NZ787171A - Compositions of a quaternary ammonium compound with a monocarboxylic fatty - Google Patents

Abstract

Compositions including a quaternary ammonium compound (such as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride) and a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid are disclosed. The compositions are useful to inhibit the growth of an organism or to remove or reduce a stain resulting from the growth of an organism. Such compositions are useful as a biocidal agent or cleaning agent against algae, lichen, moss, mold, or mildew.

Description

COMPOSITIONS OF A QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND WITH A MONOCARBOXYLIC FATTY ACID REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional of New Zealand patent application 748347, which is the national phase entry in New Zealand of PCT ational application (published as No. 62/325,550, entitled COMPOSITIONS OF A QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND WITH A MONOCARBOXYLIC FATTY ACID, filed April 21, 2016, and all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure lly relates to pesticidal stain l itions.

Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium de has been used as a pesticide against mold, mildew, algae, moss, and lichen. ts containing alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride can be applied on outdoor surfaces such as exterior home surfaces, lawn and garden furniture, and boats and marina ent to eliminate mold, mildew, moss, lichen, and algae.

SUMMARY According to one embodiment, a composition includes a quaternary ammonium compound and a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid. The nary ammonium compound comprises an alkyl chain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS depicts a photograph of a test surface 6.5 hours being treated with experimental formulations of an exemplary composition. depicts an illustration of the photograph of A. depicts a photograph of the test surface after 24 hours. depicts an illustration of the photograph of . s a photograph of the test surface after four days. depicts an illustration of the photograph of .

DETAILED PTION Compositions described herein can include a quaternary um compound and a monocarboxylic fatty acid and/or plant essential oil are disclosed. These compositions can be useful for a variety of applications, including as a pesticide (e.g., herbicide, bactericide, fungicide, and/or algaecide) or as a cleaner for treating stains (e.g., by reducing, removing, and/or eliminating stains). The compositions can exist in any suitable physical form, including as a liquid, gel, or solid.

In certain embodiments, a composition can be effective to inhibit the growth of surface- growing organisms. As used herein, the term "surface-growing organisms" means organisms that can grow on hard surfaces of man-made structures. Examples of surface-growing organisms can include algae, lichen, fungi such as mold and mildew, and bryophytes such as mosses and liverworts. Examples of hard surfaces of man-made structures can include sidewalks, walkways, nts, driveways, tiles, roads, roofs, exterior walls, or walls, r decks, gutters, siding, lawn furniture, bathrooms, and swimming pools. Such hard surfaces can be made of any of a variety of materials including te, brick, cement, asphalt, plastics, metals, ceramics, glass, wood, and combinations thereof.

Various nary ammonium compounds can be suitable for use in the compositions sed herein. For example, suitable quaternary ammonium compounds can have an alkyl chain. One e of a suitable nary ammonium nd is alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride ("ADBAC"). Additional examples of suitable quaternary ammonium compounds can include alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride ("ADEBAC"), alkyl dimethyl tylmethyl ammonium chloride, dodecyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, utylphenoxyethyoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and (trihydroxylsilyl) dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride.

The alkyl chain on the quaternary ammonium compound can be of any suitable length.

For example, in certain embodiments, the alkyl chain can be a C8-20 alkyl or a C10-18 alkyl. The quaternary ammonium compound can be any particular quaternary ammonium compound or can be a mixture of different quaternary ammonium compound (e.g., a mixture of quaternary ammonium nds having different alkyl chains). The quaternary ammonium compound can serve one or more functions in the compositions disclosed herein. For example, the quaternary ammonium compound can be a surfactant or a cleaning agent to treat dirt and/or stains.

Examples of such quaternary ammonium compounds can include cationic quaternary ammonium salts. Alternatively, or onally, quaternary ammonium compounds can be a biocidal agent which has, for example, antimicrobial s.

