AU2014339281B2

AU2014339281B2 - Hard surface cleaning composition

Info

Publication number: AU2014339281B2
Application number: AU2014339281A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Adam Peter Jarvis; Patricia Revell; Stephen John Singleton; Jane Whittaker; Jeremy Nicholas Winter
Original assignee: Unilever PLC
Current assignee: Unilever PLC
Priority date: 2013-10-21
Filing date: 2014-09-30
Publication date: 2016-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-30
Also published as: EA030329B1; AU2014339281A1; WO2015058936A1; EP3060641B1; PL3060641T3; EA201690820A1; AR098062A1; TR201903286T4; EP3060641A1

Abstract

The present invention provides an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition comprising 0.01 -1% by weight of a polymer selected from the group of a polyglycerol methacrylate (PGMA) homo-polymer, a statistical co-polymer containing glycerol methacrylate monomer and mixtures thereof. Said cleaning composition also contains -50% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. It has been found that a secondary cleaning benefit can be obtained when using said cleaning composition.

Description

Hard surface cleaning composition

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning composition for hard surfaces, comprising at least a specific polymer and a surfactant that is useful against soil, especially greasy soil. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a hard surface wherein said cleaning composition is used and wherein a next time cleaning benefit is obtained.

Background of the invention

Hard surfaces in the home or office are usually cleaned using liquid compositions which comprise one or more surfactants and, possibly, also pH adjusters like citric acid or sodium salts of citrate. Such compositions may further comprise additional components for targeting specific stains or soils.

The cleaning compositions can be applied in diluted (in water) or undiluted form, in a spray, or rubbed using a cloth and any other convenient way. Optionally the cleaning composition may be rinsed from the surface after the cleaning. It would be advantageous if the hard surface to be cleaned could be treated with a material which would assist in easier removal of soil and/or stains during subsequent cleaning. This is referred to as the next time cleaning benefit

Soils on hard surfaces can become more difficult to remove when not cleaned soon after deposition. When not cleaned promptly, soils can become more adherent to surfaces, more viscous and generally tougher, and require more effort to clean. While not being bound by theory, this more difficult removal of soils can arise from the effects of drying out of soils, from chemical changes in soils, from reactions of soils with environmental agents such as oxygen, etc. Some soils are more susceptible than others to toughening reactions and processes. Soils comprising or containing chemically unsaturated oils and fats can become very tough and difficult to clean over time, especially when exposed to elevated temperatures. Even light can cause such fatty soils to toughen over time. As well as environmental factors, the processes of toughening of soils can be affected by the nature and composition of the surface on which the soil is located. Hard-surface cleaning compositions may be either acidic or alkaline. Acidic compositions often contain citric acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, lactic acid, malic acid and glycolic acid. Acidic cleaners are generally used for removing acid sensitive soil, such as limescale. For removal of fatty soil alkaline compositions are generally preferred. EP-A 0859046 describes a liquid hard-surface cleaning composition having a pH above 9 and comprising a copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and alkylenically unsaturated monomer or mixtures thereof. The examples describe compositions comprising surfactants and polymers (Polyquat™ 11; Luviskol™ 73W; PEG DME-2000). EP-A 1927651 describes a liquid composition having, a pH between 3 and 7, comprising: non ionic surfactant; amine oxide; a glycol ether solvent; a chelant; and a cationic polymer. WO-OO/58228 discloses a composition for rust and/or corrosion removal that contains a reducing agent, a chelating agent and a surfactant. Said composition which may also contain a polymer dispersant, is said to form stable protective coating after cleaning. US-2008/223061 discloses structured surfactant compositions which may optionally contain polyglyceryl methacrylate. WO-2005/030282 discloses the use of a coating composition comprising polymeric micelles, wherein the polymer has an ionic block and a neutral hydrophobic block, for surface modification or surface treatment. More particularly, this document discloses the use of said composition for preventing bacteria proliferation, disinfecting, suppressing odors or for providing easy-cleaning or soil-release properties.

