GB2481704A

GB2481704A - Polyacrylamide and starch cleaning material

Info

Publication number: GB2481704A
Application number: GB1110975.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Bellis
Original assignee: AMCROL Ltd
Current assignee: AMCROL Ltd
Priority date: 2010-07-01
Filing date: 2011-06-28
Publication date: 2012-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-28
Also published as: GB201011087D0; GB2481704B; GB201110975D0

Abstract

The invention provides a cured cleaning material comprising at least oneÂ polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water. The material may comprise cationic polyacrylamide, anionic poyacrylamide, or a mixture. A method of making a cleaning material comprising mixing at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water, wherein the resultant mixture is cured is also covered. Use of a cured cleaning material for cleaning a surface and/or cleaning skin, said material comprising at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water is further envisaged.

Description

Cleaninu Material The present invention relates to a cleaning material, and in particular a cleaning material for removing dirt and contaminants from a surface and/or from skin, the manufacture of said material, and its use thereof Conventional chemical cleaning agents and cleaning materials are well known and are presently available in various forms, such as liquids, gels, foams or solids. These existing cleaning agents can be used in concentrated or diluted forms as desired in order to suit the particular use. Cleaning with such agents may be effected by soaking, but is generally more effective when combined with mechanical means of agitation such as brushing, wiping, spraying, hosing, or jetting.

One problem with using such conventional cleaners to remove dirt from surfaces, and in particular surfaces which are uneven or have crevices, is that the mechanical action can spread the dirt. Tf the dirt is hazardous in nature (e.g. chemical, biological, radioactive, or physical) it can be transferred to the cleaning operative and present a significant health hazard.

One existing method for cleaning irregular surfaces whilst eliminating the spread of dirt is the use of poultice technology. This involves using a porous solid filled with solvent, and can be used to remove stains from porous stone such as marble or granite. Using poultice may be effective at removing stains, but typically involves mixing before application, careful application to the stonework, allowing it to set or dry (setting/drying times are temperature dependent), and careful removal. This technique may therefore be suitable for specialist applications, but it is not convenient for quick everyday cleaning needs encountered in domestic, leisure, healthcare, veterinary, agricultural, commercial, or industrial situations.

An alternative solution to provide an effective cleaning agent for dry dirt is published in US 2004/0045 094. This document describes a gel-like cleaning agent based on natural polysaccharides and chemically modified polysaccharides. It is formulated in a manner such that a soft, easily deformable mass results which can adapt to contours, and is cohesive so that small gaps and cavities are reached without leaving residues on the surface to be cleaned.

A further approach is disclosed WO 2008/05 1550. This document discloses a liquid free cleaning composition which is the form of cleaning putty having a viscous adhesive base component and non-biodegradable polymers, an inert filler, and an emulsifier. The cleaning putty can be used to clean surfaces.

Whereas the two patents mentioned above do address some of the problems of cleaning dry dirt from creviced, irregular surfaces, the present invention offers significant benefits for cleaning such surfaces when they are heavily soiled with wet/moist dirt, mud, body fluids, or faecal matter. The present invention also addresses the environmental issue in that the cleaning material is biodegradable.

Tt is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning material which is capable of removing dirt from surfaces, including surfaces which are difficult to access or are uneven. II is a further object of the present invention to provide a cleaning material which may be easily applied to a surface to be cleaned, may be used repeatedly whilst retaining a good cleaning effect, and which is ecologically friendly.

Conventional hand or skin cleaners are also known and come in the form of gels, liquids and solid soaps. Some heavy duty hand cleaners are able to remove ink, grease, paint and the like.

US 20 11-105375 (Al) describes a liquid hand cleansing composition which has the ability to remove stubborn soils such as ink, grease, paint and the like. The composition is capable of holding water insoluble particles in suspension without separation or sedimentation, because of the cooperation between a special suspension system and a surfactant system. Additionally, the composition remains homogenous and viscosity stabilized even in the presence of relatively large quantities of solvent such as d-limonene. The composition comprises a surfactant system and a particle suspension system, said surfactant system further comprising: at least one anionic surfactant; an amphoteric surfactant; and an ethanolamide; said particle suspension system further comprising: a gum; an ethoxylated glyceryl ester; an ethanolamide; a ground cereal grain; a citrus terpene; and water insoluble exfoliating particles; the composition having a viscosity of from about 1,000 centipoises to about 20,000 centipoises; and wherein said ethanolamide serves as a component of the surfactant system and the suspension system and the total amount of said ethanolamide in said composition is from 0.1% to 4% by weight of the composition.