The amount of a quaternary ammonium compound in a composition can be selected according to various factors, such as biocidal effectiveness, cleaning effectiveness, one or more physical characteristics (e.g., size, solubility, odor, etc.), toxicity, e ctions with other component(s) of the composition (e.g., interactions between the linear saturated monocarboxylic fatty acid, the linear rated monocarboxylic fatty acid, etc.), etc. In certain embodiments, the amount of the quaternary ammonium compound used in a composition bed herein can be sufficient to inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms. In certain embodiments, the amount of the quaternary ammonium compound can be sufficient to treat stains resulting from the growth of surface-growing organisms. In n embodiments, the amount of the quaternary um compound can be in the range of about 0.1% to about 20% weight to weight ("w/w") with the other components of the itions. For example, the amount, w/w, of the quaternary ammonium compound in the composition can be about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, or about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, about .0%, about 5.5%, about 6%, about 6.5%, about 7%, about 7.5%, about 8%, about 8.5%, about 9%, about 9.5%, about 10%, about 10.5%, about 11%, about 11.5%, about 12%, about 12.5%, about 13%, about 13.5%, about 14%, about 14.5%, about 15%, about 15.5%, about 16%, about 16.5%, about 17%, about 17.5%, about 18%, about 18.5%, about 19%, about 19.5%, or about % in various ments.

Alternatively, the amount, w/w, of the quaternary ammonium compound in the composition can also be a range of from about 0.5% to 3.0%, about 0.5% to about 2.5%, about 0.5% to about 2.0%, about 0.5% to about 1.5%, about 0.5% to about 1.0%, about 1.0% to about 3.5%, about 1.0% to about 3.0%, about 1.0% to about 2.5%, about 1.0% to about 2.0%, about 1.0% to about 1.5%, about 1.5% to about 3.5%, about 1.5% to about 3.0%, about 1.5% to about 2.5%, about 1.5% to about 2.0%, about 2.0% to about 3.5%, about 2.0% to about 3.0%, about 2.0% to about 2.5%, about 2.5% to about 3.5%, about 2.5% to about 3.0%, or about 3.0% to about 3.5% in various embodiments. As can be appreciated, other s of the quaternary ammonium compound sufficient to inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms or to remove stains resulting from the growth of surface-growing organisms can also be suitable, including amounts below 0.5%, amounts above 3.5%, and ranges different than about 0.5% to about 3.5%.

In certain embodiments, the itions described herein can be concentrated liquids.

In such embodiments, the quaternary um compound can be in the range of about 5% to about 20% w/w. For example, the amount, w/w, of the quaternary ammonium compound in a concentrated liquid composition can be about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20%. The amount, w/w, of the quaternary ammonium compound in the concentrated liquid composition can also be a range of from about 5% to about %, about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, or about 15% to about 20%. As can be appreciated, other amounts of the quaternary ammonium compound in the trated liquid composition can also be suitable, including amounts below 5%, amounts above 20%, and in ranges different than about 5% to about 20%.

In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein can further include a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid. In certain embodiments, a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid can be a linear ted fatty acid. In certain embodiments, the linear monocarboxylic fatty acid can be a linear unsaturated fatty acid. le linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can be any particular fatty acid or a mixture of different fatty acids. For example, the compositions described herein can include only a linear ted monocarboxylic acid, only a linear rated monocarboxylic acid, or a combination of such linear monocarboxylic acids in various embodiments.

Examples of suitable ted linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can include caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, undecylic acid, lauric acid, and tridecylic acid; corresponding to molecular formulas CH3(CH2)6COOH, CH3(CH2)7COOH, CH3(CH2)8COOH, CH3(CH2)9COOH, CH3(CH2)10COOH, and CH3(CH2)11COOH. Examples of suitable linear unsaturated fatty acid that can include lenic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can serve one or more functions in the itions described . For example, the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can serve as a pesticide (encompassing activity as an herbicide, fungicide, algaecide, or other biocidal ty against surface-growing organisms) in certain embodiments.

