Compositions and methods of use for equipment ware cleaning, bottle cleaning, and pulp defoaming applications

Abstract

Surfactant compositions and solid compositions having a detersive combination of surfactants are provided. A solid alkaline composition is provided that contains a first surfactant that is a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 10-40% EO and a second surfactant that is at least one of a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 40-50% EO, an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, a capped block copolymer, and an alkylpyrrolidone. Methods of using the surfactant composition and the solid composition are also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 490,892, filed March 17, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to solid compositions for various applications that contain a combination of surfactants for cleaning. The solid compositions contain a first surfactant, which is a first reverse EO / PO block copolymer at about 10-40% EO, and a second surfactant, which is at least one of a second reverse EO / PO block copolymer at about 40-50% EO, an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, a capped block copolymer, and an alkylpyrrolidone, formulated in a solid alkaline composition. Advantageously, the solid compositions provide optimal antifoam performance and, in some embodiments, partial protein denaturation, providing effective compositions for use in cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and sanitizing. [Background technology]

[0003] The discussion of the background art provided herein provides a context for the present disclosure. Work by the currently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not be admitted as prior art at the time of filing, are not admitted as prior art, either explicitly or implicitly.

[0004] Alkali metal hydroxides, commonly referred to as caustic, are typically sold in solid form (e.g., pellets, flakes, blocks) and are frequently used in manufacturing processes. The production of caustic beads is energy intensive, and compositions containing caustic beads are typically hygroscopic. Additionally, there are safety concerns surrounding the transportation and handling of other strong bases, such as alkoxides. Despite the challenges of using solid caustic and alkoxides, there remain advantages to using solid caustic compositions. For example, the storage and transportation of solid concentrates is less expensive than the storage and transportation of liquids. There are also fewer safety and stability issues associated with the transportation and handling of solid compositions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide solid caustic compositions, and methods of making the solid compositions, that offer a cost-effective alternative to purchasing solid caustic for incorporation into solid compositions.

[0006] The use of alkali metal hydroxide compositions for various ware cleaning and other applications, such as bottle washing, pulp defoaming applications, and others, further requires the use of surfactants to adjust the cleaning performance of the caustic composition. A particular challenge is providing the desired defoaming or foam suppression properties in these compositions. Accordingly, it is an object of the claimed disclosure to develop a solid caustic composition that provides a highly effective defoaming and foam suppression surfactant package while maintaining effective soil removal.

[0007] Furthermore, the literature reports that protein macromolecules maintain a specific three-dimensional or overall structure in their native state, determined by secondary and tertiary structures. Denaturation disrupts the α-helices and β-sheets in proteins, causing them to unwind into random shapes. The most common manifestation of the denaturation process is protein precipitation and coagulation. Protein soils present a significant challenge in mechanical ware cleaning and clean-in-place cleaning because they are difficult to remove and can generate stable foam.

[0008] It is therefore an objective to develop compositions and surfactant compositions that can partially denature proteins and provide the necessary defoaming to avoid cavitation during mechanical pumping. It is desirable to provide a foam-suppressing or antifoaming surfactant that will penetrate the protein-stabilized foam lamellae and partially denature the proteins to a degree that will result in adequate defoaming, but that is sufficiently surface-active to avoid complete denaturation, which would cause precipitation / coagulation of the proteins and contribute to adhesion problems.

[0009] A further object is to develop a solid composition that can be more universally used for a variety of applications by incorporating a surfactant package with the solid caustic composition.

[0010] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide methods of using solid compositions containing an all-purpose surfactant composition that provides desired wetting, penetration of soils, including removal of proteinaceous soils, while also being an anti-foaming and foam-suppressing surfactant composition.

[0011] Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The following objects, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments are not exhaustive and do not limit the overall disclosure. No single embodiment is required to provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Any of the objects, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments disclosed herein may be fully or partially integrated with one another.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a solid alkaline composition having a versatile and all-purpose surfactant composition, including a first surfactant that is a first reverse EO / PO block copolymer at about 10-40% EO and a second surfactant that is at least one of a second reverse EO / PO block copolymer at about 40-50% EO, an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, a capped block copolymer, and an alkylpyrrolidone. Methods of making and using the solid composition are also included in the present disclosure.

[0014] Methods of using the solid compositions include forming a use solution of the solid composition described herein, contacting an item or surface requiring defoaming or foam suppression and cleaning, rinsing, sanitizing, and / or disinfecting with the use solution, and cleaning, rinsing, sanitizing, and / or disinfecting the item or surface.

[0015] The surfactant composition according to the present disclosure provides an antifoaming and foam suppressing surfactant composition comprising a reverse EO / PO block copolymer having about 10-40% EO and at least one of an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate and / or an alkylpyrrolidone, the composition providing antifoaming and foam suppressing properties suitable for rinse additives, bottle washing, and pulp processing, the composition being liquid or solid.

[0016] A method of using the surfactant composition includes forming a use solution of the antifoaming and foam suppressing surfactant composition described herein and contacting it with an item or surface requiring cleaning or rinsing, the liquid system being maintained free of bubbles to avoid cavitation during pumping or circulation.

[0017] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] This patent or application file contains at least one drawing printed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0019] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced have been shown and described in detail, and like reference characters represent like elements throughout the several views. These drawings are presented for illustrative purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph showing foam height in mL of surfactant solutions tested at 80° C.

[0021] [Figure 2] 1 is a graph showing foam height in mL of surfactant solutions tested at 60° C.

[0022] [Figure 3] Tables 10-16 are a series of glass and plastic items showing the results of 10 cycles of automatic dishwashing using 1000 ppm of each detergent solution and 2000 ppm of food soil at 160°F in 5 gpg water.

[0023] [Figure 4] 1 is a set of ceramic tiles showing the results of 10 cycles of automatic dishwashing using 1000 ppm of each of the detergent solutions in Tables 10-16 and 2000 ppm of food soil in 5 gpg water at 160°F.

[0024] [Figure 5] 10 is a series of glasses showing the results of a 50 cycle ware wash test with 1000 ppm detergent solution and 4000 ppm food soil of Table 19.

[0025] [Figure 6A]10 is a series of glasses showing the results of a ware washing test of 1000 cycles with 1000 ppm detergent solution and 17 grain water in Table 19.

[0026] [Figure 6B] Table 21 shows the results of a series of glassware wash tests using 1000 cycles of detergent solution at 1000 ppm and 17 grain water.

[0027] [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the corrected droplet size increase of tested surfactants on a protein-coated ceramic surface over 3 seconds at 70° C.

[0028] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The figures presented herein are presented for illustrative purposes, not as a limitation to the various embodiments according to the present disclosure. To facilitate understanding of the present invention, those skilled in the art will not need to consider the nearly infinite number of different permutations of the features described in the following detailed description within the separate drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to specific solid compositions, methods of making, and / or methods of using same, which may vary and are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Furthermore, it is to be understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be denoted in their SI-recognized form.

[0030] Numerical ranges recited herein are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the disclosure are presented in range format. The description in range format should be understood to be merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible subranges, fractions, and individual numerical values ​​within that range.

[0031] As used herein, the term "and / or," e.g., "X and / or Y," should be understood to mean either "X and Y" or "X or Y," and should be interpreted as giving explicit support for both meanings or either meaning, e.g., A and / or B includes the alternatives i) A, ii) B, or iii) A and B.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] As used herein, the term "about" refers to the variation in numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measurement techniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, concentration, mass, volume, time, molecular weight, temperature, pH, humidity, molar ratio, and logarithmic number of bacteria or viruses. Furthermore, given the solid and liquid handling procedures used in the real world, there are certain inadvertent errors and variations that are likely due to differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of ingredients used to make a composition or carry out a method, etc. The term "about" also encompasses these variations. Whether modified by the term "about," the claims include equivalents to the quantity.

[0034] The terms "active" or "percent active" or "weight percent active" or "active concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of ingredients participating in cleaning expressed as a percentage minus inactive ingredients such as water or salt. Sometimes it is given as a percentage in parentheses, for example, "chemical (10%)."

[0035] As used herein, the term "alkoxide" refers to the conjugate base of an organic molecule bearing one or more hydroxyl groups and can be formed via deprotonation of the hydroxyl group, a mild acid / base reaction. As disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. ________ (which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 490,838, entitled "Alkoxide-Based Solidification Via Control of Reaction Equilibrium and Kinetics," filed concurrently herewith, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, alkoxides can be formed via the reaction of an alkali metal hydroxide with an organic molecule bearing one or more hydroxyl groups or an alkylene carbonate.

[0036] As used herein, the term "alkyl" or "alkyl group" refers to a saturated hydrocarbon having one or more carbon atoms, and includes straight-chain alkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or "cycloalkyl" or "alicyclic" or "carbocyclic" groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups (e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl groups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the term "alkyl" includes both "unsubstituted alkyls" and "substituted alkyls." As used herein, the term "substituted alkyl" refers to alkyl groups having substituents replacing one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents may include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogeno, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, cyano, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl, and ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfate, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic (including heteroaromatic) groups.

[0038] In some embodiments, the substituted alkyl can include a heterocyclic group. As used herein, the term "heterocyclic group" includes closed ring structures similar to carbocyclic groups in which one or more of the carbon atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon, such as nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups can be saturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, aziridine, ethylene oxide (epoxide, oxirane), thiirane (episulfide), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, dioxetane, dithietane, dithiete, azolidine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolane, dihydrofuran, and furan.

[0039] As used herein, the term "antimicrobial agent" refers to a compound or composition that reduces or inactivates microbial populations, including but not limited to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae, within about 10 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 3 minutes, about 2 minutes, about 1 minute, or about 30 seconds. Preferably, the term antimicrobial agent refers to a composition that provides at least about a 3 log, 3.5 log, 4 log, 4.5 log, or 5 log reduction in microbial populations within about 10 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 3 minutes, about 2 minutes, about 1 minute, or about 30 seconds.

[0040] As used herein, the term "analog" refers to a molecular derivative of a molecule. The term is synonymous with the terms "structural analog" or "chemical analog."

[0041] As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to methods used to promote or assist in stain removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, and any combination thereof. As used herein, the term "microorganism" refers to any non-cellular or unicellular (including colonial) organism. Microorganisms include all prokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria), spores, lichens, fungi, protozoa, virinos, viroids, viruses, phages, and some algae. As used herein, the term "microbe" is synonymous with microorganism.

[0042] As used herein, the term "disinfectant" refers to an agent that kills all vegetative cells, including most known pathogenic microorganisms, using the procedures set forth in the AOAC Use Dilution Methods, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, paragraph 955.14 and applicable sections, 15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). According to this reference, a disinfectant should provide a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction) of several test organisms within 30 seconds at room temperature, 25±2°C. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a disinfectant composition provides a 99.999% reduction (5-log order reduction) of desired organisms (including bacterial contamination) at the temperature of use. Furthermore, a disinfectant should provide a 99.99% reduction (4-log order reduction) of several test organisms within 30 seconds at room temperature, 25±2°C. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the disinfectant composition provides a 99.99% reduction (4-log order reduction) of desired organisms (including bacterial contamination) at use temperatures. Furthermore, the disinfectant should provide a 99.9% reduction (3-log order reduction) of several test organisms within 30 seconds at room temperature, 25±2°C. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the disinfectant composition provides a 99.9% reduction (3-log order reduction) of desired organisms (including bacterial contamination) at use temperatures. As used herein, the term "high-level disinfection" or "high-level disinfectant" refers to a compound or composition that kills substantially all organisms, except high levels of bacterial spores, and is effective with chemical disinfectants approved for marketing as sterilants by the Food and Drug Administration. As used herein, the term "intermediate-level disinfection" or "intermediate-level disinfectant" refers to a compound or composition that kills mycobacteria, most viruses, and bacteria with chemical disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as tuberculocides.As used herein, the term "low-level disinfection" or "low-level disinfectant" refers to a chemical disinfectant or composition that is registered by the EPA as a hospital disinfectant and kills some viruses and bacteria.

