Liquid disinfectant

Abstract

The invention relates generally to a novel liquid disinfectant composition, particularly useful in the industrial sector and especially in the agro-food industry. This liquid disinfectant composition is in concentrated or diluted form, differing in that it comprises: - fatty acids of 8 to 12 carbon atoms or mixtures of such acids, - glycolic acid, optionally in mixtures with acetic acid, and - a pH-adjusting acid system, the type and amount of which are chosen so that the composition, in diluted form, has a pH lower than 2, - etoxylated fatty alcohols of the formula R-(OC2H4)n-OH where R represents a straight or branched alkyl group of 6 to 12 carbon atoms and n represents an integer from 4 to 8, or mixtures of etoxylated fatty alcohols; - a copolymer of the formula: [Chemical formula].1] where x represents an integer from 2 to 15, y represents an integer from 15 to 35 and z represents an integer from 2 to 15; or mixtures of such copolymers, - one or more surfactants, - and water.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Liquid disinfectant composition and its use. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a new liquid disinfectant composition, particularly useful in the industrial field, in particular in the field of the agri-food industry, as well as in the field of catering and collective kitchens, hygiene in livestock farming and general public disinfectant products. It relates in particular to a composition which has good physical stability, in concentrated form, and offers high disinfectant efficacy in diluted form in water. The invention finds particular application, in clean conditions (disinfectant) or in dirty conditions (detergent-disinfectant), for the disinfection of open surfaces, disinfection in washing tunnels and automatic systems, and disinfection by circulation, in particular in so-called cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems. Prior art

[0002] The main disinfectants currently used in the industrial sector generally have advantages but also disadvantages (see table below) so that manufacturers are constantly looking for new disinfectant compositions capable of meeting increasingly numerous requirements which are difficult to satisfy simultaneously.

[0003] In this context, the present invention aims to solve the technical problem of providing a new liquid acid disinfectant composition simultaneously having: - reduced environmental impact through the use of active substances of natural origin and free from nitrogen and phosphorus - high microbiological efficacy (bactericidal and yeasticidal activity) - high stability, in the concentrated state, under storage conditions (from 0 to 30°C) and in particular when cold (temperature below 5°C) - low toxicity and which is: - very low corrosiveness and compatible with materials found in the food sector - easy rinsing - can be used both for open surface application, particularly using a foam gun, without the disadvantages of foam formation, and for application in a circuit or washing tunnel requiring foam control - capable of being manufactured on an industrial scale, in concentrated form, at a relatively low cost.

[0004] To achieve the development of a disinfectant composition with a reduced environmental impact, the inventors turned towards the use of active substances based on organic acids of natural origin, and more particularly a combination of at least one aliphatic fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, in particular octanoic acid, and glycolic acid.

[0005] These relatively short-chain organic acids have a satisfactory environmental profile and therefore offer an interesting alternative to disinfectant products known for their high environmental impact.

[0006] Thus, there is currently on the market a family of biocidal products, intended in particular for the disinfection of surfaces in contact with foodstuffs and animal feed, and marketed by the company SOPURA under the name "SOPURCLEAN" comprising a mixture of octanoic and decanoic acid, in association with various acids such as strong mineral acids (sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric), lactic acid, glycolic acid or citric acid.

[0007] The main difficulty in using relatively short-chain organic acids lies in formulating a composition that is stable in the concentrated state and allows for a composition that is easy to apply, after dilution, while preserving its disinfectant effectiveness. These acids have the property of being particularly hydrophobic, and it is extremely difficult to formulate them in the form of a concentrated product, particularly when this must contain (for cost reasons) a high quantity of water which can reach around 70% by mass.

[0008] It has been discovered, and this constitutes the basis of the present invention, that it was possible to solve the technical problem stated above and to achieve all of the desired properties by using precisely chosen components and in particular a specific solubilizing or hydrotropic system combining an ethoxylated fatty alcohol and a copolymer of polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol which will be defined below. Statement of the invention

[0009] A first subject of the invention relates to a liquid disinfectant composition, in concentrated form or in diluted form, characterized in that it comprises: - an aliphatic chain fatty acid having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms or a mixture of such acids, - glycolic acid, possibly mixed with acetic acid, and - a pH regulating acid system, the nature and quantity of which are chosen so that the composition, in its diluted form, has a pH of less than 2, - an ethoxylated fatty alcohol of formula R-(O-C2H4) n -0H in which R represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms and n represents an integer between 4 and 8, or a mixture of such ethoxylated fatty alcohols - a copolymer of formula: [Chem. 1] CH ¾ HOpH ' îH.Q^CH j .CHO^H jCHO H in which x represents an integer between 2 and 15, y represents an integer between 15 and 35, and z represents an integer between 2 and 15; or a mixture of such copolymers, - one or more surfactants, - water.