Whereas the documents mentioned above do address some of the problems of cleaning stubborn dirt from skin, the present invention offers significant benefits for cleaning stubborn dirt from skin in an environment where running water is absent.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cleaning material which is capable of removing stubborn dirt from skin in the absence of a water supply. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cleaning material which may be easily applied to skin to be cleaned, may be used repeatedly whilst retaining a good cleaning effect, and which is ecologically friendly.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cured cleaning material comprising at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making a cleaning material comprising mixing at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water, wherein the resultant mixture is cured.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a cured cleaning material for cleaning a surface, said material comprising at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a cured cleaning material for cleaning skin, said material comprising at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water.

It has surprisingly been found that a cleaning material comprising the components as set out in the first aspect provides for a substance which can be used to remove dirt from surfaces and skin. In particular, the cleaning material has a flexible dough-like consistency which enables use on uneven surfaces, and which allows for adherence of dirt particles to the material thereby removing them from the surface to be cleaned.

The dough-like consistency and the cleaning properties of the material also allows the material to be re-used until saturated. In this respect, it is noted that the material holds twice its own weight in dirt.

The cleaning material of the present invention should furthermore permit both dry or moist solids to be removed from skin, surfaces and crevices. Depending on the cleaning material consistency, said material is also suitable for removal of residual oils and greases from surfaces and skin. The cleaning material is particularly suitable for cleaning difficult-to-access surfaces and removal of moist deposits, such as mud and faecal matter, from shoe soles and tyre treads.

The cleaning material comprises at least one polyacrylamide. The term polyacrylamide will be understood to refer to a polymer formed from acrylamide monomers, and which can readily be cross-linked to form polymers. Polyacrylamides generally have a repeating unit of -CH2CH(CONH2)-and may alternatively be called poly(2-propenamide) or poly( 1 -carbamoylethylene).

The terms "polymer" or "polymeric system" may be used interchangeably in the present application, and are understood to refer to mixtures of polymers having varying chain lengths. The term polymer therefore includes mixtures comprising any of monomers, dimers, trimers, or polyacrylamides having chain length greater than 3.

References to specific acrylamides throughout the description may be to monomer components which would be used to form the resulting polymeric acrylamide, unless otherwise specified.

The cleaning material may comprise a homogeneous polyacrylamide mixture comprised of one type of poylacrylamide only. Alternatively, the cleaning material may comprise a combination of polyacrylamide types.

Polyacrylamides are available in forms having an anionic charge, a cationic charge, or in a non-ionic form. It is envisaged that any of these forms of polyacrylamide may be used in the cleaning material. Preferably, the cleaning material comprises cationic polyacrylamide, anionic polyacrylamide, or a mixture thereof It is envisaged that cationic and anionic polyacrylamide (i.e. charged polyacrylamide) may be preferred rather than non-ionic polyacrylamide, as charged polyacrylamide would be able to attract charged dirt particles to the cleaning material. The choice of anionic or cationic polyacrylamide may depend upon the likely charge of the dirt particles which may be encountered. For example, if the dirt particles likely to be encountered have an overall anionic charge then a cationic polyacrylamide may be selected.

It will be understood that the term "anionic polyacrylamide" referes to a group of very high molecular weight macromolecules produced by the free-radical polymerisation of acrylamide and anionically charged co-monomers. The anionically charged co-monomers may be selected from sodium salts of acrylic acid. Preferably the anionically charged co-monomers are sodium acrylate.

The anionic polyacrylamide may alternatively be prepared by partially hydrolysing polyacrylamide homopolymer.

It will be understood that the term "cationic polyacrylamides" refers to a group of very high molecular weight macromolecules produced by free-radical polymerisation of acrylamide and cationically charged co-monomers. The cationically charged co-monomers may be selected from quatemary ammonium cations (also commercially known as quats).

The cationically charged co-monomers may be selected from the group comprising N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methyl chloride quatemary, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methyl chloride quaternary, acryloxyethyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (commercially known as ADAMQUAT), acryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (commercially known as ADAMQUAT), methacryloxyethyldimethyl ammonium chloride (commercially known as MADQUAT), methacryloxyethyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (MADQUAT), or a combination thereof.

