Uses and compositions

Abstract

A use of an ester compound to treat a surface, wherein the surface is not a surface of a home care substrate and wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance; and wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

Description

[0001] Uses and Compositions

[0002] Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the use of an ester compound to treat a surface, and to a method of treating a surface, wherein the treatment provides at least one effect to the surface. The present invention also relates to a composition for treating a surface, wherein the composition comprises an ester compound. The present invention also relates to a substrate wherein a surface thereof is treated with an ester compound. The surface is not a surface of a home care substrate. The treatment of the surface provides at least one effect selected from increased water repellency, reduced friction, and improved visual appearance.

[0004] Background

[0005] Various compounds and compositions are known to impart various properties to substrates, especially the surfaces of substrates, with which they are contacted.

[0006] Some materials have surfaces (such as rough and / or water absorbent surfaces) that readily accumulate dust and / or dirt and are difficult to clean. This can cause problems such as reducing the cleanliness, robustness, and / or longevity of the material, as well as making the material aesthetically unappealing. It can be desirable to apply suitable compounds and compositions to such materials to provide benefits such as increased water repellency, reduced friction, and improved visual appearance (such as improved visual appearance).

[0007] Silicone compounds, such as polydimethylsiloxane, functionalised polydimethylsiloxanes, organosilicones, and related compounds are widely used to impart water repelling, low-friction and shine properties to surfaces, including imparting lubrication and / or softening properties. However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with the use of such silicone compounds, including their low biodegradability, which has led to environmental concerns.

[0008] It is thus an object of the invention to provide an alternative to silicone compounds that can be used in a wide range of applications to provide impart water repelling, low-friction and shine properties to surfaces, including imparting lubrication and / or softening properties. It is another object of the invention to provide alternatives to silicone compounds that are more biodegradable whilst having equal or improved water repelling, low-friction and shine properties to surfaces, including imparting lubrication and / or softening properties. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to aspects of the present invention, there is provided a use, method, composition and substrate as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and from the description which follows.

[0010] The inventors have identified that certain ester compounds can provide at least one of increased water repellency, reduced friction, and improved visual appearance to surfaces, which is at least comparable to that provided by known silicone compounds, whilst also being more biodegradable.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of an ester compound to treat a surface, wherein the surface is not a surface of a home care substrate and wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance; and wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of treating a surface, wherein the surface is not a surface of a home care substrate and wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance, the method comprising contacting the surface with an ester compound, wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a composition fortreating a surface that is not a surface of a home care substrate, wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance, and wherein the composition comprises one or more ester compounds, wherein the or each ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is a provided a substrate that is not a home care substrate, wherein a surface of the substrate is treated with an ester compound, wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0015] Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and from the description which follows.

[0016] Features described in relation to the third and fourth aspects may have any of the suitable features and advantages described in relation to the first and second aspects.

[0017] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0018] Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in the specification and claims have the meanings set out below.

[0019] The terms “alkyl” and “alkylene” include both straight and branched chain alkyl and alkylene groups respectively unless otherwise stated.

[0020] References to individual alkyl groups such as “propyl” are specific for the straight chain version only and references to individual branched chain alkyl groups such as “isopropyl” are specific for the branched chain version only. For example, “C3-30 alkyl” includes Ce-24 alkyl, Ce-s alkyl, propyl, isopropyl and t-butyl.

[0021] The term “alkenyl” includes both straight and branched chain alkenyl groups. References to individual alkenyl groups such as “propenyl” are specific for the straight chain version only and references to individual branched chain alkenyl groups such as “isopropenyl” are specific for the branched chain version only. For example, “C3-30 alkenyl” includes Ce-24 alkenyl, Ce-s alkenyl, propenyl and isopropenyl.

[0022] Herein C3-30 means a group having from 3 to 30 carbons atoms therein, for example having 3, 4, 5 etc up to 30 carbon atoms.

[0023] The term "hydrocarbyl" is used in its ordinary sense, which is well-known to those skilled in the art. Specifically, it refers to a group having a carbon atom directly attached to the remainder of the molecule and having predominantly hydrocarbon character.

[0024] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Throughout this specification, the term “comprising” or “comprises” means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of other components. The term “consisting essentially of’ or “consists essentially of’ means including the components specified but excluding other components except for components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effect of the invention. The term “consisting of’ or “consists of’ means including the components specified but excluding other components.

[0025] Whenever appropriate, depending upon the context, the use of the term “comprises” or “comprising” may also be taken to include the meaning “consists essentially of’ or “consisting essentially of’, and also may also be taken to include the meaning “consists of’ or “consisting of’.

[0026] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts of percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about”, even if the term does not expressly appear.

[0027] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1 , 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.70 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

[0028] The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each exemplary aspect of the invention, as set out herein are also applicable to any other aspects or exemplary aspects of the invention, where appropriate. In otherwords, the skilled person reading this specification should considerthe optional features for each aspect or embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different aspects of the invention.

[0029] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a list is described as comprising group A, B, and / or C, the list can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0030] The term “reactant” is used herein to refer to a compound comprising at least one reactive functional group. As reported herein, the number average molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography using a polystyrene standard according to ASTM D6579-11 (“Standard Practice for Molecular Weight Averages and Molecular Weight Distribution of Hydrocarbon, Rosin and Terpene Resins by Size Exclusion Chromatography”. UV detector; 254 nm, solvent: unstabilised THF, retention time marker: toluene, sample concentration: 2mg / ml).

[0031] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of an ester compound to treat a surface, wherein the surface is not a surface of a home care substrate and wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance; and wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of treating a surface, wherein the surface is not a surface of a home care substrate and wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance, the method comprising contacting the surface with an ester compound, wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0033] Suitable features of the first and second aspects will now be described.

[0034] The ester compound as used herein is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants as defined herein. In other words, the ester compound may be obtainable or obtained by reacting reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants as defined herein.

[0035] The ester compound as used herein may be the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants as defined herein. In other words, the ester compound may be obtainable or obtained by reacting reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants as defined herein. Thus, the reaction product may be an ester compound consisting essentially of or consisting of repeat units derived from the one or more first reactants and the one or more second reactants as defined herein. The first and second reactants may be reacted in any suitable molar ratio to make the ester compound, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0036] The first and second reactants may be reacted in a molar ratio of from 1 :10 to 10:1 , preferably from 1 :6 to 6:1 , for example from 1 :3 to 3:1. Ratios refer to the total amounts of first reactants or second reactants if more than one first reactant or second reactant is present.

[0037] The first and second reactants may be reacted in a molar ratio of from 1 :1.5 to 1.5:1 , suitably a molar ratio of from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2, such as a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0038] The ester compound may be prepared by any suitable method, as would be known to persons skilled in the art.

[0039] References herein to a reaction product of reactants comprising the first and second reactants are intended to refer to a product of the reaction of reactants comprising the first and second reactants conducted in any suitable manner. For example, the reaction may occur between the first and second reactants in the absence of other reactant(s) or may occur in the presence of other reactant(s).

[0040] The or each of the one or more first reactants used to make the ester compound is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof. Mixtures of two or more different first reactants (i.e. different polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof) may be used to make the ester compound.

[0041] Any suitable polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof may be used to make the ester compound, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0042] The polycarboxylic acid may comprise two or more carboxylic acid groups, such as two or three carboxylic acid groups. Preferred polycarboxylic acids are dicarboxylic acids.

[0043] The polycarboxylic acid may be aliphatic or aromatic. The aliphatic polycarboxylic acid may be cycloaliphatic. The aliphatic polycarboxylic acid may be saturated or unsaturated. By the term “unsaturated” we mean that the polycarboxylic acid comprises one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Preferably the polycarboxylic acid is aliphatic and / or saturated.

[0044] The polycarboxylic acid may comprise one or more heteroatoms other than the oxygen atoms in the carboxylic acid groups. By the term “heteroatoms” we mean atoms other than carbon or hydrogen, such as oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur atoms. For example, the polycarboxylic acid may comprise one or more moieties selected from hydroxy groups, amino groups, ether groups, and / or thioether groups.

[0045] The polycarboxylic acid may be of the formula HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, wherein n is from 0 to 30; and

[0046] each R is independently hydrogen or a substituent;

[0047] and / or two R groups on the same carbon atom may be taken together to form a methylene (=CH2) group;

[0048] and / or when n is two or more, two R groups on adjacent carbon atoms may be taken together to form a double bond.

[0049] n is suitably from 1 to 20, preferably from 2 to 16, more preferably from 2 to 12, for example from 2 to 10.

[0050] Each (CR2) group can be the same or different.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “each R”, “R groups” and the like are intended to refer to all instances of the “R” group in the formula HOOC(CR2)nCOOH,

[0052] Each R may be hydrogen. Alternatively, one or two R groups may be a substituent and the remaining R groups may be hydrogen. Any suitable substituent may be used as R. The substituent may be a hydrocarbyl group ora heteroatom-containing group. Examples of suitable substituents include hydroxy groups, amino groups, carboxyl groups, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups, wherein the alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups are optionally substituted with one or more of a hydroxy group, an amino group, and / or a carboxyl group.

[0053] One or two of the R groups may be a hydroxy group. Another of the R groups may optionally be a carboxyl group ora carboxyl-substituted methyl group, and the remaining R groups are suitably hydrogen. Suitably, one ortwo of the R groups may be a hydroxy group, another of the R groups may be a carboxyl group or a carboxyl-substituted methyl group, and the remaining R groups may be hydrogen; or one ortwo of the R groups may be a hydroxy group and the remaining R groups may be hydrogen. The polycarboxylic acid may be malic acid, tartaric acid, or citric acid.

[0054] One or two R groups may be an alkyl or alkenyl group. Preferably, one R group is an alkyl or alkenyl group. The remaining R groups are suitably hydrogen. Each alkyl or alkenyl group may contain from 6 to 30, such as from 8 to 24, carbon atoms. The polycarboxylic acid may be an alkyl or alkenyl substituted succinic acid, preferably an alkenyl substituted succinic acid. Examples of such polycarboxylic acids include C2o-24 alkenyl succinic acid, dodecenyl succinic acid (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic acid), nonenyl succinic acid, octadecenyl succinic acid and octenyl succinic acid.

[0055] One R group may be a polyisobutenyl group and the remaining R groups may be hydrogen. The polyisobutenyl group suitably has a number average molecular weight of from 100 to 2000, preferably from 100 to 1000, for example 260 or 550. The polycarboxylic acid may be a polyisobutenyl succinic acid, for example wherein the polyisobutenyl group has a number average molecular weight of 260 or 550.

[0056] Two R groups on the same carbon atom may be taken together to form a methylene (=CH2) group. The polycarboxylic acid may comprise one or more such methylene groups. Two R groups on the same carbon atom may be taken together to form a methylene (=CH2) group and the remaining R groups may be hydrogen. The polycarboxylic acid may be itaconic acid.

[0057] When n is 2 or more, two R groups on adjacent carbon atoms may be taken together to form a double bond. The polycarboxylic acid may comprise one or more such double bonds. The double bond may be in a cis or trans configuration. Two R groups on adjacent carbon atoms may be taken together to form a double bond and the remaining R groups may be hydrogen. The polycarboxylic acid may be maleic acid or fumaric acid.

[0058] The polycarboxylic acid may be of the formula HOOC(CH2)nCOOH, wherein n is from 0 to 30.

[0059] n is suitably from 1 to 20, preferably from 2 to 16, more preferably from 4 to 12, for example from 5 to 10.

[0060] The polycarboxylic acid may be selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid, or dodecanedioic acid (especially from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, or dodecanedioic acid, more especially from succinic acid, pimelic acid, sebacic acid, or dodecanedioic acid).

[0061] Preferably, the polycarboxylic acid may be selected from pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid, or dodecanedioic acid.

[0062] The polycarboxylic acid may be of the formula HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, wherein m+m2 is from 0 to 30 and X is O, S, or NR1wherein R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group.

[0063] m+m2 is suitably from 1 to 20, preferably from 2 to 16, more preferably from 2 to 12, for example from 2 to 6. m and m2 may each independently be from 0 to 30, suitably from 1 to 19, preferably from 1 to 15, more preferably from 1 to 11 , for example from 1 to 5.

[0064] R1may be a hydrocarbyl group, such as an alkyl or alkenyl group. The hydrocarbyl group may contain from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Preferably, R1is hydrogen.

[0065] X is preferably O or S (most preferably O).

[0066] Polycarboxylic acids of the formula HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, wherein m+m2 is from 2 to 12 and X is O or S (especially O) are preferred.

[0067] The polycarboxylic acid may be selected from diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, 3,3’-thiodipropanoic acid, or iminodiacetic acid, preferably from diglycolic acid or thiodiglycolic acid.

[0068] The polycarboxylic acid may be of the formula HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, wherein x is from 1 to 30 and each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group.

[0069] x is suitably from 1 to 20, preferably from 2 to 16, more preferably from 4 to 14, for example from 6 to 12, such as 10.

[0070] Each R2may independently be a hydrocarbyl group, such as an alkyl group. The alkyl group may contain from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The alkyl group is preferably methyl. In some embodiments, a portion of R2groups are hydrocarbyl groups (such as methyl groups) and the remaining R2groups are hydrogen.

[0071] Preferably, each R2is hydrogen.

[0072] The polycarboxylic acid may be a polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether. The polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether may contain from 1 to 20 ethylene oxide units (i.e. -CH2CH2O-), preferably from 2 to 16 ethylene oxide units, more preferably from 4 to 14 ethylene oxide units, for example from 6 to 12 ethylene oxide units, such as 10 ethylene oxide units. The polycarboxylic acid may be a polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether containing 10 ethylene oxide units.

[0073] The polycarboxylic acid may comprise a cyclic group. The cyclic group may be substituted, for example with alkyl or alkenyl groups. The carboxyl groups of the polycarboxylic acid may be attached directly to the cyclic group, or via an alkyl or alkenyl group. The cyclic group may be a cycloaliphatic group. Examples of cycloaliphatic groups include cyclohexane and cyclohexene (especially cyclohexane).

[0074] The polycarboxylic acid may be 1 ,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid or 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid.

[0075] The cyclic group may be an aromatic group. Examples of aromatic groups include benzene and naphthalene.

[0076] The polycarboxylic acid may be selected from phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, homophthalic acid, 1 ,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, pyromellitic acid, 1 ,2-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. 1 ,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, or 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid.

[0077] In some embodiments, the polycarboxylic acid does not comprise a cyclic group, and especially does not comprise an aromatic group.

[0078] The polycarboxylic acid may be a dimer acid. Such compounds are formed from the dimerisation of unsaturated acids, for example unsaturated fatty acids having from 6 to 50, suitably from 8 to 40, preferably from 10 to 36, for example from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, or from 16 to 20 carbon atoms. The dimer acid may be hydrogenated or unhydrogenated. Preferably, the dimer acid is hydrogenated.

[0079] The dimer acid may have from 12 to 100 carbon atoms, preferably from 16 to 72 carbon atoms such as from 20 to 40 carbon atoms, for example from 32 to 40 carbon atoms.

[0080] Preferred dimer acids comprise C36 dimer acids such as those prepared by dimerising oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures comprising oleic and linoleic acid, for example, tall oil fatty acids. Preferably, the dimer acid comprises a dimer acid prepared by dimerising oleic acid. The dimer acid may be a hydrogenated C36 dimer acid.

[0081] In some embodiments, the polycarboxylic acid is not a dimer acid.

[0082] Preferably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, wherein n, R, m, M2, X, R2and x are as defined herein. Most preferably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, wherein n is from 2 to 16 (more preferably from 4 to 12, for example from 5 to 10), R is hydrogen or a substituent (preferably hydroxy), X is O or S (preferably O), m+m2 is from 2 to 12, each R2is hydrogen and x is from 2 to 16 (more preferably from 4 to 14, for example from 6 to 12).

[0083] A reactive equivalent of the polycarboxylic acid may be used. By the term “reactive equivalent”, we mean a compound that results in the same reaction product as the corresponding polycarboxylic acid. Suitable reactive equivalents include acid chlorides and esters of the polycarboxylic acids described herein.

[0084] The reactive equivalent may be an acid chloride of the polycarboxylic acid. The acid chloride of the polycarboxylic acid suitably does not comprise any free carboxylic acid groups.

[0085] The reactive equivalent may be an ester of the polycarboxylic acid. The ester of the polycarboxylic acid suitably does not comprise any free carboxylic acid groups. The ester of the polycarboxylic acid is suitably a hydrocarbyl ester, such as an alkyl ester, an alkenyl ester, an aryl ester, an aralkyl ester, or an alkaryl ester. Preferably the ester is an alkyl ester. The alkyl ester is suitably formed by reacting the polycarboxylic acid with an alkanol. The alkanol suitably contains from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The alkanol is preferably methanol. The alkyl ester is preferably a methyl ester.

[0086] Preferably the one or more first reactants used to make the ester compound is a polycarboxylic acid and not a reactive equivalent thereof.

[0087] Suitably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, C 20-24 alkenyl succinic acid, dodecenyl succinic acid (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic acid), nonenyl succinic acid, octadecenyl succinic acid, octenyl succinic acid, polyisobutenylsuccinic acid, itaconic acid, 1 ,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, homophthalic acid, 1 ,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, pyromellitic acid, 1 ,2-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, 3,3’-thiodipropanoic acid, iminodiacetic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a dimer acid, or an acid chloride or ester thereof. Suitably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a dimer acid, or an acid chloride or ester thereof (especially selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a dimer acid, or an acid chloride or ester thereof).

[0088] Suitably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from oxalic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid or an acid chloride thereof.

[0089] Suitably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid or an acid chloride thereof (especially selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid or an acid chloride thereof).

[0090] Suitably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from oxalic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, isophthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, or an acid chloride thereof.

[0091] Suitably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, or an acid chloride thereof.

[0092] Suitably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from oxalic acid, succinic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, isophthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, or an acid chloride thereof.

[0093] Preferably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, oxalyl chloride, isophthaloyl chloride, or terephthaloyl chloride (especially selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, or oxalyl chloride).

[0094] Preferably, the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof may be selected from succinic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, oxalyl chloride, isophthaloyl chloride, or terephthaloyl chloride (especially selected from succinic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, or oxalyl chloride).

[0095] In some embodiments, mixtures of two or more different first reactants may be used to make the ester compound. For example, a mixture of dodecanedioic acid and tartaric acid may be used.

[0096] The polycarboxylic acid compounds or reactive equivalents thereof discussed herein may be commercially available or may be prepared using procedures well known in the art.

[0097] The or each of the one or more second reactants used to make the ester compound is a polyol. Mixtures of two or more different second reactants (i.e. different polyols) may be used to make the ester compound.

[0098] Any suitable polyol may be used to make the ester compound, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0099] The term polyol is used to refer to any compound including two or more hydroxy (OH) functional groups. In some embodiments the or each polyol may comprise carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, and optionally additionally nitrogen atoms. In other embodiments, the or each polyol may consist essentially of or consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

[0100] Suitable polyols for preparing the ester compound may be compounds having from 2 to 10, preferably from 2 to 6, more preferably 2 or 3, hydroxy groups. Preferred polyols may have 2 hydroxy groups.

[0101] Suitable polyols may include one or more of a polyol of formula (I):

[0102] H-(OR3)P-OH

[0103] (I)

[0104] wherein each R3is independently an optionally substituted hydrocarbylene group and p is an integer of at least 1. When p is an integer of greater than 1 , the polyol offormula (I) may comprise groups R3that are all the same or may comprise groups R3that are different. Suitably, each R3in the formula (I) may be the same. Preferably p is an integer from 1 to 140, such as from 1 to 110, from 1 to 40 or from 1 to 10.

[0105] For example, suitable polyols may include one or more of a polyol of formula (IA):

[0106] H-(OR4)q-OH

[0107] (IA)

[0108] wherein each R4is independently an optionally substituted alkylene group and q is an integer of at least 1. When q is an integer of greater than 1 , the polyol offormula (IA) may comprise groups R4that are all the same or may comprise groups R4that are different. Suitably, each R4in the formula (IA) is the same. Preferably q is an integer from 1 to 140, such as from 1 to 110, from 1 to 40 or from 1 to 10.

[0109] When the polyol of formula (I) or (IA) contains a substituted hydrocarbylene or alkylene group, any suitable substituent may be present, such as for example a carboxy or amido substituent.

[0110] The polyol of formula (IA) may have more than 2 hydroxy groups and the group R4may be a hydroxy substituted alkylene group. Each hydroxy substituted alkylene group R4may have 1 , 2 or more hydroxy groups. Each hydroxy substituted alkylene group R4may preferably have 1 hydroxy group.

[0111] The polyol of formula (IA) may have 2 hydroxy groups and the group R4may be an optionally substituted alkylene group wherein the optional substituent is not hydroxy. The polyol of formula (I) or of formula (IA) may be a sugar derived compound in which R3or R4includes one or more hydroxy residues.

[0112] The or each R3orR4may represent a cyclic alkylene unit. One or more heteroatoms (for example oxygen atoms) may be present in the cyclic alkylene unit. For example the unit may contain an ether linkage.

[0113] Suitably the or each R3or R4may be one or more saccharide units or may be substituted with one or more saccharide units.

[0114] Suitably the or each R3or R4may be an unsubstituted alkylene group.

[0115] Preferably the or each R3or R4is an optionally substituted alkylene group having from 1 to 50, such as from 1 to 40, preferably from 1 to 30, more preferably from 1 to 20, suitably from 1 to 12 or from 1 to 10, for example from 2 to 6, carbon atoms.

[0116] Preferably the or each R3or R4is an unsubstituted alkylene group having from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20, more preferably from 1 to 12 or from 1 to 10, suitably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Each R3or R4may be straight chained or branched.

[0117] Suitably the or each R3or R4may be an ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene or dodecylene group. When R3or R4has more than 2 carbon atoms any isomer may be present. Preferably R3or R4is an ethylene or a propylene group, most preferably an ethylene group.

[0118] When q is 1 , R4may be a group of formula (CH2)x wherein x is from 2 to 12, preferably from 3 to 12.

[0119] Suitably when q is 1 , R4may be a straight chain or branched optionally substituted alkylene group and the polyol may be selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1.2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2, 2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerol and neopentyl glycol (preferably from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2,2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2.2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, glycerol and neopentyl glycol).

[0120] Suitably when q is 1 , R may be a straight chain or branched alkylene group having from 2 to 12, preferably from 3 to 12, carbon atoms. Suitable compounds of this type include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, pentaerythritol and neopentyl glycol.

[0121] Suitably when q is 1 , R4may be a branched alkylene group having from 2 to 12, preferably from 3 to 12, carbon atoms. Suitable compounds of this type include propylene glycol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2, 2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, pentaerythritol and neopentyl glycol.

[0122] Suitably when q is 2 or more, the or each R4may be a straight chain or branched alkylene group and the polyol may, for example, be selected from diglycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol (especially polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol).

[0123] Suitably when q is 2 or more, the or each R4may be a straight chain or branched alkylene group having from 2 to 4, preferably 2 or 3, carbon atoms. Suitable compounds of this type include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, di propylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), for example having a number average molecular weight of from 150 to 6000, and polypropylene glycol (PPG), for example having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to 2000. Polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol are preferred. Suitable polyols may include one or more of PEG 6000, PEG 1500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG 400, PEG 200, PPG 2000, PPG 1000 and PPG 425. In some embodiments, the polyol may be polyethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to 6000, such as from 1000 to 2000, or polypropylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to 2000, such as from 1000 to 2000.

[0124] The or each R3or R4may comprise a mixture of isomers. For example when R3or R4is propylene, the polyol may include moieties -CH2CH(CH3)- and -CH(CH3)CH2- in any orderwithin the chain.

[0125] R3or R4may comprise a mixture of different groups for example ethylene, propylene or butylene units.

[0126] The or each R4may be an ethylene, propylene or butylene group. For example, the or each R4may be an n-propylene or n-butylene group or an isopropylene or isobutylene group. For example the or each R4may be -CH2CH2-, -CH2CH(CH3)-, - CH(CH3)CH2-, CH2CH2CH2-, -CH2C(CH3)2-, -CH2CH2CH2CH2-, -CH(CH3)CH(CH3)- or-CH2CH(CH2CH3)-. Preferably R4is selected from -CH2CH2-, -CH2CH2CH2-, -CH(CH3)CH2- or -CH2CH(OH)CH2, more preferably from -CH2CH2-, and-CH2CH2CH2-.

[0127] Suitably the polyol of formula (I) or (IA) may be a sugar derived alcohol, for example, glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose or sorbitol, preferably sorbitol.

[0128] Suitably the polyol of formula (I) may be selected from one or more of 1 ,12-dodecanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol, polyethylene glycol (such as PEG 6000, PEG 1500, PEG 1000, PEG 600, PEG 400, PEG 200), polypropylene glycol (such as PPG 2000, PPG 1000, PPG 425), sorbitol, trimethylolpropane and xylitol.

[0129] Suitably, the polyol, for example of formula (I), may be an ester of glycerol (also known as a glyceride) and a hydroxycarboxylic acid. The ester of glycerol may be a mono-, di- or triglyceride, suitably a tri-glyceride. Suitably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid comprises one or more hydroxyl groups and one or more carboxylic acid groups. The hydroxycarboxylic acid may be a monocarboxylic acid comprising one or more hydroxyl groups.

[0130] The hydroxycarboxylic acid may be of the formula R5COOH, wherein R5is a hydroxyl-substituted hydrocarbyl group. R5is suitably a hydroxy-substituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkaryl group, preferably a hydroxy-substituted alkyl or alkenyl group. R5suitably comprises from 1 to 25 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 17 carbon atoms.

[0131] Suitably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid may be selected from glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxy butyric acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, hydroxycaproic acid, hydroxystearic acid (preferably 12-hydroxystearic acid), 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, mandelic acid or ricinoleic acid. Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid or the cyclic ester thereof may be selected from glycolic acid, mandelic acid, ricinoleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid or citric acid. More preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid or the cyclic ester thereof is ricinoleic acid.

[0132] Preferably, when the polyol is an ester of glycerol, the polyol may be a mono-, di- or tri-glyceride of ricinoleic acid. Most preferably, when the polyol is an ester of glycerol, the polyol may be a tri-glyceride of ricinoleic acid, such as castor oil.

[0133] Suitable polyols may include one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (I) or (IA). These polyols may be the reaction product of a polyol of formula (I) or (IA) and one or more alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide or propylene oxide. Such alkoxylated polyols may include polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate (also known as Tween® 80) and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate. Preferably, the or each polyol may be independently selected from castor oil, 1 ,6-hexanediol, sorbitol, neopentyl glycol and a polyalkylene glycol (such as PEG 200).

[0134] When the or each polyol comprises carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms, the or each polyol may comprise two or more (such as 2 or 3) hydroxy groups and one or more (suitably one) amine groups. The amine groups may suitably be secondary or tertiary amines. Preferably the amine groups are tertiary amines. These polyols may be referred to herein as nitrogen containing polyols.

[0135] For example, suitable nitrogen containing polyols may include one or more of a polyol of formula (II) or a derivative thereof:

[0136] NR6R7R8(II)

[0137] wherein R6, R7and R8are each independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyalkyl and hydrocarbyl, provided that at least two of R6, R7and R8represents a hydroxyalkyl group. Preferably, the at least two of R6, R7and R8that represent a hydroxyalkyl group are the same.

[0138] For example, in the compounds of formula (II), R6and R7may each represent hydroxyalkyl and R8may represent hydrogen, hydroxyalkyl or hydrocarbyl.

[0139] In the formula (II), the hydroxyalkyl group may contain from 1 to 8, such as from 1 to 4, such as 2 or 3, carbon atoms. For example, each hydroxyalkyl group may be hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl, particularly hydroxyethyl.

[0140] In the formula (II), the hydrocarbyl group (when present) may represent any suitable such group, such as an alkyl group, for example an alkyl group containing from 1 to 10, such as from 1 to 6 or from 1 to 4, carbon atoms. Thus, the hydrocarbyl group may represent a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group (especially butyl or methyl).

[0141] For example, in the compounds of formula II), R6and R7may each represent hydroxyalkyl and R8may represent hydrogen, hydroxyalkyl or hydrocarbyl (especially hydrogen or hydrocarbyl, more especially hydrocarbyl).

[0142] In some embodiments, the R6and R7may each represent hydroxyalkyl and R8may represent hydroxyalkyl or hydrocarbyl.

[0143] Preferably in the compounds of formula (II), R6and R7both represent hydroxyethyl and R8represents hydrogen or hydrocarbyl, such as a hydrocarbyl group containing from 1 to 6, or from 1 to 4, carbon atoms. Preferably in the compounds of formula (II), R6and R7both represent hydroxyethyl and R8represents hydrogen or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 6, or from 1 to 4, carbon atoms (especially methyl).

[0144] Examples of suitable nitrogen containing polyols include N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine, triethanolamine and diethanolamine (especially N-methyl diethanolamine and N-butyl diethanolamine, more especially N-butyl diethanolamine), and derivatives thereof. The or each nitrogen containing polyol may be selected from N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine, triethanolamine and diethanolamine (especially N-methyl diethanolamine and N-butyl diethanolamine, more especially N-butyl diethanolamine),

[0145] References herein to nitrogen containing polyols include derivatives thereof, such as a corresponding quaternary compound. Thus, as example of a suitable derivative of a nitrogen containing polyol is tris(2-hydroxyalkyl)methylammonium compound, for example tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methylsulfate, which is a quaternary ammonium salt of triethanolamine.

[0146] Preferably, the or each nitrogen containing polyol may be independently selected from tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methylsulfate, N-butyl diethanolamine, diethanolamine and N-methyl diethanolamine, and derivatives thereof.

[0147] More preferably, the or each nitrogen containing polyol may be independently selected from tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methylsulfate and N-butyl diethanolamine, and derivatives thereof.

[0148] Preferably, the or each nitrogen containing polyol may be independently selected from N-butyl diethanolamine, diethanolamine and N-methyl diethanolamine, and derivatives (for example quaternary ammonium salts) thereof.

[0149] Further examples of suitable nitrogen containing polyols include those formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate, such as glycerol carbonate or gluconolactone, with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound, such as ethanolamine, dipropylamine, hexylamine, dodecylamine, phenethylamine, dipropylamine, ethylenediamine, or a polyether polyamine. Suitable polyether amines may include polyether monoamines (such as for example Jeffamine M-1000) and polyether polyamines (such as for example Jeffamine ED-600). As the skilled person would appreciate, the reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound will result in a ring opening reaction to form a compound such as a N-carbamoyl polyol or an amido polyol. The or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein (including an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (such as castor oil)), one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein, one or more nitrogen containing polyol as defined herein (including compounds of the formula (II)) and one or more polyol formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound.

[0150] Preferably, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein (including an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (such as castor oil)), one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein, one or more nitrogen containing polyol of the formula (II) as defined herein and one or more polyol formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound.

[0151] More preferably, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein (such as an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid , for example castor oil), and one or more nitrogen containing polyol of the formula (II) as defined herein.

[0152] In one embodiment, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein, such as an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (for example castor oil) /

[0153] In another embodiment, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein.

[0154] In one embodiment, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol of the formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein, such as an ester of glycerol and a hydroxycarboxylic acid (for example castor oil) and from one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (I) or (IA) as defined herein.

[0155] In another embodiment, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more nitrogen containing polyol as defined herein (including compounds of the formula (II)).

[0156] In some embodiments, when at least one of the one or more polyols is a nitrogen containing polyol then any further polyol(s) contain only 2 hydroxy groups.

[0157] In another embodiment, the or each polyol may be selected from one or more polyol formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound. In one embodiment, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising one (i.e. a single) polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and one (i.e. a single) polyol. In other embodiments, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising two different polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof and one (i.e. a single) polyol, or the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising one (i.e. a single) polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and two different polyols.

[0158] In one embodiment, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of one (i.e. a single) polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and one (i.e. a single) polyol. In other embodiments, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of two different polycarboxylic acids or reactive equivalents thereof and one (i.e. a single) polyol, or the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of one (i.e. a single) polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and two different polyols.

[0159] The combined amount of the one or more first reactants and the one or more second reactants may be at least 50 mol%, suitably at least 75 mol%, preferably at least 90 mol%, for example at least 95 wt% of the reactants that are reacted to obtain the ester compound.

[0160] The ester compound for use herein may be the reaction product of reactants comprising the one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants as disclosed herein and additionally one or more third reactants. In other words, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants as disclosed herein, one or more second reactants as disclosed herein and one or more third reactants. The one or more third reactants may for example act as end capping groups and / or may introduce additional functional groups to the ester compounds. The one or more third reactants may be selected to impart the desired groups and / or properties to the ester compound by the person skilled in the art.

[0161] The combined amount of the one or more first reactants, the one or more second reactants, and the one or more third reactants may be at least 50 mol%, suitably at least 75 mol%, preferably at least 90 mol%, for example at least 95 wt% of the reactants that are reacted to obtain the ester compound.

[0162] The ester compound for use herein may be the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of the one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants as disclosed herein and additionally one or more third reactants. In other words, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first reactants as disclosed herein, one or more second reactants as disclosed herein and one or more third reactants. The ester compound for use herein is suitably the reaction product of no more than four different reactants. Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of no more than three different reactants. For example, the ester compound may be the reaction product of one first reactant, one second reactant, and one third reactant, or the reaction product of two different first reactants and one second reactant as disclosed herein. In some preferred embodiments, the ester compound is the reaction product of only two different reactants, i.e. one first reactant and one second reactant as disclosed herein (and no further reactants).

[0163] Examples of suitable third reactants include one or more of the following:

[0164] (i) cyclic anhydrides;

[0165] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0166] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0167] (iv) epoxide compounds;

[0168] (v) polyfunctional reactants having a reactive amino group;

[0169] (vi) monoalcohols; and

[0170] (vii) monofunctional reactants having a reactive amino group.

[0171] The third reactant may be (i) a cyclic anhydride.

[0172] By the term cyclic anhydride we mean a compound (or reactant) that comprises at least one anhydride group that is contained within a ring structure. For example, the ring structure that contains the anhydride group may comprise from 4 to 8 atoms, which atoms are typically carbon and oxygen. The ring structure that contains the anhydride group may be saturated or partially unsaturated (and is preferably saturated). The overall cyclic anhydride may typically comprise more than 8 atoms.

[0173] Examples of suitable cyclic anhydrides include succinic anhydride, maleic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, a Ce-3o alkenyl succinic anhydride such as C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, octadecenyl succinic anhydride, octenyl succinic anhydride, octadecyl succinic anhydride, or octyl succinic anhydride, a branched alkenyl succinic anhydride such as tetrapropenyl succinic anhydride or polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 1 ,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride, 1 ,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride, 1 ,2-naphthalic anhydride, 2,3-naphthalic anhydride, 1 ,8-naphthalic anhydride and homophthalic anhydride.

[0174] Preferably, the cyclic anhydride is selected from C20-24 alkenyl succinic anhydride, dodecenyl succinic anhydride (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic anhydride), nonenyl succinic anhydride, or phthalic anhydride. The third reactant may be (ii) a monocarboxylic acid or an ester thereof.

[0175] Suitable monocarboxylic acids may be aliphatic or aromatic. The aliphatic monocarboxylic acid may be cycloaliphatic. The aliphatic monocarboxylic acid may be saturated or unsaturated. The monocarboxylic acid may contain from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, suitably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, for example from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The monocarboxylic acid may be a fatty acid.

[0176] Examples of suitable monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof include propionic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, linolelaidic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, and esters (preferably methyl esters) thereof.

[0177] For example, suitable monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof may include hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, linolelaidic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, erucic acid, and esters (preferably methyl esters) thereof.

[0178] Preferably, the monocarboxylic acid is selected from propionic acid, hexanoic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, and esters (preferably methyl esters) thereof.

[0179] Preferably, the monocarboxylic acid is selected from propionic acid, hexanoic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, or erucic acid.

[0180] In some embodiments, the ester compound is prepared from reactants that do not include a monocarboxylic acid or an ester thereof.

[0181] The third reactant may be (iii) a hydroxycarboxylic acid or a cyclic ester thereof.

[0182] Suitable hydroxycarboxylic acids comprise one or more hydroxy groups and one or more carboxylic acid groups. The hydroxycarboxylic acid may be a monocarboxylic acid comprising one or more hydroxy groups.

[0183] By the term “cyclic ester” of a hydroxycarboxylic acid we mean a compound comprising a cyclic group, wherein the cyclic group comprises one or more ester groups. The ester may be a cyclic monoester or a cyclic diester. The cyclic ester may correspond to a single cyclised molecule of the hydroxycarboxylic acid. This may, for example, be formed by an intramolecular reaction between the hydroxy group and the carboxylic acid group on one molecule of the hydroxycarboxylic acid. Alternatively, the cyclic ester may correspond to a cyclic dimer of a hydroxycarboxylic acid. This may, for example, be formed by an intermolecular reaction between the hydroxy groups and the carboxylic acid groups on two molecules of the hydroxycarboxylic acid.

[0184] Examples of suitable hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof include glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxy butyric acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, hydroxycaproic acid, hydroxystearic acid (preferably 12-hydroxystearic acid), dihydroxystearic acid, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, mandelic acid, ricinoleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, y-butyrolactone, 6-valerolactone, e-caprolactone, menthide, D-lactide, L-lactide, or DL-lactide.

[0185] Preferably, the hydroxycarboxylic acid is selected from ricinoleic acid or citric acid.

[0186] The third reactant may be (iv) an epoxide compound.

[0187] Suitable epoxide compounds may comprise one or more than one epoxide group. For example, suitable epoxide compounds may comprise two epoxide groups. Preferred epoxide compounds comprise a single (i.e. only one) epoxide group.

[0188] Examples of suitable epoxide compounds include 1 ,2-epoxydodecane, ethyl glycidyl ether, isopropylglycidyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, nonyl glycidyl ether, decyl glycidyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether (such as n-butyl glycidyl ether), 1 ,2-epoxyhexane, epichlorohydrin, glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride, cyclopentene oxide, cyclohexene oxide, polyethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether, polypropylene glycol) diglycidyl ether and poly(butylene glycol) diglycidyl ether.

[0189] The third reactant may be (v) a polyfunctional reactant having a reactive amino group.

[0190] By the term “polyfunctional reactant” we mean a reactant with at least two reactive groups. By the term “reactive group” we mean a group that reacts with the first reactant and / or the second reactant. At least one of the reactive groups is a reactive amino group. The other reactive groups in the polyfunctional reactant may be reactive amino groups, or may be reactive groups other than amino groups, such as hydroxy groups or carboxyl groups. Reactive amino groups are suitably primary amino groups or secondary amino groups.

[0191] The polyfunctional reactant may comprise at least one reactive amino group and at least one hydroxy group. The polyfunctional reactant may be an alkanolamine or an alkoxylated alkanolamine. The polyfunctional reactant may comprise at least two reactive amino groups. The polyfunctional reactant may be an aliphatic diamine, a polyether diamine, or a polyalkylene polyamine. The polyfunctional reactant may comprise at least one reactive amino group and at least one carboxyl group. The polyfunctional reactant may be an amino acid, such as a naturally occurring amino acid.

[0192] Examples of suitable polyfunctional reactants having at least one reactive amino group include ethanolamine, diethanolamine, ethylene diamine, coco propylene diamine, diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), a polyether diamine (preferably Jeffamine ED-600, Jeffamine ED-900, or Jeffamine ED-2003 which are commercially available), alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamine, glutamate, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.

[0193] The third reactant may be (vi) a monoalcohol.

[0194] Suitable monoalcohols may be aliphatic or aromatic. The aliphatic monoalcohol may be cycloaliphatic. The aliphatic monoalcohol may be saturated or unsaturated. The monoalcohol may contain from 2 to 40 carbon atoms, suitably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, for example from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The monoalcohol may be a fatty alcohol.

[0195] Examples of suitable monoalcohols include hexanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, decanol, dodecanol alcohol, myristyl alcohol, myristoleyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linolelaidyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, arachidonyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and choline chloride.

[0196] Preferably, the monoalcohol is hexanol or oleyl alcohol.

[0197] The third reactant may be (vii) a monofunctional reactant having a reactive amino group.

[0198] Suitable monofunctional reactants having a reactive amino group have one reactive amino group and no other reactive groups. The monofunctional reactant may contain other functional groups that are not reactive groups, such as tertiary amino groups or ether groups. The monofunctional reactant may be an aliphatic monoamine (such as a fatty alkyl amine), an N,N-dialkylaminoalkylamine, or a polyether monoamine.

[0199] The polyether monoamine suitably comprises a polyether backbone selected from polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), or a copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The copolymer of PEG and PPG may be a block copolymer or a random copolymer. The polyether backbone is suitably capped at one end with the reactive amino group, and capped at the other end with an alkyl group (preferably a methyl group). The polyether monoamine suitably has a molecular weight of from 150 to 6000, preferably from 400 to 3000, for example from 600 to 2000. The polyether monoamine may have a weight average molecular weight of from 150 to 6000, preferably from 400 to 3000, for example from 600 to 2000.

[0200] Examples of suitable monofunctional reactants having a reactive amino group include propylamine, dipropylamine, butylamine, hexylamine, octylamine, decylamine, dodecylamine, tetradecylamine, hexadecylamine, octadecylamine, tallow alkyl amine, benzylamine, phenethylamine, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), or Jeffamine M-1000 (which is commercially available).

[0201] Preferably, the monofunctional reactant having a reactive amino group is selected from dodecylamine, N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA), or Jeffamine M-1000.

[0202] In some embodiments, the one or more third reactants are selected from one or more of the following:

[0203] (i) cyclic anhydrides;

[0204] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0205] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof; and

[0206] (iv) monoalcohols.

[0207] The ester compounds may be prepared from the first, second and optionally third reactants by any suitable method, as would be known to the person skilled in the art. The esterification reaction will typically be conducted in the presence of a suitable esterification catalyst, such as tin(ll) ethylhexanoate, tin(ll) oxalate, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, or sulfuric acid.

[0208] The reaction may be carried out for any suitable length of time, such as at least 1 hour, preferably at least 3 hours, for example at least 5 hours.

[0209] The reaction may be carried out at any suitable temperature, such as from 50 to 300°C, preferably from 100 to 200°C.

[0210] References herein to a reactant are intended to refer to the compounds that react to form the ester compound and are not intended to include a catalyst used in the reaction.

[0211] Suitable molar ratios of the first, second and optional third reactants may be used to prepare the ester compounds. Suitably, the ester compound is not further reacted after the reaction of the reactants.

[0212] When the third reactant is used, the molar ratio of the first reactant to the sum of the second and third reactants is suitably from 1 :1 to 1 :10, such as from 1 :1 to 1 :5, such as from 1 :1 to 1 :3.

[0213] Suitably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, a polycarboxylic acid comprising a cyclic group, or a dimer acid;

[0214] wherein n is from 2 to 10;

[0215] each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, another of the R groups is optionally a carboxyl group or a carboxyl-substituted methyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0216] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0217] X is O, S, or NR1;

[0218] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0219] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0220] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0221] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, or a nitrogen containing polyol.

[0222] Suitably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, or a dimer acid;

[0223] wherein n is from 2 to 10;

[0224] each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0225] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0226] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0227] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0228] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0229] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0230] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol. Suitably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH;

[0231] wherein n is from 2 to 10;

[0232] each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0233] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0234] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0235] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0236] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0237] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0238] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol.

[0239] Suitably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH2)nCOOH, wherein n is from 5 to 10, a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH wherein X is O, S, or NR1and m+m2 is from 2 to 12, or a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, wherein x is from 1 to 30 and each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, and the one or more second reactants may comprise at least a nitrogen containing polyol and / or a polyol of formula (I):

[0240] H-(OR3)P-OH

[0241] (I)

[0242] wherein each R3is independently a straight chain or branched alkylene group and p is an integer of at least 2.

[0243] Suitably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH2)nCOOH, wherein n is from 5 to 10 or a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, wherein x is from 1 to 30 and each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, and the one or more second reactants may comprise at least a nitrogen containing polyol and / or a polyol of formula (I):

[0244] H-(OR3)P-OH

[0245] (I) wherein each R3is independently a straight chain or branched alkylene group and p is an integer of at least 2.

[0246] Suitably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH2)nCOOH, wherein n is from 5 to 10 or a polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether and the one or more second reactants may comprise at least N-butyl diethanolamine and optionally polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0247] Suitably, the first reactant may be a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH2)nCOOH, wherein n is from 5 to 10 or a polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether and the second reactant may be N-butyl diethanolamine and optionally polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0248] Suitably, the first reactant may be sebacic acid or a poly(ethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether and the second reactant may be N-butyl diethanolamine and optionally PEG 200. The sebacic acid and the N-butyl diethanolamine may be reacted in a 1 :1 molar ratio. The sebacic acid and the N-butyl diethanolamine and PEG 200 may be reacted in a 2:1 :1 molar ratio. The polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether and the N-butyl diethanolamine may be reacted in a molar ratio of from 2:1 to 1 :2, suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2, such as 1 :1.

[0249] Suitably, the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH wherein X is O, S, or NR1and m+m2 is from 2 to 12, or a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, wherein x is from 1 to 30 and each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, and the one or more second reactants may comprise at least a polyol selected from selected from diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol. Preferably the one or more second reactants comprise a polyol selected from polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. The molar ratio of the one or more first reactants and the one or more second reactants is suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1.

[0250] Suitably, the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof; and the or each second reactant is a polyol, wherein at least one of the one or more second reactants is selected from propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2, 2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, pentaerythritol, glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerol, neopentyl glycol, diglycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-butyl diethanolamine, diethanolamine, derivatives (for example quaternary ammonium salts) of N-butyl diethanolamine or diethanolamine, or a polyol formed by reacting a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a primary or secondary amine compound.

[0251] Suitably, the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof; and the or each second reactant is a polyol, wherein at least one of the one or more second reactants is selected from propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-butyl diethanolamine, ortris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate.

[0252] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of (preferably consisting of) one or more first reactants, one or more second reactants, and optionally one or more third reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0253] the or each second reactant is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2, 2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionicacid, pentaerythritol, glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerol, neopentyl glycol, diglycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-butyl diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, derivatives (for example quaternary ammonium salts) of N-butyl diethanolamine, triethanolamine or diethanolamine, or a polyol formed by reacting a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a primary or secondary amine compound; and

[0254] the or each third reactant (when present) is selected from:

[0255] (i) cyclic anhydrides;

[0256] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0257] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0258] (iv) epoxide compounds;

[0259] (v) polyfunctional reactants having a reactive amino group;

[0260] (vi) monoalcohols selected from hexanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, decanol, dodecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, myristoleyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linoelaidyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, arachidonyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and choline chloride; and

[0261] (vii) monofunctional reactants having a reactive amino group. Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first reactants, one or more second reactants, and optionally one or more third reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0262] the or each second reactant is selected from propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-butyl diethanolamine, or tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate; and

[0263] the or each third reactant (when present) is selected from:

[0264] (i) cyclic anhydrides;

[0265] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0266] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof;

[0267] (iv) epoxide compounds;

[0268] (v) polyfunctional reactants having a reactive amino group;

[0269] (vi) monoalcohols selected from hexanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, decanol, dodecyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, myristoleyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linoelaidyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, arachidonyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and choline chloride; and

[0270] (vii) monofunctional reactants having a reactive amino group.

[0271] The ester compound may be substantially free of nitrogen atoms. By substantially free of nitrogen atoms we mean that the ester compound contains less than 1 wt% of nitrogen in the ester compound, preferably less than 0.5 wt% of nitrogen in the ester compound. More preferably, the ester compound is free of nitrogen atoms, by which we mean that it is not possible to detect nitrogen in the ester compound.

[0272] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of (preferably consisting of) one or more first reactants, one or more second reactants, and optionally one or more third reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is selected from a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, a polycarboxylic acid comprising a cyclic group, a dimer acid, or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0273] wherein n is from 0 to 30; and

[0274] each R is independently hydrogen or a substituent selected from hydroxy groups, carboxyl groups, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups, wherein the alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups are optionally substituted with one or more of a hydroxy group and / or a carboxyl group; and / or two R groups on the same carbon atom may be taken together to form a methylene (=CH2) group;

[0275] and / or when n is two or more, two R groups on adjacent carbon atoms may be taken together to form a double bond;

[0276] m+m2 is from 0 to 30;

[0277] X is O or S;

[0278] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0279] each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0280] the or each second reactant is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2, 2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionicacid, pentaerythritol, glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerol, neopentyl glycol, diglycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate, or 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate; and

[0281] the or each third reactant is selected from:

[0282] (i) cyclic anhydrides;

[0283] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0284] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof; and

[0285] (iv) epoxide compounds; and

[0286] monoalcohols selected from hexanol, octanol, 2-ethylhexanol, decanol, dodecanol alcohol, myristyl alcohol, myristoleyl alcohol, palmityl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, elaidyl alcohol, linoleyl alcohol, linoelaidyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, arachidonyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol.

[0287] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of (preferably consisting of) one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is selected from a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, a polycarboxylic acid comprising a cyclic group, a dimer acid, or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0288] wherein n is from 0 to 30; and

[0289] each R is independently hydrogen or a substituent selected from hydroxy groups, carboxyl groups, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups, wherein the alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups are optionally substituted with one or more of a hydroxy group and / or a carboxyl group;

[0290] and / or two R groups on the same carbon atom may be taken together to form a methylene (=CH2) group; and / or when n is two or more, two R groups on adjacent carbon atoms may be taken together to form a double bond;

[0291] m+m2 is from 0 to 30;

[0292] X is O or S;

[0293] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0294] each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and

[0295] the or each second reactant is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2, 2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionicacid, pentaerythritol, glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerol, neopentyl glycol, diglycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate, or 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate.

[0296] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of (preferably consisting of) one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is selected from a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)xOCH2COOH, or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0297] wherein m+m2 is from 0 to 30;

[0298] X is O or S;

[0299] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0300] each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and

[0301] the or each second reactant is selected from diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol. Preferably the or each second reactant is selected from polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. The molar ratio of the one or more first reactants and the one or more second reactants is suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1.

[0302] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is selected from a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)xOCH2COOH, or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0303] wherein m+m2 is from 0 to 30;

[0304] X is O or S;

[0305] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0306] each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and the or each second reactant is selected from propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-butyl diethanolamine, or tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate (especially propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene, or glycol). The molar ratio of the one or more first reactants and the one or more second reactants is suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1.

[0307] Suitably, the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof; and the or each second reactant is a polyol, wherein at least one of the one or more second reactants is a nitrogen containing polyol and / or a polyol of formula (IA):

[0308] H-(OR4)q-OH

[0309] (IA)

[0310] wherein each R4is independently an optionally substituted alkylene group wherein the optional substituent is not hydroxy and q is an integer of at least 1.

[0311] Suitably, the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof; and the or each second reactant is a polyol, wherein at least one of the one or more second reactants is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, 2-ethyl-1 ,3,-hexanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, neopentyl glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine, diethanolamine, or derivatives (for example quaternary ammonium salts) of N-methyl diethanolamine, N-butyl diethanolamine.

[0312] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of (preferably consisting of) a first reactant, one or more second reactants, and optionally a third reactant, wherein the first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from pimelicacid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a hydrogenated dimer acid; the one or more second reactants are selected from PEG 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 1500, PPG 1000, PPG 2000, trimethylol propane, castor oil, N-butyl diethanolamine, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, or a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine; and the third reactant is propionic acid. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the one or more second reactants is suitably from 1 .2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1. When the third reactant is used, the molar ratio of the first, second and third reactants is suitably 1 :1.1 :1.1. Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of (preferably consisting of) a first reactant, one or more second reactants, and optionally a third reactant, wherein the first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, wherein the polycarboxylic acid is selected from pimelicacid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a hydrogenated dimer acid; the one or more second reactants are selected from PEG 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, PPG 1000, PPG 2000, trimethylol propane, castor oil, N-butyl diethanolamine, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, or a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine; and the third reactant is propionic acid. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the one or more second reactants is suitably from 1 .2:1 to 1 :1.2. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the one or more second reactants is preferably 1 :1. When the third reactant is used, the molar ratio of the first, second and third reactants is suitably 1 :1.1 :1.1.

[0313] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0314] (i) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0315] (ii) thioglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and 1 ,6-hexanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0316] (iii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0317] (iv) dodecanedioic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0318] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0319] (vi) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0320] (vii) dodecanedioic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne- 4,7-diol ethoxylate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0321] (viii) succinic acid ora reactive equivalent thereof and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7- diol ethoxylate., preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0322] (ix) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0323] (x) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and 1 ,2- propanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0324] (xi) poly(ethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (xii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0325] (xiii) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0326] (xiv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0327] (xv) hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2- hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0328] (xvi) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0329] (xvii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0330] (xviii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0331] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0332] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0333] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0334] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0335] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0336] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0337] (vi) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0338] (vii) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0339] (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0340] (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0341] (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5; (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0342] (xii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0343] (xiii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0344] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1.1:1.1;

[0345] (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0346] (xvi) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0347] (xvii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0348] (xviii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0349] (xix) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0350] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0351] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0352] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0353] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0354] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0355] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0356] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0357] (vii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0358] (viii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0359] (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5; (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0360] (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0361] (xii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ; (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0362] (xiv) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0363] (xv)diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0364] (xvi) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0365] (xvii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0366] More preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0367] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0368] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0369] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0370] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0371] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0372] (vi) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0373] (vii) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0374] (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0375] (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0376] (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0377] (xii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0378] (xiii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0379] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1.1:1.1;

[0380] (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0381] (xvi) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0382] (xvii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0383] (xviii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0384] (xix) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0385] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0386] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0387] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0388] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0389] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0390] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0391] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0392] (vii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (viii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0393] (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0394] (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0395] (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0396] (xii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ; (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0397] (xiv) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0398] (xv)diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0399] (xvi) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0400] (xvii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0401] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0402] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0403] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0404] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0405] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0406] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0407] (vi) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0408] (vii) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0409] (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0410] (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0411] (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0412] (xii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0413] (xiii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0414] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1.1:1.1;

[0415] (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0416] (xvi) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0417] (xvii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0418] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0419] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0420] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0421] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0422] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0423] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0424] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0425] (vii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0426] (viii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5; (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0427] (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0428] (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0429] (xii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ; (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0430] (xiv) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0431] (xv)diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0432] More preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0433] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0434] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0435] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0436] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0437] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0438] (vi) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0439] (vii) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid or the reactive equivalent thereof and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0440] (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0441] (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0442] (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5; (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0443] (xii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0444] (xiii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0445] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1.1:1.1;

[0446] (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0447] (xvi) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0448] (xvii) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0449] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0450] (i) citric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0451] (ii) tartaric acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0452] (iii) suberic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0453] (iv) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0454] (v) pimelic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0455] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0456] (vii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0457] (viii) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0458] (ix) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0459] (x) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5; (xi) sebacic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0460] (xii) a hydrogenated dimer acid or a reactive equivalent thereof, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ; (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0461] (xiv) azelaic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0462] (xv)diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0463] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a first reactant, one or more second reactants, and optionally a third reactant, wherein the first reactant is selected from pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a hydrogenated dimer acid; the one or more second reactants are selected from PEG 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 1500, PPG 1000, PPG 2000, trimethylol propane, castor oil, N-butyl diethanolamine, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, or a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine; and the third reactant is propionic acid. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the one or more second reactants is suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1. When the third reactant is used, the molar ratio of the first, second and third reactants is suitably 1 :1.1 :1.1.

[0464] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a first reactant, one or more second reactants, and optionally a third reactant, wherein the first reactant is selected from pimelic acid, sebacic acid, tartaric acid, polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether, hydrogenated dimer acid, dodecanoic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolicacid or succinic acid; the one or more second reactants are selected from propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylolpropane, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-butyl diethanolamine, or tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate (especially propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene, or glycol); and the third reactant (when present) is selected from one or more of the following:

[0465] (i) cyclic anhydrides;

[0466] (ii) monocarboxylic acids or esters thereof;

[0467] (iii) hydroxycarboxylic acids or cyclic esters thereof; and

[0468] (iv) monoalcohols. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the one or more second reactants is suitably from 1 .2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1 . When the third reactant is used, the molar ratio of the first, second and third reactants is suitably 1 :1.1 :1.1.

[0469] Suitably, the ester compound may be the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a first reactant, one or more second reactants, and optionally a third reactant, wherein the first reactant is selected from pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, diglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a hydrogenated dimer acid; the one or more second reactants are selected from PEG 200, PEG 400, PEG 600, PPG 1000, PPG 2000, trimethylol propane, castor oil, N-butyl diethanolamine, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, or a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine; and the third reactant is propionic acid. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the one or more second reactants is preferably suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the one or more second reactants is preferably 1 :1. When the third reactant is used, the molar ratio of the first, second and third reactants is suitably 1 :1.1 :1.1.

[0470] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0471] (i) tartaric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0472] (ii) thioglycolic acid and 1 ,6-hexanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0473] (iii) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0474] (iv) dodecanedioic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0475] (v) pimelic acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0476] (vi) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0477] (vii) dodecanedioic acid and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0478] (viii) succinic acid and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate., preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0479] (ix) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0480] (x) polyethylene glycol) bisearboxymethyl) ether and 1 ,2-propanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0481] (xi) polyethylene glycol) bisearboxymethyl) ether and PPG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0482] (xii) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0483] (xiii) pimelic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0484] (xiv) pimelic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5; (xv) hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0485] (xvi) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0486] (xvii) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0487] (xviii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0488] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0489] (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0490] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0491] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0492] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0493] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0494] (vi) suberic acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (vii) citric acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0495] (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0496] (ix) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0497] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0498] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0499] (xii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0500] (xiii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0501] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ;

[0502] (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0503] (xvi) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0504] (xvii) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0505] (xviii) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0506] (xix) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1. Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0507] (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0508] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0509] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0510] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0511] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0512] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0513] (vii) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0514] (viii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0515] (ix) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0516] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0517] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0518] (xii) a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ;

[0519] (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0520] (xiv) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0521] (xv)diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0522] (xvi) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0523] (xvii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0524] More preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0525] (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0526] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0527] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0528] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0529] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0530] (vi) suberic acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (vii) citric acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0531] (ix) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0532] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0533] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0534] (xii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0535] (xiii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0536] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ;

[0537] (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0538] (xvi) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0539] (xvii) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0540] (xviii) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0541] (xix) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0542] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0543] (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0544] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0545] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0546] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0547] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0548] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0549] (vii) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0550] (viii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0551] (ix) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0552] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0553] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2; (xii) a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ;

[0554] (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0555] (xiv) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0556] (xv) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0557] (xvi) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0558] (xvii) poly(ethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0559] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0560] (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0561] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0562] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0563] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0564] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0565] (vi) suberic acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (vii) citric acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0566] (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0567] (ix) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0568] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0569] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0570] (xii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0571] (xiii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0572] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ;

[0573] (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0574] (xvi) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or (xvii) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0575] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising: (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0576] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0577] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0578] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0579] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0580] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0581] (vii) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0582] (viii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5;

[0583] (ix) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5;

[0584] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.5;

[0585] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:0.8:0.2;

[0586] (xii)a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ;

[0587] (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0588] (xiv) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or (xv)diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0589] More preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially or consisting of:

[0590] (i) tartaric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0591] (ii) thioglycolic acid and 1 ,6-hexanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0592] (iii) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0593] (iv) dodecanedioic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0594] (v) pimelic acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0595] (vi) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0596] (vii) dodecanedioic acid and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0597] (viii) succinic acid and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate., preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0598] (ix) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1:1;

[0599] (x) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and 1 ,2-propanediol, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (xi) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0600] (xii) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0601] (xiii) pimelic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0602] (xiv) pimelic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0603] (xv) hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0604] (xvi) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0605] (xvii) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0606] (xviii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0607] More preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0608] (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0609] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0610] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0611] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0612] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0613] (vi) suberic acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the suberic acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; (vii) citric acid and a polyol formed by reacting glycerol carbonate and ethanolamine, wherein the citric acid and the polyol are preferably reacted in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0614] (viii) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0615] (ix) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0616] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0617] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0618] (xii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0619] (xiii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0620] (xiv) a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ; (xv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0621] (xvi) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or (xvii) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0622] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0623] (i) citric acid and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0624] (ii) tartaric acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0625] (iii) suberic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0626] (iv) pimelic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0627] (v) pimelic acid and trimethylol propane, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0628] (vi) a hydrogenated dimer acid and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0629] (vii) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0630] (viii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0631] (ix) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 400, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0632] (x) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 600, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5;

[0633] (xi) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.8:0.2;

[0634] (xii) a hydrogenated dimer acid, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, and propionic acid, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.1 :1.1 ;

[0635] (xiii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 1000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ;

[0636] (xiv) azelaic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or (xv) diglycolic acid and castor oil, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0637] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising, or of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0638] (i) sebacic acid and N-butyl diethanolamine, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 , and wherein the ester compound has a number average molecular weight of from 9,000 to 11 ,000 Daltons; or

[0639] (ii) sebacic acid, N-butyl diethanolamine, and PEG 200, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :0.5:0.5, and wherein the ester compound has a number average molecular weight of from 3,800 to 5,800 Daltons. In some preferred embodiments, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0640] (i) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0641] (ii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0642] More preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0643] (i) diglycolic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0644] (ii) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether or a reactive equivalent thereof and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0645] Preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising:

[0646] (iii) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0647] (iv) polyethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0648] More preferably, the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting essentially of or consisting of:

[0649] (iii) diglycolic acid and PEG 1500, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1 ; or

[0650] (iv) poly(ethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether and PPG 2000, preferably in a molar ratio of 1 :1.

[0651] The ester compound may be a polymer. The reactants used to prepare the ester compound may be monomers. The first reactant may be a first monomer, the second reactant may be a second monomer, and the third reactant (when present) may be a third monomer. Thus, the ester compound may be a polymer comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of repeat units derived from the one or more first reactants, repeat units derived from the one or more second reactants, and optionally repeat units derived from one or more third reactants as defined herein. Typically, the polymer is a polyester.

[0652] The polymer may be a random copolymer or a block copolymer, in particular when there is more than one first reactant or more than one second reactant. Preferably, the polymer is a random copolymer.

[0653] Suitably, the polymer is not in a solid form. For example, the polymer is preferably in the form of a liquid or gel, preferably a liquid. Suitably, the polymer is substantially free or free of cross-linking.

[0654] The polymer formed from the first, second and optional third reactants / monomers may comprise a suitable number of total monomer units (i.e. repeat units). For example, the polymer may comprise at least 4 monomer units. In other words, the polymer may comprise a total of at least 4 monomer units including the first, second and optional third monomers. Suitably, the polymer may comprise from 4 to 50 monomer units, preferably from 4 to 30 monomer units.

[0655] Suitably, the ester compound has a number average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 to 150,000 Daltons, preferably from 1 ,000 to 15,000 Daltons (for example from 2,000 to 7,000 Daltons).

[0656] Preferably, the ester compound is substantially free of silicon atoms. By substantially free of silicon atoms we mean that the ester compound contains less than 1 wt% of silicon in the ester compound, preferably less than 0.5 wt% of silicon in the ester compound. More preferably, the ester compound is free of silicon atoms, by which we mean that it is not possible to detect silicon in the ester compound. Suitable methods of measuring the amount of silicon in an ester compound are well known to those skilled in art and include elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy.

[0657] Preferably, the ester compound is substantially free of fluorine atoms. The ester compound may be substantially free of halogen atoms. By substantially free of fluorine or halogen atoms we mean that the ester compound contains less than 1 wt% of fluorine or halogen in the ester compound, preferably less than 0.5 wt% of fluorine or halogen in the ester compound. More preferably, the ester compound is free of fluorine atoms. The ester compound may be free of halogen atoms. By free of fluorine or halogen atoms we mean that it is not possible to detect fluorine or halogen in the ester compound. Suitable methods of measuring the amount of fluorine or halogen in a ester compound are well known to those skilled in art and include elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy.

[0658] Preferably, the ester compound is substantially free of quaternary ammonium moieties. By substantially free of quaternary ammonium moieties we mean that the ester compound contains less than 1 wt% of quaternary nitrogen atoms in the ester compound, preferably less than 0.5 wt% of quaternary nitrogen atoms in the ester compound. More preferably, the ester compound is free of quaternary ammonium moieties, by which we mean that it is not possible to detect quaternary ammonium moieties in the ester compound.

[0659] The use of the ester compound according to the first aspect is to treat a surface to provide at least one effect (i.e. to the substrate) selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance. The method according to the second aspect treats a surface to provide at least one effect (i.e. to the substrate) selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance.

[0660] The use of the first aspect and method of the second aspect is to treat a surface. The surface is any surface that is not a surface of a home care substrate. The surface may be a surface of any suitable substrate, provided that it is not a home care substrate.

[0661] References herein to treating and contacting a surface are intended to refer to treating or contacting the entire surface or a portion thereof.

[0662] References to herein to (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance of a surface are intended to mean as compared to an otherwise identical surface that has not been treated with the ester compound or composition as disclosed herein.

[0663] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect treat a surface, wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from:

[0664] (a) increased water repellency,

[0665] (b) reduced friction, and

[0666] (c) improved visual appearance.

[0667] Treating the surface may provide at least one effect selected from:

[0668] (a) increased water repellency, and

[0669] (b) reduced friction.

[0670] Treating the surface may provide:

[0671] (a) increased water repellency, and

[0672] (b) reduced friction.

[0673] Treating the surface may provide at least two effects selected from:

[0674] (a) increased water repellency,

[0675] (b) reduced friction, and

[0676] (c) improved visual appearance.

[0677] Treating the surface may provide:

[0678] (a) increased water repellency,

[0679] (b) reduced friction, and

[0680] (c) improved visual appearance. Treating the surface may provide (a) increased water repellency, i.e. to the surface.

[0681] A surface with increased water repellency may have decreased water wettability. Wettability can be determined by measuring the contact angle between a liquid droplet and a solid surface, and a decrease in wettability may be demonstrated by measuring a greater contact angle following treatment of the surface with the ester compound defined herein. Methods and equipment for the measurement of contact angle are well known to the skilled person. An example is ISO / TS 14778:2021 which is concerned with the measurement of contact angle on paper and board substrates.

[0682] Water is less likely to adhere to water repellent surfaces, and water droplets may simply roll off the surface. In doing so, water droplets may carry undesirable particles, such as foulants, pollution, food waste, oils, dust or dirt away from the surface. Treating the surface may therefore provide an enhanced cleaning effect or self-cleaning effect, and / or increased resistance to undesirable particles such as foulants, pollution, food waste, oils, dust or dirt. Treating the surface may repel undesirable particles, such as foulants, pollution, food waste, oils, dust or dirt, and / or may prevent deep soiling. By repel undesirable particles we mean that treating the surface may reduce or prevent deposition of the undesirable particles on the surface.

[0683] A surface with increased water repellency may dry more quickly.

[0684] A surface with increased water repellency may substantially or completely prevent water from penetrating the surface, providing long-lasting protection against moisture, stains, and potential water damage.

[0685] Methods and equipment for the measurement of water repellency are well known to the skilled person. An example is the test procedure TM22-2017e which may be used to measure the water repellency of a fabric.

[0686] The water repellency of the surface of a substrate may be measured by weighing the substrate, immersing the substrate in water (for example, for 5 minutes), removing the substrate from the water and allowing excess water to drain off (for example, for 1 minute), then weighing the substrate again. The weight of the water in the substrate compared to the weight of the dry substrate (i.e. before immersion in water) corresponds to the water uptake of the substrate. A lower water uptake (i.e. relative to a control experiment in which the ester compound is absent) corresponds to increased water repellency.

[0687] The water repellency of the surface of a substrate may be measured by weighing the substrate, immersing the substrate in water (for example, for 5 minutes), removing the substrate from the water and allowing excess water to drain off (for example, for 1 minute), then weighing the substrate again. The weight of the water in the substrate compared to the weight of the dry substrate (i.e. before immersion in water) corresponds to the water uptake of the substrate. A lower water uptake corresponds to increased water repellency.

[0688] A surface with increased water repellency may be especially useful for applications where surfaces require cleaning. For example, it is advantageous to provide a surface with increased water repellency, such that the surface may be readily and / or more effectively cleaned.

[0689] Treating the surface may provide (b) reduced friction, i.e. to the surface. By providing reduced friction we mean that the surface has an increased smoothness and / or a reduced resistive force or coefficient of friction when an object is slid over the surface.

[0690] A surface with reduced friction may be useful for applications where surfaces move against one another. Thus, when the effect is to provide reduced friction, this may advantageously provide improved lubrication.

[0691] Thus, the use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide improved lubrication of a surface thereof.

[0692] The use of the first aspect may therefore provide the use of an ester compound as defined herein as a lubricant for a surface.

[0693] The method of the second aspect may provide a method of lubricating a surface, the method comprising contacting the surface with an ester compound as defined herein.

[0694] The use of the first aspect may be the use of the ester compound as defined herein as a lubricating agent.

[0695] Friction between two surfaces may be determined by sliding the surfaces against one another and measuring the resistive force or coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction of plastic films may be measured by the test procedure ASTM D1894.

[0696] A surface with reduced friction may reduce the build up of static on the surface. Thus, treating the surface may provide (b) reduced friction and thereby provide an antistatic effect. A surface with an antistatic effect may advantageously reduce the buildup of dust and reduce electric discharges when the surface contacts another surface. Treating the surface may provide (c) improved visual appearance, i.e. to the surface. For example, improved visual appearance may provide increased shine.

[0697] By “shine” we mean the perceived reflectiveness of a surface. As used herein, shine, gloss and reflectiveness are considered interchangeable. A surface with increased shine may be desirable from an aesthetic standpoint. Increased shine can also be a visual indicator of the surface having other properties provided by treatment with the ester compound as defined herein, such as increased water repellency and / or reduced friction. When the shine of the surface decreases, this can be used to prompt a user to retreat the surface with the ester compound. The gloss or shine of surfaces can be measured by reflectance methods, for example DIN 67530.

[0698] A surface with improved visual appearance (such as increased shine) may be useful for applications where surfaces are required to look appealing visually.

[0699] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect suitably involve coating at least a portion of the surface with the ester compound as defined herein. The ester compound may be coated onto the surface by spreading, such as by a blade, brush, cloth or sponge. The ester compound may be applied onto the surface by spraying, for example from a pressurised can. The ester compound may be applied to the surface as a foam, for example by spraying the ester compound through a foam-forming nozzle.

[0700] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may involve distributing the ester compound as defined herein in the substrate. When the substrate is a solid substrate, the solid substrate may be formed from a liquid precursor (such as a melt) into which the ester compound is admixed. Typically, the ester compound will migrate to the surface of the liquid precursor and thereby the surface of the solid substrate. For example, the ester compound may be admixed into an extruded product prior to extrusion.

[0701] The use and method according to the first and second aspects may treat any suitable surface that is not a surface of a home care substrate and that would benefit from one or more of (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance (especially (a) increased water repellency and (b) reduced friction).

[0702] The surface is not a surface of a home care substrate. In other words, the surfaces that are referred to in this specification are non-home care surfaces.

[0703] By a home care substrate we mean any substrate of the home or household contents. Home care substrate preferably includes a fabric or a hard surface. “Fabric” includes clothing, linens and other household textiles, such as upholstery, curtains, blinds etc. In the context of fabrics, the term “linen” is used to describe certain types of laundry items including bed sheets and bed covers, pillow cases, towels, tablecloths, table napkins, uniforms and the like, but also washable household items such as curtains and blinds, washable upholstery items such as cushion covers and the like. The term “ household textiles” can include woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics and fabrics can include natural or synthetic fibres such as silk fibres, linen fibres, cotton fibres, polyester fibres, polyamide fibres such as nylon, rayon, acrylic fibres, acetate fibres, and blends thereof including cotton and polyester blends, fabrics which are elastic and / or contain elastane, and also viscose, modal and lyocell. “Hard surface” includes surfaces of dishes and other household surfaces. “Dishes” is meant generically and encompasses essentially any items which may be found in a dishwashing (manual or automatic machine) load, including crockery, chinaware, glassware, plasticware, siliconeware, silverware, hollowware and cutlery and any of these may comprise a hard surface; and “household surface” means any surface found in and around houses as in kitchens, bathrooms, e.g., floors, walls, tiles, windows, cupboards, sinks, showers, shower plastified curtains, wash basins, WCs, fixtures and fittings, and furniture. Hard surfaces may be made of different materials like ceramic, vinyl, no-wax vinyl, linoleum, melamine, glass, Inox®, Formica®, vitroceramic, any plastics, plastified wood, metal or any painted or varnished or sealed surface and the like; as well as household appliances including, but not limited to refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, automatic dryers, ovens, microwave ovens, dishwashers and so on.

