as trypsin, and urease inhibitors. For example, enzyme inhibitors and antibacterial agents are used to prevent odor generation in bodily fluids. For example, urease inhibitors, which are believed to also absorb odors, are disclosed in International Publication No. WO 98 / 26808. Such inhibitors, which may be incorporated into the liquid components and toilet wipes of the present invention, include transition metal ions, such as silver, copper, zinc, iron, and aluminum salts, and soluble salts thereof. Anions such as borate and phytate also exhibit urease inhibitory activity. Potentially valuable compounds include, but are not limited to, silver chlorate, silver nitrate, mercury acetate, mercury chloride, mercury nitrate, copper metaborate, copper bromate, copper bromide, copper chloride, copper dichromate, copper nitrate, copper salicylate, copper sulfate, zinc acetate, zinc borate, zinc phytate, zinc bromate, zinc bromide, zinc chlorate, zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, cadmium acetate, cadmium borate, cadmium bromide, cadmium chlorate, cadmium chloride, cadmium formate, cadmium iodate, cadmium iodide, cadmium permanganate, cadmium nitrate, cadmium sulfate, gold chloride, and the like.

[0079] Other salts having urease-inhibiting properties include iron salts, aluminum salts, especially their nitrates, and bismuth salts. Other urease inhibitors are disclosed in International Publication No. WO 98 / 26808 and include hydroxamic acids and their derivatives, thiourea, hydroxylamines, phytates, various tannins such as carob tannins, various plant extracts including various tannin derivatives such as chlorogenic acid derivatives, natural acids such as ascorbic acid and citric acid and their salts, phenylphosphorodiamidate / diaminophosphate phenyl esters, metal aryl phosphoramidate complexes including substituted phosphorodiamidate compounds, phosphoramidates without nitrogen substitution, boric acid and / or its salts including especially borax and / or organic boron acid compounds, compounds disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0,408,199, dithiocarbamates of sodium, copper, manganese, and / or zinc, quinones, phenols, thiurams, substituted rhodanine acetic acids, alkylated benzoates, etc. These include quinones, formamidine disulfides, 1,3-diketone maleic anhydride, succinamide, phthalic anhydride, behenic acid, N,N-dihalo-2-imidazolidinones, N-halo-2-oxazolidinones, thio- and / or acyl-phosphorylamide and / or substituted derivatives thereof, thiopyridine-N-oxide, thiopyridine, or thiopyrimidine, sulfur oxide derivatives of diaminophosphinyl compounds, cyclotriphosphazatriene derivatives, ortho-diaminophosphinyl derivatives of oximes, bromine-nitro compounds, S-aryl and / or alkyl diamide phosphorothioates, diaminophosphinyl derivatives, mono- and / or polyphosphorodiamides, 5-substituted-benzoxathiol-2-ones, N(diaminophosphinyl)arylcarboxamides, alkoxy-1,2-benzothiazine compounds, and the like.

[0080] Many other skin care additives can be incorporated into the liquid components and toilet wipes of the present application, including, but not limited to, sunscreens and UV absorbers, acne medications, pharmaceuticals, baking soda (including encapsulated forms), vitamins and vitamin derivatives such as vitamin A or vitamin E, botanicals such as aloe vera leaf extract, tocopherol acetate, witch hazel extract and aloe vera, allantoin, emollients, disinfectants, hydroxy acids for wrinkle control or anti-aging benefits, sunscreens, tanning accelerators, skin lightening agents, deodorants and antiperspirants, ceramides for skin benefits and other uses, astringents, moisturizers, nail polish removers, insect repellents, antioxidants, preservatives, anti-inflammatory agents, etc., provided that the additives are compatible with their associated ion-sensitive binder compositions, particularly the ion-sensitive binder compositions of the present application. In other words, the additive should not cause a substantial decrease in the strength of the toilet tissue in a wet state before the toilet tissue is diluted with water, and should enable the toilet tissue to be hydrolyzed in water.

[0081] Materials useful in skin care and other benefits are described in McCutcheon's 1999 edition of Functional Materials, Vol. 2 (MC Publishing, Glen Rock, NJ). Many botanical ingredients useful in skin care are available from Active Organics, Inc. (Lewisville, Texas).