Non-ionic polyacrylamides refer to a group of very high molecular weight macromolecules produced by free-radical polymerisation of acrylamide homopolymer. Additionally, other non-charged monomers may be copolymerised with acrylamide to provide non-ionic polyacrylamide.

The charge density (ionicity) of a charged polyacrylamide may be varied by varying the acrylamide: anionic/cationic monomer ratio. Variance of this ratio may provide charge densities in the range from 0% to 100% along the resulting polymer chain.

In an embodiment where an anionic polyacrylamide is present in the cleaning material, the overall charge density of the anionic polyacrylamide may be in the range from 10% to 80%. More preferably, the charge density may in the range from 20% to 70%. Most preferably, the charge density may be in the range from 30% to 60%.

In an embodiment where a cationic polyacrylamide is present in the cleaning material, the overall charge density of the cationic polyacrylamide may be in the range from 20% to 90%. More preferably, the charge density may in the range from 30% to 80%.

It will be understood that from hereon in, refernces to a "surface" include the surface of skin.

Use of charged polyacrylamides, whether anionic or cationic, may alter or enhance the performance of the cleaning material by allowing for attraction of electrostatically charged dirt particles from a surface to be cleaned. Additionally, charged polyacrylamides may be advantageously used to attract solids suspended in liquid, and may therefore provide a more effective cleaning material for moist or wet dirt.

The molecular weight of the polyacrylamide in the cleaning material may preferably be in the range from 5,000,000 to 25,000,000 Daltons. More preferably, said molecular weight is in the range from 8,000,000 to 22,000,000 Daltons. Most preferably, said molecular weight is in the range from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 Daltons.

Polyacrylamides which may be used in the cleaning material of the present invention are typically available in solid powder form or in the form of a liquid emulsion in oil.

The oil used to form the liquid emulsion may be selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents. Hydrocarbon solvents based on kerosene may be preferred.

Whilst either solid powder form or liquid emulsion polyacrylamides may be used in this invention, it has been found that the liquid emulsion form is more convenient.

Specific polyacrylamide containing components which may be used for the cleaning material of the present invention are listed below by way of example only.

* Non-ionic liquid polyacrylamide having no overall charge density, high molecular weight, a viscosity of 1,200 cP, having 40 wt.% of polyacrylamides, and a viscosity when at a concentration of 0.5 wt.% in water of 50 cP.

* Anionic liquid polyacrylamide having a high overall charge density (i.e. between 40 to 70 %), high molecular weight, a viscosity of 1,200 cP, having 36 wt.% of polyacrylamides, and a viscosity when at a concentration of 0.5 wt.% in water of 2,800 cP.

* Cationic liquid polyacrylamide having a high overall charge density (i.e. between to 70 %), high molecular weight, a viscosity of 500 cP, having 50 wt.% of polyacrylamides, and a viscosity when at a concentration of 0.5 wt.% in water of 1,800 cP.

The polyacrylamide may be present in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 15.0 wt.% of the cleaning material. More preferably, said polyacrylamide may be present in the range from 0.3 wt.% to 7.0 wt.%. Most preferably, said polyacrylamide may be present in the range from 0.5 wt.% to 6.0 wt.%.

In an embodiment wherein the cleaning material comprises more than one polyacrylamide, it will be understood that the ranges of polyacrylamide present will refer to the total amount of polyacrylamides present in the cleaning material.

The cleaning material comprises at least one starch compound. The term starch compound will be understood to refer to glucose polymers in which glucopyranose units are bonded by a-linkages. Starch is formed from a mixture of amylose and amylopectin.

Starch compounds are widely available in the form of flour foodstuffs. For non-food applications, such as the present invention, time-expired, damaged, or downgraded starch flours may be used.

Starch is obtainable from a number of sources for use in the cleaning material of the present invention. Suitable starch compounds for use in the cleaning material may be derived from corn flour, wheat flour, potato flour, rice flour, soya flour, tapioca, sago, arrowroot, or a combination thereof Preferably, the starch compound for use in the cleaning material is derived from wheat flour or corn flour.

Typically, a starch flour comprising amylose in the range from 20 wt.% to 28 wt.% may be preferred. For example, rice flour and tapioca typically comprise amylose in the amounts of between 0 wt.% and 15 wt.% respectively, and therefore may be used in combination with other starch compounds having higher amylose concentrations to provide a starch compound having an average amylose concentration in the range of wt.% to 28 wt.%.