In view of this prior art, there remains a need for a polymer-containing cleaning composition which is suitable for removing mobile soil from hard surfaces preferably a cleaning composition that does not require the formation of complex polymeric micelles at the interface. In particular, there is a need for such a cleaning composition which provides a secondary cleaning benefit with regard to mobile soil. WO-2010/003783 describes a laundry detergent composition comprising: a) a detersive surfactant at a concentration between 3 and 85% by weight of the total composition; b) a copolymer at a concentration between 0.5 and 25% by weight of the total composition, said copolymer comprising the monomers glycerol (meth) acrylate and poly (alkylene oxide) alkyl ether (meth) acrylate, and having a number average molecular weight between 2,000 and 100,000 Dalton; c) optionally other detergent ingredients up to 100% by weight of the total composition.

Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a cleaning composition with which a next time cleaning benefit is achieved with regard to the removal from hard surfaces of mobile soil, in particular greasy soil. Furthermore, said benefit can be obtained across the pH-spectrum, with both acid and alkaline cleaning compositions. In addition, the present invention seeks to achieve a next time cleaning benefit without leaving residues of compounds that may be considered to be harmful to the consumer.

The inventors have now surprisingly found that one or more of the above may be achieved using the cleaning composition of the invention which comprises a surfactant and a specific type of polymer.

Definition of the invention

Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention provides an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition comprising (a) 0.01 -1% by weight of a polymer selected from the group of a polyglycerol methacrylate (PGMA) homo-polymer, a statistical co-polymer containing glycerol methacrylate monomer and mixtures thereof; (b) 1 -50% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Furthermore, in a second aspect the present invention provides method for cleaning a hard surface and obtaining a next time cleaning benefit for said surface (as defined herein), wherein said method includes the steps of (i) applying to the surface an aqueous cleaning composition according to the invention , and (ii) removing soil and stains from said surface.

According to another aspect the present invention provides an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition comprising: (a) 0.01 -1% by weight of a polymer selected from the group of a polyglycerol methacrylate (PGMA) homo-polymer, a statistical co-polymer containing glycerol methacrylate monomer and mixtures thereof wherein the polymer is PGMA homo-polymer with a molecular weight of more than 100,000 Daltons; (b) 1 - 50% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Detailed description of the invention

In the context of the present invention, the expressions ‘’soil” and "stain” as used herein generally comprise all kinds of soils and stains generally encountered in the household, either of organic or inorganic origin, whether visible or invisible to the naked eye, including soiling solid debris and/or with bacteria or other pathogens.

Furthermore, the phrase “next time cleaning benefit” as used herein refers to an improved ease of removal of soil after re-soiling of a hard surface cleaned using the method of the present invention. This improved ease may be indicated by an increased amount of soil being removed from a hard surface using a certain fixed cleaning effort (e.g. the same no. of wiping actions using the same force per wiping action). Evidence of this type of improved ease of the removal of soil is shown in the examples. Alternatively, the improved ease of the removal of soil may also be indicated by the lower effort (e.g. less wiping actions, less force per wiping action or a combination thereof) necessary to reach a similar level of soil removal. In this case, less effort would be required to remove a certain amount of soil from a hard surface that is treated using the method of the present invention prior to deposition of the soil, as compared to the effort required to remove an equal amount of soil from a similar hard surface that is pre-treated using a general cleaning method of the prior art.

Clearly, the improved ease of removal may also be indicated by a combination of the above-mentioned effects (i.e. increased amount of soil removed with less effort).

It is further noted that the method of the invention includes the step of removing soils and stains, preferably mobile soils. In this connection, the term “mobile soils” as used herein is intended to mean soils that are not significantly cross-linked or dried-out, and thus are able to be moved on the surface with a dry cloth. Such mobile soils are e.g. greasy soils.

The polymer or co-polymer

The (co-)polymer of the present invention typically has a molecular weight of 25,000 Daltons or above, more preferably more than 100,000 Daltons, and most preferably more than 500,000 Daltons.