[0082] (Deodorant) Suitable odor control agents for use in the liquid components and toilet wipes herein include, but are not limited to, zinc salts, talcum powder, sodium bicarbonate, encapsulated fragrances (including microcapsules, macrocapsules, and fragrances encapsulated in liposomes, vesicles, or microemulsions), chelating agents such as EDTA, zeolites, activated silica, activated carbon granules or fibers, activated silica microparticles, polycarboxylic acids such as citric acid, cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives, chitosan or chitin and its derivatives, oxidizing agents, antimicrobial agents including silver-loaded zeolites (e.g., "HEALTHSHIELD"™ from Bio-Technologies, Inc., Beverly, Massachusetts), triclosan, diatomaceous earth, or mixtures thereof. In addition to controlling odors from body or waste products, odor control strategies can also be employed to mask or control odors from treated substrates.

[0083] In at least one embodiment, the liquid component and / or wipe contains a derivatized cyclodextrin, such as hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin, in solution, which remains on the skin after wiping to form an odor-absorbing layer. In other embodiments, the odor source is removed or neutralized by the application of an odor-control additive, such as a chelating agent, which binds metal groups necessary for the function of many proteases and other enzymes that commonly cause odor. Chelating the metal groups inhibits the enzyme's action, reducing the risk of malodor in the product.

[0084] The principles of applying chitosan or chitin derivatives to nonwoven webs and cellulosic fibers are described by S. Lee et al., Textile Research Journal, 69(2); 104-112 (1999).

[0085] (adhesive remover) If necessary, a detackifying agent can be used in the liquid component to reduce stickiness. Suitable detackifying agents include, but are not limited to, talcum powder, calcium carbonate, powders such as mica, starches such as cornstarch, mineral fillers such as lycopodium powder and titanium dioxide, silica powder, alumina, common metal oxides, baking powder, diatomaceous earth, etc. Low surface energy polymers and other additives can also be used, including fluoropolymers, silicone additives, polyolefins (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) and thermoplastics, waxes, and release agents known in the paper industry, including compounds with alkyl side chains of 16 or more carbons. Dry lubricants and fluorine-based mold release agents, as well as compounds used as mold release agents for mold and candle manufacturing, are also contemplated.

[0086] (preservatives and antibacterial agents) The liquid component may contain a preservative and / or antimicrobial agent. Some preservatives and / or antimicrobial agents, such as "Mackstat H 66" commercially available from the McIntyre Group (Chicago, Illinois), have been found to be highly effective in inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth. Other suitable preservatives and antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, DMDM ​​hydantoin (e.g., "Glydant Plus®" from Axada, Mapleton, Illinois), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Kasone (Rohm and Haas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, lactic acid, propylparaben, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, benzoic acid, and the like.

[0087] (chelating agent) One chelating agent useful in the liquid components described herein is glutamic acid diacetate tetrasodium (Dissolvine GL 47S).

[0088] (emulsifier) One emulsifier and surfactant mixture useful in the liquid components described herein is coco-glucoside / glyceryl oleate (Lamesoft PO65). In at least one embodiment, the emulsifier can include coco-glucoside and / or polysorbate 20.

[0089] (Wetting and cleaning agents) A variety of wetting and / or cleaning agents may be used in the liquid component. Suitable wetting and / or cleaning agents include, but are not limited to, detergents, nonionic, amphoteric, and anionic surfactants, particularly amino acid-based surfactants. Amino acid-based surfactant mechanisms derived from amino acids, including L-glutamic acid, and other natural fatty acids offer pH compatibility with human skin, excellent cleaning power, and are relatively safe compared to other anionic surfactants, providing superior feel and moisturizing properties.

[0090] An example of a commercially available amino acid-based surfactant is acyl glutamic acid, sold under the trademark "Amisoft®" by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). While amino acid-based surfactants are useful in the liquid component, a variety of surfactants can be used in embodiments of the present application. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, the condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic (lipophilic) polyoxyalkylene base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol. The hydrophobic portion of these compounds preferably has a sufficiently high molecular weight to render them insoluble in water. The addition of a polyoxyethylene chain to the hydrophobic portion increases the water solubility of the entire molecule, maintaining the liquid properties of the product up to a polyoxyethylene content of approximately 50% of the total weight of the condensation product. Examples of this type of compound include commercially available surfactants from BASF Wyandotte called "Pluronics," in which the polyoxypropylene ether molecular weight is about 1500-3000 and the polyoxyethylene content is about 35%-55% of the molecular weight, such as Pluronic L-62.

[0091] Other useful nonionic surfactants include those containing 2 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide and C8-C 22 Examples of this type of compound include, but are not limited to, the condensation products of 3 to 50 moles of ethylene oxide and C per mole of alcohol. 11 -C 15 Commercially available examples include the Poly-Tergent SLF series from Olin Chemicals and the TERGITOL series from Union Carbide (containing approximately 7 moles of ethylene oxide at C 12 -C 15 and TERGITOL™ 25-L-7, which is produced by condensing with an alkanol.

