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Claims  |
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What we claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:
1. A method of making a substantially flexible dry matrix processing
antimicrobial properties to which no water has been added other than that
naturally present therein, which comprises: passing a continuous line of a
matrix material comprising (a) natural or synthetic, woven, non-woven or
knitted fibers, or (b) flexible foam material or combinations thereof
between an engraved roll and smooth roll, said engraved roll containing a
non-aqueous treatment solution on the surface thereof, coating said matrix
material with an antimicrobial effective amount of, or a disinfecting
effective amount of said non-aqueous treatment solution from said engraved
roll, the amounts of the respective said coatings also being sufficient to
allow said matrix to retain its substantially flexible dry
characteristics, said non-aqueous treatment solution comprising between
about 25% and 75% by weight of a cationic surfactant having antimicrobial
or disinfecting properties; and thereafter converting said matrix by
forming same into a shaped article of commerce.
2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein an antimicrobial garment is formed
as a result of said converting step.
3. The method defined in claim 1 wherein an antimicrobial air filter is
formed as a result of said converting step.
4. The method defined in claim 1 wherein an antimicrobial mat is formed as
a result of said converting step.
5. The method defined in claim 1 wherein a hand towel is formed as a result
of said conversion step.
6. The method defined in claim 1, wherein said matrix is coated with
between about 1% and 99% of said treatment solution calculated on the
basis weight of said matrix.
7. The method defined in claim 6 wherein said matrix is coated with between
about 3% and 25% of said treatment solution calculated on the basis weight
of said matrix.
8. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said treatment solution contains
effective amounts of at least one fragrance.
9. The method defined in claim 1 wherein said treatment solution contains
between about 0.1% and 5% fragrance.
10. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises a
polyolefin.
11. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises a
polyester.
12. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises nylon.
13. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises a
cellulosic.
14. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises a cotton.
15. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises rayon.
16. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises hemp.
17. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises a polyester
foam.
18. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises a
polyurethane foam.
19. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises
polypropylene fibers coated with between about 3% and 12% of said
treatment solution which comprises approximately 40 to 60% propylene
glycol and, correspondingly, approximately 40 to 60% of said cationic
surfactant with the balance being antimicrobial compound.
20. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix comprises
polypropylene and rayon fibers coated with between about 3% and 12% of
said treatment solution comprising approximately 40% to 60% propylene
glycol and correspondingly approximately 40% to 60% of said cationic
surfactant, with the balance being antimicrobial compound.
21. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said matrix is polypropylene, and
said treatment solution comprises about 49% propylene glycol and about 49%
of a cationic surfactant, with the balance being antimicrobial compound.
22. The method defined in claim 7 wherein said cationic surfactant compound
is selected from the group consisting of water soluble quaternary ammonium
compounds and polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds of the general
formula:
##STR2##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are selected from an alkyl group, an alkyl
ether group and a hydroxyalkyl group each containing from 1 to 3 carbon
atoms, R.sub.3 is an alkyl group containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and
R.sub.4 is selected from an alkyl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms,
an aralkyl group wherein alkyl contains 1 to 2 carbon atoms and
heterocyclic radicals, and X.sup.- is a suitable anion selected from the
group consisting of halide, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate,
methosulfate or acetate.
23. The method defined in claim 22 wherein said matrix is selected from the
group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, nylon, cotton, hemp, rayon
fibers and polyurethane foam, polyether foam and polyester foam.
24. The method defined in claim 23 wherein said quaternary ammonium
compound has the general formula C.sub.8-18, alkyl dimethyl ammonium
chlorides and mixtures thereof.
25. The method defined in claim 23 wherein the matrix is polypropylene and
said treatment solution comprises between about 40% and 60% of a
quaternary ammonium compound having the general formula:
##STR3##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms;
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group where the alkyl group has 6-22 carbon
atoms; R.sub.4 is polypropylene oxide group.
26. The method defined in claim 22 wherein the matrix is rayon and said
treatment solution comprises between about 40% and 60% of a quaternary
ammonium compound having the general formula:
##STR4##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms;
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group where the alkyl group has 6-22 carbon
atoms; R.sub.4 is a polypropylene oxide group.
27. The method defined in claim 23 wherein the matrix is cellulosic and
said treatment solution comprises between about 40% and 60% of a
quaternary ammonium compound having the general formula:
##STR5##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms;
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group wherein the alkyl group has 6-22 carbon
atoms; R.sub.4 is a polypropylene oxide group.
