SK5112000A3 - Detergent composition for hard surfaces comprising hydrophilic shear-thinning polymer at very low level - Google Patents

Abstract

A detergent composition and/or solution for floors comprising a hydrophilic shear-thinning polymer at very low level for improved cleaning end result. The solution can be used with conventional implements known in the art, including sponges, cloths and/or sponge, string, and/or strip mops and floor cloths such as those sold at retail and speciality stores. In a most preferred embodiment, the solution is used with a cleaning pad comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, said pad preferably being part of cleaning implement comprising a handle and said cleaning pad preferably being removable. The detergent composition preferably contains a limited amount of a detergent surfactant, preferably linear in structure and relatively hydrophilic, the level of solvent in the formula preferably being kept below about 5.0 %, and the pH preferably being maintained above about 9. The process of using the detergent solution with cleaning implements, including those of the most preferred embodiment, cleaning pad, and the provision of a kit containing both detergent composition and cleaning pad are disclosed.

Description

Detergent floor cleaner containing very low concentrations of friction-reducing polymer f / ΓΐΛ 2000

Technical field

An object of the present invention is a detergent composition which can be used for cleaning solid surfaces and in particular for cleaning floors, including conventional utensils and tools such as washing sponges, wipes, sponge mops, twine or strips, and floor cloths. In particular, the present invention relates to such devices and tools comprising a removable cleaning pad of superabsorbent material that serves to remove dirt from a rigid surface. The cleaning pad is preferably a replaceable absorbent cleaning pad adapted to have as many cleaning surfaces as possible.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large number of products for cleaning solid surfaces such as ceramic tile or solid wood floors, counter surfaces and the like are described in the literature. In the field of floor cleaning, a number of devices are described which consist of a handle and some means for absorbing cleaning fluid. These include reusable devices, including mops of cotton twine, cellulose strips or synthetic material, sponges, and the like. The use of such devices or mops requires considerable effort.

Examples of mops used include, but are not limited to: U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,559, issued March 10, 1992 to Rivera et al., Which discloses a mop having a disposable cleaning pad comprising an abrasive layer to remove dirt from contaminated surfaces, an absorbent layer for absorbing fluid upon completion of the cleaning process, and a liquid impermeable layer disposed between the abrasive and absorbent layers; and U.S. Patent No. 5,419,015, issued May 30, 1995 to Garcia, which discloses a mop having interchangeable and washable cleaning pads, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

In this case, the cleaning tool should preferably have a replaceable cleaning pad, which reduces the need to flush the pad during use. This cleaning pad should have sufficient absorbent capacity, expressed in grams of absorbed liquid per gram of cleaning pad base, to clean a large area, such as a conventional floor with a rigid surface (for example 8 to 10 m ² ) without it was necessary to change the pillow. This usually requires the use of a superabsorbent material, preferably of the type listed below. The composition of the cleaning agent used with such superabsorbent materials must be formulated with care so as not to impair the function of the superabsorbent material.

A preferred cleaning tool has a pad that offers properties useful for removing dirt by restoring a clean surface or edge to contact a contaminated surface, for example by providing several surfaces that are in contact with the contaminated surface during cleaning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Detergent compositions used for cleaning solid surfaces such as floors, whether undiluted or diluted, usually contain suitable ingredients such as surfactant, extender, solvent, etc., to ensure that this solution achieves excellent and thorough cleaning without that would cause sticking or stickiness. The end use depends on the intended use. Diluted, as in the case of floor cleaners and general-purpose cleaners, or undiluted, such as in the case of spraying from bottle sprayers or application from mop liners in cleaning equipment used with disposable or reusable pads.

Usually it contains a cleaning solution in the form in which it is used, i. pure or diluted, less than 0,5% by volume of the surfactant solution. The concentration of surfactant in the final use of the cleaning composition is preferably 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 0.4% by weight. % and most preferably 0.05 to 0.3 wt. by volume of the composition or cleaning solution. One or more cleaning components, preferably hydrophobic, may be present to increase the cleaning efficiency. The solvent concentration, if any, is in the form of the cleaning agent in which it is used, preferably 0.1 to 5.0%, preferably 0.25 to 4.0%, and most preferably 0.5 to 3.0% by volume of the composition or cleaning solution.

In order to increase cleaning efficiency using conventional tools such as rags, sponges and mops with sponge, strips or strings, and to avoid absorption being reduced by using superabsorbent materials, the pH should be greater than 9, preferably greater than 9.5, and preferably above 10. Alkalinity should be at least partially achieved by the use of volatile substances to avoid streaking or film formation problems.

To promote uniform solution distribution during drying, the formulation should include a polymer with hydrophilic and friction-reducing properties that is capable of preventing aggregation of surfactant solution molecules on the floor during the drying process to provide one or more of the following benefits: avoiding adherence, easily spreading the solution on solid surfaces such as floors, and maintaining sufficient water on the surface so as not to disproportionately increase the concentration of components that remain on the surface. This effect, called equalization, is understood to mean minimizing evaporation of water from the solution and thereby preventing smudging. Due to this advantage, the polymer allows the use of lower surfactant concentrations and the addition of a solvent to increase cleaning performance without causing film or smudge formation. Thereby it is also possible to achieve lower adhesion of the components of the composition to the floor and lower tackiness of the floor.

The polymer, which is an essential component of the formulation, is preferably present only at a very low concentration, which is 0.0001 to 0.2% by weight, preferably 0.0001 to 0.1% by weight. % and most preferably between 0.0005 and 0.08 wt. volume of cleaning solution. Its concentration in the product will be determined by whether it is used pure or diluted. The polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of natural resins, especially xanthan resins, guar resins, gum arabic or pectin, synthetic polymers such as polystyrene sulfonate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof in the form of monomers or polymers. Most preferred is xanthan gum.

The detergent surfactant should be predominantly linear, free of, for example, aromatic groups, and relatively water soluble, e.g. having a hydrophobic chain of 8 to 14, preferably up to 12, carbon atoms and, in the case of non-ionic cleaning agents, the surfactants should have an HLB value in the range of up to 14, preferably 10 to 13, and most preferably 10 to 12.

for cleaning cleaning or

The composition can be used on conventional rigid surfaces, such as floors in the form of floor cleaners and general purpose cleaners, by conventional known wiping systems such as sponges and rags, sponge mops, strips or strings, and floor cloths. In addition, a preferred aspect of the invention relates to the use of a cleaning solution or formulation with an all-in-one tool system plus a cleaning pad. The cleaning pad preferably contains the superabsorbent material and is used in conjunction with the cleaning composition or solution described so that a better final cleaning result is achieved with less effort. This cleaning system usually consists of:

(a) handles

(b) a replaceable cleaning pad comprising superabsorbent material having a plurality of substantially planar surfaces each touching a surface to be cleaned, said pad having a structure comprising first and second layers, the first layer being disposed between the abrasive layer; and second layer, and has a smaller width than the second layer.

Depending on which means are used to attach the cleaning pad to the handle of the cleaning tool, it may be preferable that the cleaning pad additionally comprises a separate bonding layer. In such devices, the absorbent layer is positioned between the abrasive and bonding layers.

The cleaning composition and preferably the tools of the present invention can be used for all kinds of solid surfaces, including wood, plasticized polyvinyl chloride, linoleum, non-waxed floors, ceramics, Formica ^R material, porcelain, glass, wall plates and the like. The tool and detergent provide ease of cleaning, especially if a polymer is present which allows easier cleaning and better results.

I. Detergent

The detergent composition serves as a cleaning solution and is used either diluted or undiluted. The concentration of the components should be chosen according to the end use method. The concentration of the base polymer in the cleaning solution is only very low. Therefore, each pack of the concentrated mixture should be provided with dilution instructions.

polymer

As mentioned above, the polymer concentration should be low, e.g. about 0.0001 to 0.2% by weight, preferably 0.0001 to 0.1% by weight. % and most preferably 0.0005 to 0.08 wt. preparation. This very low concentration is sufficient to achieve a better final cleaning result, but a larger amount can cause streaking or film formation, sticking or stickiness.

While it is not desirable to be limited by theory, two physical properties of a polymer are considered critical: 1) hydrophilic nature and 2) friction reducing ability. The hydrophilicity of the polymer is important to ensure washability between the treatments to avoid sticking. The ability to reduce friction is important to improve the uniformity of spreading the solution during use and in combination with hydrophilicity to provide a leveling effect. A balancing effect is understood to mean minimizing the evaporation of the solution and aggregation of the molecules, which usually occurs when drying. Aggregation of the molecules leads to the formation of visible streaks or film, indicating poor final cleaning results.

Suitable examples of polymers are cellulose-based substances such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose and the like, and synthetic hydrophilic polymers such as polystyrene sulfonate. Even better are natural polymers such as gum arabic, pectin, guar gum, and xanthan gum. Xanthan resin is particularly suitable. Xanthan gum is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,006, Bolich, issued Nov. 29, 1986, Col. 5, line 55 through Col. 6, line 2, said patent being incorporated herein by reference. This advantage can be achieved by using many synthetic polymers, especially polymers containing hydrophilic groups, for example carboxyl groups. Other polymers that can provide reduced friction and hydrophilicity include cationic substances that also contain hydrophilic groups, and polymers that contain several ether bonds in the molecule. Cationic substances include cationic derivatives of sugars or starch.

Most preferred polymers are those having a high molecular weight, although polymers having a molecular weight of about 5000 are also effective to some extent. In general, polymers should have a molecular weight of greater than 10,000, preferably greater than 100,000, more preferably greater than 25,000,000, and most preferably. The molecular weight should usually be 10000 to 100000, preferably 100000 to 1000000, more preferably 1000000 to 4000000; and most preferably greater than 4000000.