The amount of a linear monocarboxylic fatty acids in a composition described herein can be selected according to various factors, such as biocidal effectiveness, cleaning effectiveness, physical characteristics (e.g. size, solubility, and/or odor), toxicity, adverse interactions with another component(s) of the mixture (e.g., with the quaternary ammonium nd), etc. In certain embodiments, the amount of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids in the composition can be sufficient to inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms. In certain embodiments, the amount of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can be sufficient to treat stains resulting from the growth of surface-growing organisms. In certain embodiments, the amount of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can be in the range of about 0.1% to about 25.0% w/w. For example, the amount, w/w, of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acid can be about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, about 1.5%, about 1.6%, about 1.7%, about 1.8%, about 1.9%, about 2%, about 2.1%, about 2.2%, about 2.3%, about 2.4%, about 2.5%, about 2.6%, about 2.7%, about 2.8%, about 2.9%, about 3%, about 3.1%, about 3.2%, about 3.3%, about 3.4%, about 3.5%, about 3.6%, about 3.7%, about 3.8%, about 3.9%, about 4.0%, about 4.1%, about 4.2%, about 4.3%, about 4.4%, about 4.5%, about 4.6%, about 4.7%, about 4.8%, about 4.9%, about 5.0%, about 5.25%, about 5.5%, about 5.75%, about 6.0%, about 6.25%, about 6.5%, about 6.75%, about 7.0%, about 7.25%, about 7.5%, about 7.75%, about 8.0%, about 8.25%, about 8.5%, about 8.75%, about 9.0%, about 9.25%, about 9.5%, about 9.75%, about 10.0%, about 10.5%, about 11.0%, about 11.5%, about 12.0%, about 12.5%, about 13.0%, about 13.5%, about 14.0%, about 14.5%, about 15.0%, about 15.5%, about 16.0%, about 16.5%, about 17.0%, about 17.5%, about 18.0%, about 18.5%, about 19.0%, about 19.5%, about .0%, about 20.5%, about 21.0%, about 21.5%, about 22.0%, about 22.5%, about 23.0%, about 23.5%, about 24.0%, about 24.5%, or about 25.0% in various embodiments.

In addition, the amount, w/w, of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can be in the range of from about 0.1% to about 3.5%. In certain embodiments, the amount of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can be in the range of about 0.1% to about 1% w/w. The amount, w/w, of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids in the composition can also be a range of from about 0.1% to about 1.0%, about 0.1% to about 0.9%, about 0.1% to about 0.8%, about 0.1% to about 0.7%, about 0.1% to about 0.6%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, about 0.1% to about 0.4%, about 0.1% to about 0.3%, about 0.1% to about 0.2%, about 0.2% to about 1.0%, about 0.2% to about 0.9%, about 0.2% to about 0.8%, about 0.2% to about 0.7%, about 0.2% to about 0.6%, about 0.2% to about 0.5%, about 0.2% to about 0.4%, about 0.2% to about 0.3%, about 0.3% to about 1.0%, about 0.3% to about 0.9%, about 0.3% to about 0.8%, about 0.3% to about 0.7%, about 0.3% to about 0.6%, about 0.3% to about 0.5%, about 0.3% to about 0.4%, about 0.4% to about 1.0%, about 0.4% to about 0.9%, about 0.4% to about 0.8%, about 0.4% to about 0.7%, about 0.4% to about 0.6%, about 0.4% to about 0.5%, about 0.5% to about 1.0%, about 0.5% to about 0.9%, about 0.5% to about 0.8%, about 0.5% to about 0.7%, about 0.5% to about 0.6%, about 0.6% to about 1.0%, about 0.6% to about 0.9%, about 0.6% to about 0.8%, about 0.6% to about 0.7%, about 0.7% to about 1.0%, about 0.7% to about 0.9%, about 0.7% to about 0.8%, about 0.7% to about 1.0%, about 0.7% to about 0.9%, about 0.7% to about 0.8%, about 0.8% to about 1.0%, about 0.8% to about 0.9%, or about 0.9% to about 1.0%. Other s of linear monocarboxylic fatty acids to inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms or treat stains ing from the growth of surface-growing organisms can also be included in amounts below 0.1%, amounts above 3%, and in ranges different than about 0.1% to about 3%.