The (co-)polymer present in the cleaning composition of the invention is preferably a polyglycerol methacrylate (PGMA) homo-polymer. And the molecular weight of said homopolymer is preferably 25,000 Daltons or above, more preferably more than 100,000 Daltons, and most preferably more than 500,000 Daltons.

The concentration of said (co-)polymer is 0.01 - 1 wt%, preferably 0.01 - 0.5 wt% of the cleaning composition of the invention.

Preferably, the statistical co-polymer is not a copolymer of glycerol methacrylate and poly(alkylene oxide) alkyl ether (meth)acrylate that contains the residues of glycerol methacrylate and the residues of poly(alkylene oxide) alkyl ether (meth)acrylate in a molar ratio of less than 8:1, especially in a molar ratio of not more than 10:1, more particularly in a molar ratio of not more than 12:1. Even more preferably, the statistical co-polymer is not a copolymer comprising the monomers glycerol (meth)acrylate and poly(alkylene oxide) alkyl ether (meth)acrrylate..

Surfactants

The cleaning composition of the invention preferably comprises additionally a detergent surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, at a concentration of 1 - 20 wt%, more preferably 1-10 wt%.

Suitable synthetic (non-soap) anionic surfactants are water-soluble salts of organic sulphuric acid mono-esters and sulphonic acids which have in the molecular structure a branched or straight chain alkyl group containing from 6 to 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl part.

Examples of such anionic surfactants are water soluble salts of: • (primary) long chain (e.g. 6-22 C-atoms) alcohol sulphates (hereinafter referred to as PAS), especially those obtained by sulphating the fatty alcohols produced by reducing the glycerides of tallow or coconut oil; • alkyl benzene sulphonates, such as those in which the alkyl group contains from 6 to 20 carbon atoms; • secondary alkanesulphonates; and mixtures thereof.

Also suitable are the salts of: • alkylglyceryl ether sulphates, especially of the ethers of fatty alcohols derived from tallow and coconut oil; • fatty acid monoglyceride sulphates; • sulphates of ethoxylated aliphatic alcohols containing 1-12 ethyleneoxy groups; • alkylphenol ethylenoxy-ether sulphates with from 1 to 8 ethyleneoxy units per molecule and in which the alkyl groups contain from 4 to 14 carbon atoms; • the reaction product of fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralised with alkali, and mixtures thereof.

The preferred water-soluble synthetic anionic surfactants are the alkali metal (such as sodium and potassium) and alkaline earth metal (such as calcium and magnesium) salts of alkyl-benzenesulphonates and mixtures with olefinsulphonates and alkyl sulphates, and the fatty acid mono-glyceride sulphates.

The most preferred anionic surfactants are alkyl-aromatic sulphonates such as alkylbenzenesulphonates containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkyl group in a straight or branched chain, particular examples of which are sodium salts of alkylbenzenesulphonates or of alkyl-toluene-, -xylene- or -phenolsulphonates, alkylnaphthalene-sulphonates, ammonium diamylnaphthalene-sulphonate, and sodium dinonyl-naphthalene-sulphonate.

If synthetic anionic surfactant is to be employed the amount present in the cleaning compositions of the invention will generally be at least 0.1%, preferably at least 0.5%, more preferably at least 1.0%, but preferably at most 15%, more preferably at most 10%. A suitable class of nonionic surfactants can be broadly described as compounds produced by the condensation of simple alkylene oxides, which are hydrophilic in nature, with an aliphatic or alkyl-aromatic hydrophobic compound having a reactive hydrogen atom. The length of the hydrophilic or polyoxyalkylene chain which is attached to any particular hydrophobic group can be readily adjusted to yield a compound having the desired balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements. This enables the choice of nonionic surfactants with the right HLB. Particular examples include: • the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms in either straight or branched chain configuration with ethylene oxide, such as a coconut alcohol/ethylene oxide condensates having from 2 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of coconut alcohol; • condensates of alkylphenols having C6-C15 alkyl groups with 5 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkylphenol; • condensates of the reaction product of ethylene-diamine and propylene oxide with ethylene oxide, the condensates containing from 40 to 80% of ethyleneoxy groups by weight and having a molecular weight of from 5,000 to 11,000.