28. The method defined in claim 23 wherein the matrix is comprised of a
layer of cellulose fibers sandwiched between layers of polypropylene
fibers and said treatment solution comprises between about 40% and 60% of
a quaternary ammonium compound having the general formula:
##STR6##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms;
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group where the alkyl group has 6-22 carbon
atoms; R.sub.4 is polypropylene oxide.
29. The method defined in claim 1 wherein said treatment solution contains
up to 45% of a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of:
(a) the polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl and dialkyl phenols, having
a straight or branched alkyl group of from about 6 to about 12 carbon
atoms, with ethylene oxide, wherein the amount of ethylene oxide present
is from about 3 to about 25 moles per mole of alkyl phenol;
(b) the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with ethylene oxide of
the formula RO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n H and/or propylene oxide of the
formula RO(C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.n H: wherein in either or both cases R
is a straight or branched alkyl group having from about 8 to about 22
carbon atoms, and n is 3 to 40; and
(c) polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers.
30. The method defined in claim 29, wherein said matrix is coated with
between about 1% and 99% of said treatment solution calculated on the
basis weight of said matrix.
31. The method defined in claim 29 wherein said matrix is coated with
between about 3% and 25% of said treatment solution calculated on the
basis weight of said matrix.
32. The method defined in claim 31 which contains effective amounts of at
least one fragrance.
33. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said treatment solution contains
between about 0.1% and 5% fragrance.
34. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises a
polyolefin.
35. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises a
polyester.
36. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises nylon.
37. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises a
cellulosic.
38. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises a cotton.
39. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises rayon.
40. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises hemp.
41. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises polyester
foam.
42. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises a
polyurethane foam.
43. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises
polypropylene fibers coated with between about 3% and 12% of said
treatment solution which comprises between 25% and 60% propylene glycol,
approximately 5% to 25% of said cationic surfactant, up to 45% nonionic
surfactant, and the balance being said antimicrobial compound.
44. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said matrix comprises
polypropylene and rayon fibers coated with between about 3% and 12% of
said treatment solution comprising between 25% and 60% propylene glycol,
approximately 5% to 25% of said cationic surfactant, and up to 45% of a
nonionic surfactant and the balance being said antimicrobial compound.
45. The method defined in claim 31 wherein said cationic surfactant
compound is selected from the group consisting of water soluble quaternary
ammonium compounds and polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds of the
general formula:
##STR7##
##STR8##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are selected from an alkyl group, an alkyl
ether group and a hydroxyalkyl group each containing from 1 to 3 carbon
atoms, R.sub.3 is an alkyl group containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and
R.sub.4 is selected from an alkyl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms,
an aralkyl group wherein alkyl contains 1 to 2 carbon atoms and
heterocyclic radicals, and X.sup.- is a suitable anion halide, selected
from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate,
methosulfate or acetate.
46. The method defined in claim 45 wherein said matrix is selected from the
group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, nylon, cotton, hemp, rayon
fibers and polyurethane foam, polyester foam and polyester foam.
47. The method defined in claim 46 wherein said quaternary ammonium
compound has the general formula C.sub.8-18 alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium
chlorides and mixtures thereof.
48. The method defined in claim 46 wherein the matrix is polypropylene and
said treatment solution comprises between about 25% and 60% propylene
glycol, between 5% and 25% nonionic surfactant, and up to 45% quaternary
ammonium compound having the general formula:
##STR9##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms;
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group where the alkyl group has 6-22 carbon
atoms; R.sub.4 is polypropylene oxide group.
49. The method defined in claim 45 wherein the matrix is cellulosic and
said treatment solution is up to 60% of propylene glycol, 5 to 25% of a
nonionic surfactant, between 40% and 60% of a quaternary ammonium compound
having the general formula:
##STR10##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms;
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group where the alkyl group has 6-22 carbon
atoms; R.sub.4 is a propylene oxide group.
50. The method defined in claim 45 wherein the matrix is comprised of a
layer of cellulose fibers sandwiched between layers of polypropylene
fibers and said treatment solution is up to 60% propylene glycol; 5-25% of
nonionic surfactant and between about 40% and 60% of a quaternary ammonium
compound having the general formula:
##STR11##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms;
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group where the alkyl group has 6-22 carbon
atoms; R.sub.4 is a polypropylene oxide group.
