WO1996000759A1

WO1996000759A1 - A vehicle wash and protectant composition

Info

Publication number: WO1996000759A1
Application number: PCT/AU1995/000393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon E. Creek
Original assignee: Creek Simon E
Priority date: 1994-06-29
Filing date: 1995-06-29
Publication date: 1996-01-11
Also published as: AUPM651394A0

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle wash and protectant composition comprising water, an effective amount of a paraffin, and an effective amount of an emulsifier. Typically the paraffin is a medium molecular weight paraffin comprising from between ten to twenty one carbon atoms. Preferably the emulsifier comprises an alkylphenol ethoxylate or a derivative thereof. In one example the volumetric ratio of paraffin to emulsifier is between 5:1 to 6:1. In a concentrated form the vehicle wash and protectant composition comprises approximately 60 % by volume paraffin, approximately 10 % by volume emulsifier, and the balance water. The vehicle wash and protectant composition is effective both in washing a vehicle and protecting a vehicle against rust or corrosion.

Description

A VEHICLE WASH AND PROTECTANT COMPOSITION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle wash and protectant composition and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a car wash and protectant composition comprising an effective amount of a technical white oil.

Background of the Invention

Car wash products are traditionally detergent based. The alkyl sulphates and alkylbenzene sulphonates account for the bulk of synthetic detergents that are used. The alkyl or alkylbenzene groups are both water repelling and oil soluble. The salt group is water soluble. The detergent thus colloidally disperses oils and greases as emulsions in a water medium. These synthetic detergents are classified as anoinic detergents and largely comprise sodium salts of alkylaryl sulphonic acids and alkyl sulphuric acid. The known anionic detergents generally have relatively high pH values of between 9 to 13 to provide adequate cleaning of cars .

However, largely because of the composition and chemical properties of detergent based car wash products they have at least the following disadvantages: i) they draw moisture from a car's paintwork dulling the paintwork; ii) they are generally damaging to a car's paintwork having relatively high pH values; iii) they contain salts which promote rust and are generally abrasive; and iv) they tend to wash away protective coatings such as silicon/polymer glazes, waxes and polishes.

Summary of the Invention

An intention of the present invention is to provide a vehicle wash and protectant composition that is relatively safe and easy to use in effectively washing and protecting a vehicle.

According to the present invention there is provided a vehicle wash and protectant composition comprising: water; an effective amount of a paraffin wherein washing and protectant properties of the wash and protectant composition are substantially improved; and an effective amount of at least one emulsifier whereby the paraffin is substantially dispersed in the water.

Typically, the paraffin is a medium molecular weight paraffin comprising from between 10 to 21 carbon atoms. More typically the medium molecular weight paraffin comprises from between 10 to 15 carbon atoms.

In one example the medium molecular weight paraffin comprises greater than 98% iso-paraffins, has a boiling point of between 200 to 250°C, and a density measured at 20°C of between 0.778 to 0.785 kg/litre. Alternatively, the medium molecular weight paraffin comprises greater than 99.8% paraffins, has a flash point of approximately 57.5°C, an aniline point in the range from between 78 to 83°C, and a density in the range from between 0.765 to 0.775 kgm/litre.

In an alternative example the medium molecular weight paraffin is a technical white oil or a kerosene oil comprising a mixture of paraffins and naphthenes .

In one example the technical white oil comprises a paraffinic and a naphthenic carbon percentage according to the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) of approximately 58% and 42%, respectively, has a boiling point of approximately 235°C, and a density measured at 15°C of approximately 0.807 kg/litre.

Preferably, the emulsifier comprises an alkylphenol ethoxylate or a derivative thereof. In one example the emulsifier comprises an alkyl ether sulphate. In one such example the emulsifier comprises sodium alkyl ether sulphate having a mean molecular mass of 423 , and approximately 3 moles of ethylene oxide. Typically, the emulsifier comprises approximately 25% sodium alkyl ether sulphate, and has a boiling point of approximately 100°C, a specific gravity measured at 20°C of approximately 1.05, and a pH (5% aqueous solution) of approximately 7.0.

Alternatively, the emulsifier comprises a nonylphenol ethoxylate containing from between 2 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol. Typically, the nonylphenol ethoxylate contains 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol. In one example, the emulsifier containing nonylphenol ethoxylate has a specific gravity measured at 20°C of approximately 1.035, a viscosity of approximately 355 centipoise (cP) , and a pH (25% aqueous solution) of between 6 to 8.

