MXPA97004644A - Peracid compositions espe - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to thick aqueous compositions comprising soluble peracids, particularly peracetic acid. The compositions are made thick by the use of one or more aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates having the general formula: R1R2CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH in which R1 and R2 are each either hydrogen or linear or branched alkyl in such a way that R1 plus R2 have a total from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected from the range of 1 to 15, such that the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1 a surface coagent selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amine oxides and quaternary ammonium compounds, and one or more aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates in which the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol portion to the number average of the ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, and / or alkylphenol ethoxylates

Description

PLASTIC COMPOSITIONS THICKNESS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to thick compositions and particularly to thick perished compositions.

Background of the Invention During recent years, increasing attention has been given by the industry and the general public in Western Europe and North America to the environmental effects of many substances that are employed in modern life. One of the classes of substances hitherto widely used includes chlorine and oxychlor derivatives thereof. Such compounds have been reported to generate, under appropriate circumstances, carcinogenic compounds and as a result, the industry is seeking alternatives or replacements for such compounds, to quell any remaining public anxiety. An alternative class of compounds comprises hydrogen peroxide compounds, of which a subclass of special interest comprises percents which contain the -CO-OOH moiety. The perished, Ref.Q2W9 similar to hydrogen peroxide, enjoy the substantial advantage that they generate oxygen, either as such or in an active form during its deployment in place of chlorine or active chlorine species over which environmentalists They commonly have doubts. In addition, for a range of purposes such as disinfection, oxidation and bleaching, many of which are found domestically, the perished in general are more effective than hydrogen peroxide. Several of the peracids are either liquid by themselves or are conveniently produced in an aqueous solution. Although such compositions are particularly suitable for the treatment of, or incorporation into, a liquid medium, they are less suitable for the treatment of solid surfaces, and particularly non-horizontal surfaces taking into account the ability of liquid compositions to flow away. from the point of contact. Accordingly, and to extend the range of peracid applications, it may be desirable to contemplate compositions containing peracids, which flow less freely. Initially, liquid compositions can be made to flow less freely by incorporating materials that thicken the liquid or introduce the structure into the liquid. However, substances that have hitherto been effective thickeners for other liquids can not automatically be assumed to be suitable for thickening liquid peracids or peracid solutions. This difficulty derives from the very similar properties of the peracids that make them whiteners and effective oxidizing agents. The interaction with thickeners during storage can lead to the mutual decomposition of the percid and the thickening agent, which in turn not only nullifies the beneficial effects of thickening, but also progressively removes the ability of the peracid to perform its desired task . It will be recognized that the problem is especially evident in the case of peracids which by themselves are either liquid or are present in the solution. There is also a second major difficulty in trying to thicken peracid solutions. The presence of the peracid and the corresponding carboxylic acid from which it can be derived tends to significantly inhibit thickening. It is believed that the difficulty arises from the interference of the peracid and / or the carboxylic acid with aqueous structuring mechanisms which make it possible for the surfactants and similar materials to thicken the aqueous solutions. However, it will be understood that the present invention does not depend on the accuracy of the preceding belief or explanation, but rather that it is based on the results currently demonstrated. Compared to soluble peracids, the problem may be somewhat less in the case of substantially insoluble peracids that are suspended in particulate form in an aqueous medium, because the peracid and the liquid constitute different physical phases that consequently minimize the extension of the chemical interaction between them, and the thickening of the aqueous phase can occur with a reduced risk of interference of the dissolved peracid species. European Patent Application No. 0 160 342 discloses that the insoluble peracids can be suspended by the use of a combination of a primary alcohol ethoxylate, with 12 to 15 carbon atoms, having 7 ethylene oxides, alkylbenzene sulfonate and very high levels (>6% w / w) of an electrolyte such as sodium sulfate. European Patent Application No. 0 201 958 teaches that the insoluble peracids can be suspended by a C 12 -C 14 alcohol ethoxylate having 7.5 ethoxylates, in combination with sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate, but that the pH of these Compositions should be maintained between 3.5 and 4.1, a very narrow and restricted pH range. European Patent Application No. 0 442 549 teaches that the insoluble peracids can be suspended by an alcohol ethoxylate having 12 to 15 carbon atoms, having 3 ethoxylates in combination with a secondary alkane sulfonate and 10% w / w of sodium sulfate. It will be understood that some other potential thickening agents may, initially or after a short period of storage, produce a very thick composition, but which is rather unstable, because its viscosity decreases, rapidly departing from its maximum value. Tests that use anionic polyacrylamides fall into this category. It will be recognized that many applications for thick hydrogen peroxides lead to thick compositions that are discharged into a waste water system, and therefore it is desirable that the thickeners employed should possess an acceptable degree of biodegradability, and preferably the more biodegradable be the thickening agent, it will be better. UK Patent Application No. 2,255,507 discloses that a combination of a dinonylphenol ethoxylate with an amine oxide or a mixture of a fatty alcohol ethoxylate and a polyether can be used to thicken the peracetic acid solutions. However, dinonyl phenol ethoxylates are very poorly biodegradable, and are not acceptable for drainage water discharge in many countries. Thickened peracetic acid compositions with dinonylphenol ethoxylates were also found to develop a strong yellow coloration during storage, which may be unacceptable in certain potential applications. The international patent application No.

WO 9424863 discloses that certain block copolymers can be used to thicken peracetic acid solutions in which the concentration of peracetic acid is restricted to less than 0.09% by weight. The concentration of the peracid in such solutions is very low, and is unsuitable for use in applications where higher concentrations of peracetic acid are required or desired.