[0092] Other nonionic surfactants that can be used in the liquid component in certain embodiments of the present application include C-C (nonylphenoxy) polyoxyethylene ethers. 12 Included are ethylene oxide esters of alkylphenols. Particularly useful are esters formed by condensing about 8 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide with nonylphenol, such as the IGEPAL™ CO series from GAF.

[0093] Nonionic surfactants also include, but are not limited to, alkyl polyglycosides (APGs), which are derived from the condensation product of dextrose (D-glucose) and linear or branched alcohols. The glycoside portion of the surfactant provides hydrophilicity with a high hydroxyl density, improving water solubility. Furthermore, the inherent stability of the glycoside acetal bond provides chemical stability in alkaline environments. Furthermore, unlike some nonionic surfactants, alkyl polyglycosides have no cloud point, allowing them to be formulated without hydrotropes and are very mild and readily biodegradable nonionic surfactants. This class of surfactant is commercially available from Horizon Chemical under the tradenames APG-300, APG-350, APG-500, or APG-500.

[0094] Silicones are another class of wetting agents available in pure form or as microemulsions, macroemulsions, etc. One example group of nonionic surfactants is the silicone glycol copolymers. These surfactants are obtained by the addition of poly(lower) alkyleneoxy chains to the free hydroxyl groups of dimethylpolysiloxanol and are commercially available from Dow Corning as Dow Corning 190 and 193 surfactants (CTFA name: Dimethicone Copolyol).

[0095] Anionic surfactants can also be used in the liquid components described herein. Anionic surfactants useful for their enhanced detergency include anionic detergent salts having alkyl substituents containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms, such as water-soluble higher fatty acid alkali metal soaps, such as sodium myristate and sodium palmitate. One class of anionic surfactants includes water-soluble sulfated or sulfonated anionic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal detergent salts containing a hydrophobic higher alkyl chain (typically 8 to 22 carbon atoms), such as salts of higher alkyl mono- or polynuclear aryl sulfonic acids having about 1 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, such as Bio-Soft D-40 from the Bio-Soft series available from Stepan Chemical Co.

[0096] Other useful classes of anionic surfactants include alkali metal salts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonates (sodium methyl naphthalene sulfonate, "Petro AA" Petrochemical); sulfated higher fatty acid monoglycerides such as the sodium salt of sulfated monoglyceride of cocoa oil fatty acid and the potassium salt of sulfated monoglyceride of beef tallow fatty acid; alkali metal salts of sulfated fatty alcohols containing about 10 to 18 carbon atoms (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium stearyl sulfate); C -type surfactants such as the Bio-Terge series (Stepan Chemical Co.); 14 -C 16 Sodium α-olefin sulfonate; alkali metal salt of sulfated ethyleneoxy fatty alcohol (approximately 3 moles of ethylene oxide and C 12 -C 15sodium or ammonium sulfates, condensation products with n-alkanols, "Neodol" ethoxy sulfate, Shell Chemical Co.); alkali metal salts of higher fatty acid esters of low molecular weight alkylol sulfonic acids, such as fatty acid esters of sodium salts of isothionic acids, fatty ethanolamide sulfates; fatty acid amides of aminoalkylsulfonic acids, such as the lauric acid amide of taurine; and numerous other anionic organic surfactants, such as sodium xylene sulfonate, sodium naphthalene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, or mixtures thereof.

[0097] A further class of anionic surfactants includes 8-(4-n-alkyl-2-cyclohexenyl)-octanoic acids, in which the cyclohexenyl ring is substituted with an additional carboxylic acid group. These compounds, or their potassium salts, are commercially available from Westvaco as Diacid 1550 or H-240. These anionic surfactants are generally used in the form of alkali metal, ammonium, or alkaline earth metal salts.

[0098] (Emollient) The liquid component may include one or more emollients. Suitable emollients include PEG-75 lanolin, caprylic / capric triglyceride, methyl benzoate gluceth-20, alkyl benzoate (C 12 - 15), ethoxylated cetylstearyl alcohol, Lambent WAX WS-L, Lambent WD-F, Cetiol HE (Henkel), Glucam P20 (Amerchol), Polyox WSR N-10 (Union Carbide), Polyox WSR N-3000 (Union Carbide), Luviquat (BASF), Finsolv SLB 101 (Finetex), mink oil, allantoin, stearyl alcohol, Estol 1517 (Unichema), and Finsolv SLB 201 (Finetex), glyceryl oleate (Monomuls 90-O 18, BASF), or combinations thereof.

