EP1565098A1 - Wiping article - Google Patents

Wiping article

Info

Publication number
EP1565098A1
EP1565098A1 EP03811743A EP03811743A EP1565098A1 EP 1565098 A1 EP1565098 A1 EP 1565098A1 EP 03811743 A EP03811743 A EP 03811743A EP 03811743 A EP03811743 A EP 03811743A EP 1565098 A1 EP1565098 A1 EP 1565098A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wiping article
article
surfactant
dusting
wiping
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03811743A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Stefano Giolito
Gianluca Lucchini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Original Assignee
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever PLC, Unilever NV filed Critical Unilever PLC
Priority to EP03811743A priority Critical patent/EP1565098A1/en
Publication of EP1565098A1 publication Critical patent/EP1565098A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
    • A47L13/16—Cloths; Pads; Sponges
    • A47L13/17—Cloths; Pads; Sponges containing cleaning agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
    • C11D1/66—Non-ionic compounds
    • C11D1/75—Amino oxides
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
    • C11D17/049—Cleaning or scouring pads; Wipes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wiping article which contains dried surfactant and which can be used when wet or dry for the cleaning or dusting of hard surfaces.
  • Cleaning sheets impregnated with a surfactant component are disclosed, for example, in EP 353 014 which describes a wiping article suitable for use in cleaning soiled surfaces in the presence of water.
  • the article comprises first and second substrate layers (typically water-permeable sheets of fibrous material such as cellulose) with solid surfactant particles sandwiched between the layers.
  • first and second substrate layers typically water-permeable sheets of fibrous material such as cellulose
  • solid surfactant particles sandwiched between the layers.
  • Within the article at the interface between the substrate layers is a discontinuous covering of heat-sealable material such as polyethylene which bonds the layers together.
  • the covering also provides a partial barrier which shields the surfactant particles from water permeating through the substrate layers, and therefore retards dissolution and leaching of the surfactant when the wiping article is brought into contact with water.
  • the wiping article of EP 353 014 is not suitable for use in the absence of water.
  • US 6,376,046 describes a detergent -impregnated article comprising a detergent-retaining layer which is formed from bulky hydrophobic material capable of retaining a large quantity of detergent and which is sandwiched between detergent-gradual-releasing layers formed from a fibre aggregate of higher density than the retaining layer. The capillary action of the fibres of the release layers retards detergent release from the retaining layer.
  • the article is designed to be used without water since the impregnated detergent itself contains at least 50% by weight water.
  • the present invention provides a wiping article that is equally suitable for use in the presence or absence of water.
  • the present invention provides a wiping article which is suitable for the cleaning or dusting of hard surfaces, the article comprising a laminated substrate having a core layer sandwiched between dusting layers, the core layer comprising an absorbent fibrous matrix entrapping dried surfactant, and the dusting layers comprising a polymeric fibrous web having a capillary structure which permits uptake of water and release of the surfactant when the article is wetted.
  • the wiping article of the invention is especially effective for the entrapment and removal of dust and other particulate soil.
  • the wiping article of the invention is especially effective for cleaning and degreasing.
  • the wiping article of the invention has a number of advantageous properties.
  • it provides a significant cost benefit to the manufacturer because it does not require expensive packaging technology, unlike conventional "wet wipes", which will dry out and lose functionality unless maintained in airtight sealed conditions .
  • the wiping article of the invention also provides significant cost benefits to the consumer, because of its dual functionality and the fact that it can be re-used. Flexibility of usage is also improved since in wet cleaning applications the consumer decides the level of water to be applied to the article. Therefore the concentration of available surfactant which is generated by the wetting process can be tailored according to the degree of soiling and nature of the surface to be treated.