[0043] As used herein, the word "exemplary" refers to an example, instance, or illustration, and does not necessarily refer to a most preferred embodiment, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0044] As used herein, the phrase "food processing surface" refers to the surfaces of utensils, machines, equipment, structures, buildings, and the like that are used as part of food processing, cooking, or storage activities. Examples of food processing surfaces include surfaces of food processing or cooking equipment (e.g., slicing equipment, canning equipment, or transport equipment, including flumes), surfaces of food processing ware (e.g., utensils, dishes, washware, and bar glasses), and surfaces of floors, walls, or fixtures of structures where food processing occurs. Food processing surfaces are found and used in food spoilage prevention air circulation systems, aseptic packaging sanitizing, food refrigeration and cooler cleaners and sanitizers, warewashing sanitizing, bleach cleaning and sanitizing, food packaging materials, cutting board additives, third-sink sanitizing, beverage coolers and warmers, meat cooling or scalding water, automatic dish sanitizers, sanitizing gels, cooling towers, antimicrobial garment sprays for food processing, and non-aqueous to low-aqueous food preparation lubricants, oils, and rinse additives.

[0045] The term "generally" encompasses both "about" and "substantially."

[0046] The term "hard surface" refers to solid, substantially inflexible surfaces such as countertops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, plumbing fixtures, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, appliances, engines, circuit boards, dishes, mirrors, windows, monitors, touchscreens, and thermostats. Hard surfaces are not limited by material; for example, hard surfaces can be glass, metal, tile, vinyl, linoleum, composites, wood, plastic, etc. Hard surfaces can include, for example, healthcare surfaces and food processing surfaces.

[0047] As used herein, the term "microorganism" refers to any non-cellular or unicellular (including colonial) organism. Microorganisms include all prokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria), spores, lichens, fungi, protozoa, virinos, viroids, viruses, phages, and some algae. As used herein, the term "microbe" is synonymous with microorganism.

[0048] As used herein, the term "oligomer" refers to a molecular complex composed of 1 to 10 monomer units. For example, dimers, trimers, and tetramers are considered oligomers. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "oligomer" is intended to include all possible isomeric configurations of the molecule, including, but not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "oligomer" is intended to include all possible geometric configurations of the molecule.

[0049] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a molecular complex composed of more than 10 monomeric units and generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as block, graft, random, and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, and higher "x"-mers, and further includes analogs, derivatives, combinations, and blends thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" is intended to include all possible isomeric configurations of the molecule, including, but not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" is intended to include all possible geometric configurations of the molecule.

[0050] As used herein, the term "disinfectant" refers to an agent that reduces the number of bacterial contaminants to a safe level as determined by public health requirements. In embodiments, disinfectants for use in the present invention will provide at least a 99.999% reduction (a 5-log reduction). These reductions can be assessed using the procedures set forth in paragraph 960.09 and applicable chapters of Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants, Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 15th Edition, 1990 (EPA Guideline 91-2). According to this reference, a disinfectant should provide a 99.999% reduction (a 5-log reduction) against several test organisms within 30 seconds at room temperature, 25±2°C.

[0051] As used herein, the term "soft surface" refers to a surface that is not classified as a hard surface, but is a solid surface. Soft surfaces include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, woven surfaces, and nonwoven surfaces. Soft surfaces include, but are not limited to, carpets, curtains, fabrics, hospital screens, linens, and upholstery.

[0052] As used herein, the term "soil" or "stain" refers to any soil including, but not limited to, non-polar, oily and / or hydrophobic materials that may or may not contain particulate matter such as industrial soils, inorganic clays, sand, natural mineral matter, carbon black, graphite, kaolin, environmental dust, and / or food-based soils such as blood, proteinaceous soils, starchy soils, greasy soils, cellulosic soils, etc.

[0053] The "scope" of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the present disclosure is further deemed to include any possible modifications to any of the aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein that result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, etc., that are apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0054] The term "substantially" refers to a large or significant degree. Thus, given the appropriate context, "substantially" can refer to a plurality, a majority, and / or a vast majority of the quantifiable variable in question.

[0055] As used herein, the term "substantially free" refers to a composition that is completely devoid of a component or has such a small amount of the component that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or contaminant, and is less than 0.5% by weight. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.1% by weight, and in yet another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.01% by weight.

[0056] The term "surfactant" or "surface-active agent" refers to an organic compound that, when added to a liquid, changes the properties of the liquid at the surface.

[0057] As used herein, the term "ware" refers to items such as eating and cooking utensils, dishware, and other hard surfaces such as showers, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, transportation vehicles, and floors. As used herein, the term "ware washing" refers to washing, cleaning, or rinsing ware. ware also refers to items made of plastic. Types of plastics that can be cleaned with the present compositions include, but are not limited to, those containing polypropylene polymer (PP), polycarbonate polymer (PC), melamine formaldehyde resin or melamine resin (melamine), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer (ABS), and polysulfone polymer (PS). Other exemplary plastics that can be cleaned using the compounds and compositions of the present disclosure include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene polyamide.

[0058] The terms "weight percent," "% by weight (wt-%)," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance when the weight of that substance is divided by the total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100. As used herein, it is understood that "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "% by weight," and the like.

[0059] The solid compositions, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the present disclosure may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients of the present disclosure, as well as other components described herein. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the methods and compositions may include additional steps, components, or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, components, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.

[0060] surfactant composition According to embodiments, the surfactant composition can be used universally for multiple purposes. In embodiments, the surfactant composition can be incorporated into various cleaning compositions as further described herein. In embodiments, the surfactant composition can be formulated into a liquid or solid composition. The surfactant composition includes a first surfactant comprising a first reverse EO / PO block copolymer, preferably a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 10-40% EO, most preferably a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 20% EO; and a second surfactant comprising a second reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 40% EO, an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, and / or an alkylpyrrolidone. In embodiments, the surfactant composition can include additional surfactants and / or functional ingredients.

[0061] Exemplary surfactant compositions suitable for use in liquid or solid compositions are set forth in weight percent in Tables 1A-1B. Note that while an ingredient may have a 100% active ingredient percent, Tables 1A-1B do not list the active ingredient percent of an ingredient, but rather list the total weight percent of the raw materials (i.e., active ingredient concentration + inactive ingredients). [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0062] solid composition A solid composition using the surfactant composition described herein comprises a first surfactant for proteinaceous soil defoaming, comprising a first reverse EO / PO block copolymer, preferably a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 10-40% EO, most preferably a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 20% EO, and a second surfactant for proteinaceous soil removal, comprising a second reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 40% EO, at least one of an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, a capped block copolymer, and an alkylpyrrolidone, in combination with an alkaline source (e.g., hydroxide, carbonate, alkali metal hydroxide reagent, and an organic molecule (e.g., polyol) or alkylene carbonate having at least one hydroxyl group, or a combination thereof). In embodiments, the solid composition can further comprise at least one additional functional ingredient, such as a water conditioning agent, e.g., a water conditioning polymer, a hydrotrope, and / or a chelating agent.

[0063] Exemplary ranges in solid compositions according to the present disclosure are shown in Tables 2A-2B, each in weight percent. Exemplary ranges of reagents for making solid compositions are shown in Tables 2C-2D, where the shorthand term "polyol" is used, but also encompasses the broader range of descriptions contained herein of organic molecules having at least one hydroxyl group (i.e., including polyols). Note that while an ingredient may have an active ingredient percentage of 100%, Tables 2A-2D do not list the active ingredient percentage of an ingredient, but rather list the total weight percent of the raw materials (i.e., active ingredient concentration + inactive ingredients). [Table 3] [Table 4] [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0064] Reverse EO / PO block copolymer Reverse EO / PO block copolymers may be included in the surfactant compositions and / or solid compositions disclosed herein. A "reverse" EO / PO block copolymer structure has EO groups on the inside and PO groups on the outside, (PO) Y (EO) X (PO) Y where EO represents an ethylene oxide group, PO represents a propylene oxide group, and X and Y reflect the average molecular ratio of each alkylene oxide monomer in the overall block copolymer composition. The reverse EO / PO block copolymer surfactant can be linear or branched.

[0065] Typical reverse block copolymers useful as antifoam agents have up to about 20% ethoxylation, and those useful as wetting agents have about 20% to 40% ethoxylation. Furthermore, reverse block copolymers usually do not exhibit both good wetting and antifoam properties, but instead are typically selected for one or the other based on the degree of ethoxylation.

[0066] In embodiments, the degree of ethoxylation of the first reverse EO / PO block copolymer included as a first surfactant for proteinaceous soil defoaming is about 10-40%, about 20-40%, and most preferably about 20%. In embodiments of the first surfactant, the propoxylation of the first reverse EO / PO block copolymer is about 60-90%, about 60-80%, and most preferably about 80%. Additionally, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the recited range. Commercially available examples of reverse EO / PO block copolymers included as a first surfactant for proteinaceous soil defoaming include, for example, PLURONIC 25R2 and SURFONIC LD-097.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the first surfactant is a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 20-40% EO. In a more preferred embodiment, the first surfactant is a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with about 20% EO / 80% PO, regardless of the number of arms in the surfactant structure.

[0068] In embodiments, the ethoxylation of the reverse EO / PO block copolymer included as a second surfactant for cleaning (i.e., removing) proteinaceous soils is about 40-50% and can have a linear or branched (i.e., arm) structure. In embodiments of the second surfactant, the propoxylation of the reverse EO / PO block copolymer is about 50-60%. Additionally, without limitation according to the present disclosure, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the recited range. Commercially available examples of EO / PO block copolymers included as second surfactants for removing proteinaceous soils include, for example, TETRONIC 90R4.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the second surfactant is a reverse EO / PO block copolymer having about 40% EO / 60% PO.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the reverse EO / PO block copolymer is included as a surfactant in surfactant compositions for liquid or solid compositions such as those shown in Tables 1A-1B in an amount of about 0.1% to about 50% by weight, about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight.

[0071] According to various embodiments of the solid composition, the reverse EO / PO block copolymer is included as a first surfactant for protein soil defoaming in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight.

[0072] According to various embodiments of the solid composition, the reverse EO / PO block copolymer is included as a second surfactant for cleaning proteinaceous soils in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 2% to about 10% by weight.

[0073] Alkyl-Capped Alcohol Ethoxylates Alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylates may be included in the surfactant compositions and / or solid compositions disclosed herein. Alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate compounds have the following structure: R1-O-(CH2CH2O) n -R2, where R1 is a straight or branched chain (C 10 ~C 18 ) alkyl group, R2 is C1-C4, and n is an integer ranging from 1-100.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate is a butyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, such as, for example, lauryl fatty alcohol ethoxylate butyl ether or coconut fatty alcohol ethoxylate butyl ether.

[0075] Commercially available examples of alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylates included as secondary surfactants for proteinaceous soil removal include, for example, surfactants sold under the trade names DEHYPON LT or GENAPOL BE-2810 and GENAPOL BE-2410.

[0076] According to various embodiments, alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylates are included as surfactants in surfactant compositions for liquid or solid compositions such as those shown in Table 1A in amounts of about 0.1% to about 50% by weight, about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight.

[0077] According to various embodiments of the solid composition, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate is included as a second surfactant for protein soil defoaming in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight.

[0078] Alkylpyrrolidone Alkylpyrrolidone surfactants are optionally included as second surfactants in surfactant compositions and as one or more of the second surfactants in the solid compositions for removing proteinaceous soils disclosed herein. Pyrrolidone is a heterocyclic ketone derived from pyrrolidone. Alkylpyrrolidone has the following general structure: [ka] In the formula, R is C6 to C20 alkyl or R1NHCOR2, where R1 is C1 to C6 alkyl and R2 is C6 to C20 alkyl.

