Cleaning compositions with high viscosity

Abstract

The present technology relates to cleaning compositions comprising a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C10 to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, and a pH in the range of from 5 to 9. The compositions show improved viscosity and suspension efficacy while maintaining their cleaning and disinfectant properties.

Description

CLEANING COMPOSITIONS WITH HIGH VISCOSITYFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and anionic polymers. The compositions are particularly useful as detergents for cleaning hard surfaces, dishwashing and fabric care.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Liquid cleaning compositions containing cationic surfactants are common in home care and industrial applications. Cationic surfactants provide disinfecting properties to cleaning compositions.

[0003] In some applications it is desirable that a liquid cleaner has an ideal viscosity. Viscosity allows for a controlled handling and dispensing of the product during use as compared to a thinner product. Viscosity also allows that the product can be applied to non-horizontal surfaces such as toilet bowls, bathtubs, shower stalls, etc., which makes it easier to use and improves its cleaning efficacy.

[0004] However, the thickening of cleaning compositions comprising cationic ingredients is a challenge in the detergent industry. Most rheology modifiers used for increasing viscosity are anionic and are not compatible with cationic ingredients. When cationic ingredients are added to a formulation containing an anionic thickening agent, such as polyacrylates, the cationic ingredient can form a complex or aggregate with the anionic agent. As a result, undesirable solid particles in the product can be formed and viscosity of the formulation is lost. Importantly, the cationic charge of cationic surfactant may be neutralized by the anionic thickener and its effectiveness as a disinfectant may be reduced [Pattananandecha, T.; et al. Pharmaceutical Incompatibility of Lubricating Gel Formulation Reduces Antibacterial Activity of Chlorhexidine Gluconate: In Vitro Study in Northern Thailand. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 12285],

[0005] Different cleaning compositions comprising cationic ingredients are disclosed in the art.

[0006] US2004 / 0052748 discloses a method of compatibilizing an anionic polymeric rheology modifier with cationic materials by complexing the cationic material with an anionic complexing agent containing a bulky molecule prior to combining the rheologymodifier with the complexed cationic material. However, forming a complex may reduce the activity of the cationic material.

[0007] LIS20010044395 discloses toilet bowl cleaners containing a nonionic surfactant, a disinfecting agent, a polymeric viscosity modifier (quaternary acrylic acid homopolymer) and water. The Brookfield viscosity at 25°C of the cleaner is low, from 150 to 400 cps.

[0008] EP0971997B1 teaches cleaning compositions for cleaning hard surfaces comprising non-ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and anionic polymers. The purpose of the combination is to form a three-component complex (cationic surfactant - nonionic surfactant - anionic polymer) which deposits the nonionic surfactant upon the soil and / or surface being cleaned.

[0009] US20160243016A1 discloses aqueous compositions for skin cleansing comprising a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and a thickener comprising an alkoxylated methyl glucose ether.

[0010] Despite the attempts in the art, there is still the need to provide cleaning compositions comprising cationic ingredients that show high cleaning efficacy and viscosity. The present invention sets out to meet some or all of the above-identified needs and to solve some or all of the above-identified problems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising cationic surfactants that shows improved viscosity and suspension efficacy while maintaining its cleaning and disinfectant properties. The composition according to the invention is easy to pour and dilute, and it is stable in time. The composition also shows suitable clarity and turbidity, being more appellant for customers.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning composition comprising: a) from about 0.01 to about 10 wt.% of a cationic surfactant; b) from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant; c) from about 0.05 to about 15 wt.% of an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and Cw to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid; and d) water;wherein all weight percentages are based on the weight of the total composition; and wherein the pH of the composition is in the range of from 5 to 9.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cationic surfactant a) and the anionic polymer c) do not form a complex.

[0014] In another aspect, the invention relates to a process for preparing a cleaning composition comprising the steps of: i) mixing a dispersion of an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid with a non-ionic surfactant; ii) optionally, adding an amphoteric surfactant; iii) adding a cationic surfactant; and iv) adjusting the pH of the composition to be in the range of from 5 to 9; wherein step i) is performed before step iii).

[0015] In particular, the dispersion of an anionic polymer can be a dispersion of the anionic polymer in water.

[0016] The process is useful for preparing a cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0017] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of cleaning a surface or an object comprising the step of applying a composition according to the first aspect onto the surface or the object.

[0018] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of treating a fabric comprising the step of applying a composition according to the first aspect onto the fabric.

[0019] Use of a cleaning composition according to the first aspect for cleaning a surface or an object is also contemplated herein.

[0020] The invention also relates to the use of a cleaning composition according to the first aspect for treating a fabric.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Various preferred features and embodiments will be described below by way of non-limiting illustration.

[0022] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0023] Except in the Examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description specifying amounts of materials, reaction conditions, molecular weights, number of carbon atoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word "about". The term “about” as used herein, e.g. when referring to a measurable value (such as an amount or weight of a particular component or temperature), refers to variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1 %, ±0.5%, or, particularly, ±0.1% of the specified amount. Except where otherwise indicated, all numerical quantities in the description specifying amounts or ratios of materials are on a weight basis.