Specific starch compounds which may be used for the cleaning material of the present invention are listed below by way of example only.

* Corn flour (dried material) -comprising 0.6 wt.% protein, 98.4 wt.% carbohydrate, 0.8 wt.% fat, 0.1 wt.% fibre, and 0.1 wt.% sodium.

* Wheat flour (dried material) -comprising 10.0 wt.% protein, 84.6 wt.% carbohydrate, 1.3 wt.% fat, 3.7 wt.% fibre, and 0.4 wt.% sodium.

The starch compound may be present in the range from 10 wt.% to 75 wt.% of the cleaning material. More preferably, said starch compound may be present in the range from 15 wt.% to 55 wt.%. Most preferably, said starch compound may be present in the range from 20 wt.% to 35 wt.%.

In an embodiment wherein the cleaning material comprises more than one starch compound, it will be understood that the ranges of starch compound present will refer to the total amount of starch compounds present in the cleaning material.

The cleaning material comprises water. The water used may be from any suitable source, and may be selected from tap water or de-ionised water.

The water may be present in the range from 15 wt.% to 70 wt.% of the cleaning material. More preferably, said water may be present in the range from 20 wt.% to 65 wt.%. Most preferably, said water may be present in the range from 25 wt.% to 50 wt.%.

Preferably, the water will be present at an amount such that the resulting cleaning material has a dough-like consistency.

The cleaning material may comprise at least one biocide agent. Tt will be understood that references to biocide agent herein relate to chemical substances which are capable of killing living organisms.

To protect the cleaning material from bacterial contamination it may be necessary to incorporate a biocide agent in to the cleaning material. The inclusion of a biocide agent in to the cleaning material may ensure that the cleaning material does not spread bacterial infections whilst it is used during cleaning, and that the cleaning material itself does not act as a host for bacterial or viral colonisation whilst being stored.

The biocide agent may be selected from pesticides or antimicrobial agents. Suitable pesticides may be selected from the group comprising fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algicides, molluscicides, miticides, rodenticides, or any combination thereof Suitable antimicrobial agents may be selected from the group comprising germicides, antibiotics, antibacterials, antivirals, antiftingals, antiprotozoals, antiparasites, or any combination thereof Preferably, the biocide agent is selected from antimicrobial agents.

Antimicrobial agents may be independently selected from the group comprising chloromethylisothiazolinone (CIT), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), other isothiazolinone-derived biocides such as benzylisothiozolinone, or carbamate esters such as 3-iodo-2-propenyl-butyl carbamate, quaternary ammonium compounds, formaldehyde, gluteraldehyde, or a combination thereof Preferred antimicrobial agents may be selected from chloromethylisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, or a combination thereof The cleaning material may comprise one biocide agent. Alternatively, the cleaning material may comprise a combination of biocide agents. It is envisaged that any suitable combination of biocide agents may be used.

The biocide agent may be present in the range from 0.05 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% of the cleaning material. More preferably, said biocide agent may be present in the range from 0.08 wt.% to 2.0 wt.%.

In an embodiment wherein the cleaning material comprises more than one biocide agent, it will be understood that the ranges of biocide agent present will refer to the total amount of biocide agents present in the cleaning material.

An example of a suitable biocide agent that may be used in the cleaning material includes, but is not restricted to, benzyl isothiazolinone.

The cleaning material may comprise at least one disinfectant. It will be understood that references to disinfectants herein relate to substances which are capable of killing microorganisms.

To protect the cleaning material from microbial contamination it may be necessary to incorporate a disinfectant into the cleaning material. Additionally, the inclusion of a disinfectant in the cleaning material may provide for a cleaning material which can disinfect as well as clean a surface to which the material is applied.

The disinfectant may be selected from alcohols, aldehydes, oxidising agents, phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds, or a combination thereof Preferably, suitable disinfectants may be selected from the group comprising p-chloro m-cresol, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether (Triclosan), pine oil, tar acids, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or a combination thereof.

Suitable biocides and/or disinfectants may include benzyl alkonium chlorides.

The cleaning material may comprise one disinfectant. Alternatively, the cleaning material may comprise a combination of disinfectants. It is envisaged that any suitable combination of disinfectants may be used.