[0079] In embodiments, the alkylpyrrolidone has the general structure shown above, where R is a C8-C10 alkylpyrrolidone. In preferred embodiments, the alkylpyrrolidone is a C8 or C10 alkylpyrrolidone. Examples of commercially available C8 alkylpyrrolidone (1-octyl-2-pyrrolidone) and C12 alkylpyrrolidone are available under the trade name SURFADONE®.

[0080] According to various embodiments, alkylpyrrolidone, when included in a surfactant composition for a liquid or solid composition such as those set forth in Table 1B, is included in an amount of 0.1% to about 50% by weight, about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2% by weight.

[0081] According to various embodiments of the solid composition, alkylpyrrolidone is included as a second surfactant for cleaning proteinaceous soils in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 2% to about 10% by weight.

[0082] Capped Block Copolymers Capped block copolymers may be included in the surfactant compositions and / or solid compositions disclosed herein. Capped block copolymers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. ________, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 490,857, entitled "Capped Block Copolymers, Their Synthesis, Manufacture, and Methods of Use," filed concurrently herewith, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0083] Preferably, the capped block copolymer is multi-armed. Preferred block copolymers can have about 1 to about 100 moles of EO and about 1 to about 100 moles of PO, more preferably about 1 to about 50 moles of EO and about 1 to about 50 moles of PO. Some examples of block copolymers include: -(PO) Y (EO) X -(EO) X (PO) Y -(EO) X (PO) Y (EO) X -(PO) Y (EO) X (PO) Y where EO represents an ethylene oxide group, PO represents a propylene oxide group, and X and Y reflect the average molar ratio of each alkylene oxide monomer in the overall block copolymer composition. Preferred EO / PO copolymers have the formula (EO): X (PO) Y (EO) X In another embodiment, the preferred EO / PO copolymer is represented by the formula (PO) Y (EO) X (PO) YPreferably, X is in the range of about 1 to about 100, and Y is in the range of about 1 to about 100. In a more preferred embodiment, X is in the range of about 5 to about 90, and Y is in the range of about 5 to about 90. Preferably, X+Y is in the range of about 2 to about 200, more preferably about 10 to about 180, and even more preferably about 15 to about 150. It should be understood that each X and Y in a molecule can be different. In a preferred embodiment, the block copolymer has a molecular weight (M) of greater than about 200 and less than about 25,000, more preferably about 500 to about 25,000, and most preferably about 1000 to about 20,000. n -number average mw).

[0084] In embodiments, capped block copolymers offer the advantage of exhibiting good wetting and antifoam properties, which is highly beneficial because there is typically a trade-off in these properties, such as high antifoam properties being obtained at the expense of wetting properties, and vice versa. Preferred embodiments of capped block copolymers include multi-arm block copolymers comprising a multifunctional moiety and at least two alkoxylated arms, each of which is represented by the formula -(PO) Y (EO) X , -(EO) X (PO) Y , -(EO) X (PO) Y (EO) X , and -(PO) Y (EO) X (PO) Y wherein X is from about 1 to about 100 and Y is from about 1 to about 100, and each of the alkoxylated arms comprises a terminus that is capped at the terminus with a hydrophobic group.

[0085] These EO / PO block copolymers can include compact alcohol EO / PO surfactants, in which the EO and PO groups are in small block or random configuration. In other embodiments, the alkyl alkoxylates include ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, pentalene oxide, hexylene oxide, heptalene oxide, octalene oxide, nonalene oxide, decylene oxide, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl group can be linear or branched, and is preferably C1-C6. 18 , more preferably C 10 ~C 18 and most preferably a branched alkyl group. Exemplary commercially available surfactants are available, for example, under the trade names PLURONIC® and PLURONIC R®, TETRONIC®, and SURFONIC®.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the block copolymer comprises a linear or multi-arm EO / PO structure. Most preferably, the block copolymer is a "reverse" block copolymer with an internal EO and a terminal PO. Non-limiting examples are shown below: (PO) y (EO) x (PO) y [ka] where B is an organic molecule having a polyfunctional moiety, such as a polyol, ethylenediamine, or diethylenetriamine, as the starting point for the arms to be attached. It should be understood that these are not representative of the orientation of the arms, but merely represent possible formulas for purposes of illustrating the attachment of alkoxylated arms to the starting polyfunctional moiety. Additionally, X and Y are further defined below, where the degree of ethoxylation and propoxylation is described.

[0087] The capped block copolymers disclosed herein include what are often referred to as "inverted" structures, i.e., EO groups on the inside and PO groups on the outside, (PO) Y (EO) X (PO) Y Typical reverse block copolymers useful as antifoam agents have up to about 20% ethoxylation, and those useful as wetting agents have about 20% to 40% ethoxylation. However, typical reverse block copolymers for antifoam or wetting purposes are uncapped. Furthermore, reverse block copolymers usually do not exhibit both good wetting and antifoam properties; instead, they are typically selected for one or the other based on the degree of ethoxylation.

[0088] Preferably, the ethoxylation is greater than about 20%, more preferably greater than about 20% and up to about 60%, even more preferably from about 25% to about 55%, even more preferably from about 30% to about 50%, even more preferably from about 35% to about 45%, and most preferably about 40%.

[0089] Preferably, the propoxylation is less than about 80%, more preferably from about 40% to less than about 80%, even more preferably from about 45% to about 75%, even more preferably from about 50% to about 70%, even more preferably from about 55% to about 65%, and most preferably about 60%.

[0090] As used herein, "arm" refers to an alkoxylated chain; thus, a multi-armed capped block copolymer has two or more alkoxylated chains. The capped block copolymer is preferably multi-armed, having at least two arms, more preferably at least three arms, even more preferably three to six arms, even more preferably four or five arms, and most preferably four arms. Preferably, the arms are formed by the branched alkyl groups (main chain) to which the block copolymer arms are attached. Non-limiting examples of two-armed, three-armed, and four-armed capped block copolymers are shown below for illustrative purposes: [ka] wherein R is a hydrophobic capping group as disclosed herein, X and Y are as defined above, each preferably between 1 and 100, and the EO / PO arms are attached to a single backbone such that a single molecule is formed with at least two alkoxylated arms, at least three alkoxylated arms, at least four alkoxylated arms, at least five alkoxylated arms, or at least six alkoxylated arms. It should be understood that the block copolymers can have arms with different degrees of ethoxylation and / or propoxylation. Furthermore, different arms of the block copolymer can have different hydrophobic capping groups at their respective termini.

[0091] It should be understood that the number of arms, the nature of the alkyl backbone, and the percentage of ethoxylation and propoxylation on the arms can be determined by taking an existing block copolymer surfactant and capping it according to the methods disclosed herein.

[0092] The multi-arm capped reverse block copolymer is capped, i.e., the end of each arm is capped with a capping chemistry. A preferred capping chemistry is a hydrophobic group. More preferably, the hydrophobic group comprises a benzyl group and / or a substituted silyl group (R1R2R3Si-) as shown below: [ka] wherein each of R1, R2, and R3 comprises an alkyl group, a phenol group, or a tert-butyl group.

[0093] Preferred alkyl groups for R1, R2, and / or R3 include straight-chain alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbons (i.e., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and decyl); cyclic alkyl groups (or "cycloalkyl" or "alicyclic" or "carbocyclic" groups) including, but not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, and cyclodecyl; branched-chain alkyl groups including, but not limited to, isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl; and alkyl-substituted alkyl groups including, but not limited to, alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl groups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups.

[0094] More preferably, the hydrophobic group comprises a benzyl group, trimethylsilyl (TMS), triethylsilyl (TES), tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS), tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS), triisopropylsilyl (TIPS), or a combination thereof. These preferred silyl-based capping chemistries are shown below. [ka]

[0095] When a combination of hydrophobic groups is utilized, it results from the capping of different arms (e.g., two arms capped with TIPS and two arms capped with benzyl groups). Most preferably, the hydrophobic groups comprise benzyl groups, trimethylsilyl (TMS), triisopropylsilyl (TIPS), or a combination thereof.

[0096] In embodiments where the block copolymer has two arms, one or both arms may be capped. In embodiments where the block copolymer has three arms, one, two, or three arms may be capped. In embodiments where the block copolymer has four arms, one, two, three, or four arms may be capped. In embodiments where the block copolymer has five arms, one, two, three, four, or five arms may be capped. In embodiments where the block copolymer has six arms, one, two, three, four, five, or six arms may be capped.

[0097] The ratio of capped to uncapped arms can affect the thermal stability of the capped block copolymer. Thermal stability increases with increasing capping, so it is preferable to have a ratio of capped to uncapped arms of at least 1:1, and most preferable for high-temperature applications that all arms are capped. Therefore, for applications requiring thermal stability, it is preferable to have at least two of the three arms capped, at least three of the four arms capped, at least four of the five arms capped, at least four of the six arms capped, at least five of the six arms capped, and most preferably all of the arms capped.

[0098] Retaining some of the arms uncapped improves the viscoelastic properties of the capped block copolymer. A ratio of capped arms to uncapped arms of about 2:1 to about 4:1 has been found to be most preferred, with a ratio of capped arms to uncapped arms of about 3:1 being most preferred. Thus, in applications where viscoelasticity is desired, two of three arms are capped, three of four arms are capped, three of five arms are capped, four of five arms are capped, four of six arms are capped, and five of six arms are capped.

[0099] Advantageously, the capped block copolymers disclosed herein have low surface tensions, preferably less than about 35 dynes / cm, more preferably less than about 34 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 33 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 32 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 31 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 30 dynes, even more preferably less than about 29 dynes, even more preferably less than about 28 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 27 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 26 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 25 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 24 dynes, even more preferably less than about 23 dynes, even more preferably less than about 22 dynes / cm, even more preferably less than about 21 dynes, and most preferably about 20 dynes / cm or less, when tested under ambient temperature and humidity.

[0100] As noted above, problems associated with proteinaceous soils are well known, particularly in machine ware washing and CIP cleaning. Without being bound by theory, the inventors believe that for optimal performance, an antifoaming surfactant should be sufficiently surface active to penetrate the protein-stabilized foam lamellae and partially denature the proteins to some extent to produce adequate defoaming, but not to cause precipitation / coagulation of the fully denatured proteins, which would cause adhesion problems.

[0101] According to various embodiments of the solid composition, the capped block copolymer is included as the second surfactant in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 2% to about 10% by weight.

[0102] Alkaline source In embodiments, the solid composition contains at least one alkaline source. The alkaline source can include an alkali metal hydroxide and / or an alkali metal carbonate. In further embodiments, the alkaline source can be a reagent that combines to form an alkoxide solid, including an alkali metal hydroxide, and a reagent that includes an organic molecule having at least one hydroxyl group or alkylene carbonate.

[0103] The alkaline source may comprise an effective amount of one or more alkaline sources. An effective amount of one or more alkaline sources should be considered an amount that provides the composition with a pH of from about 7 to about 14. In certain embodiments, the end-use composition may have a pH of from about 7.5 to about 12.5.

[0104] In some embodiments, the alkaline source in the final composition is at a weight ratio of alkali metal hydroxide to water of less than about 70:30, providing improved cleaning performance compared to compositions containing additional alkali metal hydroxide.

[0105] alkali metal carbonates In an embodiment, the solid composition contains at least one alkali metal carbonate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, any suitable carbonate source can be used. In an embodiment, an alkali metal carbonate source can be used, such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, lithium carbonate, and combinations thereof.

[0106] The alkali metal carbonate may be present in the solid composition in an amount of about 1% to about 99.9% by weight, about 10% to about 90% by weight, about 20% to about 90% by weight, about 30% to about 90% by weight, about 30% to about 80% by weight, about 40% to about 85% by weight, or about 30% to about 70% by weight.

[0107] alkali metal hydroxides In embodiments, the solid composition contains at least one alkali metal hydroxide as a caustic source.As referred to herein, caustic alkali is synonymous with hydroxide.Without being bound by any particular theory or mechanism of action, it is believed that caustic alkali plays a role in partially denaturing proteinaceous soils to aid in their removal, and therefore is particularly suitable for cleaning compositions used to clean soils containing proteinaceous soils.