Other classes of nonionic surfactants are: • tertiary amine oxides of structure R1R2R3N-0, where R1 is an alkyl group of 8 to 20 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, e.g. dimethyldodecylamine oxide; • tertiary phosphine oxides of structure R1R2R3P-0, where R1 is an alkyl group of 8 to 20 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, for instance dimethyl-dodecylphosphine oxide; • dialkyl sulphoxides of structure R1R2S=0, where R1 is an alkyl group of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms and R2 is methyl or ethyl, for instance methyl-tetradecyl sulphoxide; • fatty acid alkylolamides, such as the ethanol amides; • alkylene oxide condensates of fatty acid alkylolamides; • alkyl mercaptans; • alkyl polyglucosides.

The concentration of the nonionic surfactant to be employed in said cleaning composition of the invention will preferably be at least 0.1%, more preferably at least 0.5%, most preferably at least 1%. The amount is preferably not more than 15% and most preferably not more than 10%.

It is also possible optionally to include amphoteric, cationic or zwitterionic surfactants in said compositions.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants are derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines containing an alkyl group of 8 to 20 carbon atoms and an aliphatic group substituted by an anionic water-solubilising group, for instance sodium 3-dodecylamino-propionate, sodium 3-dodecylaminopropane-sulphonate and sodium N-2-hydroxy-dodecyl-N-methyltaurate.

Examples of suitable cationic surfactants can be found among quaternary ammonium salts having one or two alkyl or aralkyl groups of from 8 to 20 carbon atoms and two or three small aliphatic (e.g. methyl) groups, for instance cetyltrimethylammonium chloride. A specific group of surfactants are the tertiary amines obtained by condensation of ethylene and/or propylene oxide with long chain aliphatic amines. The compounds behave like nonionic surfactants in alkaline medium and like cationic surfactants in acid medium.

Examples of suitable zwitterionic surfactants can be found among derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium, sulphonium and phosphonium compounds having an aliphatic group of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and an aliphatic group substituted by an anionic water-solubilising group, for instance betaine and betaine derivatives such as alkyl betaine, in particular C12-C16 alkyl betaine, 3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonium)-propane-1 -sulphonate betaine, 3-(dodecylmethyl-sulphonium)-propane-1-sulphonate betaine, 3-(cetylmethyl-phosphonium)-propane-1 -sulphonate betaine and N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecyl-glycine. Other well known betaines are the alkylamidopropyl betaines e.g. those wherein the alkylamido group is derived from coconut oil fatty acids.

Further examples of suitable surfactants are compounds commonly used as surface-active agents given in the well-known textbooks: ‘Surface Active Agents’ Vol.1, by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949; ‘Surface Active Agents’ Vol.2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958; the current edition of ‘McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents’ published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company; ‘Tenside-Taschenbuch’, H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981.

pH

In a preferred embodiment the method of the invention is carried out at a pH of from 2 to 13, more preferably at least 3, and not more than 12.

Cleaning methods of the invention intended for cleaning kitchen hard surfaces may advantageously be carried out at a pH in the alkaline range. When used for this purpose, said method is preferably carried out at a pH between roughly 6.0 and 12, more preferred between 7.0 and 12.

Alternatively, when the cleaning method of the invention is intended for cleaning bath room hard surfaces, said method is preferably carried out at a pH between 3.0 and 7.0, more preferably between 3.0 and 6.0.

The pH of the cleaning composition used in the method of the invention may be adjusted with organic or inorganic acids or bases. Preferred inorganic bases are preferably alkali or alkaline earth hydroxides, ammonia, carbonates or bicarbonates, the alkali metal preferably being sodium or potassium or the alkaline earth metal preferably being calcium or magnesium. The organic bases are preferably amines, alkanolamines and other suitable amino compounds. Inorganic acids may include hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid, and organic acids may include acetic acid, citric acid or formic acid as well as dicarboxylic acid mixtures such as Radimix (trade mark, Radici Group) and Sokalan DCS (trade mark, BASF).