[0010] A second subject of the invention relates to the use of a composition as described above for the disinfection of open surfaces or for the disinfection of washing tunnels or circuits.

[0011] A third subject of the invention relates to a method for disinfecting open surfaces or for disinfecting a washing tunnel or circuit by applying a composition according to the invention. Detailed description

[0012] Definitions

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the following terms are understood to mean: - “bactericidal and yeasticidal efficacy under clean conditions”, the efficacy measured according to standards NF EN 1276, NF EN 1650, NF EN 13697; - “low toxicity”, a composition which does not meet the classification criteria provided for by Regulation (EC) No 1272 / 2008 as follows: Acute toxicity - Category 4 oral route (H302: Harmful if swallowed), Acute toxicity - Category 4 dermal route (H312: Harmful in contact with skin), Skin sensitization - Category IA (H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction), Acute toxicity-Category 4 inhalation (H332: Harmful if inhaled), Respiratory sensitization-Category 1 (H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled), Specific target organ toxicity (STOT)-single exposure category 3 (H335: May cause respiratory irritation), Dangerous for the aquatic environment - acute hazard - Category (H400: Very toxic to aquatic life), Hazardous to the aquatic environment - Chronic Hazard - Category 1 (H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects), Hazardous to the aquatic environment - Chronic Hazard - Category 2 (H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.); - “very low corrosive”, a composition which has a corrosion rate of less than 0.05 mm / year on aluminum or stainless steel type alloys. - “cold stability” means a composition that retains its physical state and intrinsic properties after storage for 18 weeks at a temperature <5°C. - “phosphorus-free”, a composition which preferably comprises less than 0.1% (m / m) of phosphorus (P), even more preferably, which does not comprise phosphorus. - “Nitrogen-free”, a composition which preferably comprises less than 0.15% (m / m) of Nitrogen (N), even more preferably, which does not comprise nitrogen. In the present description, the expression “between ... and ...” or “ranging from ... to ...” must be understood as including the limits

[0014] Active substances

[0015] According to the invention, organic acids of natural origin are used as disinfectant active substances and in particular a mixture comprising, and preferably consisting of: - on the one hand, an aliphatic chain fatty acid having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms or a mixture of such acids; and - on the other hand glycolic acid, possibly itself mixed with acetic acid.

[0016] An aliphatic chain fatty acid having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms is in particular a monocarboxylic acid with a straight or branched alkyl chain, preferably a straight chain, having 8 to 12 carbon atoms. Such an acid may be chosen from the group consisting of octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, preferably from octanoic acid and decanoic acid and will more preferably be octanoic acid (also called caprylic acid).

[0017] When the composition is in concentrated form, this fatty acid or the mixture of such acids may represent between 1 and 10% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 1 and 5%, more preferably between 2 and 5%. When said composition is in diluted form, the aliphatic chain fatty acid having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms or the mixture of such acids represents between 0.02 and 0.2% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.02% and 0.1%, more preferably between 0.04 and 0.1%.

[0018] Glycolic acid is preferably used alone, but it can also be used in a mixture with acetic acid in mass ratios ranging from 4:1 to 2:1. When the composition is in concentrated form, the glycolic acid, optionally mixed with acetic acid, represents between 0.5% and 20% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.5% and 15%, more preferably between 0.5% and 10%, and more preferably between 0.5% and 2%.

[0019] When said composition is in diluted form, the glycolic acid, optionally mixed with acetic acid, represents between 0.01% and 0.40% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.01% and 0.30%, more preferably between 0.01% and 0.20%, and more preferably between 0.01% and 0.04%.

[0020] The two components forming the active substances of the composition according to the invention can be used in various relative proportions. Advantageously, the mass ratio between the aliphatic chain fatty acid having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms or the mixture of such acids and glycolic acid, possibly mixed with acetic acid, is between 20 / 1 and 5 / 1, preferably between 15 / 1 and 5 / 1, preferably still between 10 / 1 and 5 / 1.