[0099] Emollients may also be in the form of blends. For example, emollient blends may include one or more liquid hydrocarbons (e.g., petrolatum), mineral oils, vegetable and animal fats (e.g., lanolin, phospholipids, and derivatives thereof) in combination with silicone materials, such as one or more alkyl-substituted polysiloxane polymers. The emollient blend may comprise a liquid hydrocarbon (e.g., petrolatum) in combination with dimethicone or dimethicone and other alkyl-substituted polysiloxane polymers. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrocarbon emollient and / or alkyl-substituted polysiloxane polymer blend may be blended with one or more fatty acid ester emollients derived from fatty acids or fatty alcohols, such as PEG-7 cocoate glyceryl, commercially available as Standamul HE (Henkel, Hoboken, NJ).

[0100] Water-soluble self-emulsifying emollient oils that can be used in the liquid component include polyoxyalkoxylated lanolin and polyoxyalkoxylated fatty alcohols, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,821. The polyoxyalkoxy chains contain a mixture of propyleneoxy and ethyleneoxy units. The lanolin derivatives contain about 20 to 70 such lower alkoxy units, and C 12 -C 20 The fatty alcohol is derivatized with approximately 8 to 15 lower alkyl units. One such lanolin derivative is Lanexol AWS (PPG-12-PEG-50, Croda, New York, NY). A useful poly(15-20) C2-C3 alkoxylate is PPG-5-Ceteth-20, also known as Procetyl AWS (Croda).

[0101] (surface texture modifier) Surface feel modifiers may be used to improve the feel (e.g., lubricity) of the skin during use of the product. Suitable surface feel modifiers include, but are not limited to, commercially available exfoliants, softeners containing quaternary ammonium compounds with fatty acid side groups, silicones, and waxes. Examples of quaternary ammonium compounds useful as softeners are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,554,862, 4,144,122, and 4,476,323.

[0102] (Fragrances and fragrance solubilizers) A variety of flavors and flavor solubilizers may be used in the liquid component in one or more embodiments. Suitable flavor solubilizers include, but are not limited to, polysorbate 20, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, Ameroxol OE-2 (Amerchol), Brij 78 and Brij 98 (ICI surfactants), Arlasolve 200 (ICI surfactants), Calfax 16L-35 (Pilot Chemical), Capmul POE-S (Abitec), Finsolv SUBSTANTIAL (Finetex), and the like.

[0103] (opacifying agent) Suitable opacifying agents include, but are not limited to, titanium dioxide and other minerals or pigments, and synthetic opacifying agents such as REACTOPAQUE® particles available from Sequa Chemicals, Chester, South Carolina.

[0104] (pH adjuster) Suitable pH adjusters for use in the liquid components include, but are not limited to, malic acid, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, potassium hydroxide, etc. An appropriate pH range minimizes skin irritation caused by the liquid components on the skin.

[0105] In at least one embodiment, the pH of the liquid component is in the range of about 1 to about 14, such as about 2 to about 10, about 4.5 to about 6.5, about 4.7 to about 6.3, or about 4.7 to about 5.2. In at least one embodiment, the pH is about 4.7. In another embodiment, the pH is about 6.3.

[0106] [Strength and water dissolution] The disintegration rate and overall disintegrability of disintegrable wet wipes can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, for example, as described in the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition) Process for Evaluating the Compatibility of Disposable Nonwoven Products with Plumbing and Drainage Infrastructure" (Copyright INDA and EDANA, May 2018) (see www.edana.org and www.inda.org), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0107] According to these guidelines, to be considered flushable, a product must demonstrate evidence that (1) when used correctly in accordance with the supplier's recommended usage, it will be flushed down toilets and properly maintained drainage systems, (2) it will pass through wastewater conveyance systems and not cause blockages, clogs, or other operational problems to the systems, and is compatible with wastewater treatment, reuse, and discharge systems, and (3) it is not detectable in wastewater discharged from on-site and public wastewater treatment systems, or in digested sludge from wastewater treatment plants applied as soil. If the product meets the criteria for this evaluation, it is deemed flushable and may be labeled as such under the INDA / EDANA implementing regulations.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, the wet wipes described herein have a wet tensile strength in the machine direction ranging from about 185 g / inch to about 360 g / inch (about 73 g / cm to about 142 g / cm) and a wet tensile strength in the cross direction ranging from about 195 g / inch to about 282 g / inch (about 77 g / cm to about 111 g / cm). In one or more embodiments, the wet wipes described herein have a wet tensile strength in the machine direction of about 260 g / inch (about 102 g / cm) and a wet tensile strength in the cross direction of about 233 g / inch (about 92 g / cm).