  • the wiping article of the invention is designed in particular for the cleaning of hard surfaces.
  • hard surfaces are meant those surfaces which are typically found in the household. Examples include furniture surfaces, kitchen worktops, sinks and appliances, bathroom fixtures and fittings, wall and flooring surfaces.
  • the wiping article of the invention comprises a laminated substrate having a core layer sandwiched between dusting layers .
  • the core layer comprises an absorbent fibrous matrix.
  • the absorbent fibrous matrix is formed from cellulosic fibres, such as pulp and rayon. Wood pulp fibres are most preferred.
  • the dusting layers comprise a polymeric fibrous web having a capillary structure which permits uptake of water and release of the surfactant when the article is wetted.
  • the polymeric fibrous web is formed from polyolefinic fibres, such as C 2 - 10 polyolefins or copolymers thereof, especially C 2 - 4 polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Polypropylene fibres are most preferred.
  • Suitable laminated substrates which may be used to form the wiping article of the invention are commercially available and may be formed by many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, hydroentangling, airlaid and bonded carded web processes.
  • a commercially available example of a suitable laminated substrate which may be used to form the wiping article of the invention is Akena 4SQ ex Orlandi . This is a laminated material with a layer of wood pulp fibres sandwiched between layers of polypropylene fibres.
  • the core layer of the laminated substrate entraps dried surfactant .
  • This may be achieved by a process of impregnating the laminated substrate with a solution of the surfactant in a suitable solvent, followed by heating of the impregnated substrate in order to drive off the solvent and thereby concentrate the surfactant in dried form into the core layer of the laminated substrate.
  • Suitable surfactants to be used in the wiping article according to the invention include any surfactant known to those skilled in the art like nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants.
  • Preferred surfactants to be used are the amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants.
  • Amine oxides are particularly preferred for use in the wiping article of the invention since they are mild, pH neutral and stable to oxidation. They are also especially effective at cleaning and degreasing when the wiping article is wetted, even when they are incorporated into the wiping article at low levels.
  • amine oxide is used as the sole surfactant component in the wiping article of the invention.
  • Suitable amine oxides to be used in the wiping article of the invention may be generally described as those tertiary amine oxides of the formula R 2 R'NO, in which each R is a lower alkyl group, for instance an alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably methyl, and R' is a long chain alkyl group, for instance an alkyl group having from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms.
  • the total content of dried surfactant (preferably amine oxide) suitably ranges from 0.1 to 5%, preferably from 1 to 4%, more preferably from 1.5 to 3% (by weight based on total weight of the wiping article) .
  • the wiping article of the invention is preferably supplied to the consumer in the form of a pre-cut roll. This is a convenient and cost-effective product format which enables the consumer to tailor the size and thickness of product used more easily than with a conventional "stack" of wipes which have a predetermined size.
  • the wiping article of the invention can contain other optional ingredients which aid in performance and consumer acceptability.
  • Examples include: preservatives, perfumes, colours and dyes, hygiene agents, and mixtures thereof.
  • a wiping article according to the invention is prepared by spraying an aqueous solution of amine oxide onto a dry substrate having a 3 -layer structure with two outer layers of polypropylene "sandwiching" an inner core layer of wood pulp (commercially available as Akena 4 SQ, ex Orlandi) .
  • the substrate After the substrate has absorbed the aqueous solution of amine oxide homogeneously, it is gently heated between 50 and 90°C in a ventilated oven, to allow a . homogeneous evaporation of the water, and a homogeneous dispersion of the dried amine oxide in the substrate.
  • the wiping article After the water has completely evaporated, the wiping article is ready to be used, and contains approximately 50mg of dried amine oxide per 1.8g of dry substrate .