[0021] The pH regulating acid system

[0022] The active substances chosen within the framework of the invention exhibit optimal efficacy when the composition is in a diluted state, which depends on the pH and the pathogen to be eliminated. Therefore, these active substances must be associated within the composition according to the invention with a pH regulating acid system, the nature and quantity of which are chosen such that the composition, in its diluted form, has a pH lower than the pH value of optimal effectiveness, generally lower than 3.8, preferably lower than 2.0. This pH regulating acid system is advantageously chosen from the group consisting of methanesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid and their mixtures.

[0023] In order to further reduce the environmental impact of the composition according to the invention, this acid system advantageously consists of methane sulfonic acid. This acid, being free of nitrogen and phosphorus, has an excellent environmental profile and also has very good detergent and descaling properties.

[0024] Generally speaking: - when the composition is in concentrated form, the aforementioned pH regulating acid system represents between 5 and 50% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 5 and 35%, more preferably between 10 and 30%; and - when the composition is in diluted form, the aforementioned pH regulating acid system represents between 0.1 and 1.0% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.1% and 0.7%, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.6%.

[0025] In the case where the pH regulating acid system consists of methane sulfonic acid, it has been determined that this acid should preferably be used in an amount of between 5 and 30%, preferably between 7.5 and 20%, more preferably between 10 and 15%, more preferably between 10.5 and 12%, of active material within the composition in its concentrated form. Thus, it has been observed that for a content of this acid less than 5%, the composition did not guarantee optimal effectiveness of organic acids against pathogens, in its diluted form. To obtain optimal effectiveness of the organic acids used, particularly against yeasts, it is particularly necessary to guarantee a pH less than approximately 2.0 at dilution.

[0026] Solubilizing system

[0027] To solve the technical problems mentioned above and linked to the use of relatively short-chain organic acids which are particularly hydrophobic and consequently extremely difficult to formulate cold in the form of a concentrated product, the inventors have discovered and implemented an original solubilizing system comprising an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, or a mixture of such ethoxylated fatty alcohols and a PEG-PPG copolymer as defined above. Advantageously, this solubilizing system consists of at least 99% by weight, and preferably 100% by weight of an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, or a mixture of such ethoxylated fatty alcohols and a PEG-PPG copolymer as defined above.

[0028] The ethoxylated fatty alcohols that may be used in the context of the invention, alone or as a mixture, correspond to the formula R-(O-C2H4) n-0H in which R represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms and n represents an integer between 4 and 8.

[0029] Examples of such fatty alcohols include ethoxylated hexan-l-ol, ethoxylated octan-l-ol, and ethoxylated decanol-l-ol.

[0030] When the composition is in concentrated form, the ethoxylated alcohol or the mixture of ethoxylated alcohols represents between 1 and 30% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 1% and 20%, more preferably between 1 and 15% and more preferably between 4 and 8%. When said composition is in diluted form, the ethoxylated alcohol or the mixture of ethoxylated alcohols represents between 0.02 and 0.6% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.02% and 0.4%, more preferably between 0.02 and 0.3% and more preferably between 0.08 and 0.16%.

[0031] According to a currently preferred embodiment, as ethoxylated fatty alcohols, an ethoxylated hexan-1-ol will be used, preferably the compound having the CAS number: 31726-34-8, and having a chain length of 6 carbons, and an ethoxylation number equal to 5. Such a product is, for example, the product marketed under the name Lutensol CS 6250 ® by BASF, Rokanol H5 ® by the company PCC EXOL, Novel 6-6 ethoxylate by the company SASOL.

[0032] It has been observed that this molecule, which has good emulsifying and detergent properties, not only participates in the solubilization of the fatty acid but also ensures good cold stability of the composition, in the concentrated state.

[0033] The second component of the solubilizing system used according to the invention is a copolymer whose central part is composed of a polypropylene glycol (PPG) group surrounded by two polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups and corresponding to the formula: [Chem. 1] CH, wherein x represents an integer between 2 and 15, y represents an integer between 15 and 35, and z represents an integer between 2 and 15; or a mixture of such copolymers.

[0034] These copolymers (INCI name: Poly(ethylene glycol)-ô / oc / c-poly(propylene glycol)- block- poly(ethylene glycol)) are generally used for their anti-foaming properties.

[0035] Preferably, within the framework of the invention, copolymers will be chosen whose molar mass of the central poly(propylene glycol) block is between 870 and 2030, preferably between 1000 and 1800, more preferably between 1100 and 1750; and whose percentage of poly(ethylene glycol) in the molecule is between 10 and 40%.

