U.S. patent application number 10/197032 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-29 for process of treating carpets with a composition comprising a brightener.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Dresco, Pierre Antoine, Lumino, Fabio, Scialla, Stefano.
Application Number | 20040016059 10/197032 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32327775 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040016059 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dresco, Pierre Antoine ; et
al. |
January 29, 2004 |
Process of treating carpets with a composition comprising a
brightener
Abstract
The present invention relates to a process of treating a carpet
by applying a liquid composition onto a carpet using a manually or
electrically operated spraying device wherein the composition
contains a brightener.
Inventors: |
Dresco, Pierre Antoine;
(Rome, IT) ; Lumino, Fabio; (Lama-Taranto, IT)
; Scialla, Stefano; (Rome, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Attention: Chief Patent Counsel 6090 Center Hill Road
Cincinnati
OH
45224
|
Family ID: |
32327775 |
Appl. No.: |
10/197032 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/115.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/3947 20130101;
C11D 3/42 20130101; C11D 3/0031 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/115.51 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A process of treating a carpet comprising applying a liquid
composition onto a carpet using a manually or electrically operated
spraying device wherein said composition comprises a brightener,
and said spraying device is non-pressurized.
2. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein said
composition is applied onto said carpet using an electrically
operated spraying device.
3. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein said
brightener is selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic
brighteners, hydrophilic brighteners, and mixtures thereof.
4. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein said
brightener comprises from 0.001 % to 10% by weight of the total
composition.
5. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein said
composition further comprises a peroxygen bleach.
6. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 5 wherein said
peroxygen bleach comprises from 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total
composition.
7. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 5 wherein said
peroxygen bleach is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen
peroxide; water soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide; organic or
inorganic peracids; hydroperoxides; and diacyl peroxides; and
mixtures thereof.
8. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein said
composition further comprises a volatile organic compound.
9. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 8 wherein said
volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of:
an aliphatic and/or aromatic alcohol; a glycol ethers and/or a
derivative thereof; a polyol; and a mixture thereof.
10. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein
said composition further comprises an acid, a base, or a mixture
thereof.
11. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein
said composition further comprises a surfactant selected from the
group consisting of: a sulfosuccinate surfactant; sulfosuccinamate
surfactant; sulfosuccinamide surfactant; carboxylate surfactant;
sarcosinate surfactant; alkyl sulfate surfactant; alkyl sulphonate
surfactant; alkyl glycerol sulfate surfactant; alkyl glycerol
sulphonate surfactant; and a zwitterionic betaine surfactant; and
mixtures thereof.
12. A process of treating a carpet according to claim 1 wherein
said carpet treatment composition provides at least one of the
following benefits: soil hiding benefits and carpet cleaning
benefits.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
EPO Application No. 00870006.4, filed Jan. 20, 2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a process of treating
carpets using a liquid composition. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a process of treating carpets whereby good
overall carpet cleaning performance is achieved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Carpets produced from synthetic or natural fibers and
mixtures thereof are commonly used in residential and commercial
applications as a floor covering.
[0004] Various types of fibers can be used in making carpets such
as polyamide fibers, polyester fibers as well as wool, cotton or
even silk in the case of rugs.
[0005] However, carpets irrespective of whether they are made from
natural or synthetic fibers are all prone to soiling and staining.
Foods, grease, oils, beverages in particular such as coffee, tea
and soft drinks especially those containing acidic dyes can cause
unsightly, often dark stains on carpets. Also fibers may become
soiled as a result of dirt particles, clay, dust, i.e., particulate
soils in general, which may come into contact with and adhere to
the fibers of the carpet. These latter soils often appear in the
form of a diffuse layer of soils rather than in the form of spots
and tend to accumulate particularly in the so called "high traffic
areas" such as near doors as a result of intensive use of the
carpets in such areas.
[0006] Compositions for cleaning carpets are already known in the
art. For example carpet cleaning compositions having a pH of from 1
to 6 comprising a source of active oxygen as disclosed in EP-A-0
629 694.
[0007] However, it is well known from consumer research that the
overall carpet cleaning performance of the carpet treatment
compositions, in particular the stain removal performance on
proteinic stains, greasy stains as well as particulate stains,
especially in so called "high traffic areas" may still be further
improved.
[0008] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to
provide a process of treating a carpet with a liquid carpet
treatment composition that delivers good overall carpet cleaning
performance. In particular, it is an objective of the present
invention to provide a process of treating a carpet with a liquid
carpet treatment composition that delivers good overall stain
removal performance on various types of stains including proteinic,
greasy and/or particulate stains.
[0009] It has now been found that the above objectives can be met
by a process of treating a carpet according to the present
invention.
[0010] An advantage of the processes as described herein is that
said processes provide an easy and fast way of treating a
carpet.
[0011] A further advantage of the of the process as described
herein is the perceived cleanliness of the carpet ("improved
perceived cleanliness") provided by the improved cleaning
performance ("carpet cleaning benefit") of the carpet treatment
composition herein and the soil-hiding benefit provided by the
carpet treatment composition herein.
[0012] Still a further advantage of the present invention is that
the process of treating a carpet herein is applicable to all carpet
types, especially delicate natural fibers, and are also safe to all
carpet dye types, particularly sensitive natural dyes used therein.
The present invention is also suitable to be used to treat
upholstery and car seats covering.
BACKGROUND ART
[0013] The following documents are representative of the prior art
available on carpet treatment compositions.
[0014] EP-A-0 629 694 discloses a carpet cleaning composition
having a pH of from 1 to 6 comprising a source of active
oxygen.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,270 discloses an aqueous solution
composition for use in carpet cleaning essentially comprising a
surfactant, monopotassium phosphate, gluteraldehyde, a solvent and
an optical brightener.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention encompasses a process of treating a
carpet comprising the application of a liquid composition onto said
carpet using a manually or electrically operated spraying device
wherein said composition comprises a brightener, with the proviso
that said spraying device is not a pressurized device.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment said composition further comprises
a peroxygen bleach.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment said composition is applied
onto said carpet using an electrically operated spraying
device.
[0019] The present invention also encompasses the use of a
brightener in a carpet treatment composition to treat carpets
whereby said carpet treatment composition provides soil-hiding
benefits and/or carpet cleaning benefits.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Process of Treating a Carpet
[0021] The present invention encompasses a process of treating a
carpet comprising the application of a liquid composition onto said
carpet using a manually or electrically operated spraying device
wherein said composition comprises a brightener.
[0022] In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention
said composition is applied onto said carpet using an electrically
operated spraying device.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, said
process comprises the steps of applying said composition onto the
surface of the carpet and leaving said composition to substantially
dry on the carpet. More preferably, said process of treating a
carpet further comprises the step of at least partially removing
said composition. Even more preferably, said process of treating a
carpet further comprises the step of at least partially removing
said composition in combination with soil particles.
[0024] In another embodiment of the present application, said
process comprises the steps of applying said composition to parts,
preferably heavily soiled parts of the carpet, e.g., high traffic
areas, or spot stains, mechanically agitating the composition,
preferably with an implement, into the soiled parts of the carpet
layer and leaving said composition to substantially dry on the
carpet. More preferably said process of treating a carpet further
comprises the step of at least partially removing said composition,
even more preferably said process of treating a carpet further
comprises the step of at least partially removing said composition
in combination with soil particles. Any number of implements may be
used to provide said mechanical agitation, including brushes,
sponges, paper towels, a cleaning glove, a human finger and the
like. In a preferred embodiment said implement is attached and/or
attachable to the spraying device used in the process of the
present invention. Said mechanical agitation allows the liquid
composition to better penetrate into the carpet fibers and thus
improves the chemical cleaning action of said composition. In
addition, said contact loosens the dirt particles forming the
stain.
[0025] In the process according to the present invention, the
composition is applied onto the carpet using a manually or
electrically operated spraying device. Said spraying device is
preferably a container that has at least one aperture through which
the composition is dispensed to produce a spray of droplets.
[0026] Such a manually or electrically operated spraying device may
comprises a means for delivering the composition by a pump ("pump
spray dispenser"). Electrically operated pump spray dispensers are
particularly preferable if a large area is to be treated and/or if
a high amount of product has to be applied onto a heavily stained
area ("spot") of the carpet as they facilitate the ease of use by
the consumer. Said electrically operated pump spray dispensers
ensure uniform coverage of the area to be treated.
[0027] Preferred manually or electrically operated spraying devices
herein are manually or electrically operated pump spray dispensers.
More preferred spraying devices herein are electrically operated
pump spray dispensers.
[0028] Spraying devices operated by any source of pressurised gas
("pressurised devices") such as an aerosol-can, a pressurizer or a
carbonater are not suitable for use herein. Indeed, it has been
found that in some instances in a pressurised device the
ingredients of the compositions stored therein are not sufficiently
stable due to the elevated pressure conditions in said devices
and/or during the application of said composition onto a
carpet.
[0029] Typical manually operated pump spray dispensers include push
button operated or trigger operated pump spray dispenser.
[0030] A preferred electrically operated pump spray dispensers
("electrical spraying device") herein is a container wherein the
means for delivering the composition comprises an electrically
driven pump and a spray arm. Said spray arm is preferably either
elongated or extendible and has at least one aperture so that in
operation, the composition is pumped by said electrically driven
pump from the container, through the spray arm to the aperture from
which it is dispensed. It is preferred that the spray arm
communicates with the container by means of a flexible connector.
The spray arm may have at least one aperture located along its
length. The spray arm allows the user to exert control over the
trajectory of the sprayed composition, thereby increasing the
accuracy with which the composition is applied. The electrically
driven pump may be, for example, a gear pump, an impeller pump, a
piston pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, or
any other miniature pump. In a highly preferred embodiment the
electrically driven pump for use herein is a gear pump with a
typical speed between 6000 rpm and 12000 rpm. The electrically
driven pump is driven by any means which typically produces a
torque of between 1 and 20 mN*m such as an electric motor. The
electric motor must in turn be provided with a power source. The
power source may be either mains electricity (optionally via
transformer), or it may be a throw-away battery or rechargeable
battery. The spray arm may be rigidly elongated. However such a
spray arm can be difficult to store, and the spray arm is
preferably extendible either by means of telescopic or foldable
configuration.