[0024] As used herein, the term “comprising”, which is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps, is intended to encompass as alternative embodiments, the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” where “consisting of’ excludes any element or step not specified and “consisting essentially of” permits the inclusion of additional unrecited elements or steps that do not materially affect the essential or basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method under consideration.

[0025] While overlapping weight ranges for the various components and ingredients that can be contained in the disclosed compositions have been expressed for selected embodiments and aspects of the disclosed technology, the amount of each component in the disclosed compositions is selected from its disclosed range such that the sum of all components or ingredients in the composition will total 100 weight percent. The amounts employed will vary with the purpose and character of the desired product and can be readily determined by one skilled in the art.

[0026] The term "home care" as used herein includes, without being limited thereto, products employed in a domestic household for surface cleaning or maintaining sanitary conditions, such as in the kitchen and bathroom (e.g., hard surface cleaners, manual and automatic dish care, toilet bowl cleaners and disinfectants), and laundry products for fabric care and cleaning (e.g., detergents, fabric conditioners, pre-spotter stain removers), and the like.

[0027] The term “institutional and industrial care” (“I & I”) as used herein includes, without being limited thereto, products employed for surface cleaning or maintaining sanitary conditions in institutional and industrial environments, textile treatments (e.g., textile conditioners, carpet and upholstery cleaners), automobile care (e.g., hand and automatic car wash detergents, degreasers, tire shines, leather conditioners, liquid car polishes, plastic polishes and conditioners), paints and coatings, paint removers, carriers for active ingredients (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, antimicrobials, growth regulators), and the like.

[0028] The term “hard surface”, as used in the context of the present invention, refers to any surface in household or I & I environments including the window, kitchen, bathroom, toilet, furniture, or floor including windows, mirrors, sinks, basins, toilet bowls, baths / shower trays, wall tiles, floor tiles, cooker tops, oven interiors, cookware, washing machine drums, cooker hoods, extractor fans. These surfaces, for example, may be made of glass, glazed ceramics, metal, stone, plastics, lacquer, wood, or combination thereof.

[0029] The prefix "(meth)acryl" includes "acryl" as well as "methacryl". For example, the term "(meth)acrylic acid" includes both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

[0030] The present technology solves the problem of providing a cleaning composition comprising a cationic surfactant and having high viscosity while maintaining its cleaning efficacy. Anionic polymers, frequently used as thickeners in household applications, can normally not be used with cationic surfactants. Cationic surfactants are incompatible with anionic polymers. When cationic ingredients are combined with anionic polymers, a precipitate can be formed due to complex formation, turbidity is developed, viscosity is lost, and the cleaning and antimicrobial efficacy of the cationic surfactant is compromised. It has been surprisingly found that mixing a nonionic surfactant with an anionic polymer avoids the interaction of the anionic polymer with the cationic surfactant. Thus, the cationic surfactant does not form a complex and remains available in free form (i.e. active form), which maintains its cleaning and disinfecting properties. In addition, the use of an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid allows to obtain compositions with superior viscosity, good suspension properties (no precipitation), easy to pour and easy to dilute. If applied in concentrate format it will even give long vertical cling time making it useful forcleaning non-horizontal surfaces such as for example toilet bowls, bathtubs and shower stalls. Furthermore, the compositions remain stable in time. As used herein, the terms “stable” and “stability” mean that no precipitation is observed, and the cationic surfactant remains present, in particular in active form, for a period of at least one month at room temperature.Cationic surfactant - component a)

[0031] The cleaning composition of the present technology includes a cationic surfactant in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition. Particularly, the cationic surfactant can be in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, more particularly from about 1 to about 3 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0032] Cationic surfactants are typically quaternary ammonium compounds. Of particular interest in the context of the present technology are cationic surfactants with “disinfecting” properties. The term “disinfecting” as used herein refers to the ability to inactive or destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus and / or virus. Cationic surfactants with disinfecting properties are also referred as “disinfecting agents” or “disinfecting compounds”.

[0033] The cationic surfactants can be particularly selected from the group consisting of C8-Ci8 alkyl amines, Cs-Cis alkylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, Cs-Cis dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, C18-C16 alkyl, C8-C14 alkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, polyaminopropylbiguanidine, chlorohexidine and mixtures thereof.

[0034] Some non-limiting examples of commercially available cationic surfactants useful in the context of the present technology are quaternary compounds sold by Lonza under trademarks Bardac™ or Barquat®, by Stepan under the trademark Stepanquat® or by Loba Chemie as aqueous solution.

[0035] In particular, the cationic surfactant can be a Cs-Cis alkylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, e.g. benzalkonium chloride. Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, is a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides of various even-numbered alkyl chain lengths. BKC is typically represented by the following formula:where n can be 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 or 18.