[0036] Quite unexpectedly, it was discovered that these copolymers potentiate the solubilization properties exerted by ethoxylated fatty alcohols not only in compositions intended to be applied under conditions where foam must be controlled, but also in compositions intended to be applied under conditions requiring the formation of foams.

[0037] Generally speaking, these copolymers can be used in various proportions. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine, in each particular case, the concentrations (mass / mass) making it possible to obtain clear compositions that are stable upon dilution. Advantageously, when said composition is in concentrated form, the aforementioned copolymer or the mixture of copolymers represents between 2 and 40% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 2 and 30%, more preferably between 2 and 20% and more preferably between 3 and 8%. Advantageously, when said composition is in diluted form, the aforementioned copolymer or the mixture of copolymers represents between 0.04 and 0.8% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.04 and 0.6%, more preferably between 0.04 and 0.4% and more preferably between 0.06 and 0.16%.

[0038] Examples of preferred copolymers that may be mentioned include products marketed under the trade name, Pluronic PE 4300 ® , Pluronic PE 6100 ® , Pluronic PE 6200 ® , Pluronic PE 6400 ® by BASF, Genapol PF 10 ® , Genapol PF20 ® by Clariant, TB 6010 ® , TB 5031 ® by Ineos, Dowfax 63N10 ® by DOW, Rokamer 2000 ® by PCC Exol.

[0039] The two components forming the solubilization system of the composition according to the invention can be used in various relative proportions. Advantageously, the mass ratio between the ethoxylated alcohol or the mixture of ethoxylated alcohols and the aforementioned copolymer or the mixture of copolymers is between 5 / 1 and 1 / 5, preferably between 4 / 1 and 1 / 4, more preferably between 2 / 1 and 1 / 2.

[0040] Surfactant(s)

[0041] The choice of surfactants present in the compositions according to the invention varies, of course, depending on the intended application. Thus, in the case of use on open surfaces, it is necessary to formulate a product with foaming properties that allow the application of the product for this type of use. Similarly, in the case of use in a washing tunnel or circuit, it will be necessary to obtain foam control in order to obtain a low or non-foaming product.

[0042] In an original and advantageous manner, it has been shown that suitably chosen surfactant systems make it possible to formulate compositions intended for very different applications, while retaining all of the other constituents which have been described previously.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention intended for the disinfection of open surfaces requiring the formation of foam can advantageously comprise a mixture of surfactants consisting of: - a foaming non-ionic surfactant or a mixture of such surfactants and; - an anionic surfactant, preferably a carboxylic ether acid of formula: [Chem. 2] in which R represents an alkyl group having from 12 to 16 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer between 2 and 12, preferably between 8 and 10, more preferably 10; or a mixture of such surfactants.

[0044] Examples of preferred foaming nonionic surfactants that may be mentioned include cocamine oxide, such as in particular the products marketed under the names Oxydet DMCLD ® by Kao, Genaminox 12 R ® by Clariant, Euroxyde LO / A ®by EOC surfactant. As well as myristamine oxide as in particular the products marketed under the names, Kapanox MO ® by Stepan, Flavol AOM ® by Enaspol.

[0045] Generally speaking, this foaming non-ionic surfactant or this mixture of foaming surfactants may be used in varying proportions in the compositions according to the invention intended for the disinfection of open surfaces. Thus, when the composition is in concentrated form, this surfactant or mixture of surfactants represents between 1 and 20% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 1% and 15%, more preferably between 1 and 10% and more preferably between 1 and 5%; and when said composition is in diluted form, this surfactant or mixture of surfactants represents between 0.02 and 0.4% by mass mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.02% and 0.03%, more preferably between 0.02 and 0.2% and more preferably between 0.02% and 0.1%.

[0046] Excellent results have been obtained by using, as a foaming non-ionic surfactant, an alkyl amine oxide and more particularly dodecyldimethyl amine oxide (CAS number: 308062-28-4), advantageously in an amount of between 1 and 5% by mass of the mass of the composition in concentrated form. This molecule is particularly appreciated for its good biodegradability, its high foaming power and the formation of a stable foam, its detergent and wetting properties and its good compatibility with other surfactants.

[0047] Examples of preferred anionic surfactants that may be mentioned include alkyl ether carboxylic acid, such as laureth-11 carboxylic acid (CAS number 27306-90-7), in particular the products marketed under the names Akypo RLM100 ® by Kao, Empicol CBJ ® by Innospec. Other products include laureth-6 carboxylic acid (CAS number 27306-90-7), including products marketed under the names Akypo RLM 45 ® by Kao.