For embodiments wherein the composition is a trated liquid, the amount of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can be in the range of about 1% to about 25% w/w. For example, the amount, w/w, of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids in a composition can be about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%, about 7.0%, about 7.5%, about 8.0%, about 8.5%, about 9.0%, about 9.5%, about 10.0%, about 10.5%, about 11.0%, about 11.5%, about 12.0%, about 12.5%, about 13.0%, about 13.5%, about 14.0%, about 14.5%, about 15.0%, about 15.5%, about 16.0%, about 16.5%, about 17.0%, about 17.5%, about 18.0%, about 18.5%, about 19.0%, about 19.5%, about 20.0%, about 20.5%, about 21.0%, about 21.5%, about 22.0%, about 22.5%, about 23.0%, about 23.5%, about 24.0%, about 24.5%, or about 25.0% in various embodiments. The amount, w/w, of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids in a composition described herein can also be a range of from about 1% to about 5%, about 1% to about 4%, about 1% to about 3% about 1% to about 2%, about 2% to about 5%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2% to about 3%, about 3% to about 5%, about 3% to about 4%, or about 4% to about 5%. As can be appreciated, other amounts of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can also be included in embodiments where the composition is a concentrated liquid including s below 1%, amounts above 5%, and ranges different than about 1% to about 5%.

In certain embodiments, the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids can be provided in the form of a salt with a cation. Any suitable cation can be used in such embodiments, including those commonly used in saponifying fatty acids, such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and/or calcium (Ca2+). In certain ments, the cation can be ium. The use of a potassium cation can be beneficial because potassium is compatible with, and can provide nutrients to, turf grass. As can be appreciated, this can facilitate the use of the compositions described herein outdoors.

In certain embodiments, the composition can include a plant essential oil. For example, the compositions can include thyme oil, thymol, geranium oil, geraniol, eugenol, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil, mint oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, citrus oil, garlic oil, pepper oil, d-limonene, ol, or mixtures thereof in certain embodiments. As can be appreciated, other plant ial oils can alternatively, or onally be included. Additional examples of other plant essential oils that can be included and how they can be used are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/844,495 (filed on Mar. 15, 2013) and entitled "Weed Control Composition and Uses Thereof," the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The composition can also include a izing agent in certain ments. The inclusion of a stabilizing agent can be useful, for example, to help avoid, or minimize, precipitation of one or more of the components of the composition, such as a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid or a quaternary ammonium compound. Alternatively, or additionally, a stabilizing agent can also be included to prevent degradation of one or more of the components, such as a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid. Further, a stabilizing agent can be included to avoid any adverse interactions between the components, such as interactions of certain components with a quaternary ammonium compound.

In certain ments, a stabilizing agent can be a surfactant that can serve as an emulsifier or dispersant. Such stabilizing agents can be , for example, if the quaternary ammonium nd complexes with the salts of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids. As can be appreciated, use of an appropriate surfactant can have s benefits, such as helping to make the composition more nous and/or to have a clearer appearance. In certain embodiments, the surfactant can be a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant or an amphoteric surfactant. Among such surfactants, those having a relatively higher hilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) can be particularly suitable in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, a hydrophilic surfactant (non-ionic or amphoteric) can have a HLB of 10 or more; and in certain embodiments, 15 or more. Examples of suitable hydrophilic surfactants (non-ionic or amphoteric) can include ethoxylated ls and alkylphenols, fatty acid esters, polysorbates (such as Tween 40 or Tween 20), nitrogenated nonionic surfactant, alkylpolyglucosides, etc.

As can be appreciated, other stabilizing agents can alternatively, or additionally, be included. For example, chelating agents, antifoam agents, pH buffering agents, viscosity modifiers, and UV inhibitors can each be used as stabilizing agents.

In certain embodiments, the pH of the compositions described herein can be ed such that most of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids are in an ionized salt form, (i.e. as a ylate). In n embodiments, the pH of the composition can be about 6.5 or above. In certain embodiments, the pH can be in the range of about 6.5 to about 9.5. For example, the pH of the composition can be about 6.5, about 7, about 7.5, about 8, about 8.5, about 9, or about 9.5.