Examples of suitable materials for use in the methods of the invention are polymers preferably selected from the group consisting of xanthan gums, guar gums, acacia, pectin, polystyrene sulfonate, and mixtures of these monomers or polymers. These polymers can also be used in combination with polymers that do not provide this benefit or provide it to a lesser extent in order to achieve a better final purification result. Most preferred is xanthan gum.

Preferably, a polymer is used which causes a reduction in friction, especially since this facilitates dosing. Friction reducing agents can be used as such, without modification. Solid surface cleaning compositions, particularly preferred cleaning compositions described herein, should have a viscosity of less than 0.250 Pa.s, preferably less than 0.1 Pa.s, and most preferably less than 0.015 Pa.s. Viscosity is measured using a Brookfield Synchroelectric Viscometer, Model LVT, manufactured by Brookfield Engineering Laboratory, Inc., Stoughton, Massachusetts, using a spindle no. 1 at 600 rpm and a temperature of 20 ° C. (Constant velocity gradient of about 13 s ¹ ).

The ability of the polymers or compositions to reduce friction is determined using a Carrimed Controlled Stress Rheometer Model CSL 100 manufactured by Carrimed Ltd., Artist House, Curtis Road Estate, Dorking, Surry RH 4 1DP, England. This rheometer works on the basis of two concentric cylinders, allowing the measurement of shear stresses at different velocities gradients. These measurements are carried out at a temperature of about 26 ° C. The pseudoplastic behavior of a system containing xanthan gum can be expressed mathematically using the equation:

N = Kr ^n_1 where N is the apparent viscosity, K is the consistency constant, r is the friction rate and n is the viscosity index. For best spraying (dosing) results, the K and n values should correspond to a viscosity of less than 0.015 Pa.s at spraying rate gradients (according to the literature of < 10000 s ^-1 ).

The friction reducing process is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,283, Stoddart, issued November 8, 1988, in particular in column 2, from line 46 onwards.

Detergent surfactant

Detergent surfactants used in solid surface cleaners include anionic, nonionic, amphoteric (including zwitterionic), cationic detergent surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Suitable detergents are well known in the art and include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,111,854, Spadini et al., Issued Sep. 5, 1978; 4,424,408, Imamura et al., Issued Jan. 27, 1981; No. 4,414,128, Goffinet, issued Aug. 8, 2002;

November 1983; No. 4,612,135 to Wenzel, issued Sep. 16

, 1986; No. 4,743,395, Leifheit, issued May 10, 1988; 4 749

509, Kacher, issued June 7, 1988; No. 4,759,867 to Choy

172, Siklosi, Choy et al., Et al., Issued July 26, 1988; No. 4,769, issued September 6, 1988; No. 4,804,491, issued Feb. 14, 1989; and 4,895,669, Choy et al., issued Jan. 23, 1990, all of said patents being incorporated herein by reference.

Detergent formulations or solutions, especially those intended for use with a tool containing superabsorbent material, require a suitable detergent to allow the solution to allow cleaning without overloading the superabsorbent material with the solution, but the solution may not normally contain more % as 0.5 wt. detergent surfactant without compromising effectiveness. Therefore, the concentration of detergent surfactant in the detergent composition should be 0.01 to 0.5 wt%, preferably 0.05 to 0.4 wt%, and most preferably 0.05 to 0.3 wt%. solution or preparation. The preferred solution may also contain one or more solvents to aid purification at concentrations in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.25 to 3.0 wt%, and most preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 wt%. % wt. solution.

As mentioned above, the pH should be greater than 9.3, preferably greater than 10, and most preferably greater than 10.3, in order to achieve better cleaning when using conventional systems such as sponges, rags and mops with sponge, strips or ropes , floor cloths, etc. In order not to reduce the absorption when using a pad of superabsorbent materials and alkalinity, it is necessary to use at least partially volatile substances, which avoid problems with the formation of smudges and coatings.

The detergent surfactant should be linear, with no branching and aromatic groups present in its molecule, and should be relatively soluble in water, i. it should contain, for example, a hydrophobic chain comprising 8 to 14, preferably 8 to 12, carbon atoms, and in the case of nonionic detergent surfactants it should have an HLB value of between 9 and 14, preferably 10 to 13, and most preferably 10 to 12.

The present invention also provides a detergent composition described herein packaged with instructions for use, with a tool comprising an effective amount of superabsorbent material, and optionally in a tool container containing a tool or at least a disposable cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material. . It is also an object of the present invention to use a composition and a cleaning pad that consists of a superabsorbent material in order to achieve improved cleaning performance of contaminated surfaces.

A detergent composition (cleaning solution) is an aqueous solution containing one or more detergent surfactants, alkalis to provide the desired alkaline pH, optionally solvents, extenders, chelating agents, suds suppressors, enzymes, and the like. Suitable surfactants include the aforementioned anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants as mentioned, preferably anionic and nonionic detergent surfactants having hydrophobic chains of 8 to 14, preferably 8 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, linear alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, and the like. Examples of non-ionic surfactants are alkyl ethoxylates and the like. Examples of zwitterionic surfactants are betaines and sulfobetaines. Examples of amphoteric surfactants are alkyl amphoglycinate and alkyliminopropionate. All of these are available and are described in Volume 1 of the Handbook of Emulsifiers and Detergents, North American Ed., McCutheon Division, MC Publishing Co., 1997, incorporated herein by reference.

solvent

Suitable solvents include derivatives of alkoxy derivatives of short-chain ethylene glycol and propylene glycol (e.g. C 1 -C 6) such as monoethylene glycol hexyl ether and diethylene glycol hexyl ether, mono-, di- and tripropylene glycol butyl ether and the like. Other volatile solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol and the like are also suitable for use in the present invention.

Foaming agent

Suitable suds suppressors include silicone polymers and linear or branched fatty acids C ₀ C; ₈ of paraffins or alcohols. Most preferred is Dow Corning

AF (contains: polyethylene glycol stearate (4 % wt. TIME # 9004993), methylated silica (2 % wt. TIME # 67762907), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (2 % wt. TIME #

556672)).

A suds suppressor at an effective concentration which is usually 0.0005 to 0.02% by weight, preferably 0.001 to 0.01% by weight. % and most preferably 0.002 to 0.003 wt. solution or preparation, it causes a technical improvement of the properties of the preparation, which are related to the formation of stains and coatings, especially on ceramic surfaces. The reason for this is that the joints on the ceramic surface form reduced spots that create foam when passing through the mop. If large amounts of foam are produced, streaks may occur when drying. In addition, consumer research shows that the foam seen on the floor during wiping is perceived by consumers as the cause of film and streaking.

By avoiding the formation of foam on the floor during wiping, a varying degree of technical and visible improvement can be achieved in terms of coating and streaking. The degree of this improvement depends on the amount of foam produced and the extent to which the amount of foam is regulated, especially during wiping.

Known suds suppressors may be used, but it is highly desirable to use silicone suds suppressors because they are effective at very low concentrations and because they can reduce the overall need for a water insoluble substance, even if the solution contains at least an effective amount of a suds controlling agent. foaming.

extenders

Suitable extenders are soluble extenders, in particular alkali metal amides such as sodium or potassium amides or substituted amines, salts of conventional extenders, including derivatives of phosphorus-containing substances such as orthophosphates and pyrophosphates, and phosphorus-free substances such as nitrilotriacetic acid, S, S-ethylenediamine succinic acid and the like. Suitable chelating agents are ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, citric acid and the like.

Optional folders

Suitable enzymes include lipases, proteases, amylases, and other enzymes known to be used as catalysts to remove impurities. In order to avoid problems with the formation of coatings and smudges, the total concentration of these components is low, preferably less than 0.1%, most preferably less than 0.05%. In principle, the preparation should not contain substances that cause these problems. Accordingly, it is desirable to use alkaline substances in the buffering process, which usually do not cause coating and smudge problems. Suitable alkaline buffer solutions are carbonate, bicarbonate, citrate, and the like. Preferred substances for the preparation of alkaline buffer solutions are alkanolamines of the formula:

CR ₂ (NH ₂ ) CR ₂ OH, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of one to four carbon atoms, the total number of carbon atoms in the compound being three to six, preferably 2 amino-2-methylpropanol .

A cleaning solution suitable for use with the tools of the present invention comprises 0.05-0.3% detergent surfactant, which is preferably a linear alcohol ethoxylate surfactant (e.g., Neodol 1-5 ^r , manufactured by Shell). Chemical Co.) and an alkyl sulfonate (e.g., Bioterge® PAS-8s, which is a linear C ₈ -sulfonate manufactured by Stepan Co.), 0.5 to 2% propylene glycol butyl ether (manufactured by Dow Co.), 0.5 to 3%. 0% ethanol (manufactured by Quantum Chemicals), 0.05-0.25% volatile alkaline, for example 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, and optional ingredients such as colorants or fragrances, and about 99.9% up to 90% deionized water.

II. Tool system and cleaning pad

In a preferred embodiment, the tool system and the cleaning pad are designed to provide maximum comfort. Therefore, it is preferred to use a tool that includes a cleaning pad, preferably replaceable and disposable, which contains a superabsorbent material, and which also preferably provides better cleaning. Preferred cleansing performance improvements relate to the structural properties described below in combination with the properties of the cushion that allow it to assist in the processes of the present invention in soil removal. For best performance, the cleaning pad of the present invention should be used in conjunction with the detergent composition described below.

