Liquid wipe composition with a silicone-based surfactant

Abstract

A liquid wipe composition comprising a settling agent, a preservative agent, and a silicone-based surfactant is disclosed herein. The settling agent comprises an organopolysiloxane and the preservative agent comprises a benzoic acid or derivative thereof having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition. A wet wipe comprising a wipe substrate and the liquid wipe composition is also disclosed herein.

Description

[0001] LIQUID WIPE COMPOSITION WITH A SILICONE-BASED SURFACTANT

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] The present application is related and has right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 691 ,708 filed on September 6, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entireties for all purposes.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wipes including a liquid composition, commonly referred to as wet wipes, have been used in the personal care industry for numerous years. Wet wipes include a base sheet, or wipe substrate, to which the liquid composition is applied. Dispersible wet wipes are generally intended to be used and then flushed down a toilet. Accordingly, flushable wet wipes generally have an in-use strength sufficient to withstand a user's extraction of the wipe from a dispenser and the user's wiping activity, but then relatively quickly breakdown and disperse in household and municipal sanitization systems, such as sewer or septic systems. Some municipalities may define "flushable'' through various regulations. Flushable wet wipes must meet such regulations to allow for compatibility with home plumbing fixtures and drain lines, as well as the disposal of the product in onsite and municipal wastewater treatment systems.

[0006] Settling agents, such as amine functional and / or polyamine functional silicones, have been discovered as beneficial components of liquid wipe compositions to provide softness, reduce sheet-to- sheet adhesion, and reduce the inherent buoyancy of flushable wipes. However, although settling agents provide many unique benefits to the wet wipe, settling agents often make the liquid wipe composition unstable, which provides significant challenges when trying to apply the liquid composition to a wipe substrate.

[0007] The use of settling agents in liquid compositions is particularly challenging if the liquid composition also includes a preservative agent, such as benzoic acid. Because of negative interactions between the wipe substrate and the liquid composition, the amount of preservative agent must be increased, and the pH of the composition must be kept low to ensure the wet wipes are suitable for a user. However, increasing the amount of preservative included in the liquid wipe composition and decreasing the pH of the liquid wipe composition present many obstacles. Notably, challenges exist with stabilizing the liquid wipe composition, resulting in non-uniform distribution of the liquid composition to the wipe substrate, thereby reducing the quality of the wet wipe.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a liquid wipe composition having a low pH and a high concentration of preservative agent that can then be applied to a wipe substrate to form soft and flushable wet wipes or to form soft non-flushable baby or adult care wipes. SUMMARY

[0009] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a liquid wipe composition that includes a settling agent, a preservative agent, and a silicone-based surfactant. The settling agent includes select organopolysiloxanes, and the preservative agent includes a benzoic acid or derivative thereof having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition. The silicone-based surfactant may advantageously allow for stable compositions with higher concentrations of the preservative agent and with lower pH values. For instance, in some example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition has a pH of about 3.0 to about 5.0 and retains a clear consistency after about 3 freeze-thaw heat cycles. Additionally, the silicone-based surfactant may advantageously allow for the liquid wipe composition to be stable at a broader range of temperatures, such as from temperatures ranging from about 5 °C to about 40 °C.

[0010] In certain example embodiments, the surfactant includes silicone (e.g ., “silicone-based surfactant”) and has a concentration of about 0.01 wt % to about 1 .5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition. In some example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant includes a polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone, a polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicone, or a combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone includes PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG-10 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone, polysilicone-20, or a combination thereof. In other example embodiments, the polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicone includes PEG-20 / PPG-23 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-4 / 12 dimethicone, bis- PEG / PPG-14 / 14 dimethicone and dimethicone, PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, bis-PEG / PPG-18 / 6 dimethicone, lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, or a combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant has a molecular weight generally less than about 29,000 g / mol, with most preferred silicone-based surfactants having a molecular weight less than about 5,000 g / mol.

[0011] In certain example embodiments, the settling agent has a concentration of about 0.01 wt % to about 1 wt % of the liquid wipe composition. The settling agent may include an amine functional silicone, a polyamine functional silicone, or combinations thereof. In example embodiments, the settling agent has a molecular weight less than about 16,000 g / mol with preferred agents generally being between about 3,000 g / mol and about 5,000 g / mol

[0012] In other example embodiments, the settling agent comprises a general formula: wherein p+q=0 to 2000, R1 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, R2 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte, and R3 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte. In preferred example embodiments, the settling agent includes Butoxy PEG-4 PG-Aminodimethicone.

[0013] The liquid wipe composition including a settling agent may advantageously reduce buoyancy of the wet wipe relative to liquid wipe compositions without the settling agent. Without intending to be limited by theory, the settling agent may act as a defoamer that prevents air bubbles from attaching to the wipe substrate and causing the wipe substrate to float. Alternatively, the settling agent may act to increase capillarity within the lumen of pulp fibers allowing greater overall absorption of water. In certain example embodiments, the presence of the amine functional silicone and / or the polyamine functional silicone may thus facilitate settling of the wipe substrate.

[0014] In some example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition has a ratio of the settling agent to the surfactant of from about 3:0.25 to about 1 :1 by weight. In other example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition has a ratio of the surfactant to the preservative agent of from about 0.25:1 to about 1 :2 5 by weight.

[0015] In certain example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition further incudes water, coco betaine, PEG-40 castor oil, polysorbate-20, caprylyl glycol, sodium citrate, citric acid, or combinations thereof. In other example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition is essentially free of binder insolubilizing salt.

[0016] The present disclosure is also generally related to a wet wipe including a wipe substrate and the liquid wipe composition. In certain example embodiments, the wet wipe is dispersible. In some example embodiments, the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate including a plurality of fibers entangled together, and the plurality of fibers incudes no less than about 10% regenerated cellulose fibers with the balance consisting of wood pulp fibers based on a total weight of the nonwoven substrate. In other example embodiments, the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate including a plurality of fibers hydroentangled together, and the plurality of hydroentangled fibers is up to about 100% regenerated cellulose fibers based on a total weight of the nonwoven substrate. Additional fibers may include but are not limited to cotton, silk or bamboo.

[0017] In one example embodiment, the wipe substrate is a wet-laid substrate, an air-laid substrate, a melt-blown substrate, or a foam-formed substrate. In other example embodiments, the wet wipe substrate is essentially free of an ion-triggerable polymer binder. In some example embodiments, when the wipe substrate is an air-laid substrate, such as those suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,603,297, herein incorporated by reference to the extent consistent herewith, the wet wipe substrate includes an ion-triggerable polymer binder.

[0018] The liquid wipe composition of the present disclosure may advantageously provide the wet wipe with improved characteristics. For instance, in some example embodiments, the wet wipe has a settling rate of at least 0.1 cm / s and has a sheet-to-sheet adhesion of less than about 3 gf / in.

[0019] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top, plain view of a wet wipe according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an apparatus for making dispersible moist wipes according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a nonwoven web at one location within the example apparatus of FIG. 2; and FIG. 4 is a schematic of a nonwoven web at another location within the example apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0025] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] The present disclosure is generally directed to a liquid wipe composition for uses such as a flushable or non-flushable baby or adult care wipe. The liquid wipe composition includes a settling agent, a preservative agent, and a surfactant comprising silicone (e.g. "silicone-based surfactant”). In some example embodiments, the settling agent described herein may also effectively soften the basesheet as well. The settling agent includes an organopolysiloxane, and the preservative agent includes a benzoic acid or derivative thereof having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition. The presence of the silicone-based surfactant in the liquid wipe composition may advantageously provide increased stability to the liquid wipe composition, while allowing the liquid wipe composition to maintain high concentrations of the preservative agent and a low pH. Additionally, the silicone-based surfactant may allow the resulting liquid wipe composition to be stable at a broader range of temperatures. Overall, the silicone-based surfactant may result in increased stability of the liquid wipe composition, ensuring high wet wipe quality and uniform distribution of the liquid wipe composition to the wipe substrate. Additionally, the presence of the silicone-based surfactant in the liquid wipe composition may also allow the liquid wipe composition to advantageously include a settling agent to provide the wipe substrate with increased softness, reduced sheet-to-sheet adhesion, and reduced buoyancy.

[0029] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e. , “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin.

[0031] Definitions:

[0032] As used herein, the term “basis weight” generally refers to the conditioned weight per unit area of a substrate and is generally expressed as grams per square meter (gsm).

[0033] The term “fluid entangling”, and “fluid-entangled” generally refers herein to a formation process for further increasing the degree of fiber entanglement within a given fibrous nonwoven web or between fibrous nonwoven webs and other materials so as to make the separation of the individual fibers and / or the layers more difficult as a result of the entanglement. Generally, this is accomplished by supporting the fibrous nonwoven web on some type of forming or carrier surface which has at least some degree of permeability to the impinging pressurized fluid. A pressurized fluid stream (usually multiple streams) is then directed against the surface of the nonwoven web which is opposite the supported surface of the web. The pressurized fluid contacts the fibers and forces portions of the fibers in the direction of the fluid flow thus displacing all or a portion of a plurality of the fibers towards the supported surface of the web. The result is a further entanglement of the fibers in what can be termed the Z-direction of the web (the thickness) relative to its more planar dimension, the X-Y plane. When two or more separate webs or other layers are placed adjacent one another on the forming / carrier surface and subjected to the pressurized fluid, the generally desired result is that some of the fibers of at least one of the webs are forced into the adjacent web or layer thereby causing fiber entanglement between the interfaces of the two surfaces so as to result in the bonding or joining of the webs / layers together due to the increased entanglement of the fibers. The degree of bonding or entanglement will depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the types of fibers being used, the fiber lengths, the degree of pre-bonding or entanglement of the web or webs prior to subjection to the fluid entangling process, the type of fluid being used (liquids, such as water, steam or gases, such as air), the pressure of the fluid, the number of fluid streams, the speed of the process, the dwell time of the fluid and the porosity of the web or webs / other layers and the forming / carrier surface. One of the most common fluid entangling processes is referred to as hydroentangling, which is a well-known process to those of ordinary skill in the art of nonwoven webs. Examples of fluid entangling process can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,016 to Radwanski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,706 to Evans, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,970,104 and 4,959,531 to Radwanski, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto for all purposes.

[0034] The term “gsm” refers herein to grams per square meter.

[0035] The term “nonwoven" refers herein to materials and webs of material which are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process. The materials and webs of materials can have a structure of individual fibers, filaments, or threads (collectively referred to as “fibers”) which can be interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven materials or webs can be formed from many processes including, but not limited to, meltblowing processes, entangling processes, spunbonding processes, foam-forming processes, carded web processes, etc.

[0036] As used herein the term “machine direction” or “MD” generally refers to the direction in which a tissue web or product is produced. The term “cross-machine direction” or “CD” refers to the direction perpendicular to the machine direction.

[0037] As used herein, the term “pulp” generally refers to a plurality of cellulose fibers that have undergone a pulping process such that the fibers have become individualized and have an elongate shape in which the apparent length exceeds the apparent width. Pulp fibers can be fibrillated and can have a measurable freeness. Liquid Wipe Composition:

[0038] A liquid wipe composition is disclosed herein. The liquid wipe composition includes a settling agent, a preservative agent, and a silicone-based surfactant (e.g. "silicone surfactant”). The silicone- based surfactant in the liquid wipe composition acts to increase the compatibility between the preservative agent and settling agents resulting in increased stability of the liquid wipe composition while allowing the liquid wipe composition to maintain high concentrations of the preservative agent and a low pH. Increased stability of the liquid wipe composition can provide many economic benefits as it increases the flexibility of manufacturing, as well as improving the overall quality of the wet wipe that is formed when the liquid wipe composition is applied to the wipe substrate.

[0039] Preservative Agent

[0040] The liquid wipe composition includes a preservative agent. The preservative agent includes a benzoic acid or derivative thereof, which may include compounds represented by the following structure:

[0041] Benzoic acid and derivatives thereof are commonly used as antibacterial and antifungal preservative agents in food, cosmetics, hygiene products, and pharmaceutical products. In certain example embodiments, the preservative agent may include a derivative of benzoic acid and may be in the form of salts, alkyl esters, parabens, benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, and benzoyl peroxides. Suitable benzoic acid derivates include, but are not limited to, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, benzoyl chloride, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, benzoic anhydride, benzoate esters, and benzoic acid amides. In one example embodiment, the preservative agent is sodium benzoate.

[0042] The preservative agent has a concentration of about 0.1 % to about 0.5 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition, such as from about 0.11 % to about 0.45 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition, such as from about 0.18 % to about 0.25 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition. In certain example embodiments, the preservative agent has a concentration of about 0.11 % to about 0.24 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition. It should be generally understood that benzoic acid, or derivatives thereof, may be employed to lower the pH of the liquid wipe composition. Lowering the pH in this manner increases the proportion of the protonated (acidic) form of the molecule, consistent with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. While the acidic form of the molecule is what is responsible for preservation, its water solubility is also substantially lower making more difficult to stabilize in wet wipe formulations. As both pH and the total amount of Benzoic Acid derivatives impact both its activity and stability in diametric fashion, achieving an optimal dosage is often necessary.

[0043] Silicone-based Surfactant

[0044] The liquid wipe composition includes a silicone-based surfactant (e.g., "silicone surfactant”). The silicone-based surfactant generally includes a backbone of repeating SiO units with various functional groups. In some example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant has a concentration of about 0.01 % to about 1 .5 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition, such as about 0.025 % to about 1 .0 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition, such as about 0.05 % to about 0.5 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition, such as about 0.10 % to about 0.4 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition, such as about 0.175 % to about 0.25 % by weight of the liquid wipe composition.

[0045] In certain example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant is more water-soluble and more ethoxylated than the settling agent (as described below) of the liquid wipe composition. Since there is potential variability in structure of silicone-based surfactants, it is not possible to address all compositions with a single general composition. It is therefore necessary to describe the general structural features of certain silicone-based surfactants.

[0046] For instance, in some example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant includes polyethylene glycol (“PEG”), such that the silicone-based surfactant may be a polyoxyethylene deri vatized dimethicone. Polyethylene glycol may be represented by the chemical formula (C2H4O)aH2O, wherein a is the number of ethylene oxide units. The incorporation of PEG units onto the silicone polymer (e.g., SiO backbone) can greatly increase the water solubility. Further, the molecular weights of PEG-containing molecules vary by the number of PEG molecules incorporated and their location on the polymer. Thus, PEG modified silicone polymers may differ in physical and chemical properties depending on molecular weight and overall arrangement of PEG functional groups.

[0047] The polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone may be either pendant or linear. Pendant polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone has the following general structure: wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted polyethylene glycol functional group, x is any number from 0 to 350, and y is any number from 1 to 350. Polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicones wherein x is 0 are methicone polymers comprising a substituted or unsubstituted PEG functional group. Linear polyoxyethylene deri vatized dimethicone has the following general structure: wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted polyethylene glycol functional group, and x is any number from 1 to 700.

[0048] Examples of preferred polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicones suitable for use in the compositions of the present disclosure include Silsoft® dimethicones, available from Momentive (Wilton, CT), such as SF1488 (INCI designation: PEG-4 dimethicone), Silsoft® 805 (INCI designation: PEG-8 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 10,000); Silsoft® 810 (INCI designation: PEG-8 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 1 ,700), Silsoft® 840 (INCI designation: PEG-8 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 4,000), Silsoft® 870 (INCI designation: PEG-12 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 2,100), SF1288 (INCI designation: PEG-12 dimethicone); Silsoft® 875 (INCI designation: PEG-12 dimethicone); Silsoft® 880 (INCI designation: PEG-12 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 5,000); Silsoft® 895 (INCI designation: PEG-17 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 5,000), SF1388 (INCI designation: bis-PEG-20 dimethicone). The SF1488, Silsoft® 810, Silsoft® 870, and SF1388 are linear polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicones, while the Silsoft® 805, Silsoft® 840, SF1288, Silsoft® 875, Silsoft® 880, and Silsoft® 895 are pendant polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicones. Other examples of suitable polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicones include PEG-1 dimethicone, PEG-3 dimethicone, PEG-6 dimethicone, PEG-7 dimethicone, PEG-9 dimethicone, PEG- 10 dimethicone, PEG-14 dimethicone, and the like. Additional suitable polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicones include PEG-8 Amodimethicone, commercially available as Silamine® C-300. In addition to the inclusion of polyoxyethylene, some silicone-based surfactants, such as PEG-8 Amodimethicone, may include an aminoethylaminopropyl side chain. Such additional functional groups may impart lubricity to the liquid wipe composition and substantivity to the fibers of the resulting wipe substrate.

[0049] Preferred silicone-based surfactants include, but are not limited to, Silsurf® A008-UP (NA), Silsurf®Di-1010 (PEG-10 Dimethicone) manufactured by Siltech Corporation of East York, Ontario, and Silsoft™ 860 (PEG-10 Dimethicone) and Silsoft™ 870 (PEG-12 Dimethicone), manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials of Niskayuna, New York.

[0050] In addition to polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicones, the silicone-based surfactant may also include polypropylene glycol (PPG) functional groups, such that the silicone-based surfactant includes a polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicone. The inclusion of polyoxypropylene functional groups may impart hydrophobicity but improve the ability to solubilize the settling and preservative agents within the present invention. Examples of preferred polyoxyethylene / polyoxy propylene deri vatized dimethicones suitable for use in the compositions of the present disclosure include Silsoft® dimethicones, available from Momentive (Wilton, CT), such as Silsoft® 430 (INCI designation: PEG-20 / PPG-23 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 29,000), SF1188A (INCI designation: PEG / PPG 20-15 dimethicone), Silsoft® 440 (INCI designation: PEG- 20 / PPG-23 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 20,000), Silsoft® 475 (INCI designation: PEG- 23 / PPG-6 dimethicone; molecular weight: about 19,000), ABIL® B 8852 (INCI designation: PEG / PPG-4 / 12 dimethicone), ABIL® EM 97 (INCI designation: Bis-PEG / PPG-14 / 14 dimethicone and dimethicone), Silsurf® CR 1115 (INCI designation: PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone), Silsurf® Di 5018-F (INCI designation: Bis-PEG / PPG-18 / 6 dimethicone), Silube® J208-212 (INCI designation: Lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 28 dimethicone), Silube® J208-612 INCI designation: Lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone), and ABIL® EM 180 (INCI designation: Cetyl PEG / PPG-10 / 1 dimethicone).

[0051] Other examples of suitable polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicones generally include, but are not limited to, PEG-3 / PPG-10 dimethicone, PEG-4 / PPG-12 dimethicone, PEG-6 / PPG-11 dimethicone, PEG-8 / PPG-14 dimethicone, PEG-8 / PPG-26 dimethicone, PEG-10 / PPG- 2 dimethicone, PEG-12 / PPG-16 dimethicone, PEG-12 / PPG-18 dimethicone, PEG-14 / PPG-4 dimethicone, PEG-15 / PPG-15 dimethicone, PEG-16 / PPG-2 dimethicone, PEG-16 / PPG-8 dimethicone, PEG-17 / PPG-18 dimethicone, PEG-18 / PPG-6 dimethicone, PEG-18 / PPG-18 dimethicone, PEG- 19 / PPG-19 dimethicone, PEG-20 / PPG-6 dimethicone, PEG-20 / PPG-15 dimethicone, PEG-20 / PPG-20 dimethicone, PEG-20 / PPG-29 dimethicone, PEG-22 / PPG-23 dimethicone, PEG-22 / PPG-24 dimethicone, PEG-23 / PPG-6 dimethicone, PEG-25 / PPG-25 dimethicone, PEG-27 / PPG-27 dimethicone, PEG-30 / PPG-10 dimethicone, and PPG-4-oleth-10 dimethicone (i.e., PEG-10 / PPG-4 dimethicone). A particularly preferred silicone-based surfactant is Silfactant® D-20-6 (Polysilicone-20), generally described as a modified sorbitan siloxane whose allowed chemical structure is defined within US 8,124,061. The general chemical structure of this preferred silicone-based surfactant is described as the following:

[0052] Where R1is an alkyl having from 7 to 21 carbon atoms; R2, R3and R4are independently selected from the group consisting of H and the following structure

[0053] In some example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant may have a hydrophilic- lipophilic balance (“HLB”) value of greater than about 5, such as greater than about 7.5, such as greater than about 10. The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance ("HLB”) is a measure of the component's degree of hydrophilicity or lipophilicity, which may measure the component's ability to be soluble in water. For instance, components with lower HLB values have more lipophilic characteristics, while components with higher HLB values have more hydrophilic characteristics. Therefore, by selectively choosing silicone-based surfactants with sufficient water solubility, the overall solution stability of the liquid wipe composition may be improved.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant has a molecular weight generally less than 29,000 g / mol, with most preferred silicone-based surfactants being less than 5,000 g / mol.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant is generally free of amine functional groups, such as primary, secondary, or tertiary amine functional groups. Thus, in certain example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant has an amine functional content of about 5 wt% or less based on the total weight of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 2.5 wt% or less, such as about 1 wt% or less, such as about 0.5 wt% or less. In preferred example embodiments, the silicone-based surfactant contains no amine functionality

[0056] Settling Agent

[0057] The settling agent of the liquid composition includes organopolysiloxane. In certain example embodiments, the settling agent includes an anime functional silicone, a polyamine functional silicone, or combinations thereof. The liquid wipe composition may suitably include the settling agent in an amount from about 0.01 % to about 1% by weight of the liquid wipe composition. In certain example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition may suitably include the settling agent in an amount from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight of the liquid wipe composition. In certain example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition may suitably include the settling agent in an amount from about 0.1 % to about 0.2% by weight of the liquid wipe composition. In other embodiments, the settling agent is present in the liquid wipe composition in an amount of about 0.1 % by weight. Such concentrations may advantageously provide the desired settling rate despite the material of the wipe substrate, a relatively high basis weight of the wipe substrate, and / or compression of the wipe substrate during application of the liquid wipe composition.

[0058] In example embodiments, the settling agent may include one or more of Butoxy PEG-4 PG Amodimethicone, Trideceth-9 PG- Amodimethicone, Methoxy PEG / PPG-7 / 3 Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Bis-(lsostearoyl / Oleoyl Isopropyl) Dimonium Methosulfate, Quaternium-80 and PEG- 40 / PPG-8 Methylaminopropyl / Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Copolymer. Among these, in certain example embodiments, the preferred settling agent is Butoxy PEG-4 PG Amodimethicone. Each of the above recited compounds has been advantageously found to reduce buoyancy of the dispersible wet wipe and is fully described in US11 ,730,693. The example settling agents recited above may be used individually or in any suitable combination in various example embodiments. Further, it will be understood that other amine functional silicone and / or polyamine functional silicones are also within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0059] Polysiloxanes encompass a very broad class of compounds. They are characterized in having a general backbone structure: wherein R1and R" may be a broad range of organo and non-organo groups including mixtures of such groups and where a is an integer ^2. These polysiloxanes may be linear or branched. They may include a wide variety of polysiloxane copolymers containing various compositions of functional groups. Hence, R1and R" actually may represent many different types of groups within the same polymer molecule. The scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited by a particular polysiloxane structure so long as that polysiloxane structure delivers the aforementioned product benefits to the basesheet and / or final tissue product.

[0060] In addition to the general backbone structure, functionalization of the polysiloxane can occur in the main chain of the polymer (side-chain functional polysiloxanes), at the chain ends (end-chain functional polysiloxanes), or both (fully functional polysiloxanes). A more general structure for the functionalized polysiloxane includes both the side-chain and the end-chain structural variation: Desirably, the polysiloxane is an organopolysiloxane. Especially preferred are polyether organopolysiloxanes and amino-functional organopolysiloxanes, or mixed amino-polyether polysiloxanes. Linear or branched organopolysiloxanes are within the scope of the present invention. Linear end-chain functionalized organopolysiloxanes are preferred. Most preferred polysiloxanes are linear end-chain functionalized organofunctional polysiloxanes with a level of organofunctionality sufficient to provide distribution within an aqueous medium, but insufficient to compromise the performance derived from the general non-organopolysiloxane portion of the polymer. Aminofunctional organopolysiloxanes are derived to include fully substituted amine functional organopolysiloxanes, as well as quaternary amine and amphoteric functional organopolysiloxanes.

[0061] Preferred specific examples of organopolysiloxanes include those represented by the following structure: wherein p+q=0 to 2000; R1independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or hydroxyl group; R2independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte; and R3independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte.

[0062] It should be noted that there is some variability in the designation of the terminus of the polymer chains. Where sidechain substitution of the polysiloxane is predominant, the polymer terminus units may be comprised of — Si(R2)s radicals. For strictly end-chain substituted polymers, the polymer terminus units may be comprised of — Si(R3)2R2radicals and q would have a value of zero. Additional structural features and examples of the polymers for use as the organopolysiloxane will be illustrated as each class of functional groups is described.

[0063] It should be pointed out that for the preferred polysiloxane compositions, some level of solubility or dispersibility of the polysiloxane in water is desired. It should also be pointed out that the organopolysiloxane functionality included in the polysiloxane is the radical of the polymer that imparts water solubility. In addition, the level of substitution, the length of the organo-substitution, and the location of the organo-substitution all influence the ultimate solubility or dispersibility of the polysiloxane in water. Since there is so much potential variability in structure possible to describe the polymers of all organopolysiloxanes, it is not possible to address all compositions with a single general composition of specified substitution ranges. It is therefore necessary to describe the general structural features of certain organopolysiloxane polymers, and further specify that the average level of substitution and length of substitution must combine to impart the buoyancy reduction characteristics that deliver the aforementioned product improvements to wet wipe.

[0064] Examples of monovalent hydrocarbon groups as R1include alkyl, aryl, and alkoxy groups. As R1, C1-3 alkyl groups (particularly methyl group) and C1-15 alkoxy groups are preferred. Further examples of R1radicals include — OCH3, — OCH2CH3, —OH.

[0065] Examples of monovalent hydrocarbon groups as R2and R3include alkyl, aryl, and alkoxy groups. As R2and R3, C1-3 alkyl groups (particularly methyl group) and C1-15 alkoxy groups are preferred. Further examples of R2and R3radicals include, — OCH3, — OCH2CH3, —OH.

[0066] In addition, R2and R3can independently represent a hydrocarbon group selected from the group that is functional in amine, polyether, quaternary and / or polyampholyte. These structures will be further described separately.

[0067] R2and R3can independently represent a monovalent organic group containing at least one polyether radical. Examples of monovalent organic group containing polyether radicals as R3include: wherein R4is a divalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R5is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or hydrogen; the ratio of a to b is from 0 to 1 ; and a+b=from 2 to 20.

[0068] R2and R3can also represent a monovalent organic group containing at least one amine radical. In addition the amine functional R3can be further functional with additional polyether functionality. Examples of monovalent organic group containing amine and amine / polyether radicals as R3include: wherein R4is a divalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R6is either hydrogen, or a monovalent polyether functional hydrocarbon radical, exemplified here: wherein R5is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or hydrogen.

[0069] Other structures for R2and R3incorporating amine and amine / polyether functionality into the polysiloxane may also be included. R2and R3can independently represent a monovalent organic group containing at least one quaternary amine radical. An exemplary monovalent organic group containing quaternary amine radicals as R3includes: wherein R4is a divalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and R5is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or hydrogen.

[0070] Other structures for R2and R3incorporating quaternary amine functionality into the polysiloxane may also be included.

[0071] R2and R3can be functional in polyampholyte and independently represent a monovalent organic group containing at least one amphoteric radical. Examples of monovalent organic group containing amphoteric radicals as R3include:

[0072] As a specific example, KF-889S®, a silicone manufactured by Shin-etsu Silicones of America, Inc. of Akron, Ohio, may be used as the settling agent. Another example is Siltech T-24 produced by Siltech Corporation of East York, Ontario. The chemical structure of this compound is described in US 6515095.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the settling agent has a molecular weight less than about 16,000 g / mol, with preferred agents generally being between about 3,000 g / mol and about 5,000 g / mol.

[0074] In example embodiments, certain ratios of the compounds in the liquid wipe composition may result in synergistic interactions that increase stability, while other ratios of the compounds in the liquid wipe composition may not increase stability, and rather, may decrease stability. For instance, in some example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition has a ratio of the settling agent to the silicone- based surfactant of from about 3: 0.25 to about 1 :1. In certain example embodiments, the ratio of the settling agent to the silicone-based surfactant in the liquid wipe composition is from about 1 :1

[0075] In other example embodiments, the ratio of the silicone-based surfactant to the preservative agent is from about 0.25:1 to about 1 :2.5. In certain example embodiments, the ratio of the silicone- based surfactant to the preservative agent is about 1 :1 , such as about 1 :1.8, such as about 1 : 2.5, such as about 0.5:1 , such as about 0.5:1.8, such as about 0.5:2.5, such as about 0.25:1 , such as about 0.25:1 .8, or such as about 0.25: 2.5.

[0076] Ratios of the compounds in the liquid wipe composition can be calculated by any means known in the art based on the specific components wt % and are not limited to the above-mentioned ratios. For instance, in some example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition comprises about 0.025 wt % or greater of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 0.05 wt % or greater of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 0.10 wt % or greater of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 0.25 wt % or greater of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 0.50 wt % of the silicone- based surfactant, such as about 0.75 wt % or greater of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 1 .0 wt % or greater of the silicone-based surfactant. In certain example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition comprises about 1 .5 wt % or less of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 1 .25 wt % or less of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 1.15 wt % or less of the silicone-based surfactant, such as about 1 .05 wt % or less of the silicone-based surfactant.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition comprises about 0.01 wt % or greater of the settling agent, such as about 0.05 wt % or greater of the settling agent, such as about 0.1 wt % or greater of the settling agent, such as about 0.25 wt % or greater of the settling agent, such as about 0.3 wt % or greater of the settling agent, such as about 0.50 wt % or greater of the settling agent. In other example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition comprises about 1 .0 wt % or less of the settling agent, such as about 0.75 wt % or less of the settling agent, such as about 0.5 wt % or less of the settling agent.

[0078] In certain example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition comprises about 0.10 wt % or greater of the preservative agents, such as about 0.11 wt % or greater of the preservative agent, such as about 0.15 wt % or greater of the preservative agent, such as about 0.18 wt % or greater of the preservative agent, such as about 0.20 wt % or greater of the preservative agent, such as about 0.24 wt % or greater of the preservative agent. In other example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition comprises about 0.5 wt % or less of the preservative agent, such as about 0.4 wt % or less of the preservative agent, such as about 0.3 wt % or less of the preservative agent, such as about 0.25 wt % or less of the preservative agent.

[0079] In some example embodiments, certain combinations of the silicone-based surfactant, the preservative agent, and the settling agent allow the liquid wipe composition to demonstrate many advantageous properties. For instance, the liquid wipe composition can demonstrate stability at a broad range of temperatures, such that the liquid wipe composition is stable at temperatures ranging from about 5°C to about 40°C. The ability to demonstrate stability at a broad range of temperatures may allow for greater commercial success, as the liquid wipe composition will be able to be stored at varying temperatures, which may allow for easier transportation of the liquid wipe composition. Resultingly, less waste of liquid wipe composition may occur in comparison to other liquid wipe compositions that may lose stability during transport. In example embodiments where polysilicone-20 is used as the silicone-based surfactant, the liquid wipe composition may also advantageously demonstrate increased stability at lower temperatures.

[0080] The liquid wipe composition may also demonstrate stability while being maintained at lower pH values. For instance, the liquid wipe composition may have a pH of about 3.0 to about 7.0, such as about 3.0 to about 6.0, such as about 3.0 to about 5.0. In certain example embodiments, the pH of the liquid wipe composition is about 3.5 to about 4.2. The present inventors have found that the addition of the silicone-based surfactant to the liquid wipe composition allows the liquid wipe composition to demonstrate stability even when higher concentrations of the preservative agent are used and when formulated to a lower pH, allowing the liquid wipe composition to be an adequately preserved shelf stable formulation.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the liquid wipe composition may be any liquid which can be absorbed into the wipe substrate and may include any suitable components which provide the desired wiping properties. For example, the components may include water, emollients, surfactants, fragrances, preservatives, organic or inorganic acids, chelating agents, pH buffers, or combinations thereof, as are well known to those skilled in the art. Particularly suitable components of the liquid wipe composition include water, coco betaine, PEG-40 castor oil, polysorbate-20, caprylyl glycol, sodium citrate, citric acid, or combinations thereof. Further, the liquid may also contain lotions, medicaments, and / or antimicrobials.

[0082] In one example, the liquid wipe compositions may contain water. The liquid wipe compositions can suitably contain water in an amount from about 90% to about 99.84% by weight of the composition, more preferred from about 95% to about 99.84% by weight of the composition, and even more preferred from about 99% to about 99.84% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the liquid wipe compositions can suitably contain water in an amount of 90% or greater by weight of the composition, such as about 95% or greater by weight of the composition, such as about 97% or greater by weight of the composition, such as about 99% or greater by weight of the composition, such as about 99.5% or greater by weight of the composition.

[0083] The liquid wipe composition may further contain additional agents that impart a beneficial effect on skin or hair and / or further act to improve the aesthetic feel of the compositions and wipes described herein. Examples of suitable skin benefit agents include emollients, viscosity enhancers, rheology modifiers, polyols, surfactants, alcohols, esters, clays, starch, cellulose, particulates, moisturizers, film formers, slip modifiers, surface modifiers, skin protectants, humectants, sunscreens, and the like. Inclusion of such emollients should not disrupt the compatibility that exists between the silicone-based surfactant and the settling and preservative agents. Additionally, the present invention is described as a solution, not an emulsion where emulsifying agents are often needed to make the formulation stable. Solutions covered within the current invention generally have a turbidity value of <200 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), with the most preferred embodiments <20 NTU.

[0084] Thus, in one example, the liquid wipe compositions may further optionally include one or more emollients, which typically acts to soften, soothe, and otherwise lubricate and / or moisturize the skin. For the present invention, suitable emollients are water dispersible or water soluble. Example of such ingredients include but are not limited to PEG-90 Diisostearate (Hydramol PGDS ester, Lubrizol Corporation), PEG / PPG-8 / 3 Diisostearate (Hydramol PGPD ester, Lubrizol Corporation) or Capric Glycerides (Softigen 767, IOI Oleo GmbH).

[0085] One or more viscosity enhancers may also be added to the liquid wipe composition to increase the viscosity, thereby reducing migration of the composition within the stack of wipes. Suitable viscosity enhancers include, but are not limited to, organically modified celluloses, polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP), clays, starches, gums, water-soluble acrylates, carbomers, acrylate-based thickeners, surfactant thickeners, and combinations thereof. It is important to note that the addition of rheology modifiers may not be necessary for composition to remain physically stable within the present invention. The liquid wipe composition may desirably include one or more viscosity enhancers in an amount from about 0.01 % by weight of the composition to about 10 % by weight of the composition, more desirably from about 0.05% by weight of the composition to about 7 % by weight of the composition, and even more desirably from about 0.1% by weight of the composition to about 1 % by weight of the composition.

[0086] The compositions of the disclosure may optionally further contain humectants. Examples of suitable humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin, glycerin derivatives, sodium hyaluronate, betaine, amino acids, glycosaminoglycans, honey, sorbitol, glycols, polyols, sugars, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, salts of PCA, lactic acid, lactates, and urea. Particularly preferred humectants are glycerin and coco betaine. The composition of the present disclosure may suitably include one or more humectants in an amount from about 0.05% by weight of the composition to about 10 % by weight of the composition.

[0087] The liquid wipe compositions may optionally contain additional surfactants Examples of suitable additional surfactants include, but are not limited to, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of suitable surfactants are known in the art and include those suitable for incorporation into liquid wipe compositions and wipes. The composition of the present disclosure may suitably include one or more surfactants in an amount from about 0.01% by weight of the composition to about 10% by weight of the composition. In addition to nonionic surfactants, the cleanser may also contain other types of surfactants. For instance, in some example embodiments, amphoteric surfactants, such as zwitterionic surfactants, may also be used. For instance, one class of amphoteric surfactants that may be used in the present disclosure are derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines having aliphatic radicals that are straight chain or branched, wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, such as a carboxy, sulfonate, or sulfate group. Some examples of amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, sodium 3-(dodecylamino)propionate, sodium 3-(dodecylamino)-propane-1 -sulfonate, sodium

[0088] 2-(dodecylamino)ethyl sulfate, sodium 2-(dimethylamino)octadecanoate, disodium 3-(N- carboxymethyl-dodecylamino)propane-1 -sulfonate, disodium octadecyl iminodiacetate, sodium 1- carboxymethyl-2-undecylimidazole, and sodium N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-sulfato-3- dodecoxypropylamine.

[0089] Additional classes of suitable amphoteric surfactants include phosphobetaines and the phosphitaines. For instance, some examples of such amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to, sodium coconut N-methyl taurate, sodium oleyl N-methyl taurate, sodium tall oil acid N- methyl taurate, sodium palmitoyl N-methyl taurate, cocodimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryldimethylcarboxyethylbetaine, cetyldimethylcarboxymethylbetaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)carboxymethylbetaine, oleyldimethylgammacarboxypropylbetaine, lauryl-bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-carboxyethylbetaine, cocoamidodimethylpropylsultaine, stearylamidodimethylpropylsultaine, laurylamido-bis-(2- hydroxyethyl)propylsultaine, di-sodium oleamide PEG-2 sulfosuccinate, TEA oleamido PEG-2 sulfosuccinate, disodium oleamide MEA sulfosuccinate, disodium oleamide MIPA sulfosuccinate, disodium ricinoleamide MEA sulfosuccinate, disodium undecylenamide MEA sulfosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium wheat germamido MEA sulfosuccinate, disodium wheat germamido PEG-2 sulfosuccinate, disodium isostearamideo MEA sulfosuccinate, cocoamphoglycinate, cocoamphocarboxyglycinate, lauroamphoglycinate, lauroamphocarboxyglycinate, capryloamphocarboxyglycinate, cocoamphopropionate, cocoamphocarboxypropionate, lauroamphocarboxypropionate, capryloamphocarboxypropionate, dihydroxyethyl tallow glycinate, cocoamido disodium 3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, lauric myristic amido disodium 3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, lauric myristic amido glyceryl phosphobetaine, lauric myristic amido carboxy disodium

[0090] 3-hydroxypropyl phosphobetaine, cocoamido propyl monosodium phosphitaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, lauric myristic amido propyl monosodium phosphitaine, and mixtures thereof.

[0091] In certain instances, it may also be desired to utilize one or more anionic surfactants within the liquid wipe compositions. Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl ether sulfonates, sulfate esters of an alkylphenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol, alphaolefin sulfonates, beta-alkoxy alkane sulfonates, alkylauryl sulfonates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfonates, alkyl carbonates, alkyl ether carboxylates, fatty acid salts, sulfosuccinates, sarcosinates, octoxynol or nonoxynol phosphates, taurates, fatty taurides, fatty acid amide polyoxyethylene sulfates, isethionates, or mixtures thereof.Particular examples of some suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, C8-18 alkyl sulfates, C8-18 fatty acid salts, C8-18 alkyl ether sulfates having one or two moles of ethoxylation, C8-18 alkoyl sarcosinates, C8-18 sulfoacetates, C8-18 sulfosuccinates, C8-18 alkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonates, C8-18 alkyl carbonates, C8-18 alpha-olefin sulfonates, methyl ester sulfonates, and blends thereof. The C8-18 alkyl group can be straight chain (e.g., lauryl) or branched (e.g., 2-ethylhexyl). The cation of the anionic surfactant can be an alkali metal (e.g., sodium or potassium), ammonium, C1-4 alkylammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, tri-), or C1 -3 alkanolammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, tri-). Specific examples of such anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, lauryl sulfates, octyl sulfates, 2-ethylhexyl sulfates, decyl sulfates, tridecyl sulfates, cocoates, lauroyl sarcosinates, lauryl sulfosuccinates, linear C10 diphenyl oxide disulfonates, lauryl sulfosuccinates, lauryl ether sulfates (1 and 2 moles ethylene oxide), myristyl sulfates, oleates, stearates, tallates, ricinoleates, cetyl sulfates, and similar surfactants.

[0092] Cationic surfactants, such as cetylpyridinium chloride and methylbenzethonium chloride, may also be utilized in the liquid wipe composition.

[0093] For example, nonionic surfactants may be used. Nonionic surfactants typically have a hydrophobic base, such as a long chain alkyl group or an alkylated aryl group, and a hydrophilic chain comprising a certain number (e.g., 1 to about 30) of ethoxy and / or propoxy moieties. Examples of some classes of nonionic surfactants that can be used include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, polyethylene glycol ethers of methyl glucose, polyethylene glycol ethers of sorbitol, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymers, ethoxylated esters of fatty (C8-18) acids, condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain amines or amides, condensation products of ethylene oxide with alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

[0094] Various specific examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, methyl gluceth-10, PEG-20 methyl glucose distearate, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, C11-15 pareth-20, ceteth-8, ceteth-12, dodoxynol-12, laureth-15, PEG-20 castor oil, polysorbate 20, steareth- 20, polyoxyethylene-10 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene-20 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene-10 oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene-20 oleyl ether, an ethoxylated nonylphenol, ethoxylated octylphenol, ethoxylated dodecylphenol, ethoxylated fatty (C8-22) alcohol, including 3 to 20 ethylene oxide moieties, polyoxyethylene-20 isohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene-23 glycerol laurate, PEG 80 sorbitan laurate, polyoxy-ethylene-20 glyceryl stearate, PPG-10 methyl glucose ether, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether, polyoxyethylene-20 sorbitan monoesters, polyoxyethylene-80 castor oil, polyoxyethylene-15 tridecyl ether, polyoxy-ethylene-6 tridecyl ether, laureth-2, laureth-3, laureth-4, PEG-3 castor oil, PEG 600 dioleate, PEG 400 dioleate, and mixtures thereof.

[0095] The liquid wipe composition may also contain additional preservatives. Suitable preservatives for use in the present compositions may include, for instance, Kathon CG, which is a mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone available from Rohm & Haas of Philadelphia, Pa.; NeoIone 950®, which is methylisothiazolinone available from Rohm & Haas of Philadelphia, Pa., DMDM hydantoin (e.g ., Glydant Plus available from Lonza, Inc. of Fair Lawn, N.J.); iodopropynyl butylcarbamate; benzoic esters (parabens), such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, benzylparaben, sodium methylparaben, and sodium propylparaben; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 ,3-diol; benzoic acid; imidazolidinyl urea; diazolidinyl urea; and the like. Still other preservatives may include ethylhexylglycerin, phenoxyethanol caprylyl glycol, a blend of 1 ,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol and tropolone, and a blend of phenoxyethanol and tropolone.

[0096] The wet wipes, as disclosed herein, do not require organic solvents to maintain in-use strength, and the liquid wipe composition may be substantially free of organic solvents. Organic solvents may produce a greasy after-feel and cause irritation in higher amounts. However, small amounts of organic solvents may be included in the liquid wipe composition for different purposes other than maintaining in-use wet strength. In one embodiment, small amounts of organic solvents (less than about 1%) may be utilized as fragrance or preservative solubilizers to improve process and shelf stability of the liquid wipe composition. The liquid wipe composition may desirably contain less than about 5 weight percent of organic solvents, such as propylene glycol and other glycols, polyhydroxy alcohols, and the like, based on the total weight of the liquid wipe composition. More desirably, the liquid wipe composition may contain less than about 3 weight percent of organic solvents. Even more desirably, the liquid wipe composition may contain less than about 1 weight percent of organic solvents.

[0097] Wet Wipe:

[0098] A wet wipe including a wipe substrate and a liquid wipe composition is further described herein. The liquid wipe composition, as described above, includes a settling agent, a preservative agent, and a surfactant including silicone (e.g., silicone-based surfactant). The settling agent includes an organopolysiloxane described above, and the preservative agent includes a benzoic acid or derivative thereof having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition. In certain example embodiments, the wet wipe is pre-wetted and dispersible. The silicone-based surfactant may allow for the liquid wipe composition to demonstrate improved stability, therefore providing the wet wipe with advantageous characteristics. For instance, to facilitate flushabiiity of the wet wipe, the liquid wipe composition includes a settling agent with one or both of an amine functional silicone and a polyamine functional silicone. The settling agent may advantageously reduce buoyancy of the wet wipev

[0099] The wet wipes of the current disclosure may have sufficient strength to withstand packaging and consumer use. The wet wipes also lose strength sufficiently quickly. The wet wipes of the present disclosure are discussed in further detail below.

[0100] FIG. 1 is a top, plain view of an example embodiment of a wet wipe 80. The wet wipe 80 includes a wipe substrate 11 , such as a nonwoven fibrous web, with a plurality to fibers 13 entangled together. The wipe substrate 11 may be a wet-laid substrate, an air-laid substrate, a melt-blown substrate, a foam-formed substrate, or any other suitable form of nonwoven fibrous web. One exemplary process to prepare air-laid materials suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,603,297, herein incorporated by reference to the extent consistent herewith. The fibers 13 include a mixture of natural cellulose fibers 14 and regenerated cellulose fibers 16. In some example embodiments, the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate including a plurality of fibers entangled together, and the plurality of fibers incudes no less than about 0% of regenerated cellulose, such as about 10% regenerated cellulose with the balance consisting of wood pulp fibers based on a total weight of the nonwoven substrate. For instance, in some example embodiments, if the wipe substrate 11 is air-laid, then the plurality of fibers may include no less than about 0% of regenerated cellulose. In other example embodiments, the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate including a plurality of fibers hydroentangled together, and the plurality of hydroentangled fibers is up to 100% regenerated cellulose fibers based on a total weight of the nonwoven substrate. The wipe substrate 11 , and corresponding wet wipe 80, can be a flushable or non-fl ushable wipe.

[0101] The natural cellulose fibers 14 are cellulosic fibers derived from woody or non-woody plants including, but not limited to, southern softwood kraft, northern softwood kraft, softwood sulfite pulp, cotton, cotton linters, bamboo, and the like. In example embodiments, the natural fibers 14 may have a length-weighted average fiber length greater than about one (1) millimeter. Furthermore, the natural fibers 14 may have a length-weighted average fiber length greater than about two (2) millimeters. In other suitable example embodiments, the natural fibers 14 may be short fibers having a fiber length between about a half (0.5) millimeter and about one and a half (1 .5) millimeters.

[0102] At least some of the natural cellulose fibers 14 may be fibrillated. In one suitable example embodiment, at least fifty (50) percent by weight of the natural cellulose fibers 14 are fibrillated. In one example embodiment, all of the natural cellulose fibers 14 are fibrillated. That is, in one preferred example embodiment, one hundred (100) percent by weight of the natural cellulose fibers 14 are fibrillated. Thus, it is contemplated that in some example embodiments the percentage of natural cellulose fibers 14 by weight that is fibrillated may vary anywhere between fifty (50) and one hundred (100).

[0103] Fibrillation of the natural cellulose fibers 14 results in segments (or portions) of the outer surface of the natural cellulose fibers 14 to be partially detach from the main fiber structure and become fibrils. The fibrils are typically attached at one end to the main fiber structure and extend outward from the main fiber structure to a free end. As can be readily appreciated and described in more detail below, the fibrils provide additional fiber structure to engage and otherwise bond (e.g., entanglement, hydrogen bonding) to other fibers (including other fibrils) in wet wipe 80.

[0104] Fibrillation of the natural cellulose fibers 14 may be done using any suitable technique known in the art. Thus, the natural cellulose fibers 14 may be fibrillated using mechanical agitation, chemical treatment, or combinations thereof. In one suitable example embodiment, fibrillation of the natural cellulose fibers 14 may be done using a refiner, which mechanically agitates the fibers. It is noted, that the length of the natural cellulose fibers 14 should be preserved during the fibrillation process. Accordingly, the natural cellulose fibers 14 should retain length during the fibrillation process such that following fibrillation the length of the fibers are substantially the same as before fibrillation.

[0105] The regenerated fibers 16 are man-made filaments obtained by extruding or otherwise treating regenerated or modified cellulosic materials from woody or non-woody plants, as is known in the art. For example, but not by way of limitation, the regenerated fibers 16 may include one or more of lyocell, rayon, and the like. In some example embodiments, the regenerated fibers 16 have a fiber length in the range of about three (3) to about twenty (20) millimeters. Furthermore, the regenerated fibers 16 may have a fiber length in the range of about six (6) to about twelve (12) millimeters. In one suitable example embodiment, the regenerated fibers 16 are not mechanically treated to alter or otherwise affect the shape the fiber. More specifically, the regenerated fibers 16 may not be fibrillated.

[0106] In some example embodiments, it is contemplated to use synthetic fibers in combination with the regenerated fibers 16. For example, but not by way of limitation, the synthetic fibers may include one or more of nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the like. In some example embodiments, the synthetic fibers have a fiber length in the range of about three (3) to about twenty (20) millimeters. Furthermore, the synthetic fibers may have a fiber length in the range of about six (6) to about twelve (12) millimeters. In one suitable example embodiment, the synthetic fibers are not mechanically treated to alter or otherwise affect the shape the fiber. More specifically, the synthetic fibers may not be fibrillated.

[0107] In example embodiments, the wipe substrate 11 may have a basis weight from about seventy grams per square meter (70 gsm) to about one hundred and twenty grams per square meter (120 gsm). In some preferred example embodiments, the wipe substrate 11 may have a basis weight from about fifty grams per square meter (50 gsm) to about one hundred twenty grams per square meter (120 gsm). For instance, the wipe substrate 11 may have a basis weight of about eighty grams per square meter (80 gsm).

[0108] In certain example embodiments, the wipe substrate 11 may be substantially hydroentangled, such that the plurality of fibers 13 are hydroentangled together. Suitably, no binder (i.e., chemical binding agent) is used to supplement or otherwise increase the bonds between the fibers 14, 16 of the wet wipe 80. Thus, the wipe substrate 11 may be free or essentially free of binder (e.g., and associated binder insolubilizing salt in the liquid wipe composition), such as ion-triggerable polymer binder, conventionally used to bond fibers in certain non-hydroentangled tissue webs. In contrast, the primary bonds between the fibers 14, 16 of the wet wipe 80 are created through hydroentangling. The fibrils created by fibrillating fifty percent (50%) or more (by weight) of the natural cellulose fibers 14 may facilitate greater bonding between the fibers 13 through increased hydroentanglement and thus increased strength as compared to using non-fibrillated natural cellulose fibers 14. As mentioned above, the regenerated cellulose fibers 16 (and any synthetic fibers if used) are not fibrillated.

[0109] In one suitable example embodiment, the wet wipe 80 has a wet cross-direction tensile strength greater than about two hundred gram-force (200 gf) and, more preferably, greater than about two hundred and fifty gram-force (250 gf). Suitably, the wet wipe 80 may have a wet cross-direction tensile strength between about two hundred gram-force (200 gf) and six hundred gram-force (600 gf) and, more preferably, between about two hundred and fifty gram-force (250 gf) and about four hundred gram-force (400 gf).

[0110] In one example embodiment, the wet wipe 80 has a wet machine-direction tensile strength that is greater than the wet cross-direction tensile strength. In one suitable example embodiment, the wet machine-direction tensile strength is at least twenty-five percent (25%) greater than the wet crossdirection tensile strength. Preferably, the wet machine-direction tensile strength is at least fifty percent (50%) greater than the wet cross-direction tensile strength and, even more preferably, at least seventy- five percent (75%) greater. In one suitable example embodiment, the wet machine-direction tensile strength is at least one hundred percent (100%) greater than the wet cross-direction tensile strength. Suitably, the wet wipe 80 may have a wet machine-direction tensile strength is greater than two hundred and fifty gram-force (250 gf), more preferably greater than about three hundred gram-force (300 gf), and even more preferably greater than three hundred and fifty gram-force (350 gf). In one suitable example embodiment, the wet wipe 80 has a wet machine-direction tensile strength between about two hundred and fifty gram-force (250 gf) and one thousand gram-force (1000 gf) and, more preferably, between about three hundred gram-force (300 gf) and about eight hundred gram-force (800). The wet wipe may also demonstrate many advantageous features. For instance, the wet wipe may have a settling rate of at least about 0.1 centimeters per second and a more preferred settling rate of at least 2.0 centimeters per second, such as a settling rate of at least about 4.0 centimeters per second, e.g . , such that the pre-wetted and dispersible wet wipe meets guidelines and standards, such as IN DA, IWSFG, AS / NZS 5328, and / or Water UK Fine to Flush, in particular the INDA FG504 Settling Test.

[0111] Formation System and Method:

[0112] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one suitable example embodiment of an apparatus, indicated generally at 10, for making a wet wipe 80, including one or more dispersible moist wipes in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the wet wipe 80 may include a continuous web of interconnected dispersible moist wipe or a single dispersible moist wipe of a plurality of discrete moist wipes being made by the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is configured to form the wipe substrate 11 including the mixture of natural cellulose fibers 14 and regenerated cellulose fibers 16.

[0113] In making the wet wipe 80, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the natural fibers 14 and regenerated fibers 16 are dispersed in a liquid suspension 20 to a headbox 12. A liquid medium 18 used to form the liquid suspension 20 may be any liquid medium known in the art that is compatible with the process as described herein, for example, water. In some example embodiments, a consistency of the liquid suspension 20 is in the range of about two-hundredths (0.02) to about eight-hundredths (0.08) percent fiber by weight. Moreover, the consistency of the liquid suspension 20 may be in the range of about three-hundredths (0.03) to about five-hundredths (0.05) percent fiber by weight. In one suitable example embodiment, the consistency of the liquid suspension 20 after the natural fibers 14 and the regenerated fibers 16 are added is about three-hundredths (0.03) percent fiber by weight. A relatively low consistency of the liquid suspension 20 at the headbox 12 is believed to enhance mixing of the natural fibers 14 and the regenerated fibers 16 and, therefore, enhances a formation quality of the wipe substrate 11.

[0114] The headbox 12 is configured to deposit the liquid suspension 20 onto a foraminous forming wire 22, which retains the fibers to form the wipe substrate 11 . In an example embodiment, the headbox 12 is configured to operate in a low-consistency mode as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,663 issued to Skoog et al., which is herein incorporated by reference. The forming wire 22 carries the wipe substrate 11 in a direction of travel, which is indicated by arrow 24. A longitudinal axis of the wipe substrate 11 is aligned with the direction of travel 24 and is hereinafter referred to as "machine direction,” and a transverse axis, which is perpendicular to the machine direction, is hereinafter referred to as “cross-machine direction”, which is indicated by arrow 25 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 is configured to draw a portion of the remaining liquid dispersing medium 18 out of the wipe substrate 11 as the web travels along the forming wire 22, such as by the operation of a vacuum box 26.

[0115] The apparatus 10 also may be configured to transfer the wipe substrate 11 from the forming wire 22 to a transfer wire 28. In some example embodiments, the transfer wire 28 carries the nonwoven web in the machine direction 24 under a first plurality of jets 30. The first plurality of jets 30 may be produced by a first manifold 32 with at least one row of first orifices 34 spaced apart along the cross-machine direction 25 (FIG. 3). The first manifold 32 is configured to supply a liquid, such as water, at a first pressure to the first orifices 34 to produce a columnar jet 30 at each first orifice 34 In some example embodiments, the first pressure is in the range of about twenty (20) to about one hundred and twenty-five (125) bars. In one suitable example embodiment, the first pressure is between about forty (40) and sixty (60) bars.

[0116] In one suitable example embodiment, each first orifice 34 is of circular shape with a diameter in the range of about ninety (90) to about one hundred and fifty (150) micrometers. In one suitable embodiment, for example, each first orifice 34 has a diameter of about one hundred and twenty (120) micrometers. In addition, each first orifice 34 may be spaced apart from an adjacent first orifice 34 by a first distance 36 along the cross-machine direction 25. In some example embodiments, the first distance 36 is such that a first region 38 of fibers of the wipe substrate 11 displaced by each jet of the first plurality of jets 30 does not overlap substantially with a second region 40 of fibers displaced by the adjacent one of the first plurality of jets 30, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 3. Instead, the fibers in each of the first region 38 and the second region 40 are substantially displaced in a direction along an axis, which is indicated in FIG. 3 by arrow 46, perpendicular to the plane of the wipe substrate 11 (i.e., the z-direction), but are not significantly hydroentangled with laterally adjacent fibers. In some example embodiments, the first distance 36 is in the range of about one thousand, two hundred (1200) to about two thousand, four hundred (2400) micrometers. In one suitable example embodiment, the first distance 36 is about one thousand, eight hundred (1800) micrometers. In other suitable example embodiments, the first plurality of jets 30 may be produced by first orifices 34 having any shape, or any jet nozzle and pressurization arrangement, that is configured to produce a row of columnar jets 30 spaced apart along the cross-machine direction 25 in like fashion.

[0117] Additional ones of the first plurality of jets 30 optionally may be produced by additional manifolds, such as a second manifold 44 shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, spaced apart from the first manifold 32 in the machine direction 24. A foraminous support fabric 42 is configured such that the wipe substrate 11 may be transferred from the transfer wire 28 to the support fabric 42. In an example embodiment, the support fabric 42 carries the wipe substrate 11 in the machine direction 24 under the second manifold 44. It should be understood that the number and placement of transport wires or transport fabrics, such as the forming wire 22, the transport wire 28, and the support fabric 42, may be varied in other example embodiments. For example, but not by way of limitation, the first manifold 32 may be located to treat the wipe substrate 11 while the wipe substrate 11 is carried on the support fabric 42, rather than on the transfer wire 28, or conversely the second manifold 44 may be located to treat the wipe substrate 11 while the wipe substrate 11 is carried on the transfer wire 28, rather than on the support fabric 42. In another example, one of the forming wire 22, the transport wire 28, and the support fabric 42 may be combined with another in a single wire or fabric, or any one may be implemented as a series of cooperating wires and transport fabrics rather than as a single wire or transport fabric.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the second manifold 44, like the first manifold 32, includes at least one row of first orifices 34 spaced apart along the cross-machine direction 25. The second manifold 44 is configured to supply a liquid, such as water, at a second pressure to the first orifices 34 to produce a columnar jet 30 at each first orifice 34. In some example embodiments, the second pressure is in the range of about twenty (20) to about one hundred and twenty-five (125) bars. In one suitable example embodiment, the second pressure is between about forty (40) and sixty (60) bars. Moreover, in some example embodiments, each first orifice 34 is of circular shape, and each first orifice 34 is spaced apart from an adjacent first orifice 34 by a first distance 36 along the crossmachine direction 25, as shown in FIG. 3 for the first manifold 32. In other example embodiments, the second manifold 44 may be configured in any other fashion such that a first region of fibers of the wipe substrate 11 displaced by each jet of the first plurality of jets 30 does not overlap substantially with a second region of fibers displaced by the adjacent one of the first plurality of jets 30.

[0119] With reference again to FIG. 2, the support fabric 42 carries the wipe substrate 11 in the machine direction 24 under a second plurality of jets 50. The second plurality of jets 50 may be produced by a third manifold 52 with at least one row of second orifices 54 spaced apart along the cross-machine direction 25. The third manifold 52 is configured to supply a liquid, such as water, at a third pressure to the second orifice 54 to produce a columnar jet 50 at each third orifice 54. In some example embodiments, the third pressure is in the range of about twenty (20) to about one hundred and twenty-five (125) bars. In one suitable example embodiment, the third pressure may be in the range of about forty (40) to about sixty (60) bars.

[0120] In some embodiments, each second orifice 54 is of circular shape with a diameter in the range of about ninety (90) to about one hundred and fifty (150) micrometers. Moreover, each second orifice 54 may have a diameter of about one hundred and twenty (120) micrometers. In addition, each second orifice 54 may be spaced apart from an adjacent second orifice 54 by a second distance 56 along the cross-machine direction 25, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and the second distance 56 is such that the fibers of the wipe substrate 11 become substantially hydroentangled. In some example embodiments, the second distance 56 is in the range of about four hundred (400) to about one thousand (1000) micrometers. Further, the second distance 56 may be in the range of about five hundred (500) to about seven hundred (700) micrometers. In an example embodiment, the second distance 56 is about six hundred (600) micrometers. In other suitable example embodiments, the second plurality of jets 50 may be produced by second orifices 54 having any shape, or any jet nozzle and pressurization arrangement, that is configured to produce a row of columnar jets 50 spaced apart along the cross-machine direction 25 in like fashion.

[0121] Additional ones of the second plurality of jets 50 optionally may be produced by additional manifolds, such as a fourth manifold 60 and a fifth manifold 62 shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2. Each of the fourth manifold 60 and the fifth manifold 62 have at least one row of second orifices 54 spaced apart along the cross-machine direction 25. In an example embodiment, the fourth manifold 60 and the fifth manifold 62 each are configured to supply a liquid, such as water, at the third pressure (that is, the pressure at third manifold 52) to the second orifices 54 to produce a columnar jet 50 at each third orifice 54. In other suitable example embodiments, each of the fourth manifold 60 and the fifth manifold 62 may supply the liquid at a pressure other than the third pressure. Moreover, in some example embodiments, each second orifice 54 is of circular shape with a diameter in the range of about ninety (90) to about one hundred and fifty (150) micrometers, and each second orifice 54 is spaced apart from an adjacent second orifice 54 by a second distance 56 along the cross-machine direction 25, as with third manifold 52. In other example embodiments, the fourth manifold 60 and the fifth manifold 62 each may be configured in any other fashion such as to produce jets 50 that cause the fibers of the wipe substrate 11 to become substantially hydroentangled.

[0122] It should be recognized that, although the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has two preentangling manifolds 32, 44 and three hydroentangling manifolds 52, 60, 62, any number of additional pre-entangling manifolds and / or hydroentangling manifolds may be used. In particular, each of the forming wire 22, the transfer wire 28, and the support fabric 42 carry the wipe substrate 11 in the direction of machine travel at a respective speed, and as those respective speeds are increased, additional manifolds may be necessary to impart a desired hydroentangling energy to the wipe substrate 11 . It is contemplated that in some suitable example embodiments, one or both the preentangling manifolds 32, 44 can be omitted. It is further contemplated that fewer than three (3) hydroentangling manifolds 52, 60, 62 can be provided in other suitable example embodiments.

[0123] The apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 also may be configured to remove a desired portion of the remaining fluid, for example water, from the wipe substrate 11 after the hydroentanglement process to produce a wet wipe 80. In some example embodiments, the hydroentangled wipe substrate 11 is transferred from the support fabric 42 to a through-drying fabric 72, which carries the wipe substrate 11 through a through-air dryer 70. In some example embodiments, the through-drying fabric 72 is a coarse, highly permeable fabric. The through-air dryer 70 is configured to pass hot air through wipe substrate 11 to remove a desired amount of fluid. Thus, the through-air dryer 70 provides a relatively non-compressive method of drying the wipe substrate 11 to produce wet wipe 80. In other suitable example embodiments, other methods may be used as a substitute for, or in conjunction with, the through-air dryer 70 to remove a desired amount of remaining fluid from the wipe substrate 11 to form the wet wipe 80. Furthermore, in some suitable example embodiments, the wet wipe 80 may be wound on a reel (not shown) to facilitate storage and / or transport prior to further processing.

[0124] Another suitable example embodiment of a method or apparatus for making a wet wipe 80, including one or more dispersible moist wipes in FIG. 1 , is to form an air-laid nonwoven web as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,603,297 and U.S. Pat. No. 11 ,028,537, herein incorporated by reference to the extent consistent herewith. In certain example embodiments, when the wet wipe 80 includes an air-laid nonwoven web, a binder, such as an ion-triggerable polymer binder or a binder that includes a triggerable polymer, such as a dilution triggerable polymer or an ion-sensitive polymer, may be added to the wet wipe 80. An exemplary anionic ion-sensitive polymer is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,804, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Exemplary cationic ion-sensitive polymers are disclosed in the following U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.: 2003 / 0026963, 2003 / 0027270, 2003 / 0032352, 2004 / 0030080, 2003 / 0055146, 2003 / 0022568, 2003 / 0045645, 2004 / 0058600, 2004 / 0058073, 2004 / 0063888, 2004 / 0055704, 2004 / 0058606, and 2004 / 0062791 , all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The addition of a binder to the air-laid nonwoven web may help the wet wipe 80 be strong and have sufficient strength during use but still be able to disperse quickly in a wastewater system.

[0125] The wet wipe 80 may then be processed as desired, for example, infused with a wetting composition including any combination of water, emollients, surfactants, fragrances, preservatives, organic or inorganic acids, chelating agents, pH buffers, the settling agent(s) and the silicone-based surfactant(s) described above, and the like.

[0126] The finished wet wipes may be individually packaged, desirably in a folded condition, in a moisture proof envelope or packaged in containers holding any desired number of sheets in a watertight package with a wetting composition applied to the wipe. Some example processes which can be used to manufacture folded wet wipes are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,540,332 and 6,905,748, which are incorporated by reference herein. The finished wipes may also be packaged as a roll of separable sheets in a moisture-proof container holding any desired number of sheets on the roll with a wetting composition applied to the wipes. The roll may be coreless and either hollow or solid. Coreless rolls, including rolls with a hollow center or without a solid center, may be produced with known coreless roll winders, including those of SRP Industry, Inc. of San Jose, Calif.; Shimizu Manufacturing of Japan, and the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,890. U.S. Pat. No. 6,651 ,924 also provides examples of a process for producing coreless rolls of wet wipes.

[0127] Test Methods:

[0128] Settling Testing

[0129] The settling of wipe substrates generated from each example may be measured using the equipment described for INDA method FG504 or an equivalent method, which is referred to herein as the “Settling Test”. The Settling Test uses an approximately twenty (20) cm diameter clear plastic column containing tap water that allows the settling behavior of a wipe to be observed. The column has graduations that are used for determining the time needed for a wipe to descend a pre-determined distance in the column. Individual wipes are rinsed in water or flushed through a test drain-line. In addition, the wipes can be swirled gently in wastewater for thirty (30) seconds to allow the adsorption of solids (optional). Each wipe is then placed in a beaker containing tap water that is poured into the top of the column. The settling rate is calculated from the sample’s travel time in the column. This process is repeated for ten separate wipes and the average settling velocity is calculated The settled wipes are then left in the column for twenty-four (24) hours to verify that the wipes do not become buoyant and float. In the event that the wipes fail to settle or become buoyant, another round of testing can be conducted with ten additional samples.

[0130] Samples are first dimensioned equal to or less than 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) to minimize contact with the inner walls of the column as the samples settle. Prior to testing, each sample is also pre-rinsed. Optionally, each sample can then be placed in approximately twenty liters (20 L) of screened, untreated wastewater in a bucket or similar container, which is then stirred for thirty (30) seconds. The samples are placed into a beaker containing one liter (1 L) of tap water in preparation for dosing to the column.

[0131] Each sample is added into the top of the column, and the travel time of the sample between timing marks is recorded. This is repeated until all samples have been tested and have settled. If a sample does not settle, additional water is added to the column. If any sample fails to reach the lower timing mark after twenty (20) minutes, the sample is removed from the column.

[0132] After adding all the samples, the column and its contents are left undisturbed for a period of twenty-four (24) hours. At the end of the period, the column is inspected and the number of samples that are located more than thirty (30) cm above the bottom of the column is record. To be acceptable, the average settling velocity for the wipes that settle must exceed one-tenth centimeter per second (0.1 cm / sec) and at least 95% of the total wipes tested must settle. At least 95% of the wipes tested must not become sufficiently buoyant to rise more than thirty centimeters (30 cm) from the bottom of the column within twenty-four (24) hours.

[0133] Stability Testing:

[0134] The stability and turbidity of each example may be measured by employing freeze-thaw cycle and other low temperature testing. Because compositions intended for human use often encounter extreme temperature conditions, such as freezing or overheating in transport, freeze-thaw cycle testing is a stability test that indicates how the composition will react when under various conditions. Freeze-thaw cycle testing often includes subjecting samples of the composition to one or more freezethaw cycles, such as about 3 freeze-thaw cycles. Each freeze-thaw cycle is conducted by first placing the samples in a suitable container that allows for visual inspection of the sample, such as a 2-oz. glass jar with a lid. Containers are then placed into a freezer and exposed to freezing temperatures (approximately -10°C) for 24 hours, after which the sample containers are removed from the freezer and allowed to thaw at room temperature (approximately 25°C) for 24 hours. The samples were then placed into the freezer again, and the cycles may be repeated up to two additional times, for a total of three freeze-thaw cycles. After the final freeze-thaw cycle was completed, the sample was then visually analyzed for significant changes, such as precipitation, phase separation, or oil globules in the sample. If no significant changes occurred within the sample and the sample retained a clear consistency after 3 freeze-thaw cycles, the sample was considered acceptably stable.

[0135] Another stability test is to analyze samples of the composition after the composition is exposed to various temperatures for a long period of time. For example, samples of the liquid wipe composition may be exposed to temperatures ranging from about 5°C to about 40°C for a period of many weeks or months. For instance, the samples of the liquid wipe composition may be exposed to a temperature of 5°C for 1 month and / or the liquid wipe composition may be exposed to a temperature of 40°C for 3-4 months. The samples are then analyzed for significant changes, such as precipitation, phase separation, or oil globules in the sample. If no significant changes occur within the sample the sample is considered acceptably stable. Compositions of the current invention were able to remain stable longer when exposed to prolonged exposure of 4 weeks at 5°C, with more preferred embodiments also remaining stable after 3 freeze-thaw cycles.

[0136] Certain aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood according to the following examples, which are intended to be non-limiting and exemplary in nature. Moreover, it will be understood that the wet wipes and liquid wipe compositions described in the examples may be substantially free of any component not expressly described. EXAMPLE 1

[0137] Liquid wipe compositions were formed according to Table 1.

[0138] Table 1: Liquid wipe composition with no silicone-based surfactant A first sample, Sample A, was formed according to T able 1 . Sample A contained 0.24 wt % sodium benzoate and demonstrated significant turbidity upon batching. A second sample, Sample B, was formed according to Table 1 . Sample B contained 0.11 wt % sodium benzoate. It was found that by lowering the amount of sodium benzoate to 0.11 wt % in Sample B, along with increasing the pH to 4.50 or greater, turbidity was reduced upon batching For instance, both Sample A and Sample B were subjected to three freeze-thaw cycles. Sample A developed precipitate and separated following one week at 40°C, while Sample B remained stable over one week at 40°C. Although Sample B remained stable, the low levels of benzoic acid (< 308 ppm) may not provide a sufficient level of preservative agent within the wet wipe product.

[0139] EXAMPLE 2

[0140] Liquid wipe compositions were formed according to Table 2.

[0141] Table 2: Liquid wipe composition with a polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone surfactant.

[0142] Samples according to general compositions provided in Table 2 were prepared. Samples that contained Siltech T-24 at 0.10% or no Silfactant D-20-6 demonstrated significant turbidity following batching and were not studied for stability (not shown in Table 2). The remaining samples shown in

[0143] 5 Table 3 remained stable following 4 weeks at 5°C and 12 weeks at 40°C in addition to 3 freeze-thaw cycles.

[0144] Table 3: Liquid wipe compositions with a polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone surfactant at varying amounts. EXAMPLE 3

[0145] Additional polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone surfactants, including PEG-10 Dimethicone and PEG-12 Dimethicone, were incorporated into the liquid wipe composition according to Table 4: Table 4: Liquid wipe compositions with various polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone surfactants. All samples produced clear solutions upon batching. However, only the samples which contained Polysil icone-20 remained clear following freeze-thaw cycle testing, while the other samples which contained PEG-8 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, and PEG-12 Dimethicone demonstrated precipitate such as oil globules or significant turbidity after freeze-thaw cycle testing. However, relative to samples without any silicone-based surfactants, the incorporation of these materials still significantly improved batch lifetime. EXAMPLE 4

[0146] A liquid wipe composition was formed according to Table 5:

[0147] Table 5: Liquid wipe composition including PEG-8 Arnodimethicone.

[0148] The composition was coated onto a 50 gsm flushable basesheet including 30% viscose and 70% northern bleached softwood pulp fibers. A liquid wipe composition was also prepared according to

[0149] Table 5, except that no PEG-8 Arnodimethicone was included. The PEG-8 Arnodimethicone free sample was used as the control and was also coated onto a 50 gsm flushable basesheet including 30% viscose and 70% northern bleached softwood pulp fibers. The settling rate and stability data of the samples are demonstrated below in Table 6: Table 6: Settling rate data and stability data for liquid wipe composition including PEG-8 Arnodimethicone and a settling agent. EXAMPLE 5

[0150] Liquid wipe compositions were formed according to Table 7 with the following PEG / PPG Dimethicone surfactants evaluated for solution stability and settling performance at 0.10 wt %: Silsoft 430 (PEG-20 / PPG-23 Dimethicone), Abil B 8852 (PEG / PPG-4 / 12 Dimethicone, Abil EM 97 (Bis- PEG / PPG-14 / 14 Dimethicone (and) Dimethicone), Silsurf CR 1115 (PEG / PPG-18 / 18 Dimethicone), Silsurf Di 5018-F (Bis-PEG / PPG-18 / 6 Dimethicone), Silube J208-212 (Lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 Dimethicone), and Silube J208-612 (Lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 Dimethicone).

[0151] Table 7: Liquid wipe compositions including various PEG / PPG dimethicone surfactants.

[0152] The compositions were formulated to have a target pH of about 3 to about 5. The compositions were coated onto a 50 gsm flushable basesheet including 30% viscose and 70% northern bleached softwood pulp fibers. The settling rate and stability data of the samples are demonstrated below in Table 8:

[0153] Table 8: Settling rate data and stability data for liquid wipe composition including a PEG / PPG dimethicone surfactant and a settling agent.

[0154] As demonstrated by Table 8, the addition of the PEG / PPG dimethicone surfactants significantly improved the shelf life of solutions while the finished wet wipe maintained a high settling rate. Additionally, Table 8 demonstrates that the addition of selected PEG / PPG Dimethicone surfactants significantly improved the solution stability compared to the control, which separated following 1 month at 40°C. Further, Table 8 demonstrates the importance of selecting PEG / PPG Dimethicone surfactants with sufficient water solubility, such as those with HLB values of about 5 or greater. For instance, Lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 Dimethicone, which did not demonstrate stability after 3 freeze-thaw cycles, has a HLB value of 4-5, indicating having a more hydrophobic nature.

[0155] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

[0156] EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0157] First example embodiment: A liquid wipe composition, the liquid wipe composition comprising a settling agent comprising an organopolysiloxane; a preservative agent comprising a benzoic acid or derivative thereof, the preservative agent having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition; and a silicone-based surfactant.

[0158] Second example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of the first example embodiment, wherein the liquid wipe composition has a pH of about 3.0 to about 5.0.

[0159] Third example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the settling agent comprises an amine functional silicone, a polyamine functional silicone, or combinations thereof.

[0160] Fourth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the settling agent comprises a general formula: wherein p+q=0 to 2000, R1 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, R2 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte, and R3 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte.

[0161] Fifth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the settling agent comprises Butoxy PEG-4 PG-Aminodimethicone.

[0162] Sixth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the settling agent has a molecular weight of less than about 16,000 g / mol.

[0163] Seventh example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the settling agent has a concentration of about 0.01 wt % to about 1 wt % of the liquid wipe composition.

[0164] Eighth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the silicone-based surfactant comprises a polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone, a polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicone, or a combination thereof.

[0165] Ninth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone includes PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG-10 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone, polysilicone-20, or a combination thereof. Tenth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicone includes PEG- 20 / PPG-23 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-4 / 12 dimethicone, bis-PEG / PPG-14 / 14 dimethicone and dimethicone, PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, bis-PEG / PPG-18 / 6 dimethicone, lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, Lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, or a combination thereof.

[0166] Eleventh example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the silicone-based surfactant has a molecular weight less than about 29,000 g / mol.

[0167] Twelfth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the silicone-based surfactant has a concentration of about 0.01 wt % to about 1 .5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition.

[0168] Thirteenth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition as in any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein a ratio of the settling agent to the silicone-based surfactant is from about 3:0.25 to about 1 :1 by weight.

[0169] Fourteenth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition as in any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein a ratio of the silicone-based surfactant to the preservative agent is from about 0.25:1 to about 1 :2.5 by weight.

[0170] Fifteenth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the liquid wipe composition further comprises water, coco betaine, PEG-40 castor oil, polysorbate-20, caprylyl glycol, sodium citrate, citric acid, or combinations thereof.

[0171] Sixteenth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the liquid wipe composition is stable at temperatures ranging from about 5°C to about 40°C for at least 1 month.

[0172] Seventeenth example embodiment: The liquid wipe composition of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the liquid wipe composition retains a clear consistency after about after about 3 freeze-thaw cycles

[0173] Eighteenth example embodiment: A wet wipe comprising a wipe substrate; and a liquid wipe composition, the liquid wipe composition comprising: a settling agent comprising an organopolysiloxane; a preservative agent comprising a benzoic acid or derivative thereof, the preservative agent having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition; and a silicone-based surfactant.

[0174] Nineteenth example embodiment: The wet wipe of example embodiment 17, wherein the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate comprising a plurality of fibers entangled together. Twentieth example embodiment: The wet wipe of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the plurality of fibers comprises no less than about 10% regenerated cellulose fibers:

[0175] Twenty-first example embodiment: The wet wipe of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate comprising a plurality of fibers hydroentangled together.

[0176] Twenty-second example embodiment: The wet wipe of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the plurality of fibers comprises up to about 100% regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0177] Twenty-third example embodiment: The wet wipe of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the wipe substrate is a wet-laid substrate, an air-laid substrate, a melt-blown substrate, or a foam-formed substrate.

[0178] Twenty-fourth example embodiment: The wet wipe of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the wipe substrate is essentially free of an ion-triggerable polymer binder.

[0179] Twenty-fifth example embodiment: The wet wipe of any of the preceding example embodiments, wherein the wet wipe has a settling rate of at least about two centimeters per second.

Claims

What Is Claimed:1 . A liquid wipe composition, the liquid wipe composition comprising: a settling agent comprising an organopolysiloxane, a preservative agent comprising a benzoic acid or derivative thereof, the preservative agent having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition, and a silicone-based surfactant.

2. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the liquid wipe composition has a pH of about 3.0 to about 5.0.

3. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the settling agent comprises an amine functional silicone, a polyamine functional silicone, or combinations thereof.4 The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the settling agent comprises a general formula:wherein p+q=0 to 2000, R1 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, R2 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte, and R3 independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group or a hydroxyl group, or independently represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, polyether, quaternary or polyampholyte.5 The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the settling agent comprises Butoxy PEG-4 PG- Aminodimethicone.

6. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the settling agent has a molecular weight of less than about 16,000 g / mol.

7. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the settling agent has a concentration of about 0.01 wt % to about 1 wt % of the liquid wipe composition.

8. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the silicone-based surfactant comprises a polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone, a polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicone, or a combination thereof.

9. The liquid wipe composition of claim 8, wherein the polyoxyethylene derivatized dimethicone includes PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG-10 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone, polysilicone-20, or a combination thereof.

10. The liquid wipe composition of claim 8, wherein the polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene derivatized dimethicone includes PEG-20 / PPG-23 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-4 / 12 dimethicone, bis-PEG / PPG-14 / 14 dimethicone and dimethicone, PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, bis- PEG / PPG-18 / 6 dimethicone, lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, Lauryl PEG / PPG-18 / 18 dimethicone, or a combination thereof.11 . The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the silicone-based surfactant has a molecular weight less than about 29,000 g / mol.

12. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the silicone-based surfactant has a concentration of about 0.01 wt % to about 1 .5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition.

13. The liquid wipe composition as in any of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the settling agent to the silicone-based surfactant is from about 3:0.25 to about 1 :1 by weight.

14. The liquid wipe composition as in any of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio of the silicone- based surfactant to the preservative agent is from about 0.25:1 to about 1 :2.5 by weight.

15. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the liquid wipe composition further comprises water, coco betaine, PEG-40 castor oil, polysorbate-20, caprylyl glycol, sodium citrate, citric acid, or combinations thereof.

16. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the liquid wipe composition is stable at temperatures ranging from about 5°C to about 40°C for at least 1 month.

17. The liquid wipe composition of claim 1 , wherein the liquid wipe composition is stable and retains a clear consistency after about three freeze-thaw cycles.

18. A wet wipe comprising: a wipe substrate; and a liquid wipe composition, the liquid wipe composition comprising: a settling agent comprising an organopolysiloxane; a preservative agent comprising a benzoic acid or derivative thereof, the preservative agent having a concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the liquid wipe composition; and a silicone-based surfactant.

19. The wet wipe of claim 18, wherein the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate comprising a plurality of fibers entangled together.

20. The wet wipe of claim 19, wherein the plurality of fibers comprises no less than about 10% regenerated cellulose fibers based on a total weight of the nonwoven substrate. 21 . The wet wipe of claim 18, wherein the wipe substrate is a nonwoven substrate comprising a plurality of fibers hydroentangled together.

22. The wet wipe of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of fibers comprises up to about 100% regenerated cellulose fibers based on a total weight of the nonwoven substrate.

23. The wet wipe of claim 18, wherein the wipe substrate is a wet-laid substrate, an air-laid substrate, a melt-blown substrate, or a foam-formed substrate.

24. The wet wipe of claim 18, wherein the wipe substrate is essentially free of an ion-triggerable polymer binder.

25. The wet wipe of claim 18, wherein the wet wipe has a settling rate of at least about two centimeters per second.

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