In addition, the pH of the composition could be a range of from about 6.5 to about 9.0, 8.5, about 6.5 to about 8.0, about 6.5 to about 7.5, about 6.5 to about 7.0, about 7.0 to about 9.5, about 7.0 to about 9.0, about 7.0 to about 8.5, about 7.0 to about 8.0, about 7.0 to about 7.5, about 7.5 to about 9.5, about 7.5 to about 9.0, about 7.5 to about 8.5, about 7.5 to about, 8.0, about 8.0 to about 9.5, about 8.0 to about 9.0, about 8.0 to about 9.5, about 8.5 to about 9.5, about 8.5 to about 9.0 in various embodiments. Other pH values sufficient to cause the linear saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic fatty acid to be in an d form can also be used, including pH values below 6.5 or above 9.5, and ranges ent than about 6.0 to about 9.5.

In certain embodiments, the pH of the composition can be selected to be higher than the pKa of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids included in the composition. For example, in embodiments where the compositions include pelargonic acid having a pKa of about 5, the pH of the composition can be about 5 or higher.

In certain embodiments, the composition can be homogenous and can have a clear appearance. Such appearances can be achieved by appropriate selection of the pH, the type and amount of the linear monocarboxylic fatty acids, the type and amount of a quaternary ammonium nd, the presence of surfactant ves, and other factors.

In liquid embodiments of the composition, one or more suitable solvents can be used to dissolve or otherwise disperse the components of the ition. In certain embodiments, the solvent can be aqueous (e.g., water-based). Alternatively, non-aqueous solvents can also be used.

For example, glycol ethers (e.g., P-Series by Dow Chemicals), ls (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, etc.), lycols (e.g., ene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, etc.), limonene, glycerine, or a combination of these or other solvents can be used in certain embodiments. Such solvents can be water e, partially water soluble, or water miscible. Liquid compositions can be provided as a concentrated liquid or as a diluted liquid.

In concentrated liquid embodiments, a user can dilute the composition with a solvent (e.g., water). In certain embodiments, the amount of dilution can be about one part of the concentrated liquid composition to about 1 to about 10 parts of the solvent. In certain embodiments, the amount of on can be about one part of the concentrated liquid composition to about 4 to about 8 parts of the solvent. In certain embodiments, the amount of dilution can be about one part of the concentrated liquid composition to about 1 part, about 2 parts, about 3 parts, about 4 parts, about 5 parts, about 6 parts, about 7 parts, about 8 parts, about 9 parts, or about 10 parts of the solvent. For example, a user can dilute one gallon of the trated liquid with five gallons of water (1:5 ratio) to yield six gallons of the composition that is ready to use. As can be iated, this is an example only, and other amounts of both the concentrated liquid and the solvent can be used. Additionally, other solvents besides water can be used in lieu of, or in addition to, the water.

In certain embodiments, the trated liquid can be diluted by mixing the concentrated liquid with a flowing solvent supply (e.g., attaching a concentrated spray bottle to a garden hose and turning on the water). In such embodiments, the amount of the quaternary um compound in the resulting diluted liquid can be in the range of about 0.1% to about .0% w/w. For example, the amount, w/w, of the quaternary ammonium compound in the diluted liquid can be about 0.1%, about 0.15%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.75%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, or about 5.0%.

In certain embodiments, the concentrated liquid can be mixed with a flowing solvent supply and the amount of the linear saturated monocarboxylic fatty acid, the linear unsaturated monocarboxylic fatty acid, or combinations f, in the resulting diluted liquid can be in the range of about 0.1% to about 5% w/w. For example, the amount, w/w, of the linear saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic fatty acid in the concentrated liquid can be about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, or about 5.0%.

In certain embodiments, the composition can be a pesticide agent that can inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms. In certain embodiments, the compositions can ageously act as vely fast-acting biocidal agents against surface-growing sms.