Typically, the vehicle wash and protectant composition comprises a volumetric ratio of paraffin to emulsifier of between 1:1 to 50:1. More typically, the volumetric ratio of paraffin to emulsifier is between 4:1 to 7:1. In one example the volumetric ratio of paraffin to emulsifier is between 5:1 to 6:1.

Preferably, the vehicle wash and protectant composition further comprises a dye. Typically, the dye is oil-based. Preferably, the composition comprises an effective trace amount of dye for colouring the composition.

Typically, the vehicle wash and protectant composition in a concentrated form comprises from between 40 to 80% by volume paraffin, from between 1 to 15% by volume emulsifier, and substantially the balance water. More typically, said composition in the concentrated form comprises approximately 60% by volume paraffin, approximately 10% by volume emulsifier, and the balance water. In one example, said composition in the concentrated form comprises less than 1% by volume of dye.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention preferred embodiments of a vehicle wash and protectant composition will now be described in some detail, by way of example only.

In a preferred concentrated form the vehicle wash and protectant composition comprises the following components (quoted in volume percentages) : PASCOESOL 59%

Water 31%

EMPIMIN SQ25 10%

Dye (less than) less than 1%

In an alternative example, where the vehicle wash and protectant composition is provided in a concentrated form, the composition comprises the following components (quoted in volume percentages) :

PASCOESOL 59% Water 29%

EMPIMIN SQ25 8%

TERIC GN5 4%

Dye less than 1%

PASCOESOL is a trade mark for a technical white oil or kerosene product of Pascoe's Pty Ltd comprising approximately 98% iso-paraffins, having the following physical data:

Boiling range (at 760 mm of Hg) 200 to 250°C Melting point (pour point) -10°C Density (at 20°C) 0.778 to 0.785 kg/1 Vapour pressure (at 40°C) 10 kPa Viscosity (at 40°C) 1.60 to 2.10 cSt

EMPIMIN SQ25 is a trade mark for an emulsifier manufactured by Albright and Wilson Pty Ltd. EMPIMIN SQ25 comprises approximately 25% sodium alkyl ether sulphate, and the balance water and minor components. EMPIMIN SQ25 has a mean molecular mass of approximately 423 and approximately three moles of ethylene oxide, EMPIMIN SQ25 has the following physical properties : Boiling point 100°C (approximately) Specific gravity (at 20°C) 1.05 pH (5% aqueous solution) 6.3 to 7.7

TERIC GN5 is a trade mark for an emulsifier manufactured by ICI Australia Pty Ltd. TERIC GN5 is a nonylphenol ethoxylate containing approximately five moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol. The physical properties of TERIC GN5 are as follows: Specific gravity (at 20°C) 1.035

Viscosity (at 20°C) 355 cP pH (1% aqueous solution) 6 to 8

In this example, the dye is a blue oil-based dye which is added in a trace amount so as to colour the vehicle wash and protectant composition.

It is envisaged that the concentrated forms of the vehicle wash and protectant composition described above will each be provided in a bottle having a capacity of approximately 500 ml. Alternatively, the concentrated vehicle wash and protectant system may be supplied in bulk quantities in 44 gallon or 22 litre drums. The vehicle wash and protectant system may also be supplied in a spray bottle. Further dilution of the concentrated form of the vehicle wash and protectant composition will depend largely on the application. The use of the vehicle wash and protectant composition includes, but is not restricted to: (i) general washing of a vehicle's paint surfaces;

(ii) removal of particularly stubborn stains, dirt, or the like from a vehicle such as a motor car, motor cycle and agricultural machinery; and (iii) general washing of unpainted metallic vehicle surfaces, for example alloy wheels.

Dilution of the concentrated vehicle wash and protectant composition is required when the composition is used for general cleaning of a vehicle's paintwork. In one such example, approximately 40 to 60 ml of the concentrated vehicle wash and protectant composition is poured into an average sized bucket. The average sized bucket, having a capacity of approximately 22 litres, is then filled with water to dilute the concentrated vehicle wash and protectant composition. During dilution the emulsifier in the vehicle wash and protectant composition acts to disperse the paraffin, in this example the technical white oil or kerosene, in the water. By agitating the concentrated vehicle wash and protectant composition during dilution, such as by increasing water pressure via a hose nozzle, dispersion of the technical white oil within the water is substantially improved.