[0108] Any suitable caustic source can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, an alkali metal caustic source can be used. For example, the caustic source can be in the form of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. An example of a derivative of a caustic source is a preformed alkoxide.

[0109] In the method of making a solid composition, the alkali metal hydroxide is a solution or liquid alkali metal hydroxide. In a further embodiment, an additional caustic source can be included in the form of a solid, such as caustic beads, pellets, flakes, powder, granules, etc., and can be combined with the liquid alkali metal hydroxide.

[0110] In embodiments of the solid composition, an alkali metal hydroxide is reacted with an alkylene carbonate or an organic molecule having one or more hydroxyl groups, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. ________, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 490,838, entitled "Alkoxide-Based Solidification Via Control of Reaction Equilibrium and Kinetics," filed concurrently herewith, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0111] In embodiments, a higher activity caustic liquid is preferred for controlling the equilibrium reaction and kinetics for the production of the solid composition. In embodiments, the molar ratio of caustic to reagent (e.g., propylene glycol) is from about 1:1 to about 10:1, from about 1:1 to about 8:1, from about 1:1 to about 6:1, preferably about 1:1. In exemplary embodiments of the examples, the reaction of the glycol reagent produces the solid composition more quickly.

[0112] In embodiments, concentrated caustic may be used in the process for making the solid. In embodiments, 70% NaOH is preferred over 50% NaOH to achieve a 1:1 (or higher) molar ratio of caustic to reagent. In preferred embodiments, the concentrated alkali metal hydroxide comprises greater than 50% (active matter basis) liquid alkali metal hydroxide. In some embodiments, the concentrated alkali metal hydroxide is about 69% to about 74% (active matter basis) liquid alkali metal hydroxide, preferably about 70% to about 73% (active matter basis) liquid alkali metal hydroxide. The concentrated alkali metal hydroxide is maintained at a temperature high enough to prevent premature solidification. In embodiments, the concentrated alkali metal hydroxide is maintained, handled, or otherwise processed at a temperature of at least about 66°C, or from about 66°C to about 85°C.

[0113] In an alternative embodiment, the concentrated alkali metal hydroxide can include the use of a mixture of caustic beads and caustic liquid, and the method of making the solid composition advantageously reduces the use of caustic beads. In such an embodiment, there can still be an initial step of concentrating the alkali metal hydroxide, such as by dissolving solid alkali metal hydroxide in a liquid alkali metal hydroxide having 50% or less (active matter basis) to provide the concentrated alkali metal hydroxide.

[0114] The alkali metal carbonate may be present in the solid composition in an amount of about 1% to about 99.9% by weight, about 10% to about 90% by weight, about 20% to about 90% by weight, about 30% to about 90% by weight, about 30% to about 80% by weight, about 40% to about 85% by weight, or about 30% to about 70% by weight.

[0115] In alternative embodiments, the alkali metal hydroxide can be present in an amount of about 1% to about 99.9%, about 10% to about 90%, about 20% to about 90%, about 30% to about 90%, about 30% to about 80%, or about 30% to about 70% by weight to make a solid composition. In other embodiments, the caustic solution comprises about 1% to about 90% by weight of the total caustic to make the solid composition. In yet other embodiments, the caustic solution comprises about 10% to about 90% by weight of the total caustic to make the solid composition.

[0116] As described herein, liquid and solid caustic can be combined to form a solid composition. In some embodiments where solid caustic is used, the alkali metal hydroxide of the composition comprises less than about 40% by weight of solid caustic beads. In further embodiments where solid caustic is used, the composition has at least about 20% less solid caustic beads compared to a solid composition that does not contain the alkali metal hydroxide and the reagent (e.g., propylene glycol).

[0117] polyol The solid composition contains at least one polyol for reacting with an alkali metal hydroxide to form the solid composition. The polyol can include a C1-C22 alcohol, glycol, or derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the polyol is a diol, triol, and / or a polyol containing more than three hydroxyl groups. Diols include, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol (1,4-butanediol), and the like. An exemplary triol is glycerin. An exemplary polyol is D-sorbitol (six hydroxyl groups).

[0118] Exemplary polyols include glycols and their derivatives, including ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, etc. Further exemplary glycerols and derivatives include glycerol ethylhexyl glyceryl ether, glycerin, glycerol formal, glycerol ketal, etc. Exemplary polyols, diols and derivatives include 3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, etc.

[0119] A preferred polyol is glycerin. In embodiments, crude glycerin (-85% actives) is a preferred polyol. The terms glycerin and glycerol may be used interchangeably. In addition to polyols, additional organic molecules have at least one hydroxyl group for reacting with a caustic source to form a solid composition, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. ________ (incorporated by reference in its entirety), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 490,838, entitled "Alkoxide-Based Solidification Via Control of Reaction Equilibrium and Kinetics," filed concurrently herewith.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the polyol is included as a reagent for making the solid composition in an amount of about 1% to about 30% by weight, about 1% to about 20% by weight, about 1% to about 15% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 2% to about 10% by weight.

[0121] Alkylene Carbonate In some embodiments, the solid composition comprises an alkylene carbonate that reacts with a caustic source to form the solid composition. Any suitable alkylene carbonate may be used.

[0122] Exemplary alkylene carbonates include, for example, glycerin carbonate, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, and carbonate esters. Carbonate esters have a carbonyl group sandwiched between two alkoxy groups. In embodiments, cyclic organic esters are used, provided that the carbonate structures are as shown below for ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and butylene carbonate, respectively, although alkyl groups of any chain length can also be used. [ka]

[0123] Alkylene carbonates are commercially available (available under the tradenames Huntsman, Jeffsol®) and are often called glycol carbonates or cyclic carbonates. They are often used as reactive intermediates to replace ethylene oxide and propylene oxide and ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

[0124] In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the initial alkali metal hydroxide to alkylene carbonate combined to make the solid composition is from about 0.5:1 to about 10:1, or from about 0:71:1 to about 9.8:1.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the alkylene carbonate is included as a reagent for making the solid composition in an amount of about 1% to about 50% by weight, about 1% to about 40% by weight, about 1% to about 20% by weight, or about 5% to about 15% by weight.

[0126] Additional Functional Ingredients The surfactant composition and the solid composition may further comprise additional functional materials or additives, for example, to provide beneficial properties for specific applications. Examples of conventional additives include one or more of chelating agents, additional alkalinity sources, additional surfactants, detersive polymers, cleaning agents, rinse aid compositions, softeners, pH adjusters, acidity sources, corrosion inhibitors, secondary curing agents, solubility modifiers, detergent builders, detergent fillers, defoamers, anti-redeposition agents, disinfectants and / or antimicrobial agents, rinse aids, threshold agents or systems, aesthetic enhancers (i.e., dyes, odorants, fragrances), optical brighteners, bleaching agents, enzymes, foaming agents, activators for active oxygen compounds, other such additives or functional ingredients, and the like, and mixtures thereof. The adjuvant and other additive components vary depending on the type of composition being produced and the intended end use of the solid composition.

[0127] In some embodiments, the surfactant composition for the liquid or solid composition and the composition itself does not include a silicone surfactant.

[0128] In some embodiments, the surfactant composition for the liquid composition further comprises a hydrotrope, a viscosity modifier, a solvent, a water carrier, or derivatives or combinations thereof.

[0129] In some embodiments, the surfactant composition for the liquid or solid composition further comprises additional surfactants. Additional nonionic, anionic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. ________, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 490,857, entitled "Capped Block Copolymers, Their Synthesis, Manufacture, and Methods of Use," filed concurrently herewith, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0130] In some embodiments, the surfactant composition for the liquid or solid composition further comprises a water conditioner. The term "water conditioner" refers to a compound that inhibits the crystallization of hard water ions from solution or disperses mineral scale, including, but not limited to, calcium carbonate. Water conditioners can include polymeric and small molecule water conditioners. Organic small molecule water conditioners are typically organocarboxylic or organophosphate water conditioners. Polymeric water conditioners usually include polyanionic compositions, such as polyacrylic acid compounds.

[0131] Further examples of water conditioning polymers include polyacrylic acid homopolymers or their alkali metal salts, i.e., sodium polyacrylate. Polyacrylic acid homopolymers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, isooctyl acrylate, isooctyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, The copolymer may contain polymer units derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof, of which acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof are preferred.

[0132] Preferred is polyacrylic acid, (C3H4O2) n or 2-propenoic acid homopolymer, acrylic acid polymer, poly(acrylic acid), propenoic acid polymer; PAA having the following structural formula: [ka]

[0133] where n is any integer. One source of commercially available polyacrylates (polyacrylic acid homopolymers) includes, for example, the Acusol 445 series from The Dow Chemical Company, Wilmington, Delaware, USA, including Acusol® 445 (acrylic acid polymer, 48% total solids) (4500 MW), Acusol® 445N (sodium acrylate homopolymer, 45% total solids) (4500 MW), and Acusol® 445ND (sodium acrylate homopolymer in powder form, 93% total solids) (4500 MW). Other polyacrylates include, but are not limited to, Acusol 929 (10,000 MW) and Acumer® 1510. Yet another example of a commercially available polyacrylic acid is AQUATREAT® AR-6 (100,000 MW) from AkzoNobel Strawinskylaan 2555 1077 ZZ Amsterdam Postbus 75730 1070 AS Amsterdam. Other suitable polyacrylates (polyacrylic acid homopolymers) include, but are not limited to, those obtained from additional sources such as Aldrich Chemicals (Milwaukee, WI) and ACROS Organics and Fine Chemicals (Pittsburg, PA), BASF Corporation, and SNF Inc. The homopolymer, copolymer, and / or terpolymer may be present in the composition at about 0.01% to about 30% by weight.

[0134] Maleic anhydride / olefin copolymer is a copolymer of polymaleic anhydride and an olefin. Maleic anhydride (C2H2(CO)2O) has the following structure: [ka] Some maleic anhydride derivatives are maleimides, N-alkyl (C 1~4) Maleimide, N-phenyl-maleimide, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, aconitic acid, crotonic acid, cinnamic acid, alkyl of the aforementioned acids (C 1~18 ) esters of the aforementioned acids, cycloalkyl (C 3~8 ) esters, sulfated castor oil, and the like. At least 95% by weight of the maleic anhydride polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer has a number average molecular weight ranging from about 700 to about 20,000, preferably from about 1000 to about 100,000. A variety of straight-chain and branched-chain α-olefins may be used for purposes of the present disclosure. Particularly useful α-olefins are dienes containing 4 to 18 carbon atoms, such as butadiene, chloroprene, isoprene, and 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene, and dienes containing 4 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably C 4~10 and 1-alkenes containing the formula (I), such as isobutylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene.

[0135] In a preferred embodiment, particularly suitable maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers have a molecular weight of about 1000 to about 50,000, in a preferred embodiment, about 5000 to about 20,000, and in a most preferred embodiment, about 7500 to about 12,500. Examples of maleic anhydride / olefin copolymers that can be used include, but are not limited to, Acusol 460N from The Dow Chemical Company, Wilmington, Delaware, USA. The maleic anhydride / olefin copolymer can be present in the composition at about 0.01% to about 30% by weight.

[0136] Additional polymers include polycarboxylic acid polymers, including, but not limited to, polymaleic acid homopolymer, polyacrylic acid copolymer, and maleic anhydride / olefin copolymer. Polymaleic acid (C4H2O3)x or hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride, or cis-2-butenedioic acid homopolymer, has the following structural formula: [ka] where n and m are any integers. Examples of polymaleic acid homopolymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers (and salts thereof) that can be used are specific, and preferably have a molecular weight of about 0 to about 5,000, more preferably about 200 to about 2,000 (these MWs may be confirmed). Commercially available polymaleic acid homopolymers include the Belclene 200 series of maleic acid homopolymers from BWA™ Water Additives, 979 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 925, Tucker, GA 30084, USA, and Aquatreat AR-801 available from AkzoNobel. The polymaleic acid homopolymers, copolymers, and / or terpolymers can be present in the composition at about 0.01% to about 30% by weight.