[0109] In at least one embodiment, the toilet wipes, cleaning wipes, or personal care wipes have a water disintegration rate of about 90% or greater after about 10 seconds, as measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" as described in the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)" (Copyright: INDA and EDANA, 2018), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0110] In at least one embodiment, the wet wipes have a water disintegration rate of about 70% or greater after about 1 minute, as measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" described in the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)." The wet wipes have a water disintegration rate of about 90% or greater after about 10 seconds, as measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test." The "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition) Process for Evaluating the Compatibility of Disposable Nonwoven Products with Plumbing and Drainage Infrastructure" (Copyright: INDA and EDANA, May 2018) is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0111] In at least one embodiment, the wet wipes have a water disintegration rate of about 50% or greater after about 2 minutes, as measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" described in the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)." The wet wipes have a water disintegration rate of about 90% or greater after about 10 seconds, as measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test." The "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition) Process for Evaluating the Compatibility of Disposable Nonwoven Products with Plumbing and Drainage Infrastructure" (Copyright: INDA and EDANA, May 2018) is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0112] In one or more embodiments, the wet wipes have a water disintegration rate of about 30% or more after about 5 minutes, as measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" described in the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)." The wet wipes have a water disintegration rate of about 90% or more after about 10 seconds, as measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test." The "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition) Process for Evaluating the Compatibility of Disposable Nonwoven Products with Plumbing and Drainage Infrastructure" (Copyright: INDA and EDANA, May 2018) is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0113] In one or more embodiments, any of the wet wipes described herein, when tested according to the household pump test described in "FG503.R1(18) Household Pump Test" found in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," completely loses tensile strength in both the longitudinal and transverse directions when flushed down a toilet, and loses less than about ½ square inch (about 3.2 cm) of tissue in a single flush of a standard household toilet, with turbulence through the toilet bowl drain and into the household pump basin, without causing a clog in the household pump or leaving the wipe intact in the basin. 2 "FG503.R1(18) Household Pump Test" from "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)" is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, any of the wet wipes described herein exhibit a longitudinal tensile strength of less than about 50 g / in (less than about 20 g / cm) and a transverse tensile strength of less than about 25 g / in (less than about 9.8 g / cm) when immersed in water, and a cross tensile strength of less than about ½ square inch (less than about 3.2 cm) when passed through a public sewer pump, when tested in accordance with the "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" as set forth in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)."2 and hydrolyze into fragments of 1000 sq. mm or less (below) and exhibit less than 2% power enhancement or no power enhancement at all. "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" from the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)" is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0115] In one or more embodiments, any of the wet wipes described herein, when tested in accordance with the "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" set forth in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the wipe exhibits no measurable strength when immersed in water and disintegrates to about ½ square inch meter or less (about 3.2 cm ) when passed through a public sewer pump. 2 and hydrolyze into fragments of 1000 sq. mm or less (below) and exhibit less than 2% power enhancement or no power enhancement at all. "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" from the "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)" is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0116] The wet tensile strength in the machine direction of the wet tissue of the present invention decreases to about 50 g / inch or less (about 20 g / cm or less) after immersion in water for any period of time, and the wet tensile strength in the cross direction decreases to about 25 g / inch or less (about 9.8 g / cm or less). In the wet tissue, cleaning tissue, or personal care tissue of the present invention, the wet tensile strength in the machine direction and the wet tensile strength in the cross direction decrease so much that they are not measurable after immersion in water for any period of time.

[0117] The hydrolysis rate of the wet tissue, cleaning wet tissue, or personal care wet tissue of the present application is about 90% or more after about 10 seconds, when measured in accordance with "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Decomposition Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0118] The hydrolysis rate of the wet tissues, cleaning wet tissues, or personal care wet tissues of the present application is approximately 70% or more after approximately 1 minute, when measured based on "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Decomposition Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0119] The hydrolysis rate of the wet tissues, cleaning wet tissues, or personal care wet tissues of the present application is approximately 50% or more after approximately 2 minutes, when measured based on "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Decomposition Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0120] The hydrolysis rate of the wet tissue, cleaning wet tissue, or personal care wet tissue of the present application is about 30% or more after about 5 minutes, when measured based on "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Decomposition Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0121] When wet wipes, cleaning wipes, or personal care wipes of the present application are tested in accordance with the household pump test described in "FG503.R1(18) Household Pump Test" of the INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the wipes completely lose tensile strength in both the longitudinal and transverse directions when flushed down a toilet, and disintegrate to less than about 1 / 2 square inch (about 3.2 cm) in turbulence through the toilet bowl drain and into the household pump basin during a single flush of a standard household toilet without causing a clog in the household pump or leaving any intact wipes in the basin. 2 hydrolyzes into small pieces (less than 100g).