51. The method defined in claim 46 wherein the quaternary ammonium chloride
is N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride wherein the alkyl groups
comprise about 67%, C.sub.12, 25% C.sub.14, 7% C.sub.16, and 1% C.sub.8,
C.sub.10, C.sub.18.
52. The method defined in claim 46 wherein the quaternary ammonium chloride
is N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride wherein the alky groups
comprise about 60% C.sub.14, 30% C.sub.16, 5% C.sub.12, 5% C.sub.18 and
N-alkyl dimethyl ethyl benzyl ammonium chloride wherein the alkyl groups
comprise about 68% C.sub.12 and about 32% C.sub.14.
53. The substantially flexible dry matrix made in accordance with the
method defined in claim 1 to which no water has been added other than that
naturally present therein, said matrix possessing antimicrobial
properties, said matrix comprising (a) natural or synthetic woven,
non-woven or knitted fibers, or (b) flexible foam material or combinations
thereof containing an amount of a non-aqueous treatment solution
sufficient to allow said matrix to retain its substantially flexible dry
characteristics and its antimicrobial characteristics said non-aqueous
treatment solution comprising by weight between about 25% and 75% of at
least one glycol compound and between about 0.2% and 60% of a cationic
surfactant, and antimicrobial effective amounts of an antimicrobial or
disinfectant compound.
54. The matrix defined in claim 53 which contains up to 45% of nonionic
surfactant selected from the group consisting of:
(a) the polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl and dialkyl phenols, having
a straight or branched alkyl group of from about 6 to about 12 carbon
atoms, with ethylene oxide, wherein the amount of ethylene oxide present
is from about 3 to about 25 moles per mole of alkyl phenol;
(b) the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with ethylene oxide of
the formula RO(C.sub.2 H.sub. O).sub.n H and/or propylene oxide of the
formula RO(CH.sub.3 H.sub.6)).sub.n H: wherein either or both R is a
straight or branched alkyl group having from about 8 to 22 carbon atoms,
and n is 3 to 40; and
(c) polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers.
55. The matrix defined in claim 53 which is formed into an antimicrobial
garment.
56. The matrix defined in claim 53 which is formed into an antimicrobial
air filter.
57. The matrix defined in claim 53 which is formed into an antimicrobial
mat.
58. The matrix defined in claim 53 which is formed into an antimicrobial
towel. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a matrix capable of being converted into a
substantially dry wipe which has incorporated therein a mixture comprising
at least one glycol compound and a cationic surfactant and optionally a
nonionic surfactant. The dry wipe of the present invention can be used for
a variety of different applications. For example, it can be used as a dust
cloth to pick up and remove dust, fibers and other particulate matter
while concurrently rendering the surface clean and substantially static
free; in addition, the aforementioned wipe if immersed in water, acts as a
hard surface cleaning wiper while concurrently rendering the cleaned
surface substantially static free; with the appropriate additives it can
be used in antimicrobial applications, which includes by way of
illustration being formed into an antimicrobial garment, an antimicrobial
air filter or an antimicrobial mat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One of the cleaning systems for "hard surfaces" (i.e., as exemplified by
formica counter tops and table tops, computer screens, kitchen appliances,
porcelain bathroom surfaces) have used solid or liquid soap, and currently
preferably used detergents, which were applied to the surface with or
without some scrubbing means.
In the past, liquid cleaners generally contained an active surfactant in
addition to water, buffers, preservatives, thickeners, etc. Some of these
liquid cleaners are designed to be diluted at the time of use with the
dilution factors often being in the range of from 50 to 1 to 100 to 1.
Liquid cleaners were eventually modified to be used in the form of an
aerosol or non-aerosol foam. The foams did not require dilution and
therefore delivered more active cleaning chemicals to the surface to be
cleaned. The action of the foam itself purportedly obviated the need to
"scrub" the surface, however, these foams have not always worked as
intended.
Another of the systems for cleaning hard surfaces comprised the use of
scrubbing powders, such as sodium bicarbonate, as a carrier for the liquid
surfactants used. These powders were diluted with fillers and various
abrasive compounds. With the addition of a powdered bleaching agent to the
abrasive powders, they gained a reputation of heavy-duty hard surface
cleaning.
The difficulty experienced in the prior art with the above-mentioned
liquids, foams and powders to achieve a hard surface cleaning was to get
the active ingredient to the specific area of the surface to be cleaned in
full strength.