The disinfectant may be present in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 10.0 wt.% of the cleaning material. More preferably, said disinfectant may be present in the range from 0.5 wt.% to 7.0 wt.%. Most preferably, said disinfectant may be present in the range from 1.0 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%.

Tn an embodiment wherein the cleaning material comprises a plurality of disinfectants, it will be understood that the ranges of disinfectant present will refer to the total amount of disinfectants present in the cleaning material.

The present invention provides a cleaning material having the rheological profile needed to remove dirt from uneven and creviced surfaces. In its basic form it will be sufficient for many purposes. However, the cleaning material may comprise additional additives to modify or enhance various properties of the cleaning material.

The cleaning material of the present invention may also include additives such as modifying agents or performance enhancing agents. Said performance enhancing or modifying agents, by way of example, may be selected from perfumes, colourants, oils, surfactants, dyes, humectants, electrolytes, antistatics, corrosion inhibitors, lubricants, inert fillers (such as chalk or wood flour), salts, pH modifiers or buffers, stabilisers, antioxidants, anti-ozonants, resins, tackifiers, thickeners, solvents, alcohols, denatonium chloride, scavengers, metal deactivators, chelants, builders, anti-redeposition agents, cross-linking agents, or waxes.

Suitable perfumes may be selected from oil-based or water-based perfumes or fragrances.

The cleaning material of the present invention may also comprise one or more moisturising agents, such as skin lipids and sterols, petrolatum, emollients and lanolin.

A colourant or dye may be added to the cleaning material. Suitable colourants or dyes may be selected from oil-based or water-based dyes or colourants. Alternatively, the colour of the cleaning material may be altered by the addition of coloured particulate solids, for example wood flour, clay, carbon black, chalk, sand, or metal oxides.

Suitable oils for use in the cleaning material may include oils selected from mineral oils, animal oils, marine oils, or vegetable oils. Oils may be included in the cleaning material to modify the tactile properties of said material.

The cleaning material may comprise salts. Suitable salts may be selected from sodium salts. In particular, sodium salts of chlorine or acetic acid may be preferred.

The salts may be included to allow the cleaning material to maintain a desired consistency. In addition, the sodium salts may provide biocidal or disinfectant properties to the cleaning material.

Surfactants may be included in the cleaning material. The surfactants may be selected to alter or enhance the cleaning performance of the cleaning material. Suitable surfactants may be selected from non-ionic, anionic, or cationic surfactants.

The modifying or performance enhancing agents may be added separately to the cleaning material during formation, or may be present in a combined form with one of the components, for example a modifying agent present in a potyacrylamide/oil dispersion.

The formation of the cleaning material of the present invention may be undertaken by mixing the starch compound with water and a polyacrylamide, or alternatively mixing the starch compound with an aqueous solution of polyacrylamide. The amount of each component is varied to ensure that a paste is formed.

In the embodiment where all the components are added to make the paste, the paste is subjected to a first cure step. A first cure step may be sufficient to form the cured material, and this may be used in the method where all the components are added together.

The first cure step may be performed at an elevated temperature in the range from 50°C to 120°C. More preferably, the elevated temperature may be in the range from 60°C to 100°C. The first cure step may be undertaken for any necessary time period.

This time period may be typically in the range from 5 minutes to 16 hours.

The curing may take place at an elevated temperature in an oven for a time period until the paste mixture reaches the desired consistency of a pliable semi-solid mass.

In particular, a dough or putty-like consistency is preferred.

In an alternative method the polyacrylamide may be added to the paste at a later stage.

In this method the components are added in two stages such that a dough is formed in a first step by mixing water and the starch compound, and then the mixture is subjected to a first cure step. The cured paste mixture is allowed to cool before addition of the polyacrylamide, and a second cure step may be undertaken after addition of the polyacrylamide.

Further modifications to the rheology of the mixture may be achieved by said second cure step. This second cure step may comprise heating at an elevated temperature in the range from 50°C to 120°C. Alternatively, the second cure step may comprise curing for a period at or above an ambient temperature of 15°C.

The cured mixture may then be mechanically agitated to produce a cleaning material of a desired consistency. Preferably the cleaning material has a putty-like consistency.

Other additives designed to impart specific properties to the cleaning material may also be added during the formation process. These other additives may be added to the initial starch flour and water paste before the first cure step, or to the semi-solid mass after the first cure step, or to the cleaning material once formed. The other additives may be added at the same step during the formation of the cleaning material, or may be added at different steps of the cleaning material formation.