[0122] When the wet tissue, cleaning tissue, or personal care tissue of the present application is tested in accordance with "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" of INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the wet tissue exhibits a longitudinal tensile strength of less than about 50 g / inch (less than about 20 g / cm) and a transverse tensile strength of less than about 25 g / inch (less than about 9.8 g / cm) when immersed in water, and when passed through a public pump, the tissue exhibits a tensile strength of less than about 1 / 2 square inch (less than about 3.2 cm). 2 The resulting hydrolysis results in fragments of less than 2% or no power enhancement.

[0123] The tensile strength of wet tissues containing the liquid component of the wet tissue of the present invention (Formulation 1) was evaluated and is summarized in Table 1 below.

[0124] [Table 1]

[0125] Other suitable examples of liquid component formulations according to the present application are shown in Table 2 below. The disclosures described in any one of ranges 1-3, and any combination thereof, can be combined into a single exemplary formulation without limitation. For example, a liquid formulation can partially comprise 68%-75% water by weight and 10%-25% organic solvent by weight.

[0126] [Table 2]

[0127] An exemplary formulation of the liquid component of the wet wipes of one or more embodiments of the present application is shown in Table 3 below.

[0128] [Table 3]

[0129] [Wet tissue manufacturing method] The liquid component can be applied to the homogeneous nonwoven material by means known in the art. Suitable means for applying the liquid component include, but are not limited to, perforated tubes, printing, spraying, electrostatic spraying, metering press rolls, impregnation, etc. The amount of liquid component can be metered and distributed evenly on the homogeneous fibrous material, or distributed unevenly on the homogeneous fibrous material.

[0130] The ratio of the liquid component to the nonwoven fabric fibers is in the range of about 1.5 to about 7.5, such as about 2.0 to about 3.5 or about 2.0 to about 3.0.

[0131] A number of techniques known to those skilled in the art can be employed to manufacture the wet wipes. In at least one embodiment, these techniques include the following steps:

[0132] 1. Prepare a homogeneous nonwoven material 2. Applying a liquid composition according to any of the embodiments described herein to the homogenous nonwoven material to produce toilet wipes (by spraying / showering the liquid composition onto a dry stack or roll and wetting the sheets one by one); and 3. The toilet tissues are arranged in a roll or stack and the product is packaged.

[0133] In one or more embodiments, exemplary toilet wipes, cleaning wipes, or personal care wipes are shown in the following sections.

[0134] [Item 1] (a) a homogeneous fibrous material; and (b) a liquid component, (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 73% to about 74% water by weight in the liquid component; (2) about 20% by weight of dipropylene glycol in the liquid component; (3) calcium chloride in an amount of about 4% by weight of the liquid component; Including, Wet wipes.

[0135] [Item 2] (a) a homogeneous fibrous material; and (b) a liquid component, (a) the homogeneous fibrous material comprises from about 50% to about 99% by weight of one or more cellulose fibers and one or more water-soluble binders; (b) the liquid component is (1) about 70% to about 75% by weight of water in the liquid component; (2) about 10% to about 25% by weight of dipropylene glycol in the liquid component; (3) calcium chloride in an amount of about 0% to about 6% by weight of the liquid component; Including, Wet wipes.

[0136] [Item 3] The wet tissue of Item 1 or 2, wherein the liquid component further includes at least one of a preservative, a soothing agent, a chelating agent, an emulsifier, an emollient, a moisturizer, a pH adjuster, or a deodorizer.

[0137] [Item 4] The wet tissue according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the liquid component further contains a fragrance.

[0138] [Item 5] The wet tissue of Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the liquid component further contains magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, corn starch, silica, or any combination thereof.

[0139] [Item 6] The wet tissue of Item 1, having a wet tensile strength in the machine direction of about 260 g / inch (about 102 g / cm) and a wet tensile strength in the cross direction of about 233 g / inch (about 92 g / cm).

[0140] [Item 7] The wet tissue of Item 2, having a wet tensile strength in the machine direction in the range of about 185 g / inch to about 360 g / inch (about 73 g / cm to about 142 g / cm) and a wet tensile strength in the cross direction in the range of about 195 g / inch to about 282 g / inch (about 77 g / cm to about 111 g / cm).

[0141] [Item 8] The wet tissue according to Item 6 or Item 7, wherein after immersion in water for any period of time, the wet tensile strength in the machine direction decreases to about 50 g / inch or less (about 20 g / cm or less) and the wet tensile strength in the cross direction decreases to about 25 g / inch or less (about 9.8 g / cm or less).

