Rinse aid composition

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, comprising a non-ionic surfactant mixture. The non-ionic surfactant mixture comprises (a) an ethoxylated-propoxylated C10 to C18 alcohol having 4 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups; and (b) an ethoxylated C10 to C15 alcohol having 4 - 10 ethoxy groups. The non-ionic surfactant mixture has a cloud point of 50°C or below, as measured in 1% water at 25°C. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the use of a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, during the rinse cycle for reducing spotting or / and improving drying of hard surface. The liquid composition may be the liquid rinse aid composition according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

Description

RINSE AID COMPOSITIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, comprising a non-ionic surfactant mixture which exhibits reduced spotting and improved drying properties of hard surfaces such as dishes and items to be treated in dishwashing applications and especially in automatic dishwashers. The present disclosure also relates to a method of rinsing hard surface in an automatic dishwashing machine. The present disclosure further relates to the use of a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, comprising a non-ionic surfactant mixture during the rinse cycle for reducing spotting or / and improving drying of hard surface.BACKGROUND

[0002] As a usual part of a cleaning operation, e.g. for kitchenware, dishes or other hard surfaces such as walls, windows, kitchen surfaces etc., an aqueous composition or water is applied to the cleansed articles to remove the detergent composition employed during a previous cleansing step. This is generally referred to as a rinse cycle or rinse step of an auto dose dishwashing process. However, this has the disadvantage of re-wetting the items and in many cleaning operations it is desired that the cleansed items dry as quickly as possible. This is true in both manual and automatic dishwashing operations where the time taken for cleaned items, such as dishes and kitchenware, to dry is very noticeable. This is also true cleaning operations of hard surfaces in domestic and commercial situations. Rinse aid formulations, such as that disclosed in PCT Pat App Pub No WO2016 / 020680 to Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) Limited, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, are dosed in the rinse aid chamber and dispensed in the final rinse of the dishwashing cycle.

[0003] In automatic dishwashing, one of the major concerns coming from consumers is to find wet and spotty dishes once an automatic dishwashing cleaning cycle has ended. When consumers empty the load of the dishwasher machine items out of glass, porcelain and metal are usually dry and shining, however, plastic items are almost always wet and full of spots. The wetness and spots on plastic leaves a bad impression to consumers, affects their evaluation on cleaning, drying and shining and even the need to manual wiping of dishes with a towel.

[0004] Surfactants have different hydrophilic / lipophilic properties depending on their structures (length of the carbon chain, chemistry of ethoxylated groups (EO, BO or PO) together with the number of these units and their distribution along the molecule) that will impact their final behaviour and interaction on top of different hard surfaces (glass, ceramic, cutlery, porcelain, plastic, stainless steel, non-stick coating) and therefore will lead to different effects on the final drying and appearance of the dishes. It is known in the art to include nonionic surfactants in compositions to be used in dishwashing applications for both their wetting properties, which in turn enhances drying properties, and also their low-foaming characteristics and many dishwashing detergents and dishwashing rinse aids currently available' in the market contain such surfactants. Such types of compositions are known for example from EP-A-1 , 757, 676, US 6,034,044, US 5,877,134, GB 2 327 948 and W02010 / 067054A1.

[0005] Up to now, there is still the need to provide compositions exhibiting good drying and appearance properties (e.g. less spots) on hard surfaces and dishes after they have been rinse. In view of the prior art, it was thus an object of the present invention to provide a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, which at least exhibits reduced spotting and improved drying properties on hard surfaces and dishes.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, comprising a non-ionic surfactant mixture. The non-ionic surfactant mixture comprises (a) an ethoxylated-propoxylated Cio to Ci8alcohol having 4 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups; and (b) an ethoxylated Cioto C15 alcohol having 4 - 10 ethoxy groups. The non-ionic surfactant mixture has a cloud point of 50°C or below, as measured in 1% water at 25°C.

[0007] Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, it is considered that the present invention provides a non-ionic surfactant mixture provides a synergistic effect on reduced spotting and / or improved drying on hard surfaces (e.g. glass or plastic surface). It is thus possible in an unforeseeable manner to provide compositions which exhibits benefits on spotting and drying of hard surface, especially in automatic dishwashing applications. All compositions of the present invention may be produced by any suitable method of preparation as well known in the art.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of rinsing hard surface (e.g. dishes) in an automatic dishwashing machine comprising introducing a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, into the dishwashing machine during the rinse cycle. The liquid composition may be the liquid rinse aid composition according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the use of a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, during the rinse cycle for reducing spotting or / and improving drying of hard surface. The liquid composition may be the liquid rinse aid composition according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] As used herein, the term “a” or “an” means one or more.

[0011] As used herein, the term “comprising” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude any additional elements; the term “consisting of’ excludes any additional elements; and the term “consisting essentially of’ is in-between, only permitting additional elements that do not materially affect characteristics of the product or process. For example, the surfactant mixture consisting essentially of the two non-ionic surfactants excludes any additional surfactants but may further include preservatives, impurities or solvents, such as water, lower C1-C4 alcohols, glycols, or glycol ethers.

[0012] As used herein, the term “approximately” or “about” means plus or minus 10 percent of the value stated.

[0013] The expressions “completely free”, “free of’, or similar expressions used herein mean that the composition or article comprises 0 wt. % of the stated component. That is, the component has not been intentionally added. However, it will be appreciated that such components may incidentally form thereafter, under some circumstances, or such component may be incidentally present, e.g., as an incidental contaminant.

[0014] The expressions “substantially free” or similar expressions as used herein means that the composition or article preferably comprises the stated component in an amount of less than 0.25 wt.%, preferably less than 0.2 wt.%, less than 0.1 wt.%, less than 0.05%, less than 0.01%, less than 0.005%, less than 0.001%, or less than 0.0001%. Preferably, the stated component comprises 0 wt. % of the stated component, although it will be appreciated that very small concentrations may possibly be present, e.g., through incidental formation,contamination, or even by intentional addition. In some embodiments, the described herein may be substantially free or completely free from any specific components not mentioned within this specification.

[0015] As used herein, the terms "wt. %", “% wt.”, “weight %”, and “% by weight” are synonyms to each other. All of these expressions are referring to a weight percentage of the respective component. Unless otherwise stated, all percentages, ratios, parts, and amounts used and described herein are by weight.

[0016] As used herein, ratios can be defined as ranges of ratios. For example, a ratio of surfactant (a) to surfactant (b) being in a ratio of about 1 : 1 to 2 should be understood to mean that surfactant (b) can be present in a range from an equal amount of surfactant (a) to two times the amount of surfactant (a).

[0017] As used herein, the abbreviation EO refers to a repeating ethoxy group, also known as an ethylene-oxide or oxirane group, represented by the formula -(O-CH2-CH2)-. As used herein, the abbreviation PO refers to a repeating propoxy group, also known as a propyleneoxide or methyl-oxirane group, represented by formula -[O-CH(CH3)-CH2]-. The number of EO or PO groups described herein represent the degree of ethoxylation or degree of propoxylation, respectively. For example, an alcohol having 4 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups represents an average of 4 - 8 moles of EO and an average of 2 - 5 moles of PO per mole of alcohol.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, comprising a non-ionic surfactant mixture. The non-ionic surfactant mixture comprises (a) an ethoxylated-propoxylated C10 to Ci8alcohol having 4 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups; and (b) an ethoxylated C10 to C15 alcohol having 4 - 10 ethoxy groups. The non-ionic surfactant mixture has a cloud point of 50°C or below, as measured in 1% water at 25°C.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cloud point of the non-ionic surfactant mixture is 49°C or below, 48°C or below, 47°C or below, 46°C or below, or 45°C or below as measured in 1% water at 25°C. In some embodiments, the cloud point of the non-ionic surfactant mixture is 1°C or more, 5°C or more, 10°C or more, 15°C or more, 20°C or more, or 20°C or more as measured in 1% water at 25°C. In some embodiments, the cloud point of the non-ionic surfactant mixture is in the range between 5°C to 45°C, preferably between 15°C to 45°C, more preferably between 25°C to 45°C, as measured in 1% water at 25°C.

[0020] Non-ionic surfactant (a) (also referred to herein as “surfactant (a)" or “(a)”) is an ethoxylated-propoxylated C10 to Ci8alcohol having 4 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxygroups. In some embodiments, surfactant (a) is a branched ethoxylated-propoxylated Cn to C17, preferably C12 to Ci6, more preferably C12 to C15 alcohol. For example, surfactant (a) may be a branched ethoxylated-propoxylated Cn to C17 alcohol having 5 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups. In preferred embodiments, surfactant (a) is a branched ethoxylated- propoxylated C12 to C15 alcohol having 6 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 4 propoxy groups. In some embodiments, surfactant (a) is a methyl-oxirane polymer with alkyl ether oxirane block surfactant, preferably a methyl-oxirane block polymer with monoisotridecyl ether oxirane surfactant sold under the trade name PlurafacTM LF-300 sold by BASF.

[0021] The cloud point of surfactant (a) may be 50°C or below, as measured in 1 % water at 25°C. In some embodiments, the cloud point of surfactant (a) is 45°C or below, 40°C or below, 35°C or below, 30°C or below, 25°C or below, or 24°C or below as measured in 1 % water at 25°C. In some embodiments, the cloud point of surfactant (a) is 1 °C or more, 5°C or more, 10°C or more, 15°C or more, or 20°C or more as measured in 1 % water at 25°C. In some embodiments, surfactant (a) has a cloud point in the range between 5°C to 45°C, preferably between 10°C to 40°C, more preferably between 15°C to 35°C, even more preferably between 20°C to 30°C or between 20°C to 24°C as measured in 1 % water at 25°C.

[0022] Surfactant (a) may be present in the liquid rinse aid composition in an amount less than 20 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. For example, surfactant (a) may be present in an amount of less than 19 wt. %, less than 18 wt. %, less than 17.5 wt. %, less than 17 wt. %, less than 16 wt. %, less than 15.5 wt. %, or less than 15 wt. %. Preferably, surfactant (a) is present in an amount of less than 15 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. In some embodiments, surfactant (a) may be present in an amount between about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, between about 2.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, between about 3.5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. % or between about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. Preferably, surfactant (a) is present in an amount between about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition.

[0023] Non-ionic surfactant (b) (also referred to herein as “surfactant (b)" or “(b)") is an ethoxylated C10 to C15 alcohol having 4 - 10 ethoxy groups. In some embodiments, (b) is an ethoxylated C10 to C15 branched alcohol, preferably an ethoxylated Cn to C14 branched alcohol, more preferably an ethoxylated C12 to C13 branched alcohol, even more preferably an ethoxylated C13 branched alcohol. For example, surfactant (b) may be an ethoxylated C10 to C15 isoalcohol e.g. an ethoxylated C10 to C14 isoalcohol. Preferably, surfactant (b) is an ethoxylated C10 to C13 isoalcohol, even more preferably ethoxylated isotridecanol. Surfactant (b) may have 5 - 10 ethoxy groups, preferably 6 - 9 ethoxy groups, more preferably 7 - 8 ethoxygroups, even more preferably 8 ethoxy groups. In preferred embodiments, surfactant (b) is an ethoxylated C10 to C13 isoalcohol having 6 - 9 ethoxy groups, preferably 7 - 8 ethoxy groups. In more preferred embodiments, surfactant (b) is an ethoxylated isotridecanol having 8 ethoxy groups.

[0024] Surfactant (b) may have an average degree of branching of at least 1 , more preferably at least 2, even more preferably at least 2.5, even more preferably at least 3.

[0025] The cloud point of surfactant (b) may be 85°C or below, as measured in 1 % water at 25°C. In some embodiments, the cloud point of surfactant (b) is 80°C or below, 75°C or below, 70°C or below, 65°C or below, 60°C or below, 55°C or below, or 50°C or below as measured in 1 % water at 25°C. In some embodiments, the cloud point of surfactant (b) is 20°C or more, 25°C or more, 30°C or more, 35°C or more, or 40°C or more as measured in 1 % water at 25°C. In some embodiments, surfactant (b) has a cloud point in the range between 20°C to 85°C, preferably 20°C to 80 °C, more preferably 30°C to 60 °C, even more preferably 40°C to 49°C, as measured in 1 % water at 25°C. For example, surfactant (b) may have a cloud point between 25°C to 49°C, more preferably between 30°C to 48°C, even more preferably between 35°C to 47°C or between 40°C to 45°C as measured in 1 % water at 25°C.

[0026] Surfactant (b) may be present in the liquid rinse aid composition in an amount less than 20 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. For example, surfactant (b) may be present in an amount of less than 19 wt. %, less than 18 wt. %, less than 17.5 wt. %, less than 17 wt. %, less than 16 wt. %, less than 15.5 wt. %, or less than 15. wt. %. Preferably, surfactant (b) is present in an amount of less than 15. wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. In some embodiments, surfactant (b) may be present in an amount between about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, between about 2.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, between about 3.5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. % or between about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. Preferably, surfactant (b) is present in an amount between about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition.

[0027] The non-ionic surfactant mixture may present in the liquid rinse aid composition in an amount of less than 40 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. For example, surfactant (a) may be present in an amount of less than 37.5 wt. %, less than 35 wt. %, less than 32.5 wt. % or less than 30 wt. %. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant mixture is present in an amount of less than 30 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. In some embodiments, the non-ionic surfactant mixture may be present in an amount between about 1 wt. % to about 40 wt. %, between about 5 wt. % to about 35 wt. %, between about 7 wt. % to about 30 wt. % or between about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, basedon the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant mixture is present in an amount between about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. % based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-ionic surfactant mixture is substantially free, preferably completely free of any further non-ionic surfactants. For example, the non-ionic surfactant mixture may consist of (e.g. consist essentially of) (a) and (b). The cloud point of the non-ionic surfactant may be equal to the cloud point of a mixture consisting of (e.g. consisting essentially of (a) and (b). In other embodiments, further non-ionic surfactants may be present in the non-ionic surfactant mixture.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-ionic surfactant mixture has a cloud point of 50°C or below, wherein (a) has a cloud point of 50°C or below and (b) has a cloud point of 85°C or below, as measured in 1% water at 25°C. In preferred embodiments, (a) has a cloud point in the range of 10°C to 30°C and (b) has a cloud point in the range of 30°C to 60 °C. More preferably, (a) has a cloud point in the range of 15°C to 25°C and (b) has a cloud point in the range of 40°C to 49°C.

[0030] Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant mixture comprises (a) an ethoxylated- propoxylated Ci2to Ci6alcohol having 5 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups; and (b) an ethoxylated Ci2to C branched alcohol having 6 - 9 ethoxy groups. More preferably, the non-ionic surfactant mixture comprises (a) an ethoxylated-propoxylated Ci2to C15 alcohol having 6 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 4 propoxy groups; and (b) an ethoxylated isotridecanol having 8 ethoxy groups.

[0031] Surfactant (a) and (b) may be present in the liquid rinse aid composition in the same weight amount, based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition.

[0032] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of (a) and (b) is between 1 : 0.4 to 5 or between 1 : 1 to 5. For example, the weight ratio of (a) and (b) may be between 1 : 0.5 to 4, between 1 : 0.6 to 3 or between 1 : 0.6 to 2.5. Preferably, the weight ratio of (a) and (b) is between 1 : 0.65 to 2, more preferably between 1 : 1 to 2. In some examples, the weight ratio of (a) and (b) is between 1 : 0.5 to 1 .5, preferably between 1 : 0.65 to 1 .

[0033] The liquid rinse aid composition may further comprise a hydrotrope. The hydrotrope may be selected from the group consisting of urea, tosylate, cumene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the hydrotope is sodium cumene sulfonate.

[0034] The liquid rinse aid composition may further comprise a polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer is a pH independent cationic polymer with at least one quaternarygroup. For example, the pH independent cationic polymer may have the Formula (III): -(R-O- R-N+R2X-R-NH-C(=O)-NH-R-N+R2X-)n, wherein each R is independently a C1-C4 alkyl group, n= 1-1000, and X=halide, preferably Cl. In preferred embodiments, the pH independent cationic polymer is N,N’-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-urea polymer with 1,1’-oxybis[2- chloroethane] sold under the tradename Lugalvan P by BASF or Mirapol™ 15 by Solvay.

[0035] The liquid rinse aid composition may further an antioxidant. In some embodiments, the antioxidant is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, ascorbic acid, phenol compounds, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the antioxidant is citric acid.

[0036] The liquid rinse aid composition may further comprise additional additives, for example, may comprise fragrance and / or dye.

[0037] The liquid composition (e.g. rinse aid liquid composition) as described herein, may reduce spotting and / or improve drying of hard surface. For example, the liquid composition (e.g. rinse aid liquid composition) may reduce spotting on plastic and non-stick coating and / or improve drying of glass and plastic surface.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of rinsing hard surface (e.g. dishes) in an automatic dishwashing machine comprising introducing a liquid rinse aid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, into the dishwashing machine during the rinse cycle. The liquid rinse aid composition may be the liquid rinse aid composition according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, introducing the liquid rinse aid composition comprises filing the rinse aid compartment of the automatic dishwashing machine with the liquid rinse aid composition.

[0039] The hard surface may be selected from the group consisting of glass, ceramic, cutlery, porcelain, plastic, stainless steel, non-stick coating, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the hard surface is plastic and / or glass.

[0040] Preferably, the method results in reduced spotting and / or improved drying of hard surface. For example, the method may reduce spotting on plastic (e.g. plastic surface) and non-stick coating (e.g. non-stick coating surface) and / or improve drying of glass and plastic surface.

[0041] Any of the liquid rinse aid compositions disclosed above are introduced into the dishwashing machine during the rinse cycle. Between 1 g and 8 g of the liquid rinse aid composition is introduced during the rinse cycle, preferably between 3 g and 7 g, more preferably between 4 g and 6 g. The temperature of the rinse cycle may range from 40°C(104 °F) to 90°C (194°F). Alternatively, the temperature of the rinse cycle ranges from 45°C (113°F) to 75°C (167°F).

[0042] The object of the present invention is also solved by the use of a liquid composition, preferably a liquid rinse aid composition, more preferably a liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, as described herein during the rinse cycle for reducing spotting or / and improving drying of hard surface and dishes. The liquid composition may be the liquid rinse aid composition, preferably liquid automatic dishwashing rinse aid composition, according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.EXAMPLES

[0043] The present invention will now be described in further detail by the non-limiting examples provided below. The following definitions of terms and determination methods apply for the above general description of the invention as well as to the below examples unless otherwise defined. The following non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention and to facilitate understanding of the invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims appended hereto.Spotting performance (performed for Examples 1 and 2)

[0044] For spotting purposes, a machine load consisting of polypropylene plastic and stainless steel pans with non-stick coating was washed in a Bosch SMS6ECW57E / 10 dishwasher in ECO 50°C program with 21 German hardness water. Standard evaluation was assessed after 3 runs with 16 g ballast soil and extreme evaluation was assessed after 3 runs on top of the standard runs with 48 g ballast soil. The ballast soil composition is based on a publication by Hubbuch et al., Amount and composition of soils in German dishwashers. Composition to standard test method. SOFW Journal - Seifen Ole Fette Wachse, 125, 14- 20, 1999. A commercially available automatic dishwashing pouch which does not contain any liquid composition (e.g. liquid rinse aid composition) according to the present invention was used for the main wash cycle. At the beginning of the final rinse step, the dishwasher was opened to manually add 5 mL of the different example compositions (i.e. rinse aid compositions) using a pipette.

[0045] The spotting scores range from 1-5, with the score of 1 (i.e. a lower number) demonstrating the best score and the score of 5 demonstrating the worst score.Drying performance (performed for Example 2)

[0046] For drying purposes, a method based on water drops counting was used to permit a better discrimination between samples. The dry performance was assessed by running one dishwashing cycle in a BOSCH SMS6ECW57E / 10 in ECO 50°C program with speed perfect plus and with 21 German Hardness water. The dishwasher contained standard dish items. 16 g of ballast soil (same compositions as for spotting performance testing) was added to the dish items to mimic consumer relevant conditions. A commercially available automatic dishwashing pouch which does not contain any composition (e.g. liquid rinse aid composition) according to the present invention was used for the wash cycle. At the beginning of the final rinse step, the dishwasher was opened to manually add 5 mL of the example compositions (i.e. rinse aid compositions) using a pipette.

[0047] The drying score was determined 15 minutes after the end of the complete dishwashing program. Evaluation is based on counting droplets on the dish items, with 0=no droplets, through 9=nine droplets and 10=10 or more droplets. This evaluation scheme is based on the published drying performance method (the so-called Cognis method), with the scale being extended to 10.Example 1 - Non-ionic surfactant mixtures

[0048] Table 1 below sets out the base composition which has been used for the experiments of Example 1 (i.e. compositions A-F). All formulations tested in Example 1 have been identical except for the non-ionic surfactant mixture.Table 1: Exemplary base composition for Example 1

[0049] Table 2 set out below shows the list of surfactants screened.Table 2: Exemplary surfactants* 1% in Water (i.e. 1 g of surfactant + 100 g distilled water)**10% in Butyldiglycol solution (c=250g / L) ***16,7% in Butyldiglycol solution (c=250g / L)

[0050] Table 3 sets out below shows the non-ionic surfactant mixtures (i.e. various combinations of the surfactants listed in Table 2 above) tested in the base formula of Table 1 , and the respective weight percentages (wt.%) applied.Table 3: Non-ionic surfactant mixtures

[0051] Performance results on spotting was assessed as described herein. Standard fingerprint spotting scores range from 1-5, with the score of 1 (i.e. a lower number) demonstrating the best score and the score of 5 demonstrating the worst score. As can be seen in Table 4 below, the best performance was exhibited by composition B. Standard commercial EU rinse aid formulations usually score 5.Table 4: Standard fingerprint spotting scoresExample 2 - Spotting and drying performance

[0052] Taking the non-ionic surfactant mixture of Composition B in Example 1 (i.e. a non- ionic surfactant mixture comprising TDA8 and LF300 further experiments were conducted with varying concentrations and ratios. Table 5 below sets out the base composition for Example 2 (i.e. compositions G-O).Table 5: Exemplary base composition for Example 2

[0053] Table 6 sets out below shows the non-ionic surfactant mixtures (i.e. varying ratios of TDA8 and LF300) tested in the base formula of Table 5. Comparative Example O is the exception which represents a commercially available EU based automatic dishwashing detergent (i.e. without a liquid rinse aid composition according to the present invention).Table 6: Non-ionic surfactant mixtures for Example 2

[0054] Performance results on standard and extreme spotting tests and drying tests were assessed as described herein, with the results shown in Table 7 below.

[0055] The drying improvement percentage and spotting improvement percentages were calculated using the scores for Comparative Example O as a benchmark. Drying improvement percentage is an average of the drying (plastic) and drying (glass) scores relative to Comparative Example O scores. Spotting improvement percentage is an average of the standard spotting (plastic), standard spotting (SS non-stick pan), extreme spotting (plastic) and extreme spotting (SS non-stick pan) relative to Comparative Example O scores. Spotting improvement percentages were calculated in the following way: to each score a performance % was assigned; 5 score represent 0% performance, 4 score represent 25% performance, 3 score represent 50% performance, 2 score represent 75% performance and 1 score represent 100% performance. The equation to calculate the final spotting improvement percentage: [(Standard Spotting Plastic performance % + Standard Spotting SS non sticky pan % + Extreme Spotting Plastic performance % + Extreme Spotting SS non sticky pan %) / 4],Table 7 Drying, foam and spotting results

[0056] In some embodiments, the liquid composition (e.g. liquid rinse aid composition) reduces spotting by at least 5 %. For example, the liquid composition may reduce spotting by at least 10 %, 15 % or 20 %.

[0057] In some embodiments, the liquid composition (e.g. liquid rinse aid composition) improves drying of hard surface by at least 30 %. For example, the liquid composition may improve drying by at least 35 %, 40 % or 45 %.

[0058] While the principles of the invention have been explained in relation to certain particular embodiments, and are provided for purposes of illustration, 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. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A liquid rinse aid composition comprising a non-ionic surfactant mixture, wherein said nonionic surfactant mixture comprises:(a) an ethoxylated-propoxylated C10 to Ci8alcohol having 4 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups; and(b) an ethoxylated C10 to C15 alcohol having 4 - 10 ethoxy groups, wherein the non-ionic surfactant mixture has a cloud point of 50°C or below, as measured in 1% water at 25°C.

2. The liquid rinse aid composition according to claim 1 , wherein the non-ionic surfactant mixture has a cloud point in the range of 15°C to 45°C, more preferably in the range of 25°C to 45°C, as measured in 1% water at 25°C.

3. The liquid rinse aid composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein (a) has a cloud point of 50°C or below, preferably in the range of 5°C to 45°C, more preferably 10°C to 30°C, even more preferably 15°C to 25°C, as measured in 1% water at 25°C.

4. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein (b) has a cloud point of 85°C or below, preferably in the range of 20°C to 80 °C, more preferably 30°C to 60 °C, even more preferably 40°C to 49°C, as measured in 1% water at 25°C.

5. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-ionic surfactant mixture is present in an amount between about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt. %, preferably about 7 wt. % to about 35 wt. %, more preferably about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition.

6. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein (a) and / or (b) is, independently, present in an amount between 2.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, preferably about 3.5 wt. % to about 17.5 wt. %, more preferably about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid rinse aid composition.

7. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of (a) and (b) is between 1 : 0.4 to 5, preferably between 1 : 0.6 to 3, more preferably between 1 : 0.65 to 2, even more preferably between 1 : 1 to 2.

8. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein (a) is a branched ethoxylated-propoxylated Cn to C17, preferably C12 to C15, alcohol having 4 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 5 propoxy groups, preferably having 6 - 8 ethoxy groups and 2 - 4 propoxy groups.

9. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein(a) is a methyl-oxirane polymer with alkyl ether oxirane block surfactant, preferably a methyl-oxirane block polymer with monoisotridecyl ether oxirane surfactant sold under the trade name PlurafacTM LF-300 sold by BASF.

10. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein(b) is an ethoxylated C10 to C15 branched alcohol, preferably an ethoxylated C10 to C15 isoalcohol, more preferably an ethoxylated C10 to C13 isoalcohol, even more preferably ethoxylated isotridecanol.1 1. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein (b) has 6 - 9 ethoxy groups, more preferably 7 - 8 ethoxy groups, even more preferably 8 ethoxy groups.

12. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein (b) has an average degree of branching of at least 1 , more preferably at least 2, even more preferably at least 2.5, even more preferably at least 3.

13. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hydrotrope, preferably wherein the hydrotrope is selected from the group consisting of urea, tosylate, cumene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, and combinations thereof, more preferably sodium cumene sulfonate.

14. The liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pH independent cationic polymer with at least one quaternary group, preferably wherein the pH independent cationic polymer is N,N’-bis[3- (dimethylamino)propyl]-urea polymer with 1 ,1 ’-oxybis[2-chloroethane] sold under the tradename Lugalvan P by BASF or Mirapol™ 15 by Solvay.

15. Use of a liquid rinse aid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14 during the rinse cycle for reducing spotting or / and improving drying of hard surface.

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