[0137] Inorganic water conditioning agents include, but are not limited to, sodium tripolyphosphate and other higher linear and cyclic polyphosphate species.Suitable condensed phosphates include sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium and potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium hexametaphosphate.Condensed phosphates can also provide limited assistance to solidification of the solid detergent composition by fixing the free water present in the composition as water of hydration. Phosphonates include, but are not limited to, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, CH3C(OH)[PO(OH)2]2; aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid), N[CH2PO(OH)2]3; aminotri(methylenephosphonate) sodium salt (ATMP), N[CH2PO(ONa)2]3; 2-hydroxyethyliminobis(methylenephosphonic acid), HOCH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid), (HO)2POCH2N[CH2CH2N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2; diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate) sodium salt (DTPMP), CH 28-x N3Na x O 15 P5(x=7); Hexamethylenediamine(tetramethylenephosphonate), potassium salt, C 10 H28-x N2K x O 12 P4 (x=6); bis(hexamethylene)triamine (pentamethylenephosphonic acid), (HO2)POCH2N[(CH2)6N[CH2PO(OH)2]2]2; and phosphorous acid, H3PO3. A preferred phosphonate combination is ATMP and DTPMP. Pre-neutralized or alkaline phosphonates, or phosphonates combined with an alkali source before being added to the mixture, are preferred so that the neutralization reaction generates little or no heat or gas when the phosphonate is added.

[0138] In some embodiments, the surfactant composition for the solid composition further comprises a hydrotrope, a viscosity modifier, a solvent, a water carrier, or derivatives or combinations thereof.

[0139] In some embodiments, the solid composition further comprises a chelant (also referred to as a chelating agent). Examples of chelating agents include phosphonic acids and phosphonates, phosphates, aminocarboxylates and their derivatives, pyrophosphates, ethylenediamine and ethylenetriamine derivatives, hydroxy acids, and monocarboxylates, dicarboxylates, and tricarboxylates and their corresponding acids. In certain embodiments, the composition does not comprise a phosphate. Preferred chelating agents include methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), triethylenetetramine-N,N,N',N'',N''',N'''-hexaacetic acid (TTHA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), and alkali, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and / or ammonium salts thereof. In further embodiments, biodegradable chelating agents such as aminocarboxylates are preferred.

[0140] In some embodiments, the solid composition comprises a chelating agent comprising an aminocarboxylate selected from the group consisting of MGDA, NTA, EDTA, DTPA, and TTHA. In other embodiments, the solid composition comprises a chelating agent comprising sodium gluconate. Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, the inclusion of a chelating agent, i.e., a biodegradable aminocarboxylate, provides a benefit by increasing the melting point of the solid formed by the caustic / polyol / chelating agent by further binding with the chelating agent.

[0141] In some embodiments, surfactant compositions for liquid or solid compositions further comprise an anti-redeposition agent, i.e., an agent capable of promoting the continued suspension of soils in the wash or rinse solution and preventing the redeposition of removed soils on the substrate being washed and / or rinsed. Some examples of suitable anti-redeposition agents can include fatty acid amides, fluorocarbon surfactants, complex phosphate esters, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, and cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and the like. The composition can comprise up to about 10% by weight, and in some embodiments, in the range of about 1 to about 5% by weight, of the anti-redeposition agent.

[0142] In some embodiments, surfactant compositions for liquid or solid compositions further comprise one or more functional polydimethylsiloxanes. For example, in some embodiments, polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, nonionic surfactants, or polybetaine-modified polysiloxane amphoteric surfactants may be employed as additives. Both, in some embodiments, are linear polysiloxane copolymers to which polyethers or polybetaines have been grafted via a hydrosilylation reaction. Some examples of specific siloxane surfactants are known as SILWET® surfactants available from Union Carbide or ABIL® polyether or polybetaine polysiloxane copolymers available from Goldschmidt Chemical Corp. and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,161, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the specific siloxanes used may be described, for example, as having low surface tension, high wetting ability, and excellent lubricity. For example, these surfactants are said to be the few surfactants that can wet the surface of polytetrafluoroethylene. The siloxane surfactant employed as an additive can be used alone or in combination with a fluorochemical surfactant. In some embodiments, the fluorochemical surfactant employed as an additive, optionally in combination with a silane, can be, for example, a nonionic fluorohydrocarbon, such as fluorinated alkyl polyoxyethylene ethanol, fluorinated alkyl alkoxylate, and fluorinated alkyl ester.

[0143] Further descriptions of such functionalized polydimethylsiloxanes and / or fluorochemical surfactants are found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,880,088, 5,880,089, and 5,603,776, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, it has been found that the use of certain polysiloxane copolymers in a mixture with a hydrocarbon surfactant provides an excellent rinse aid for plastic ware. It has also been found that the combination of certain silicone polysiloxane copolymers and fluorocarbon surfactants with conventional hydrocarbon surfactants provides an excellent rinse aid for plastic ware. This combination has been found to be superior to the individual components, except for certain polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxanes and polybetaine polysiloxane copolymers, which are approximately equally effective. Thus, some embodiments include a polysiloxane copolymer alone, and the combination with a fluorocarbon surfactant can involve a nonionic siloxane surfactant, polyether polysiloxane. Polybetaine polysiloxane copolymers, which are amphoteric siloxane surfactants, can be employed alone as additives in end-use compositions to provide the same results.

[0144] In some embodiments, end-use compositions may include functional polydimethylsiloxones in amounts ranging up to about 10% by weight. For example, some embodiments may include polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxanes or polybetaine-modified polysiloxanes in the range of about 0.1-10% by weight, optionally in combination with about 0.1-10% by weight of a fluorinated hydrocarbon nonionic surfactant.

[0145] In some embodiments, the solid composition further comprises a functional anhydrous material for absorbing excess water from the mixture of hydrated solids in the composition. Examples of such functional anhydrous materials include, but are not limited to, sodium carbonate (ash), sodium sulfate, etc. Without being limited to a particular mechanism, the addition of the functional anhydrous material forms a hydrated compound upon contact with excess water, thus removing excess water from the mixture.

[0146] A solid composition refers to a "solid form" that is a hardened composition that will not flow and will substantially retain its shape under moderate stress or pressure or simple gravity. The degree of hardness of a solid casting composition can range from that of a relatively dense and hard molten solid product, such as concrete, to a consistency characterized as a hardened paste. Additionally, the term "solid" refers to the state of the composition under the expected storage and use conditions of the solid composition. Generally, the composition is expected to remain in solid form when exposed to temperatures up to approximately 100°F, particularly above approximately 120°F.

[0147] The solid compositions may take the form of, but are not limited to, pressed solids, cast solid products, extruded, molded, or formed solid pellets, blocks, tablets, powders, granules, flakes, or the formed solids may then be crushed or formed into powders, granules, or flakes. In exemplary embodiments, the extruded pellet material formed has a weight of approximately 1 gram to 50 grams, or 50 grams to approximately 250 grams, the extruded solids typically weighing approximately 100 grams or more, and the solid blocks typically have a mass of approximately 1 to approximately 10 kilograms. The solid compositions provide a stabilized source of functional materials.

[0148] In some embodiments, the solid composition can be dissolved, for example, in an aqueous or other medium to produce a concentrated solution and / or a use solution. The solution can be directed to a reservoir for later use and / or dilution, or can be applied directly to the point of use. Alternatively, the solid alkaline composition can be provided in unit dose form, typically as a cast solid, extruded pellet, or tablet having a size of approximately 1 gram to approximately 100 grams. In another alternative, a multi-use solid, such as a block or multiple pellets, can be provided and used repeatedly to produce multiple cycles of aqueous composition.

[0149] How to use The surfactant composition is suitable for use in formulating a variety of compositions, i.e., solid compositions. The surfactant composition advantageously provides highly effective defoaming and foam suppression and stain removal. Various methods of using the surfactant composition are envisioned.

[0150] In some embodiments, a solid ware cleaning composition is provided. In other embodiments, a liquid rinse aid or liquid bottle wash suds suppressor additive composition is provided. In yet further embodiments, a solid rinse aid or solid bottle wash suds suppressor additive composition is provided.

[0151] Methods of using the solid compositions described herein include forming a use solution of the solid composition, contacting an item or surface requiring defoaming or foam suppression and cleaning, sanitizing, and / or disinfecting with the use solution, and cleaning, sanitizing, and / or disinfecting the item or surface. The solid compositions may be referred to herein as cleaning compositions suitable for a variety of use applications.

[0152] In embodiments, the pH of the use solution produced by dilution of the solid composition is at least about 7.5, from about 7.5 to about 14, or from about 7.5 to about 12.

[0153] As referred to herein, the term "foam inhibiting" means that the surfactant composition and compositions employing it do not produce any noticeable foam or foam. Foam inhibiting prevents the generation of foam, while "antifoaming" means that the surfactant composition and compositions employing it reduce the presence of foam.

[0154] In some embodiments, the solid composition does not fall off during dispensing to produce the use solution.

[0155] In some embodiments using the surfactant composition, such as in warewashing applications, solid compositions comprising a weight ratio of alkali metal hydroxide to water of less than about 70:30 advantageously provide improved cleaning performance compared to compositions comprising additional alkali metal hydroxide. The solid compositions are less concentrated caustic compositions, thus allowing for the addition of performance additives (additional functional ingredients, e.g., chelating agents) with the surfactant composition to improve cleaning performance. For example, in embodiments, the solid compositions can contain less active caustic (after neutralization from the acidic polymer) in the composition compared to in-line solid caustic machine warewashing detergents and still provide at least the same or improved cleaning efficacy.

[0156] In other embodiments, compositions using high alkalinity are preferred, such as for bottle washing, rinsing, and / or pulp processing, etc. In such embodiments, solid or liquid compositions using surfactant compositions are preferred.

[0157] The present disclosure includes methods of using the compositions for various cleaning applications. These cleaning compositions can be applied on an article, a surface, within a body, or in a stream of water or gas, by contacting the article, surface, body, or stream with a composition of the present disclosure. Contacting can include any of a number of methods for applying the cleaning compositions of the present disclosure, such as spraying the composition, immersing the article in the composition, foaming or gel-treating the article with a compound or composition, or a combination thereof.

[0158] It should be understood that the concentrations of the ingredients in the composition will vary depending on whether the cleaning composition is provided as a concentrate or as a use solution. A use solution can be prepared from a concentrate by diluting the concentrate with water at a dilution ratio that provides a use solution with the desired cleaning properties.

[0159] Exemplary industries in which the present method can be used include, but are not limited to, the restaurant industry, the food and beverage industry, and the pharmaceutical industry. Suitable applications of the compositions and methods of the present invention may include, for example, bottle washing, machine ware washing, pulp defoaming rinse aid, etc.

[0160] The present method can also be used to remove various types of soils. Such other soils include, but are not limited to, starch, cellulose fibers, proteins, simple carbohydrates, and combinations of any of these soil types with mineral complexes. Examples of specific food soils that can be effectively removed using the present method include, but are not limited to, soils generated during the manufacturing and processing of meat, poultry, vegetables, and fruits, bakery products, soft drinks, brewing and fermentation residues, sugar beet and sugar cane processing, and processed foods containing these and related ingredients, such as juices, sauces, and condiments. These soils can occur on environmental surfaces, such as walls and floors, freezers and refrigeration systems, heat exchanger surfaces, conveyor surfaces, and other surfaces during manufacturing and packaging processes.

[0161] In further embodiments, methods of using the cleaning compositions are particularly suitable for use in closed systems, such as dish or utensil washing systems, bottle washing systems and processes for cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing items and surfaces.

[0162] The method includes contacting the article or surface with a cleaning composition or cleaning use composition to clean the surface. The method may involve contacting the liquid with any of a variety of surfaces or objects, including surfaces or articles including those made of glass, ceramic, plastic, porcelain, aluminum, etc.

