Patent Description:
Many concentrates and ready-to-use compositions have been proposed for cleaning, degreasing, stripping, disinfecting, coupling, coalescing or adjusting viscosity purposes. These formulas often contain various solvents. There is an unmet need, however, for hydrolytically stable solvents that use abundant, non-toxic, non-volatile, renewable raw materials. <CIT> describes a cleaner-passivator composition and method for treating a fuel cell cooling system. The cleaner-passivator comprises a complexing agent, a surfactant, a corrosion inhibitor, and a solvent. The cleaner-passivator reduces the contaminants circulating in the fuel cell coolant system that contribute to increasing conductivity in the fuel cell coolant. In addition, the passivator reduces the surface corrosion in the fuel cell system. <CIT> describes multiple use detergents for hard surfaces. The disclosed compositions are free of residues, liquid and stable in suspension: they contain abrasive substances, a surfactant base consisting of mixtures of anionic surfactants or anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants as well as water, and have a pH value of <NUM> to <NUM>. These agents can be used for cleaning hard surfaces of all kinds, in particular as dishwashing, allpurpose cleaning, scouring and/or polishing agents.

The present invention provides, a method of adjusting viscosity of laundry, antimicrobial, cleaners, paint or ink-jet compositions comprising providing to a composition a viscosity adjuster wherein the viscosity adjuster is a glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether solvent with further features and limitations according to claim <NUM>.

The term "coalescent or coalescing agent" refers to a solvent that facilitates film formation.

The word "concentrate" refers to a composition intended to be diluted with water before use.

The term "coupling or coupling agent" refers to a solvent that solubilizes otherwise incompatible group of materials or components into homogenous, stable aqueous solution.

The term "emulsion" means one liquid dispersed into another immiscible liquid. A solvent-in-water emulsion has tiny droplets of the solvent dispersed throughout a water solution.

The term "hydrolytic stability" refers to the ability of a composition to withstand pH changes.

The term "microemulsion" means a stabilized emulsion in which the dispersed droplets are extremely small (<<NUM>), and which is thermodynamically stable.

The term "phase" refers to a homogeneous fluid portion that is present in or that can form in a fluid system. The term "phases" refers to the presence of more than one phase in a heterogeneous fluid system.

The term "plasticizer" refers to a solvent that aids in formation of a film or coating or imparts to the film or coating other desirable characteristics such as more flexibility.

The term "pseudo-stable" refers to a composition that forms a single phase when subjected to mild mixing or other agitation and retains that single phase for a sufficient period of time so that the composition can be applied to a surface, but which will form two or more phases when left undisturbed.

The term "short-chain aliphatic" refers to alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, or cycloalkyl groups having C<NUM> to C<NUM> carbons.

The term "solvent" refers to an organic material or mixture of such materials suitable for cleaning, degreasing or stripping the desired surface, coupling, coalescing or adjusting viscosity.

The term "thermodynamically stable" means an emulsion that forms a single phase without any work being input and retains that single phase indefinitely.

The term "viscosity adjuster" refers to solvents or compositions suitable for adjusting, e.g., reducing, the viscosity, resulting in formulations being less viscous and more suitable for uses such as pouring, pumping, stirring or mixing.

Unless indicated otherwise, all parts and percentages are by weight.

All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Examples of the compositions (not according to the invention) contain glycerin short-chain aliphatic ethers or their salts as the solvents. The solvents may, for example, have the formula :
<CHM>
where R, R' and R" are each a short-chain aliphatic group or a hydrogen and where at least one R group is a short-chain aliphatic group.

The solvent is a glycerin C<NUM> to C<NUM> aliphatic ether that may maintain hydrolytic stability and has low odor or low volatility (e.g. has a vapor pressure less than <NUM> Hg at <NUM>). In some embodiments, the short-chain aliphatic group is a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl or the like. Salts Salts of the glycerin aliphatic ethers (not according to the invention) may, for example, include any halides, sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium.

Examples of glycerin short-chain aliphatic ethers include glycerin mono methyl ether, glycerin mono ethyl ether, glycerin mono propyl ether, glycerin mono isopropyl ether or any alkoxy glycerols, alkoxy propanediols, glycerin monoethers, propanediol monoether, glycerol monoether or glyceryl ether.