Detailed description of the invention It is an object of the present invention to conduct a search to identify additional thickeners which are capable of thickening aqueous compositions comprising a water-soluble peracid. It is a second object of some embodiment to identify additional materials capable of thickening aqueous compositions comprising a water soluble peracid and thereby obtaining compositions which are relatively stable chemically and physically during storage. It is a third aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to identify additional materials which can thicken aqueous compositions comprising a water-soluble peracid to produce viscous compositions which can be applied for purposes of disinfection and / or cleaning of non-horizontal surfaces. It is a fourth object of the selected modalities to conduct a search to identify additional thickener substances which are capable of thickening aqueous compositions comprising a water-soluble peracid, and which have an acceptable biodegradability. It is a fifth object of the particular embodiments of the present invention to identify a thickening system for aqueous compositions, comprising a water-soluble peracid which does not require the presence of high levels of electrolyte, and / or is not restricted to a range of Very narrow pH and / or restricted to highly diluted peracid concentrations. According to a first aspect of the present invention, thick aqueous compositions are provided comprising a peracid soluble in solution together with a thickening agent, characterized in that the thickening agent comprises: (a) one or more alcoholic ethoxylates. aliphatic, hydrophobic, which has (n) the general formula: R1 2CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH wherein R1 and R2 are each either hydrogen or straight or branched alkyl, such that R1 plus R2 have a total of 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected from the range of 1 to 15, such that the numerical relation of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1; (b) a surfactant coagent selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds and amphoteric surfactants, and (c) one or more hydrophilic aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, in which the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcoholic portion with respect to the average number of the ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, and / or alkylphenol ethoxylates, the amounts of (a), (b) and (c) above, are effective for increase the viscosity of the composition. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for thickening soluble peracid solutions, characterized in that the process comprises introducing into the peracid solution: (a) one or more aliphatic, hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylates, having the General Formula: R1R2CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH wherein R1 and R2 are hydrogen or linear or branched alkyl such that R1 plus R2 have a total of from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected from the range of 1 to 15, such that the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1; (b) a surfactant coagent selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds and amphoteric surfactants, and (c) one or more aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, hydrophilic, in which the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol portion to the average number of ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, and / or alcjuylphenol ethoxylates, the amounts of (a) , (b) and (c) above are effective to increase the viscosity of the composition. By the use of a thickening system of the present invention, it is possible to obtain solutions which are thick and in which the peracid compound decomposes in an amount no greater than acceptable during storage. In other words, the composition enjoys both physical and chemical stability.

The soluble peracids which can be thickened by the thickening system of the present invention include low molecular weight peroxyacids, which contain for example up to 6 carbon atoms, of which preferred examples especially comprise peracetic acid and perpropionic acid. Other examples include perbutyric acid, percitric acid, permyl acid, perglycolic acid, perlactic acid, persuccinic acid, perglutaric acid and peradipic acid. Additional examples include peracids derived from monoalkyl esters, and preferably monomethyl esters, from diperacids, particularly monomethyl perglutarate, monomethyl peradipate and monomethyl persuccinate. The compositions may alternatively include soluble aromatic peroxyacids, such as monoperphthalic acid, or sulfoperbenzoic acid. A mixture of two or more peracids, particularly a mixture of persuccinic, perglutaric and peradipic acids, can be employed, if desired. The soluble peracid may be present in a range of concentrations, subject to the requirement of the total amount of the acid plus the peracid subsequently described, for example frequently up to 15% and more frequently up to 10%. For any component, the% here is by weight based on the total weight of the composition, unless specifically stated otherwise. The lower limit is at the discretion of the user, but normally it is not below 0.01%. The invention is particularly applicable to facilitate the use of compositions containing a low concentration of the peracid, and for example proposed compositions for the application of cleaning and / or disinfecting purposes to hard surfaces, and particularly to non-horizontal surfaces. Such diluted compositions typically contain not less than 0.05%, frequently not less than 0.1% and more frequently not less than 0.5%, and frequently not more than 5%, more often not more than 2% by weight of the peracid. For example, in several of the practical modalities, the peracid content will be from 0.2%, frequently from 0.6%, to 1.5% by weight. It will be recognized that such compositions may contain a significant concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which may, for example, comprise from 1 to 15% of the composition, and in various embodiments from 3 to 10%. Peracid compositions suitable for use in the compositions according to the present invention, and particularly those containing aliphatic peracids, are frequently derived conveniently by the oxidation of the corresponding aliphatic carboxylic acid, with aqueous hydrogen peroxide, optionally in the presence of a strong acid catalyst, and will frequently contain residual amounts of both the carboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The total amount of the peracid plus the corresponding carboxylic acid is less than 30% w / w, preferably less than 25% w / w and particularly preferably 16% w / w or less. The minimum water content is usually about 50% w / w, and the water content is frequently greater than 60% w / w, preferably greater than about 65%. In dilute peracid solutions, the concentration of the carboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide of each tends to be selected from the range of 0.1% to 12%. The total concentration of the carboxylic acid plus the percarboxylic acid is frequently from 0.3 to 15%. It is often convenient to restrict the concentration of hydrogen peroxide to a value no greater than 7%. In many preferred compositions, the equilibrium amounts of the carboxylic acid, the percarboxylic acid and the hydrogen peroxide are present. The aliphatic, hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylates, which are employed as the component (a) in the thickening system according to the present invention, can be derived from either primary or secondary alcohols, having the general chemical formula: R1R2CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH wherein R1 and R2 are hydrogen or straight or branched alkyl such that R1 plus R2 have a total of from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected in the range of 1 to 15, such that the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1. When neither R1 or R2 is a hydrogen atom, ie the ethoxylate of the hydrophobic alcohol (a) is a secondary alcohol ethoxylate, R1 and R2 preferably they have in total from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is preferably in the range from 4: 1 to 7: 1. When either R1 or R2 is an atom of hydrogen, the total number of carbon atoms is preferably from 7 to 18 carbon atoms, particularly preferably from 9 to 16 carbon atoms and the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is preferably in the range from 4: 1 to 9: 1 , particularly preferably from 5: 1 to 8: 1.