Once the cleaning material has been formed and has been allowed to cool the resulting substance may be rolled in to sheets and cut or shaped as desired.

The cleaning material is preferably supplied in portion containers, which would also provide the user with storage when not in use.

The objects of the present invention are achieved by modifying a simple dough, based on starch and water, with a high molecular weight polyacrylamide. The cleaning material is formulated in such a manner that a soft, easy-deformable mass results which can adapt to every contour of a surface to be cleaned, and at the same time is cohesive so that small gaps and cavities are reached without leaving residues when the cleaning material is removed.

By dabbing, laying, or pressing the cleaning material on to a surface, the dirt is accommodated into the surface of the cleaning material by way of cohesion. Where charged polyacrylamide is used in the cleaning material, the dirt may also be attracted to the cleaning material by electrostatic attraction. Since the cleaning material is gel-like and runs together (i.e. can be mixed together) the dirt particles are embedded into the mass and new surfaces are formed which may accommodate further dirt.

In its basic form, the cleaning material of the present invention is non-flammable, environmentally friendly, skin compatible. Tt may be formed at a neutral pH so that it would not cause corrosion of cleaned surfaces.

The cleaning material according to the invention provides a combination of chemical and mechanical cleaning properties. Preferably, the cleaning material performs both types of cleaning properties without having their prior individual disadvantages. The cleaning material provides for fields of application which until now could not be accomplished satisfactorily, even when using a combination of existing cleaners. The cleaning material is ready for use at any time and need not be mixed or prepared in any other manner. One requires no type of mechanical cleaning utensils in order to use the cleaning material according to the invention.

Examples of uses for the cleaning agent include cleaning of fabrics, motor vehicle carpets (for both dry and moist dirt), spot cleaning clothing (for both dry debris and moist food), cleaning hard to reach places, such as vents, slots, grills, corners and crevices, threads, soles of shoes, etc, and cleansing skin. The cleaning agent is not limited to these uses, and it is envisaged that other uses may exist.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following description.

Tt will be understood that all tests and physical properties listed have been determined at atmospheric pressure and room temperature (i.e. 20°C), unless otherwise stated herein, or unless otherwise stated in any referenced test methods and procedures.

A number of cleaning material formulations were formed using varying combinations of components, and the various formulations are shown in Tables 1 to 8.

The cleaning materials listed in the tables below were made by the following process.

The flour was mixed with a filler (salt, sodium acetate, wood flour, chalk etc.). The water was then added and mixed with the flour and filler to form a substance with a dough-like consistency. The surfactant was then added and mixed in to the substance.

The other remaining components were added, including biocide, disinfectant, vegetable oil, dye, and perfume. Finally the liquid polyacrylamide was added and mixed in thoroughly.

It should be noted that the order of addition of the components may be varied if desired without detracting from the resulting cleaning material.

The resulting thick paste was then transferred to a covered vessel and cured in an oven at the temperatures and for a time period as indicated in the tables. After the curing was completed the material was removed from the oven and allowed to cool for between 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the ambient temperature. Once cooled, the material was rolled in to a sheet of 5 mm thickness before cutting in to the desired shapes.

Where a curing time is indicated at both 60°C and 100°C, the method of making the cleaning material included two curing steps. Tn this method the dough was formed first and then cured at the higher temperature. Polyacrylamide was then added and mixed in, and the second curing step at the lower temperature was performed.

Table 1 -Wheat Flour Based Cleaning Material WI W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7 W8 W9 W10 ________________ (wt.%) (wt.%) (.%) (wt.%) (wt.%) (wt.%) (wt.%) (wt.%) (.%) (wt.%) Wheat flour 23.2 28.3 32.8 28.3 54.5 53.2 31.0 30.5 30.5 30.0 Sodium choride -27.6 33.7 39.0 33.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Sodium acetate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 36.8 36.1 36.1 35.5 Water 39.2 25.8 24.8 25,8 38.4 37.3 27.8 27.5 27.5 27.1 AlcoholethoxylateA 2.0 2.4 0.0 2.4 1.7 1.7 0.0 1.6 0.0 1.6 Vegetableoil 2.0 2.4 0.0 2.4 1.7 1.7 0.0 0.0 1.6 1.6 w cationic polymer 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Acrylamide anionic polymer 6.0 7.4 3.4 0.0 3.6 6.0 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.2 Biocide B 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Curing time at 100°C/hours 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 Curing time at 60°C/hours 16.0 16.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 Table 2 -Corn Flour Based Cleaning Material C1(wt.%) C2(wt.%) C3(wt.%) Corn flour 26.5 18.8 18.7 Sodium choride 31.5 22.3 22.2 Water 33.2 38.8 38.7 Alcohol ethoxylateA 2.2 1.6 1,6 Vegetable oil 2.2 1.6 1.6 Powdered chalk 0.0 15.6 15.6 Acrylamide cationic polymer 0 0 0 0 1 6 (DW2160) _________ ___________ __________ Acrylamide anionic polymer 4 4 1 3 0 0 (EM635) _________ ___________ __________ Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 The formulations detailed in Table 2 were each cured at 100°C for 30 minutes.