[0048] Generally speaking, the anionic surfactant or the mixture of anionic surfactants may be used in varying proportions in the compositions according to the invention intended for the disinfection of open surfaces. Thus, when the composition is in concentrated form, this surfactant or mixture of surfactants represents between 1 and 30% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 1% and 20%, more preferably between 1 and 10% and more preferably between 1 and 5%; and when said composition is in diluted form, this surfactant or mixture of surfactants represents between 0.02 and 0.6% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.02% and 0.4%, more preferably between 0.02 and 0.2% and more preferably between 0.02% and 0.1%.

[0049] Excellent results have been obtained by using, as anionic surfactant, a carboxylic ether acid and more particularly the compound known under the INCI name Laureth-11 Carboxylic acid (CAS number: 27306-90-7), having a chain length of 12 atoms and a degree of ethoxylation of 10, advantageously in an amount of between 1 and 5% by mass of the mass of the composition in concentrated form. This molecule is particularly interesting insofar as it has a excellent foaming property, with formation of dense and stable foam, good biodegradability and low aquatic toxicity value appreciable from an ecological point of view.

[0050] Generally speaking, in such a composition intended for the disinfection of open surfaces, the mass ratio between the foaming non-ionic surfactant or the mixture of such surfactants and the anionic surfactant is between 20 / 1 and 1 / 1, preferably between 15 / 1 and 1 / 1, preferably still between 10 / 1 and 1 / 1.

[0051] According to another particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention intended for the disinfection of a washing tunnel or circuit requiring foam control may advantageously comprise a low-foaming non-ionic surfactant or a mixture of such surfactants.

[0052] Examples of preferred low-foaming non-ionic surfactants include decyldimethylamine oxide (CAS number: 2605-79-0), such as in particular the products marketed under the names Tegotens DO ® by Evonik, Colalux C-10 ® by Colonial Chemicals, Barlox 10S® by Lonza. Other examples include octyldimethylamine oxide, such as Colalux C-8 ® by Colonial Chemicals, Genaminox OC ® by Clariant, Barlox 8S ® by Lonza.

[0053] Generally speaking, this low-foaming non-ionic surfactant or this mixture of such surfactants may be used in varying proportions in the compositions according to the invention intended for the disinfection of washing tunnels or circuits. Thus, when the composition is in concentrated form, this surfactant or mixture of surfactants represents between 1 and 20% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 1% and 15%, more preferably between 1 and 10% and more preferably between 1 and 5%; and when said composition is in diluted form, this surfactant or mixture of surfactants represents between 0.02 and 0.4% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.02% and 0.3%, more preferably between 0.02 and 0.2% and more preferably between 0.02 and 0.1%.

[0054] Excellent results have been obtained by using, as non-ionic surfactant, decyldimethylamine oxide (CAS number: 2605-79-0), advantageously in an amount of between 1 and 5% by mass of the mass of the composition in the form concentrated. The main property of this molecule is that it is low foaming, but it also has good stability in an acidic environment and good biodegradability.

[0055] The majority element from a quantitative point of view in the compositions according to the invention is of course water, even when these compositions are in concentrated form. For this water, we can use, for example, purified water such as distilled water, demineralized water, city water or even industrial water.

[0056] When the composition is in concentrated form, the water represents between 40 and 85% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 50% and 80%, more preferably between 60 and 80% and more preferably between 65 and 75%. When said composition is in diluted form, the water represents between 98.8% and 99.7% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 99.0% and 99.6%, more preferably between 99.2 and 99.6%.

[0057] Generally speaking, compositions in concentrated form will be used after dilution to the concentration (V / V) necessary to allow satisfactory application of the concentrated composition. Satisfactory application means the necessary dilution of the concentrated form, for which the desired microbiological efficacy is obtained for use on an open surface or closed circuit.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the invention comprise, in concentrated form: - a fatty acid chosen from octanoic acid, decanoic acid and their mixtures, preferably octanoic acid, in an amount of between 1 and 5%, preferably between 2 and 5% - glycolic acid, in an amount of between 0.5 and 10%, and preferably between 0.5% and 2%, and - methane sulfonic acid, in an amount chosen such that the composition, in its diluted form, has a pH of less than 3.8 and preferably less than 2.0; in particular in an amount of between 10 and 15%, preferably between 10.5 and 12% - an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, preferably an ethoxylated hexane-l-ol, in an amount of between 1 and 15% and preferably between 4 and 8% - a copolymer as defined above, in an amount of between 2 and 20% and preferably between 3 and 8% - one or more surfactants, in an amount of between 1 and 10% and preferably between 1 and 5% - water in an amount between 60 and 80% and preferably between 65 and 75%. These compositions may be diluted for their final uses, for example to 2%.