In certain embodiments, the compositions can inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms within about 120 hours after application. For example, the compositions described herein can inhibit the growth of e-growing organisms within about 3 hours after application, within about 6 hours after application, within about 12 hours after application, within about 18 hours after application, within about 24 hours after application, within about 30 hours after application, within about 36 hours after application, within about 42 hours after application, within about 48 hours after application, within about 54 hours after application, within about 60 hours after application, within about 66 hours after application, within about 72 hours after application, within about 78 hours after application, within about 84 hours after application, within about 90 hours after application, within about 96 hours after application, within about 102 hours after application, within about 108 hours after application, within about 114 hours after application, within about 120 hours after application, etc.

In certain ments, the compositions can be ng agents that can treat stains caused by surface-growing organisms. In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein can advantageously act as a relatively fast cleaning agent. In certain embodiments, the composition can visibly remove, or reduce, stains caused by surface-growing organisms within 72 hours after application. For example, certain compositions can visibly remove, or reduce, stains caused by e-growing organisms within about 6 hours after application, within about 12 hours after application, within about 18 hours after application, within about 24 hours after application, within about 30 hours after application, within about 36 hours after application, within about 42 hours after application, within about 48 hours after application, within about 54 hours after application, within about 60 hours after application, within about 66 hours after application, within about 72 hours after application, etc.

In certain ments, the compositions described herein can also advantageously exhibit a relatively long residual activity. Such residual ty can be particularly advantageous for outdoor use because it improves rainfastness. As can be appreciated, rainfastness can reduce the frequency in which the composition needs to be reapplied. In certain embodiments, the composition can be applied at a ncy in the range of once every three months to once every nine months. For example, the composition can be applied once every three months, once every four months, , once every six months, once every seven months, once every eight months, or once every nine . In certain embodiments, the compositions can be applied more frequently than once every three months (e.g., once every 1 to 2 months) or can be applied less frequently than once every nine months (e.g., once every 10-15 months).

As can be appreciated, the amount of the composition that can be applied will depend on various factors such as the components of the composition, the concentration of the components in the composition, the ity of the ition, etc. For certain embodiments where the composition is a trated liquid, the composition can be applied in an amount equivalent to about 500 to about 2500 square feet per one gallon. For certain embodiments in which the ition is provided as a ready-to-use product (e.g., in a ready-to-spray bottle or garden hose attachment), the composition can be applied in amount equivalent to about 600 square foot or less per 32 ounces.

The following examples are included merely to illustrate certain aspects and embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended to be limiting.

EXAMPLES An experiment was conducted on an outdoor concrete surface on which algae was naturally growing. In the experiment, several formulations were prepared as Examples and applied to the concrete e to evaluate their algae removal effects. The Examples ed a Control which was prepared using 1.66% w/w of ADBAC in water and two ive Examples. e 1 contained 1.66% ADBAC (w/w), 0.25% onic acid (w/w), and 1% Tween 20 (w/w) in water. Example 2 contained 1.66% ADBAC (w/w), 0.5% pelargonic acid (w/w), and 2% Tween 20 (w/w) in water. The pH of es 1 and 2 were both adjusted to have a pH of 7.5 to 8 with potassium hydroxide. 1 mL of each Example and the Control were applied onto the algae covered concrete surface.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate the results of the experiment. FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3A are photographs of the concrete surface and FIGS. 1B, 2B, and 3C are illustrations of each respective photograph. In each depiction of the concrete surface, the Control is the patch on the left, Example 1 is the patch in the middle, and Example 2 is the patch on the right. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict the cleaning effect of the Examples 6.5 hours after application; FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the cleaning effect of the Examples 24 hours after application; and FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the ng effect of the Examples 4 days after application.

As illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 1B, es 1 and 2 demonstrated better algae removal than the Control with Example 1 demonstrating substantial algae removal and Example 2 demonstrating moderate to minimal algae removal. The Control, in st, demonstrated minimal algae removal.