The absorbent capacity of the cleaning pads, measured at a confining pressure of 0.6 psi for 20 minutes (1200 seconds) (hereafter referred to as the absorption capacity of the ₂ O) should preferably be at least 10 g of deionized water per g of the cleaning pad. The absorbent capacity of the pad is measured after 20 minutes (1200 seconds) during which the cleansing pad has been exposed to deionized water, which is the usual period during which the consumer cleans a solid surface such as the floor. The limit pressure is the pressure that is the usual pressure exerted on the pad during cleaning. The cleaning pad should be capable of absorbing a large amount of cleaning solution under a pressure of 0.6 kPa during this 1200 second interval. The cleaning pad should have an absorption capacity as possible, the _two oo least 15 g / g, preferably at least 20 g / g, more preferably at least 25 g / g and most preferably at least 30 g / g. The cleaning pad should have an absorption capacity of _{9 O} t of at least 10 g / g, preferably at least 20 g / g.

The values for the absorption capacity ti ₂₀₀ and ₉₀ o are measured as performance under pressure (PUP), which is described in detail in the Test Methods section below.

The total capacity of the cleaning pad for the liquid (for deionized water) should be at least 100 g, preferably at least 200 g, more preferably at least 300 g, and most preferably at least 400 g. Although cushions with a total liquid capacity of less than 100 g are also an object of the present invention, they are not as suitable for cleaning large areas as areas in a typical household as high capacity cushions.

A. Absorbent layer

The absorbent layer serves to retain liquid and dirt absorbed by the cleaning pad during use. Although the preferred abrasive layer described below has some effect on the ability of the pad to absorb liquid, the absorbent layer plays a major role in providing the desired overall absorption. In addition, the absorbent layer is preferably comprised of several layers which are adapted to provide a cleaning pad with several planar surfaces.

In terms of liquid absorption, the absorbent layer is a layer of any material capable of removing liquid and dirt from any abrasive layer, so that the absorbent layer is capable of continuously removing dirt from the surface. The absorbent layer should also be capable of retaining the absorbed substances at the pressure that is usually exerted in use in order to prevent the already absorbed impurities, cleaning solution, etc. being displaced.

The absorbent layer may be of any material that is capable of absorbing and retaining liquid during use. To achieve the desired total capacity, the absorbent layer should be a material of relatively high capacity (expressed in grams of absorbed liquid per gram of absorbent material). In this case, the term superabsorbent material means any material with a water capacity of at least 15 g / g, measured at a maximum pressure of 1.667 kPa. The cleaning solutions (formulations) mentioned above are water-based, so it is most preferred that the superabsorbent materials have a relatively high capacity for water or water-based liquids.

Examples of superabsorbent materials are water-insoluble, water-swellable superabsorbent crosslinked polymers (referred to herein as superabsorbent crosslinked polymers), which are well known in the literature. These substances have a very high water absorption capacity. Superabsorbent crosslinked polymers that are useful in embodiments of the present invention may be of any size, shape or morphology. These polymers may be in the form of particles that do not have the largest ratio of largest to smallest (e.g. granules, flakes, powder, interparticle aggregates, interparticle aggregates with cross-links, etc.) or may be in the form of fibers, sheets, films, foams, layered structures and the like. The use of superabsorbent crosslinked polymers in the form of fibers has the advantage that the polymer in this form allows better retention of the particles by the superabsorbent material during the cleaning process. Although the capacity of these polymers for water-based compositions is generally somewhat lower, they nevertheless have considerable capacity for such compositions. A large number of water-swellable substances are described in the patent literature. See. for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,103 to Harper et al., Issued June 13, 1972; U.S. Pat. No. 3,770,731, Harmon, issued June 20, 1972; U.S. Pat. 32,649, Brandt et al., Reissued April 19, 1989; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735, Alemany et al., Issued May 30, 1989, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Superabsorbent crosslinked polymers suitable for use in the present invention include a number of water-insoluble but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of liquid. Such polymeric substances are also commonly referred to as hydrocolloids and may include polysaccharides such as starch carboxymethylderivatives, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose, non-ionic types such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl ethers, cationic types such as polyvinylpyridine, polyvinylpyridine, polyvinylpyridine, polyvinylpyridine - or N, N-diethylaminopropyl acrylates and methacrylates and the quaternary salts derived therefrom. The superabsorbent crosslinked polymers that can be used often have a greater number of anionic functional groups, such as a sulfo group and even more often a carboxy group. Examples of polymers suitable for use in the processes of this invention are polymers obtained from polymerizable and unsaturated monomers containing an acidic group. Such monomers are, inter alia, unsaturated double bonded acids and anhydrides containing at least one carbon per carbon double bond. More specifically, these monomers may be selected from unsaturated carboxylic acids with double bond and acid anhydrides, unsaturated sulfonic acids and mixtures thereof.

Certain monomers without acidic functional groups, usually in smaller amounts, may also be used in the preparation of suitable superabsorbent crosslinked polymers. Such acid-free monomers may contain, for example, water-soluble or water-dispersible acid ester monomers, as well as monomers which are not carboxylic or sulfonic acid esters. Monomers which do not contain acidic groups and can be used for this purpose are therefore monomers with the following functional groups: carboxylic and sulfonic acid esters, hydroxyl groups, amide groups, amine groups, nitrile groups, quaternary ammonium salt groups, aryl groups (e.g. phenyl groups) such as styrene derivatives). These acid-free monomers are well known and are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663, Masuda et al., Issued February 28, 1978; and 4,062,817, Westerman, issued December 13, 1977, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Typical monomers based on unsaturated carboxylic acids and anhydrides are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, etacrylic acid, α-chloroacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, β-methylacrylic acid (crotonic acid), α-phenylacrylic acid, β-acryloxypropionic acid, sorbic acid , α-chlorosorbic acid, angelic acid, cinnamic acid, cinnamic acid, β-sterylacrylic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, mesaconic acid, glutaconic acid, aconitic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tricarboxylethylene and maleic anhydride.

Preferred gelling monomers based on unsaturated sulfonic acids are fatty or aromatic vinyl sulfonic acids, such as vinyl sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfonic acid, vinyl toluenesulfonic acid and styrenesulfonic acid, acrylic and methacrylsulfonic acids, sulfomethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl acrylate 3-methacryloxypropylsulfonic acid and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.

any neutralized

Unified superabsorbent crosslinked polymers for use in the methods of the invention contain carboxyl groups. These polymers include graft copolymers hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile, initially neutralized graft copolymers starch-acrylonitrile, graft copolymers starch-acrylic acid, partially neutralized graft copolymers starch-acrylic acid, saponified copolymers vinyl acetate-acrylonitrile, nitrile hydrolyzed , weakly crosslinked copolymers of the above types, polyacrylic acid, and weakly polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acid. These polymers can be used either alone or as mixtures of two or more different polymers. Examples of these polymeric materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,666,875, 4,076,663, 4,093,776, 4,666,983 and 4,734,478, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

partially crosslinked

The most preferred polymeric materials for use in forming superabsorbent crosslinked polymers are weakly crosslinked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acids and their starch derivatives. Most preferably, absorbent polymers that form a hydrogel comprise 50 to 95%, preferably 75%, of a neutralized, slightly crosslinked polyacrylic acid (i.e., a sodium acrylate / acrylic acid copolymer). Cross-links make the polymer substantially water-insoluble and partly determine the absorption capacity and properties of the extractable polymer found in superabsorbent crosslinked polymers. Crosslinking procedures for these polymers and typical crosslinkers are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Although the superabsorbent crosslinked polymers should be of the same type (i.e., be homogeneous), a blend of polymers can also be used for the tools used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. For example, a mixture of grafted starch-acrylic acid copolymers and poorly crosslinked polymers of partially un-naturalized polyacrylic acid may be used.

Although all of the previously described superabsorbent crosslinked polymers can be used in the present invention, it has recently been found that in cases where significant concentrations (e.g., greater than 50% of the absorbent structure volume) of superabsorbent crosslinked polymers are to be present in the absorbent structure, in cases where one or more portions of the absorbent layer contain more than 50% by volume of these polymers, there may be a problem of blocking liquid access to the cross-linked polymers by swollen particles which adversely affects the ability of the cross-linked polymers to fully utilize the absorption capacity at a given time interval. U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,343 to Kellenberger et al., Issued Sep. 15, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,335, Kellenberger et al., Issued Sep. 22, 1992, incorporated herein by reference, discloses Absorbency Under Load (AUL) superabsorbent crosslinked polymers, wherein the absorbed liquid is an aqueous solution containing 0.9 % salt, the load is 0.833 kPa. (The data of these patents are incorporated herein by reference). Methods of measuring AUL are described in these patents. In particular, the polymers described in these patents can be used in embodiments of the invention in which relatively high concentrations of superabsorbent crosslinked polymers are used. Particularly in cases where a high concentration of superabsorbent crosslinked polymers is present in the cleaning cushion, the AUL values of these polymers should be measured as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,343, incorporated herein by reference, should be at least 24 ml / g after one hour, preferably at least 27 ml / g, or should have AUL values after 15 minutes, as measured in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,335, herein incorporated by reference, be at least 15 ml / g, preferably at least 18 ml / g. This problem also relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/219,547, currently pending, by Goldman et al., Filed March 29, 1994, and U.S. Pat. No. 08 / 416,396, currently pending, by Goldman et al., Filed April 6, 1995, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. These applications also address the problem of forming crosslinked blocks and describe superabsorbent crosslinked polymers which do not occur in the above phenomenon. In particular, these applications describe superabsorbent crosslinked polymers which prevent the blocking of gels even at higher maximum loads, in particular at 4.067 kPa. In embodiments of the present invention, when the absorbent layer comprises high concentration portions (e.g., greater than 50% by weight of the portion) of the superabsorbent crosslinked polymer, it may be preferred to use the superabsorbent crosslinked polymer described in Goldman et al.