Other optional ingredients

The cleaning composition used according to the present invention may include abrasives. However, these are generally not preferred as abrasives tend to damage or remove the thin layer being deposited on the surface when carrying out the method of the invention. In a preferred embodiment the composition used according to the present invention does not contain an abrasive.

The compositions may contain other ingredients which aid in their cleaning performance. For example, they may contain detergent builders and mixtures of builders in an amount of up to 25%, in particular when the composition contains one or more anionic surfactants. If present, the builder preferably will form at least 0.1% of the cleaning composition. Suitable inorganic and organic builders are well known to those skilled in the art. A further optional ingredient for compositions used according to the invention is a suds regulating material, which can be employed in compositions which have a tendency to produce excessive suds in use. Examples thereof are fatty acids or their salts (soap), isoparaffins, silicone oils and combinations thereof.

Soaps are salts of fatty acids and include alkali metal soaps such as the sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of fatty acids containing from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, and preferably from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms. Particularly useful are the sodium and potassium and mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts of the mixtures of fatty acids derived from palm oil, coconut oil and ground nut oil. When employed, the amount of fatty acid or soap can form at least 0.005%, preferably 0.1% to 2% by weight of the composition.

The cleaning composition of the invention preferably comprises perfume in a concentration of from 0.001 to 5 %wt, more preferably 0.1 to 2 %wt.

Compositions may also contain, in addition to the ingredients already mentioned, various other optional ingredients such as colourants, whiteners, optical brighteners, soil suspending agents, detersive enzymes, compatible bleaching agents (particularly peroxide compounds and active chlorine releasing compounds), solvents, co-solvents, gel-control agents, further freeze-thaw stabilisers, bactericides, preservatives (for example 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one), and hydrotropes.

In a preferred embodiment the composition of the present invention does not comprise tannic acid or related compounds such as gallic acid and/or propyl gallate. It was found that when tannic acid is formulated into alkaline liquid cleaning compositions it produces aesthetically less-pleasing yellow-brown coloured solutions, and it may lead to browning of cement in joints between tiles.

In another preferred embodiment the composition of the present invention does not comprise malonic acid. An antioxidant like malonic acid needs relatively high concentrations to achieve a next time cleaning benefit. Moreover consumers may regard residues of malonic acid on the hard surfaces in e.g. kitchen and bathroom to be harmful and undesired.

In yet another preferred embodiment the composition of the present invention does not comprise formic acid. Formic acid has a pungent odour, and residues on hard surfaces are aesthetically undesirable.

Liquid Dispensers

The aqueous cleaning composition according to the invention may be stored in and dispensed by any suitable means, but spray applicators are particularly preferred. Pump dispensers (whether spray or non-spray pumps) and pouring applicators (bottles etc) are also possible. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the second aspect of the invention provides the use of an aqueous cleaning composition according to the invention, wherein said composition is comprised in a container, and wherein the container further comprises a spray dispenser for dispensing said composition in the form of a spray. The spray dispenser is preferably a trigger spray but may be any mechanical means for ejecting the liquid in spray or aerosol form.

Appearance

In general, the aqueous cleaning composition of the invention may have any appearance, ranging from opaque to fully transparent. However, said composition is preferably at least partially transparent or translucent, more preferably transparent.

By at least partially transparent or translucent is meant that a 1 cm thick sample of the composition transmits at least 20%, preferably at least 50%, of visible light. By transparent is meant that a 1 cm thick sample of the composition transmits at least 70%, preferably at least 90%, of visible light.

Method of the invention

In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleaning a hard surface, the method comprising the following sequential steps: (a) applying to the surface an aqueous cleaning composition according to the invention; (b) rinsing the surface with water; (c) allowing new soil or stains to deposit; and (d) cleaning the surface to remove said soil or stains.