The short-chain aliphatic glycerin ethers may be produced from glycerol itself or from allyl alcohols, glycidol (<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxypropyl-lpropanol), or epichlorhydrin (<NUM>,<NUM>-epoxypropyl chloride). In one aspect of the invention, the glycerol is synthesized from solketal (<NUM>,<NUM>-isopropylideneglycerol) by modifying a synthesis shown in <NPL>). In another aspect, the glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether is synthesized as described in <NPL>) where ring opening of either glycidol ether or epichlorohydrin with corresponding alkoxide occurs in alcoholic media. Other routes of synthesis using glycerin, glycerin derivatives or other reactants could also be used.

In a diluting liquid (which is water), the solvent ranges from being totally soluble to insoluble or only sparingly soluble. The composition may-contain at least about <NUM>% by weight to about <NUM>% or about <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight solvent.

The composition used in the method of the invention contains one or more surfactants that solubilize or assist in solubilizing the solvent in a diluting liquid. The amount of surfactant may vary depending on factors such as the types and amount of other ingredients in the disclosed composition, the desired dilution level, and the intended use. The amount of surfactant is about <NUM> to about <NUM> %, about <NUM> to about <NUM> % or about <NUM>% to about <NUM> % of the total concentrate weight.

Representative surfactants include water-soluble and oil-soluble anionic, cationic, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Especially desirable surfactants include those that improve wetting properties of the diluted use solution, improve stability of the concentrate, or provide other desirable properties such as storage, mixing, application or stripping advantages.

Exemplary anionic surfactants include alkylbenzene sulfonates (e.g., C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylbenzene sulfonates), olefin sulfonates (e.g., C<NUM>-C<NUM> olefin sulfonates), paraffin sulfonates (e.g., C<NUM>-C<NUM> paraffin sulfonates), cumene sulfonate, xylene sulfonate, alcohol sulfates (e.g., C<NUM>-C<NUM> or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alcohol sulfates), alcohol ether sulfates having <NUM> to about <NUM> ethylene oxide groups, and mixtures thereof.

Exemplary cationic surfactants include quaternary amine compounds having the formula:
<CHM>
where R, R', R" and R‴ are each an alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group (e.g., a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group) which can optionally contain one or more P, O, S or N heteroatoms, and X is F, Cl, Br, I or an alkyl sulfate.

Exemplary amphoteric surfactants include amine oxide compounds having the formula:
<CHM>
where R, R' and R" are as defined above, and mixtures thereof.

Exemplary amphoteric surfactants also include betaine compounds having the formula:
<CHM>
where R, R' and R" are as defined above and n is about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and mixtures thereof.

Other exemplary amphoteric surfactants include imidazoline derivates including alkyl amphopropionates, alkylamphodipropionates, alkylamphoacetates and alkylamphodiacetates. Other exemplary amphoteric surfactants include alkyl aminodipropionates.

Exemplary nonionic surfactants include alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., C<NUM>-C<NUM> or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alcohol ethoxylates) having <NUM> to about <NUM> ethylene oxide groups (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM> ethylene oxide groups), alkylphenol ethoxylates (e.g., C<NUM>-C<NUM> or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylphenol ethoxylates) having <NUM> to about <NUM> ethylene oxide groups (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM> ethylene oxide groups), alkylpolyglycosides (e.g., C<NUM>-C<NUM> or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylpolyglycosides) having <NUM> to about <NUM> glycoside groups (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM> glycoside groups), and mixtures thereof.

The disclosed compositions may be formulated and sold as solvent concentrates, and may include a dilute phase liquid (e.g., water), or may be essentially anhydrous. If desired, the concentrates can be used full-strength as a cleaner, antimicrobial agent, degreaser, stripper, coupling agent, coalescing agent or a viscosity adjuster. However, the concentrates typically will be diluted with a liquid (e.g., water) that subsequently forms the dilute phase. The diluting liquid preferably is added at the time of use. A variety of dilution ratios can be employed. The ingredients in the concentrate can represent about <NUM> to about <NUM>% of the diluted mixture, more preferably about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, and most preferably about <NUM> to about <NUM>%.