The amount of the hydrophobic aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate thickening agent used as the component (a) is generally selected according to the proportion of the peracid plus the carboxylic acid in the composition, for a given degree of desired thickening, although the ratio of the Thickening agent with respect to the peracid plus the acid is not necessarily linear. It is desirable to select the concentration of the ethoxylate of the aliphatic, hydrophobic (a) alcohol so that it is not less than 2.5%, and usually not more than 15%, and in many cases the thickening of the diluted peracid compositions can be achieved with very high amounts. small of the ethoxylate of the aliphatic, hydrophobic alcohol, such as from 3 to 10%. The surfactant coagent (b) is selected from anionic substances, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium and amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof. The surfactant coagent concentration is normally selected to be not less than 0.1%, and frequently not less than 0.25%, and not more than 5%, often not more than 3%. To some degree, the amount selected depends on the chemical nature of the surfactant coagent. The amine oxides which can be used as the surfactant coagent (b) frequently contain from 14 to 24 carbon atoms, including at least one long chain group, containing for example from 10 to 18 carbon atoms and the remainder comprises groups short chain alkyl such as methyl, ethyl or propyl or hydroxyl substituted alkyl groups, such as hydroxyethyl. The anionic surfactants which can be employed as the surfactant coagent (b) include alkyl sulfates and alkyl benzene sulphonates, which may be present as either the free acid or as an alkali metal or ammonium salt. Suitable alkyl benzenesulfonates include linear or branched alkyl benzene sulphonates, with alkyl benzenesulfonates being preferred. Preferably, the alkyl portion comprises from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms. The most preferred alkyl benzene sulfonate is dodecyl benzenesulfonate. Suitable alkyl sulfates include linear and branched alkyl sulfates. Preferably, the alkyl portion comprises from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 8 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable alkyl sulfates include sodium 2-ethylhexylsulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. A further suitable class of the alkyl sulfates is that of the alkyl ether sulfates wherein the sulfate group is attached to the alkyl group by means of one or more, such as from 2 to 6, ethoxylate groups. The quaternary ammonium surfactants which can be used as the surfactant coagent (b) can be represented by the general formula RaRbRcRdN + Q "in which the substituents Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd each represent an alkyl or aryl group or two of which combine with nitrogen to form a heterocyclic nucleus, the total number of carbon atoms in Ra a Rd which normally comprises from about 10 to about 30 carbon atoms, and Q represents an opposite ion or negative ion, usually an anion which is not oxidized by the peracids, such as the hydroxyl, sulfate or alkyl sulfate, particularly the methosulfate. One or two of the substituents usually contain from 8 to 18 'linear carbon atoms and frequently from C12 to C16, or form part of the heterocyclic nucleus such as pyridinium. One of the substituents may conveniently comprise a benzyl group. The remaining substituents are usually selected from alkyl groups with Cl to C4, and especially methyl or ethyl. Preferred quaternary ammonium agents include alkyltrimethyl and alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium salts.