[0036] BKC is typically commercialized as a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides with alkyl chain lengths of C8, C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18. In some embodiments, BKC comprises alkyl chain lengths selected from C8, C10, C12, C14, C16 and mixtures thereof. More particularly, the BKC can comprise alkyl chains of C12 and C14.Nonionic surfactant - component b)

[0037] It is essential that the composition of the present invention comprises a nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant is typically in an amount from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% based on the total weigh of the composition. Particularly, the nonionic surfactant can be in an amount of from about 1 to about 10 wt.%.

[0038] Suitable nonionic surfactants are commercially well known by the skilled person and can be broadly described as compounds produced by the condensation of alkylene oxide groups, which are hydrophilic in nature, with an organic hydrophobic compound which may be aliphatic or alkyl aromatic in nature.

[0039] The nonionic surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, ethylene-oxides of sorbate and mixtures thereof.

[0040] Examples of fatty alcohol ethoxylates include the condensation product of saturated or unsaturated fatty alcohols containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms with 3 to 30 moles of an alkylene oxide. The alkylene oxide can be selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and combinations thereof. The fatty alcohol ethoxylates can be represented by the formula:where R is a residue of a primary or secondary alcohol having an alkyl chain length of 12 to 15 carbon atoms, and n is from 3 to 18.

[0041] Non-limiting examples of fatty alcohol ethoxylates useful in the context of the present technology include materials commercially marketed under the Neodol™ and Dobanol™ trade name by Shell Chemical Company and Tomadol™ from Evonik Industries AG.

[0042] In particular, the alcohol ethoxylate can be derived from a fatty alcohol containing from 10 to 15 carbon atoms and contains from 5 to 10 alkoxy groups (e.g. ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and combinations thereof). More particularly, the alcohol ethoxylate can be a lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, preferably having 7 or 8 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0043] The alkylphenol ethoxylates are represented by the formula:wherein R1is a branched alkyl group containing 8 to 10 carbon atoms, and n is 3 to 17, or 5 to 13. In particular, the alkylphenol ethoxylate can be selected from a nonylphenol ethoxylate or an octylphenol ethoxylate. Suitable, non-limiting, alkylphenol ethoxylates are commercially available from the Dow Chemical Company under the Tergitol™ NP, Triton™ N-57 and Triton™ X-100 tradenames, from Stepan Company under the Makon™ tradename (product designations 4, 6 and 14) and from Unitop Chemical under Unitop™ tradename.

[0044] In one embodiment, the nonionic surfactant is an alkylphenol polyethanoxy ether. One example is Unitop-130 commercialized by Unitop Chemical.

[0045] The sorbitan ester surfactants in accordance with the present technology may include alkoxylated sorbitan esters in which sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g., monoesters, diester, triesters of C8-C22 alkyl or alkenyl fatty acids) have been modified with polyoxyethylene. These materials are typically prepared through the addition of ethylene oxide to a 1 ,4-sorbitan ester. Such materials are commercially available under the TWEEN™ tradename from Croda (e.g., TWEEN-20, or polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate). Other exemplary ethoxylated sorbitan esters are selected from, but notlimited to, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monoplamitate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate.

[0046] The ethylene-oxide of sorbate useful in the practice of the present technology are prepared by esterifying one or more of the hydroxyl groups of a sorbitan nucleus with a C8-C22 alkyl and / or alkenyl fatty acid. Representative surfactants include, but are not limited to, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan dialurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan dipalmitate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan dioleate, and the like. Sorbitan ester surfactants are, for example, commercially available under the Span™ tradename from Croda, including Span 20 (sorbitan monolaurate), Span 60 (Sorbitane monostearate), and Span 80 (sorbitan monooleate).

[0047] It is advantageous that the amount of nonionic surfactant in the composition is higher than the amount of cationic surfactant, i.e. the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to cationic surfactant is higher than 1 :1. Thus, in one embodiment the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to cationic surfactant is higher than 1 :1. More particularly, the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant to cationic surfactant can be from 1 :1 to 5:1 , even more particularly can be 1 :1 to 2:1.Anionic polymer - Component (c)

[0048] The composition of the present technology comprises an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C10 to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 15 wt.%, or from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, or from about 0.5 wt.% to about 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0049] The crosslinked copolymers claimed in the present disclosure are built up from (meth)acrylic acid and non-ethoxylated esters of (meth)acrylic acid with linear C10- C30 monoalcohols as monomers.

[0050] Non-limiting examples of C10 to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid include for example, decyl (meth)acrylate, isodecyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, myristyl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, behenyl (meth)acrylate and melissyl (meth)acrylate, and mixtures thereof.

[0051] In particular, the crosslinked copolymer can be based on acrylic acid and nonethoxylated esters of acrylic acid with linear C10-C30 monoalcohols as monomers.

[0052] The copolymer can be crosslinked with conventional crosslinking monomers. Non-limiting examples of crosslinking monomers include di(meth)acrylate compounds such as ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, triethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1 ,3-butylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1 ,6-butylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1 ,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1 ,9- nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, 2,2'-bis(4-(acryloxy-propyloxyphenyl)propane, and 2,2'- bis(4-(acryloxydiethoxy-phenyl)propane; tri(meth)acrylate compounds such as, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, trimethylolethane tri(meth)acrylate, and tetramethylolmethane tri(meth)acrylate; tetra(meth)acrylate compounds such as ditrimethylolpropane tetra(meth)acrylate, tetramethylolmethane tetra(meth)acrylate, and pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate; hexa(meth)acrylate compounds such as dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate; allyl compounds such as allyl (meth)acrylate, diallylphthalate, diallyl itaconate, diallyl fumarate, and diallyl maleate; polyallyl ethers of sucrose having from 2 to 8 allyl groups per molecule, polyallyl ethers of pentaerythritol such as pentaerythritol diallyl ether, pentaerythritol triallyl ether, and pentaerythritol tetraallyl ether, and combinations thereof; polyallyl ethers of trimethylolpropane such as trimethylolpropane diallyl ether, trimethylolpropane triallyl ether, and combinations thereof. Other suitable polyunsaturated compounds include divinyl glycol, divinyl benzene, and methylenebisacrylamide.

[0053] Typically, the amount of carboxylic group containing monomer present in the polymerizable monomer mixture can range from about 60 to about 99 wt.%, and the amount of C10-C30 alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid monomer can rage ranges from about 1 to about 40 wt.%, and the amount of crosslinking monomer can range from about 0.01 to about 5 wt.% based on the total weight of monomers in the polymerizable monomer mixture, with the proviso that the total amount does not exceed 100%.

[0054] The commercial product Carbopol™ SC-200 from Lubrizol Advanced Materials with the INCI designation Acrylates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylates Crosspolymer is a preferred crosslinked copolymer as contemplated herein.

[0055] Advantageously, the weight ratio of anionic polymer (c) and nonionic surfactant b) can be from 1 :1 to 1 :20, particularly from 1 :2 to 1 :10, more particularly from 1 :4 to 1 :8.

[0056] The weight ratio of anionic polymer (c) and nonionic surfactant b) can be from 1 :1 to 1 :20 and the weight ratio of nonionic surfactant b) to cationic surfactant a) can be from 1 :1 to 5: 1 .

[0057] The weight ratio of anionic polymernonionic surfactant:cationic surfactant can be 1 of anionic polymer, from 2 to 14 of nonionic surfactant, and from 1 to 8 of cationic surfactant (1 :2-14:1-8). Particularly, the weight ratio of anionic polymermonionic surfactant: cationic surfactant can be 1 of anionic polymer, from 4 to 8 of nonionic surfactant, and from 1 to 5 of cationic surfactant (1 :4-8: 1-5)Water Phase - Component (d)

[0058] The compositions of the present technology comprise water as a diluent to facilitate the dissolution of components used to formulate the composition. Typically deionized (D.l.) water is utilized for the diluent, although dilution water derived from natural, municipal, or commercial is also possible as long as any mineral ions that may be present in such water do not deleteriously affect the intended function of any of the components contained in the composition of the present technology.

[0059] A sufficient amount of water is added to bring the sum of the total component content to 100 weight percent (q.s. to 100%), based on the weight of the total composition. Particularly, the water component (d) present in the composition of the present technology can range from about 50 to about 90 wt.%, based on the weight of the total composition, more particularly from about 70 to about 90 wt.%.Other components

[0060] The composition of the present technology can comprise one or more optional benefit agents. By "benefit agent" is meant any compound, material or active ingredient that confers an aesthetic feature in a product in which it is contained to be more attractive for the consumer or provide a specific effect to the surface of a substrate to which it is delivered.

[0061] Exemplary benefit agents include, but are not limited to, fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, botanicals, antimicrobials, humectants, emollients, enzymes, odor controlagents, acidic and alkaline pH adjusting agents, preservatives, buffering agents, coloring agents, hydrotropes, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] If the compositions according to the present technology are used for manual dishwashing, the additives can be selected from the list above. However, the compositions according to the invention could be used in different applications (e.g., hard surface cleaners, laundry detergents, and automatic dish). In this regard, suitable additives may include other components like corrosion inhibitors, cationic polymers, antistatic agents, antioxidants, quaternary ammonium compounds, UV absorbers, anti-scale agents, natural oils, silicones, fluorescent whitening agents, photo-bleaches, fiber lubricants, reducing agents, enzymes, enzyme stabilizing agents, powder finishing agents, builders, bleaches, bleach catalysts, soil release agents, dye transfer inhibitors, colorants, rheology modifiers, soil repellents, water-resistance agents, suspending agents, structuring agents, sanitizers, solvents, fabric finishing agents, dye fixatives, fabric conditioning agents, deodorizers, and mixtures thereof.

[0063] The amount of benefit agent(s) employed in the composition can range from about 0 to about 10 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 7 wt.%, or from about 1 to 5 wt.%, or from about 1.5 to about 3 wt.%, based on the weight of the total composition. The skilled artisan in the home and I & I care formulation art can readily determine the amount of one or more benefit agent to use based on the intended application.

[0064] The compositions of the present technology may also optionally include builders and / or electrolytes. Whereas some amount of builders and / or electrolytes can be incorporated, it is preferred that the compositions of the present technology do not include high amounts of builders or electrolytes as they may reduce the viscosity built up by the anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and Cw to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid. Non-limiting examples of electrolytes those which are commonly used in detergents, e.g. zeolites (aluminosilicate), crystalline and amorphous silicates, carbonates, phosphorous containing compositions, borates, as well as organic based builders. Non-limiting example of electrolyte components include NaCI, KCI, MgCh, MgSC>4, Na2SC>4, sodium citrate, and mixtures thereof.

[0065] In some embodiments the cleaning composition of the present technology can have less than 1 wt.%, or less than 0.1 wt.% or less than 0.01 wt.% of builders and / orelectrolytes based on the total weight of the composition. More particularly, the cleaning composition can be free or substantially-free of builders and / or electrolytes.

[0066] In some embodiments, the composition of the present technology can have less than 1 wt.%, or less than 0.1 wt.% or less than 0.01 wt.% of chelation agents (chelators), which are commonly used to stabilize the softener compositions against the deleterious effects of metal ions. Non-limiting examples of chelating agents include amino carboxylates (e.g. ethylenediaminetetraacetates (EDTA)), ethylene diamine-N,N’- disuccinate, amino phosphonates, citric acid and salts thereof (e.g., sodium), and cyclodextrins. More particularly, the cleaning composition can be free or substantially-free of chelation agents.

[0067] It is preferred that the cleaning compositions of the present technology do not include high amounts of anionic surfactants as they can complex with the cationic surfactant and thus reduce the cleaning efficacy of the cleaning composition.

[0068] Therefore, in some embodiments the cleaning composition of the present technology can have less than 1 wt.% of anionic surfactant, or less than 0.1 wt.% of anionic surfactant or less than 0.01 wt.% of anionic surfactant based on the total weight of the composition. More particularly, the cleaning composition can be free or substantially-free of anionic surfactant.Amphoteric surfactants

[0069] The compositions of the present technology can further optionally include an amphoteric surfactant in combination with the primary nonionic surfactant. Advantageously, the amphoteric surfactant can boost the foaming properties of the composition.

[0070] Suitable amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl betaines, e.g., lauryl betaine; alkylamido betaines, e.g., cocam idopropyl betaine and cocohexadecyl dimethylbetaine; alkylamido sultaines, e.g., cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine; (mono- and di-) amphocarboxylates, e.g., sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium capryloamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, disodium lauroamphodiacetate, disodium caprylamphodiacetate, disodium capryloamphodiacetate, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, disodium lauroamphodipropionate, disodium caprylamphodipropionate, disodiumcapryloamphodipropionate, C8-C22 alkyl amine oxides, e.g., octyldimethylamine oxide, decyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldimethylamine oxide, iso-dodecyldimethyl amine oxide, myristyldimethylamine oxide, myristyl / cetyldimethylamine oxide, myristyldimethylamine oxide, cocodimethylamine oxide; and mixtures thereof.

[0071] In particular, the amphoteric surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of betaine-based surfactants, sultaine-based surfactants, amphocarboxylate- based surfactants, amine oxides and combinations thereof.

[0072] In particular, the amphoteric surfactant can be an amine oxide. One nonlimiting example is Chemoxide™ MO from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0073] The amount of optional amphoteric surfactant can range from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 3 wt.%, or from about 1 to about 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition.Cleaning compositions and applications

[0074] The pH of cleaning composition is in the range of from 5 to 9, particularly from 6 to 8, more particularly 7. The pH of the compositions of the present technology can be adjusted with any combination of acidic and / or basic pH adjusting agent known to the art. Acidic pH adjusting agents include organic acids and inorganic acids, for example, acetic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, beta- hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and natural fruit acids, or inorganic acids, for example, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, phosphoric acid, and combinations thereof. Basic pH adjusting agents include inorganic and organic bases. Examples of inorganic bases include but are not limited to the alkali metal hydroxides (especially sodium, potassium, and ammonium), and alkali metal salts of inorganic acids, such as sodium borate (borax), sodium phosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, and the like; and mixtures thereof. Examples of organic bases include but are not limited to triethanolamine (TEA), diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, aminomethyl propanol, dodecylamine, cocamine, oleamine, morpholine, triamylamine, triethylamine, tetrakis(hydroxypropyl)ethylenediamine, L-arginine, aminomethyl propanol, tromethamine (2-amino 2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol), and PEG-15 cocamine, and mixtures thereof.

[0075] Buffering agents can also be used in the compositions of the invention. Suitable buffering agents include, but are not limited to, alkali or alkali earth metal carbonates, phosphates, bicarbonates, citrates, borates, acetates, acid anhydrides, succinates, and the like, such as sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

[0076] One of the advantages of the composition of the present technology compared to the prior art is that its shows high viscosity while having suitable clarity and turbidity values. Therefore, in some embodiments the composition has a viscosity of at least 10,000 cps as measured by Brookfield viscosity at 20 rpm at 25 °C. In particular, the composition can have a viscosity of from 14,000 to 25,000 cps as measured Brookfield viscosity at 20 rpm at 25 °C.

[0077] The composition of the present technology can have a clarity of more than 20% of light transmittance. Light transmittance can be determined, for example, using a probe colorimeter such a light Brinkmann Probe Colorimeter (PC 950 Probe colorimeter).

[0078] The composition of the invention can have a turbidity of 200 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) or less, more particularly 160 NTU or less.

[0079] The composition of the invention can have a viscosity of from 14,000 to 25,000 cps as measured Brookfield viscosity at 20 rpm at 25 °C and a turbidity of 200 NTU or less.

[0080] The composition of the invention can have a viscosity of from 14,000 to 25,000 cps as measured Brookfield viscosity at 20 rpm at 25 °C and a turbidity of 200 NTU or less.

[0081] The composition of the invention can have a viscosity of from 14,000 to 25,000 cps as measured Brookfield viscosity at 20 rpm at 25 °C and a turbidity of 200 NTU or less, and a clarity of more than 20% light transmittance.

[0082] The cleaning compositions of the invention include any composition that is suited for cleaning any object, item, substrate and / or surface. Such compositions include but are not limited to, cleaning compositions in any form for use in hard surface cleaning compositions and formulations, such as for glass, wood, ceramic, metal, counter tops, floors and windows; carpet cleaners, oven cleaners; and dishwashing compositions, including hand or manual dishwash compositions (e.g., “hand” or “manual” dishwashingdetergents) and automatic dishwashing compositions (e.g., “automatic dishwashing detergents”); and in fabric care composition (e.g., laundry detergent boosters, detergent compositions, laundry additive cleaning compositions, and laundry pre-spotter cleaning compositions, etc.).

[0083] Therefore, the invention also provides a method of cleaning a surface or an object comprising the step of applying a composition according to the invention onto the surface or the object. In particular, the surface can be a hard surface.

[0084] In particular, the method can be a method of dishwashing.

[0085] The invention also provides a method of treating a fabric comprising the step of applying a composition according to the invention onto the fabric. In particular, the method can be a method for cleaning a fabric.

[0086] The foregoing methods typically include a further step of rinsing the surface, the object, or the fabric with water.

[0087] The skilled artisan in the home and I & I care art can readily determine the effective amount of cleaning composition to be used and the period of time necessary to allow the cleaning composition to be in contact with the surface, object or fabric.

[0088] The invention also provides for the use of a cleaning composition according to the invention for cleaning a surface, particularly a hard surface, or an object.

[0089] The invention also provides for the use of a cleaning composition according to invention for treating a fabric, particularly for cleaning a fabric.

[0090] The compositions of the present technology are typically prepared as aqueous liquid formulations and by combining all the ingredients in a suitable vessel or container. The order of mixing the ingredients is of particular relevance in order to avoid that a complex between the cationic surfactant and the anionic polymer is formed. Thus, the present technology also provides a process for preparing a composition as disclosed herein comprising the steps of: i) Mixing a dispersion of an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid in water with a nonionic surfactant; ii) optionally, adding an amphoteric surfactant; iii) adding a cationic surfactant;iv) adjusting the pH of the composition to be in the range of from 5 to 9; and wherein step i) is performed before step iii), i.e. the anionic polymer and the nonionic surfactant are mixed before adding the cationic surfactant.

[0091] Advantageously, it is not necessary to use elevated temperatures for proper mixing and room temperature is sufficient.

[0092] In particular, the dispersion of an anionic polymer is a dispersion of the anionic polymer in water.

[0093] The process can further comprise the step of v) adding fragrances and other benefit agents, which typically takes place after step iv).EXAMPLESAnalytical methodsViscosity and yield value:

[0094] Viscosity was measured with a Brookfield viscosimeter at 25°C at 0.5, 1 or 20 rpms. Viscosity at 20 rpm was the most interesting one for comparative purposes between formulations.

[0095] Yield value was calculated using the viscosities obtained at 0.5 and 1 rpms as (Viscosity at 0.5RPM - Viscosity at 1 RPM) / 100.Turbidity

[0096] The turbidity of compositions was determined in Nephelometric T urbidity Units (NTU) employing a nephelometric turbidity meter (Mircro 100 Turbidimeter, HF Scientific, Inc.) at ambient room temperature of about 20 to about 25 °C. The equipment was calibrated by using distilled water (NTU = 0) and standard solutions of 0.02 NTU, 10 NTU and 100 NTU. Glass tubes were used and filled up to 80% of their volume with the test sample. Foam or air bubble were removed before measurement, the sample placed in the turbidity meter and a reading is taken. Once the reading stabilizes the NTU value is recorded.Clarity:

[0097] Clarity was determined as % of light transmittance using a light Brinkmann Probe Colorimeter (PC 950 Probe colorimeter). Distilled water was used as standard to calibrate the instrument to 100%. After removing any foam or air bubble entrapped the probe was inserted in the sample and % of light transmittance measured. Light transmittance = (incident light intensity / original light intensity) * 100%.EXAMPLE 1

[0098] The following cleaning formulation was prepared:TABLE 11Novethix™ L-10 polymer from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.2Chemoxide™ MO surfactant from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0099] Acrylates / Beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer (Novethix™ L-10 polymer) was dispersed in water and neutralized with caustic. As a result, an increase in viscosity was observed. However, when a cationic polymer such as BKC was added, a precipitate was formed separated from a water layer.