[0163] The phrase "washing a surface with a wash solution (or use solution or cleaning composition)" refers to the circulation of a cleaning composition solution to remove substantially all soil from a treated surface (e.g., ware) and keep the soil suspended or dissolved. In embodiments, this step may be performed when the temperature of the rinse water is up to about 140°F, preferably in the range of 100°F to 140°F, preferably in the range of 110°F to 140°F, and most preferably in the range of 120°F to 140°F. As referred to herein, "low temperature" refers to a rinse water temperature below about 140°F. For example, conventional rinse temperatures for ware washing are above 140°F, e.g., about 140°F to about 190°F, particularly about 145°F to about 180°F. In aspects, methods using low temperature further use a sanitizing agent.

[0164] The contacting can include any of a number of methods for applying the cleaning composition, such as spraying the composition, immersing the object in the composition, or a combination thereof. The concentrate or use concentration of the composition can be applied to or contacted with the item by any conventional method or device for applying a cleaning composition to an object. For example, the object can be wiped with, sprayed with, and / or immersed in the composition or a use solution made from the composition. The composition can be sprayed on the surface or wiped on the surface. That is, the composition can be poured onto the surface or the surface can be immersed in the composition. The contacting can be done manually or mechanically.

[0165] Before contacting an item or surface, the concentrated cleaning composition can be first diluted with water at the point of use to provide a use solution.When the composition is used in an automatic warewashing machine or dishwashing machine, the point of use is expected to be inside the automatic warewashing machine.Depending on the machine, the composition can be provided in a unit dose form or a multi-purpose form.In larger warewashing machines, a large amount of the composition can be provided in a compartment that allows the release of a unit dose of the composition for each wash cycle.Such a compartment can be provided as part of the warewashing machine or as a separate structure connected to the warewashing machine.

[0166] The cleaning composition may also be dispensed from a spray-type dispenser, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,826,661, 4,690,305, 4,687,121, 4,426,362, and U.S. Patent Nos. Re 32,763 and Re 32,818, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, spray-type dispensers function by impinging a water spray on the exposed surface of the composition, and then immediately directing the use solution from the dispenser into a storage reservoir or directly to the point of use. Optionally, in some embodiments, at the time of use, the product can be removed from the packaging and inserted into the dispenser.

[0167] The method may further employ one or more rinsing steps on the treated article or surface.

[0168] In some embodiments, the cleaning composition kills one or more pathogenic bacteria associated with healthcare surfaces and environments, including, but not limited to, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesurus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, mycobacteria, yeast, and mold. The cleaning composition is active against a wide variety of microorganisms, such as gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes or Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeast, mold, bacterial spores, and viruses. The compounds and compositions of the present disclosure are active against a wide variety of human pathogens, as described above. The cleaning composition can kill a wide variety of microorganisms on food processing surfaces, on the surfaces of food products, in water used to clean or process food products, on healthcare surfaces, or in healthcare environments.

[0169] The methods can be used to achieve any suitable reduction in microbial population in and / or on a target or treated target composition. In some embodiments, the methods can be used to reduce the microbial population in and / or on a target or treated target composition by at least 1 log 10. In other embodiments, the methods can be used to reduce the microbial population in and / or on a target or treated target composition by at least 2 log 10. In yet other embodiments, the methods can be used to reduce the microbial population in and / or on a target or treated target composition by at least 3 log 10. In still other embodiments, the methods can be used to reduce the microbial population in and / or on a target or treated target composition by at least 5 log 10. Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, numerical ranges recited herein are inclusive of the numbers defining the range, and include each integer within the defined range.

[0170] The cleaning composition can be used in various household or industrial applications, for example, to reduce microbial or viral populations on surfaces or objects, or within the body or in water streams. The cleaning composition can be applied in various areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, factories, hospitals, dental clinics, and food processing plants, and can be applied to various hard or soft surfaces with smooth, irregular, or porous topography. Suitable hard surfaces include, for example, architectural surfaces (e.g., floors, walls, windows, sinks, tables, counters, and signs), eating utensils, hard-surface medical or surgical instruments and equipment, and hard-surface packaging. Such hard surfaces can be made from various materials, including, for example, ceramic, metal, glass, wood, or hard plastic. Suitable soft surfaces include, for example, paper, filter media, hospital and surgical linens and clothing, soft-surface medical or surgical instruments and equipment, and soft-surface packaging. Such soft surfaces can be made from various materials, including, for example, paper, fiber, woven or nonwoven fabrics, soft plastics, and elastomers. The cleaning compositions can also be applied to soft surfaces such as food and skin (e.g., hands).The compounds can be used as non-foaming environmental disinfectants or sanitizers.

[0171] The cleaning compositions can be applied to microorganisms or to contaminated or cleaned surfaces using a variety of methods. These methods can be effected on an object, on a surface, in a body, or in a water or gas stream, etc., by contacting the object, surface, body, or stream with a compound of the present disclosure. Contacting can include any of a number of methods for applying the compound, such as spraying the compound, immersing the object, treating the object with a foam or gel with the compound, or a combination thereof.

[0172] The cleaning composition concentrate or use concentrate can be applied to or contacted with an object by any conventional method or device for applying antimicrobial or cleaning compounds to an object. For example, the object can be wiped, sprayed, foamed on, and / or immersed in the compound or use solution made from the composition. The cleaning composition can be sprayed, foamed, or wiped onto the surface, the composition can be poured onto the surface, or the surface can be immersed in the cleaning composition. Contacting can be done manually or mechanically. Food processing surfaces, food products, food processing or transport water, etc. can be treated with the liquid, foam, gel, aerosol, gas, wax, solid, or powder stabilized compounds according to the present disclosure, or solutions containing these compounds.

[0173] The cleaning compositions of the present disclosure can be formulated and sold for immediate use or as solvent or solid concentrates. If desired, such concentrates can be used at full strength as disinfectant rinse compositions. However, concentrates typically are diluted with a fluid (e.g., water) to form a dilute phase or use solution thereafter. Preferably, the concentrate forms a single phase prior to such dilution and remains so while stored in the container in which it is sold. When combined with water or other desired dilution fluid at an appropriate dilution level and subjected to gentle agitation (e.g., stirring or pumping the composition), some compositions of the present disclosure form pseudo-stable dispersions, while other compositions of the present disclosure form clear or metastable solutions or dispersions. When a pseudo-stable composition is formed, the composition preferably remains pseudo-stable for a sufficiently long period of time so that the composition can be applied to a surface before the onset of phase separation. The pseudo-stable state need only last for a few seconds if a suitably rapid application technique, such as spraying, is used, or if agitation during application is used. The pseudo-stable state desirably lasts for at least 1 minute after mixing and while the composition is stored in a suitable container, preferably for 5 minutes or more after mixing. In many cases, regular refilling or recharging of the applicator (e.g., by dipping the applicator into the composition) will provide sufficient agitation to preserve the pseudo-stable state of the composition during application.

[0174] Various applications of use described herein provide a cleaning composition to a surface and / or water source. Advantageously, the cleaning compositions of the present disclosure are fast-acting. However, the present methods require a certain minimum contact time between the composition and the surface or product requiring treatment for sufficient antimicrobial efficacy to occur. Contact time can vary depending on the concentration of the use composition, the method of application of the use composition, the temperature of the use composition, the pH of the use composition, the amount of surface or product being treated, the amount of soil or substrate on / in the surface or product being treated, etc. Contact or exposure time can be about 15 seconds, at least about 15 seconds, about 30 seconds, or greater than 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the exposure time is about 1-5 minutes. In other embodiments, the exposure time is from several minutes to several hours. In other embodiments, the exposure time is from several hours to several days. Contact time will further vary based on the use concentration of the actives in the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0175] All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0176] Embodiment The present disclosure is further defined by the following numbered paragraphs:

[0177] 1. A solid composition comprising: an alkaline source comprising a reagent comprising an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal carbonate, and / or an organic molecule having at least one hydroxyl group or an alkylene carbonate; a first surfactant comprising a first reverse EO / PO block copolymer at about 10-40% EO; and a second surfactant comprising at least one of a second reverse EO / PO block copolymer at about 40-50% EO, an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, a capped block copolymer, and an alkylpyrrolidone, wherein the composition is solid.

[0178] 2. The composition of paragraph 1, wherein the first reverse EO / PO block copolymer is about 20% EO.

[0179] 3. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1-2, wherein the second reverse EO / PO block copolymer is about 40% EO.

[0180] 4. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the first surfactant constitutes from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition, and the second surfactant constitutes from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.

[0181] 5. The second surfactant has the structure: R1-O-(CH2CH2O) n -R2, where R1 is a straight or branched chain (C 10 ~C 18 5. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, wherein R is an alkyl group, R is a C1-C4 group, and n is an integer ranging from 1 to 100, or preferably, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate is a butyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate.

[0182] 6. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the second surfactant is a C8 or C10 alkylpyrrolidone.

[0183] 7. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, further comprising a chelating agent.

[0184] 8. The composition of paragraph 7, wherein the chelating agent is MGDA.

[0185] 9. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, further comprising a hydrotrope.

[0186] 10. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the second surfactant comprises an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate and an alkylpyrrolidone.

[0187] 11. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1-10, wherein the composition has a total alkalinity of about 20-47%, about 25-40%, as measured by the percentage of Na2O in the composition.

[0188] 12. A method of use, comprising: forming a use solution of the solid composition of any one of paragraphs 1-11; contacting the use solution with an item or surface requiring defoaming or foam suppression, and cleaning, rinsing, sanitizing, and / or disinfecting; and cleaning, rinsing, sanitizing, and / or disinfecting the item or surface.

[0189] 13. The method of paragraph 12, wherein the use solution is from about 100 ppm to about 5,000 ppm, or from about 500 ppm to about 2,000 ppm, of a solid composition.

[0190] 14. The method of any one of paragraphs 12-13, wherein the use solution is applied to a warewashing machine, optionally wherein the use solution contacts the ware products therein at a temperature range of about 120-180°F, and / or wherein the composition is effective in removing proteinaceous soils and reducing suds volume.

[0191] 15. An antifoaming and suds suppressing surfactant composition comprising a reverse EO / PO block copolymer of about 10-40% EO and at least one of an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate and / or an alkylpyrrolidone, said composition providing antifoaming and suds suppressing properties suitable for rinse additives, bottle washing, and pulp processing, said composition being liquid or solid.

[0192] 16. An alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate having the structure: R1-O-(CH2CH2O) n -R2, where R1 is a straight or branched chain (C 10 ~C 1817. The composition of paragraph 16, wherein R is an alkyl group, R is C1 to C4, and n is an integer ranging from 1 to 100, or preferably, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate is a butyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate.

[0193] 17. The composition of any one of paragraphs 15-16, wherein the alkylpyrrolidone is a C8 or C10 alkylpyrrolidone.

[0194] 18. The composition of any one of paragraphs 15-17, wherein (i) the reverse EO / PO block copolymer having 10-40% EO constitutes from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the composition, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate constitutes from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the composition, and / or the alkylpyrrolidone constitutes from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the composition, or (ii) the reverse EO / PO block copolymer having 10-40% EO constitutes from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate constitutes from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition, and / or the alkylpyrrolidone constitutes from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.

[0195] 19. The composition of any one of paragraphs 15 to 18, wherein the composition is a liquid rinse aid or a liquid bottle wash suds suppressor additive, or wherein the composition is a solid rinse aid or a solid bottle wash suds suppressor additive.

[0196] 20. The composition of any one of paragraphs 15-19, further comprising a hydrotrope, a viscosity modifier, a solvent, a water carrier, and / or derivatives or combinations thereof.

[0197] 21. A method of use, comprising forming a use solution of the antifoaming and foam suppressing surfactant composition of any one of paragraphs 15 to 20 and contacting it with an item or surface requiring cleaning or rinsing, wherein the liquid system is maintained free of bubbles to avoid cavitation during pumping or circulation.

[0198] 22. The method of paragraph 21, wherein the use solution is from about 50 ppm to about 5,000 ppm, from about 100 ppm to about 2,000 ppm, or from about 100 ppm to about 1,000 ppm of surfactant.