Amphoteric surfactants that can be contemplated for use as the surfactant coagent (b) are generally selected to be substantially free of chloride, bromide and iodide ions because such ions can react with and decompose the peracids. Amphoteric surfactants can be selected from betaines, including dimethyl betaines, fatty aminopropyldimethyl betaines, bishydroxyethyl betaines and fatty dimethyl sulfobetaines. In some cases, amphoteric surfactants may be defined by the general chemical formula: R NR 'X wherein R represents an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group, R 'represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group, and X is selected from one of the groups having the respective formulas: Formula (1) (CH2) mC02Y, in where m is an integer and Y represents hydrogen or a monovalent cation such as sodium, potassium or ammonium, or Formula (2) (CH2) n NA where n is a number B, A represents a group having the formula [(CH2) pNR "] q ~ (CH2) rC02Y wherein p, q and p represent integers, R" represents hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group, and Y represents hydrogen or an monovalent cation such as sodium, potassium or ammonium, and B represents hydrogen, an alkyl or aryl group or may have the same general formula as A. In certain cases, the amphoteric surfactant has the general formula wherein X corresponds to the formula ( 2) above, q is zero and B has the same general formula as A. In such amphoteric surfactants, R frequently contains from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and especially from about 8 to about 14 carbon atoms and in many cases It comprises a linear group. R can be derived synthetically, or it can be obtained from natural sources, for example, tallow or coconut oil. In a particular class of amphoteric agents, R is an imidazoline derivative. In many embodiments of the present invention, the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the surfactant coagent (b) is selected to be in the range from 1: 5 to 50: 1, often from 1: 2. up to 30: 1, and more frequently from 2: 1 to 20: 1. In certain embodiments of the present invention, good results have been achieved by employing a weight ratio of hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the surfactant coagent (b). ) in the range from 3: 1 to 15: 1, particularly from 4: 1 to 10: 1. The co-surfactants of the present invention are often selected in such a way that their biodegradability is considered acceptable in many countries for the discharge towards the municipal effluents. The concentration of hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylates (c) is often selected to be not less than 0.25%, and frequently not less than 0.5%, and not more than 10% w / w, and most often not greater than 6% p / p. In certain embodiments of the present invention, good results have been achieved by employing a concentration of the alcohol ethoxylate (c) from 1 to 5% w / w. The hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylates which are employed as component (c) in the thickening system include both aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates and alkylphenol ethoxylates. It will be recognized that, generally, alkylphenol ethoxylates, for example octyl ethoxylates and nonylphenol, will be less preferred because they are commonly considered to be less environmentally acceptable than aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates. The hydrophilic, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates used as component (c) are those wherein the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol portion to the average number of the ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1. The aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, hydrophilic, can be derived from primary alcohols 0 secondary, commonly those alcohols comprising from 7 to 22, and preferably 9 to 16, carbon atoms. The number of ethoxylate groups is frequently in the range from 3 to 20, and particularly in the range from 5 to 12. The weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate (c) is frequently selected to be in the range from 1: 5 to 20: 1, and more frequently from 1: 2 to 10: 1. In certain embodiments of the present invention, good results have been achieved by employing a weight ratio of hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) with respect to the hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate (c) in the range from 1: 1 to 6: 1. The weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) plus the hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate (c) to the coagent Surfactant (b) is frequently selected to be in the range from 1: 1 to 50: 1, and most frequently from 5: 1 through 25: 1. In certain embodiments of the present invention, good results have been achieved by employing a weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate (c) in the range from 8: 1 to 15: 1. The biodegradability of the alcohol ethoxylates (a) and (c) of the present invention is preferably greater than 80% when measured by OECD test 301E and is considered acceptable in many countries for discharge to municipal effluents. Thick compositions according to the present invention usually have a viscosity greater than 30 cPs, and more frequently greater than 50 cPs. By the proper choice of the thickener system and the relative concentrations of the surfactants therein, it is possible to obtain peracid compositions having a viscosity in the region of 100 to 500 cPs. Such compositions are advantageous because they are sufficiently viscous to inhibit the movement of thin layers that adhere to non-horizontal surfaces, but are fluid enough to make them capable of being poured from bulk containers or to be expelled under pressure through spouts or nozzles. In general, the higher the concentration of the surfactant coagent (b) and the higher the ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a): surfactant coagent (b), the higher the viscosity of the composition. In some embodiments of the present invention, particularly good results have been achieved by employing a concentration of the surfactant coagent (b) from 0.25 to 1.5%, and a ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a): co-surfactant (b) from 8: 1 to 20: 1. It will be recognized that the viscosity of the compositions according to the present invention may be affected by factors such as the ionic strength of the composition and, particularly in the case of the aliphatic peracids, by the concentration of the peracid and of the corresponding acid in the composition. As a general rule, the higher the strength or ionic strength of the composition and / or the concentration of the peracid and the corresponding aliphatic acid, the higher the concentration of the alcohol ethoxylates and / or the surfactant coagent will need to be used for achieve a given viscosity. In certain embodiments, the strength or ionic strength of the composition is derived substantially in complete form from the peracid, hydrogen peroxide and acid equilibrium mixture, the thickening system, the stabilizers for the peroxide compound of. hydrogen and, if present, the residual acid catalyst. In other embodiments, such as in compositions which are intended for use in pure form or with only a small dilution in applications where the removal of lime oxide layers is desirable, the peracid solution may also comprise a mineral acid, particularly phosphoric acid, frequently at a concentration from about 0.5 to 5% w / w. An additional factor which can have an influence on the viscosity of the compositions is the pH of the composition. The pH of the compositions according to the present invention, which include the hydrogen peroxide compounds, the alcohol ethoxylate and the surfactant coagent and any associated stabilizer for the hydrogen peroxide compound, are selected in many embodiments of the present invention. to be 0.9 or greater, and commonly up to 5, although for those compositions in which a mineral acid is present, a pH less than 0.9, such as about 0.5 or less can be selected. In many embodiments of the present invention, good results have been achieved when the pH of the thick composition has been in the range from 1.8 to 4, and particularly from 2 to 3.5. In some embodiments of the present invention, the viscosity of the compositions may gradually decline in storage. In these embodiments, a substantial portion of the viscosity loss can be gained again if the compositions are agitated. In other embodiments of the present invention, the gradual decline in viscosity during storage can be avoided by employing a concentration of a surfactant coagent (b) of 0.75% w / w or higher, preferably 1% w / w or more. In certain embodiments of the present invention, compositions have been produced which are sufficiently viscous to inhibit the movement of thin layers that adhere to non-horizontal surfaces, but which are fluid enough to enable them to be poured from containers. for material in bulk or to be expelled under pressure through jets or nozzles and having good viscosity stability, using a concentration of a surfactant coagent (b) from 1 to 2% w / w, a weight ratio of the ethoxylate of hydrophobic alcohol (a): surfactant coagent (b) from 3: 1 to 7: 1 and a weight ratio of hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate (c): surfactant coagent (b) from 0.8: 1 to 2: 1. they may include one or more stabilizers for the peracids and / or the hydrogen peroxide to stimulate the chemical stability of the thick products. Known stabilizers for the hydrogen peroxide compounds include aminopolycarboxylic acids, such as EDTA and DTPA, or N-heterocyclic aromatic carboxylic acids such as quinolic acid, picolinic acid and dipicolinic acid. Particularly effective stabilizers comprise organic polyphosphonic acids, including hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid and aminopolymethylene phosphonic acids. The latter frequently satisfy the general formula: X2N- (-CHR-CHR-NX-) n-NX2 wherein X represents -CH2-P03H2, R represents H or the two R substituents combine to complete a cyclohexane , and n is an integer from 1 to 3. Examples of the formula include ethylenediaminetetra- (methylene phosphonic acid) ), diethylenetriaminpenta- (methylene phosphonic acid) and cyclohexandiamintetra- (methylene phosphonic acid). A combination of any two or more of the above-mentioned types of the stabilizer can be employed. The weight ratio of the stabilizers in the compositions of the invention is frequently up to 2%. In addition to the foregoing components, the composition may also contain one or more perfumes and / or dyes, preferably selected at least partially based on the oxidation resistance. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention there have been provided thick aqueous compositions comprising the peracetic acid in solution together with a thickener, characterized in that the thickener comprises: (a) one or more hydrophobic, aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, having the General Formula: R1R2-CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH wherein R1 and R2 are each either hydrogen or straight or branched alkyl such that R1 plus R2 have a total of from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected from the range of 1 to 15, such that the numerical relationship of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1; (b) a co-surfactant of alkyl sulfate with C8 to C14 and / or alkyl benzenesulfonate with C6 to C18, and (c) one or more alcohol ethoxylates, aliphatic, hydrophilic, in which the ratio of the number of carbon in the alcohol portion with respect to the average number of the ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, the amounts of (a), (b) and (c) above are effective to increase the viscosity of the composition. According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, thick aqueous compositions comprising peracetic acid in solution are provided together with a thickener, characterized in that the thickener or thickener comprises: (a) one or more alcohol ethoxylates, aliphatic, secondary , which have the general formula: RXR2CH- (OCH2CH2) n-0H wherein R1 and R2 have in total from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is preferably in the range from 4: 1 to 7: 1. (b) a coagent alkyl benzenesulfonate surfactant with CIO at C14, and (c) one or more aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates in which the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol portion to the average number of ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, the weight ratio of the secondary alcohol ethoxylate (a): coagent. surfactant (b) is from 2: 1 to 20: 1, the weight ratio of the secondary alcohol ethoxylate (a) plus the aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate (c): co-surfactant (b) is from 5: 1 to 25: 1 , the concentration of the secondary alcohol ethoxylate (a) is from 3 to 10% w / w, the concentration of the surfactant coagent (b) is from 0.25 to 3% w / w, and the concentration of the aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate (c) it is from 0.5 to 6% p / p. The compositions of the present invention can be prepared by introducing the selected amount of each component in the thickening system into the aqueous peracid solution and any residual amounts of the corresponding carboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and stir the mixture to distribute the components substantially in uniform shape through the mixture. This can be carried out at any convenient temperature, for example at the prevailing room temperature which is typically in the range of 10 to 35 ° C. Alternatively, the mixture can be heated gently to a temperature generally not higher than 50 ° C to stimulate a rapid distribution of the components and the mixture after that is allowed to cool to room temperature. A further method of prepa the compositions according to the present invention is to prepare a premix of the hydrophobic aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate (a) with either or both of the surfactant coagent (b) and the hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant (c). ), preferably with at least the surfactant coagent (b), prior to the addition of the peracid solution. It will be recognized that the peracid compositions according to the present invention can be prepared by introducing a thickening system such as that described herein, mixed with hydrogen peroxide and organic acid, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, such as a mineral acid. , and allowing the peracid to be formed in situ. This on-site preparation is applicable to the methods described in the two preceding paragraphs. Some of the compositions of the present invention, and particularly those having a viscosity in the region of 100 to 500 cPs are proposed for domestic application to surfaces, such as non-horizontal surfaces, which are desired to be disinfected and cleaned, whereby it has the advantage of the disinfectant properties of the hydrogen peroxide compound, especially the peracid and the cleaning properties of the detergents. Hydrogen peroxide compositions, when they have very high viscosities, can be considered as solids, and as such they can be incorporated in disinfectant or washing compositions, granular or particulate or dispersed in blocks or bars. Such blocks or bars can also incorporate substances such as waxes, either natural or synthetic polymers or very sparingly soluble aliphatic carboxylic acids or sparingly soluble derivatives and / or mixtures thereof which can regulate and retard the degree of contact between the composition of the composed of hydrogen peroxide and for example a liquid medium such as washing with a jet of water, such as toilet water. Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention comprises the use of the compositions of the invention mentioned above for disinfection and cleaning by applying the composition to a hard surface and allowing the contact to be maintained until at least some of the disinfection has occurred. The compositions of the invention can be applied using conventional means and will also take into account the physical state of the composition, particularly if it is a pourable viscous liquid or gel. Accordingly, in its simplest form, the compositions can be poured or smeared onto a distributor such as a cloth or sponge and applied to a receiving surface by the passage of the distributor through the surface. Alternatively, compositions having a viscosity low enough to be pourable can be forced through a dispensing nozzle directly onto the receiving surface, for example by pressing a deformable, flexible storage container. The compositions in gel form can be applied by a spatula or a similar article as previously indicated, by incorporation into a host composition or block. The surfaces on which the compositions can be applied are frequently domestic and especially in the kitchen and other places in which the microorganisms can be found. Suitable receiving surfaces are usually made from wood, glass, ceramic materials, plastic laminates and metals, including work surfaces, sinks, pipes, walls, floors, and especially toilet bowls. It will be recognized, however, that potentially similar, infected surfaces can be found in non-domestic situations, such as in commercial kitchens, food processing apparatus or vessels, or distillery or brewery containers, or hospitals or in poultry-raising facilities of corral or animals or in glass houses or other areas where the maintenance of hygiene conditions is important. The present invention includes the use of the compositions of the invention in such non-domestic situations. The compositions can be subsequently removed from the surfaces by washing with water, possibly applied using a cloth, sponge or similar item. Having described the invention in general terms, the specific embodiments thereof will now be described in greater detail by way of example only. In the following Examples, the following abbreviations are used: A2 alcohol ethoxylate with C? 3-15, 2 ethoxylates, commercially available in UK from Cargo Fleet Chemicals Ltd under the trade name "SYNPERONIC A2" A4 alcohol ethoxylate with C? 3_15, 4 ethoxylates, commercially available in UK from Cargo Fleet Chemicals Ltd under the registered name "SYNPERONIC A4" A9 alcohol ethoxylate with C13-15, 9 ethoxylates, commercially available in UK from Cargo Fleet Chemicals Ltd under the trade name "SYNPERONIC A9" 15-S-3 secondary alcohol ethoxylate with C15 , 3 ethoxylates, commercially available in UK from Union Carbide Chemicals Ltd under the trade name "TERGITOL 15-S-3" 15-S-7 alcohol ethoxylate with C15, 2 ethoxylates, commercially available in the UK from Cargo Fleet Chemicals Ltd under the registered name "TERGITOL 15-S-7" C12 Cocodihydroxyethylamine oxide, commercially available in the UK from Akzo Chemicals Ltd under the trade name "AROMOX C12". LABS alkyl benzenesulfonate with C12, sodium salt, 30% w / w solution commercially available in the UK from Cargo Fleet Chemicals under the trade name "CAFLON NAS30". SLS Sodium lauryl sulfate.