FIGS. 2A and 2B demonstrated r results. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, Example 1 trated near complete removal of algae while Example 2 and the Control demonstrated moderate and minimal algae removal respectively.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate that after 4 days, each of the Examples demonstrate similar algae removal with each removing substantially all of the algae.

It should be understood that every maximum cal limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher cal limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every cal range given hout this specification will include every er numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

Every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly ed or ise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other nce or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. r, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in the document shall govern.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and bed for illustration of ry skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope be defined by the claims appended various embodiments. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent articles by those of hereto.

The following numbered paragraphs define particular aspects of the present invention: 1. A composition comprising: a quaternary ammonium compound that comprises an alkyl chain; and a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid. 2. The composition of paragraph 1, wherein the nary ammonium compound comprises one or more of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride ("ADBAC"), alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium de (ADEBAC), alkyl dimethyl 1-naphtylmethyl ammonium chloride, dodecyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, diisobutylphenoxyethyoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium de, and (trihydroxylsilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. 3. The composition of paragraph 2, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is ADBAC. 4. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound comprises a C8-20 alkyl chain.

. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the linear monocarboxylic acid comprises one or more of a linear saturated monocarboxylic acid and a linear unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. 6. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the linear rboxylic fatty acid comprises one or more of caprylic acid, onic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, ylic acid, undecylenic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. 7. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 6 r comprising a plant essential oil. 8. The composition of paragraph 7, n the plant essential oil comprises one or more of thyme oil, thymol, geranium oil, geraniol, l, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, rass oil, mint oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, citrus oil, garlic oil, pepper oil, d-limonene, and linalool. 9. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 8 comprises an amount of the nary ammonium compound and the linear monocarboxylic acid sufficient to inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms.

. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 9 comprises an amount of the quaternary ammonium compound and the linear monocarboxylic fatty acid sufficient to remove stains resulting from the growth of surface-growing organisms. 11. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the composition is a liquid. 12. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 11 comprises about 0.1% to about 20% w/w of the quaternary ammonium compound. 13. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 12 comprises about 0.1% to about 3.5% w/w of the quaternary ammonium compound. 14. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 12 comprises about 5% to about 20% w/w of the quaternary ammonium nd.

. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 14 comprises about 0.1% to about 25% w/w of the linear monocarboxylic acid. 16. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 comprises about 0.1% to about 3.5% w/w of the linear monocarboxylic acid. 17. The composition of any one of aphs 1 to 16 comprises about 0.1% to about 1% w/w of the linear monocarboxylic acid. 18. The ition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 comprises about 1% to about 4% w/w of the linear monocarboxylic acid. 19. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 18 is contained in a spray bottle.

. The composition of any one of aphs 1 to 19 further comprising a hilic nonionic surfactant. 21. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of different quaternary ammonium nds. 22. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 21 has a pH of about 6.5 to about 9.5. 23. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1 to 22 is clear and homogenous. 24. A method of inhibiting the growth of an organism or treating a stain resulting from the growth of an organism, comprising applying to the organism a composition of any of one of paragraphs 1 to 23.

. The method of paragraph 24, wherein the organism is on a hard e of a man-made structure and the composition is applied onto the hard surface. 26. The method of paragraph 24 or paragraph 25, wherein the composition is applied by mixing the composition with a g solvent supply. 27. The method of any one of aphs 24 to 26, wherein the organism is one or more of algae, lichen, mold, mildew, and moss. 28. A method of preparing a diluted liquid composition, comprising adding a solvent to the composition of any of aphs 1 to 23. 29. The method of paragraph 28, wherein about 1 part to about 10 parts of the solvent are mixed with about 1 part of the ition.

. The method of paragraph 28 or paragraph 29, wherein about 4 parts to about 8 parts of the solvent are mixed with about 1 part of the composition. 31. The method of any one of paragraphs 28 to 30, wherein the composition is diluted by mixing the composition with a flowing solvent supply.