[0704] The surface is suitably an industrial surface. By industrial surface we mean any surface in an industrial setting and scale. The industrial surface may undergo a treatment as defined herein during an industrial process, such as an industrial process of the manufacturing industry, the packaging industry, construction industry, the automotive industry, the aviation industry, the agricultural industry, or the mining industry. An industrial process does not, for example, include a consumer-related activity. Thus, the industrial surface is found in an industrial setting not, for example, the home.

[0705] The industrial surface may be a surface of an industrial product. By an industrial product we mean a product in an industrial setting and scale, which may undergo a treatment as defined herein during an industrial process.

[0706] The industrial surface may be a surface of industrial equipment. By industrial equipment we mean equipment that is used in an industrial setting and scale, for example that is used in large scale manufacturing, storage, extraction, processing, treatment and / ortransportation. Examples of industrial equipment will be well known to persons skilled in the art and include machinery and engines (including components thereof). The industrial surface may treated by an industrial process in the manufacturing industry. For example, the industrial surface may be the surface of a product of the manufacturing industry or the surface of equipment used in the manufacturing industry.

[0707] The industrial surface may be treated by an industrial process in the packaging industry. For example, the industrial surface may be the surface of a product of the packaging industry or the surface of equipment used in the packaging industry.

[0708] The industrial surface may be treated by an industrial process in the construction industry. For example, the industrial surface may be the surface of a product of the construction industry or the surface of equipment used in the construction industry.

[0709] The industrial surface may be treated by an industrial process in the automotive industry. For example, the industrial surface may be the surface of a product of the automotive industry or the surface of equipment used in the automotive industry.

[0710] The industrial surface may be treated by an industrial process in the aviation industry. For example, the industrial surface may be the surface of a product of the aviation industry or the surface of equipment used in the aviation industry.

[0711] The industrial surface may be treated by an industrial process in the agricultural industry. For example, the industrial surface may be the surface of a product of the agricultural industry or the surface of equipment used in the agricultural industry.

[0712] The industrial surface may be treated by an industrial process in the mining industry. For example, the industrial surface may be the surface of a product of the mining industry or the surface of equipment used in the mining industry.

[0713] The surface is suitably a solid surface. The solid surface may be a hard surface or a soft surface. The surface may be formed from any suitable material such as one or more materials selected from metal, glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic, stone, concrete, gypsum, stucco, plastic, rubber, wood, paper-based materials (such as paper or cardboard) and leather (including combinations thereof, such as a laminate for example).

[0714] Examples of suitable surfaces include the surfaces of extruded products (such as pellets, granules, or films), moulds, non-household buildings (such as walls, windows, floors, or ceilings), paper-based packaging, construction materials (such as plasterboard, gypsum, stucco, or concrete), vehicles (such as windows, tyres, vehicle bodies, or vehicle interiors), plants (such as seeds), solid agrochemical compositions, and non-household fibrous substrates. The surface may be selected from the surface of an extruded product (such as a pellet, granule, or film), a mould, paper packaging, a construction material (such as plasterboard, gypsum, stucco, or concrete), a vehicle (such as a window, tyre, vehicle body, or vehicle interior), a plant (such as a seed), a solid agrochemical composition, or a non-household fibrous substrate.

[0715] The surface may be selected from the surface of an extruded product (such as a pellet, granule, or film), a mould, paper packaging, a construction material (such as plasterboard, gypsum, stucco, or concrete), a plant (such as a seed), or a solid agrochemical composition.

[0716] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of an extruded product or a precursor thereof with reduced friction. The extruded product or the precursor thereof may be treated with the ester compound defined herein during manufacture of the extruded product. By “precursor” of the extruded product, we mean the extruded product prior to extrusion. Suitably, the precursor of the extruded product is treated with the ester compound defined herein prior to extrusion of the precursor. The reduced friction of the surface of the precursor may facilitate the extrusion process, for example by providing better handling and better cleaning due to reduced residue on the extrusion equipment. The extruded product may be a pellet, a granule, or a film.

[0717] The extruded product may be a plastic film. The plastic film may form part of, or be suitable for manufacturing, plastic bags or packaging. The surface of the plastic film may be treated with the ester compound defined herein during manufacture of the plastic film, and / or manufacture of plastic bags or packaging from the plastic film. By “manufacture of packaging” we mean to refer to the formation of the components of the packaging or the assembly of the packaging. The reduced friction of the surface of the plastic film reduces friction between the surface of the plastic film and other surfaces of the plastic film, between the surface of the plastic film and surfaces of other plastic films, and / or between the surface of the plastic film and manufacturing equipment. This may advantageously improve the movement of the plastic film through a manufacturing line (for example an extrusion line) ora packaging line, by causing the plastic film to slide more easily. The use of the first aspect may be the use of the ester compound as defined herein as a slip additive. The plastic film may comprise any suitable polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The polyethylene may be selected from very low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Preferably, the polymeric material is prepared from vinyl monomers, especially alpha olefins such as ethylene or propylene. The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a mould with reduced friction. The mould may be for the manufacture of moulded objects. An internal surface of the mould (preferably, a surface that will be in contact with a moulded object) is treated with the ester compound defined herein. The reduced friction of the surface of the mould may advantageously prevent sticking of a moulded object in the mould and facilitate removal of the moulded object from the mould.

[0718] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a nonhousehold building with increased water repellency, reduced friction, and / or improved visual appearance. By non-household building we mean a building that is not a home. Examples of suitable non-household buildings include commercial buildings (such as offices, shops, restaurants, and hotels), institutional buildings (such as schools and hospitals), and industrial buildings (such as factories and warehouses). The surface may be an exterior surface or an interior surface of the building. The surface of the building may be selected from a surface of a wall, a window, a floor, or a ceiling.

[0719] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a wall, floor, or ceiling of a non-household building with increased water repellency, reduced friction, and / or improved visual appearance. Increasing the water repellency and / or reducing the friction of the surface of the wall, floor, or ceiling may prevent dust or dirt from adhering to the surface, facilitate cleaning of the surface, and / or reduce the formation of streaks on the surface. When the wall, floor, or ceiling is painted, the colour intensity of wall, floor, or ceiling may be increased. When the wall, floor, or ceiling is treated with the ester compound as disclosed herein, paint may be more easily and / or evenly applied to the treated wall, floor or ceiling.

[0720] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a window of a non-household building with increased water repellency and / or reduced friction. Increasing the water repellency and / or reducing the friction of the surface of the window may prevent dust or dirt from adhering to the window, facilitate cleaning of the window, shorten drying times, reduce the formation of streaks on the window, provide the window with an anti-fingerprint effect, and / or provide the window with an antifogging effect.

[0721] The ester compound used to provide reduced friction to a surface is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH;

[0722] wherein n is from 2 to 10; each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0723] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0724] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0725] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0726] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0727] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0728] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, , tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol (especially 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, N-butyl diethanol amine, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol).

[0729] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a paper-based material with increased water repellency. Examples suitable of paper-based materials include paper and cardboard. Paper-based materials are typically vulnerable to damage from exposure to water or moisture. Therefore, increasing the water repellency of a surface of a paper-based material may advantageously increase the lifetime of the underlying paper-based material. The surface of the paper-based material may be the surface of paperbased packaging (for example packaging comprising paper or cardboard).

[0730] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a construction material with increased water repellency. The construction material may be plasterboard, gypsum, stucco, or concrete. The construction material is preferably plasterboard, gypsum, or stucco, further preferably plasterboard or gypsum. Plasterboard is typically a panel of gypsum between two sheets of paper, and may be prepared by feeding a foamed slurry of stucco (calcined gypsum) and water between two sheets of paper. Both paper and gypsum are typically vulnerable to damage from exposure to water (including recycled water) or moisture. Therefore, increasing the water repellency of the paper sheets and / or the gypsum in plasterboard may increase the lifespan of the plasterboard and allow the use of recycled water. The ester compound as defined herein may be coated on a surface of plasterboard or gypsum. Alternatively, the ester compound may be admixed into a slurry of stucco and water as an additive during the production of plasterboard or gypsum. For example, the method of the second aspect may comprise admixing the ester compound into a slurry comprising water and stucco or gypsum. The method may further comprise drying the slurry to form gypsum. The ester compound may be present in the bulk of the gypsum and / or at the surface of the gypsum produced in this way. The ester compound is suitably present at the surface of the gypsum. The method may provide a construction material (and not just a surface thereof) with increased water repellency. The ester compound used to treat (for example, the surface of) the construction material (for example, by admixing into a slurry of water and stucco or gypsum) is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH;

[0731] wherein n is from 2 to 10;

[0732] each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0733] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0734] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0735] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0736] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0737] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0738] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, , tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol (especially polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol).

[0739] Preferably, the ester compound used to treat (for example, the surface of) the construction material (for example, by admixing into a slurry of water and stucco or gypsum) is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH;

[0740] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0741] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0742] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0743] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0744] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0745] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, , tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol (especially polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol). The ester compound used to treat (for example, the surface of) the construction material (for example, by admixing into a slurry of water and stucco or gypsum) is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a first reactant and a second reactant, wherein the first reactant is selected from a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)xOCH2COOH, or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0746] wherein m+m2 is from 0 to 30;

[0747] X is O or S;

[0748] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0749] each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and

[0750] the second reactant is selected from polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the second reactant is suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1.

[0751] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a vehicle with increased water repellency, reduced friction, and / or improved visual appearance. The surface may be an exterior surface or an interior surface of the vehicle. The vehicle may be selected from a road vehicle, a water vehicle, or an air vehicle. Preferably the vehicle is a road vehicle, such as a car. The surface of the vehicle may be selected from a surface of a window, a tyre, a vehicle body, or a vehicle interior.

[0752] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a vehicle window with increased water repellency and / or reduced friction. Increasing the water repellency and / or reducing the friction of the surface of the window may prevent dust or dirt from adhering to the window, facilitate cleaning of the window, shorten drying times, reduce the formation of streaks on the window, provide the window with an anti-fingerprint effect, and / or provide the window with an antifogging effect.

[0753] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a tyre with increased water repellency and / or improved visual appearance. The tyre is suitably the tyre of a road vehicle such as a car. Increasing the water repellency and / or shine of the surface of the tyre may improve the appearance of the tyre, increase the durability of the tyre, reduce build up of undesirable particles (such as dirt) on the tyre, and / or reduce degradation of other components of the vehicle, such as wear brakes.

[0754] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a vehicle body with increased water repellency, reduced friction, and / or improved visual appearance. The surface of the vehicle body is suitably an exterior surface of the vehicle body. The vehicle body suitably comprises coated metal. The vehicle body may be a car body. Increasing the water repellency and / or reducing the friction of the surface of the vehicle body may prevent dust or dirt from adhering to the body, facilitate cleaning of the body, shorten drying times, reduce the formation of streaks on the body, facilitate water sheeting and beading, and / or provide the body with rain resistance.

[0755] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a vehicle interior with increased water repellency, reduced friction, improved visual appearance, and / or an antistatic effect. The vehicle interior may be interior plastic trim or leather. Increasing the water repellency and / or reducing the friction of the surface of the vehicle interior may improve the dirt resistance and facilitate cleaning of the surface. Reducing the friction of a leather surface in the vehicle interior may increase the softness thereof.

[0756] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide leather (or a surface thereof) with increased softness and / or flexibility. This may be the result of reduced friction.

[0757] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a seed with increased water repellency and reduced friction. By “seed” we mean a plant seed. Increasing the water repellency of the surface of a seed may increase the length of time the seed may be stored before planting. Reducing the friction of the surface of a seed may improve the flow characteristics of the seed during plantation, in particularwhen a plurality of such seeds are being planted.

[0758] The ester compound used to treat the surface of a seed is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH;

[0759] wherein n is from 2 to 10;

[0760] each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0761] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0762] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0763] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0764] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0765] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0766] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, , tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol (especially N-butyl diethanol amine, castor oil, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol).

[0767] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a solid agrochemical composition with increased water repellency. The solid agrochemical composition may be in the form of pellets or granules. The solid agrochemical composition may be applied to the surface of a crop, such as a leaf, stem or root. The solid agrochemical composition may be a pesticide composition. Increasing the water repellency the surface of the solid agrochemical composition may advantageously slow the release of active ingredients (such as pesticides) from the solid agrochemical composition into soil, allowing the agrochemical composition to be effective for a longer period of time.

[0768] The ester compound used to treat the surface of a solid agrochemical composition is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, , or a dimer acid;; wherein n is from 2 to 10;

[0769] each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0770] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0771] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0772] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0773] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0774] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0775] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, , tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol (especially N-butyl diethanol amine, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, castor oil, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol).

[0776] The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide a surface of a nonhousehold fibrous substrate with reduced friction. By non-household fibrous substrate we mean a fibrous substrate that is not in the home. In other words, the fibrous substrate is treated with an ester compound as defined herein outside of a household setting. The fibrous substrate is preferably treated with the ester compound in an industrial setting. Suitably, the fibrous substrate is a thread. The thread may be formed from a natural fibre, such as cotton, or a synthetic fibre, such as polyester. The thread may be a cotton, denim or polyester thread (preferably a cotton or denim thread). The use of the first aspect and the method of the second aspect may provide improved lubrication of the thread outside of a household setting, for example in textile manufacturing. The use of the first aspect may therefore provide the use of an ester compound as defined herein as a lubricant for a thread in textile manufacturing. Lubrication of threads in textile manufacturing may advantageously reduce damage to the threads and reduce wear and tear to industrial textile manufacturing equipment in contact with the threads. Suitably, the ester compound defined herein may be coated on a surface of the thread and / or on a surface of industrial textile manufacturing equipment in contact with the thread.

[0777] The ester compound used to treat the surface of a fibrous substrate or thread is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the one or more first reactants may comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH;

[0778] wherein n is from 2 to 10;

[0779] each R is hydrogen or one or two of the R groups is a hydroxyl group, and the remaining R groups are hydrogen;

[0780] m+m2 is from 2 to 12;

[0781] X is O, S, or NR1(preferably O or S, especially O);

[0782] R1is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group;

[0783] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0784] each R2is independently hydrogen or a methyl group;

[0785] and at least one of the one or more second reactants may be selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, trimethylol propane, castor oil, tris(2-hydroxyethyl) methyl ammonium methylsulfate, 2,4,7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, or a nitrogen containing polyol (especially 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol).

[0786] The ester compound as used herein may be formulated as a component of a composition. In other words, the ester compound may be comprised in a composition. Thus, in the use or method of the first or second aspect, the ester compound may be comprised in a composition. Suitably, the ester compound may be comprised in a composition, wherein the composition additionally comprises at least one solvent and optionally one or more surfactants.

[0787] In the use or method of the first or second aspect, the ester compound may be comprised in a composition, wherein the composition additionally comprises at least one solvent and one or more surfactants. The one or more surfactants may be selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants. Preferably, the one or more surfactants may be independently selected from one or more of a fatty alkyl amphoacetate, an alkyl (poly)glycoside, an acyl glycinate, a sulfosuccinate, an amphodiacetate and a fatty alcohol ether carboxylate.

[0788] The composition may comprise at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 5 wt%, or at least 10 wt% of the ester compound. The composition may comprise 80 wt% or less, such as 20 wt% or less, for example 10 wt% or less of the ester compound. The composition may comprise from 0.1 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt%, for example from 0.5 to 5 wt% of the ester compound.

[0789] The composition may comprise at least 20 wt%, such as at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, or at least 80 wt% of the ester compound. The composition may comprise 100 wt% or less, 99 wt% or less, such as 95 wt% or less, for example 90 wt% or less of the ester compound. The composition may comprise from 10 to 100 wt%, such as from 10 to 99 wt%, preferably from 20 to 95 wt%, for example from 50 to 90 wt% of the ester compound.

[0790] References herein to the amount of ester compound in the composition are intended to refer to the total of the or each ester compound as defined herein that is included in the composition.

[0791] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a composition fortreating a surface that is not a surface of a home care substrate, wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance, and wherein the composition comprises one or more ester compounds, wherein the or each ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0792] The composition is suitable fortreating a surface that is not a surface of a home care substrate to provide at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance of the surface.

[0793] The ester compound referred to in relation to the third aspect may comprise the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants, one or more second reactants and optionally one or more third reactants as defined herein. The ester compound referred to in relation to the third aspect may be the reaction product of reactants consisting of one or more first reactants, one or more second reactants and optionally one or more third reactants as defined herein. Features of the ester compound, and of the first and second reactants (and the third reactants when present), in relation to the third aspect of the invention are as set out herein in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0794] The composition of the third aspect may comprise at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 2 wt%, or at least 5 wt% of the one or more ester compounds. The composition may comprise 80 wt% or less, such as 20 wt% or less, for example 10 wt% or less of the one or more ester compounds. The composition may comprise from 0.1 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt%, for example from 0.5 to 5 wt% of the one or more ester compounds.

[0795] The composition of the third aspect may comprise at least 20 wt%, such as at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, or at least 80 wt% of one or more ester compounds. The composition of the third aspect may comprise 100 wt% or less, such as 99 wt% or less, such as 95 wt% or less, for example 90 wt% or less of the one or more ester compounds. The composition of the third aspect may comprise from 10 to 100 wt%, such as from 10 to 99 wt%, preferably from 20 to 95 wt%, for example from 50 to 90 wt% of the one or more ester compounds.

[0796] The composition of the third aspect may comprise any suitable solvent, such as for example a polar solvent, such as a polar protic solvent.

[0797] The solvent may be an aqueous solvent. Thus, the composition may be an aqueous composition. The term “aqueous solvent” herein is considered to mean water or mixtures of water and at least one water miscible solvent. Water miscible solvents may include alcohols and substantially water-miscible organic solvents.

[0798] The solvent may be a non-aqueous solvent. The non-aqueous solvent suitably comprises an organic solvent, such as an alcohol. The non-aqueous solvent preferably does not comprise any surfactant.

[0799] Suitable such alcohols for use in the solvent include monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols, alkoxy alcohols and aryloxy alcohol.

[0800] Suitable alcohols are monohydric alcohols, polyhydric alcohols and alkoxy alcohols.

[0801] Preferred alcohols are miscible with water.

[0802] Suitable simple monohydric alcohols include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and butanol. The solvent may comprise a polyhydric alcohol or an alkoxyalcohol.

[0803] Suitable alkoxy alcohols include diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-butoxyethanol.

[0804] Suitable aryloxy alcohols include 2-phenoxyethanol.

[0805] Suitable polyhydric alcohols include glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and 2-methylpentanediol.

[0806] Suitable polyhydric alcohols include glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and polypropylene glycol.

[0807] Preferably, the non-aqueous solvent comprises a monohydric alcohol such as isopropanol.

[0808] The composition of the third aspect may additionally comprise one or more surfactants (in particular when the solvent is an aqueous solvent). Any suitable surfactant(s) may be included, such as for example one or more surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants.

[0809] The composition may comprise an anionic surfactant. Suitable anionic surfactants may include sulfate surfactants (such as mono- or di-alkyl sulfates or alkyl ether sulfates), sulfonate surfactants, alkyl ether carboxylate surfactants, sarcosinate surfactants, phosphate surfactants, succinate surfactants, sulfosuccinate surfactants, sulfoacetate surfactants, isethionate surfactants, taurate surfactants, amino acid surfactants such as glutamates and glycinates, lactylate surfactants, and fatty acid salts. Particularly exemplary salts of the above, where applicable, are the sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and triethanolamine salts.

[0810] Suitable alkyl ether carboxylate surfactants may include alkoxylated (such as ethoxylated or propoxylated, especially ethoxylated) carboxylic acids. An example of a preferred alkyl ether carboxylate surfactant is laureth-11 carboxylic acid.

[0811] Alkyl ether carboxylate surfactants are preferred anionic surfactants for including in the concentrate composition.

[0812] The composition may comprise a cationic surfactant. The cationic surfactant may be an ammonium salt such as an alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt, a dialkyl dimethyl ammonium salt, an alkyl-(N-hydroxyethyl)-dimethyl ammonium salt, or an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt (i.e. a benzalkonium salt). The salt may be a halide, hydroxide, sulfate, hydrogensulfate, phosphate, or carboxylate salt. The salt is suitably a halide salt, such as a fluoride, chloride, or bromide salt. The salt may be a carboxylate salt, such as formate or acetate salt. Preferably, the salt is chloride.

[0813] The composition may comprise a non-ionic surfactant.

[0814] Suitable non-ionic surfactants for use herein include alcohol alkoxylates (such as alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol propoxylates, and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer derived surfactants), aliphatic esters, aromatic esters, sugar esters (such as sorbitan esters), glycolipids (such as sophorolipids, rhamnolipids and alkyl (poly)glycosides), fatty acid alkoxylates (such as fatty acid ethoxylates and fatty acid propoxylates), or polyethylene glycol esters (including partial esters), glycerol esters (including glycerol partial esters and glycerol triesters), fatty alcohols (such as cetearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol), castor oil, alkanolamides, fatty amine alkoxylates (such as fatty amine ethoxylates and fatty amine propoxylates), fatty acid alkoxylates (such as fatty acid ethoxylates and fatty acid propoxylates), polyethylene glycol esters (including partial esters) and castor oil.

[0815] For example, suitable non-ionic surfactants for use herein include alcohol alkoxylates (such as alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol propoxylates, and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer derived surfactants), aliphatic esters, aromatic esters, sugar esters (such as sorbitan esters), alkyl (poly)glycosides, fatty acid alkoxylates (such as fatty acid ethoxylates and fatty acid propoxylates), or polyethylene glycol esters (including partial esters), glycerol esters (including glycerol partial esters and glycerol triesters), fatty alcohols (such as cetearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol), and alkanolamides.

[0816] Suitable sugar esters may include alkoxylated (such as ethoxylated) sugar esters. For example, the sugar ester may comprise an alkoxylated (such as ethoxylated) sugar ester of a fatty acid, such as oleic acid. An example of a preferred sugar ester surfactant is Tween® 80.

[0817] Suitable fatty amine alkoxylates may include fatty amine ethoxylates and fatty amine propoxylates. Fatty amine ethoxylates are preferred. The fatty amine alkoxylates may be based on any suitable fatty alcohol. An example of a preferred fatty amine alkoxylate is a fatty amine ethoxylate such as Empilan® AMT 11 , which is a fatty amine ethoxylate containing 11 moles of ethylene oxide.

[0818] Fatty amine alkoxylates are preferred non-ionic surfactants for including in the concentrate composition. The composition may comprise an amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant. The amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant may be selected from betaines (such as alkyl betaines and alkylamidopropyl betaines), amphoacetates, diamphoacetates, and amine oxides (such as alkylamine oxides and alkylamidopropyl amine oxides). Suitable amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants include lauryl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, lauramine oxide, C12-18 alkyldimethylamine oxide, myristamine oxide, and cocamidopropyl amine oxide.

[0819] The one or more surfactants may be selected from a fatty alkyl amphoacetate (for example cocoyl amphoacetate, lauryl amphoacetate), an alkyl (poly)glycoside (for example lauryl glycoside), an acyl glycinate (for example cocoyl glycinate), a sulfosuccinate, an amphodiacetate and a fatty alcohol ether carboxylate (for example C8-12 alkyl ether (6-11 moles EO) carboxylate).

[0820] The composition of the third aspect may comprise the one or more surfactants in an amount of from 1 to 100 wt%, suitably from 5 to 50 wt%, preferably from 10 to 25 wt% based on the total weight of the one or more ester compounds.

[0821] The composition may comprise the one or more surfactants in an amount of from 0.1 to 99 wt%, suitably from 1 to 50 wt%, for example from 10 to 25 wt% or from 0.1 to 20 wt% based on the total weight of the composition.

[0822] The composition referred to in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention may be a composition according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0823] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is a provided a substrate that is not a home care substrate, wherein a surface of the substrate is treated with an ester compound, wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

[0824] The substrate that has been treated with the ester compound is suitably provided with at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance of the surface, compared to a substrate that has not been treated with the ester compound.

[0825] The ester compound referred to in relation to the fourth aspect may comprise the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants, one or more second reactants and optionally one or more third reactants as defined herein. The ester compound referred to in relation to the fourth aspect may be the reaction product of reactants consisting of one or more first reactants, one or more second reactants and optionally one or more third reactants as defined herein.

[0826] Features of the substrate, the ester compound, and of the first and second reactants (and the third reactants when present), in relation to the fourth aspect of the invention are as set out herein in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0827] The ester compound as used in the fourth aspect may be formulated as a component of a composition. In otherwords, the substrate of the fourth aspect may be treated with a composition comprising the ester compound. Suitably, the ester compound may be comprised in a composition, wherein the composition additionally comprises at least one solvent and optionally one or more surfactants.

[0828] The composition referred to in relation to the fourth aspect of the invention may be a composition according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0829] The substrate may be selected from a construction material or a seed.

[0830] The substrate may be a construction material. The construction material may be plasterboard, gypsum, stucco, or concrete. Preferably, the construction material is gypsum or plasterboard, further preferably plasterboard. Plasterboard typically comprises a gypsum core disposed between two sheets of paper. The ester compound as defined herein may be present at a surface of the gypsum core and / or the sheets of paper. The ester compound may further be present within the gypsum core. This may be achieved by admixing the ester compound into a slurry of stucco and water as an additive during the production of the plasterboard.

[0831] The ester compound with which (for example, the surface of) the construction material is treated (for example, by admixing into a slurry of water and stucco or gypsum) is preferably the reaction product of reactants comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a first reactant and a second reactant, wherein the first reactant is selected from a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)xOCH2COOH, or a reactive equivalent thereof;

[0832] wherein m+m2 is from 0 to 30;

[0833] X is O or S;

[0834] x is from 1 to 30; and

[0835] each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and the second reactant is selected from polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. The molar ratio of the first reactant and the second reactant is suitably from 1.2:1 to 1 :1.2. Preferably the molar ratio is 1 :1.

[0836] The substrate may be a seed. By “seed” we mean a plant seed. A surface of the seed is suitably treated with the ester compound as defined herein.

[0837] Examples

[0838] The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

[0839] Example 1 - synthesis of polyol reactant from gluconolactone and amine

[0840] Gluconolactone and an amine (1 eq) were combined in methanol (100 mL, for 70 mmol of gluconolactone) and heated at 65°C for 2 hours. The reaction mass was concentrated in vacuo to provide a polyol, which was used in subsequent reactions without further purification.

[0841] In cases where a diamine was used (for example ethylenediamine or Jeffamine ED-600) the mole equivalents of diamine were reduced (0.5 eq).

[0842] Example 2 - synthesis of polyol reactant from glycerol carbonate and amine

[0843] Glycerol carbonate and an amine (1 eq) were combined and heated at 70°C for two hours. The reaction mass was cooled to provide a polyol, which was used in subsequent reactions without further purification.

[0844] In cases where a diamine was used (for example ethylenediamine or Jeffamine ED-600) the mole equivalents of diamine were reduced (0.5 eq).

[0845] Example 3 - general method for synthesis of ester compounds

[0846] The non cyclic polycarboxylic acid reactant(s) were combined with the polyol(s) and optional third reactants. Tin(ll) ethylhexanoate (0.5 wt% relative to the total weight of reactants) was added. The reaction mass was heated at 160°C for 6 hours. The resulting ester compound was decanted from the reaction flask, and no further purification was carried out.

[0847] Ester compounds 1 to 157 were prepared according to Example 3, using the reactants and reaction stoichiometries as set out in Table 1. Table 1

[0848]

[0849]

[0850]

[0851]

[0852]

[0853]

[0854]

[0855]

[0856]

[0857]

[0858]

[0859]

[0860]

[0861]

[0862]

[0863]

[0864]

[0865]

[0866]

[0867]

[0868]

[0869]

[0870]

[0871]

[0872]

[0873]

[0874]

[0875]

[0876]

[0877]

[0878]

[0879]

[0880]

[0881]

[0882]

[0883]

[0884]

[0885]

[0886]

[0887] Table 2 - abbreviations and chemical names

[0888]

[0889] Example 4 - Preparation of gypsum cubes

[0890] A series of gypsum slurry compositions were prepared by admixing 438.25 grams of commercial gypsum for plaster, 318.95 grams of water, and 21 .91 grams of an ester compound as shown in Table 3. Each slurry composition was poured into separate cube moulds, which were then left at room temperature to solidify. The gypsum cubes were demoulded on the next day and kept at 60°C overnight to dry. Each composition was sufficient to provide three moulded gypsum cubes.

[0891] Table 3

[0892]

[0893] A blank composition was prepared by following the process of Example 4, but without any ester compound (as an additive).

[0894] Example 5 - Performance test

[0895] Each of the gypsum cubes prepared in Example 4 were weighed and then immersed in water for 5 minutes. The gypsum cubes were removed from the water and were suspended in air for 1 minute to let excess water drip. Each cube was then weighed, and the water uptake (%) was calculated using the following formula : (weight after immersion) — (weight before immersion) Water uptake (%) = - - — - — - - weight before immersion

[0896] Table 4 shows the average results from three repetitions (cubes) for each composition.

[0897] Table 4

[0898]

[0899] Compositions 1 to 4 have a water uptake that is lower than that of the corresponding blank, demonstrating the hydrophobic effect imparted to the gypsum composition when the ester compound is used.

[0900] Example 6 - Coefficient of friction test

[0901] The dynamic coefficient of friction (COF dn) measures the resistance to movement between two surfaces. It is the force needed to maintain the movement after it has begun. Dynamic coefficient of friction (COF dn) was measured for two different substrates (cotton and denim) using a COF-21 Friction and Peel Tester (Regmed, Brazil) with the following parameters:

[0902] Test Unit: N

[0903] Sled mass: 200.0 g

[0904] Test Speed: 150.0

[0905] Dynamic distance: 130mm

[0906] Statistic: yes

[0907] Chart Scale: 2.5 N

[0908] The ester compounds were dissolved in ethanol at a concentration of 20 wt%. 5 mL of each ethanol solution was applied to the fibrous substrate using a hand roller. The substrates were allowed to dry overnight at ambient temperature before measuring COF dn. The measurements were compared to control samples where the fibrous substrate had not been treated with the ester compound, and the percentage change in COF dn was calculated. The results are shown in Table 5. A negative percentage value indicates a reduction in COF dn due to the presence of the ester compound on the fibrous substrate.

[0909] Table 5

[0910]

[0911] Example 7 - Seed flow test

[0912] Seed treatment slurry A was prepared having the following composition:

[0913] Seed Treatment slurry A

[0914]

[0915] Commercial corn seeds (Viking 99-00 hybrid, 100 g) were mixed with seed treatment slurry A (1 mL) and stood at ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH) 50 % for 5 minutes. The treated seeds were transferred to a stainless steel funnel with an opening of 30 mm diameter and a stoppered outlet. The stopper was removed and the time taken for the funnel contents to empty was recorded.

[0916] The control for each test was a seed treatment slurry equivalent to A but without the ester compound.

[0917] Where the time taken for the funnel to empty was lower when using the additized seed treatment slurry, compared to the control, this was considered to be a “pass”. In other words, the ester compound was providing a lubricating effect to the treated seeds and enabling faster flow. The results are shown in Table 6 below. Table 6

[0918]

[0919] Example 8 - Simulated Rain Fastness Test

[0920] This test simulates the interaction of a rain droplet with a substrate (e.g. a leaf) that has been coated with a pesticide formulation.

[0921] A precleaned glass slide was treated with a drop of solution A (~ 0.3 mL) dispensed using a disposable pipette, to form a wet film on the slide.

[0922] Solution A contained the following components :

[0923]

[0924] The slide was oven dried overnight (54 °C) and allowed to cool to ambient temperature. The dried PVP film was further secured to the glass slide using 3M Scotch Magic™ tape but leaving a square central region of the dried PVP film exposed.

[0925] A droplet of deionized water (3 pL) was added to exposed area of the dried PVP film. After standing for 90 seconds, excess water was removed by gently dabbing with a laboratory wipe. The exposed area was visually inspected to determine the extent of dissolution or disintegration of the PVP film. The control sample for the experiment was Solution A without the ester compound. The ester compounds under test were considered to “pass” when the extent of dissolution or disintegration of the PVP film formed using Solution A (containing the ester compound) was less than when using the control sample without ester compound.

[0926] The results are shown in Table 7 below.

[0927] Table 7

[0928]

[0929] Example 9 - Preparation of substrates and compositions for use in evaluation of improvement of shine, friction reduction and water repellency (Examples 10 to 12)

[0930] Prior to treatment with the specified ester compounds and evaluation of the resulting properties (reduced friction, water repellency, improved visual appearance) the substrates used in the experiments were prepared as shown in Table 8.

[0931] Table 8

[0932]

[0933] The ester compounds were deposited on the test substrates as composition types as shown in Table 9. Table 9

[0934]

[0935] * of a 25 wt% aqueous solution

[0936] ** ethanol was only added if the ester compound was not miscible in a solution of sodium lauroamphoacetate (0.2 wt%) in water

[0937] The prepared substrates and composition types were used in Examples 10 to 12.

[0938] Example 10 - Shine improvement test

[0939] Shine improvement was determined by spraying a 1wt% active solution of the ester compound (composition type X) onto the substrate and visually observing the surface of the substrate after drying. The visual observation was compared to the untreated substrate. A “pass” result indicates that a visual improvement in shine was observed for the ester compound-treated substrate.

[0940] The results are shown in Table 10.

[0941] Table 10

[0942]

[0943] Example 11 - Friction reduction test

[0944] Substrates, which were initially prepared according to Table 8 prior to treatment, were treated by applying a liquid composition containing 1wt% of the ester compound.

[0945] For cotton and denim substrates, these were treated by soaking for 1 hour (composition type X). Excess liquid was removed. The substrates were dried (60°C) then cooled to ambient temperature before running the friction test. For black card, this was sprayed with the ester compound composition (composition type Y) and left to dry at ambient temperature before running the friction test.

[0946] For leather substrates, these were treated by spraying with the ester compound composition (composition type X) and allowing to dry at ambient temperature prior to running the friction test.

[0947] For the friction test, weighted block (250g) having baize fabric attached to its surface was then rubbed across the treated substrate. The results were observed relative to an untreated substrate. Each test was repeated twice, with two different (independent) operators. A “pass” result indicates that both operators recorded lower friction for the treated substrate, compared to the untreated substrate.

[0948] The results are shown in Table 11.

[0949] Table 11

[0950]

[0951] Example 12 - Water repellency test

[0952] Substrates, which were initially prepared according to Table 8 prior to treatment, were treated by applying a liquid composition of type X or Y.

[0953] For exterior car panel (painted metal), interior car panel (plastic rim) and microscope glass slide substrates a 1wt% solution of the ester compound was sprayed onto the surface (composition type X) and the surface was buffed using a Car Buffer Polisher with a microfibre cloth attachment before carrying out the droplet test. For velour substrates, these were treated by spraying with the ester compound composition (composition type X) and allowing to dry at ambient temperature prior to carrying out the droplet test.

[0954] For boiled wool substrates, these were treated by soaking for 1 hour (composition type X). Excess liquid was removed. The substrates were dried (60°C) then cooled to ambient temperature before carrying out the droplet test.

[0955] For other substrate types, these were treated as already described above in Examples 10 and 11.

[0956] For the droplet test, after drying, the initial shape and absorption time of a de-ionized water droplet dropped on the treated surface was visually inspected. The results were observed relative to a substrate treated with an identical composition other than the ester compound being absent. A “pass” result indicates that the water droplet did not absorb into the substrate or was absorbed at a much lower speed than the comparative tests. For non absorbent substrates the spreading behaviour of the water droplet was visually compared to that on an identically treated surface, other than the ester compound being absent. A “pass” result indicated less droplet spreading on the ester compound treated surface relative to the comparative tests.

[0957] The results are shown in Table 12.

[0958] Table 12

[0959]

[0960]

[0961] Unless otherwise stated herein, the reference to “liquid”, “gel” and “solid” refer to a state at 25 °C and standard pressure (101 ,325 Pa).

[0962] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0963] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0964] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0965] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. Claims1. A use of an ester compound to treat a surface, wherein the surface is not a surface of a home care substrate and wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance; and wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

2. A method of treating a surface, wherein the surface is not a surface of a home care substrate and wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance, the method comprising contacting the surface with an ester compound, wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

3. The use or method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ester compound is a polymer.

4. The use or method according to claim 3, wherein the polymer comprises at least 4 monomer units.

5. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each polycarboxylic acid is of the formula HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, wherein n is from 0 to 30; and7.each R is independently hydrogen or a substituent;8.and / or two R groups on the same carbon atom are taken together to form a methylene (=CH2) group;9.and / or when n is two or more, two R groups on adjacent carbon atoms are taken together to form a double bond; and10.n is suitably from 1 to 20, preferably from 2 to 16, more preferably from 2 to 12, for example from 2 to 10.

6. The use or method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof is selected from oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, C20-24 alkenyl succinic acid, dodecenyl succinic acid (such as (2-dodecen-1-yl)succinic acid), nonenyl succinic acid, octadecenyl succinic acid, octenyl succinic acid, polyisobutenylsuccinic acid, itaconic acid, 1 ,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, phthalic acid,isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, homophthalic acid, 1 ,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid, pyromellitic acid, 1 ,2-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,3-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1 ,8-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 2,7-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, 3,3’-thiodipropanoic acid, iminodiacetic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a dimer acid, or an acid chloride or ester thereof.

7. The use or method according to any of claims 1 to 4 or 6, wherein the or each polycarboxylic acid or the reactive equivalent thereof is selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, 1 ,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, diglycolic acid, thiodiglycolic acid, polyethylene glycol)bis(carboxymethyl) ether, a hydrogenated dimer acid, oxalyl chloride, isophthaloyl chloride, or terephthaloyl chloride.

8. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each second reactant is a polyol having from 2 to 10, preferably from 2 to 6, more preferably 2 or 3, hydroxy groups.

9. The use or method according to claim 8, wherein the or each polyol is selected from one or more polyol of the formula (I), one or more of an alkoxylated polyol of formula (I), one or more nitrogen containing polyol, and one or more polyol formed by reaction of a hydroxy substituted cyclic ester or cyclic carbonate with a suitable primary or secondary amine compound, wherein the polyol of formula (I) is of the formula H-(OR3)P-OH, wherein each R3is independently an optionally substituted hydrocarbylene group and p is an integer of at least 1.

10. The use or method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the or each second reactant is a polyol independently selected from castor oil, 1 ,6-hexanediol, sorbitol, neopentyl glycol and a polyalkylene glycol (such as PEG 200).

11. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants consisting of one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is selected from a polycarboxylic acid of one of the formulae HOOC(CR2)nCOOH, HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH, or HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, a polycarboxylic acid comprising a cyclic group, a dimer acid, or a reactive equivalent thereof;17.wherein n is from 0 to 30; and18.each R is independently hydrogen or a substituent selected from hydroxy groups, carboxyl groups, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups, wherein the alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups, aralkyl groups, and alkaryl groups are optionally substituted with one or more of a hydroxy group and / or a carboxyl group; and / or two R groups on the same carbon atom may be taken together to form a methylene (=CH2) group;19.and / or when n is two or more, two R groups on adjacent carbon atoms may be taken together to form a double bond;20.m+m2 is from 0 to 30;21.X is O or S;22.x is from 1 to 30; and23.each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group; and24.the or each second reactant is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3-propanediol, 1 ,2-butanediol, 1 ,3-butanediol, 1 ,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1 ,6-hexanediol, 1 ,12-dodecanediol, trimethylolpropane, 2-ethyl-1 ,3, -hexanediol, 2, 2-diethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionicacid, pentaerythritol, glucose, fructose, trehalose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerol, neopentyl glycol, diglycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, castor oil, polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate, or 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol ethoxylate.

12. The use or method according to any of claims 1 to 4, 8, 9, or 11 , wherein the one or more first reactants comprise at least a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC(CH2)mX(CH2)m2COOH wherein X is O, S, or NR1and m+m2 is from 2 to 12, or a polycarboxylic acid of the formula HOOCCH2(OCH2CHR2)XOCH2COOH, wherein x is from 1 to 30 and each R2is independently hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, and the one or more second reactants comprise at least a polyol selected from selected from diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol.

13. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the ester compound has a number average molecular weight of from 1 ,000 to 150,000 Daltons, preferably from 1 ,000 to 15,000 Daltons (for example from 2,000 to 7,000 Daltons).

14. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the ester compound is substantially free of silicon atoms.

15. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface is an industrial surface.

16. The use or method according to claim 15, wherein the industrial surface is a surface that is found in the manufacturing industry, the packaging industry, construction industry, the automotive industry, the aviation industry, the agricultural industry, or the mining industry.

17. The use or method according to claim 16, wherein the industrial surface is found in the manufacturing industry.

18. The use or method according to claim 16, wherein the industrial surface is found in the packaging industry.

19. The use or method according to claim 16, wherein the industrial surface is found in the construction industry.

20. The use or method according to claim 16, wherein the industrial surface is found in the automotive industry.

21. The use or method according to claim 16, wherein the industrial surface is found in the aviation industry.

22. The use or method according to claim 16, wherein the industrial surface is found in the agricultural industry.

23. The use or method according to claim 16, wherein the industrial surface is found in the mining industry.

24. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein surface is selected from the surface of an extruded product (such as a pellet, granule, or film), a mould, paper packaging, a construction material (such as plasterboard, gypsum, stucco, or concrete), a vehicle (such as a window, tyre, vehicle body, or vehicle interior), a plant (such as a seed), a solid agrochemical composition, or a non-household fibrous substrate.

25. The use or method according to any preceding claim, which provides a surface of plasterboard, gypsum or stucco with increased water repellency.

26. The use or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the ester compound is comprised in a composition, wherein the composition additionally comprises at least one solvent and optionally one or more surfactants.

27. The use or method according to claim 26, wherein the composition comprises one or more surfactants selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants.

28. The use or method according to claim 27, wherein the one or more surfactants are independently selected from one or more of a fatty alkyl amphoacetate, an alkyl (poly)glycoside, an acyl glycinate, a sulfosuccinate, an amphodiacetate and a fatty alcohol ether carboxylate.

29. The use or method according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the composition comprises from 0.1 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt%, for example from 0.5 to 5 wt% of the ester compound.

30. A composition fortreating a surface that is not a surface of a home care substrate, wherein treating the surface provides at least one effect selected from (a) increased water repellency, (b) reduced friction, and (c) improved visual appearance, and wherein the composition comprises one or more ester compounds, wherein the or each ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

31. The composition according to claim 30, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.1 wt%, such as from 0.1 to 20 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt%, for example from 0.5 to 5 wt% of the one or more ester compounds.

32. The composition according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein the composition additionally comprises one or more surfactants.

33. The composition according to claim 32, wherein the one or more surfactants are independently selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants.

34. The composition according to claim 33, wherein the one or more surfactants are independently selected from one or more of a fatty alkyl amphoacetate, an alkyl (poly)glycoside, an acyl glycinate, a sulfosuccinate, an amphodiacetate and a fatty alcohol ether carboxylate.

35. A substrate that is not a home care substrate, wherein a surface of the substrate is treated with an ester compound, wherein the ester compound is the reaction product of reactants comprising one or more first reactants and one or more second reactants, wherein the or each first reactant is a polycarboxylic acid or a reactive equivalent thereof and the or each second reactant is a polyol.

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