[0142] [Item 9] The wet nonwoven fabric product of item 6 or item 7, wherein the wet tensile strength in the machine direction and the wet tensile strength in the cross direction decrease to the point where they become immeasurable after immersion in water for any period of time.

[0143] [Item 10] Wet tissues as specified in Item 6 or Item 7, whose water disintegration rate after approximately 10 seconds is approximately 90% or more when measured based on "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)."

[0144] [Item 11] Wet tissues as specified in Item 6 or Item 7, which have a water disintegration rate of approximately 70% or more after approximately one minute, when measured based on the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" in the INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0145] [Item 12] For example, wet wipes as specified in Item 6 or Item 7, which have a water disintegration rate of approximately 50% or more after approximately 2 minutes, when measured based on the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" in the INDA "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0146] [Item 13] Wet tissues as specified in Item 6 or Item 7, which have a water disintegration rate of approximately 30% or more after approximately 5 minutes, when measured based on the "FG502.R1(18) Slosh Box Disintegration Test" in the INDA "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)."

[0147] [Item 14] When tested in accordance with "FG503.R1(18) Household Pump Test" of INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the wipe completely loses tensile strength in both the longitudinal and transverse directions when flushed down a toilet, and when flushed once through a standard household toilet, the wipe loses less than about 1 / 2 square inch (about 3.2 cm) of turbulence through the toilet bowl drain and into the household pump basin without causing a clog in the household pump or leaving any intact wipes in the basin. 2 Wet wipes (item 6 or 7) that hydrolyze into small pieces (less than 100g).

[0148] [Item 15] When tested in accordance with "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" of INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the fabric exhibits a longitudinal tensile strength of less than about 50 g / inch (less than about 20 g / cm) and a transverse tensile strength of less than about 25 g / inch (less than about 9.8 g / cm) when immersed in water, and when passed through a public sewer pump, the fabric exhibits a tensile strength of less than about 1 / 2 square inch meter (less than about 3.2 cm). 2 Item 6 or 7, which hydrolyzes into fragments of 0.1g or less and exhibits less than 2% power enhancement or no power enhancement at all.

[0149] [Item 16] When tested in accordance with "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test" of INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," the product exhibited no measurable strength when immersed in water, and when passed through a public sewer pump, it disintegrated to less than about 1 / 2 square inch (about 3.2 cm). 2 Item 6 or 7, which hydrolyzes into fragments of 0.1g or less and exhibits less than 2% power enhancement or no power enhancement at all.

[0150] [Item 17] The wet tissue according to Item 6 or Item 7, wherein the wet tissue is packaged.

[0151] [Item 18] The wet tissue of Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the homogeneous fiber material is made from 100% plant-derived material.

[0152] [Item 19] The wet tissue of item 1 or item 2, wherein the homogeneity of the homogeneous fiber material is visualized by scanning electron microscopy.

[0153] [Item 20] The wet tissue of item 1 or 2, wherein the liquid component further contains a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0154] [Item 21] The wet tissue of item 1 or 2, wherein the one or more cellulose fibers include pulp fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers, and the one or more water-soluble binders include carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0155] [Item 22] The wet tissue of item 21, wherein the one or more cellulose fibers account for about 75% to about 99% by weight of the entire wet tissue, and the carboxymethyl cellulose accounts for about 1% to about 25% by weight of the entire wet tissue.

[0156] [Item 23] The wet wipes of Item 1 or Item 2, which do not contain or are substantially free of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.

[0157] [Item 24] The wet tissue of item 1 or 2, which does not contain or substantially does not contain glycerin-26.

[0158] The description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The above-mentioned advantages and other advantages of the embodiments of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this specification. Many modifications and variations will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, those skilled in the art may make modifications and variations to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to cover all modifications and variations falling within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0159] Thus, while the invention has been disclosed in terms of one or more embodiments thereof, other embodiments are intended to be within the product and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. (a) a homogeneous fibrous material and (b) a liquid component, (a) The homogeneous fibrous material comprises one or more cellulose fibers in a weight ratio of about 50% to about 99% in the homogeneous fibrous material, and one or more water-soluble binders. (b) The liquid component is (1) Water, which accounts for approximately 70% to approximately 75% by weight of the liquid component, (2) Dipropylene glycol in a weight ratio of about 10% to about 25% in the liquid component, (3) Approximately 0% to approximately 6% by weight of calcium chloride in the liquid component, including, Wet wipes.