Other suitable superabsorbent materials include hydrophilic polymeric foams, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 08 / 563,866, currently pending, by DesMarais et al., Filed Oct. 29, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 to Dyer et al., Issued Feb. 7, 1995, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. These patents disclose polymers in the form of hydrophilic absorbent foams obtained by polymerizing a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) water-in-oil emulsion. The physical properties of these foams (pore sizes, capillary elevation, densities, etc.) can easily be varied to achieve optimal values in relation to the liquid used. Thus, these materials are particularly suitable for achieving an overall high absorbency, either alone or in combination with other similar foams or fibrous structures.

If the absorbent layer comprises a superabsorbent material, the absorbent layer preferably comprises at least 15 wt%, preferably at least 20 wt%, most preferably at least 25 wt%. superabsorbent material.

The absorbent layer may also comprise or consist of fibrous material. Fibers suitable for use in the methods of the present invention include natural (modified or unmodified) fibers as well as synthetic fibers. Examples of suitable unmodified or modified natural fibers are cotton, esparto, bagasse, hemp, fiax, silk, wool, wood pulp, chemically modified wood pulp, jute, ethylcellulose and acetate cellulose. Suitable synthetic fibers can be made from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics, such as Orlon ^R, polyvinyl acetate, Rayon ^R, polyethylvinyl, non-soluble or soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such as polyethylene (e.g., PULPEX ^R) and polypropylene, polyamides, such as nylon, polyesters such as Dacron ^R or Kodel ^R , polyurethanes, polystyrenes and the like. The absorbent layer may comprise either only natural fibers or only synthetic fibers, or any compatible combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

Fibers suitable for use in the methods of the invention may be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or combinations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. As indicated above, the particular choice of hydrophilic or hydrophobic fibers depends on other substances present in the absorbent (and to some extent abrasive) layer. That is, the nature of the fiber is preferably such that the cleaning pad serves to retain and absorb liquid. Hydrophilic fibers suitable for use in embodiments of the invention include cellulose fibers, modified cellulose fibers, rayon, polyester fibers such as hydrophilic nylon (Hydrofil ^R ). Suitable hydrophilic fibers may also be obtained by hydrophilizing the hydrophobic fibers, an example of this type of fibers being surfactant or silica treated thermoplastic fibers made of polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylates, polyamides, polystyrene, polyurethane and the like.

Suitable wood pulp fibers can be obtained by well-known chemical processes such as the Kraft process and sulfite processes. Particularly preferred are wood pulp fibers from forests of the southern temperate zone due to their exceptional absorption properties. These cellulosic fibers can also be obtained by mechanical processes such as those based on the use of ground wood and other mechanical, thermomechanical, chemico-mechanical and chemothermomechanical processes for the production of cellulosic materials. Recycled or secondary wood pulp fibers as well as bleached and unbleached wood pulp fibers may also be used.

Another type of hydrophilic fibers suitable for use in the present invention are chemically stiffened cellulose fibers. By chemically stiffened cellulose fibers is meant cellulose fibers which have been stiffened by chemical means to increase the strength of the fibers both dry and wet. Such means may include the action of a chemical firming agent to coat or impregnate the fiber surface. Such methods may also include strengthening the fiber by altering the chemical structure, for example, by crosslinking the polymer chains.

As the fibers are used as the absorbent layer material (or as an essential component thereof), they can be arbitrarily combined with the thermoplastic material. At melting, at least a portion of the thermoplastic material reaches the points where the fibers cross each other, usually due to capillary forces. These cross-over points will become the cross-over points. Upon cooling, the thermoplastic material solidifies at these points and forms joints that form a matrix composed of interconnected fibers in each respective layer. This may be advantageous to increase the overall integrity of the cleaning pad.

The various effects of bonding at the fiber crossing points include increasing the overall modulus and compressive strength of the resulting melt-reinforced material. In the case of chemically stiffened cellulose fibers, melting and movement of the thermoplastic material can increase the average pore size of the resulting tissue while maintaining the original density and weight of the base tissue. This can improve the ability of the thermally bonded tissue to absorb liquid upon first wetting due to increased liquid permeability, and for further soaking due to the combination of the ability of the reinforced fibers to retain this reinforcement even when wetted and the ability of the thermoplastic to bind the fibers together and in damp. In the web, the thermally bonded reinforced fiber tissues retain their original total volume, but those areas of the material in which the thermoplastic material was formerly released will increase the average pore size between the fibers.

Thermoplastic materials suitable for use in the methods of the invention may take a variety of forms, including particles, fibers or combinations of particles and fibers. Thermoplastic fibers are a particularly preferred form because of their ability to form numerous binding sites between fibers. Suitable thermoplastic materials can be made from any thermoplastic polymer that can be melted at temperatures that do not disrupt the fibers present in the primary tissue or matrix of the individual layers. The preferred melting point of the thermoplastic is less than 190 ° C, and preferably the melting point is in the range of 75 ° C to 175 ° C. In any case, the melting point of this thermoplastic material should not be lower than the temperature at which the thermally bonded absorbent structures used in the cleaning pads are likely to be stored. The melting points of such thermoplastics are usually not lower than 50 ° C.

polyolefins, polypropylene,

Thermoplastic materials, and in particular thermoplastic fibers, can be made from a variety of thermoplastic polymers, including such as polyethylene (e.g., Pulpex ^R ) and polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylates, polyamides, copolyamides, polystyrenes, polystyrenes, the aforementioned monomers such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate and the like. Depending on the desired properties of the resulting thermoplastically bound material, suitable thermoplastic materials are hydrophilized hydrophobic fibers, for example based on polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, treated with a surfactant or silica, polyacrylates, polyamides, polystyrenes and polyurethanes.

The surface of the hydrophobic thermoplastic fiber may be hydrophilized by treatment with a surfactant such as a nonionic or anionic surfactant, for example by spraying the fiber with a surfactant, immersing the fiber in the surfactant or using the surfactant as part of a polymer solution from which the thermoplastic fiber It manufactures. Upon melting and re-solidification, the surfactant will tend to adhere to the surface of the thermoplastic fiber. Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as Brij ^R 76, manufactured by ICI Americas, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, and various surfactants sold under the trademark Pegosperse ^R , manufactured by Glyco Chemical, Inc. Greenwich, Connecticut. In addition to nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants can also be used. These surfactants can be used for application to thermoplastic fibers at, for example, concentrations of 0.2 to 1 g per cm ^{2 of} thermoplastic fiber.

Suitable thermoplastic fibers may be made from a single polymer (monocomponent fibers) or from more than one polymer (e.g. bicomponent fibers). By bicomponent fibers is meant thermoplastic fibers that comprise a base fiber made of one polymer that is enclosed in a thermoplastic package made of another polymer. The polymer forming the sheath often melts at a different, usually lower, temperature than the polymer forming the base of the fiber. Consequently, the bicomponent fibers can be used to form joints by melting the coating polymer, while maintaining the desired properties given by the strength of the base polymer.

The bicomponent fibers suitable for use in an embodiment of the present invention may consist of sheath and base fibers formed from the following combinations of polymers: polyethylene / polypropylene, polyethylene vinyl acetate / polypropylene, polyethylene / polyester, polypropylene / polyester, copolyester / polyester and the like. Particularly suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention are bicomponent thermoplastic fibers whose base material is polypropylene or polyester and whose sheath is formed with a copolyester, polyethylene vinyl acetate or polyethylene (e.g., supplied by Danaklon et al., Chisso Corp. and Celbond ^R , supplied by Hercules), which melt at lower temperatures. These bicomponent fibers may be concentric or eccentric. The terms concentric and eccentric indicate whether the package has the same or uneven thickness in the cross-section of the bicomponent fiber. Eccentric bicomponent fibers may be suitable to provide greater compression resistance at a smaller fiber thickness.

Methods for preparing thermally bonded fibrous materials are described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 08 / 479,096, currently pending, by Richards et al., Filed July 3, 1995 (see, in particular, pp. 16-20); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,589, Horney et al., Issued Aug. 27, 1996 (see, in particular, columns 9-10). Both of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

The absorbent layer may also consist of hydrophilized HIPE foams, which are polymeric foams which do not have as high an absorbency as the materials described above as superabsorbent materials. Such foams and methods for their preparation are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167 to DesMarais, issued Sep. 27, 1996; No. 08 / 370,695, pending on January 10, Stone et al., Both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The absorbent pad of the cleansing pad may be of a homogeneous material, such as a mixture of cellulose fibers (which may be joined by a thermoplastic material) and a swellable superabsorbent crosslinked polymer. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may be comprised of individual separate layers, such as a layer of fibers thermally bonded to the thermoplastic material, formed by pneumatic deposition, and a layer of superabsorbent material separated therefrom. For example, the cellulosic fiber layer bonded by the thermoplastic material may be located below the layer of superabsorbent material (i.e., between the layer of superabsorbent material and the abrasive layer). In order to achieve the absorption capacity and the ability to retain the fluid under pressure, while at the same time retarding the initial fluid intake, it may be desirable to use such a separate layer in the formation of the absorbent layer. In this case, the superabsorbent material may be located at a greater distance from the abrasive layer and, for example, a cellulose fiber layer located below the superabsorbent material layer (i.e. between the superabsorbent material and the abrasive layer) is used as the lowest portion of the absorbent layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent layer is comprised of pneumatically deposited cellulosic fibers bonded by a thermoplastic material (Flint River, manufactured by Weyerhaeuser, WA) and AL Thermal C. (a thermoplastic material manufactured by Danaklon et al., Varde, Denmark) and a swellable hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymer. . The superabsorbent polymer is preferably arranged such that a separate layer of this material is located near the surface of the absorbent layer, which is located further away from the abrasive layer. In order to increase the content, preferably a thin layer formed, for example, of cellulose fibers (which may be interconnected by a thermoplastic material) is placed above the superabsorbent crosslinked polymer.