Examples 1 to 13 In these Examples, the thick compositions were prepared by adding each of the constituents with gentle agitation in an aqueous solution containing about 1% peracetic acid, 7% hydrogen peroxide and 9% acetic acid at room temperature (approximately 20- 25 ° C). In Examples 1 to 9, the peracetic acid solution was prepared in the absence of sulfuric acid and had a pH of 1.9. In Examples 10 to 13, the peracetic acid solution is prepared in the presence of 0.7% sulfuric acid, and had a pH of 1.0. The percentages (w / w) of the constituents, the physical appearance and the viscosities of the compositions produced (cPs, measured with a Brookfield viscometer at 50 rpm) are given in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Compositions and Results for Examples 1 to 14 Example No: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Constituent A2 5 3.6 A4 5.4 A9 2.5 2.5 3.5 5.9 5.9 1.7 1 15-S-3 4 11.4 7.4 5.8 7.7 -S-7 3.5 C12W LABS 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 1.7 1 3.5 SLS Viscosi < dad 224 44 64 36 3360 460 104 1340 Opaque-clacicacy-cla- cia Appearance- Table 1 (Cont.

Example No: 10 11 12 13 Constituent A2 A4 A9 3.5 3.5 3.5 15-S-3 9.9 9 4.1 4.7 15-S-7 3.5 3.5 C12W 3.5 LABS 3.5 3.5 3.5 SLS 1.1 Viscosity 2200 240 1160 100 200 Appearance Opaque opaque opaque opaque opaque The composition prepared in Examples 5 and 6 was analyzed to determine its initial concentrations of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, stored for 2 months at room temperature and the viscosity and concentrations of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide were determined. For the composition of Example 5, the initial peracetic acid concentration was 0.67%, and that for hydrogen peroxide was 4.9%. After 2 months of storage, the measured viscosity was 1100 cPs, the concentration of peracetic acid is 0.92%, and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide was 4.5%. For the composition of Example 6, the concentration of peracetic acid was 0.85%, and that for hydrogen peroxide was 5.4%. After 2 months of storage, the viscosity measured was 448 cPs, the concentration of peracetic acid is 0.96%, and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide was 5.0%. The results of the Examples clearly show that the thickening system according to the present invention could be employed to produce thick peracid compositions having a wide range of viscosities. Additionally, the selection of the appropriate thickening system could be used to produce compositions having different appearances. For example, clear compositions can be produced where clarity is desired, while opaque compositions can be produced for applications where they are desired, or where clarity is not essential. It was also found that the compositions exhibit shear attenuation properties, which is particularly advantageous for those compositions designed to be distributed from a deformable bottle, the shear attenuation nature which increases the ease with which the distribution can be achieved This nature of shear attenuation is demonstrated in Examples 14 and 15. In these Examples, thick peracetic acid compositions were prepared using the general method of Example 1 above, except that in Example 14, the surfactants employed were 3. % p / p of SYNPERONIC A9, 10.5% w / w of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 3% w / w AROMOX C12W. Example 15 was different from Example 14 in that 3% w / w of TERGITOL 15-S-7 was used in place of SYNPERONIC A9, and 8.4% w / w of TERGITOL 15-S-3 was used. The viscosities of the compositions were measured using a Brookfield RVT viscometer, Spindle No. 4 at each of 100 rpm, 50 rpm, 20 rpm and 10 rpm, which represent a range of shear forces. The results are given in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Example No. Viscosity (cPs) at 100 rpm 50 rpm 20 rpm 10 rpm 14 940 1660 3500 7750 1020 1760 3600 7750 The results of Examples 14 and 15 show that the shear stress (i.e. rpm) is increased, so that the viscosity of the compositions decreases.