Table 3 -Soya Flour Based Cleaning Material Si (wt.%) S2 (wt.%) Soya flour 31.7 31.3 Sodium chloride 31.7 31.3 Water 31.7 31.3 Acrylamide cationic polymer (DW2 160) 4.9 0.0 Acrylamide anionic polymer (EM635) 0.0 6.1 Total 100.0 100.0 The formulations detailed in Table 3 were each cured at 60°C for 7 hours.

Table 4 -Semolina Flour Based Cleaning Material SEI (wt.%) Semolina flour 41.0 Water (hot) 53.3 Alcohol ethoxylate A 0.8

Vegetable oil 0.8

Acrylamide anionic polymer (EM635) 4.1 Total 100.0 The formulation detailed in Table 4 was cured at 100°C for 30 minutes.

Table 5 -Tapioca Flour Based Cleaning Material In Combination With Other Flours T1(wt.%) T2(wt.%) Tapioca flour 3.5 3.5 Water (hot) 66.5 66.5 Wheat flour 0.0 6.0 Wood flour 26.0 20.0 Acrylamide anionic polymer (EM635) 4.0 4.0 Total 100.0 100.0 The formulations detailed in Table 5 were cured at 60°C for 6 hours.

Table 6 -Rice Flour Based Cleaning Material In Combination With Other Flours Ri (wt.%) Rice flour 4.9 Water (hot) 65.1 Wheat flour 6.0 Wood flour 20.0 Acrylamide anionic polymer (EM635) 4.0 Total 100.0 The formulation detailed in Table 6 was cured at 60°C for 6 hours.

Table 7 -Potato Flour Based Cleaning Material P1 (wt.%) P2 (wt.%) Potato flour 45.0 35.7 Salt 0.0 35.7 Gelatin 2.4 0.0 Water 43.6 21.5 Acrylamide anionic polymer (EM635) 9.0 7.1 Total 100.0 100.0 The formulation P1 detailed in Table 7 was cured at 100°C for 20 minutes. The formulation P2 detailed in Table 7 was cured at 60°C for 30 minutes.

Table 8 -Arrowroot Based Cleaning Agent Al (wt.%) Arrowroot flour 34.5 Salt 34.5 Water 27.6 Acrylamide anionic polymer (EM635) 3.4 Total 100.0 The formulation detailed in Table 8 was cured at 60°C for 30 minutes.

A number of the components listed in the above tables are described in more detail below: * Alcohol ethoxylate A -C9 to Cll alcohol with 6 moles ethylene oxide, present as a surfactant.

* Biocide B -Kathon * DW2160 -having a polyacrylamide content of 55 wt.% cationic polyacrylamide, with the balance being composed of oil and a stabiliser.

* EM635 -having a polyacrylamide content of 29 wt.% anionic polyacrylamide, with the remaining balance being composed of oil and a stabiliser and some water.

Both DW2 160 and EM635 were obtained from SNF (UK) Limited (of Normanton, UK).

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the resulting cleaning material in removing dirt from crevices, the following test was devised.

* A block of polyester resin was cast measuring 6.8cm x 6.8cm x 1cm, with two series of cavities having diameters of 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10 mm. One series of the cavities had a depth 2 mm and the second series had a depth 4 mm.

A specific type of dirt was applied to the block so that each cavity was filled, and any excess dirt was wiped from the surface.

The cleaning materials described in Tables 1 to 8 were then used to remove the dirt from the cavities as follows: A 25 gram ball of cleaning material was pressed, rolled, and dabbed into the cavities with the dirt being kneaded into the cleaning material after each contact.