[0031] In a highly preferred embodiment, the composition is applied
onto the carpet in the form of a spray of droplets having a
particle size distribution with a mean diameter D(v,0.9) of less
than 1500 microns, preferably less than 1000 microns, more
preferably of less than 750 microns, even more preferably less than
500 microns, and most preferably from 350 microns to 10
microns.
[0032] By "mean diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 microns" for a
droplet size distribution it is meant that 90% of the spray of
droplets dispensed (expressed in volume unit) has a droplet
diameter of less than 1500 microns. For instance, a D(v,0.9) of
less than 1500 microns indicates that 90% of the total sprayed
volume is dispensed with droplets whose diameter is less than 1500
microns.
[0033] The particle size distribution of a spray of droplets can be
determined by using any suitable test procedure, as for example,
described in WO 99/53005 and WO 99/53006.
[0034] Any container adapted to deliver a spray of droplets as
defined herein is suitable for use herein. Several modifications
can be made to the conventional, single aperture, spray head to
ensure that a spray of such droplets as are required herein are
formed.
[0035] The amount of the composition required for the treating of
carpets according to the present invention will depend on the
severity of the stain or soil. In the case of stubborn stains, more
than one application may be required to ensure complete removal of
the stain.
[0036] The area to be treated by applying the compositions
according to the present invention may be of any size. Indeed,
localized spots, parts of the carpets, as e.g., soiled high traffic
areas and/or the whole carpet may be treated with the composition
for treatment of a carpet according to the present invention.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the composition applied to the
carpet is left to substantially dry. Typically, the composition is
left to dry on the carpet for less than 2 hours, preferably less
than 1 hour, more preferably less than 40 minutes, even more
preferably from 1 to 30 minutes and most preferably from 1 to 20
minutes.
[0038] Preferably the step of leaving the composition to dry onto
the carpet (drying step) can either be an "active drying step" or a
"passive drying step". By "active drying step" it is meant herein,
performing an additional action to facilitate the evaporation of
the volatile ingredients of the liquid composition as disclosed
herein, preferably by heating the carpet and/or the liquid
composition applied thereon, preferably heating by means of
application of hot air, infrared radiation and the like. By
"passive drying step" it is meant herein, evaporation of the
volatile ingredients of the liquid composition as disclosed herein
without performing further action.
[0039] By "substantially dry" it is meant herein the stage where at
least 40%, preferably at least 60% of the initial amount of
composition dispensed onto the carpet is lost due to
evaporation.
[0040] The step of leaving the composition to dry on the carpet is
of course performed under "normal temperature" and "normal humidity
conditions". By "normal temperature conditions" it is meant herein,
from 15.degree. C. to 25.degree. C., preferably from 20.degree. C.
to 25.degree. C. By "normal humidity conditions" it is meant
herein, from 40% RH (%-relative humidity) to 80% RH, preferably
from 50% RH to 65% RH.
[0041] Indeed, said composition may be left to substantially dry
until said composition combined with dirt forms substantially dry
residues. Preferably, said composition, more preferably said
substantially dry residues, are then removed from the carpet. Even
more preferably said substantially dry residues are removed
mechanically, as e.g., by brushing, sweeping beating, and/or by
vacuum cleaning. This may be carried out with the help of any
commercially available vacuum cleaner like for instance a standard
Hoover.RTM. 1300W vacuuming machine.
[0042] According to the present invention the compositions herein
may be used for the removal of stains and soils as well as of odors
from carpets or hard wearing textiles and fabrics, e.g.,
upholstery. In addition the compositions according to the present
invention may be used to hygienise, disinfect and/or exterminate
microinsects from carpets or hard wearing textiles and fabrics,
e.g., upholstery, rugs, curtains.
[0043] The Composition
[0044] The compositions of the present invention are formulated as
liquid compositions. Preferred compositions herein are aqueous
compositions and therefore, preferably comprise water, more
preferably in an amount of from 60% to 98%, even more preferably of
from 80% to 97% and most preferably 85% to 97% by weight of the
total composition.
[0045] The pH of the liquid compositions according to the present
invention may typically be from 1 to 14. Preferably, the pH of the
liquid compositions herein, as is measured at 25.degree. C., is at
least, with increasing preference in the order given, 0.1, 0.5, 1,
1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6 or 6.5. Independently, the
pH of the liquid compositions herein, as is measured at 25.degree.
C., preferably is no more than, with increasing preference in the
order given, 14, 13.5, 13, 12.5, 12, 11.5, 11, 10.5, 10, 9.5, 9,
8.5, 8, 7.5 or 7. Accordingly, the compositions herein may further
comprise an acid or base to adjust pH as appropriate.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment wherein the compositions herein
comprise a peroxygen bleach, the pH of the liquid compositions, as
is measured at 25.degree. C., is typically at least, with
increasing preference in the order given, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5,
3, 3.5, 4 or 4.5. Independently, the pH of said preferred liquid
compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach as described herein, as
is measured at 25.degree. C., preferably is typically no more than,
with increasing preference in the order given, 10, 9.5, 9, 8.5, 8,
7.5, 7, 6.5, 6 or 5.5. These preferred pH ranges contribute to the
stability of hydrogen peroxide, when present.
[0047] Preferred acids herein are organic or inorganic acids or
mixtures thereof. Preferred organic acids are acetic acid, or
citric acid or a mixture thereof. Preferred inorganic acids are
sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid or a mixture thereof. A
particularly preferred acid to be used herein is an inorganic acid
and most preferred is sulfuric acid.
[0048] Typical levels of such acids, when present, are of from
0.01% to 1.0% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 0.8% and more
preferably from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of the total
composition.
[0049] The bases to be used herein can be organic or inorganic
bases. Suitable bases for use herein are the caustic alkalis, such
as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and/or lithium hydroxide,
and/or the alkali metal oxides such, as sodium and/or potassium
oxide or mixtures thereof. A preferred base is a caustic alkali,
more preferably sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide.
[0050] Other suitable bases include ammonia, ammonium carbonate and
hydrogen carbonate.
[0051] Typical levels of such bases, when present, are of from
0.01% to 1.0% by weight, preferably from 0.05% to 0.8% and more
preferably from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of the total
composition.
[0052] Brightener
[0053] As an essential ingredient the liquid compositions according
to the present invention comprise a brightener. Any brighteners
known to those skilled in the art may be used herein including both
hydrophobic and hydrophilic brighteners and mixtures thereof.
[0054] Brighteners are compounds which have the ability to
fluorescent by absorbing ultraviolet wave-lengths of light and
re-emitting visible light. Brighteners, also referred to as
fluorescent whitening agents (FWA), have been extensively described
in the art, see for instance EP-A-0 265 041, EP-A-0 322 564, EP-A-0
317 979 or "Fluorescent whitening agents" by A. K. Sarkar,
published by MERROW, especially page 71-72.
[0055] Suitable commercially available brighteners can be
classified into subgroups, which include, but are not necessarily
limited to, derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin,
carboxylic acid, methinecyanine, dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide,
azole, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycle, and other miscellaneous
agents. Examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The
Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents", M.
Zahradnik, Published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982).
Further optical brighteners which may also be used in the present
invention include naphthlimide, benzoxazole, benzofuran,
benzimidazole and any mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred
brighteners for use herein are the derivatives of stilbene and
mixtures thereof.
[0056] Examples of suitable brighteners are those identified in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,856. These brighteners include the
PHORWHITE.RTM. series of brighteners from Verona. Other brighteners
disclosed in this reference include: Tinopal-UNPA.RTM., Tinopal
CBS-X.RTM. and Tinopal 5BM.RTM. available from Ciba Specialty
Chemicals; Artic White CC.RTM. and Artic White CWD.RTM.; the
2-(4-styryl-phenyl)-2H-naptho[1,2-d]triazoles;
4,4'-bis(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-stilbenes; 4,4'-bis(styryl)bisphenyls;
and the aminocoumarins.
[0057] Specific examples of brighteners useful herein include
4-methyl-7-diethyl-amino coumarin;
1,2-bis(-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylene; 1,3-diphenyl-pyrazolines;
2,5-bis(benzoxazol-2-yl)thiophene; 2-styryl-naptho-[1,2-d]oxazole;
2-(stilbene-4-yl)-2H-naphtho[1,2-d]triazo- le,
3-phenyl-7-(isoindolinyl) coumarin;
3-methyl-7-(isoindolinyl)coumarin; 3-chloro-7-(isoindolinyl)
coumarin; 4-(isoindolinyl)-4'-methylstilbene;
4-(isoindolinyl)-4'-methoxystilbene; sodium
4-(isoindolinyl)-4'-stilbenes- ulfonate;
4-(isoindolinyl)-4'-phenylstilbene; 4-(isoindolinyl)-3-methoxy-4-
'-methylstilbene;
4-(2-chloroisoindolinyl)-4'-(2-methylisoindolinyl)-2,2'--
stilbenedisosulfonic acid; disodium
4,4'-diisoindolinyl-2,2'-stilbene disulfonate;
4,4'-diisoindolinyl-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonamide; disodium
4,4'-(7,8-dichloro-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate; disodium
4,4'-(7-chloro-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate; disodium
4,4'-(6-isopropoxy-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate; disodium
4,4'-(7,8-diisopropyl-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium 4,4'-(7-butoxy-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium
4,4'-(6-trifluoromethyl-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium
4,4'-[6-(1,4,7-trioxanonyl)-1-isoindolinyl)]2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium
4,4'-(7-methoxymethyl-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium 4,4'-(6-phenyl-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium 4,4'-(6-naphthyl-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium 4,4'-(6-methylsulfonyl-1
-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate; disodium
4,4'-(7-cyano-1-isoindolinyl)2,2-stilbenedisulfonate; and disodium
4,4'-[7-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)-1-isoindolinyl)]2,2-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium 4-isoindolinyl-4'-ethoxy-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium 4-isoindolinyl-4'-methoxy-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonate;
disodium 4-isoindolinyl-4'-ethoxy-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonamide;
disodium 4-isoindolinyl-4'-methyl-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonamide;
disodium
4,4'-bis-(2-diethanolamino-4-anilino-s-triazin-6-ylamino)stilbene-2:2
disulphonate, disodium
4,4'-bis-(2-morpholino-4-anilino-s-triazin-6-ylami-
no)-stilbene-2:2'-disulphonate, disodium
4,4'-bis-(2,4-dianilino-s-triazin-
-6-ylamino)-stilbene-2-sulphonate, monosodium
4,4"-bis-(2,4-dianilino-s-tr-
iazin-6-ylamino)-stilbene-2:2'-disulphonate, disodium
4,4'-bis-(2-anilino-4-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazin-6-ylamin-
o)stilbene-2,2'-disulphonate, disodium
4,4'-bis-(4-phenyl-2,1,3-triazol-2-- yl)-stilbene-2,240
disulphonate, disodium 4,4'-bis-(2-anilino-4-(1-methyl--
2-hydroxyethylamino)-s-triazin-6-ylamino)-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonate,
sodium
2-(stilbyl-4"-(naphtho-1',2':4,5)-1,2,3-triazole-2"-sulphonate,
4,4'-bis-(2-sulphostyryl)-biphenyl,
4,4'-bis(4-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-- yl)-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic
acid and mixture thereof. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,015, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,346,502 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,393,153 for further examples
of brighteners useful herein.
[0058] Indeed one of the functionally equivalent derivative salts
of 4,4'-bis(4-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic
acid, namely its sodium salt is available from Mobay Chemical
Corporation, a subsidiary of Bayer AG under the name Phorwite.RTM.
CAN. The amine salt is available from Molay under the name
Phorwite.RTM. CL solution. The potassium salt is available under
the name Phorwite.RTM. BHC 766.
[0059] Specific examples of hydrophilic optical brighteners useful
in the present invention are those having the structural formula:
1
[0060] wherein R.sub.1 is selected from anilino,
N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R.sub.2 is selected
from N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino,
morphilino, chloro and amino; and M is a salt-forming cation such
as sodium or potassium.
[0061] When in the above formula, R.sub.1 is anilino, R.sub.2 is
N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl and M is a cation such as sodium, the
brightener is
4,4',-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]-2,2'-
-stilbenedisulfonic acid and disodium salt. This particular
brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename
Tinopal-UNPA-GX by from Ciba Specialty Chemicals. Tinopal-UNPA-GX
is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the
detergent compositions herein.
[0062] When in the above formula, R.sub.1 is anilino, R.sub.2 is
N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2-methylamino and M is a cation such as sodium,
the brightener is
4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-(N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)-s-tr-
iazine-2-yl)amino]2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt. This
particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the
tradename Tinopal 5BM-GX by from Ciba Specialty Chemicals.
[0063] When in the above formula, R.sub.1 is anilino, R.sub.2 is
morphilino and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is
4,4'-bis[(4-anilino-6-morphilino-s-triazine-2-yl)amino]2,2'-stilbenedisul-
fonic acid, sodium salt. This particular brightener species is
commercially marketed under the tradename Tinopal AMS-GX by from
Ciba Specialty Chemicals.
[0064] Other substituted stilbene 2,2'-disulfonic acid derivatives
also include 4-4'-bis (2-2' styryl sulfonate) biphenyl having the
structural formula: 2
[0065] Suitable 4-4'-bis (2-2' styryl sulfonate) biphenyl are
commercially available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals under the
trade name Brightener 49.degree. or Tinopal CBS.RTM. or other
hydrophilic brighteners like for example Brightener 3.RTM. or
Brightener 47.RTM., also commercially available from Ciba Specialty
Chemicals.
[0066] Specific examples of hydrophobic brighteners useful in the
present invention include the polycyclic oxazole derivatives such
as benzo-oxazole derivatives, or mixtures thereof and particularly
preferred herein the benzo-oxazole derivatives. An example of such
a brightener is benzoxazole,2,2'-(thiophenaldyl)bis having the
following formula C.sub.18H.sub.10N.sub.2O.sub.2S, commercially
available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals under the trade name
Tinopal SOP.RTM.. This brightener is almost insoluble in water,
i.e. it has a solubility being lower than 1 gram per liter. Another
example of such a brightener is bis(sulfobenzofuranyl)biphenyl,
commercially available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals under the
trade name Tinopal PLC.RTM..
[0067] By "hydrophobic brighteners", it is meant any brightener
having a solubility such that no more than 10 grams of brightener
can be fully dissolved in 1 liter of deionized water at 25.degree.
C. By "fully dissolved" it is meant that a clear and stable
solution is obtained. Accordingly, by "hydrophilic brighteners", it
is to be understood herein any brightener having a solubility such
that more than 10 grams of brightener can be fully dissolved in 1
liter of deionized water at 25.degree. C.
[0068] Preferably, the composition used in the process according to
the present invention comprises a brightener selected from the
group consisting of hydrophobic brighteners, hydrophilic
brighteners and mixtures thereof.
[0069] The compositions according to the present invention may
comprise from 0.001% to 10%, preferably from 0.005% to 5%, more
preferably from 0.005% to 1% and most preferably from 0.008% to
0.5% by weight of the total composition of a brightener or a
mixture thereof.
[0070] It has now surprisingly been found that when a liquid carpet
treatment composition comprising a brightener as described herein,
is applied onto a carpet in a process as described herein, said
carpet is perceived by a person looking at said carpet as cleaner
versus a carpet treated with a similar composition not comprising a
brightener ("improved perceived cleanliness"). It is believed that
said improved perceived cleanliness is provided by two causes.
Firstly, it is due to an improved cleaning performance ("carpet
cleaning benefit") of the carpet treatment composition herein, when
both used to clean the whole carpet, localized carpet stains or
soiled high traffic areas. Secondly, it is due to a "soil-hiding
benefit" provided by the carpet treatment composition herein. By
"soil-hiding benefit" it is meant herein that although soil is
still present on a carpet, it is hidden from a person looking at
said carpet by the light scattering effect described below.
[0071] The soil-hiding benefit is based on the fact that said
brightener is deposited on the carpet fibers during the carpet
treatment and remains on said carpet fibers after the treatment has
finished. Moreover, it has been observed that even when said
composition, preferably said composition and soil, are removed from
said carpet, the brightener remains adhered to the carpet. It is
believed that the brighteners present in the composition of the
present invention are able to modify the physical-chemical
properties of the surface of a carpet treated therewith, more
particularly the physical-chemical properties of the carpet
fibers.
[0072] Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it has been
observed that the brightener when deposited on the carpet fiber
increases the light scattering of said fiber and thus of the whole
carpet surface treated with a composition according to the present
invention. Said increase in light scattering increases the
reflectance of the carpet surface and in turn provides the
"soil-hiding benefit". Thus, said carpet is not perceived as being
soiled and an improved perceived cleanliness is observed. The
spraying of a brightener, contributes to the overall perceived
cleanliness of the carpet in addition to the cleaning performance
of the carpet treatment composition herein, even without applying
mechanical action when treating a carpet. The soil-hiding benefit
is observed in addition to the expected whitening effect
(fluorescence) of the brightener that, for instance, can be
observed on fabrics, which are washed with a laundry detergent
comprising a brightener.
[0073] The compositions employed in the process of treating carpets
according to the present invention provide soil-hiding benefits and
carpet cleaning benefits on various types of soils including
diffuse soils (e.g., particulate and/or greasy soils) that tend to
accumulate in the so called "high traffic areas" but also in
delivering good cleaning performance on other types of stains or
soils, i.e., proteinic stains like blood.
[0074] By "high traffic areas" it is meant herein areas with an
intensive use of the carpets in such areas as for example near
doors.
[0075] By "particulate stains" it is meant herein any soils or
stains of particulate nature that can be found on any carpet, e.g.
clay, dirt, dust, mud, concrete and the like.
[0076] By "greasy/oily stains" it is meant herein any soils or
stains of greasy/oily nature that can be found on any carpet, e.g.,
make-up, lipstick, dirty motor oil and mineral oil, greasy food
like mayonnaise and spaghetti sauce.
[0077] By "proteinic stains" it is meant herein any soils or stains
of proteinic nature that can be found on any carpet, e.g.,
grass.
[0078] The perceived cleanliness, i.e., the soil-hiding benefits
and the carpet cleaning benefits, of a carpet treatment composition
can be assessed by the following test method: A liquid composition
according to the present invention is first sprayed, onto the
stained portion of a carpet, left to act thereon from 1 to 60
minutes, preferably 30 minutes, after which the carpet is vacuum
cleaned using any commercially available vacuum cleaners like for
instance a standard Hoover.RTM. 1300W vacuuming machine. The soils
used in this test may be particulate stains, greasy/oily stains or
proteinic stain as described above. The soil hiding benefits and
the carpet cleaning benefits of said carpet treatment composition
can be assessed by visual grading. The visual grading may be
performed by a group of expert panelists using panel score units
(PSU). To asses the soil-hiding benefits and the carpet cleaning
benefits of a given composition a PSU-scale ranging from 0, meaning
no noticeable difference in cleanliness of a treated, initially
soiled, carpet versus an untreated, similarly soiled, carpet, to 4,
meaning a clearly noticeable difference in cleanliness of a
treated, initially soiled, carpet versus an untreated, similarly
soiled, carpet, can be applied.
[0079] Optional Ingredients
[0080] Peroxygen Bleach
[0081] As an optional but highly preferred ingredient the
compositions according to the present invention may comprise a
peroxygen bleach.
[0082] Suitable peroxygen bleaches to be used herein are selected
from the group consisting of: hydrogen peroxide; water soluble
sources of hydrogen peroxide; organic or inorganic peracids;
hydroperoxides; diacyl peroxides; and mixtures thereof.
[0083] As used herein a hydrogen peroxide source refers to any
compound that produces perhydroxyl ions when said compound is in
contact with water. Suitable water-soluble sources of hydrogen
peroxide for use herein are selected from the group consisting of
percarbonates, perborates and persilicates and mixtures
thereof.
[0084] Suitable diacyl peroxides for use herein are selected from
the group consisting of aliphatic, aromatic and aliphatic-aromatic
diacyl peroxides, and mixtures thereof.
[0085] Suitable aliphatic diacyl peroxides for use herein are
dilauroyl peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dimyristoyl peroxide, or
mixtures thereof. A suitable aromatic diacyl peroxide for use
herein is for example benzoyl peroxide. A suitable
aliphatic-aromatic diacyl peroxide for use herein is for example
lauroyl benzoyl peroxide. Such diacyl peroxides have the advantage
to be particularly safe to carpets and carpet dyes while delivering
excellent bleaching performance.
[0086] Suitable organic or inorganic peracids for use herein are
selected from the group consisting of: persulphates such as
monopersulfate; peroxyacids such as diperoxydodecandioic acid
(DPDA) and phthaloyl amino peroxycaproic acid (PAP); magnesium
perphthalic acid; perlauric acid; perbenzoic and alkylperbenzoic
acids; and mixtures thereof.
[0087] Suitable hydroperoxides for use herein are selected from the
group consisting of tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumyl hydroperoxide,
2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-hydroperoxide,
di-isopropylbenzene-monohydroperox- ide, tert-amyl hydroperoxide
and 2,5-dimethyl-hexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide and mixtures thereof.
Such hydroperoxides have the advantage to be particularly safe to
carpets and carpet dyes while delivering excellent bleaching
performance.
[0088] Preferred peroxygen bleaches herein are selected from the
group consisting of: hydrogen peroxide; water soluble sources of
hydrogen peroxide; organic or inorganic peracids; hydroperoxides;
and diacyl peroxides; and mixtures thereof. More preferred
peroxygen bleaches herein are selected from the group consisting of
hydrogen peroxide, water soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide and
diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof. Even more preferred
peroxygen bleaches herein are selected from the group consisting of
hydrogen peroxide, water soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide,
aliphatic diacyl peroxides, aromatic diacyl peroxides and
aliphatic-aromatic diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof. Most
preferred peroxygen bleaches herein are hydrogen peroxide, water
soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide or mixtures thereof.
[0089] Typically, the liquid compositions herein comprise from 0.01
% to 20%, preferably from 0.5 % to 10%, and more preferably from 1%
to 7% by weight of the total composition of a peroxygen bleach, or
mixtures thereof.
[0090] The presence of a peroxygen bleach in preferred compositions
employed in the process of treating a carpet according to the
present invention contributes to the excellent cleaning and
sanitizing performance on various types of soils including on spot
stains like bleachable stains (e.g., coffee, beverage, food) of the
compositions of the present invention.
[0091] By "bleachable stains" it is meant herein any soils or
stains containing ingredients sensitive to bleach that can be found
on any carpet, e.g., coffee or tea.
[0092] Surfactants
[0093] As an optional but highly preferred ingredient the
compositions according to the present invention may comprise a
surfactant or a mixture thereof.
[0094] Typically, the compositions herein may comprise up to 50%,
preferably from 0.1% to 20%, more preferably from 0.5% to 10% and
most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the total composition of
a surfactant.
[0095] Such surfactants may be selected from those well known in
the art including anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric and
cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof.
[0096] Particularly suitable surfactants to be used herein are
anionic surfactants. Said anionic surfactants are preferred herein
as they further contribute to the outstanding stain removal
performance of the compositions of the present invention on various
types of stains. Moreover they do not stick on carpet, thereby
reducing resoiling.
[0097] Suitable anionic surfactants include sulfosuccinate
surfactants, sulfosuccinamate surfactants, sulfosuccinamide
surfactants, alkyl carboxylate surfactants, sarcosinate
surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, alkyl sulphonate
surfactants, alkyl glycerol sulfate surfactants, alkyl glycerol
sulphonate surfactants and mixtures thereof.
[0098] Suitable sulfosuccinate surfactants are according to the
formula 3
[0099] wherein: R.sub.1 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group selected
from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl radicals
containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon
atoms, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and alkyl phenyl
radicals containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group;
R.sub.2 is a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting
of straight or branched alkyl radicals containing from 6 to 20
carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10
to 16 carbon atoms, and alkyl phenyl radicals containing from 6 to
18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; and M is hydrogen or a cationic
moiety, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium,
lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or
substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl
ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as
tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and
quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and
the like).
[0100] Such sulfosuccinate surfactants are commercially available
under the tradenames Aerosol.RTM. from Cytec, Anionyx.RTM. from
Stepan, Arylene.RTM. from Hart, Setacin.RTM. from Zschimmer &
Schwarz, Mackanate.RTM. from McIntyre and Monawet.RTM. from Mona
Industries.
[0101] Suitable alkyl sulphonate surfactants for use herein include
water-soluble salts or acids of the formula RSO.sub.3M wherein R is
a C.sub.6-C.sub.20 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated
alkyl group, preferably a C.sub.8-C.sub.18 alkyl group and more
preferably a C.sub.10-C.sub.16 alkyl group, and M is H or a cation,
e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium), or
ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and
trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as
tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and
quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and
the like).
[0102] An example of a C.sub.14-C.sub.16 alkyl sulphonate is
Hostapur.RTM. SAS available from Hoechst.
[0103] Suitable alkyl sulphate surfactants for use herein are
according to the formula R.sub.1SO.sub.4M wherein R.sub.1
represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting
of straight or branched alkyl radicals containing from 6 to 20,
preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16, carbon atoms and
alkyl phenyl radicals containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the
alkyl group. M is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation
(e.g., sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like)
or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and
trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as
tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and
quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and
the like).
[0104] By "linear alkyl sulphate or sulphonate" it is meant herein
a non-substituted alkyl sulphate or sulphonate wherein the alkyl
chain comprises from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18
carbon atoms, and more preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and
wherein this alkyl chain is sulphated or sulphonated at one
terminus.
[0105] By "branched sulphonate or sulphate", it is meant herein an
alkyl chain having from 6 to 20 total carbon atoms, preferably from
8 to 18 total carbon atoms, and more preferably from 10 to 16 total
carbon atoms, wherein the main alkyl chain is substituted by at
least another alkyl chain, and wherein the alkyl chain is sulphated
or sulphonated at one terminus.
[0106] Particularly preferred branched alkyl sulphates to be used
herein are those containing from 10 to 14 total carbon atoms like
Isalchem 123 AS.RTM.. Isalchem 123 AS.RTM. commercially available
from Enichem is a C.sub.12-.sub.13 surfactant which is 94%
branched. This material can be described as
CH.sub.3--(CH.sub.2).sub.m--CH(CH.sub.2OSO.sub.3Na)--(CH.sub-
.2).sub.n--CH.sub.3 where n+m =8-9. Also preferred alkyl sulphates
are the alkyl sulphates where the alkyl chain comprises a total of
12 carbon atoms, i.e., sodium 2-butyl octyl sulphate. Such alkyl
sulphate is commercially available from Condea under the trade name
Isofol.RTM. 12S. Particularly suitable liner alkyl sulphonates
include C12-C16 paraffin sulphonate like Hostapur.RTM. SAS
commercially available from Hoechst.
[0107] Suitable sulfosuccinamate surfactants for use herein are
according to the formula 4
[0108] wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently represent a
hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or
branched alkyl radicals containing from 6 to 20, preferably 8 to
18, more preferably 10 to 16, carbon atoms and alkyl phenyl
radicals containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M
is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or
substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl
ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as
tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and
quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and
the like).
[0109] Suitable sulfosuccinamide surfactants for use herein are
according to the formula 5
[0110] wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently represent a
hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or
branched alkyl radicals containing from 6 to 20, preferably 8 to
18, more preferably 10 to 16, carbon atoms and alkyl phenyl
radicals containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M
is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or
substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl
ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as
tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and
quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and
the like).
[0111] Suitable alkyl carboxylate surfactants for use herein are
according to the formula RCO.sub.2M wherein: R represents a
hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or
branched alkyl radicals containing from 6 to 20, preferably 8 to
18, more preferably 10 to 16, carbon atoms and alkyl phenyl
radicals containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M
is H or a cation, e.g., an alkali metal cation (e.g., sodium,
potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or
substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl
ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as
tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperdinium cations and
quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as
ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and
the like).
[0112] Suitable sarcosinate surfactants to be used herein include
acyl sarcosinate or mixtures thereof, in its acid and/or salt form,
preferably long chain acyl sarcosinates having the following
formula: 6
[0113] wherein M is hydrogen or a cationic moiety and wherein R is
an alkyl group of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably of from 11
to 13 carbon atoms. Preferred M are hydrogen and alkali metal
salts, especially sodium and potassium. Said acyl sarcosinate
surfactants are derived from natural fatty acids and the amino-acid
sarcosine (N-methyl glycine). They are suitable to be used as
aqueous solution of their salt or in their acidic form as powder.
Being derivatives of natural fatty acids, said acyl sarcosinates
are rapidly and completely biodegradable and have good skin
compatibility.
[0114] Accordingly, particularly preferred long chain acyl
sarcosinates to be used herein include C.sub.12 acyl sarcosinate,
i.e., an acyl sarcosinate according to the above formula wherein M
is hydrogen and R is an alkyl group of 11 carbon atom, sodium
N-lauroyl sarcosinate, i.e., an acyl sarcosinate according to the
above formula wherein M is sodium and R is an alkyl group of 11
carbon atom, and C.sub.14 acyl sarcosinate (i.e., an acyl
sarcosinate according to the above formula wherein M is hydrogen
and R is an alkyl group of 13 carbon atoms), sodium N-lauroyl
sarcosinate is commercially available, for example, as Hamposyl
L-30@ supplied by Hampshire or Crodasinic LS30.RTM. supplied by
Croda. C.sub.14 acyl sarcosinate is commercially available, for
example, as Hamposyl M-30@ supplied by Hampshire or Crodasinic
MS30.RTM. supplied by Croda.
[0115] Suitable nonionic surfactants include amine oxide
surfactants. Suitable amine oxide surfactants are according to the
formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2R.sub.3NO, wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2
and R.sub.3 is independently a saturated substituted or
unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl groups of from 1 to 30
carbon atoms, preferably of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and mixtures
thereof.
[0116] Particularly preferred amine oxide surfactants to be used
according to the present invention are amine oxide surfactants
having the following formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2R.sub.3NO wherein
R.sub.1 is a saturated linear or branched alkyl group of from 1 to
30 carbon atoms, preferably of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, more
preferably of from 6 to 16 carbon atoms, and wherein R.sub.2 and
R.sub.3 are independently substituted or unsubstituted, linear or
branched alkyl groups of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably of
from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably are methyl groups.
Preferred amine oxide surfactants used herein are pure-cut amine
oxide surfactants, i.e., a pure single amine oxide surfactant, e.g.
C.sub.8 N,N-dimethyl amine oxide, as opposed to mixtures of amine
oxide surfactants of different chain lengths
[0117] Suitable amine oxide surfactants for use herein are for
instance pure cut C.sub.8 amine oxide, pure cut C.sub.10 amine
oxide, pure cut C.sub.14 amine oxide, natural blend
C.sub.8-C.sub.10 amine oxides as well as natural blend
C.sub.12-C.sub.16 amine oxides. Such amine oxide surfactants may be
commercially available from Hoechst or Stephan.
[0118] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein also include
any ethoxylated C.sub.6-C.sub.24 fatty alcohol nonionic surfactant,
alkyl propoxylates and mixtures thereof, fatty acid
C.sub.6-C.sub.24 alkanolamides, C.sub.6-C.sub.20 polyethylglycol
ethers, polyethylene glycol with molecular weight 1000 to 80000 and
glucose amides, alkyl pyrrolidones.
[0119] Suitable cationic surfactants for use herein include
quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula
R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3R.sub.4N+ where R.sub.1,R.sub.2 and R.sub.3
are methyl groups, and R.sub.4 is a C.sub.12-.sub.15 alkyl group,
or where R.sub.1 is an ethyl or hydroxy ethyl group, R.sub.2 and
R.sub.3 are methyl groups and R.sub.4 is a C.sub.12-.sub.15 alkyl
group.
[0120] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants are zwitterionic betaine
surfactants. Suitable zwitterionic betaine surfactants for use
herein contain both a cationic hydrophilic group, i.e., a
quaternary ammonium group, and anionic hydrophilic group on the
same molecule at a relatively wide range of pH's. The typical
anionic hydrophilic groups are carboxylates and sulphonates,
although other groups like sulfates, phosphonates, and the like can
be used. A generic formula for the zwitterionic betaine surfactant
to be used herein is:
R.sub.1--N+(R.sub.2)(R.sub.3)R.sub.4X--
[0121] wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrophobic group; R.sub.2 is hydrogen,
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, hydroxy alkyl or other substituted
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl group; R.sub.3 is C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl,
hydroxy alkyl or other substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl group
which can also be joined to R.sub.2 to form ring structures with
the N, or a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 sulphonate group; R.sub.4 is a moiety
joining the cationic nitrogen atom to the hydrophilic group and is
typically an alkylene, hydroxy alkylene, or polyalkoxy group
containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and X is the hydrophilic
group, which is a carboxylate or sulphonate group.
[0122] Preferred hydrophobic groups R.sub.1 are aliphatic or
aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted
hydrocarbon chains that can contain linking groups such as amido
groups, ester groups. More preferred R.sub.1 is an alkyl group
containing from 1 to 24, preferably from 8 to 18, and more
preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms. These simple alkyl groups
are preferred for cost and stability reasons. However, the
hydrophobic group R.sub.1 can also be an amido radical of the
formula R.sub.a--C(O)--NH--(C(R.sub.b).sub.2)m, wherein R.sub.a is
an aliphatic or aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or
unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain, preferably an alkyl group
containing from 8 up to 20, preferably up to 18, more preferably up
to 16 carbon atoms, R.sub.b is selected from the group consisting
of hydrogen and hydroxy groups, and m is from 1 to 4, preferably
from 2 to 3, more preferably 3, with no more than one hydroxy group
in any (C(R.sub.b).sub.2) moiety.
[0123] Preferred R.sub.2 is hydrogen, or a C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl
and more preferably methyl. Preferred R3 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4
sulphonate group, or a C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl and more preferably
methyl. Preferred R.sub.4 is (CH.sub.2).sub.n wherein n is an
integer from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 6, more preferably is
from 1 to 3.
[0124] Some common examples of betaine/sulphobetaine are described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,082,275, 2,702,279 and 2,255,082, incorporated
herein by reference.
[0125] Examples of particularly suitable alkyldimethyl betaines
include coconut-dimethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl betaine, decyl
dimethyl betaine, 2-(N-decyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonia)acetate,
2-(N-coco N,N-dimethylammonio) acetate, myristyl dimethyl betaine,
palmityl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl
betaine. For example Coconut dimethyl betaine is commercially
available from Seppic under the trade name of Amonyl 265.RTM..
Lauryl betaine is commercially available from Albright & Wilson
under the trade name Empigen BB/L.RTM..
[0126] Examples of amidobetaines include cocoamidoethylbetaine,
cocoamidopropyl betaine or C.sub.10-C.sub.14 fatty
acylamidopropylene(hydropropylene)sulfobetaine. For example
C.sub.10-C.sub.14 fatty
acylamidopropylene(hydropropylene)sulfobetaine is commercially
available from Sherex Company under the trade name "Varion CAS.RTM.
sulfobetaine".
[0127] A further example of betaine is Lauryl-immino-dipropionate
commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade name
Mirataine H2C-HA.RTM..
[0128] A preferred surfactant for use herein is an anionic
surfactant or a zwitterionic surfactant or a mixture thereof, a
more preferred surfactant is a sulfosuccinate surfactant,
sulfosuccinamate surfactant, sulfosuccinamide surfactant,
carboxylate surfactant, sarcosinate surfactant, alkyl sulfate
surfactant, alkyl sulphonate surfactant, alkyl glycerol sulfate
surfactant, alkyl glycerol sulphonate surfactant or a zwitterionic
betaine surfactant and mixtures thereof.
[0129] In a preferred embodiment a preferred surfactant for use
herein is a sarcosinate surfactant, an alkyl sulphonate surfactant,
an alkyl sulphate surfactant, or a zwitterionic betaine surfactant
and mixtures thereof, and the most preferred surfactant herein is
an alkyl sarcosinate surfactant.
[0130] In another preferred a preferred surfactant for use herein
is a mixture of a sulfosuccinate surfactant and a second anionic
surfactant. More preferably, said surfactant is a mixture of a
sulfosuccinate surfactant and a sulphate surfactant. Most
preferably, said surfactant is a sulfosuccinate surfactant.
[0131] The presence of a surfactant in preferred compositions when
employed in the process of treating a carpet according to the
present invention contributes to the excellent cleaning performance
on various types of soils including diffuse soils (e.g.,
particulate and/or greasy soils) that tend to accumulate in the so
called "high traffic areas" but also in delivering good cleaning
performance on other types of stains or soils, i.e., proteinic
stains like blood.
[0132] Volatile Organic Compounds
[0133] As an optional but highly preferred ingredient the
compositions according to the present invention may comprise a
volatile organic compound (VOC) or a mixture thereof.
[0134] Typically, the compositions herein may comprise up to 90%,
preferably from 0.1% to 20%, more preferably from 0.5% to 10% and
most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the total composition of
a volatile organic compound or a mixture thereof.
[0135] Suitable volatile organic compounds for use herein include
aliphatic and/or aromatic alcohol, glycol ethers and/or derivatives
thereof, polyol and mixtures thereof.
[0136] Suitable aromatic alcohols to be used herein are according
to the formula R.sub.1--OH wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl substituted
or non-alkyl substituted aryl group of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,
preferably from 2 to 15 and more preferably from 2 to 10. A
suitable aromatic alcohol to be used herein is benzyl alcohol.
[0137] Suitable aliphatic alcohols to be used herein are according
to the formula R.sub.2--OH wherein R.sub.2 is a linear or branched
saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain of from 1 to 20 carbon
atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 and more preferably from 2 to 6.
Highly preferred herein are aliphatic alcohols with 2 to 4 carbon
atoms and most preferably 4 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof.
Suitable aliphatic alcohols to be used herein include linear
alcohol like 2-octanol, decanol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol,
ethanol and/or methanol. Highly preferred herein are ethanol,
isopropyl alcohol or a mixture thereof.
[0138] Ethanol may be commercially available from Eridania Italia
under its chemical name.
[0139] Isopropanol may be commercially available from Merck/BDH
Italia under its chemical name.
[0140] Suitable glycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof to be used
herein include monoglycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof,
polyglycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof and mixtures
thereof.
[0141] Suitable monoglycol ethers and derivatives thereof to be
used herein include n-buthoxypropanol (n-BP), water-soluble
CELLOSOLVE.RTM. solvents or mixtures thereof. Preferred
Cellosolve.RTM. solvents include propoxy ethyl acetate salt (i.e.,
Propyl Cellosolve acetate salt.RTM.), ethanol-2-butoxy phosphate
salt (i.e., Butyl Cellosolve phosphate salt.RTM.),
2-(Hexyloxy)ethanol (i.e., 2-hexyl Cellosolve.RTM.), 2-ethoxy
ethanol (i.e., 2-ethyl Cellosolve.RTM.), 2-butoxyethanol (i.e.,
2-buthyl Cellosolve.RTM.) or mixtures thereof.
[0142] Suitable polyglycol ethers and derivatives thereof to be
used herein include n-butoxypropoxypropanol (n-BPP), butyl
triglycol ether (BTGE), butyl diglycol ether (BDGE), water-soluble
CARBITOL.RTM. solvents or mixtures thereof.
[0143] Preferred water-soluble CARBITOL.RTM. solvents are compounds
of the 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)ethanol class, 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)propanol
class and/or 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)butanol class wherein the alkoxy
group is derived from ethyl, propyl or butyl. A preferred
water-soluble carbitol is 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol also known as
butyl carbitol.RTM..
[0144] Preferred glycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof are
2-ethoxyethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, n-butoxypropoxypropanol, butyl
carbitol.RTM. or mixtures thereof.
[0145] Suitable polyol solvents to be used herein are the polyols
having at least 2 hydroxyl groups (--OH) like diols. Suitable diols
to be used herein include 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol,
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, methyl-2,4 pentanediol or mixture
thereof.
[0146] The volatile organic compounds, when present, further
contribute to the excellent overall cleaning performance of the
present invention. Additionally, their addition in the compositions
herein also enhances the sanitising properties of the
compositions.
[0147] Anti-Resoiling Agent
[0148] The compositions as disclosed herein may comprise as a
preferred optional ingredient an anti-resoiling agent.
[0149] Suitable anti-resoiling agents include anti-resoiling
polymers.
[0150] Suitable poly (vinyl methyl ether/maleic acid) copolymers
are according to the general formula: 7
[0151] wherein n (degree of polymerisation) is an integer of from
50 to 1600, preferably from 100 to 800, and more preferably from
200 to 400.
[0152] Accordingly, suitable poly (vinyl methyl ether/maleic acid)
copolymers for use herein have an average molecular weight of from
1,000 to 10,000,000, preferably 10,000 to 1,000,000, more
preferably from 10,000 to 500,000, and most preferably from 50,000
to 100,000.
[0153] Suitable poly (vinyl methyl ether/maleic acid) copolymers
are commercially available, for instance, from ISP Corporation, New
York, N.Y. and Montreal, Canada under the product names Gantrez AN
Copolymer.RTM. (AN-119 copolymer, average molecular weight of
20,000; AN-139 copolymer, average molecular weight of 41,000;
AN-149 copolymer, average molecular weight of 50,000; AN-169
copolymer, average molecular weight of 67,000; AN-179 copolymer,
average molecular weight of 80,000), Gantrez S.RTM. (Gantrez
S97.RTM., average molecular weight of 70,000), and Gantrez ES.RTM.
(ES-225, ES-335, ES-425, ES-435), Gantrez V.RTM. (V-215, V-225,
V-425).
[0154] Preferably the poly (vinyl methyl ether/maleic acid)
copolymers are either crosslinked or not crosslinked, i.e., linear.
More preferably the poly (vinyl methyl ether/maleic acid)
copolymers are not crosslinked.
[0155] Suitable anti-resoiling polymers include soil suspending
polyamine polymers. Any soil suspending polyamine polymer known to
those skilled in the art may also be used herein. Particularly
suitable polyamine polymers for use herein are alkoxylated
polyamines. Such materials can conveniently be represented as
molecules of the empirical structures with repeating units: 8
[0156] wherein R is a hydrocarbyl group, usually of 2-6 carbon
atoms; R.sub.1 may be a C.sub.1-C.sub.20 hydrocarbon; the alkoxy
groups are ethoxy, propoxy, and the like, and y is from 2 to 30,
most preferably from 7 to 20; n is an integer of at least 2,
preferably from 2 to 40, most preferably from 2 to 5; and X-- is an
anion such as halide or methylsulfate, resulting from the
quaternization reaction.
[0157] The most highly preferred polyamines for use herein are the
so-called ethoxylated polyethylene amines, i.e., the polymerized
reaction product of ethylene oxide with ethyleneimine, having the
general formula: 9
[0158] wherein y is from 2 to 50, preferably from 5 to 30, and n is
from 1 to 40, preferably from 2 to 40. Particularly preferred for
use herein is an ethoxylated polyethylene amine, in particular an
ethoxylated polyethylene amine wherein n=2 and y=20, and an
ethoxylated polyethylene amine wherein n=40 and y=7.
[0159] Suitable ethoxylated polyethylene amines are commercially
available from Nippon Shokubai CO., LTD under the product names
ESP-0620A.RTM. (ethoxylated polyethylene amine wherein n=2 and
y=20) or from BASF under the product names ES-8165 and from BASF
under the product name LUTENSIT K-187/50.RTM. (ethoxylated
polyethylene amine wherein n=40 and y=7).
[0160] Suitable anti-resoiling polymers also include polyamine
N-oxide polymers.
[0161] Suitable polyamine N-oxide polymers for use herein are
according to the following formula: R-A.sub.x-P; containing at
least one N-oxide group (N--O group);
[0162] wherein: P is a polymerizable unit to which an N--O group
can be attached and/or the N--O group can form part of the
polymerizable unit;
[0163] A is one of the following structures: 10
[0164] x is 0 or 1;
[0165] and R is an aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatic, aromatic,
heterocyclic or alicyclic group or any combination thereof to which
the N--O group can be attached to R or the nitrogen of the N--O
group is part of R.
[0166] By "N--O group" it is meant one of the following general
structures: 11
[0167] wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 are aliphatic, aromatic,
heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof; x, y and
z are 0 or 1; and the nitrogen of the N--O group can be attached or
form part of any of the aforementioned groups.
[0168] Any polymerizable unit P can be used as long as the amine
oxide polymer formed is water-soluble and provides the carpet
treatment composition with carpet cleaning and/or carpet
anti-resoiling benefits. Preferred polymerizable unit P are vinyl,
alkylenes, esters, ethers, amides, imides, acrylates and mixtures
thereof. A more preferred polymerizable unit P is vinyl.
[0169] Preferred polyamine N-oxide polymers are those wherein R is
a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, or a
derivative thereof, to which the nitrogen of the N--O group can be
attached or the N--O group is part of these groups. Most preferred
polyamine N-oxide polymers are those wherein R is a pyridine.
[0170] The polyamine N-oxide polymer can be obtained in almost any
degree of polymerization. Typically, the average molecular weight
is within the range of 1,000 to 100,000; more preferred 5,000 to
100,000; most preferred 5,000 to 25,000.
[0171] Suitable polyamine N-oxide polymer are polyvinyl
pyridine-N-oxide polymers wherein: the polymerizable unit P is
vinyl; x=0; and R is pyridine wherein the nitrogen of the N--O
group is part of.
[0172] Suitable poly vinyl pyridine-N-oxide polymers are
commercially available from Hoechst under the trade name of Hoe S
42680, and from Reilly Industries Inc. under the trade name of
PVNO.
[0173] Furthermore, suitable anti-resoiling polymers include
N-vinyl polymer. Suitable N-vinyl polymers include polyvinyl
pyrrolidone polymers, co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and
N-vinylimidazole, co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic
acid, and mixtures thereof.
[0174] Suitable co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and
N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as a class as "PVPVI") are
according to the formula: 12
[0175] in which n is between 50 and 500 and preferably between 80
and 200 and m is between 50 and 500 and preferably between 80 and
200.
[0176] Preferably the PVPVI has an average molecular weight range
from 1,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 100,000, and
most preferably from 5,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight
range is determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et
al., Chemical Analysis, Vol 113. "Modern Methods of Polymer
Characterization", the disclosures of which are incorporated herein
by reference.)
[0177] The PVPVI co-polymers typically have a molar ratio of
N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1:1 to 0.2:1, more
preferably from 0.8:1 to 0.3:1, most preferably from 0.6:1 to
0.4:1. These co-polymers can be either linear or branched.
[0178] Suitable co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and
N-vinylimidazole are commercially available from BASF, under the
trade name of Sokalan.RTM. PG55.
[0179] Suitable polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP") for use herein are
homopolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone having the following repeating
monomer: 13
[0180] Preferred vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers for use herein have
an average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 100,000, preferably
from 5,000 to 100,000, and more preferably from 5,000 to
20,000.
[0181] Suitable vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers are commercially
available from BASF under the trade names Luviskol.RTM. K15
(viscosity molecular weight of 10,000), Luviskol.RTM. K25
(viscosity molecular weight of 24,000), Luviskol.RTM. K30
(viscosity molecular weight of 40,000), and other vinylpyrrolidone
homopolymers known to persons skilled in the detergent field (see
for example EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696).
[0182] Suitable co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid
(referred to as a class as "PV/AA") are according to the formula:
14
[0183] in which n is between 50 and 1000 and preferably between 100
and 200 and m is between 150 and 3000 and preferably between 300
and 600.
[0184] Preferably the PV/AA have an average molecular weight range
from 1,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 100,000, and
most preferably from 5,000 to 25,000.
[0185] Suitable co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid
are commercially available from BASF under the trade name
Sokalan.RTM. PG 310.
[0186] Preferred N-vinyl polymers are polyvinyl pyrrolidone
polymers, co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole,
co-polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid, and mixtures
thereof, even more preferred are polyvinyl pyrrolidone
polymers.
[0187] Suitable anti-resoiling polymers also include soil
suspending polycarboxylate polymers.
[0188] Any soil suspending polycarboxylate polymer known to those
skilled in the art can be used according to the present invention
such as homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts
including polyacrylates and copolymers of maleic anhydride or/and
acrylic acid and the like. Indeed, such soil suspending
polycarboxylate polymers can be prepared by polymerizing or
copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their
acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to
form suitable polymeric polycarboxylates include acrylic acid,
maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid,
aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic
acid. The presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein of
monomeric segments, containing no carboxylate radicals such as
vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc. is suitable provided
that such segments do not constitute more than 40% by weight.
[0189] Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates to be used
herein can be derived from acrylic acid, including polyacrylic
polymers and copolymers of acrylic acid. Most preferred
anti-resoiling polymers are copolymer of acrylic acid and
methacrylic acid. Such acrylic acid-based polymers which are useful
herein are the water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. The
average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form
preferably ranges from 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 4,000
to 7,000 and most preferably from 4,000 to 5,000. Water-soluble
salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the
alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble
polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of
this type in detergent compositions has been disclosed, for
example, in Diehl, U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,067, issued Mar. 7,
1967.
[0190] Acrylic/maleic-based copolymers may also be used as a
preferred soil suspending polycarboxylic polymer. Such materials
include the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and
maleic acid. The average molecular weight of such copolymers in the
acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably
from 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from 7,000 to 65,000. The
ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will
generally range from 30:1 to 1:1, more preferably from 10:1 to 2:1.
Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers can
include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted
ammonium salts. Soluble acrylate/maleate copolymers of this type
are known materials which are described in European Patent
Application No. 66915, published Dec. 15, 1982. Particularly
preferred is a copolymer of maleic/acrylic acid with an average
molecular weight of 70,000. Such copolymers are commercially
available from BASF under the trade name SOKALAN.RTM. CP5.
[0191] Other suitable anti-resoiling polymers include those
anti-resoiling polymers having: (a) one or more nonionic hydrophile
components consisting essentially of (i) polyoxyethylene segments
with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (ii) oxypropylene
or polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of
from 2 to 10, wherein said hydrophile segment does not encompass
any oxypropylene unit unless it is bonded to adjacent moieties at
each end by ether linkages, or (iii) a mixture of oxyalkylene units
comprising oxyethylene and from 1 to about 30 oxypropylene units
wherein said mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene
units such that the hydrophile component has hydrophilicity great
enough to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional polyester
synthetic fiber surfaces upon deposit of the soil release agent on
such surface, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at
least about 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially
for such components having about 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at
least about 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more hydrophobe
components comprising (i) C.sub.3 oxyalkylene terephthalate
segments, wherein, if said hydrophobe components also comprise
oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of oxyethylene terephthalate:
C.sub.3 oxyalkylene terephthalate units is about 2:1 or lower, (ii)
C.sub.4-C.sub.6 alkylene or oxy C.sub.4-C.sub.6 alkylene segments,
or mixtures therein, (iii) poly (vinyl ester) segments, preferably
polyvinyl acetate), having a degree of polymerization of at least
2, or (iv) C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl ether or C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl
ether substituents, or mixtures therein, wherein said substituents
are present in the form of C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl ether or C.sub.4
hydroxyalkyl ether cellulose derivatives, or mixtures therein, and
such cellulose derivatives are amphiphilic, whereby they have a
sufficient level of C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl ether and/or C.sub.4
hydroxyalkyl ether units to deposit upon conventional polyester
synthetic fiber surfaces and retain a sufficient level of
hydroxyls, once adhered to such conventional synthetic fiber
surface, to increase fiber surface hydrophilicity, or a combination
of (a) and (b).
[0192] Typically, the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have
a degree of polymerization of from about 1 to about 200, although
higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to about 150, more
preferably from 6 to about 100. Suitable oxy C.sub.4-C.sub.6
alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to,
end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as
MO.sub.3S(CH.sub.2).sub.nOCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O--, where M is sodium
and n is an integer from 4-6, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,721,580, issued Jan. 26, 1988 to Gosselink.
[0193] Anti-resoiling polymers useful in the present invention also
include cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulosic
polymers, co-polymeric blocks of ethylene terephthalate or
propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene
oxide terephthalate, and the like. Such anti-resoiling polymers are
commercially available and include hydroxyethers of cellulose such
as METHOCEL.RTM. (Dow). Cellulosic anti-resoiling polymers for use
herein also include those selected from the group consisting of
C.sub.1-C.sub.4 alkyl and C4 hydroxyalkyl cellulose; see U.S. Pat.
No. 4,000,093, issued Dec. 28, 1976 to Nicol, et al.
[0194] Anti-resoiling polymers characterised by poly(vinyl ester)
hydrophobe segments include graft co-polymers of poly(vinyl ester),
e.g., C.sub.1-C.sub.6 vinyl esters, preferably poly(vinyl acetate)
grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene
oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048,
published Apr. 22, 1987 by Kud, et al. Commercially available
anti-resoiling polymers of this kind include the SOKALAN.RTM. type
of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22.RTM., available from BASF.
[0195] One type of preferred anti-resoiling polymers is a
co-polymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and
polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate. The molecular weight of
this anti-resoiling polymers is in the range of from about 25,000
to about 55,000. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,230 to Hays, issued May
25, 1976 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,929 to Basadur issued Jul.
8,1975.
[0196] Another preferred anti-resoiling polymers is a polyester
with repeat units of ethylene terephthalate units which contains
10-15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate units together with
90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived
from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight
300-5,000. Examples of this polymer include the commercially
available material ZELCON 51260 (from Dupont) and MILEASE T.RTM.
(from ICI). See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,857, issued Oct. 27, 1987
to Gosselink.
[0197] Another preferred anti-resoiling polymers agent is a
sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer
comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and
oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and terminal moieties covalently
attached to the backbone. These anti-resoiling polymers are fully
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,451, issued Nov. 6, 1990 to J. J.
Scheibel and E. P. Gosselink. Other suitable anti-resoiling
polymers include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Pat. No.
4,711,730, issued Dec. 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, the anionic
end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,580, issued
Jan. 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric
compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,857, issued Oct. 27,1987 to
Gosselink.
[0198] Preferred anti-resoiling polymers also include the soil
release agents of U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,896, issued Oct. 31, 1989 to
Maldonado et al, which discloses anionic, especially sulfoaroyl,
end-capped terephthalate esters.
[0199] Still another preferred anti-resoiling agent is an oligomer
with repeat units of terephthaloyl units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl
units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1,2-propylene units. The repeat,
units form the backbone of the oligomer and are preferably
terminated with modified isethionate end-caps. A particularly
preferred anti-resoiling agent of this type comprises about one
sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and
oxy-1,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of from about 1.7 to about
1.8, and two end-cap units of sodium
2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate. Said anti-resoiling agent also
comprises from about 0.5% to about 20%, by weight of the oligomer,
of a crystalline-reducing stabilizer, preferably selected from the
group consisting of xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, toluene
sulfonate, and mixtures thereof. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,807,
issued May 16,1995, to Gosselink et al.
[0200] The liquid compositions may comprise from 0.01% to 10%,
preferably from 0.01% to 5%, and more preferably from 0.05% to 2%
by weight of the total composition of a further anti-resoiling
agent.
[0201] A preferred anti-resoiling agent is an anti-resoiling
polymer. A more preferred anti-resoiling agent is a poly (vinyl
methyl ether/maleic acid) copolymer, a soil suspending polyamine
polymer, a poly vinyl pyridine-N-oxide polymer or a mixture
thereof. An even more preferred anti-resoiling agent is a poly
(vinyl methyl ether/maleic acid) copolymer, an alkoxylated
polyamine polymer, a poly vinyl pyridine-N-oxide polymer or a
mixture thereof. The most preferred anti-resoiling agent useful in
the compositions herein are selected from the group consisting of:
a poly (vinyl methyl ether/maleic acid) copolymer; an ethoxylated
polyethylene amine according to the formula as described above
wherein n=2 and y=20; an ethoxylated polyethylene amine according
to the formula as described herein wherein n=40 and y=7; a poly
vinyl pyridine-N-oxide polymer; and mixtures thereof.
[0202] Other Optional Ingredients
[0203] The compositions herein may further comprise conventional
carpet treating ingredients. Preferably, the compositions herein
may further comprise a number of additional compounds such as
stabilising agents, chelating agents, builder systems, radical
scavengers, perfumes, dyes, suds suppressing agents, enzymes,
photobleaching agents, bleach activators and other minors.
[0204] Stabilizing Agents
[0205] The compositions of the present invention may further
comprise a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of
hydroxy pyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof and mixtures
thereof.
[0206] Suitable hydroxy pyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof
are according to the following formula: 15
[0207] wherein X is nitrogen, Y is one of the following groups
oxygen, --CHO, --OH, --(CH.sub.2)n-COOH, wherein n is an integer of
from 0 to 20, preferably of from 0 to 10 and more preferably is 0,
and wherein Y is preferably oxygen. Accordingly particularly
preferred hydroxy pyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof to be
used herein is 2-hydroxy pyridine N-oxide.
[0208] Hydroxy pyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof may be
commercially available from Sigma.
[0209] Typically, the compositions herein may comprise up to 2%,
preferably from 0.001% to 1% and more preferably from 0.001% to
0.5% by weight of the total composition of a hydroxy pyridine
N-oxide or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof.
[0210] Chelating Agents
[0211] The compositions of the present invention may further
comprise a chelating agent.
[0212] Suitable chelating agents are those known to those skilled
in the art. Particularly suitable chelating agents include for
examples phosphonate chelating agents, polyfunctionally-substituted
aromatic chelating agents, amino carboxylate chelating agents,
other chelating agents like ethylene diamine N,N'-disuccinic acid
and mixtures thereof.
[0213] Typically, the compositions herein may comprise up to 4%,
preferably from 0.001% to 1%, and more preferably from 0.001% to
0.5% by weight of the total composition of a chelating agent.
[0214] Suitable phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein may
include ethydronic acid, alkali metal ethane 1-hydroxy
diphosphonates as well as amino phosphonate compounds, including
amino alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonate), alkali metal ethane 1
-hydroxy diphosphonates, nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates,
ethylene diamine tetra methylene phosphonates, and diethylene
triamine penta methylene phosphonates. The phosphonate compounds
may be present either in their acid form or as salts of different
cations on some or all of their acid functionalities. Preferred
phosphonate chelating agents to be used herein are diethylene
triamine penta methylene phosphonates (DETPMP). Such phosphonate
chelating agents are commercially available from Monsanto under the
trade name DEQUEST.RTM..
[0215] Polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents may
also be useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Pat. No.
3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974, to Connor et al. Preferred
compounds of this type in acid form are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes
such as 1,2-dihydroxy -3,5-disulfobenzene.
[0216] A preferred biodegradable chelating agent for use herein is
ethylene diamine N,N'-disuccinic acid, or alkali metal, or alkaline
earth, ammonium or substitutes ammonium salts thereof or mixtures
thereof. Ethylenediamine N,N'-disuccinic acids, especially the
(S,S) isomer, have been extensively described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,704,233, Nov. 3, 1987. to Hartman and Perkins. Ethylenediamine
N,N'-disuccinic acid is, for instance, commercially available under
the tradename ssEDDS.RTM. from Palmer Research Laboratories.
[0217] Suitable amino carboxylate chelating agents to be used
herein include ethylene diamine tetra acetates, diethylene triamine
pentaacetates, diethylene triamine pentaacetate (DTPA),
N-hydroxyethylethylenediamine triacetates, nitrilotri-acetates,
ethylenediamine tetrapropionates,
triethylenetetraaminehexa-acetates, ethanoldiglycines, propylene
diamine tetracetic acid (PDTA) and methyl glycine di-acetic acid
(MGDA), both in their acid form, or in their alkali metal,
ammonium, and substituted ammonium salt forms. A particularly
suitable amino carboxylate to be used herein is diethylene triamine
penta acetic acid (DTPA).