[0059] Process for preparing the compositions according to the invention

[0060] The compositions according to the invention which have just been described can be prepared by conventional methods, on an industrial scale, for preparing concentrated liquid disinfectant compositions, for example by mixing the different compounds until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

[0061] Advantageously, these compositions can be prepared in a mixing reactor by implementing the following steps: - introduction of water, pH regulating system and glycolic acid, possibly mixed with acetic acid; - mix with stirring until a homogeneous liquid is obtained; - addition of any surfactants; - mix with stirring for 5 to 20 minutes until a homogeneous liquid is obtained; - addition of the ethoxylated fatty alcohol and the aforementioned copolymer; - mix with stirring for 3 to 10 minutes until a homogeneous liquid is obtained; - addition of the aliphatic chain fatty acid; - mix while stirring for 3 to 10 minutes until a homogeneous liquid is obtained. EXAMPLES

[0062] Example 1: Example of composition according to the invention for a foaming application The following components, taken in the quantities mentioned, were mixed according to the protocol mentioned in accordance with the following table:

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] The concentrated product thus obtained has the following composition:

[0065] [Table 2]

[0066] Example 2: Example of composition according to the invention for a non-foaming application

[0067] Following the experimental protocol described in Example 1, the concentrated product having the composition mentioned in the table below was prepared.

[0068] [Table 3]

[0069] Examples 3 and 4: Other examples of composition according to the invention for a foaming application

[0070] [Table 4]

[0071] Examples 5 and 6: Other examples of composition according to the invention for a non-foaming application

[0072] [Table 5]

[0073] In their applications, these compositions will be used after dilution at concentrations between 0.5 and 3.0%, i.e. between 5 and 30 g / L for use on open surfaces or closed circuits. The degree of dilution will depend on the equipment used and the concentration (V / V) of active ingredients required to obtain a satisfactory result from a microbiological point of view.

[0074] Demonstration of the microbiological effectiveness of the compositions according to the invention.

[0075] The microbiological efficacy of the compositions according to the invention was demonstrated by following the experimental protocols defined according to the following standards: EN 1276: Chemical antiseptics and disinfectants - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of the bactericidal activity of chemical antiseptics and disinfectants used in the food industry, in industry, in domestic areas and in communities - Test method and requirements (phase 2, step 1). EN 1650: Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in the food industry, industry, domestic and institutional areas - Test method and requirements (phase 2, step 1) - Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in the food industry, industry, domestic and institutional areas EN 13697: Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative non-porous surface test for the evaluation of the bactericidal and / or fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in the food industry, industry, domestic and community areas - Test method without mechanical action and requirements (phase 2 / step 2).

[0076] The composition of Example 1 was thus evaluated and the following results were obtained:

[0077] [Table 6]

[0078] These results show that the composition of Example 1 has a bactericidal efficacy for a concentration of 0.5% (V / V) and a contact time of 15 minutes, at a temperature of 20°C, as well as a yeasticidal efficacy for a concentration of 2.0% (V / V) and a contact time of 15 minutes, at a temperature of 20°C.

[0079] Generally speaking, the compositions according to the invention have bactericidal and yeasticidal efficacy for a concentration greater than or equal to 2% (V / V).

[0080] Demonstration of the influence of pH on the effectiveness of the compositions according to the invention

[0081] In order to highlight the influence of pH on the effectiveness of the compositions according to the invention, different compositions were prepared by varying the concentration (m / m) as pH regulator in the concentrated composition.

[0082] The following compositions were tested:

[0083] [Table 7]

[0084] These compositions were diluted in demineralized water at 20°C. The pH of the diluted solution thus obtained was measured for different dilutions, expressed in quantity of dry matter of the composition concentrated in IL of diluted composition.

[0085] The results obtained are reported in the following tables:

[0086] [Table 8]

[0087] [Table 9]

[0088] [Table 10]

[0089] [Table 11]

[0090] [Table 12] The effectiveness of these compositions was determined by implementing the following test: Standard: EN 13697 Strains: Candida Albicans Contact time: 15 minutes Temperature: 20°C Cleanliness conditions: 0.3 g / L BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin)

[0091] The results obtained are reported in the following table, it being specified that a composition is considered effective when the observed reduction R is greater than 3.

[0092] [Table 13]

[0093] An improvement in effectiveness can be observed for compositions with a higher methanesulfonic acid content in the formulation. This increase in acidity content results in a lower pH value at the use dilution.

[0094] Carboxylic acids such as octanoic acid are acids in the sense of Bronsted. They react with water to give carboxylate ions and oxonium ions. The reaction leads extremely quickly to an equilibrium state. The position of this equilibrium is a function of the acidity constant K a of the acid-base couple which depends only on the nature of the couple and the temperature. More K a The higher the temperature, the greater the formation of oxonium ions.

[0095] The pKa of octanoic acid is 4.85 (25°C). The decrease in pH upon dilution allows octanoic acid to be found in its predominant acid form, which in the desired case increases its disinfectant properties. Thus, it has been shown that to obtain optimal effectiveness of the organic acids used, particularly against yeasts, it is particularly necessary to ensure a pH below 2.0 upon dilution.

[0096] Demonstration of the effect of copolymer in the solubilization of aliphatic chain fatty acid. The effect of different copolymers on the solubilization of octanoic acid and octanoic acid was evaluated. The following copolymers were thus evaluated.

[0097] [Table 14]

[0098] The results obtained are reported in the following tables.

[0099] [Table 15] PLURONIC PE 4300 COPOLYMER

[0100] [Table 16] COPOLYMER PE 6100

[0101] [Table 17] COPOLYMER PE 6200

[0102] [Table 18] COPOLYMER PE 6400

[0103] These results show the importance of the presence of the copolymer within the compositions according to the invention to ensure good solubilization of the fatty acid, in this case, octanoic acid. The copolymer potentiates the solubilization effect of the ethoxylated fatty alcohol. Similar results were obtained with decanoic acid, although in this case the amount of copolymer required to obtain good solubilization is higher. It is therefore possible to solubilize fatty acids of different chain lengths with different types of copolymers, chosen in particular from the PLURONIC range ®. A person skilled in the art will thus be able to easily determine the quantity and nature of the copolymer to be used depending on the nature of the fatty acid to be solubilized in the composition but also depending on the result sought according to the conditions of application of the invention.

[0104] Demonstration of the very low corrosiveness of the compositions according to the invention The disinfectant compositions can be more or less corrosive with respect to the substrates on which they are applied, and in particular those formed from stainless steel or aluminum alloys that are usually found in the food industry. This corrosion results in a uniform dissolution of the metal surface in contact with the applied composition. It is generally evaluated by measurements of mass losses or reduction in thickness of the metal on the surface of the substrate on which the composition is applied and is expressed by a corrosion rate (mg or g per unit of surface and time) or more often by a corrosion speed (reduction in thickness per unit of time: mm / year).

[0105] In the case of a loss of mass Am over a duration At, the corrosion rate V is expressed cor r by the relation: [Math. 1] Am Vcorr p. S. At Or : Vcorr: corrosion rate (cm / year) Am / At: mass loss per unit of time (g / year) p: density of the metal (g / cm 3 ) S: surface area of ​​the sample in contact with the liquid (cm 2 ).

[0106] The corrosivity of a composition is determined according to the following evaluation grid;

[0107] [Table 19]

[0108] The corrosiveness of the compositions according to the invention was thus evaluated under the following experimental conditions: Concentration (m / V): 3% (Dilution demineralized water) Contact time: 24 hours for Aluminum - 330 hours for 304 L stainless steel Temperature: Ambient (approximately 20°C) Solution volume: 500 mL Aluminum coupon reference: Supplier: Etalon - Ref: AE025100AA 304L stainless steel coupon reference: Supplier: Imotron - Ref: C01011450104100

[0109] The results obtained are reported in the following table:

[0110] [Table 20] These results show that the composition of Example 1 of the invention leads to very low corrosion of stainless steel alloys and aluminum alloys for a concentration (m / V) of 3%, higher than usual conditions of use.

Claims

Demands

1. A liquid disinfectant composition, in concentrated or diluted form, characterized in that it comprises: - an aliphatic fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms or a mixture of such acids, - glycolic acid, possibly mixed with acetic acid, and - a pH-regulating acid system, the nature and quantity of which are chosen such that the composition, in its dilute form, has a pH less than 3.8 and preferably less than 2.0, said pH-regulating acid system being chosen from the group consisting of methanesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfamic acid, sulfuric acid and mixtures thereof - an ethoxylated fatty alcohol with the formula R-(0-C2H4) n-OH in which R represents an alkyl group, linear or branched, having 6 to 12 carbon atoms and n represents an integer between 4 and 8, or a mixture of such ethoxylated fatty alcohols - a copolymer with the following formula: [Chem. 1] CH, HOICH^CH yCH j CHOyCK HO^H in which x represents an integer between 2 and 15, y represents an integer between 15 and 35, and z represents an integer between 2 and 15; or a mixture of such copolymers, - one or more surfactants, - water.

2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the aliphatic chain fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms or the mixture of such acids is selected from the group consisting of octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid and mixtures thereof, preferably octanoic acid, decanoic acid and mixtures thereof, preferably again octanoic acid.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pH regulating acid system consists of methanesulfonic acid.

4. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: - when said composition is in concentrated form, the aliphatic fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms or the mixture of such acids represents between 1 and 10% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 1 and 5%, and preferably between 2 and 5%; and - when said composition is in dilute form, the aliphatic chain fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms or the mixture of such acids represents between 0.02 and 0.2% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.02% and 0.1%, preferably again between 0.04% and 0.1%.

5. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: - when said composition is in concentrated form, glycolic acid, possibly mixed with acetic acid, represents between 0.5 and 20% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.5% and 15%, preferably again between 0.5% and 10%, and preferably again between 0.5% and 2%; and - when said composition is in dilute form, glycolic acid, possibly mixed with acetic acid, represents between 0.01 and 0.40% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.01% and 0.30%, preferably again between 0.01% and 0.20%, and preferably again between 0.01% and 0.04%.

6. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: - when said composition is in concentrated form, the ethoxylated alcohol or mixture of ethoxylated alcohols represents between 1 and 30% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 1% and 20%, preferably between 1% and 15%, and preferably between 4% and 8%; and - when the said composition is in diluted form, the ethoxylated alcohol or mixture of ethoxylated alcohols represents between 0.02 and 0.6% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.02% and 0.4%, preferably again between 0.02 and 0.3% and preferably again between 0.08 and 0.16%.

7. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: - when said composition is in concentrated form, the aforementioned copolymer or mixture of copolymers represents between 2 and 40% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 2 and 30%, preferably again between 2 and 20%, and preferably again between 3 and 8%; and - when said composition is in diluted form, the aforementioned copolymer or mixture of copolymers represents between 0.04 and 0.8% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.04 and 0.6%, preferably again between 0.04 and 0.4% and preferably again between 0.06 and 0.16%.

8. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: - when said composition is in concentrated form, the aforementioned pH-regulating acid system represents between 5 and 50% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 5 and 35%, and preferably again between 10 and 30%; and - when said composition is in dilute form, the aforementioned pH regulating acid system represents between 0.1 and 1.0% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 0.1% and 0.7%, preferably again between 0.2% and 0.6%.

9. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: - when said composition is in concentrated form, water represents between 40 and 85% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 50% and 80%, preferably between 60% and 80%, and preferably between 65% and 75%; and - when said composition is in diluted form, water represents between 98.8% and 99.7% by mass of the mass of the composition, preferably between 99.0% and 99.6%, preferably again between 99.2% and 99.6%.

10. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mass ratio between the aliphatic fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms or a mixture of such acids and the acid glycolic, possibly mixed with acetic acid, is between 20 / 1 and 5 / 1 preferably between 15 / 1 and 5 / 1, preferably still between 10 / 1 and 5 / 1.

11. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mass ratio between the ethoxylated alcohol or mixture of ethoxylated alcohols and the aforementioned copolymer or mixture of copolymers is between 5 / 1 and 1 / 5, preferably between 4 / 1 and 1 / 4, preferably again between 2 / 1 and 1 / 2.

12. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said mixture of surfactants consists of: - a non-ionic foaming surfactant, preferably dodecyldimethylamine oxide; and - of an anionic surfactant, preferably an ether carboxylic acid of formula: [Chem. 2] in which R represents an alkyl group having from 12 to 16 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer between 2.5 and 12, preferably between 8 and 10, preferably 10.

13. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said surfactant consists of: - a low-foaming non-ionic surfactant, preferably decyldimethylamine oxide.

14. Use of a composition according to claim 12, for the disinfection of open surfaces.

15. Use of a composition according to claim 13, for disinfection in a washing tunnel or circuit.