Preferably the soil or stain is a soil or stain containing fatty material, which has not undergone a significant toughening reaction and is, therefore, still mobile (see the above definition of “mobile soil”).

Examples

The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the present invention.

The next time cleaning benefit on mobile soil was assessed for a variety of test formulations, both at alkaline as well as acid pH, using a laboratory methodology to simulate the practical cleaning situation.

Method for assessing the contribution of test formulations to easier cleaning of mobile soil.

The basic steps in the methodology are: • Pre-cleaning of worktop laminate test piece surface; • Treatment of the surface with test solution; • Application of a film of mobile soil onto the surface; • Leave overnight to age; • Cleaning of the soiled surface by a trained operator; • Recording of the effort to clean (lower effort = better).

Pre-cleaning of test piece surface

Treatments are evaluated on large pieces of worktop laminate (Fundamentals matt white ex Formica). Said test pieces are pre-cleaned by wiping them with ethanol.

Treatment of Surfaces

Each large piece of worktop laminate can fit 4x A4 treatment patches, which are evenly spaced across the laminate and do not touch each other. 2 ml of the test solution is applied to the surface of each A4 patch and distributed uniformly over the area thereof using a dry perforated viscose cloth (e.g. J-cloth). The treatment is allowed to dry naturally for 5 minutes. Subsequently the surface is rinsed with water for 30 seconds using a shower head with flow rate fixed at about 5-6L/minute.

Soiling of the Surface

Mobile soil is applied to the treated test surface using a compressed air spray gun.

The composition of this soil is as follows:

The soil is prepared by first making a large batch (ca. 2kg) without carbon black. This is sheared using a Silverson mixer for 60 minutes or until ca. 45°C. The soil is left to cool overnight. Then, before use a smaller batch of the soil is taken, carbon black added, and sheared again for 30 minutes or until ca. 45°C using a Silverson mixer at a lower shear rate.

The resulting soil is a dispersion of triglycerides, mineral oil and fatty acid plus carbon black in a dispersant (ethanol) that allows the soil to be sprayed using a compressed air spray gun.

The soil is sprayed evenly onto each A4 patch to a level of 6.80g per A4 patch based on weight of soil in the spray gun.

Cleaning

Cleaning of the thus-soiled test surface is carried out by a trained operator using up to 6 ml of a simple liquid detergent, i.e. an aqueous cleaning solution of a mixture of alcohol ethoxylates at a ratio such that an un-pretreated soiled A4 patch requires an average effort of greater than 1000 Ns to completely clean said patch to a visibly clean end point. Typically, this ratio is such that the cleaning solution contains 4% Neodol 915 and 1% Neodol 91-8 in water. The cleaning is carried out on an ergonomics rig and continued until the trained operative designates the patch completely clean (which means that all visible and tactile evidence of the soil has been removed), or for at most 2 minutes. Subsequently, the effort to clean is recorded. If not all of the soil is removed during the maximum time of 2 minutes, then the patch is declared "not clean”.

Examples 1-6

Various test formulations were prepared by stirring together all of the ingredients apart from the pH adjuster and a small amount of the water (5%). After all the ingredients had dispersed, the pH was adjusted using the relevant pH adjuster and the balance of the formulation made up with water.

These test formulations which were used to pre-treat worktop laminate test surfaces as described above, have following compositions.

wherein: * Glascol E11 poly (AA): Polyacrylic Acid ex Ciba. * Medium MW PGMA: PGMA having a molecular weight in the range of 50k-500k Daltons.

The cleaning formulation used for cleaning the re-soiled surface on the ergonomics rig was an aqueous solution containing 4% Neodol 91-5 (ex Shell), 1% Neodol 91-8 (ex Shell) and water.

The test results were expressed as the amount of effort (in Ns) for completely removing the soil from the test surface, as measured on the ergonomics rig. The lower the effort required the more effective the test formulation used for the pre-treatment of the test surface.