[0218] Other suitable chelating agents to be used herein include
salicylic acid or derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof
according to the following formula: 16
[0219] wherein X is carbon, Y is one of the following groups --CHO,
--OH, --(CH.sub.2)n-COOH, and preferably is --(CH2)n-COOH, and
wherein n is an integer of from 0 to 20, preferably of from 0 to 10
and more preferably is 0. Salicylic acid and derivatives thereof
may be used herein either in their acid form or in their salts form
as for example sodium salts.
[0220] Salicylic acid is particularly preferred herein and may be
commercially available from Rhone Poulenc.
[0221] Bleach Activators
[0222] In an embodiment of the present invention where the
compositions herein comprise a peroxygen bleach, preferably
hydrogen peroxide, said compositions may further comprise a bleach
activator, as an optional ingredient.
[0223] By "bleach activator", it is meant herein a compound which
reacts with the peroxygen bleach, preferably hydrogen peroxide, to
form a peracid. The peracid thus formed constitutes the activated
bleach.
[0224] Suitable bleach activators to be used herein include those
belonging to the class of esters, amides, imides, or anhydrides.
Examples of suitable compounds of this type are disclosed in
British Patent GB 1 586 769 and GB 2 143 231 and a method for their
formation into a prilled form is described in European Published
Patent Application EP-A-62 523. Suitable examples of such compounds
to be used herein are tetracetyl ethylene diamine (TAED), sodium
3,5,5 trimethyl hexanoyloxybenzene sulphonate, diperoxy dodecanoic
acid as described for instance in U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,425 and
nonylamide of peroxyadipic acid as described for instance in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,259,201 and n-nonanoyloxybenzenesulphonate (NOBS). Also
suitable are N-acyl caprolactam selected from the group consisting
of substituted or unsubstituted benzoyl caprolactam, octanoyl
caprolactam, nonanoyl caprolactam, hexanoyl caprolactam, decanoyl
caprolactam, undecenoyl caprolactam, formyl caprolactam, acetyl
caprolactam, propanoyl caprolactam, butanoyl caprolactam pentanoyl
caprolactam or mixtures thereof. A particular family of bleach
activators of interest was disclosed in EP 624 154, and
particularly preferred in that family is acetyl triethyl citrate
(ATC). Acetyl triethyl citrate has the advantage that it is
environmentally friendly as it eventually degrades into citric acid
and alcohol. Furthermore, acetyl triethyl citrate has a good
hydrolytical stability in the composition upon storage and it is an
efficient bleach activator.
[0225] The compositions according to the present invention may
comprise up to 30%, preferably from 1% to 20%, and more preferably
from 2% to 10% by weight of the total composition of a bleach
activator.
[0226] Builders
[0227] The compositions according to the present invention may
further comprise a builder system. Any conventional builder system
known in the art is suitable for use herein. Suitable builders for
use herein include derivatives of succinic acid of the formula
R--CH(COOH)CH.sub.2(COOH) wherein R is C.sub.10-20 alkyl or
alkenyl, preferably C.sub.12-16 alkyl or alkenyl, or wherein R can
be substituted with hydroxyl, sulpho sulphoxyl or sulphone
substituents. Specific examples include lauryl succinate, myristyl
succinate, palmityl succinate, 2-dodecenylsuccinate, 2-tetradecenyl
succinate. Succinate builders are preferably used in the form of
their water-soluble salts, including sodium, potassium, ammonium
and alkanolammonium salts.
[0228] Other suitable builders are oxodisuccinates and mixtures of
tartrate monosuccinic and tartrate disuccinic acid such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,071.
[0229] Further suitable builders for use herein are fatty acid
builders including saturated or unsaturated C.sub.10-18 fatty
acids, as well as the corresponding soaps. Preferred saturated
species have from 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The
preferred unsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid.
[0230] The compositions herein may comprise up to 10%, preferably
from 1% to 7% by weight of the total composition of a builder
system.
[0231] Radical Scavengers:
[0232] The compositions herein may comprise a radical scavenger as
another optional ingredient. Suitable radical scavengers for use
herein include the well-known substituted mono and di hydroxy
benzenes and derivatives thereof, alkyl- and aryl carboxylates and
mixtures thereof. Preferred radical scavengers for use herein
include trimethoxy benzoic acid (TMBA), di-tert-butyl hydroxy
toluene (BHT), p-hydroxy-toluene, hydroquinone (HQ), di-tert-butyl
hydroquinone (DTBHQ), mono-tert-butyl hydroquinone (MTBHQ),
tert-butyl-hydroxy anysole (BHA), p-hydroxy-anysol, benzoic acid,
2,5-dihydroxy benzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxyterephtalic acid, toluic
acid, catechol, t-butyl catechol, 4-allyl-catechol, 4-acetyl
catechol, 2-methoxy-phenol, 2-ethoxy-phenol,
2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol, 3,4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde,
2,3-dihydroxy benzaldehyde, benzylamine,
1,1,3-tris(2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t-butylphenyl) butane,
tert-butyl-hydroxy-anyline, p-hydroxy anyline as well as
n-propyl-gallate. Highly preferred for use herein is di-tert-butyl
hydroxy toluene, which is for example commercially available from
SHELL under the trade name IONOL CP.RTM. and/or tert-butyl-hydroxy
anysole and/or propyl gallate. These radical scavengers further
contribute to the stability of the compositions herein.
[0233] Typically, the compositions according to the present
invention may comprise up to 5%, preferably from 0.002% to 1.5% by
weight and more preferably from 0.002% to 0.5% by weight of the
total composition of a radical scavenger.
EXAMPLES
[0234] The following examples will further illustrate the present
invention. The compositions are made by combining the listed
ingredients in the listed proportions (weight % unless otherwise
specified). The following Examples are meant to exemplify
compositions used in a process according to the present invention
but are not necessarily used to limit or otherwise define the scope
of the present invention.
1 Compositions (weight %) I II III IV V VI Hydrogen peroxide 2.0
4.0 5.0 6.0 -- -- Tinopal CBS-X .RTM. 1.0 0.1 0.001 0.005 0.002
Tinopal PLC .RTM. -- -- 0.5 -- -- 0.001 Water and minors Bal- Bal-
Bal- Bal- Bal- Bal- ance ance ance ance ance ance up to pH 4 6.5 5
4 6 5 Compositions (weight %) VII VIII IX X XI XII Hydrogen
peroxide 2.0 4.0 -- 6.0 4.0 4.0 Tinopal CBS-X .RTM. 0.01 -- -- 0.1
0.004 0.0005 Tinopal PLC .RTM. -- 0.005 0.002 -- 0.004 -- PVNO 0.5
0.4 0.2 0.5 1.0 2.0 PVPVI -- -- -- 0.5 -- -- PV/AA -- -- 0.3 -- --
-- PVP -- -- -- -- 0.1 -- Ethanol 3.0 2.0 1.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 PnB --
1.0 0.5 -- -- -- PA -- 0.1 0.2 0.1 -- 0.1 Dioctyl sodium 1.0 -- 0.3
-- 2.5 5.0 sulphosuccinate Disodium lauryl -- 2.5 0.7 -- 0.5 --
sulphosuccinate Disodium laureth -- -- 1.0 3.0 -- --
sulphosuccinate Disodium lauramido 0.5 -- -- -- -- -- MEA
sulphosuccinate Sodium lauryl sulfate -- 0.5 -- -- -- -- BHT 0.01
0.01 0.02 0.01 -- 0.01 AMCP -- -- -- -- 0.5 -- Chelant* 0.2 0.2 0.2
0.2 0.3 0.3 Na CnAS -- -- -- 3.0 0.5 -- Salicylic Acid 0.5 0.5 0.5
0.5 -- 0.5 Propyl Gallate -- -- -- -- 1.0 -- NaOH 0.16 0.16 0.16
0.16 0.06 0.26 Water and minors Bal- Bal- Bal- Bal- Bal- Bal- ance
ance ance ance ance ance up to pH 4 6 8 6 3.5 4 PVP is Poly Vinyl
Pyrrolidone PVNO is Poly(4-Vinylpyridine-N-Oxide) (Mw 20,000)
commercially available from Reilly. PV/AA is N-vinylpyrrolidone and
Acrylic Acid copolymer commercially available under the trade name
Sokalan .RTM. PG 310. PVPVI is N-vinylpyrrolidone and
N-vinylimidazole co-polymer commercially available under the trade
name Sokalan .RTM. PG55. Sarcosinate is Sodium N-Lauroyl
Sarcosinate commercially available from Croda under the commercial
name of Crodasinic .RTM. LS 30. Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate is
commercially available from Cytec under the trade name Aerosol OT
.RTM.. Disodium lauryl sulphosuccinate is commercially available
from Witco under the trade name Rewopol SBF12 .RTM.. Disodium
lauramido MEA sulphosuccinate is available from Witco under the
trade name Rewopol SBC212P .RTM.. PnB is propylene glycol n-butyl
ether commercially available from Arco under the trade name
Arcosolv .RTM. PNB. BHT is butylated hydroxy toluene. AMCP is
acrylic/maleic based copolymers commercially available under the
trade name Sokalan CP5 .RTM.. Chelant* is a phosphonate chelant
available under the trade name DEQUEST .RTM. Na CnAS is sodium
alkyl sulphate. PA is an ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine,
average molecular weight 12,000. Tinopal CBS-X .RTM. and Tinopal
PLC .RTM. are brighteners commercially available from Ciba
Specialty Chemical.
[0235] The compositions exemplified above are preferably packaged
in a container adapted to deliver a spray of droplets having a
particle size distribution with a mean diameter D(v,0.9) of 200 to
400 microns, when measured with Malvern Mastersizer S LongBed.RTM.
referenced herein before. A suitable container used was an
electrically driven sprayer.
[0236] The compositions in the examples above deliver excellent
soil hiding performance as well as excellent cleaning performance
on particulate soil, greasy/oily soil, and/or proteinic soil as
well as on other types of soils.
* * * * *