The concentrate forms a single phase before such dilution and remains so while stored in the container in which it will be sold. When combined with water or other desired diluting liquid at an appropriate dilution level and subjected to mild agitation (e.g., by stirring the composition in a bucket, pumping, spraying or using a mop, cloth or other suitable implement) some embodiments of the invention will form a pseudo-stable dispersion, and other compositions of the invention will form a clear solution or dispersion.

The disclosed compositions can contain one or more cosolvents. The cosolvent may be selected for its ability to promote formation of stable single-phase solutions, microemulsions, or dispersions.

A variety of cosolvents can be employed. In general, the cosolvent is selected based upon the characteristics of the chosen solvent and the solubility of the chosen solvent in the diluting solvent. For compositions in which water serves as the diluting solvent, the cosolvent generally will have higher water solubility than the water solubility of the chosen solvent. The cosolvent may have a high flashpoint (e.g., greater than about <NUM>, more preferably greater than about <NUM>, and most preferably greater than about <NUM>), low odor and low human and animal toxicity.

Examples of cosolvents include <NUM>-(<NUM>-aminoethoxy) ethanol, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, amyl acetate, amyl alcohol, butanol, <NUM>-butoxyethyl-<NUM>-propanol, butyl acetate, n-butyl propionate, cyclohexanone, diacetone alcohol, diethoxyethanol, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, diisobutyl carbinol, diisobutyl ketone, dimethyl heptanol, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether, ethanol, ethyl acetate, <NUM>-ethylhexanol, ethyl propionate, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, hexanol, isobutanol, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl heptyl ketone, isophorone, isopropanol, isopropyl acetate, methanol, methyl amyl alcohol, methyl n-amyl ketone, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, <NUM>-pentanol, n-pentyl propionate, <NUM>-propanol, n-propyl acetate, n-propyl propionate, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether and tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether. Ethylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether are particularly preferred cosolvents. Mixtures of cosolvents can be used if desired.

Commercially available cosolvents include Butoxyethyl PROPASOL™, Butyl CARBITOL™ acetate, Butyl CARBITOL™, Butyl CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, Butyl CELLOSOLVE™, Butyl DIPROPASOL™, Butyl PROPASOL™, CARBITOL™ PM-<NUM>, CARBITOL™ Low Gravity, CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, CELLOSOLVE™, Ester EEP™, FILMER IBT™, Hexyl CARBITOL™, Hexyl CELLOSOLVE™, Methyl CARBITOL™, Methyl CELLOSOLVE™ acetate, Methyl CELLOSOLVE™, Methyl DIPROPASOL™, Methyl PROPASOL™ acetate, Methyl PROPASOL™,Propyl CARBITOL™, Propyl CELLOSOLVE™, Propyl DIPROPASOL™ and Propyl PROPASOL™.

The compositions of the invention may contain <NUM> to about <NUM> wt. % cosolvent, <NUM> to about <NUM> wt. % cosolvent, or <NUM> to about <NUM> wt. % cosolvent.

The disclosed compositions can further contain antimicrobial or biocidal agents. Suitable antimicrobial agents include carboxylic acids (e.g., butyric acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, and decanoic acid), sulfonic acids (e.g., dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid), active halogen compounds (e.g., sodium hypochlorite or sodium chlorite), active oxygen compounds (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, or equilibrium derived or isolated peracids such as peracetic acid, perheptanoic acid, persulfonated oleic acid, peroctanoic acid, performic acid, percitric acid, perglycolic acid, perlactic acid, perbenzoic acid, and monoester peracids derived from diacids such as adipic, succinic, glutaric, or malonic acid and mixtures thereof), phenolic derivatives (e.g., o-phenyl phenol, o-benzyl-p-chlorophenol and tert-amyl phenol), quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof), and mixtures of such antimicrobial or biocidal agents, in an amount sufficient to provide the desired degree of microbial protection. If present in the concentrate, the antimicrobial or biocidal agent is about <NUM> to about <NUM> % of the concentrate, about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>%.

If desired, the disclosed solvent compositions may contain various adjuvants such as chelants, builders thickeners, fragrances, dyes, pH adjusters, anticorrosion additives, defoamers, and antirust additives. The types and amounts of such adjuvants will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The solvent compositions used in the method of the invention contain filler as further specified in the following. Fillers for use in the compositions of the present invention are selected from sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, starch, sugars, C1-C10 alkylene glycols such as propylene glycol. A detergent filler may be included in an amount of <NUM>-<NUM> wt %. or <NUM>-<NUM> wt %.

The disclosed composition may include one or more enzymes, which can provide desirable activity for removal of protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates; for cleaning, destaining, and sanitizing presoaks, such as presoaks for flatware, cups and bowls, and pots and pans; presoaks for medical and dental instruments; or presoaks for meat cutting equipment; for machine warewashing; for laundry and textile cleaning and destaining; for carpet cleaning and destaining; for cleaning-in-place and destaining-in-place; for cleaning and destaining food processing surfaces and equipment; for drain cleaning; presoaks for cleaning; and the like. Enzymes may act by degrading or altering one or more types of soil residues encountered on a surface or textile thus removing the soil or making the soil more removable by a surfactant or other component of the cleaning composition. Both degradation and alteration of soil residues can improve detergency by reducing the physicochemical forces which bind the soil to the surface or textile being cleaned, e.g., the soil becomes more water soluble. For example, one or more proteases can cleave complex, macromolecular protein structures present in soil residues into simpler short chain molecules which are, of themselves, more readily desorbed from surfaces, solubilized or otherwise more easily removed by detersive solutions containing said proteases.

Suitable enzymes may include a protease, an amylase, a lipase, a gluconase, a cellulase, a peroxidase, or a mixture thereof of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal or yeast origin. Selections are influenced by factors such as pH-activity stability optima, thermostability or stability to active detergents, builders and the like. In this respect bacterial or fungal enzymes may be preferred, such as bacterial amylases and proteases, and fungal cellulases. Preferably the enzyme may be a protease, a lipase, an amylase, or a combination thereof. Enzyme may be present in the composition from at least <NUM> wt %, or <NUM> to <NUM> wt %.

The disclosed composition may further include an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can include a boric acid salt, such as an alkali metal borate or amine (e.g. an alkanolamine) borate, or an alkali metal borate, or potassium borate. The enzyme stabilizing system can also include other ingredients to stabilize certain enzymes or to enhance or maintain the effect of the boric acid salt.

For example, a cleaning composition can include a water soluble source of calcium and/or magnesium ions. Calcium ions are generally more effective than magnesium ions and are preferred herein if only one type of cation is being used. Cleaning and/or stabilized enzyme cleaning compositions, especially liquids, may include <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM> millimoles of calcium ion per liter of finished composition, though variation is possible depending on factors including the multiplicity, type and levels of enzymes incorporated. Water-soluble calcium or magnesium salts may be employed, including for example calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium formate, calcium malate, calcium maleate, calcium hydroxide and calcium acetate; more generally, calcium sulfate or magnesium salts corresponding to the listed calcium salts may be used. Further increased levels of calcium and/or magnesium may of course be useful, for example for promoting the grease-cutting action of certain types of surfactant.

Stabilizing systems of certain cleaning compositions, for example warewashing stabilized enzyme cleaning compositions, may further include <NUM> to <NUM>%, or <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, of chlorine bleach scavengers, added to prevent chlorine bleach species present in many water supplies from attacking and inactivating the enzymes, especially under alkaline conditions. While chlorine levels in water may be small, typically in the range from about <NUM> ppm to about <NUM> ppm, the available chlorine in the total volume of water that comes in contact with the enzyme, for example during warewashing, can be relatively large; accordingly, enzyme stability to chlorine in-use can be problematic.

Suitable chlorine scavenger anions are readily available, and, if used, can be salts containing ammonium cations with sulfite, bisulfite, thiosulfite, thiosulfate, iodide, etc. Antioxidants such as carbamate, ascorbate, etc., organic amines such as ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) or alkali metal salt thereof, monoethanolamine (MEA), and mixtures thereof can likewise be used.

The disclosed composition may include a chelating/sequestering agent such as an aminocarboxylic acid, a condensed phosphate, a phosphonate, a polyacrylate, and the like. In general, a chelating agent is a molecule capable of coordinating (e.g., binding) the metal ions commonly found in natural water to prevent the metal ions from interfering with the action of the other detersive ingredients of a cleaning composition. The chelating/sequestering agent may also function as a threshold agent when included in an effective amount. The composition may include <NUM>-<NUM> wt %, or <NUM>-<NUM> wt %, of a chelating/sequestering agent. An iminodisuccinate (available commercially from Bayer as IDS™. ) may be used as a chelating agent.

Useful aminocarboxylic acids include, for example, N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and the like.

Examples of condensed phosphates useful in the disclosed composition include sodium and potassium orthophosphate, sodium and potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and the like.

The composition may include a phosphonate such as <NUM>-hydroxyethane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphosphonic acid and the like.

Polymeric polycarboxylates are also included in the composition. Those suitable for use as cleaning agents have pendant carboxylate groups and include, for example, polyacrylic acid, maleic/olefin copolymer, acrylic/maleic copolymer, polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyamidemethacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers, and the like.

Bleaching agents for lightening or whitening a substrate, include bleaching compounds capable of liberating an active halogen species, such as Cl<NUM>, Br<NUM>, --OCl- or-OBr-, under conditions typically encountered during the cleansing process. Suitable bleaching agents include, for example, chlorine-containing compounds such as a chlorine, a hypochlorite, chloramines, and the like. Halogen-releasing compounds may include the alkali metal dichloroisocyanurates, chlorinated trisodium phosphate, the alkali metal hypochlorites, monochloramine and dichloramine, and the like. Encapsulated chlorine sources may also be used to enhance the stability of the chlorine source in the composition.

A bleaching agent may also be a peroxygen or active oxygen source such as hydrogen peroxide, perborates, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, phosphate peroxyhydrates, potassium permonosulfate, and sodium perborate mono and tetrahydrate, with and without activators such as tetraacetylethylene diamine, and the like. A cleaning composition may include a minor but effective amount of a bleaching agent, such as <NUM>-<NUM> wt %, or <NUM>-<NUM> wt %.

A disclosed composition may include a minor but effective amount of one or more builder which does not perform as a cleaning agent per se, but cooperates with the cleaning agent to enhance the overall cleaning capacity of the composition. Inorganic or phosphate-containing detergent builders may include alkali metal, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts of polyphosphates (e.g. tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymeric meta-phosphates). Nonphosphate builders may also be used. A builider may be included in an amount of <NUM>-<NUM> wt %, or <NUM>-<NUM> wt %.

A minor but effective amount of a defoaming agent for reducing the stability of foam may also be included in the compositions. Examples of defoaming agents include silicone compounds such as silica dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane, fatty amides, hydrocarbon waxes, fatty acids, fatty esters, fatty alcohols, fatty acid soaps, ethoxylates, mineral oils, polyethylene glycol esters, alkyl phosphate esters such as monostearyl phosphate, and the like. The cleaning composition can include <NUM>-<NUM> wt % of a defoaming agent, or <NUM>-<NUM> wt %.

The disclosed composition may include an anti-redeposition agent capable of facilitating sustained suspension of soils in a cleaning solution and preventing the removed soils from being redeposited onto the substrate being cleaned. Examples of suitable anti-redeposition agents include fatty acid amides, fluorocarbon surfactants, complex phosphate esters, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, and cellulosic derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and the like. The composition may include <NUM>-<NUM> wt %, or <NUM>-<NUM> wt %, of an anti-redeposition agent.

Various dyes, odorants including perfumes, and other aesthetic enhancing agents may also be included in the composition. Dyes may be included to alter the appearance of the composition, as for example, Direct Blue <NUM> (Miles), Fastusol Blue (Mobay Chemical Corp. ), Acid Orange <NUM> (American Cyanamid), Basic Violet <NUM> (Sandoz), Acid Yellow <NUM> (GAF), Acid Yellow <NUM> (Sigma Chemical), Sap Green (Keyston Analine and Chemical), Metanil Yellow (Keystone Analine and Chemical), Acid Blue <NUM> (Hilton Davis), Sandolan Blue/Acid Blue <NUM> (Sandoz), Hisol Fast Red (Capitol Color and Chemical), Fluorescein (Capitol Color and Chemical), Acid Green <NUM> (Ciba-Geigy), and the like.

Fragrances or perfumes that may be included in the compositions include, for example, terpenoids such as citronellol, aldehydes such as amyl cinnamaldehyde, a jasmine such as CIS-jasmine or jasmal, vanillin, and the like.

An alkalinity source or an acidic source may be provided to adjust the pH of composition. Exemplary alkalinity sources include an alkali metal silicate, hydroxide, phosphate, or carbonate.

The alkalinity source can include an alkali metal hydroxide including sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, etc. Mixtures of these hydroxide species can also be used. Alkaline metal silicates can also act as a source of alkalinity for the detergents of the invention.

The alkalinity source can include an alkali metal carbonate. Alkali metal carbonates which may be used include sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium bicarbonate or sesquicarbonate, among others. These sources of alkalinity can be used in the disclosed composition at concentrations of <NUM> wt-% to <NUM> wt-%, <NUM> wt-% to <NUM> wt-%, or <NUM> wt-% to <NUM> wt-%.

The divalent ion can be, for example, calcium or magnesium. The calcium ions can, for example, be added as a chloride, hydroxide, oxide, formate, acetate, nitrate salt. The disclosed compositions may contain a divalent ion, selected from calcium and magnesium ions, at a level of from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, or from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The acidic source or acidulants may include an acid which may be common commercially-available weak inorganic and organic acids. Useful weak inorganic acids include phosphoric acid and sulfamic acid. Useful weak organic acids include acetic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid and the like. Acidulants found useful include organic and inorganic acids such as citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycolic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, propionic acid, maleic acid, alkane sulfonic acids, cycloalkane sulfonic acids, as well as phosphoric acid and the like or mixtures thereof.

The disclosed compositions may also contain additional typically nonactive materials, with respect to cleaning properties, generally found in liquid pretreatment or detergent compositions in conventional usages. These ingredients are selected to be compatible with the materials of the invention and include such materials as fabric softeners, optical brighteners, soil suspension agents, germicides, viscosity modifiers, inorganic carriers, solidifying agents and the like.

The disclosed composition can also include a polyol. The polyol may provide additional stability and hydrotrophic properties to the composition. Propylene glycol and sorbitol are examples of some polyols.

The disclosed compositions can also be used in various consumer and commercial products such as adhesives, adhesive removers, air fresheners, antiperspirants, astringents or toners, automotive polishing and cleaners, bathroom and tile cleaners, bug and tar removers, general purpose cleaners, charcoal lightener fluids, kitchen degreasers, deodorants, disinfectants, engine degreasers, fabric protectants, fabric softeners, fabric refresher, floor maintenance products, hair products, paint products, footwear or leather care products, furniture maintenance products, general purpose degreasers, insect repellents, insecticides, odor removers or eliminators, oven or grill cleaners, automotive washes, personal fragrance products, rubber/vinyl protectants, sanitizers, paint thinners, paint removers, sealants or caulking compounds, shaving creams or gels, silicone-based and multi-purpose lubricants or special-purpose lubricants, toilet cleaners, wood cleaners, and windshield water repellents to name a few.

The disclosed compositions can be applied to surfaces using a variety of methods, including spraying, brushing, wiping, mopping and flood coating. The disclosed solvent compositions can be applied to a variety of materials and to a variety of surfaces. For example, the solvent compositions can be used to remove paints, finishes, photoresists, inks, oils, food soils and other coatings from hard surfaces and soft surfaces having smooth or porous topography. Suitable hard surfaces include, for example, architectural surfaces (e.g., floors, walls, windows, sinks, tables, counters and signs); eating utensils; hard-surface medical or surgical instruments and devices; hard-surface packaging; and transportation vehicles and vehicle components (e.g., automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and aircraft; and wheels, gears, engines and other parts therefor). Such hard surfaces can be made from a variety of materials comprising, for example, ceramics, metals, woods or hard plastics. Suitable soft surfaces include, for example, wallpaper; carpet; soft-surface medical or surgical instruments and devices; and soft-surface packaging. Such soft surfaces can be made from a variety of materials comprising, for example, paper, fiber, woven or nonwoven fabric or soft plastics. The disclosed compositions can also be used in the laundry process as a prespotter or part of the main wash step. The disclosed compositions can also be applied to soft surfaces such as food substances and skin. In addition, the disclosed compositions can be used to reduce the microbial population of surfaces in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, factories, hospitals, dental offices, food plants, and the like as well as act to aid in increasing the effectiveness of a primary antimicrobial agent. A further use of the disclosed solvent or composition is as a coating coalescing agent, a viscosity adjuster, a coupling agent or a plasticizer.

Some aspects of the solvent or composition can be used in paints to adjust the curing properties, or viscosity of the paint, or to dissolve or disperse different components in paint formulations (such as pigment and resin), making paint the desired consistency for application. Once paint is applied, the disclosed solvent evaporates, allowing resin and pigment to produce a film or a coat of paint and the paint to dry rapidly. The disclosed solvents can be used in durable and decorative coatings and paints for indoor and outdoor use, and as thinners or coalescents. The disclosed solvent or composition may be added to resin formulations such as polyamide resin. The disclosed solvent or composition may be used in aqueous coatings to aid in film formation and subsequently evaporate or may remain in the film and can potentially act as a plasticizer.

In other aspects, the disclosed composition or solvents can be used in ink-jet ink compositions to disperse colorants such as dyes pigments or combinations thereof, to prevent inter-color bleeding of the colorant. Ink-jet compositions use a number of ethylene glycol derivatives to prevent inter-color bleeding. These glycols may be substituted with more environmentally preferred short-chain aliphatic ethers as disclosed. Ink-jet compositions also use anti-cockle and anti-curl agents to improve the inks' physical properties (e.g. jetting performance and the like). These agents, however, have undesirably high viscosity. Use of the disclosed composition or solvents to adjust viscosity of the anti-cockle or anti-curl agents allows for better ink-jet formulations.

Some aspects of the compositions used in the invention provide pseudo-stable compositions that phase-separate following application of the composition to a surface. These compositions can also be described as exhibiting phase-splitting characteristics. Other aspects provide the compositions used in the invention as a solution, dispersion, emulsion, or micro emulsion.

Aspects of the invention are further illustrated in the following non-limiting examples, in which all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

<NUM> mol (<NUM>) of solketal, <NUM> of KOH <NUM>% and <NUM> mol (<NUM>) of tetrabutylammonium bromide were successively introduced in a <NUM> two-neck round bottom flask, and stirred vigorously for <NUM> minutes at <NUM>. <NUM> Mol of bromoalkane (CiH2i+1Br) was then added drop wise. At the end of the addition, the temperature was raised to <NUM>, and the mixture was stirred vigorously for <NUM> hours. The organic phase was then separated, dried over sodium sulfate, and distilled under reduced pressure to obtain pure alkylsolketal. The pure alkylsolketal was then added, in a <NUM> round bottom flask, to <NUM> HCl (<NUM>). After <NUM> hours vigorous stirring at room temperature, the mixture was neutralized with aqueous NaOH, and extracted <NUM> times with <NUM> of CH<NUM>Cl<NUM>. CH<NUM>Cl<NUM> was chosen because of its high efficiency, however, cyclohexane can also be used, as well as other "greener" solvents. The organic phases were collected, dried over sodium sulfate, and CH<NUM>Cl<NUM> was removed under reduced pressure. Finally, the residue was distilled under vacuum and under argon to obtain pure <NUM>-O-alkylglycerol, which was stored on molecular sieves under argon. Purity was checked by <NUM>H and <NUM>C NMR, and by gas chromatography.