Claims (30)

Claims

1. A composition consisting essentially of: a quaternary ammonium compound that comprises an alkyl chain; a linear monocarboxylic fatty acid; a solvent; a polysorbate surfactant; an al plant essential oil; and wherein the composition has a pH of about 6.5 to about 8.5.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the quaternary um compound ses one or more of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (“ADBAC”), alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADEBAC), alkyl dimethyl 1-naphtylmethyl ammonium chloride, dodecyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, diisobutylphenoxyethyoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl um chloride, and (trihydroxylsilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium de.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound is ADBAC.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound ses a C8-20 alkyl chain.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the linear monocarboxylic acid ses one or more of a linear saturated monocarboxylic acid and a linear unsaturated monocarboxylic acid.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the linear monocarboxylic fatty acid comprises one or more of caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, tridecylic acid, undecylenic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.

7. The ition of any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising the optional plant essential oil.

8. The ition of claim 7, wherein the plant essential oil ses one or more of thyme oil, thymol, geranium oil, geraniol, eugenol, mint oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil, mint oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, citrus oil, garlic oil, pepper oil, d-limonene, and linalool.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises an amount of the quaternary ammonium compound and the linear monocarboxylic acid sufficient to inhibit the growth of surface-growing organisms.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 comprises an amount of the quaternary ammonium compound and the linear monocarboxylic fatty acid sufficient to remove stains resulting from the growth of surface-growing organisms.

11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition is a .

12. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11 comprises about 0.1% to about 20% w/w of the quaternary ammonium compound.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12 comprises about 0.1% to about 3.5% w/w of the quaternary ammonium nd.

14. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12 comprises about 5% to about 20% w/w of the quaternary ammonium compound.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14 comprises about 0.1% to about 25% w/w of the linear rboxylic acid.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15 comprises about 0.1% to about 3.5% w/w of the linear monocarboxylic acid.

17. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 16 comprises about 0.1% to about 1% w/w of the linear monocarboxylic acid.

18. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 15 comprises about 1% to about 4% w/w of the linear monocarboxylic acid.

19. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 18 is contained in a spray bottle.

20. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the polysorbate surfactant comprises polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 40.

21. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of ent quaternary ammonium compounds.

22. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 21 is clear and homogenous.

23. A method of inhibiting the growth of an organism or treating a stain ing from the growth of an organism, comprising applying to the organism a composition of any of one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the sm is on a hard surface of a de structure and the ition is applied onto the hard surface.

25. The method of claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the composition is applied by mixing the composition with a flowing solvent supply.

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the organism is one or more of algae, lichen, mold, mildew, and moss.

27. A method of preparing a d liquid composition, comprising adding the optional solvent to the composition of any of claims 1 to 22.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein about 1 part to about 10 parts of the solvent are mixed with about 1 part of the composition.

29. The method of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein about 4 parts to about 8 parts of the solvent are mixed with about 1 part of the composition.

30. The method of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the composition is diluted by mixing the composition with a flowing solvent supply. EXAMPLE 1 LE 2 H CONTROL I 1 • ~ I ,si •%% is i 5 ' • - • ^ x> *&• Ipif " ! I - X ? ^•B» itSMffB iigf »- - x - - • • f; sg-#' nRPSBBBEKRaRBn Kiiiipi*^* /-^ssces^sA &$&&&& "^••^•ilYn • ta - si FIG. IB I- •\->^ I 31cMVX3 L i lOUlNOO WM ' .oip^ ^a^g 31dWVX3 Z if/| tfll^ ; i^slly ®;;|f« ^ ^ . | er- gllllElfl^^p: lig • N ;\^ r . > ^ - :. liiliJaiiiL.. : ;x :;••>: - ' • M N-^X ; ' OU V3 y^: •- Mmt- : 1 msSA .'••• vV'.-v!^'' •' • - ma^mmatm K^.M<^rvN OIJ 92 L'L . EL EXAMPLE 11 CONTROL| *li •? ;>::•« iiiiM hi:-;-- mmm • mm V a , <^s ipit 4:^":a»i 1«VHH"giil^ ' ' ^ 'i . ••: • pm II | IH1 rgtV^ ii EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 kpgiW m mi