No dilution of the concentrated vehicle wash and protectant composition is required when the vehicle wash and protectant composition is required to remove particularly stubborn dirt and/or stains, such as carbon deposits. The vehicle wash and protectant solution is directly applied to surfaces with particularly stubborn deposits without dilution.

Cleaning of unpainted metallic vehicle surfaces, such as alloy wheels, can also be effected by using the diluted vehicle wash and protectant composition as described above. The concentrated vehicle wash and protectant composition may be used on alloy wheels to remove particularly stubborn dirt and/or stains.

The vehicle wash and protectant composition, as described above, is substantially oil based. The oil based vehicle wash and protectant composition is believed to lubricate a vehicle's paint surface while it is being washed. The vehicle wash and protectant composition thus substantially eliminates scratching and dulling. This is particularly important with acrylic baked enamel paints which are vulnerable to abrasive cleaning agents such as anionic detergents. The vehicle wash and protectant composition is substantially pH neutral which minimises fading, or dulling of a vehicle's paintwork. Furthermore, the promotion of rust or corrosion in a vehicle is minimised. The vehicle wash and protectant composition also substantially minimises any removal of waxes, glazes, and polishes applied to a vehicle's paint surfaces.

In one example, a 1990 TOYOTA COROLLA in a waxed and glazed condition was washed approximately 100 times over a nine (9) month period using a diluted form of the vehicle wash and protectant composition. By approximately the 50th wash no dulling or fading of the vehicle's paintwork was apparent. After the final wash at the end of the nine (9) month period, the vehicle's paintwork was still of a very high quality and had only dulled slightly.

The vehicle wash and protectant composition protects against rust and is a rust deterrent. It is believed that a very fine layer of the vehicle wash and protectant composition remains on a vehicle's washed surfaces after washing therewith. This very fine layer is believed to substantially seal against corrosion or rust, and significantly reduces oxidation. Furthermore, the very thin oil based layer causes water or rain to bead on contact with the vehicle's paint surfaces. This beading significantly reduces the risk of water penetrating a vehicle's paintwork and resulting in corrosion or rust. Furthermore, because the vehicle wash and protectant composition does not remove waxes, polishes, and glazes these protected surfaces still provide a water barrier and thus protection against rust or corrosion once a vehicle has been washed.

In another application the vehicle wash and protectant composition was used to clean a particularly dirty agricultural machine. Grease, oil, tar, and insects were removed with relative ease using the vehicle wash and protectant composition in its diluted form.

The following comparative tests were conducted using an example of a vehicle wash and protectant composition according to the present invention, and a number of proprietary car washing products.

Where applicable the vehicle wash and protectant composition was diluted as described above and the proprietary washing products were prepared and applied according to each of the manufacturers instructions .

A first test was performed where the vehicle wash and protectant composition and each of the proprietary washing products was applied to a painted automotive metal panel without diluting the washing product. Table 1 below summarises the effect of each of the cleaners on the automotive panels after one (1) and two (2) hours. Once again, "5" denotes the original condition of a coated panel, and a number less than "5" indicates deterioration of the surface appearance. TABLE 1 EFFECT OF UNDILUTED CLEANERS ON PAINT SURFACE

Washing Product 1 Hour 2 Hours

Vehicle Wash & Protectant 5 5 Composition

NU-FINISH 4 4

TURTLE CAR WASH 5 4

REPO WASH AND SHINE 4 3

KITTEN CAR WASH 4 4

CHEM TECH CT18 4 3

In a second test a diluted form of the vehicle wash and protectant composition, and the proprietary products were each used to remove oil stains from a waxed or glazed panel. Table 2 below summarises the results of this test. In this instance, "5" denotes complete removal of oil and a number less than "5" indicates an increasing amount of oily film remaining on the panel.

TABLE 2 REMOVAL OF OIL STAINS FROM WAXED OR GLAZED PANELS

Washing Product Removal of Oil

Vehicle Wash _- Protectant 4 Composition

NU-FINISH 3

TURTLE CAR WASH 3

REPO WASH AND SHINE 3

KITTEN CAR WASH 3

CHEM TECH CT18 5

It will be appreciated from the tests performed above that the vehicle wash and protectant composition is relatively effective, without dulling or fading the painted vehicle surface, compared to the above proprietary products.

It will also be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that the vehicle wash and protectant composition has at least the following advantages:

(i) the substantially oil based vehicle wash and protectant composition lubricates a vehicle's paint surfaces and thus minimises dulling;

(ii) the vehicle wash and protectant composition is believed to leave a very fine layer of said composition on a vehicle after washing and thus encourages beading of rain or water on the vehicle surface thereby significantly reducing the risk of corrosion or rust; and (iii) the vehicle wash and protectant composition can be diluted or used in a concentrated form depending on its application, and thus eliminates the need for a variety of different washing or cleaning products.