B. Optional but preferred abrasive layer

The abrasive layer is the part of the cleaning pad that touches the contaminated area during cleaning. The materials used to make the abrasive layer should be sufficiently durable to maintain its integrity during the cleaning process. In addition, if the cleaning pad is soaked in solution in use, the abrasive layer should be capable of absorbing liquid and dirt and leaving the liquid and dirt in the absorbent layer. This ensures that the abrasive layer will still be able to remove additional substances from the surface to be cleaned. Whether the tool is used with a cleaning solution (i.e. wet) or without a cleaning solution (i.e. dry), the abrasive layer, in addition to removing solids, will facilitate other functions such as polishing and dust removal from the surface to be cleaned.

The abrasive layer may be homogeneous or composed of a plurality of other layers, in either case one or more of said layers may be cut into smaller portions to facilitate wiping of the contaminated area and removal of solids therefrom. This abrasive layer interacts with the impurities (and the cleaning solution, if used) on the contaminated surface, releasing and emulsifying the solid impurities, facilitating their free passage into the absorbent layer of the pad. The abrasive layer should contain depressions (for example, notches) that provide for easy entrapment of larger solid impurities, their free passage inwards and entrapment in the absorbent layer of the pad. As the material of the abrasive layer, a low density material is preferred which allows easy transfer of solids to the absorbent layer of the pad.

Synthetic materials such as polyolefins (e.g. polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, cellulosic carding materials, and the like are particularly suitable to provide the necessary mechanical resistance to the abrasive layer.

(e.g., Rayon ^R ) and can be made by blow molding, pneumatic synthetic synthetic blends.

a known process such as deposition, needling and

also

C. Optional bonding layer

The cleaning pads in an embodiment of the invention may additionally have a bonding layer which allows the pad to be attached to the tool handle or the auxiliary head of the preferred tool. The bonding layer is necessary in those embodiments in which it is not possible to use an absorbent layer to attach the pad to the handle auxiliary head. The bonding layer may also function as a means to prevent liquid from leaking from the top surface (i.e., the surface that touches the handle) of the cleaning pad, and may further provide improved mechanical properties of the pad. Like the abrasive and absorbent layers, the bonding layer may be either homogeneous or may be composed of a plurality of additional layers to meet the above requirements.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bonding layer is provided with a surface by which it can be mechanically attached to the handle auxiliary head using a hook and loop. In such an embodiment, the bonding layer comprises at least one surface that can be mechanically attached to hooks that are permanently attached to the bottom surface of the handle auxiliary head.

In order to achieve the desired liquid impermeability and the possibility of attachment, it is desirable that the layered structure consists, for example, of a film formed by applying a melt aerosol and that a fibrous, nonwoven structure is used. In a preferred embodiment, the bonding layer is a three-layer material, one of which is a polypropylene melt aerosol film disposed between two layers of nonwoven polypropylene.

D. Optional but preferred planar surfaces

Although it has been found that the ability of a cleaning pad to absorb and retain liquid is important for the cleaning performance of solid surfaces (see, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 081756 507, currently pending, by Holt et al. No. 08/756864, which is currently pending, by Sherry et al., And U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/756 999, which is currently pending, by Holt et al., All filed on November 26, 1996; all of which are incorporated herein by reference), the preferred efficacy can be achieved by precisely defining the overall structure of the cleaning pad. In particular, cushions that have a substantially flat surface that touches the floor (ie one flat surface to come into contact with the contaminated surface during cleaning) do not guarantee best efficiency because dirt tends to stick to their front edge, which is also the main place where the cleaning solution is drained into the absorbent layer.

In the preferred pads, more planar surfaces are used for cleaning, thereby allowing greater efficiency. In FIG. 2, there is shown a cleaning pad 100 having an upper surface 103 allowing releasable attachment to the handle. The cleaning pad 100 also has a bottom surface 110 that is in contact with the floor or other rigid surface during cleaning. This bottom surface 110 consists of three substantially planar surfaces 112, 114 and 116. As shown in the figure, the planes belonging to surfaces 112 and 116 intersect a plane corresponding to surface 114. Thus, if the tool to which the pad is is 100 fixed, moved from the rest state in the direction indicated by Yf, by friction, the pad 100 is tipped so that the bottom surface 112 contacts the surface to be cleaned. With the slow motion in the direction Yf, the surface 114 touches the surface to be cleaned. If the pad tool is moved from the idle condition in the Y _b direction, the pad 100 is tipped so that the surface 116 touches the surface to be cleaned. the parts of the pad that touch the contaminated surface are constantly changing.

Better cleaning in a preferred cushion may be due, in part, to a lifting effect resulting from moving back and forth during cleaning. Particularly, when the cleaning movement is stopped in one direction and the forces acting on the tool allow the pad 100 to be rolled over in such a way that the planar surface that touches the surface varies from surface 112 (or 116) to surface 114, up.

The cleaning pad in an embodiment of the invention should be able to retain the absorbed liquid even under the load caused during the cleaning process. This is referred to herein as the ability of the cleaning pad to prevent displacement of the absorbed liquid or, conversely, its ability to hold the absorbed liquid under load. The method for measuring extrusion is described in the Test Methods section. Briefly, the appropriate method measures the ability of a saturated cleaning pad to retain fluid when subjected to a pressure of 1.67 kPa.

The cleaning pads in the present invention should not have a maximum extrusion value of less than 40%, preferably less than 25%, more preferably less than 15% and most preferably less than 10%.

III. Cleaning tools

The above-described detergent composition may advantageously be used with a surface cleaning tool comprising:

(a) handles; and

(b) a replaceable cleaning pad comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material with a plurality of substantially planar surfaces, each of said substantially planar surfaces contacting the cleaned surface and the pad having a certain length and width being replaceable and consisting of:

i) an abrasive layer; and ii) an absorbent layer comprising a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being positioned between said abrasive layer and the second layer (i.e., the first layer is below the second layer) and has a smaller width than the second layer.

An important aspect regarding the effectiveness of the preferred pad is related to the pad's ability to provide more planar surfaces for contact with the contaminated surface during the cleaning process. In the case of a cleaning tool such as a mop, these planar surfaces are arranged such that during a conventional cleaning process (ie when the tool moves back and forth in a direction substantially parallel to the Y direction or the width of the pad), each of the planar surfaces comes in contact with the surface to be cleaned due to the swinging of the cleaning pad. This aspect of an embodiment of the invention and its advantages are described in more detail in relation to the figures.

A person skilled in the art is able to ascertain what different materials can be used for the present invention. Thus, although materials for the various tools and cleaning pad components described below are preferred, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

a) Handle

The handle of the abovementioned cleaning tool may be of any material that will facilitate the grip of the cleaning tool. The cleaning tool handle is preferably of a durable material suitable for this purpose and has an elongated shape. The length of the handle determines how the tool is used.

The handle has a fastening head at one end to which a cleaning pad can be loosely attached. For ease of use, the fastening head can be attached to the handle by means of coupling devices so as to be rotatable. Any suitable means may be used to secure the cleaning pad to the mounting head so that the cleaning pad remains attached during cleaning. Examples of suitable fastening means are clamps, hooks and loops (e.g., Velcro ^R ) and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening head has on the lower surface of the hook by which it is mechanically secured to the top wall (preferably to the bonding layer) of the absorbent cleaning pad.

The preferred liquid dispensing handle shown in FIG. 1a is fully described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/756774, currently pending on November 15, 1996, by V. S. Ping et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. Another preferred handle that does not have a liquid dispensing device is shown in FIG. 1a and 1b, and is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 08/716755, currently pending on September 23, 1996, by A.J. Irwin, which is incorporated herein by reference.

b) Cleaning pad

The cleaning pads described herein can be used as such without being attached to the handle or as part of the aforementioned cleaning tool. They can therefore be designed in such a way that it is not necessary to attach them to the handle, i. so that they can be used both in combination with the handle and as a stand-alone product. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide the pad with an optional bonding layer as described above. With the exception of the tie layer, the cushion which is used as such has the structure described above.

By direct fluid transfer is meant that the liquid can be rapidly moved between two parts or layers of the cleaning pad (e.g., between the abrasive layer and the absorbent layer) without substantially accumulating or limiting the movement caused by the insert layer. For example, different fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, adhesives and the like may be positioned between the two different portions of the pad while maintaining direct fluid transfer, provided that they do not substantially restrict the movement of the liquid from one portion or layer to the other portion or layer.

The dimension Z means a dimension perpendicular to the length and width of the cleaning pad according to the present invention or a portion thereof. The Z dimension usually corresponds to the height of the cleaning pad or the pad portion.

The dimension X-Y means a plane perpendicular to the height of the cleaning pad or part thereof. The dimensions X and Y usually correspond to the length and width of the cleaning pad or the portion of the pad. Generally speaking, when the cleaning pad is used in combination with the handle, the tool is moved in a direction parallel to the Y dimension of the cleaning pad. (See below).

By the term layer is meant the part of the cleaning pad whose basic dimensions are X-Y, i. its length and width. It is to be understood that the term layer is not necessarily limited to simple layers of material. Thus, the layer may consist of a laminate or a combination of several thin layers or fabrics of the desired type of fabric. Therefore, the term layer can also be understood to mean layers and layered.

The term hydrophilic is used herein to refer to surfaces which are wetted by the aqueous liquids that come into contact with these surfaces. Hydrophilicity and wettability are typically defined by the contact angle and surface tension of the fluid and the contaminated surface. This is described in detail in the American Chemical Society Robert F. Gould: Contact Angle, Wettability and Adhesion, (1964), which is incorporated herein by reference. The surface is wetted by the liquid (i.e., is hydrophilic) if either the contact angle between the liquid and the surface is less than 90 °, or if the liquid tends to spontaneously spread across the surface, both conditions being satisfied simultaneously. Conversely, a surface is considered hydrophobic if the contact angle is greater than 90 ° and the liquid does not spontaneously spread on the surface.

By thin tissue is meant any durable material that creates a certain texture on the surface of the abrasive pad of the cleaning pad that is in contact with the cleaned surface and is sufficiently permeable to allow the liquid to penetrate into the absorbent layer of the cleaning pad. Suitable materials of this type include materials with a continuous, open structure, such as synthetic mesh and wire mesh. The size of the permeable portion of these materials can be easily controlled by varying the number of interconnected end points of the grid, controlling the distance of the interconnected end points, etc. Other suitable materials are those whose structure is formed by a discontinuous pattern printed on the substrate. In this case, the durable material (for example, a synthetic polymer) may be printed on the substrate in a continuous or discontinuous pattern, such as individual dots or lines, to achieve the necessary structure. Similarly, the continuous or discontinuous pattern may be printed on the permeable material, which then serves as a thin tissue. These patterns may have a regular or irregular structure. Accordingly, two or more of the methods described above may be combined to obtain the respective texture. The height in the Z direction and the open portions of the sparse tissue or abrasive layer of the backing help to regulate or slow the flow of liquid into the absorbent material located within the cleaning pad. The height of the thin tissue or abrasive pad may serve as a means to control the volume of the liquid coming into contact with the cleaning surface, while controlling the rate of fluid absorption, by transporting the liquid into the absorbent base material.

For the purposes of the present invention, the topsheet of the cleaning pad is a layer that is relatively further away from the surface to be cleaned (i.e., relative to the tool used, relatively closer to the tool handle). By contrast, the term "backsheet" refers to a cleaning pad layer that is relatively closer to the surface to be cleaned (i.e., in conjunction with the tool during use relatively further from the tool handle). Thus, the abrasive layer is the bottom layer and the absorbent layer is the top layer. The terms upper and lower are similarly used in conjunction with layers that are composed of multiple layers (for example, the abrasive layer may be a two-layer material). The terms above and below are used to describe the relative location of two or more substances in the direction of the height of the cleaning pad. By way of illustration: Substance A is above Substance B when Substance B is placed closer to the abrasive layer than Substance A. Similarly Substance B is below Substance A in this case.

All percentages, ratios and dimensions used herein are by weight unless otherwise indicated, and all numerical limitations are normal means of limitation at normal accuracy.

IV. Other embodiments of a cleaning pad

To increase the ability of the pad to remove solid impurities and to increase the amount of cleaning liquid in contact with the cleansing surface, it may be desirable to use a thin tissue fabric in the manufacture of the cleansing pad. The thin tissue is of a durable, solid material that provides a suitable structure for the abrasive pad layer, especially when pressures are applied to the pad. The thin tissue is preferably positioned so that it is in close proximity to the area to be cleaned. Thus, the thin tissue may be part of the abrasive layer or absorbent layer or may be incorporated as a separate layer, preferably located between the abrasive and absorbent layers. In one preferred embodiment, in which the sparse fabric has the same X-Y dimension as the entire cleansing pad, the sparse fabric is positioned such that it does not touch the surface to be cleaned directly. By this measure, the ability of the pad to move rapidly over the rigid surface is maintained and more uniform removal of the cleaning solution used is possible. If the thin tissue is part of the abrasive layer, it will form its top layer. Of course, the thin tissue should be placed low enough in the cushion to perform its abrasive function. Thus, if the thin tissue forms part of the absorbent pad of the cleaning pad, it is the lower layer thereof.

In an embodiment where the sparse tissue is used alone, it may be desirable to position it so that it is in direct contact with the area to be cleaned.

In addition to the problem of proper placement of the sparse tissue, it should be added that the sparse tissue does not substantially limit the passage of fluid through the pad. The thin tissue should therefore be largely open.

The sparse tissue may be of any material that can be processed to obtain a rigid tissue with an open structure. Such materials include polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, and the like. It is known to those skilled in the art that these materials exhibit varying degrees of hardness. The hardness of the thin tissue fabric may be affected by the way the pad is used. If the thin tissue is to be a separate cushion layer, there are a number of manufacturers of materials suitable for this purpose (e.g., material No. V01230, manufactured by Conwed Plastics, Minneapolis). The thin tissue may also be applied to the pad by printing the support with a resin or other synthetic material (e.g., latex), such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,021, issued May 17, 1988 to Ping et al., And U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,774, issued Mar. 29, 1988, to Ping et al., Both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The various layers that are present in the cleaning pad may be joined to each other by the use of any means that ensures sufficient integrity of the pad during the cleaning process. The abrasive and bonding layer may be bonded to the absorbent layer or to each other by any bonding means, including the use of a continuous adhesive layer, a pattern adhesive layer or a series of separate adhesive lines, spirals or dots. Further, the coupling means may include thermal, pressure, ultrasonic, dynamic mechanical or other suitable coupling means or known combinations thereof. The bonding of the layers may be performed around the perimeter of the cleaning pad (e.g., by applying a melt of polymeric material) or across (i.e., in the X-Y plane) of the cleaning pad to form a sample on the cleaning pad surface. The bonding of the cleaning pad layers by ultrasonic heating to form a bond over the entire surface of the pad ensures the cohesion of the parts of the cleaning pad and prevents separation of the individual pad layers during use.

In FIG. 3 shows an overall view of a removable cleaning pad 200 in an embodiment of the present invention, comprising an abrasive layer 201, a bonding layer 203 and a layer 205 disposed between the abrasive bonding layer. The cleaning pad 200 is not shown with a plurality of substantially planar absorbent layers and is shown in the embodiment by surfaces. As already mentioned, although in FIG. 3, all layers 201, 203 and 205 are shown as single layers, one or more of these layers may consist of a material composed of one or more other layers. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the abrasive layer 201 is a bilayer structure of carded polypropylene fabric in which the bottom layer is divided by slits. In FIG. 3, it is also not shown that there may be substances between the abrasive layer 201 and the absorbent layer 203 or between the absorbent layer 203 and the bonding layer 205 that do not restrict the passage of liquid. However, it is important that the abrasive layer and the absorbent layer are in contact with each other to allow the liquid to pass through so that absorption can occur within the cleaning pad. Although FIG. Referring to Fig. 3, a pad 200 with all layers of the same size with X and Y dimensions is preferred if the abrasive layer 201 and the bonding layer 205 are larger than the absorbent layer so that the layers 201 and 205 can be joined to each other around the perimeter of the pad. integrity of the whole structure. The abrasive and bonding layer may be bonded to the absorbent layer or to each other by any bonding means, including using a continuous adhesive layer, an adhesive layer in the form of a sample, or a series of individual lines, spirals or dots. The bonding may also be carried out using hot-melt adhesives, self-adhesive joints, ultrasonic, dynamic mechanical or other suitable bonding means or known combinations thereof.

The bonding of the layers may be performed around the perimeter of the cleaning pad or across the entire surface of the cleaning pad in such a way that a sample is formed on the surface of the abrasive layer.

In FIG. 4 shows an exploded absorbent layer 305 in an embodiment of the cleaning pad of the present invention. The abrasive layer and optional cleaning pad bonding layer are not shown in FIG. 4 shown. In this embodiment, the absorbent layer 305 is depicted as a three-layer structure. The absorbent layer 305 shown in this figure comprises a separate layer of cross-linked superabsorbent particles, shown as 307, located between two separate layers 306 and 308 of fibrous material. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the layer 307, which contains a high concentration of crosslinked superabsorbent, is designed so as not to block the swollen gel mentioned above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the layers 306 and 308 are cellulosic fibers interconnected by a thermoplastic, the lower fibrous layer 308 being in direct contact with the abrasive layer, allowing fluid to pass through (not shown). (The layer 307 may alternatively consist of a mixture of fibrous and superabsorbent material, wherein the content of superabsorbent material in the absorbent layer is relatively high). Although the layers 306 and 307 are shown to be as wide, in a preferred embodiment, the layer 306 is wider than the layer 307 and the layer 307 is wider than the layer 308. When the pad includes abrasive and bonding layers, such a combination allows the pad to be a surface formed by several substantially planar surfaces.

In FIG. 5 is a cross-section (in the y-z plane) of a cleaning pad 400 having an abrasive layer 401, a bonding layer 403, and an absorbent layer designated 404, positioned between the abrasive and bonding layers. The absorbent layer 404 consists of three separate layers 405, 407, and 409. The layer 409 is wider than the layer 407, which is wider than the layer 405. This narrowing of the absorbent layer again allows the formation of several planar faces, designated 411, 413 and 415. ( For description purposes, the area

411 is designated as the front edge of the cleaning pad 400, when the pad is joined to the tool, and the area 413 is designated the rear edge of the pad 400). In one embodiment, layers 405 and 407 contain high concentrations of superabsorbent material, with layer 409 containing little or no material. In such embodiments, one or both layers 405 and 407 may be composed of a homogeneous mixture of superabsorbent and fibrous material. Optionally, one or both layers may be formed from other separate layers, for example two fibrous layers, which surround a substantially continuous layer of superabsorbent particles.

The present inventors have found that it may be advantageous to reduce the concentration of superabsorbent particles or to remove the superabsorbent particles completely at the rearmost ends of the front and rear edges. This is accomplished in the cushion 400 by forming an absorbent layer 409 without superabsorbent.

V. Test methods

A. Power under pressure

This test determines the absorption of deionized water by a cleaning pad, which is closed in a piston cylinder and compressed at an initial pressure of 0.6 kPa, expressed in grams of water per gram of cleaning pad. (Depending on the composition of the selected cleaning pad, this pressure may drop somewhat during testing when the pad sample absorbs water and increases its volume). The purpose of the test is to determine the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb liquid over a period of time, under similar conditions to that of the pad during use.

The test liquid for the pressure test is deionized water. This liquid is absorbed by the cleaning pad under the desired absorption conditions at a hydrostatic pressure near zero.

In FIG. 6 shows a device 510 suitable for carrying out this test. At one end of the apparatus is a liquid reservoir 512 (e.g., a Petri dish) with a lid 514. The reservoir 512 is located on an analytical balance designated 516. At the other end of the device 510 is a frit 518 and a piston cylinder assembly 520 that fits into the funnel. 518 and a cylindrical lid of frit 522 made of plastic that fits snugly onto funnel 518 and is open from below and closed from above, with a small opening at the top. The device 510 is designed so that the liquid contained therein can be moved in both directions in a system consisting of sections consisting of glass capillaries 524 and 531 and a flexible plastic tube 531b (for example, a Tygon pipe with an internal diameter of 0.635 This device also includes shut-off valves 526 and 538 and teflon connection portions 548, 550 and 552, which serve to connect the glass pipes 524 and 531 and shut-off valves 526 and 538. Shut-off cock 52 6 It consists of a three-way core 528, glass capillaries 530 and 534 of the main part of the liquid passage system, a glass capillary 532 that serves to fill the reservoir 512 and blow frit 518. The stopcock 538 likewise consists of a three-way core 540, glass capillaries 542 and 546 in the main part of the liquid passage system, and of the glass capillary 544 that serve to draining fluid from the system.

In FIG. 7 shows a piston cylinder assembly 520 comprising a cylinder 554, a cup-shaped piston 556 and a weight 558 that fits into the piston 556. To the bottom of the cylinder 554, a 400 mesh filter consisting of a stainless steel mesh 559 is attached. bilaterally tensioned before connection. A sample of the cleaning pad 560 is placed on the filter 559 such that the layer that in use touches the cleaned area (abrasive layer) contacts the filter 559. The sample of the cleaning pad has a circular shape with a diameter of 5.4 cm. (Although the sample 560 is shown as a single layer, it actually consists of all the layers that are in the pillow from which it was cut). The cylinder 554 is drilled from a transparent Lexan ¹ '(or similar material) and has an inner diameter of 6.00 cm (area = 28.25 cm ² ), a wall thickness of approximately 5 mm, and a height of approximately 5 cm. The cup-shaped piston 556 is made of Teflon to fit the cylinder 554. The cylinder-shaped stainless steel weight 558 is made to fit precisely into the piston 556 and to fit the handle on its top (not shown) ) for easy removal of this weight. The total weight of the combination of piston 556 and weight 558 is 145.3 g, which corresponds to a pressure of 0.6 kPa over an area of 22.9 cm ² .

The components of the device 510 are sized so that the flow rate of the deionized water passing through them is at least 0.01 g / cm ² / sec at a hydrostatic height of 10 cm, which flow rate is obtained by selecting the appropriate frit size 518. The factors influencing the flow rate are frit plates 518, inner diameters of glass tubes 524, 530, 534, 542, 546 and 531a, and holes in the cores of taps 528 and 540.

The reservoir 512 is placed on an analytical balance 516 with an accuracy of at least 0.01 g and a variation of less than 0.1 g / h. The scales are preferably connected to a computer with software, by means of which (i) weight changes can be monitored at predetermined time intervals from the start of the PUP test; depending on the sensitivity of the scales. The capillary line 524 that opens into the reservoir 512 should not touch its bottom or lid 514. The volume of fluid (not shown) in the reservoir 512 is large enough that air does not enter the capillary pipeline 524 during measurement. The level of liquid in reservoir 512 is approximately 2 mm below the top surface of frit plate 518 at the start of the measurement. This condition can be ensured by placing a small amount of liquid on the frit plate and monitoring gravity flow back to reservoir 512. it should not change substantially when the piston cylinder system 520 is located in funnel 518. The reservoir should have a sufficiently large diameter (e.g., " 14 cm) to change the liquid height by a maximum of 3 mm after taking about 40 ml.

Prior to measurement, the system is filled with deionized water. The frit plate 518 is rinsed and filled with deionized water. Air bubbles shall be removed as far as possible from the bottom surface of the frit plate and from the system connecting the funnel to the reservoir. This procedure is carried out by means of a three-way stopcock using the following procedure of operations:

1. Remove excess liquid from the fritted funnel 518 on the top surface of the frit plate (for example by casting).

2. Adjust the height and weight of the solution in reservoir 512 to the desired values.

3. The frit 518 is positioned so that it is at the correct height relative to the reservoir 512.

4. The frit 518 is then lowered with the frit lid 522.

5. Levels in reservoir 512 and frit 518 are leveled by rotating the cores 528 and 540 of taps 526 and 538 so as to achieve a loose connection.

6. The taps are then closed by turning the cores 528 and 540.

7. The core of the tap 540 is rotated such that the funnel is opened towards the drain tube 544.

8. Leave the system at this equilibrium for 5 minutes.

9. The tap core 540 is then returned to the closed position.

Operations no. 7 to 9, the frit 518 is temporarily dried by subjecting the frit to a slight vacuum of about 5 cm of water column. In this suction, the open end of the tube 544 is filled with deionized water and is located about 5 cm below the level of the frit plate in the frit 518 and filled with deionized water. Typically, about 0.04 g of liquid is removed from the system. This prevents premature absorption of deionized water when the cylinder and piston system 520 is located in the fritted funnel 518. The amount of liquid removed by the process from the frit (fritted funnel correction weight, Wffc) is measured in the PUP test ( see below) over a 20 minute period without the piston cylinder assembly 520. Essentially all the liquid drained from the funnel frit by this procedure is again absorbed very quickly by the funnel after the test has started. It is therefore necessary to subtract this correction weight from the weight of the liquid removed from the reservoir during the PUP test (see below).

The cut circular pattern 560 is placed in the cylinder 554. The piston 556 is inserted into the cylinder 554 so as to be in contact with the cleaning pad sample 560. The piston cylinder assembly 520 is placed on top of the frit 518, the weight 558 is inserted into the piston 556 , and the frit 518 is tilted with the frit lid 522. After it has been verified that a stable equilibrium has been reached, the test is initiated by test opening of valves 528 and 540 connecting the funnel 518 and reservoir 512 to each other. as the funnel 518 begins to absorb the liquid again, initiates data collection.

Data are recorded at regular intervals for 1200 seconds (20 minutes). The absorption capacity of PUP shall be determined as follows:

absorption capacity t ₂ oo (g / g) = [Wr _{(t 0} ) - Wr _(t -100) - Wffc] / Wds where the absorption capacity t ₂ oo is the cushion capacity expressed in g / g after 1200 seconds, Wr _(t O) is the weight in grams of reservoir 512 prior to initiation of, Wr _(t .i ₂ O) is the weight in grams of reservoir 512, 1200 seconds after initiation, Wffc is the correction weight of the frit and Wds is the dry weight of the cleaning pad sample. Obviously, the absorption capacity _gO o and t ₃ of the sample was measured similarly to the equation except Wr _(t -3oi and Wr _(t -9ooj (i.e., the weight of the container 30 seconds and 900 seconds after initiation). The percentage of absorption of the sample ₃₀ t is calculated as [absorption capacity t ₃₀ ] / [absorption capacity t ₂₀₀ ] x 100%.

B. Extrusion layer that takes the means described as Method

The ability of the cleaning pad to retain liquid when subjected to pressure in use, and hence the ability to prevent liquid ejection, is another important aspect of the invention. The extrusion is measured over the entire cleaning pad by determining the amount of liquid that can be extruded from the sample using Whatman filter paper under a pressure of 1.5 kPa. Extrusion is performed on a sample that has been completely saturated with deionized water by horizontal compression (more specifically, by compressing the area of the pad that is the abrasive layer or touching the surface to be cleaned). (One used to obtain a saturated sample is the Horizontal Gravimetric Wicking method in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 522,497, Dyer et al., Filed October 13, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference). The liquid-containing sample is placed horizontally in a device capable of generating corresponding pressures, preferably using an air-filled bag that ensures a uniform pressure application on the sample surface. The extrusion value is defined as the weight loss of the test liquid per unit of wetted sample.

Overview of the drawings

In FIG. 1 is an overall view of a cleaning tool used in a preferred embodiment having a liquid wiping device for dispensing a cleaning composition.

In FIG. 1a shows an overall view of a cleaning tool used in a preferred embodiment that does not have a dispensing device for wiping liquid so that the composition is supplied separately.

In FIG. Ib is a side view of the tool handle shown in FIG. Ia.

In FIG. 2 is an overall view of a removable cleaning pad.

In FIG. 3 is an overall view of the absorbent pad of the cleaning pad used in the preferred embodiment.

In FIG. 4 shows an exploded absorbent layer of a removable cleaning pad used in the preferred embodiment.

In FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the y-z plane of the cleaning pad used in the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Solution and detergent used in the examples

A detergent composition in deionized water containing 0.12% surfactants which was a linear alcohol ethoxylate detergent surfactant (Neodol 1-5 ^R , manufactured by Shell Chemical Co.) and an alkyl sulfonate (Bioterge ^{R) was used.} PAS-8s, a linear Cs-sulfonate manufactured by Stepan Co., followed by 1% ethanol (manufactured by Quantum Chemicals), 0.75% propylene glycol butyl ether (manufactured by Dow Co), 0.066% Dow Corning suds suppressor AF (manufactured by Dow) and 0.05% 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol including other additives such as dyes and fragrances. This solution was used as a base solution to which various polymers and resins were added and the dependence of the efficacy of these solutions on the test floor cleaning on these additions was monitored. This assay is performed with an absorbent cleaning pad (containing an effective amount of a superabsorbent which is sodium polyacrylic acid, preferably sodium crosslinked polyacrylic acid).

Method of testing

Testing is carried out by dividing the test floor surface into 60 x 60 cm fields and contaminating each of these fields by applying 8.0 ml of an oily dirt solution using a paint roller (so that after evaporating the solution, of these fields about 0.5 g of impurity). Each field is then cleaned with 8 ml of a solution (applied to the bottom 2 tiles) with an absorbent pad (described in this patent application) measuring approximately 14.6 x 14.6 cm. The cleaning pad is attached to the Velcro mop head mounted on the handle and the floor is cleaned with the pad up and down, moving from one end of the field to the other end and then back again. The appearance of each floor field is then evaluated after different time intervals (10, 30 and 60 minutes). This test is then repeated once more. In this re-test, the soiled pads from the first test are used to simulate the loading situation and to determine the adherence efficiency. The evaluation of the results is based on a scale of 0 to 4, where grade 0 evaluates the floor without streaks and grade 4 evaluates the floor with a large number of streaks. The following table gives examples of some results (the evaluation is carried out with a resolution of 0.25 degrees).

Table 1

example 1 example 2 example 3 example 4 example 5 example 6 example 7 no polymer 0.005% xanthan gum 0.015% xanthan gum 0.15% polyvinylpyrrolidone / acrylic acid 0.05% polystyrene sulfonate 0.008% polyvinylpyrrolidone 0.005% xanthan resin + 0.008% polyvinylpyrrolidone test 1 1.25 0.5 0.75 - - - - test 2 - 0.5 - 1.75 1.25 - - test 3 1.25 0.5 - - - 1.25 - test 4 1.25 0.5 - - - - 0.75

Table 2

example 1 example 2 example 8 example 9 example 10 example 11 example 12 example 13 no polymer 0,005 xantá- new resin 0.08 neio- anisoylated resin Jaguar NHP120 0.08 said cationic new resin Jaguar C-17 0.08 arabic gum 0.08 pectin 0,005 poly- acrylate 0.005 xanthan resin + 0.005 polyacrylate an exam 5 1.25 0.75 - 1.5 - an exam 6 1.25 0.5 1.0 an exam 7 " 0.5 1.0 0.75 an exam 8 1.75 0.75 1.25 - - - an exam 9 1.75 0.75 - 1.0 - -

The data in Tables 1 and 2 clearly show the advantage of using certain polymers, especially at low concentrations. This is particularly true of xanthan gum, Jaguar ^R polymers, pectin and gum arabic. Such a comparison of Examples 6 and 7 and Examples 12 and 13 shows that synergistic treatment of the xanthan gum with other polymers can achieve better results.

The effect of polymers added to conventional detergents diluted in the recommended ratio (using distilled water) and used for cleaning with an absorbent cleaning pad was also tested by the above procedure. Said polymers and concentrations are used in commercially available products

Mr. Clean ^R and Pinesol ^R Lemon. The results are shown in the following table:

Table 3

Example 2 Example 14 Example 15 Example 16 Example 17 Base solution (see above) + 0, 005 xanthan bitumen Mr. Clean universal, concentration 0,75% Mr. Clean universal, concentration 0,75% + 0,005 xanthan bitumen Pines Lemon, concentration 1,5% Pinesol Lemon, concentration 1.5% + 0.005 xanthan bitumen test 10 0.5 1.75 1.0 - - test 11 0.75 - - 2.0 1.5

The data in Table 3 clearly shows that the addition of xanthan gum can improve the performance of conventional floor cleaners when used in the recommended ratio and in conjunction with the absorbent cleansing pad described herein.

Tests with common mops

In order to evaluate the advantages of the hydrophilic polymers in conjunction with a conventional cleaning agent using a conventional cleaning tool, further testing was performed as described above. The differences in the tool used and the test procedure are as follows:

Mop sponge simulation

A sponge of approximately 6, 35 x 8, 89 x 2.54 cm is fixed to the handle, soaked in the appropriate solution and spun to a wet state (< 60 ml of absorbed solution in a dry sponge). Thereafter, the soiled floor is wiped with this sponge up and down, moving from one end of the field to the other end and then back again. Subsequently, the individual floor areas are evaluated according to the final result after complete drying, using a scale of 0 to 4 (0 = best and 4 = worst).

Strip mop simulation

The strips on the head of the Libman strip mop are cut to a length of 12 cm to form a strip mini mop. The head of the striped mini mop is then soaked in the appropriate solution and spun into moisture (< 130 g absorbed solution in a dry tool). The striped mini mop then traverses the contaminated floor of the floor by moving it from side to side and then up and down, simulating the method of wiping the consumer does when using the striped mop. Subsequently, the individual floor areas are evaluated according to the final result after complete drying, using a scale of 0 to 4 (0 = best and 4 = worst).

Floor cloth simulation

The European floor cloth (referred to as Serpien) is cut to a size of 23 x 25 cm. The floor cloth is then soaked in the appropriate solution and spun into moisture (< 70 g absorbed solution in dry tool). Using a 13 13 x 13 cm mop head mounted on the handle, the floor-contaminated floor pads are moved up and down through the rag, moving from one end of the respective pole to the other end and then back again. Subsequently, the individual floor areas are evaluated according to the final result after complete drying, on a scale of 0 to 4 (0 = best and 4 = worst).

Solutions of commercially available products Clean ”and Pinesol ^R (lemon) are diluted in the ratio recommended in the instructions (using approximately 7 g tap water). These solutions are then used in tests conducted with conventional mop types with and without the addition of xanthan gum.

Table 4

example 18 example 19 example 20 example 21 example 22 example 23 mop so mop so mop mop rag on rag on sponge sponge with stripe- with stripe- floor + floor + + univer- + univer- kami + kami + universality universality Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. universality universality Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Clean, Clean, Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Clean, Clean, concentric concentric Clean, Clean, concentric concentric tration tration concentric concentric tration tration 0.75% 0.75% + tration tration 0.75% 0.75% + 0,005 0.75% 0.75% + 0,005 xantáno- 0,005 xantáno- vej xantáno- vej bitumen vej bitumen bitumen an exam 12 3.0 1.75 - - - - an exam 13 - - 1.5 1.0 - - an exam 14 - - - - 2.0 1.5

Table 5

Example 24 Example 25 Example 26 Example 27 sponge mop + Pinesol Lemon, 1.5% sponge mop + Pinesol Lemon, 1.5% + 0.005 xanthan bitumen strip mop + Pinesol Lemon, 1.5% strip mop + Pinesol Lemon, 1.5% concentration + 0.005 xanthan gum test 15 3.0 2.5 - - test 16 - - 1.5 2.25

Again, the data in Tables 4 and 5 show that xanthan resin can improve the end result of even commercially available floor cleaners if diluted in the proportions recommended in the instructions and used in conjunction with conventional floor wiping agents.

Claims (10)

PATENT CLAIMS A detergent composition for cleaning floors comprising 0.0001 to 0.2% by weight, or 0.0001 to 0.1% by weight, or 0.0005 to 0.08% by weight. a hydrophilic friction-reducing polymer which is capable of preventing the aggregation of molecules when the surfactant solution dries on the floors. 2. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein said hydrophilic friction reducing polymer has a molecular weight of greater than 100,000 or greater than 10,000,000 and is optionally xanthan gum or is also optionally selected from the group consisting of: xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, pectin, and mixtures thereof. A detergent composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the detergent surfactant concentration is in the range of 0.01 to 0.50%, the concentration of one or more solvents is less than 5.0% and the pH is greater than 9, or by having a detergent surfactant concentration in the range of 0.05 to 0.30%, a concentration of one or more solvents less than 5.0% and a pH greater than 9.5, or the detergent surfactant concentration ranges from 0.10 to 0.20%, the concentration of one or more solvents is less than 5.0, and the pH is greater than 10.0. Detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, prior to use, the composition is prepared by diluting 1 part of the more concentrated product with 50 to 250 parts of water. A detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising an effective amount of a suds suppressor, wherein the effective amount of a suds suppressor corresponds to a concentration of the suds suppressor of 0.0005 to 0.02% or 0.001 to 0.02%. 0.01%, and the suds suppressor is a silicone suds suppressor. 6. The detergent composition of claim 1 wherein said detergent surfactant is a predominantly linear structure and wherein said detergent surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic and nonionic detergent surfactants. unbranched chains. 7. A detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein said alkalinity is ensured by the presence of an effective amount of a volatile alkaline agent, said volatile alkaline agent being an alkanolamine of the formula: CR ₂ (NH ₂ ) CR ₂ OH, wherein R is a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of one to four carbon atoms, the total number of carbon atoms in the compound being three to six, wherein the amine may be 2-amino -2-methyl-l-propanol. 8. A set of tooling loops comprising a pad containing a superabsorbent and a detergent composition containing a maximum of 0,5% detergent surfactant and one or more solvents at a concentration of less than 5,0%, the pH of which is greater than A detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is placed in a container in which further instructions for use and a pad containing superabsorbent are found. 9th 10. A method of cleaning surfaces, which may be surfaces of articles of ceramic, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride coated with polyurethane coating, wood, wood treated and / or laminated wood materials, the steps of which are, inter alia, the use of an effective amount of detergent composition with pH greater than 9, containing a maximum of 0.5% detergent surfactant, one or more concentrations of less than 5.0%, and optionally a suds suppressant and formulation into an absorbent structure, superabsorbent, or optionally into a mop with a sponge or strips, or a solvent rag An effective amount of absorption of this containing with ropes, the floor.