Laundry formulations were prepared by mixing together the ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

Table <NUM> illustrates the glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether as a coupling agent in a laundry formulation. D-limonene, while not only an expensive ingredient, is very water-insoluble. The solvent, ethylene glycol mono butyl ether helps solubilize the D-limonene. Similar results were obtained when ethylene glycol mono butyl was replaced by glycerin ethyl ether or glycerin methyl ether. Moreover, the ethylene glycol mono butyl ether, which is a volatile compound is replaced by the glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether, a non-VOC component.

Antimicrobial formulations were prepared by mixing together the ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

Table <NUM> further illustrates the viscosity adjusting effect of glycerin short-chain aliphatic ethers in an antimicrobial formulation. In the comparative example, dipropylene glycol methyl ether serves as a viscosity adjuster for the formulation. When dipropylene glycol methyl ether is replaced by a glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether, the formulation continues to have a reduced viscosity.

Antimicrobial formulations may be prepared by mixing together the ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the glycerin ethyl ether may replace propylene glycol phenyl ether (DOWANOL PPh™). The glycerin ethyl ether, similar to DOWANOL PPh™, may be able to increase the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent.

Glass cleaner formulations may be prepared by mixing together the ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

As shown in Table <NUM>, the glycerin ethyl ether replaces hexylene glycol. The glycerin ethyl ether may be able to serve as a glass cleaner similar to the comparative example D.

Hard surface cleaner formulations were prepared by mixing together the ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

Table <NUM> illustrates the glycerin short-chain aliphatic ethers as coupling agents in a hard surface cleaner formulation. D-limonene, while not only an expensive ingredient, is very water-insoluble. The D-limonene is solublized with the aid of a surfactant, ethylan HB4. Similar results were obtained when ethylan HB4 was replaced by glycerin methyl ether or glycerin ethyl ether. Moreover, the coupling is more efficient requiring considerably less coupler compared to the comparative example.

Pot and pan cleaner formulations were prepared by mixing together the ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

Table <NUM> demonstrates glycerin short-chain aliphatic ethers as suitable viscosity adjusters in a pot and pan cleaner formulation. The formulation also demonstrates a more green solution: a volatile organic compound (VOC), ethanol SDA-3C, is substituted with a non-VOC compound, glycerin methyl ether or glycerin ethyl ether. The composition, like the comparative example F has a suitable viscosity.

Automotive tire treatment formulations were prepared by mixing together the ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

Table <NUM> is yet another example demonstrating glycerin short-chain aliphatic ethers as a coupling agent. Ethylene glycol mono butyl ether, which is a VOC compound, was used as a coupler to aid in solubilizing two very water insoluble compounds, dicoco dimethyl ammonium chloride and diquaternary polydimethylsiloxane. When the non-VOC, glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether replaced the VOC coupling agent, the glycerin short-chain aliphatic ether served to solubilize the two water insoluble components.

Paint formulations may be prepared have the following ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

As illustrated in Table <NUM>, the short-chain glycerol ether may be used to replace either the ethylene glycol solvent or the coalescent or both in a paint formulation.

Semi-gloss finishes may be prepared having the following ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

As illustrated in Table <NUM>, the short-chain aliphatic glycerol ether may be used to replace either the ethylene glycol solvent or the coalescent or both in a paint formulation.

Adhesive formulations may be prepared having the following ingredients in the percentage amounts shown below in Table <NUM>:.

Claim 1:
A method of adjusting viscosity of laundry, antimicrobial, cleaners, paint or ink-jet compositions, the method comprising
a) providing a composition comprising one or more surfactants, polymeric polycarboxylates having pendant carboxylate groups, and an effective amount of one or more of a detergent filler selected from the group of sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, starch, sugars, C<NUM> - C<NUM> alkylene glycols,
b) providing to the composition a viscosity adjuster, wherein the viscosity adjuster is a glycerin C<NUM> to C<NUM> aliphatic ether as a solvent,
wherein the composition comprises the one or more surfactants in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight and the viscosity adjuster in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM>% by weight, and then
c) diluting the composition with a diluting liquid, the diluting liquid being water.