[0199] 23. The method of any one of paragraphs 21-22, wherein the use solution is applied in a bottle wash cycle.

[0200] 24. The method of any one of paragraphs 21-22, wherein the use solution is applied during the rinse cycle of a warewashing machine.

[0201] 25. The method of any one of paragraphs 21-22, wherein the use solution is applied in a pulp processing application. [Example]

[0202] Embodiments of the present disclosure are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. It should be understood that these examples, while illustrating certain embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these examples, those skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of the present disclosure and can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure to adapt them to various uses and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0203] The following ingredients are utilized in the examples:

[0204] Triton DF-12, C8-10 (PO)2(EO)11-benzyl commercially available from Dow Chemicals.

[0205] Dehypon LT-104L, a commercially available fatty alcohol C12-18 10 mole EO n-butyl cap from BASF.

[0206] Dehypon LT 054, a 5EO, n-butyl-capped alcohol commercially available from BASF.

[0207] Dehypon LS 104L, lauryl fatty alcohol ethoxybutyl ether DRM commercially available from BASF.

[0208] Genapol BE2810, a fatty alcohol C12-18 10 mole EO n-butyl cap commercially available from Dow Chemical.

[0209] Genapol BE2410, lauryl fatty alcohol ethoxybutyl ether DRM commercially available from Dow Chemical.

[0210] Genapol EP2454, a low-foaming nonionic alkoxylated alcohol commercially available from Dow Chemical.

[0211] Pluronic 25R2, a commercially available reverse block copolymer from BASF, 20% EO.

[0212] Tetronic 90R4, ethylenediaminetetrakis(ethoxylate-block-propoxylate) tetrol commercially available from BASF.

[0213] Pluronic N3, a commercially available reverse block copolymer from BASF, a 1:1 blend of 20% and 40% EO.

[0214] Novel 1012GB-21, an alcohol long chain ethoxylate sheeting agent commercially available from Sasol.

[0215] LD 097, polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene reverse block copolymer, 39% EO.

[0216] Plurafac LF-221, a compact alcohol EO / PO association breaker commercially available from BASF.

[0217] Plurafac LF-500, a compact alcohol EO / PO association breaker commercially available from BASF.

[0218] Nalco DVS3C008 - Phosphinic Acid, Sodium Salt Water Conditioner.

[0219] Acusol 448, an acrylic acid dispersant copolymer commercially available from Dow Chemical.

[0220] Phosphinosuccinic acid oligomer (PSO) commercially available from Ecolab.

[0221] Surfadone L100, a C8 alkylpyrrolidone commercially available from Ashland.

[0222] Surfadone LP-100, N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone commercially available from Ashland.

[0223] Surfadone L300, a C12 alkylpyrrolidone commercially available from Ashland.

[0224] Cola Trope, sodium salt of nonanoic acid commercially available from Celanese.

[0225] Miranol C2M-SF (39%), commercially available cocoamidodiproponate. Disodium cocoamphodipropionate, 38%, contains methanol.

[0226] Makon 17R2, a reverse EO / PO block copolymer from Stepan.

[0227] Makon 17R4, a reverse EO / PO block copolymer from Stepan.

[0228] Makon L61, Stepan's EO / PO block copolymer.

[0229] Makon L101, Stepan's EO / PO block copolymer.

[0230] Makon NF-5, Stepan's EO / PO C8-10 linear alcohol.

[0231] Makon NF-12, Stepan's EO / PO C10-12 linear alcohol.

[0232] Makon 4, Stepan's nonylphenol ethoxylate.

[0233] Makon 6, Stepan's nonylphenol ethoxylate.

[0234] Empicol IDS X50-23, a concentrated blend of nonionic surfactants and soaps from Innospec.

[0235] Tegopren 5852, a low-foaming wetting agent from Evonik.

[0236] CLR64140, scale-up solid batch composition.

[0237] EXP000929 (Batch XC9B1410), a water conditioning polymer (85% acrylic acid, 10% maleic acid, 5% ATBS) manufactured by Ecolab.

[0238] A commercial control detergent using a reverse EO / PO block copolymer with approximately 30% EO and over 60% active caustic.

[0239] Commercially available sodium hydroxide containing caustic beads, water, linear alkyl sulfonate (LAS), sodium aluminate, sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS), glycerol carbonate, sodium carbonate, caustic beads, crude glycerin, hexylene glycol, CADA, urea, and sodium carbonate (ash).

[0240] Example 1 Surfactant combinations including Dehypon LT-104L ("LT-104"), Pluronic 25R2 ("25R2"), and Pluronic N3 ("N3") were combined with various amounts of NaOH in aqueous solutions #1-#6 shown in Table 3 and #1-#7 shown in Table 4. The cloud points of these solutions were then measured, as shown in Tables 3 and 4. [Table 7] [Table 8]

[0241] These results show the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH, i.e., caustic) on the surfactants evaluated. For example, as shown in the solutions in Table 3, LT-104 has the lowest cloud point of 70°F when NaOH is 2% by weight, and then when the amount of NaOH is reduced to 0.5% by weight, the cloud point rises to 81°F. Similar results are shown for 25R2 and N3. Table 4 shows that a similar effect is seen even when multiple surfactants are used, as shown by solutions #5 through #7.

[0242] Example 2 Further illustrating the cloud point results of Example 1, a graduated cylinder foam test was performed (QATM 66) on solutions containing 300 ppm of an antifoam agent such as Dehypon LT 104, Pluronic 25R2, or a 50:50 mixture, 300 ppm of a foaming agent (LAS), and various amounts of NaOH (0% active, 0.5% active, and 2% active). Table 5 and Figure 1 show the foam height (in mL) at 80°C. [Table 9] Table 5

[0243] Table 6 and Figure 2 show the foam height at 60°C. [Table 10]

[0244] Figures 1-2 and Tables 5-6 show that the amount of NaOH affects the foam height of surfactant solutions at both 80° C. (Figure 1) and 60° C. (Figure 2). This is a useful screening result that surfactant combinations can be selected for use in defoaming applications that are not limited to machine ware cleaning.

[0245] Example 3 For rinse aid applications, a Glewwe Foam Test was performed on the surfactant packages described in Table 7 comparing the commercial control formulation with packages A and B. The results in Tables 8 and 9 show that the combination of surfactant packages A and B with LT-104 demonstrates superior performance compared to the commercial control. These tables demonstrate that the combination of Pluronic 25R2 and Dehypon LT-104, along with other surfactants, is an excellent rinse aid for defoaming. [Table 11]

[0246] Glewwe antifoam evaluations were conducted in a Glewwe foaming machine using 20 g of milk powder, 3 L of soft water, and 50 ppm of active material. The Glewwe foaming machine was set at various temperatures (°F) for 5 minutes at 6 PSI. The machine was then stopped and the foam measured for 1 minute. The foam level was read after 1 minute of agitation and again after 5 minutes of agitation. A stable foam remains for several minutes after agitation is stopped. A partially stable foam breaks slowly over a few minutes. An unstable foam breaks rapidly in less than 15 seconds. The best results are an unstable foam (i.e., antifoam) to no foam (foam suppression).

[0247] Table 8 shows the Glewwe foam tests performed on the surfactant packages of Table 7. [Table 12]

[0248] Table 9 shows the Glewwe foam tests performed on the surfactants tested, LT-104, N3, and 25R2, alone and in combination with the surfactant package of Table 7. [Table 13]

[0249] These results show that the surfactant and surfactant package combinations tested showed little or no residual foam after 1 minute.

[0250] Example 4 Additional surfactants were tested in solution as described in Tables 10-17. [Table 14] [Table 15] [Table 16] [Table 17] [Table 18] [Table 19] [Table 20] [Table 21]

[0251] 1000 ppm of each detergent solution in Tables 10 to 17 and 2000 ppm of food stains were mixed in 5 gpg of water for 160 minutes. o The results of a 10-cycle automatic dishwashing run on both glassware and plasticware using F are shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the results of a 10-cycle automatic dishwashing run on both glassware and plasticware using F. o

[0043] Figure 1 shows the results of a 10-cycle automatic dishwashing run on ceramic tile using 1000 ppm of each of the detergent solutions in Tables 10-17 in F and 2000 ppm of food soil. These results show improved protein removal for Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula 5, Formula 6, and Formula 7 relative to Formula 1 (control), as evidenced by the level of blue color.

[0252] Additionally, the sumps and foaming from 10 cycles of automatic dishwashing in Figures 3 and 4 for the detergent solutions in Tables 10-17 show that there were no issues with foaming in the sump after 10 cycles. Furthermore, for Formula 6, no foam was observed on the sump walls after draining.

[0253] The reflectance readings for the detergent solutions in Tables 10-17 and Figure 4 are based on the average difference between the two test ceramic tiles and the two unsoiled white tiles and are shown below in Table 18. The readings are based on the average difference between the time (from the date of staining) and the time (from the date of staining) * The cleaning efficacy (b * This indicates the level of blueness (the lower the better). [Table 22]

[0254] Visual inspection of freshly washed protein-coated ceramic plates indicates that the preferred surfactant combination is 1% Pluronic 25R2 for antifoaming and 2.5% wetting surfactant selected from Genapol BE-2410, Genapol BE-2810, SURFONIC LD-097, and Tetronic 90R4.

[0255] Example 5 Additional formulations were tested with higher amounts of caustic, as listed in Tables 19-21. [Table 23] [Table 24] [Table 25] [Table 26]

[0256] Results of 10 cycles of utensil washing tests using 1000 ppm of each of the detergent solutions (Formulas 14 and 15) from Tables 19-20, 2000 ppm of food soil, and 5-grain water are shown in Table 22. The detergent solutions were compared to a commercial control solution. Ceramic tiles were coated with a mixture of milk and chicken soup and heated for 8 minutes between cycles. Blueness was measured with a Mach5 color scanner. A more negative number indicates more blue color and therefore less soil removal. The detergent solutions from Formulas 14 and 16 were repeated using the same process with 1000 ppm detergent, except that the heating time between each cycle was 4 minutes, and the results are shown in Tables 23-24. [Table 27] [Table 28]

[0257] As shown in Tables 23-24, Formula 14 was able to match or improve on the protein removal of the commercial control and Formula 16, which is significant because the SPS-1 solution used a dry neutralized polymer, allowing room for enhancement with the MGDA chelator, significantly increasing the amount of protein removal.

[0258] The results of a 10-cycle ware wash test with 600 ppm Formula 14 and commercial control detergent solutions, 2000 ppm food soil, and 5 grain water are shown in Table 25. Ceramic tiles were coated with a milk and chicken soup mixture and heated for 8 minutes between cycles. As shown in Table 25, the commercial control outperformed the Formula 14 formulation when used at a lower concentration. [Table 29]

[0259] Figure 5 shows the results of a 50-cycle ware wash test with 1000 ppm detergent and 4000 ppm food soil to determine redeposition on coated ceramic tile and glass. As shown, formula 14 reduces the amount of redeposition on tile and glassware compared to the commercial control.

[0260] Figure 6A shows the results of a 1000 cycle ware wash test with 1000 ppm Formula 14 detergent and 17 grain water to evaluate scaling. Figure 6B shows the results of a 1000 cycle ware wash test with 1000 ppm Formula 16 detergent. The results for both Formula 14 and Formula 16 detergent solutions show comparable or improved performance in scaling compared to the commercial control.

[0261] Example 6 When Surfadone L-100 or Genapol BE-2410 were added as wetting surfactants, phase separation could be observed in the cast solid as a thinner, softer layer formed on top of a harder solid. To address this, Cola Trope (sodium isononanoate) was added as a dispersant and detergent solutions as described in Table 26 were tested for performance against a commercial control. [Table 30]

[0262] Less phase separation was observed in castings of Formula 17. Table 27 shows the results of 10 cycles comparing Formula 17 to a commercial control, heating a coating of milk and chicken soup on ceramic tile for 4 minutes with 1000 ppm detergent, 2000 ppm food soil, and 5 grain water. [Table 31]

[0263] As can be seen from Table 27, the added ColaTrope reduced the amount of phase separation and outperformed the commercial control in terms of protein removal performance. However, the results are still not as good as SURFONIC LD-097. Thus, in the 10-cycle test, SURFONIC LD-097 significantly outperformed Genapol BE-2410 and Surfadone L-100, likely due to its superior self-dispersibility.