Example 16 A solution of the monomethylperglutaric acid is prepared at room temperature by dissolving 25 g of monomethylglutaric acid in 166 g of demineralized water, and adding 59 g of a 85% w / w hydrogen peroxide solution. To 96 g of this solution are added 2 g of SYNPERONIC A9, 8.3 g of TERGITO 15-S-3 and 2 g of CAFLON NAS30. This produced a thick, clear solution having a viscosity of 450 cPs, measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm.

Example 17 A solution of the percyclic acid was prepared at room temperature by dissolving 50 g of citric acid in 167.5 g of demineralized water containing 2.5 g of a 98% w / w sulfuric acid solution, and adding 29 g of a hydrogen peroxide solution at 85% p / p. To 96 g of this solution are added 2 g of SYNPERONIC A9, 5.6 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 2 g of CAFLON NAS30. This produces a thick, clear solution, having a viscosity of 250 cPs, measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm.

Example 18 To 97.9 g of an aqueous solution containing approximately 1% peracetic acid, 7% hydrogen peroxide and 9% acetic acid at room temperature (approximately 20-25 ° C) is added 2.2 g of a solution of aqueous phosphoric acid at 90% w / w, 3 g of CAFLON NAS30, 3 g of SYNPERONIC A9 and 5.77 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3. This produced a thick solution having a viscosity of 240 cPs, measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm.

Examples 19 to 24 A solution for storage was prepared by mixing 477.5 g of an aqueous solution containing approximately 1% peracetic acid, 7% hydrogen peroxide and 9% acetic acid at room temperature (approximately 20 - 25 ° C), 11.15 g CAFLON NAS30, and 11.25 g of SYNPERONIC A9. In Example 19, to 96.3 g of the storage solution were added, with stirring, 6 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 4 g of a 30% w / w sodium and xylene sulfonate solution to produce a composition which has a viscosity of 224 cPs measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm. In Example 20, 96 g of the stock solution are added, with stirring, 6 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 1.1 g of propylene glycol (Weight Mol 425) to produce a clear composition having a viscosity of 344 cPs measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm. In Example 21, to 96 g of the storage solution are added, with agitation, 6 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 2 g of polyethylene glycol (Weight Mol 200) to produce a composition having a viscosity of 560 cPs measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm. In Example 22, to 95.2 g of the storage solution are added, with stirring, 6 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 1 g of polyethylene glycol (Weight Mol 300) to produce a composition having a viscosity of 520 cPs measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm. In Example 23, to 97.3 g of the storage solution are added, with agitation, 6 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 1.6 g of polyethylene glycol (Weight Mol 600) to produce a composition having a viscosity of 448 cPs measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm. In Example 24, to 96 g of the storage solution are added, with stirring, 6 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 1 g of polyethylene glycol (Weight mol 8000) to produce a composition having a viscosity of 544 cPs measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm.

Example 25 To 3538 g of an aqueous solution containing approximately 1% peracetic acid, 7% hydrogen peroxide and 9% acetic acid at room temperature (approximately 20-25 ° C) are added 73.2 g of CAFLON NAS30, 73.2 g of SYNPERONIC A9, 296 g of TERGITOL 15-S-3 and 20 g of perfume. This produced a thick solution having a viscosity of 104 cPs, measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm. During storage at room temperature for 1 week, the viscosity of the solution was reduced to 24 cPs. To 400 g of this solution, an additional 10 g of CAFLON ÑAS 30 are added with agitation. The solution thus produced had a viscosity of 200 cPs. After 10 days of storage, this has risen to 480 cPs.

Example 26 To 96.5 g of the storage solution used in Examples 19 to 24 aliquots of TERGITOL 15-S-3 are added. After each addition of TERGITOL 15-S-3, the viscosity was measured with a Brookfield RVT viscometer, spindle 4 at 50 rpm, and the appearance of the solution was scored. The results were as listed below.

Weight of TERGITOL Viscosity, cPs Appearance 15-S-3 added, g . 2 72 translucent / white . 8 488 translucent / clear 6. 1 584 translucent / clear 6. 4 688 translucent / clear 6. 9 900 translucent / clear 7. 2 1020 translucent / clear 7. 5 940 clear 8 1260 clear 8.7 1700 clear 9.2 1750 clear 10.2 60 clear It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (30)

1. Thick aqueous compositions, comprising a peracid soluble in solution together with a thickening agent, characterized in that the thickening agent comprises: (a) one or more alcohol ethoxylates, aliphatic, hydrophobic, having the general formula: R1R2CH- (OCH2CH2) r? -OH wherein R1 and R2 are each either hydrogen or straight or branched alkyl such that R1 plus R2 have a total of from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected from the range of 1 to 15, such that the numerical relation of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1; (b) a surfactant coagent selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds and amphoteric surfactants, and (c) one or more aliphatic, hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylates, in which the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol portion with respect to the average number of the ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, and / or alkylphenol ethoxylates, the amounts of (a), (b) and (c) above are effective to increase the viscosity of the composition.

2. A process for thickening soluble peracid solutions, characterized in that the process comprises introducing into the peracid solution: (a) one or more alcohol ethoxylates, aliphatic, hydrophobic, having the general formula: R1R2CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH wherein R1 and R2 are hydrogen or straight or branched alkyl, such that R1 plus R2 have a total of from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected from the range of 1 to 15, such that the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1; (b) a surfactant coagent selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds and amphoteric surfactants, and (c) one or more aliphatic, hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylates, in which the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol portion with respect to the average number of the ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, and / or alkylphenol ethoxylates, the amounts of (a), (b) and (c) above are effective to increase the viscosity of the composition.