2. The liquid component is (1) Water by weight of approximately 73% to approximately 74% in the liquid component, (2) Dipropylene glycol in weight ratio of about 20% in the liquid component, (3) Approximately 4% by weight of calcium chloride in the liquid component, A wet tissue according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The wet tissue according to claim 1, wherein the liquid component further comprises at least one of a preservative, an analgesic, a chelating agent, an emulsifier, a skin emollient, a moisturizer, a pH adjuster, or a deodorant.

4. The wet tissue according to claim 1, wherein the liquid component further comprises a fragrance.

5. The wet tissue according to claim 1, wherein the liquid component further comprises magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, corn starch, silica, or any combination thereof.

6. The wet tissue according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal wet tensile strength is in the range of approximately 185 g / inch to approximately 360 g / inch (approximately 73 g / cm to approximately 142 g / cm) and the transverse wet tensile strength is in the range of approximately 195 g / inch to approximately 282 g / inch (approximately 77 g / cm to approximately 111 g / cm).

7. The wet tissue according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal wet tensile strength is approximately 260 g / inch (approximately 102 g / cm) and the transverse wet tensile strength is approximately 233 g / inch (approximately 92 g / cm).

8. The wet tissue according to claim 6, wherein, after being immersed in water for any time, the longitudinal wet tensile strength decreases to approximately 50 g / inch or less (approximately 20 g / cm or less), and the transverse wet tensile strength decreases to approximately 25 g / inch or less (approximately 9.8 g / cm or less), or the longitudinal wet tensile strength and the transverse wet tensile strength decrease to the point where they become unmeasurable after being immersed in water for any time.

9. When measured according to INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)," specifically the "FG502.R1(18) Sloshbox Decomposition Test," the water solubility after approximately 10 seconds is approximately 90% or higher, or, When measured according to INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)," specifically the "FG502.R1(18) Sloshbox Decomposition Test," the water solubility rate after approximately 1 minute is approximately 70% or higher, or When measured according to INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)," specifically "FG502.R1(18) Sloshbox Decomposition Test," the water solubility rate after approximately 2 minutes is approximately 50% or higher, or When measured according to the "FG502.R1(18) Sloshbox Decomposition Test" in INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)," the water solubility rate after approximately 5 minutes is approximately 30% or more. The wet wipe according to claim 6.

10. When tested according to INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Products (4th Edition)," specifically "FG503.R1(18) Household Pump Test," the material completely loses its tensile strength in both the longitudinal and transverse directions when flushed down the toilet. A single flush of a standard household toilet, in the turbulent flow from the toilet drain to the household pump tank, does not cause blockages in the household pump or leave any intact wet wipes in the tank, resulting in a volume of less than 1 / 2 square inch (approximately 3.2 cm). ２ The wet wipe according to claim 6, which dissolves in water into small fragments (less than).

11. When tested according to INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)," specifically "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test," the material exhibited a longitudinal tensile strength of less than approximately 50 g / inch (less than approximately 20 g / cm) and a transverse tensile strength of less than approximately 25 g / inch (less than approximately 9.8 g / cm) when immersed in water. When passed through a public sewer pump, it exhibited a tensile strength of less than approximately 1 / 2 square inch (less than approximately 3.2 cm). ２ The wet tissue according to claim 6, which, when hydrolyzed into the fragments of the following, exhibits an output enhancement of less than 2% or no output enhancement at all.

12. When tested according to INDA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Flushable Nonwoven Fabric Products (4th Edition)," specifically "FG507.R1(18) Public Sewer Pump Test," the material showed no measurable strength when immersed in water, and when passed through a public sewer pump, it showed a thickness of approximately 1 / 2 square inch or less (approximately 3.2 cm). ２ The wet tissue according to claim 6, which, when hydrolyzed into the fragments of the following, exhibits an output enhancement of less than 2% or no output enhancement at all.

13. The wet wipe according to claim 6, wherein the wet wipe is packaged.

14. The wet tissue according to claim 1, wherein the homogeneous fiber material is made of 100% plant-derived material.

15. The homogeneity of the homogeneous fiber material is visualized by a scanning electron microscope, as described in claim 1, for the wet tissue.

16. The wet tissue according to claim 1, wherein the liquid component further comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.

17. The wet tissue according to claim 1, wherein the one or more cellulose fibers include pulp fibers or regenerated cellulose fibers, and the one or more water-soluble binders include carboxymethylcellulose.

18. The wet tissue according to claim 17, wherein the one or more cellulose fibers account for about 75% to about 99% by weight of the entire wet tissue, and the carboxymethylcellulose accounts for about 1% to about 25% by weight of the entire wet tissue.

19. The wet wipe according to claim 1, which does not contain or substantially contains ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.

20. A wet wipe according to claim 1, which does not contain or substantially contains glycereth-26.

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