[0264] Example 7 The droplet size wetting / spreading of the tested surfactants was measured on a protein-coated ceramic surface at 70°C. Droplets of capped block copolymer (listed above in the Materials List), Genapol BE2410, Triton DF 12, Surfadone LP 100, Surfadone LP 300, and Genapol BE2810 were placed on the protein-coated ceramic surface at 70°C. The surfactants were dyed red to visualize the spreading or increased area of ​​the droplet over a period of time. After approximately 3 seconds, or until the liquid stopped spreading (typically just a few seconds), images were taken to visually capture the spreading of the droplet. Droplets of Surfadone LP 100 and Surfadone LP 300 significantly increased in size and spread so that the dye was barely visible and widely dispersed on the ceramic tile when compared to the other tested surfactants. Genapol BE 2810 also showed an increase in droplet size, but not as much as the Surfadone surfactant.

[0265] The tested surfactants were stained and again placed on the protein-coated ceramic surface. Images of the deposited surfactant droplets were taken. The surfactants were then immersed in water at room temperature. While the surfactants were immersed in water, small oily droplets were observed rising from the Genapol BE2410 and LD 097 spots. After rinsing, another image was taken and compared to the droplets before immersion. The Genapol BE2410 and LD 097 spots were whiter and had less, if any, dye remaining than the N3 and 25R2 spots, a clear indication of protein removal.

[0266] Figure 7 shows the corrected droplet size increase of the tested surfactants on a protein-coated ceramic surface over 3 seconds at 70°C. The data shows that Surfadone L-100 and Genapol BE 2410 wet better or increase their droplet size more quickly than SURFONIC LD-097.

[0267] Example 8 The cloud points of the tested surfactants were measured as shown in Table 28 below. Cloud point is an important consideration for the effectiveness of a surfactant at a particular use temperature. Above the cloud point, the surfactant tends to coalesce into large droplets and phase separate from the aqueous phase, reducing its ability to clean oil from the substrate. Most cloud points are reported in the literature as the 1% cloud point. However, the cloud point of a surfactant varies as a function of concentration, increasing as the concentration decreases from 1%. Also, as the concentration decreases, turbidity decreases, making cloud point measurement difficult. For the tested surfactants, use concentrations in the 20-30 ppm range made it difficult to accurately measure cloud point measurements. [Table 32]

[0268] Example 9 The dispersibility / solubility of surfactants in use solutions as affected by alkaline mixtures was investigated. Physical observations of the use solutions containing the tested surfactants were performed and literature cloud points were supplemented. Use solutions were prepared according to Tables 29 and 30 below. [Table 33] [Table 34]

[0269] The solution was observed after the solids were dissolved and the solution was thoroughly mixed by stirring, and 2 minutes after stirring was stopped. The observed solution was maintained at 70°C. The key observation was whether the solution maintained a uniform cloudiness, oil on top of the solution, or a clear separation from the solution.

[0270] The formulations in Table 29 containing either SURFONIC LD-097, Genapol BE2410, or Surfadone L-100 were added at 1000 ppm to water at 70°C and stirred. After stirring for 5 minutes, the solutions were allowed to settle and observed for any separation of the surfactants. To observe separation, the solutions were removed from the heat, allowed to settle, and observed for any separation that occurred. A fourth test was conducted using the Surfadone L-100 formulation but with 25 ppm of Cola Trope (sodium isononanoate) added to the solution. Four different tests were conducted using different surfactants: SURFONIC LD-097, Genapol BE2410, Surfadone L-100, and Surfadone L-100 with Cola Trope.

[0271] Test 1, using SURFONIC LD-097 as the surfactant, showed minimal separation. No bubbles rose to the surface, indicating that the surfactant remained uniformly dispersed within the solution. Test 2, using Genapol BE2410 as the surfactant, showed small droplets forming at the top of the solution, indicating that the surfactant had separated and floated to the surface. Test 3, using only Surfadone L-100 as the surfactant, showed similar results to Test 2, except that more bubbles appeared at the top of the solution. This suggests that significant separation of the surfactant had occurred. Finally, Test 4, using Surfadone L-100 and Cola Trope, showed minimal separation. Almost no bubbles rose to the surface, and small bubbles could be seen uniformly dispersed throughout the solution. This suggests that the hydrotrope better maintained the surfactant in solution. However, the fact that droplets were visible indicates that further improvements to the hydrotrope could be made. This explains why a formulation containing Surfadone L-100 and Cola Trope may not perform as well as a formulation containing SURFONIC LD-097 fully dispersed in the use solution.

[0272] These results indicate that Surfadone L-100 and Genapol BE-2410 are better at wetting on protein-coated ceramic plates, as described in Example 7 above. The high alkalinity of the use solutions of these formulations causes them to "salt out," or prevent them from dissolving or dispersing in the use solution, and therefore does not effectively reach the soiled substrate. On the other hand, LDO97 is adequately dispersed / dissolved in the use solution, even at such high alkalinity, and effectively reaches and removes the soiled substrate. Test 4 above also suggests that a low-foaming hydrotrope, such as isononanoate, can be advantageously used to effectively disperse Surfadone L-100 and Genapol BE-2410 in the use solution.

[0273] Observations are similar for the formulations in Table 30, except that phase separation of Surfadone L-100 and Genapol BE-2410 in the use solutions is to a lesser extent due to the solid formulations having significantly lower alkalinity than those in Table 29. These observations correlate well with the 10-cycle cleaning performance data. Because the solid formulations in Table 30 have significantly lower alkalinity, there is less salting out of the surfactant. The sodium xylene sulfonate in these compositions also provides some hydrotropy. Under these conditions, Genapol BE-2410 and Genapol 2810 perform similarly to, or slightly better than, SURFONIC LD-097.

[0274] Example 10 Milk powder was evaluated by comparing its foam behavior alone and under different alkalinity and detergent conditions. The milk powder was 6700 ppm and combined with 1000 ppm detergent. The milk powder and milk powder / detergent solutions were evaluated at 140-146°F and 6 psi. The resulting foam was measured in inches of height at 30-second time increments, as shown in Table 31. An example capped block copolymer, Bn-Tetronic 90R4, was also evaluated under the same environment and is shown in bold in the table shown in Table 31. [Table 35-1] [Table 35-2] [Table 36]

[0275] As can be seen from the results of the evaluation, the milk powder protein rehydrates and maintains its native conformation, stabilizing the foam.At 1000 ppm, caustic detergent partially denatures the milk powder protein to a greater extent than ash, causing a lower and less stable foam.This can be understood from the perspective of ionic strength, because hydroxide anion has a higher activity coefficient than carbonate anion, and NaOH has a much lower molecular weight than sodium carbonate.Therefore, the data provided in this example confirms that, by weight, caustic alkali is a much stronger denaturant than ash.

[0276] The data further confirm that reverse block copolymers (with PO blocks at the terminal ends) are more effective than "normal" block copolymers (with EO blocks near the alkyl backbone) when it comes to defoaming free protein soils. The results of the evaluation indicate that the defoaming properties of a surfactant are determined by the balance of PO to EO, and that reverse block copolymers with 10-20% EO (and therefore 90-80% PO) are the most effective defoamers for protein soils. However, the results also indicate that the number of arms on the block copolymer does not appear to be a significant factor for free protein defoaming. For example, Pluronic 25R2 (a linear (two-arm) reverse block copolymer with 20% EO and 80% PO) is a significantly better free protein defoamer than Tetronic 90R4 (a four-arm reverse block copolymer with 40% EO and 60% PO).

[0277] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with its detailed description, it should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. Any references to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification are made by way of example only. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. All publications discussed and / or referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0278] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, whether presented in a particular form or in terms of means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or process for achieving a disclosed result, may be utilized, as appropriate, separately or in any combination of such features, to realize the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A solid composition comprising: an alkalinity source comprising an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal carbonate, and / or an organic molecule having at least one hydroxyl group, or a reagent comprising an alkylene carbonate; a first surfactant comprising a first reverse EO / PO block copolymer of about 10-40% EO; a second surfactant comprising at least one of a second reverse EO / PO block copolymer at about 40-50% EO, an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate, a capped block copolymer, and an alkyl pyrrolidone; The composition is a solid.

2. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first reverse EO / PO block copolymer is about 20% EO.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second reverse EO / PO block copolymer is about 40% EO.

4. the first surfactant comprises from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the composition; The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second surfactant comprises from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.

5. The second surfactant has the structure: R １ -O-(CH ２ CH ２ O) ｎ -R ２ and alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylates having the formula: １ is a straight chain or branched chain (C １０ ~C １８ ) alkyl group, and R ２ is C １ ~C ４ and n is an integer ranging from 1 to 100, or preferably said alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate is a butyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the alkylpyrrolidone in the second surfactant is a C8 or C10 alkylpyrrolidone.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a chelating agent.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a hydrotrope.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second surfactant comprises the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate and an alkyl pyrrolidone.

10. A method of use comprising: Producing a use solution of the solid composition of any one of claims 1 to 9; contacting the use solution with an item or surface requiring defoaming or foam suppression, cleaning, rinsing, sanitizing and / or disinfecting; and washing, rinsing, sanitizing, and / or disinfecting said article or surface.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the use solution is from about 100 ppm to about 5,000 ppm, or from about 500 ppm to about 2,000 ppm of the solid composition.

12. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the use solution is applied to a warewashing machine, optionally wherein the use solution contacts the ware products therein at a temperature range of about 120-180°F, and / or the composition is effective in removing proteinaceous soils and reducing suds volume.

13. 1. An antifoaming and foam suppressing surfactant composition comprising: a reverse EO / PO block copolymer of about 10-40% EO; at least one of an alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate and / or an alkyl pyrrolidone; The composition provides defoaming and foam suppression properties suitable for rinse additives, bottle washing, and pulp processing; The composition is a liquid or a solid.

14. the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate is Structure: R １ -O-(CH ２ CH ２ O) ｎ -R ２ wherein R １ is a straight chain or branched chain (C １０ ~C １８ ) alkyl group, and R ２ is C １ ~C ４ and n is an integer ranging from 1 to 100, or preferably, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate is a butyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate.

15. 15. The composition of claim 13 or 14, wherein the alkylpyrrolidone is a C8 or C10 alkylpyrrolidone.

16. 16. The composition of any one of claims 13-15, wherein (i) the reverse EO / PO block copolymer having 10-40% EO comprises from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the composition, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate comprises from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the composition, and / or the alkylpyrrolidone comprises from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of the composition, or (ii) the reverse EO / PO block copolymer having 10-40% EO comprises from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, the alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylate comprises from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition, and / or the alkylpyrrolidone comprises from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the composition.

17. 17. The composition of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the composition is a liquid rinse aid or a liquid bottle wash suds suppressor additive, or wherein the composition is a solid rinse aid or a solid bottle wash suds suppressor additive.

18. The composition of any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a hydrotrope, a viscosity modifier, a solvent, a water carrier, and / or derivatives or combinations thereof.

19. A method of use comprising: forming a use solution of the antifoaming and foam suppressing surfactant composition of any one of claims 13 to 18; contacting the cleaning agent with an item or surface requiring cleaning or rinsing; A method wherein the liquid system is kept bubble-free to avoid cavitation during pumping or circulation.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the use solution is about 50 ppm to about 5,000 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 2,000 ppm, or about 100 ppm to about 1,000 ppm surfactant.

21. 21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the use solution is applied in a bottle wash cycle.

22. 21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the use solution is applied during the rinse cycle of a warewashing machine.

23. 21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the use solution is applied in a pulp processing application.

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