3. A process or composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) when neither Ri nor R2 are a hydrogen atom, Ri and R2 have in total from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and the numerical relation of the atoms, of carbon in Ri and R2: n is in the range from 4: 1 to 7: 1.

4. A process or composition according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that for the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) when neither Ri or R? is a hydrogen atom, the total number of carbon atoms is from 7 to 18 carbon atoms and the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in Ri and R: n is in the range from 4: 1 to 9: 1.

5. A process or composition according to claim 4, characterized in that the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in Ri and R2: n is in the range from 5: 1 to 8: 1.

6. A process or composition according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the total number of carbon atoms is from 9 to 16 carbon atoms.

7. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the soluble peracid is peracetic acid.

8. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the concentration of the hydrophobic aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate (a) is in the range from 2.5 to 15% w / w.

9. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the concentration of the surfactant coagent (b) is in the range from 0.1 to 5% w / w.

10. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the concentration of the hydrophilic aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate (c) is in the range from 0.25 to 10% w / w.

11. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the weight ratio of the ethoxylate of the hydrophobic alcohol (a) to the surfactant coagent (b) is in the range from 1: 5 to 50: 1.

12. A process or composition according to claim 11, characterized in that the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the surfactant coagent (b) is in the range from 2: 1 to 20: 1.

13. A process or composition according to claim 12, characterized in that the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the surfactant coagent (b) is in the range from 4: 1 to 10: 1.

14. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the ethoxylate of the hydrophilic alcohol (c) is in the range from 1: 5 to 20: 1.

15. A conformity process or composition. with claim 14, characterized in that the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) to the ethoxylate of the hydrophilic alcohol (c) is in the range from 1: 1 to 6: 1.

16. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) plus the ethoxylate of the hydrophilic alcohol (c) to the surfactant coagent (b) is in the range from 1: 1 up to 50: 1.

17. A process or composition according to claim 16, characterized in that the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) plus the hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate (c) to the surfactant coagent (b) is in the range from 5: 1 up to 25: 1.

18. A process or composition according to claim 17, characterized in that the weight ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a) plus the hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylate (c) to the surfactant coagent (b) is in the range from 8: 1 up to 15: 1.

19. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the concentration of the surfactant coagent (b) is from 0.25 to 1.5%, and the ratio of the hydrophobic alcohol ethoxylate (a): co-surfactant (b) is from 8: 1 up to 20: 1.

20. A process or composition according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the surfactant coagent (b) is selected from alkyl sulfates comprising from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, alkylbenzene sulphonates comprising alkyl having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and amine oxides comprising an alkyl group with C18 to C18.

21. A process or composition according to claim 20, characterized in that the surfactant coagent (b) is dodecyl benzenesulfonate.

22. Thick aqueous compositions comprising peracetic acid in solution together with a thickening agent, characterized in that the thickening agent comprises: (a) one or more alcohol aliphatic, hydrophobic ethoxylates, having the general formula: R ^ CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH in which R1 and R2 are each either hydrogen or straight or branched alkyl such that R1 plus R2 have a total of from 7 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is selected in the range from 1 to 15, such that the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is greater than or equal to 3: 1; (b) a surfactant coagent of alkyl sulfate with C8 to C14 and / or an alkyl benzenesulfonate with C6 to C18, and (c) one or more alcohol ethoxylates, aliphatic, hydrophilic, in which the ratio of the number of atoms of carbon in the alcohol portion with respect to the average number of ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, the amounts of (a), () and (c) above are effective to increase the viscosity of the composition.

23. Thick aqueous compositions, comprising peracetic acid in solution together with a thickening agent, characterized in that the thickening agent comprises: (a) one or more aliphatic alcohol ethoxylates, secondary, having the general formula: R > l-'nR2CH- (OCH2CH2) n-OH wherein R1 and R2 have in total from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and the numerical ratio of the carbon atoms in R1 plus R2: n is preferably in the range from 4: 1 through 7: 1. (b) an alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant co-agent with CIO at C14, and (c) one or more alcohol ethoxylates, aliphatic, in which the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the alcohol moiety with respect to the average number of ethoxylate groups is less than 3: 1, the weight ratio of the secondary alcohol ethoxylate (a): surfactant coagent (b) is from 2: 1 to 20: 1, the weight ratio of the ethoxylate of secondary alcohol (a) plus the aliphatic alcohol ethoxylate (c): surfactant coagent (b) is from 5: 1 to 25: 1, the concentration of the secondary alcohol ethoxylate (a) is from 3 to 10% w / w , the concentration of the surfactant coagent (b) is from 0.25 to 3% w / w, and the concentration of the ethoxylate of aliphatic alcohol (c) is from 0.5 to 6% w / w.

24. A composition according to claim 1 or any of claims 3 to 23, characterized in that the viscosity is greater than 30 cPs.

25. A composition according to claim 1 or any of claims 3 to 23, characterized in that the pH of the composition is from 0.9 to 5.

26. A composition or process according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the total amount of the peracid plus the corresponding carboxylic acid in the peracid composition is less than 30% w / w, and preferably 16% w / w or less.

27. A composition or process according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the concentration of the peracid is from 0.05 to 5% by weight.

28. A composition or process according to claim 27, characterized in that the concentration of the peracid is from 0.1 to 2% by weight.

29. A composition or process according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the peracid solution is substantially free of mineral acid.

30. A method for cleaning and / or disinfecting hard surfaces, characterized in that it comprises contacting the hard surface with a composition according to claim 1 or any of claims 3 to 29.