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
  • Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Multi-Layer Textile Fabrics (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a wiping article which is suitablefor the cleaning or dusting of hard surfaces, the articlecomprising a laminated substrate having a core layersandwiched between dusting layers, the core layer comprisingan absorbent fibrous matrix entrapping dried surfactant, andthe dusting layers comprising a polymeric fibrous web havinga capillary structure which permits uptake of water andrelease of the surfactant when the article is wetted. Preferably the absorbent fibrous matrix of the core layer isformed from wood pulp fibres, the polymeric fibrous web ofthe dusting layers is formed from polypropylene fibres, andthe dried surfactant is an amine oxide.When dry, the wiping article is especially effective for the entrapment and removal of dust and other particulate soil. When wetted, the wiping article is especially effective for cleaning and degreasing.

Description

WIPING ARTICLE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a wiping article which contains dried surfactant and which can be used when wet or dry for the cleaning or dusting of hard surfaces.
Background to the Invention and Prior Art
Cleaning sheets impregnated with a surfactant component are disclosed, for example, in EP 353 014 which describes a wiping article suitable for use in cleaning soiled surfaces in the presence of water. The article comprises first and second substrate layers (typically water-permeable sheets of fibrous material such as cellulose) with solid surfactant particles sandwiched between the layers. Within the article at the interface between the substrate layers is a discontinuous covering of heat-sealable material such as polyethylene which bonds the layers together. The covering also provides a partial barrier which shields the surfactant particles from water permeating through the substrate layers, and therefore retards dissolution and leaching of the surfactant when the wiping article is brought into contact with water.
The wiping article of EP 353 014 is not suitable for use in the absence of water. US 6,376,046 describes a detergent -impregnated article comprising a detergent-retaining layer which is formed from bulky hydrophobic material capable of retaining a large quantity of detergent and which is sandwiched between detergent-gradual-releasing layers formed from a fibre aggregate of higher density than the retaining layer. The capillary action of the fibres of the release layers retards detergent release from the retaining layer. The article is designed to be used without water since the impregnated detergent itself contains at least 50% by weight water.
A problem with the wiping article of US 6,376,046 is that the impregnated detergent is already pre-diluted with water to a fixed concentration when it is incorporated into the article. For some tough cleaning applications, it may be desirable to use a higher concentration of detergent.
The present invention provides a wiping article that is equally suitable for use in the presence or absence of water.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a wiping article which is suitable for the cleaning or dusting of hard surfaces, the article comprising a laminated substrate having a core layer sandwiched between dusting layers, the core layer comprising an absorbent fibrous matrix entrapping dried surfactant, and the dusting layers comprising a polymeric fibrous web having a capillary structure which permits uptake of water and release of the surfactant when the article is wetted. When dry, the wiping article of the invention is especially effective for the entrapment and removal of dust and other particulate soil. When wetted, the wiping article of the invention is especially effective for cleaning and degreasing.
The wiping article of the invention has a number of advantageous properties. In particular, it provides a significant cost benefit to the manufacturer because it does not require expensive packaging technology, unlike conventional "wet wipes", which will dry out and lose functionality unless maintained in airtight sealed conditions .
The wiping article of the invention also provides significant cost benefits to the consumer, because of its dual functionality and the fact that it can be re-used. Flexibility of usage is also improved since in wet cleaning applications the consumer decides the level of water to be applied to the article. Therefore the concentration of available surfactant which is generated by the wetting process can be tailored according to the degree of soiling and nature of the surface to be treated.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The wiping article of the invention is designed in particular for the cleaning of hard surfaces. By "hard surfaces" is meant those surfaces which are typically found in the household. Examples include furniture surfaces, kitchen worktops, sinks and appliances, bathroom fixtures and fittings, wall and flooring surfaces.
The wiping article of the invention comprises a laminated substrate having a core layer sandwiched between dusting layers .
The core layer comprises an absorbent fibrous matrix. Preferably the absorbent fibrous matrix is formed from cellulosic fibres, such as pulp and rayon. Wood pulp fibres are most preferred.
The dusting layers comprise a polymeric fibrous web having a capillary structure which permits uptake of water and release of the surfactant when the article is wetted. Preferably the polymeric fibrous web is formed from polyolefinic fibres, such as C2-10 polyolefins or copolymers thereof, especially C2-4 polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Polypropylene fibres are most preferred.
Suitable laminated substrates which may be used to form the wiping article of the invention are commercially available and may be formed by many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, hydroentangling, airlaid and bonded carded web processes.
A commercially available example of a suitable laminated substrate which may be used to form the wiping article of the invention is Akena 4SQ ex Orlandi . This is a laminated material with a layer of wood pulp fibres sandwiched between layers of polypropylene fibres.
In the wiping article according to the invention, the core layer of the laminated substrate entraps dried surfactant . This may be achieved by a process of impregnating the laminated substrate with a solution of the surfactant in a suitable solvent, followed by heating of the impregnated substrate in order to drive off the solvent and thereby concentrate the surfactant in dried form into the core layer of the laminated substrate.
Suitable surfactants to be used in the wiping article according to the invention include any surfactant known to those skilled in the art like nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants. Preferred surfactants to be used are the amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants.
Amine oxides are particularly preferred for use in the wiping article of the invention since they are mild, pH neutral and stable to oxidation. They are also especially effective at cleaning and degreasing when the wiping article is wetted, even when they are incorporated into the wiping article at low levels.
Preferably amine oxide is used as the sole surfactant component in the wiping article of the invention. Suitable amine oxides to be used in the wiping article of the invention may be generally described as those tertiary amine oxides of the formula R2R'NO, in which each R is a lower alkyl group, for instance an alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably methyl, and R' is a long chain alkyl group, for instance an alkyl group having from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms.
In the wiping article of the invention, the total content of dried surfactant (preferably amine oxide) suitably ranges from 0.1 to 5%, preferably from 1 to 4%, more preferably from 1.5 to 3% (by weight based on total weight of the wiping article) .
The wiping article of the invention is preferably supplied to the consumer in the form of a pre-cut roll. This is a convenient and cost-effective product format which enables the consumer to tailor the size and thickness of product used more easily than with a conventional "stack" of wipes which have a predetermined size.
The wiping article of the invention can contain other optional ingredients which aid in performance and consumer acceptability.
Examples include: preservatives, perfumes, colours and dyes, hygiene agents, and mixtures thereof.
The invention will now be illustrated by the following non- limiting Example, in which all percentages are by weight based on total weight, unless otherwise indicated. EXAMPLE
A wiping article according to the invention is prepared by spraying an aqueous solution of amine oxide onto a dry substrate having a 3 -layer structure with two outer layers of polypropylene "sandwiching" an inner core layer of wood pulp (commercially available as Akena 4 SQ, ex Orlandi) .
After the substrate has absorbed the aqueous solution of amine oxide homogeneously, it is gently heated between 50 and 90°C in a ventilated oven, to allow a . homogeneous evaporation of the water, and a homogeneous dispersion of the dried amine oxide in the substrate.
After the water has completely evaporated, the wiping article is ready to be used, and contains approximately 50mg of dried amine oxide per 1.8g of dry substrate .
Evaluation of the wiping article showed that it gave excellent dusting performance when dry, as well as cleaning and degreasing performance when wetted with water.