The following results were obtained for the various test formulations

As can be seen, the above table also shows the cleaning results for cleaning soiled surfaces which have not been pre-treated with a test formulation in order to determine the benefit offered by pretreatment over no pretreatment.

It can further be noticed that the pretreatment with the PGMA containing test formulations of examples 1-3 results in much lower effort than the pretreatment with the PAA containing test formulations of examples 4-6. It can also be noticed that the benefit (in terms of lower cleaning effort) for the PGMA containing test formulations extends for a range of pH-values between pH4 to pH 11.4, whereas for the PAA containing test formulations of examples 3-6 the effort increases as the pH value increases. This clearly shows that the polyglycerol methacrylate (PGMA) containing formulation of the invention is more effective at reducing cleaning effort than the polyacrylic acid (PAA) containing formulation of the prior art.

Examples 7-10

Similarly as in examples 1-6, test formulations were prepared by stirring together all of the ingredients apart from the pH adjuster and a small amount of the water (5%). After all the ingredients had dispersed, the pH was adjusted using the relevant pH adjuster and the balance of the formulation made up with water. These test formulations which were used to pre-treat worktop laminate test surfaces described above, have following compositions.

wherein: *MW = low: (which refers to both PGMA and poly(AA))a molecular weight of less than 50k Daltons.

For these test formulations, the following results expressed as the amount of effort (in Ns) for completely removing the soil from the test surface were obtained.

When comparing the results obtained in examples 7 and 9, it can be noticed that the results obtained after pretreatment with PGMA containing test formulation having a pH value of 4 (example 7) are considerably better than those obtained with a PAA containing test formulation having a pH value of 4. The same observation can be made when comparing examples 8 and 10 in which test formulations having a pH value of 11.4 were applied for pretreatment of the test surfaces.

Examples 11-14

Similarly as in the previous examples, test formulations were prepared by stirring together all of the ingredients apart from the pH adjuster and a small amount of the water (5%). After all the ingredients had dispersed, the pH was adjusted using the relevant pH adjuster and the balance of the formulation made up with water.

These test formulations which were used to pre-treat worktop laminate test surfaces described above, have following compositions.

wherein: *DMAEMA = dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate; *AA = acrylic acid *GMA = glycerol methacrylate. *Medium MW = molecular weight in the range of 50k-500k Dalton.

When comparing the results obtained in examples 11 and 12, and also when comparing the results of examples 13 and 14, it can be noticed that even when combined with other monomers in a co- or ter-polymer the benefits of the PGMA are still observed, even though the other monomers are demonstrated to be ineffective.

Examples 15-20 PGMA was prepared by a RAFT technique to generate polymers of various specific molecular weights (MW). RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer) polymerization is a type of radical polymerization. It makes use of a chain transfer agent to afford control of the generated molecular weight (MW) and polydispersity during polymerization. The resulting polymers were then used for formulating the following test formulations.

It can be noticed, that statistically all of the examples in which PGMA-containing test formulations were used for pre-treatment excluding example 15 show significantly better results at removal of the soil than when no pre-treatment is carried out. It is also noticeable that the efficacy of the polymer improves as the molecular weight of the polymer increases.

Examples 21-26 PGMA was prepared by the RAFT technique (as defined here above) to generate polymers of specific molecular weight (MW). The resulting polymers were then used for formulating the following test formulations.

It can be noticed, that statistically all of the examples in which PGMA-containing test formulations were used for pre-treatment show significantly better results at removal of the soil than when no pre-treatment is carried out. It is also noticeable that the efficacy of the polymer improves as the molecular weight of the polymer increases.

Examples 27-30

The contribution of test formulations to easier cleaning of mobile soil was assessed using the procedure described earlier with the following adaptations:

The composition of the soil was as follows:

0.02% Carbon black is added for visualisation. 1 Blend of Tripalmitin and Glyceryl Trioleate (60:40). Required amounts are melted in an oven at 70°C. The molten mixture is manually stirred and then placed into a freezer to solidify (--10 minutes). The solidified material is then transferred into a polythene bag and broken into small pieces by hand. This material is then ready to use.