Numerous variations and modifications may suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant arts, in addition to those already described, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the paraffin and emulsifier is not restricted to the proprietary products described herein but include practically any paraffin or emulsifier. For example, a SHELL P878 being a trade mark ^■ for a technical white oil manufactured by the Shell Company of Australia Limited is also a suitable paraffin. Alternatively, SHELLSOL T being a trade mark for a solvent manufactured by the Shell Company is a suitable paraffin. Furthermore, the volumetric ratios of paraffin to emulsifier may vary from that described herein so long as the paraffin is effectively dispersed in water by the emulsifier. The vehicle wash and protectant composition may be diluted with any volume of water depending largely on the application and commercial considerations. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS;

1. A vehicle wash and protectant composition comprising: water; an effective amount of a paraffin wherein washing and protectant properties of the wash and protectant composition are substantially improved; and an effective amount of at least one emulsifier whereby the paraffin is substantially dispersed in the solution.

2. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 1 wherein the paraffin is a medium molecular weight paraffin comprising from between 10 to 21 carbon atoms.

3. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 2 wherein the medium molecular weight paraffin comprises from between 10 to 15 carbon atoms.

4. A ' vehicle wash and protectant composition according to either claim 2 or 3 wherein the medium molecular weight paraffin comprises greater than 98% iso- paraffins, has a boiling point of between 200 to 250°C, and a density measured at 20°C of between 0.778 to 0.785 kg/litre.

5. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to either claim 2 or 3 wherein the medium molecular weight paraffin comprises greater than 99.8% paraffins, has a flash point of approximately 57.5°C, an aniline point in the range from between 78 to 83°C, and a density in the range from between 0.765 to 0.775 kgm/litre.

6. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to either claim 2 or 3 wherein the medium molecular weight paraffin is a technical white oil or a kerosene oil comprising a mixture of paraffins and naphthenes.

7. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 6 wherein the technical white oil comprises a paraffinic and a naphthenic carbon percentage according to the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) of approximately 58% and 42%, respectively, has a boiling point of approximately 235°C, and a density measured at 15°C of approximately 0.807 kg/litre.

8. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the emulsifier comprises an alkylphenol ethoxylate or a derivative thereof.

9. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 8 wherein the emulsifier comprises an alkyl ether sulphate.

10. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 9 wherein the emulsifier comprises sodium alkyl ether sulphate having a mean molecular mass of 423, and approximately 3 moles of ethylene oxide.

11. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 10 wherein the emulsifier comprises approximately 25% sodium alkyl ether sulphate, and has a boiling point of approximately 100°C, a specific gravity measured at 20°C of approximately 1.05, and a pH (5% aqueous solution) of approximately 7.0.

12. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the emulsifier comprises a nonylphenol ethoxylate containing from between 2 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol.

13. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 12 wherein the nonylphenol ethoxylate contains 5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol.

14. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 13 wherein the emulsifier containing nonylphenol ethoxylate has a specific gravity measured at 20°C of approximately 1.035, a viscosity of approximately 355 centipoise (cP) , and a pH (25% aqueous solution) of between 6 to 8.

15. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle wash and protectant composition comprises a volumetric ratio of paraffin to emulsifier of between 1:1 to 50:1.

16. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 15 wherein the volumetric ratio of paraffin to emulsifier is between 4:1 to 7:1.

17. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 16 wherein the volumetric ratio of paraffin to emulsifier is between 5:1 to 6:1.

18. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle wash and protectant composition further comprises a dye.

19. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 18 wherein the dye is oil-based.

20. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to either claim 18 or 19 wherein the composition comprises an effective trace amount of dye for colouring the composition.

21. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said composition in a concentrated form comprises from between 40 to 80% by volume paraffin, from between 1 to 15% by volume emulsifier, and substantially the balance water.

22. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to claim 21 wherein said composition in the concentrated form comprises approximately 60% by volume paraffin, approximately 10% by volume emulsifier, and the balance water.

23. A vehicle wash and protectant composition according to any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein said composition in a concentrated form comprises less than 1% by volume of the dye.

24. A method of washing and protecting a vehicle which method comprises applying a vehicle wash and protectant composition, according to any one of the proceeding claims, to a vehicle.