[0100] When different formulations were prepared replacing the Acrylates / Beheneth- 25 methacrylate copolymer by an Acrylates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (Carbopol® SC-200 polymer), a Crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer (Carpobol™ 676 polymer), or an acrylates copolymer (Carbopol™ Aqua 30 polymer). The same white precipitation and phase separation was observed.

[0101] Without being bound to the theory it is believed that the anionic polymers form a complex with the cationic polymer (i.e. BKC) that results in non-stable formulation and thus, thus not allow to increase viscosity. EXAMPLE 2

[0102] The following cleaning formulation was prepared:TABLE 21Novethix™ L-10 polymer from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0103] No significant increase of viscosity was observed when Acrylates / Beheneth- 25 Methacrylate Copolymer was used.EXAMPLE 3 (Inventive)

[0104] A cleaning formulation as set out in TABLE 3 was prepared including benzalkonium chloride as cationic disinfecting agent, Acrylates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer as thickening agent, and a nonionic surfactant.TABLE 31Carbopol® SC-200 polymer from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.2Chemoxide™ MO surfactant from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0105] The Acrylates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer was dispersed in water under stirring followed by addition of nonyl phenol ethoxylate 13 EO. After mixing properly no precipitation was observed and BKC was stabilized. Neutralization of the above batch to pH 7 further boosted viscosity.

[0106] The addition of an amine oxide-based surfactant (i.e. an amphotheric surfactant) further increased foaming.EXAMPLE 4

[0107] The following cleaning formulation was prepared:TABLE 41Carbopol™ 676 polymer from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.2Tween™-80 surfactant from Croda.

[0108] The viscosity of the composition and yield values were significantly lower than EXAMPLE 3, i.e. than when an acrylates / C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer was used. Turbidity was also negatively impacted.EXAMPLE 5

[0109] The following cleaning formulation was prepared. TABLE S1Carbopol™ 676 polymer from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.2Tween™-80 surfactant from Croda.

[0110] Results show similar viscosity when Carpopol™ 676 polymer is used in comparison with EXAMPLE 3. However, the yield value was lower and clarity as well as turbidity were negatively impacted.EXAMPLE 6

[0111] The following cleaning formulation was prepared.TABLE 61Carbopol™ ISX 1396 polymer for Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.EXAMPLE 7

[0112] The following cleaning formulation was prepared.TABLE 71Carbopol™ ISX 1396 polymer for Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.

[0113] Viscosity was similar to EXAMPLE 3, but clarity and turbidity were negatively impacted. EXAMPLE 8

[0114] The following cleaning formulation was prepared:TABLE 81Carbopol™ Aqua 30 polymer from Lubrizol Advance Materials, Inc. Acrylates Copolymer is a copolymer of two or more monomers consisting of Acrylic Acid (q.v.).EXAMPLE 9

[0115] Stability of composition of EXAMPLE 3 was assessed by determining the presence of active benzalkonium chloride (i.e. not complexed) over time. For determining the presence of active BKC, 10 ml of sample was placed into a 100 mL measuring cylinder with stoper. Twenty-five milliliters (25 mL) of chloroform and 15 mL of acid methylene blue solution (0.05 g of Methylene blue, 50 g Anhydrous Sodium Sulphate and 6.8 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid in sufficient water and make up the volume to 1000 mL) were added. A 0.004M sodium lauryl sulphate solution was added slowly in portions of 0.2 mL. After each addition the cylinder was shacked well, and the phases allowed to separate. The end point was considered the volume necessary to achieve the same methylene blue intensity in both the chloroform and the aqueous layer. BKC content was calculated according to the following equation:VSLS x M x 100 100% of BKC =1000 x wt of sample takenwherein VLSL means the volume of standard sodium lauryl used for titration and M is the molarity of the sodium lauryl sulphate.

[0116] The presence of BKC over time at different storage conditions was as follows:TABLE 9

[0117] Therefore, results demonstrate that in composition of EXAMPLE 3, BKC was stable over time. Of note 1 month stability at 50°C is commonly used to predict the stability at room temperature for 3 years.EXAMPLE 10

[0118] The presence of active BKC was assessed by determining the deposition of BKC on wool. Cationic deposition was measured by using the Direct Red 80 dye colorimetric test [R. J. Crawford and C. R. Robbins, A replacement for Rubine dye for detecting cationics on keratin, J. of the Soc. of Cosm. Chem., 31 , 273-278 (1980)]. The cationic polymer deposition on a virgin wool swatch was studied by dipping wool swatches in 1 wt.% solution of test samples for 1 minute. Test samples included a negative control (i.e. water), composition of EXAMPLE 3, market benchmark Lizol® disinfectant surface cleaner from Reckitt Benckiser LLC (2 wt.% active BKC + nonionic + amphoteric surfactant, watery consistency), a composition as EXAMPLE 3 without thickener and a solution of 2 wt.% BKC in water (positive control) after 2 washes (swatch rinsed thoroughly under tap water using shower mode (special faucet designed by Joe Zellia) for 45 seconds). Three wool swatches per sample are washed 2 times with 0.25g of shampoo, immersed into a dilute solution of Direct Red 80 dye (0.47 wt.% direct Red 80 dye, 0.125 wt.% glacial acetic acid, 99.4 wt.% D.l water) for 1 minute and rinsed copiously to remove all excess dye. The intensity of red coloring (a*) is measured with a spectrophotometer (Labscan XE, HunterLab). Three readings per wool swatch were recorded.TABLE 10

[0119] Results show that the inventive composition of EXAMPLE 3 has comparable red intensity than the other samples demonstrating that BKC is active, i.e. not degraded or forming a complex.

[0120] The invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Cleaning composition comprising: a) from about 0.01 to about 10 wt.% of a cationic surfactant; b) from about 0.1 to about 20 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant; c) from about 0.05 to about 15 wt.% of an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid; and d) water; wherein all weight percentages are based on the weight of the total composition; and wherein the pH of the composition is in the range of from 5 to 9.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the cationic surfactant a) and the anionic polymer c) do not form a complex.

3. The composition of claims 1 or 2, wherein the anionic polymer c) is a crosslinked copolymer of acrylic acid and C to C30 alkyl esters of acrylic acid.

4. The composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the anionic polymer is in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, preferably from about 0.5 to about 2 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

5. The composition of any one of the previous claims wherein the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Cs-Cw alkyl amines, Cs-Cw alkylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, Cs-Cw dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, C -C alkyl, Cs- Cw alkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides, polyaminopropylbiguanidine, chlorohexidine and mixtures thereof.

6. The composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the cationic surfactant is benzalkonium chloride.

7. The composition of any one of the previous claims wherein, the cationic surfactant is in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5 wt.%, or from about 1 to about 3 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

8. The composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylates, ethylene-oxides of sorbate and mixtures thereof.

9. The composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the nonionic surfactant is an alkylphenol polyethanoxy ether.

10. The composition of any one of any one of claim 1 to 8, wherein the nonionic surfactant is lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, preferably with 7 or 8 moles of ethylene oxide.11 . The composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the nonionic surfactant is in an amount of from about 1 to about 10 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

12. The composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the weight ratio of anionic polymer c) and nonionic surfactant b) is from 1 :1 to 1 :20.

13. The composition according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the weight ratio of anionic polymer c) and nonionic surfactant b) is from 1 :2 to 1 :10, preferably from 1 :4 to 1 :8.

14. The composition of any one of the previous claims, wherein the pH is in a range from 6 to 8, preferably is 7.

15. The composition of any one of the previous claims, further comprising an amphoteric surfactant.

16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of betaine-based surfactants, sultaine-based surfactants, amphocarboxylate-based surfactants, amine oxides and combinations thereof.

17. The composition of claims 15 or 16, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is an amine oxide.

18. The composition of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the amphoteric surfactant is in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 wt.% based on the total weight of the composition.

19. The composition of any one of the previous claims including less than 1 wt.% of anionic surfactant.

20. The composition of any one of the previous claims having a viscosity of at least 10,000 cps as measured by Brookfield viscosity at 20 rpm at 25 °C.

21. The composition of any one of the previous claims having a viscosity of from 14,000 to 25,000 cps as measured by Brookfield viscosity at 20 rpm at 25 °C.

22. The composition of any one of the previous claims having a turbidity of 200 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) or less.

23. The composition of any one of the previous claims further comprising at least a benefit agent selected from the group consisting of fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, botanicals, antimicrobials, enzymes, odor control agents, acidic and alkaline pH adjusting agents, preservatives, buffering agents, coloring agents, hydrotropes, chelating agents, and mixtures thereof.

24. The composition of any one of the previous claims wherein said composition is a hard surface cleaning product or a dishwashing detergent or a fabric care composition.

25. A process for preparing a composition according to any one of the previous claims comprising the steps of: i) mixing a dispersion of an anionic polymer comprising a crosslinked copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and C to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid with a nonionic surfactant; ii) optionally, adding an amphoteric surfactant; iii) adding a cationic surfactant; and iv) adjusting the pH of the composition to be in the range from 5 to 9; wherein step i) is performed before step iii).

26. A method of cleaning a surface or an object comprising the step of applying a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 24 onto the surface or the object.

27. A method of treating a fabric comprising the step of applying a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 24 onto the fabric.

28. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 24 for cleaning a surface or an object.

29. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 24 for treating a fabric.

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