Claims

1. A wiping article which is suitable for the cleaning or dusting of hard surfaces, the article comprising a laminated substrate having a core layer sandwiched between dusting layers, the core layer comprising an absorbent fibrous matrix entrapping dried surfactant, and the dusting layers comprising a polymeric fibrous web having a capillary structure which permits uptake of water and release of the surfactant when the article is wetted.
2. A wiping article according to claim 1, in which the absorbent fibrous matrix of the core layer is formed from cellulosic fibres, preferably wood pulp fibres.
3. A wiping article according to claim 1 or 2 , in which the polymeric fibrous web of the dusting layers is formed from polyolefinic fibres, preferably polypropylene fibres.
4. A wiping article according to any of claims 1 to 3 , in which the amine oxide is used as the sole surfactant component .
A wiping article according to any of claims 1 to 4, which is in the form of a pre-cut roll.
EP03811743A 2002-11-25 2003-10-28 Wiping article Withdrawn EP1565098A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03811743A EP1565098A1 (en) 2002-11-25 2003-10-28 Wiping article

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02258086 2002-11-25
EP02258086 2002-11-25
EP03811743A EP1565098A1 (en) 2002-11-25 2003-10-28 Wiping article
PCT/EP2003/012046 WO2004047606A1 (en) 2002-11-25 2003-10-28 Wiping article

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1565098A1 true EP1565098A1 (en) 2005-08-24

Family

ID=32338170

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03811743A Withdrawn EP1565098A1 (en) 2002-11-25 2003-10-28 Wiping article

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1565098A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2006507066A (en)
AR (1) AR042114A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003276208A1 (en)
BR (1) BR0315776A (en)
CA (1) CA2503242A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004047606A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200502918B (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007080860A1 (en) * 2006-01-16 2007-07-19 Kinsei Seishi Co., Ltd. Sheet-like water-disintegratable cleaner
US20080166176A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-07-10 Rees Wayne M Disposable bleaching cleaning pad
ES2393127T3 (en) 2007-09-03 2012-12-18 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Laminate that has improved cleaning properties and method of producing the laminate
BR112013000104A2 (en) * 2010-07-02 2016-05-17 Procter & Gamble detergent product

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8322226D0 (en) * 1983-08-18 1983-09-21 Cosmopolitan Textile Co Ltd Stitch bonded fabric
US4675226A (en) * 1986-07-07 1987-06-23 Ott Hoye L Stitchbonded composite wiper
US4931201A (en) * 1988-09-02 1990-06-05 Colgate-Palmolive Company Wiping cloth for cleaning non-abrasive surfaces
FR2680963A1 (en) * 1991-09-10 1993-03-12 Silver Plastics Gmbh Co Kg DUST AND WIPING CLOTH, BASED ON POLYOLEFINS.
JPH0617361A (en) * 1992-06-30 1994-01-25 Kao Corp Bulky sheet
JPH1075923A (en) * 1996-09-02 1998-03-24 M N Eng Kk Roll sheet for sheet mop
US6133166A (en) * 1997-07-01 2000-10-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Cleaning articles comprising a cellulosic fibrous structure having discrete basis weight regions treated with a high internal phase inverse emulsion
US6432904B1 (en) * 2001-11-13 2002-08-13 Colgate-Palmolive Company Cleaning wipe comprising alkanolamide and/or amine oxide

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2004047606A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003276208A1 (en) 2004-06-18
WO2004047606A1 (en) 2004-06-10
AR042114A1 (en) 2005-06-08
JP2006507066A (en) 2006-03-02
CA2503242A1 (en) 2004-06-10
BR0315776A (en) 2005-09-13
ZA200502918B (en) 2006-07-26

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