Making the Soil

The soil ingredients were weighed into a suitably sized beaker and placed under a Silverson high shear mixer and mixed at setting 3.5 until the soil mixture reaches 34°C. When the soil has reached this temperature any evaporated ethanol is replaced, cooled back to room temperature and is ready for spraying. The resulting soil is a dispersion of triglycerides, mineral oil and fatty acid plus carbon black in a dispersant (ethanol) that allows the soil to be sprayed using a compressed air spray gun.

Spraying of Soil

The large Formica sheet is masked so that 4 A4 patches are exposed. The soil is sprayed evenly onto each A4 patch to a level of 6.80g per A4 patch based on weight of soil in the spray gun.

The following samples were made up and tested for secondary cleaning.

1 Luviskol VA 73W: 70/30 Vinylpyrrolidone(VP)/vinyl acetate(VA) copolymer ex BASF

2 Luviquat PQ 11 AT 1: quaternised copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) in aqueous solution ex BASF

Formulations were prepared by mixing together the surfactant, sodium carbonate and polymer with most of the water. The pH was then adjusted to the desired value using either HCI or NaOH as appropriate, and then water added to make the sample up to 100%.

Statistical analysis of the data using Dunnett’s Method, choosing the formulation of Example 30 as control (base formulation with no polymer) shows that only the sample containing PGMA results in significantly lower effort than the base formulation.

Examples 31-34

The contribution of test formulations was assessed using the procedure described in Examples 27-30. The following samples were made up and tested for secondary cleaning.

Statistical analysis of the data using Dunnett’s Method, choosing the formulation of Example 34 as control (base formulation with no polymer) shows that only the sample containing PGMA results in significantly lower effort than the base formulation.

Examples 35-37

1 Rhodia Polymer = polymer synthesised in house following procedure described in US 6569261 and US0234432 to yield a random copolymer of acrylic acid and diquat monomer as described in EP 1927651

Statistical analysis of the data using Dunnett’s Method, choosing the formulation of Example 37 as control (base formulation with no polymer) shows that only the sample containing PGMA results in significantly lower effort than the base formulation.

Examples 38-40

1 Rhodia Polymer = polymer synthesised in house following procedure described in US 6569261 and US0234432 to yield a random copolymer of acrylic acid and diquat monomer as described in EP 1927651.

Statistical analysis of the data using Dunnett’s Method, choosing the formulation of Example 40 as control (base formulation with no polymer) shows that only the sample containing PGMA results in significantly lower effort than the base formulation.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. Aqueous hard surface cleaning composition comprising: (a) 0.01 -1% by weight of a polymer selected from the group of a polyglycerol methacrylate (PGMA) homo-polymer, a statistical copolymer containing glycerol methacrylate monomer and mixtures thereof wherein the polymer is PGMA homo-polymer with a molecular weight of more than 100,000 Daltons; (b) 1 - 50% by weight of a surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.
2. Cleaning composition according to claim 1, comprising 1 to 20% by weight surfactant selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.
3. Cleaning composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition is at least partially transparent or translucent as defined herein.
4. Cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition further contains 0.001 - 5% by weight of perfume.
5. Cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the homopolymer has a molecular weight of more than 500,000 Daltons.
6. Method for cleaning a hard surface and obtaining a next time cleaning benefit for said surface (as defined herein), wherein said method includes the steps of: (i) applying to the surface an aqueous cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and (ii) removing soil and stains, from said surface.
7. Method according to claim 6 wherein step (ii) includes removing mobile soils from said surface.
8. Method according to claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the method comprises the following sequential steps: (a) applying an aqueous cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to the surface; (b) rinsing the surface; (c) allowing new soil or stains to deposit on the surface; and (d) cleaning the surface to remove said soil or stains.
9. Use of an aqueous hard surface cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for cleaning a hard surface and obtaining a next time cleaning benefit for said surface.