Obviously, the aforementioned systems were all liquid systems and would not
be efficient for instances where it is desired merely to remove dust from
the hard surface. The removal of dust from a hard surface depends upon an
entirely different type of system, usually a system wherein, for example,
a cloth is impregnated with oil or some other dust removing agent. These
dust-removing agents, while demonstrating a capacity to remove dust, are
invariably incompatible with water so that the wet-dry systems mentioned
above are mutually exclusive with respect to their use.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a hard surface
cleaning system wipe which can be used dry to pick up and remove dust
while rendering that surface static free, and alternatively, with the
addition of water to the wipe, to provide a cleaning system which can
remove surface films which are predominately organic in nature.
It is another object of the invention to provide a cleaning system which is
totally compatible with water while retaining its fully active properties
regardless of whether the application is to remove dirt (dry system) or
organic film (wet system).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a matrix capable of being converted into a
substantially flexible dry wipe capable of cleaning a hard surface by
removing dust, organic film or both and rendering it substantially static
free; alternatively the matrix can be converted into an antimicrobial
garment, an antimicrobial air filter or an antimicrobial mat. In each
instance cited, the matrix or substrate, (referred to herein as the
"matrix") is made up of natural or synthetic fibers, processed into woven,
non-woven or knitted forms, a flexible foam material, or any combinations
thereof, which matrix is uniformly coated with a treatment solution in an
amount sufficient to obtain the benefits of the invention and yet still
feel dry to the touch since no water is added other than that naturally
present in the matrix. Likewise no water is added to the treatment
solution. With the aforementioned criteria in mind, the treatment solution
applied can range between about 1 and 99%, preferably between about 3% and
25%, of basis weight of the matrix, said solution comprising between about
25% and 75% of at least one glycol compound, between 0.2% and 60% of a
cationic surfactant, and optionally between about 5% and 45% of a nonionic
surfactant. When the wipe, after manufacture is used to remove organic
film, it must be first contacted with water by immersion or any other
means irrespective of whether only the cationic surfactant or the cationic
and nonionic surfactants are present in the wipe. Further, the solution
may also optionally contain effective amounts of one or more fragrances,
preferably between about 0.1% and 5% fragrance.
Such prior art references as U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,227,614, 3,283,357,
4,257,924, 4,692,374 and Australian Patent No. 72440/87 disclose systems
of diluting active disinfectants and cleaning agents in a carrier,
applying the surplus of the carrier containing the active ingredients onto
a specific applicator material and subsequently drying the material with
the carrier and active ingredient. These methods were used in the prior
art because it was a convenient way to evenly disperse a specific amount
of active ingredient on an applicator material.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,614 uses a mineral oil as a carrier and
adds an excess of detergent to counteract and emulsify the oily properties
of the mineral oil carrier. The other references noted above use water,
alcohol or combinations thereof, all followed by a drying step.
The product and method of the present invention is simpler, less expensive
and applicable to a broader variety of matrix webs. Unexpectedly, the
article of the present invention is safer than prior art products since it
is practically non-irritating to the eyes, skin, etc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For the purpose of this specification, the term "substantially dry matrix"
as used herein refers to a matrix to which no water has been added other
than the water naturally present in the matrix as manufactured. The term
further encompasses a finished product, i.e. a wipe, garment or air filter
which has been treated with a nonaqueous 100% active solution containing
the components described hereinafter which are applied to the matrix or
web in such a way as to result in a product that feels dry to the touch.
As noted above, the matrix comprising the substantially dry product made in
accordance with the method of the present invention contains natural or
synthetic fibers, processed into woven, nonwoven or knitted form, a
flexible foam, or combinations thereof, in a basis weight range generally
of 5 to 200 grams per square yard, preferably 15 to 100 grams per square
yard. A suitable matrix of the present invention is comprised of woven or
nonwoven thermoplastic filaments or fibers, more preferably polypropylene,
in a basis weight range of 5 to 100 grams per square yard, preferably 15
to 40 grams per square yard, wherein the same filaments or fibers have a
diameter preferably less than 4 microns. The tensile strength cf the
matrix of the present invention is of sufficient magnitude so as to enable
the wipe to be used wet without shredding or disintegrating. It can be
generally characterized by a tensile strength of between about 0.5 and 1.5
pounds per inch of width, although obviously, lesser or greater values can
be utilized. Such matrix can consist of a single layer of the filaments or
fibers described above or a foam layer, or it can consist of a plurality
of layers of the same said filaments or fibers and/or foam which have been
adhered using any suitable method, such as sonic, thermal or mechanical
bonding, etc. The aforementioned blends of the same or different types of
fibers may be incorporated into the matrix depending upon the desired end
use of the product. Selection of the matrix used pursuant to the present
invention is dependent upon the cleaning efficiency or the type of
application desired or both. Some factors to be considered with respect to
the application to which the matrix will be put are the abrasive
characteristics, absorbability characteristics, the porosity of the matrix
and, obviously, the cost. In instances where a substantial capacity to
hold liquid while in use in accordance with the present invention is
desired, a flexible foamed material having high absorptive properties may
be used, alone or in combination with the other materials noted above, as
the matrix.
Of particular interest for use in the matrix are the following: (a) fibers:
polypropylene, polyester, nylon and cellulosics, such as cellulose,
cotton, rayon, hemp, etc.; (b) foams: polyurethane, polypropylene,
polyethylene, polyester, polyethers, etc.
The cationic surfactant compound employed in the present invention can be
selected from any of the well-known classes of water-soluble quaternary
ammonium compounds. Such classes include the quaternary heteronium
compounds such as cetyl pyridinium chloride and polymeric quaternary
ammonium compounds of the general formula:
##STR1##
wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are selected from an alkyl group, an alkyl
ether group and a hydroxyalkyl group each containing from 1 to 3 carbon
atoms, R.sub.3 is an alkyl group containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and
R.sub.4 is selected from an alkyl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms,
an aralkyl group wherein alkyl contains 1 to 2 carbon atoms and
heterocyclic radicals, and X.sup.- is a suitable anion such as halide,
e.g., chloride, bromide and iodide or nitrate, methosulfate or acetate.
A particularly useful compound having the general formula listed above is
one wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups having 1-3 carbon atoms,
R.sub.3 is an alkyl benzyl group such as a dodecylbenzyl, R.sub.4 is
polypropylene oxide group, and X is chloride.
Particularly useful quaternary ammonium compounds of the above-indicated
general formula are the C.sub.8-18 alkyl dimethyl ammonium chlorides and
mixtures thereof.
Other particularly effective germicides that can be used in accordance with
the present invention are a cationic germicide produced by Stepan Co.
bearing the trademarks BTC 65 and BTC 2125 M. The BTC 65 composition, or
ones like it, have a composition comprising about 50% n-alkyl (67%
C.sub.12, 25% C.sub.14, 7% C.sub.16 1% C.sub.8 +C.sub.10 +C.sub.18)
dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides and 50% inert ingredients. The amount
of C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 alkyl groups in the composition can vary on both
sides of the values listed. This composition will be effective when
handled in a manner consistent with its labelling.
The BTC 2125 M composition comprises a similar compound. It is a blend of
n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides wherein the active ingredients
comprise 25% of a n-alkyl (60% C.sub.14, 30% C.sub.16, 5% C.sub.12, 5%
C.sub.18) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride in admixture with 25% of a
n-alkyl (68% C.sub.12, 32% C.sub.14) dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium
chloride in admixture 50% with inert ingredients. The amounts of C.sub.12
to C.sub.18 groups can vary on both sides of the specific values listed
herein. This composition also will be effective when handled in a manner
consistent with its label.
The effective amount of cationic surfactant compound to be employed in
accordance with the present invention ranges between about 0.20% and 60%,
preferably between 40% and 60% of the treatment solution. The specific
amounts of any particular cationic surfactant compound which may be
employed within this range will depend on such factors relating to the
intended end use of the article as can be readily determined by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
The treating solution embodiments disclosed herein all require the presence
of the glycol compounds specified hereinafter, which when moistened,
exhibit nonionic surfactant properties. In addition, however, depending
upon the specific end use to which the article of the present invention is
to be put, the treating solution may also optionally contain up to 45% of
a water-soluble nonionic surfactant in addition to the glycols specified
herein.
Any of the well known classes of water-soluble non-ionic surfactants may be
employed in the invention.
Suitable nonionic surfactants include those selected from:
(a) the polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl and dialkyl phenols, having
a straight or branched alkyl group of from about 6 to about 12 carbon
atoms, with ethylene oxide, wherein the amount of ethylene oxide present
is from about 3 to about 25 moles per mole of alkyl phenol;
(b) the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with ethylene oxide of
the formula RO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n H and/or propylene oxide of the
formula RO(C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.n H: wherein in either or both cases R
is a straight or branched alkyl group having from about 8 to about 22
carbon atoms, and n is 3 to 40; and
(c) polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block polymers.
Examples of nonionic surfactants of type (a) above are marketed by GAF
Corporation under the trademark Igepal.RTM., e.g., Igepal .RTM. CA-420, an
octylphenol condensed with an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide; or by
Rohm and Haas under the trademark Triton .RTM., e.g., Triton .RTM. X-100,
an octylphenol condensed with an average of 9 moles of ethylene oxide.
Examples of nonionic surfactants of type (b) above are marketed by Shell
Chemical Company under the trademark Neodol .RTM., e.g., Neodol .RTM.
25-12, the condensation product of C.sub.12-15 linear primary alcohol with
an average of 12 moles of ethylene oxide, by Union Carbide Corporation
under the trademark Tergitol .RTM., e.g., Tergitol .RTM. 24L60, a
polyethylene glycol ether of a mixture of synthetic C.sub.12-14 fatty
alcohols with an average of nine moles of ethylene oxide.
Examples of nonionic surfactants of type (c) above are marketed by BASF
Wyandotte Corporation under the trademarks Pluronic.RTM. and
Plurafac.RTM., e.g., Pluronic .RTM. 10 R5 which conforms to the formula
HO(CHCH.sub.3 CH).sub.x (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.y (CHCH.sub.3
CH.sub.2).sub.z H in which the average values of x, y and z are
respectively 7, 22 and 7; and Plurafac .RTM. B25-5, a linear straight
chain primary alkoxylated alcohol.
When employed in accordance with the present invention, emulsifying
effective amounts of nonionic surfactants are used; accordingly, the
nonionic surfactants will be present up to about 45% of the treatment
solution. The specific amount of the particular nonionic surfactant which
is employed within this range will depend upon the detergent activity
desired as can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art;
i.e., in applications requiring heavy duty cleaning power, higher amounts
of nonionic surfactants in the treating solution would be used; and vice
versa.
The dry article, optionally, but preferably may contain one or more
fragrances for imparting a pleasant odor to the cleaned surface As used
herein, the term "fragrance" includes chemicals which can mask malodors
and/or destroy malodors. When employed, the fragrance is present in the
dry wipe in amounts up to 5% of the treatment solution.
The glycol, used in accordance with the present invention, is preferably
propylene glycol, USP.
Any glycol, such as the propylene glycol USP disclosed above, which is safe
and nontoxic and possesses the ability to coat fibers uniformly may be
used. The glycols used must impart softness to the dry nonwoven web and,
when diluted with water, increase the cleaning efficiency of the dry wipe
by means of the water.
The polyethylene glycols and CARBOWAX methoxy polyethylene glycols used in
the present invention are a family of linear polymers formed by the
addition reaction of ethylene oxide. The generalized formula for
polyethylene glycol is:
HO--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --H
and for methoxy polyethylene glycol is:
CH.sub.3 O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --H
where "n" is the average number of repeating oxyethylene groups. The
repeating ether linkages and terminal hydroxyl groups give rise to the
water solubility of the polyethylene glycols.
The CARBOWAX PEG 600 used herein consists of a distribution of polymers of
varying molecular weights with an average of 600, which corresponds to an
average number of repeating oxyethylene groups ("n") of 13.
Polyethylene glycols are generally available in average molecular weights
ranging from 200 to 8000 and methoxy polyethylene glycols are available in
average molecular weights ranging from 350 to 5000.
This wide range of polyethylene glycols provides flexibility in choosing
properties to meet the requirements of many different applications.
An illustration of a method used in the formation of a matrix capable of
being utilized in the present invention comprises combining cellulosic
wood pulp fibers, and synthetic fibers, such as a linear polyester. Such a
matrix is formed by mixing the aforementioned fibers in water to form a
slurry containing 1% to 5% by weight of the fibers. This slurry is
discharged through a metering slot onto a continuously moving fine wire
screen (commonly referred to as a Fourdrinier screen). The moving screen
is continuously shaken in a lateral fashion, normal to its direction of
movement, causing the fibers thereon to become mechanically entangled, and
also causing a large portion of the water to be drained therefrom with the
result | | |