For the smaller cavities it was sometimes necessary to roll the cleaning material into a taper small enough to fit the cavity and poke it in with a small rod -otherwise trapped air would prevent contact.

It was found that the following types of dirt were successfully removed from all the cavities described above using each of the cleaning materials: * Dry powders: salt, carbon black, wood flour, brick dust.

* Pastes: tomato puree, custard, mud * Oil and grease.

The cleaning materials, as formed in Tables 1 to 8, therefore all demonstrated good cleaning ability by removal of these different types of dirt as used in these tests. The cleaning materials were able to be re-used after the tests to continue cleaning surfaces as necessary.

When the cleaning material was used as a skin cleanser, it was found that engine oil, grease, gloss paint and garden dirt and were all successfully removed from hands using each of the cleaning materials and it is envisaged that the cleaning material would be equally effective in the removal of other forms of dirt from the skin.

It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the details of the above embodiments, which are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible.

Claims

Claims 1. A cured cleaning material comprising at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water.
2. Cleaning material according to claim 1, wherein said material comprises cationic polyacrylamide, anionic poyacrylamide, or a mixture thereof.
3. Cleaning material according to claim 2, wherein said anionic polyacrylamide is selected from sodium salts of acrylic acid.
4. Cleaning material according to either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the overall charge density of said anionic polyacrylamide is in the range from 10% to 80%.
5. Cleaning material according to claim 2, wherein said cationic polyacrylamide is selected from quaternary ammonium cations.
6. Cleaning material according to either claim 2 or claim 5, wherein the overall charge density of said cationic polyacrylamide is in the range from 20% to 90%.
7. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein said polyacrylamide is present in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 15.0 wt.% of the cleaning material.
8. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein the starch compound is derived from corn flour, wheat flour, potato flour, rice flour, soya flour, tapioca, sago, arrowroot, or a combination thereof
9. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein said starch compound comprises amylose in the range from 20 wt.% to 28 wt.%.
10. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein said starch compound is present in the range from 10 wt.% to 75 wt.% of the cleaning material.
11. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein the water is present in the range from 15 wt.% to 70 wt.?/o of the cleaning material.
12. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning material comprises at least one biocide agent.
13. Cleaning material according to claim 12, wherein said biocide agent is selected from pesticides or antimicrobial agents.
14. Cleaning material according to either claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said biocide agent is present in the range from 0.05 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% of the cleaning material.
15. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning material comprises at least one disinfectant.
16. Cleaning material according to claim 15, wherein said disinfectant is selected from alcohols, aldehydes, oxidising agents, phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds, or a combination thereof
17. Cleaning material according to either claim 15 or claim 16, wherein said disinfectant is present in the range from 0.1 wt.% to 10.0 wt.% of the cleaning material.
18. Cleaning material according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning material includes additives selected from modifying agents or performance enhancing agents.
19. A method of making a cleaning material comprising mixing at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water, wherein the resultant mixture is cured so as to retain the water.
20. Method of making a cleaning material according to claim 9, wherein all the components are added to make a paste, and said paste is subjected to a first cure step to provide a paste mixture having a consistency of a pliable semi-solid mass.
21. Method of making a cleaning material according to claim 19, wherein a dough is formed in a first step by mixing water and the starch compound, the mixture is subjected to a first cure step, the cured paste mixture is allowed to cool before addition of the polyacrylamide, and said cooled mixture is subjected to a second cure step.
22. Method of making a cleaning material according to either claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the cured mixture is mechanically agitated to produce a cleaning material of a desired putty-like consistency.
23. Use of a cured cleaning material for cleaning a surface, said material comprising at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water.
24. Use of a cured cleaning material for cleaning skin, said material comprising at least one polyacrylamide, at least one starch compound, and water.
25. A cured cleaning material as substantially as hereinbefore described.t::r: INTELLECTUAL . ...* PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1110975.8 Examiner: Fiona Warner Claims searched: 1, 24 Date of search: 19 October 2011 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1,2,18& EP1471137A1 19 at least (PROCTER & GAMBLE) See in particular claims 1, 6, 11 and example 8 A -WO 2004/046292 Al (UNILEVER) Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC CuD The following online and other databases have been ised in the preparation of this search report EPODOC, WPI International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From CuD 0003/37 01/01/2006 CuD 0011/00 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk