EP2766463A1

EP2766463A1 - Cleaning composition with improved stain removal

Info

Publication number: EP2766463A1
Application number: EP11770742.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olivier Henry; Geneviève BONNECHÈRE - DELSTANCHE; Valérie Kochowski
Original assignee: Italmatch Chemicals SpA
Current assignee: Italmatch Chemicals SpA
Priority date: 2011-10-12
Filing date: 2011-10-12
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Also published as: WO2013053390A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to cleaning compositions having enhanced soil removal, to stable surfactant compositions, and to methods for stabilizing surfactants and/or enzymes.

Description

CLEANING COMPOSITION WITH IMPROVED STAIN REMOVAL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates generally to the field of detergents. In particular, the present invention relates to cleaning compositions, surfactant compositions, methods to stabilize such compositions and/or to enhance stain removal and use of said cleaning compositions.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Optimization of cleaning compositions is an ongoing task in the field of dish and cloth washing or personal care formulation. Such cleaning compositions contain surfactants to provide efficient cleaning. Indeed, the surfactants form micelles surrounding stains and favour their removal. Typical surfactants used are anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulphate, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants or non-ionic surfactants. However, large amounts of surfactants are usually added to cleaning compositions to provide superior shine and stain removal.

[0003] Cleaning compositions may further comprise chelants such as phosphonic acid derivatives to lower calcium or magnesium precipitation. For example, WO 2009/092739 relates to cleaning compositions comprising a surface active agent and from 0.1 wt% to 60wt% of phosphonic acid derivatives as chelants. Other cleaning compositions are disclosed in EP 0 709 451 and EP 0 686 693 which comprise a combination of surfactants and phosphonic acid derivatives used as metal complexing agents.

[0004] Minimum surfactants are needed to ensure good efficiency of the cleaning composition. However, optimization was only performed on the surfactant system to provide superior cleaning or shine. WO 2010/147933 discloses detergent compositions wherein the ratio by weight of total surfactants to non-ionic surfactants ranges from 2 to 10.

[0005] Nevertheless, large amounts of surfactants are still needed which is not environmentally friendly. Hence, detergents manufacturers tend to reduce the overall amount of surfactants in their compositions but, as could be expected, the efficiency of the compositions is systematically reduced.

[0006] The present invention aims at providing cleaning compositions that overcome the above-discussed drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the present invention aims at providing cleaning compositions which exhibit enhanced stain removal while the amount of surfactant is substantially reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is defined in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In particular, the present invention relates to cleaning compositions or surfactant compositions comprising at least one nonionic surfactant, and at least one phosphonate component. The present invention further relates to methods for enhancing soil removal of a cleaning composition, and/or for stabilizing a cleaning or surfactant composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant, said method comprising the step of adding to said composition an efficient amount of at least one phosphonate component. The term "at least one" as used herein refers to one, one or more, or more than one.

[0008] The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning a surface or to prepare a cosmetic or personal care composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is comparative chart representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions I to V on bleachable stains.

[0010] Fig. 2 is comparative chart representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions I to V on grease stains.

[001 1 ] Fig. 3 is comparative chart representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions I to V on enzymatic and difficult stains.

[0012] Fig. 4 is comparative chart representing total soil removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions I to V.

[0013] Fig. 5 is comparative chart representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions VI to XIII on bleachable stains.

[0014] Fig. 6 is comparative chart representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions VI to XIII on grease stains.

[0015] Fig. 7 is comparative chart representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions VI to XIII on enzymatic and difficult stains.

[0016] Fig. 8 is comparative chart representing total soil removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions VI to XIII.

[0017] Fig. 9a and 9b are comparative charts representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions VI to XIII on bleachable, grease, enzymatic and difficult stains (Fig. 9a) and total soil removal (Fig. 9b) at 20°C.

[0018] Fig. 10 is comparative chart representing stain removal (ΔΕ) obtained in presence of compositions XIV to XVIII on bleachable stains.

[0019] Fig. 1 1 is a graph representing the cloud point in function of the amount of phosphonate added to nonionic surfactants-containing solution.

[0020] Fig. 12 is a graph representing the absorbance of a solution containing amylase in function of time, and in presence or absence of a phosphonate component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021 ] The composition of the present invention allows enhancing stain removal as well as improving the stability of a solution comprising at least one non ionic surfactant. Enhancing of stain removal may be observed at various temperatures. Adding an efficient amount of a phosphonate component as defined in the present invention allows reducing the amount of non ionic surfactants in a cleaning composition while maintaining or improving soil removal.

[0022] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising at least one non ionic surfactant, and at least one phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II), or salts thereof:

(I) R¹-N(A¹)(A²) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂ wherein Z is linear or branched C C₂₀ alkylene chain; M is selected from H, C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; A¹ and A² are independently selected from CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, optionally substituted by a C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from

Ci-Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂;

or

(II) (R⁵)₄.n-X-(P0₃M2)n wherein M is selected from H, C C₂o linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; each

R⁵ moiety is independently selected from hydrogen, CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³ or SR⁴, optionally substituted by a C C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴,

R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂; and X is carbon atom, n is an integer from 1 to 4,

with the proviso that the phosphonate component has at least one phosphonate functional group P0₃M₂,

characterized in that the weight percent content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is higher than 20.

[0023] Preferably, said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) may be selected from the group consisting of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid), amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1 , 1-diphosphonic acid, diethylenetnamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), bis(hexamethylene triamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), or salts thereof. More preferably, the phosphonate component may be lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetnamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof. In particular, said phosphonate component may be lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetnamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof. The term "salt" refers but is not limited to sodium, potassium, calcium salts, preferably sodium salts. The term alkylene refers to Ci_₂₀ alkylene chain.

[0024] The content of said at least one non ionic surfactant in said cleaning composition may be at least 2 wt%. The content of non ionic surfactant expressed herein is in weight percent of the active substance. In particular, the content of non ionic surfactants in said cleaning composition may range from 2 to 20 wt%, preferably 5 to 15 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt%.

[0025] The non ionic surfactant may be linear and/or branched non ionic surfactant. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or combinations. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight, branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from 5 to 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 9 to 15 carbon atoms with from 2 to 18 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or combinations, preferably from 2 to 15 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or combinations per mole of alcohol. Other suitable surfactants are alkylpolyglycosides or fatty acid amide. Alkylpolyglycosides may have the formula R⁶0(C_rH₂rO)_t(glycosyl)_x wherein R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkyl-phenyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl groups may contain from 10 to 18 carbon atoms; r may be 2 or 3; t may be from 0 to 10; x may be from 1.3 to 10. The glycosyl may be preferably derived from glucose or may be alkyl glycerol ethers and sorbitan esters. Fatty acid amide surfactants may have the formula R⁷C(0)N(R⁸)₂ wherein R⁷ may be a C₇.₂i alkyl group andd each R⁸ may be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, Ci_₄ alkyl, Ci_₄ hydroxyalkyl, and -(C₂H₄0)_xH wherein x may be from 1 to 3. Preferred amides may be C₈.₂o ammonia amides, monoethanolamides, diethanolamides, and isopropanolamides. Preferred nonionic surfactans are the condensation products of aliphatic alcohol with ethylene oxide.

[0026] The content of said at least one phosphonate component in said cleaning composition may be greater than 0.01 % active ingredient. Preferably, the content of said at least one phosphonate component in said cleaning composition may range from 0.1 to 2 % active ingredient, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 % active ingredient, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 % active ingredient.

[0027] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising at least one non ionic surfactant, and at least one phosphonate component which is a lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof, characterized in that, the weight % content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is greater than 1 , preferably greater than 10, more preferably greater than 20, and is preferably less than 200, more preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 75. The term "alkylene" refers to Ci_₂o alkylene chain.

[0028] The cleaning composition may further comprise at least one ionic surfactant such that the non ionic surfactant may constitute at least 10wt% of the total amount of surfactants present in the composition, preferably at least 20wt%, more preferably at least 25wt%. Said at least one ionic surfactant may be cationic, anionic or zwitterionic surfactants. For example, zwitterionic surfactants may be amine oxide and/or betaine. Anionic surfactants may be, but are not limited to, sulfates, sulfosuccinates, sulfoacetates, and/or sulfonates. For example, suitable cationic surfactants may be quaternary ammonium surfactants.

[0029] Preferably, the content of said non ionic surfactants in the cleaning composition may range from 2 to 20 wt%, preferably 5 to 15 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt%.

[0030] Preferably, the content of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) in the cleaning composition may range from 0.1 to 2 % active ingredient, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 % active ingredient, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 % active ingredient. Active ingredient is noted "ai". The percentage by weight can be deduced from the percentage of active ingredient: wt% = % ai / number of active moieties in the phosphonate component.

[0031] Cleaning compositions of the present invention may further comprise enzymes. The ratio between the weight % content of said at least one phosphonate component and enzymes ranges from 1 : 1 to 1 : 40.

[0032] In another aspect of the present invention, a surfactant composition is provided. Said surfactant composition may comprise at least one nonionic surfactant, and at least one phosphonate component characterized in that the content of said at least one non ionic surfactant is at least 20 wt% and the weight % content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is comprised between 1 and 10000, preferably between 1 and 1000, more preferably 4 to 1000, most preferably 9 to 1000. The non ionic surfactant is defined above.

[0033] Preferably, said phosphonate component may be the component of general formula (I) or (II):

(I) R¹-N(A¹)(A²) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂ wherein Z is linear or branched C C₂o alkylene chain; M is selected from H, C C₂o linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; A¹ and A² are independently selected from C1-C50 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH , COOH , F, N R^{1 1} R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZPO₃M₂, wherein R^{1 1} , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH , COOH , F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹ and SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂;

(R⁵)₄-n-X-(P0₃M₂)_n wherein M is selected from H , C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; each R⁵ moiety is independently selected from hydrogen, CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, OH , COOH , F, N R^{1 1} R¹², OR³, SR⁴, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH , COOH , F, N R^{1 1} R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R^{1 1} , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH , COOH , F, N R¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZPO₃M2; and X is carbon atom, n is an integer from 1 to 4, with the proviso that the phosphonate component has at least one phosphonate functional group P0₃M₂.

[0034] In such surfactant compositions, the content of said non ionic surfactants may be at least 50 wt%, preferably at least 80 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%. Preferably, the weight content ratio of said non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component may be range from 1 to 10000, preferably between 1 and

1000, more preferably 4 to 1000, most preferably 9 to 1000.

[0035] The content of said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) in said surfactant composition may range from 0.04 % ai to 30 %ai, preferably from 0.4 %ai to 15 %ai, more preferably from 0.4 %ai to 10%ai.

[0036] In particular, a surfactant composition according to the present invention may consist of at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) as defined above, or salts thereof, wherein the content of said at least one non ionic surfactant is at least 50 wt%, preferably at least 80 wt%, more preferably at least 90 wt%, and the weight % content ratio of said non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is comprised between 1 and 10000, preferably between 1 and 1000, more preferably between 4 and 1000, more preferably 9 and 1000.

[0037] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for enhancing soil removal of a cleaning composition and/or stabilizing a cleaning or surfactant composition comprising at least one surfactant is provided. Said method comprises the steps of adding to a cleaning or surfactant composition an efficient amount of at least one phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II), or salts thereof:

(I) R¹-N(A¹)(A²) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂ wherein Z is linear or branched C C₂₀ alkylene chain; M is selected from H, C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; A¹ and A² are independently selected from C1-C50 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZPO₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, PO₃M₂ or ZPO₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂;

or

J5

(II) (R )₄._n-X-(P0₃M₂)_n wherein M is selected from H, C C₂o linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; each R⁵ moiety is independently selected from hydrogen, CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³ and SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from

C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂; and X is carbon atom, n is an integer from 1 to 4, with the proviso that the phosphonate component has at least one phosphonate functional group P0₃M₂.

[0038] The content of said at least one non ionic surfactant in the cleaning composition may be at least 2 wt%. The content of said at least one non ionic surfactant in the cleaning composition may range from 2 to 20 wt%, preferably 5 to 15 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt%. Alternatively, the content of said at least one non ionic surfactant in said surfactant composition may be at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 80 wt% and most preferably at least 90 wt%. Said non ionic surfactant is detailed above with respect to the cleaning composition.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) may be selected from the group consisting of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid), amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1 , 1- diphosphonic acid, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), bis(hexamethylene triamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), or salts thereof. More preferably the phosphonate component may be lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof, most preferably lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), or salts thereof.

[0040] The content of said at least one phosphonate component in said cleaning composition may be greater than 0.01 % active ingredient. Preferably, the content of said at least one phosphonate component in said cleaning composition may range from 0.1 to 2 % active ingredient, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 % active ingredient, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 % active ingredient. Alternatively, the content of said at least one phosphonate component in said surfactant composition may range from 0.04 % ai to 30 %ai, preferably from 0.4 %ai to 15 %ai, more preferably from 0.4 %ai to 10%ai.

[0041] Said cleaning compositions as used in the present method may further comprise enzymes, preferably from 0.1 wt% to 10wt%

[0042] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for increasing the cloud point of a cleaning composition including non ionic surfactants is provided. Said method comprises the step of adding, to said cleaning composition, at least one phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) as defined above or salts thereof. The content of non ionic surfactants in said cleaning composition may be at least 2 wt%. Preferably, the content of said non ionic surfactants in said cleaning composition may range from 2 to 20 wt%, preferably 5 to 15 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt%. The content of said at least one phosphonate component in said cleaning composition may be greater than 0.01 % active ingredient. Preferably, the content of said at least one phosphonate component in said cleaning composition may range from 0.1 to 2 % active ingredient, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 % active ingredient, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 % active ingredient. Preferably, said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) may be selected from the group consisting of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid), amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1- hydroxyethylidene-1 , 1-diphosphonic acid, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), bis(hexamethylene triamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), or salts thereof. More preferably the phosphonate component may be lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof. Most preferably lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), or salts thereof.

[0043] In another aspect of the present invention, a phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) as defined above may be used as stabilizer for nonionic surfactants, or as stabilizer for enzymes. The content of said phosphonate component may range from 0.1 to 2 %ai, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 %ai, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 %ai. The phosphonate component may stabilize a solution containing at least 2 wt% of non ionic surfactants. Alternatively, the phosphonate component according to the present invention may stabilize a surfactant composition containing at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 80 wt%. In said surfactant composition, the content of said phosphonate component may range from 0.04 % ai to 30 %ai, preferably from 0.4 %ai to 15 %ai, more preferably from 0.4 %ai to 10%ai. Said phosphonate component may also stabilize a solution containing enzymes. For example, amylase or protease solutions may be stabilized by said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) as defined above. Preferably, said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) may be selected from the group consisting of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid), amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1 , 1-diphosphonic acid, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), bis(hexamethylene triamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), or salts thereof. More preferably the phosphonate component may be lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof, most preferably lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), or salts thereof.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning a surface. Said method comprises the step of contacting said surface with a cleaning composition according to the present invention in industrial and institutional surface cleaning and/or domestic surface cleaning. The step of contacting the surface may be performed at temperature lower than 65°C, preferably lower than or of 40°C, preferably lower than or of 20°C. The temperature has major impact on the efficiency of soil removal. The efficiency is usually reduced when the temperature is reduced. In presence of the phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II), the efficiency loss in soil removal, due to the decrease in temperature, can be overcome. The content of said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) may range from 0.1 to 2 %ai, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 %ai, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 %ai.

[0045] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing a cosmetic or personal care formulation is provided. Said method comprises the step of mixing a cleaning composition according to the present invention to a cosmetic or personal care composition. A cosmetic or personal care formulation obtained by the present method is also provided.

Example

Stain removal test

[0046] All results detailed below were obtained in the following conditions according AISE protocol. Stain removal (ΔΕ) or reflectance was determined by means of an optical measuring device (spectro-guide 45/0 gloss from BYK Additives & Instruments). The stain removal or reflectance (ΔΕ) was known calculation method based on color difference meter readings which is used for colored stains and colored fabrics. The formula is the following:

ΔΕ = [(L washed - L stained)² + (a_L washed - a_L stained)² + (b_L washed - b_L stained)²]¹'²

wherein L represents brightness

a represents + red (positive value) / - green (negative value)

b represents + yellow (positive value) / - blue (negative value).

[0047] Example 1

[0048] Stain removal performance of various compositions was tested and evaluated against bleachable stains removal, grease stains removal, enzymatic stains removal and difficult stains removal. Testing was performed at 40°C with a water hardness of 300 ppm. Five compositions l-V were tested and described below in Table 1. The content of non ionic surfactant is expressed by weight of the total composition. The content of the phosphonate component is expressed as a percentage of active ingredients in the composition. Compositions were completed up to 100% with water. The non ionic surfactant tested was Lutensol® ON. The term LTMP refers to lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid), HEDP refers to 1- hydroxyethylidene-1 , 1-diphosphonic acid, and DTPMP refers to diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid). Table 1

[0049] Fig. 1 represents the results obtained with the compositions l-V in case of bleachable stains removal. For tea stains, the reflectance was around 84 when composition V was used, i.e. in presence of 3.7 wt% of non ionic surfactants. The reflectance decreased to 80 when the amount of non ionic surfactants was decreased (composition I - 2.35 wt%). As mentioned above, reducing the amount of surfactants in the solution minimizes the efficiency of the cleaning composition. Surprisingly, when the phosphonate component was added to the cleaning composition the reflectance was increased to 84.3, 84.5 and 84.7 for compositions II, III, and IV respectively. The reflectance observed was comparable to the one of composition V wherein the amount of surfactant was greater. Hence, the phosphonate component is able to replace part of non ionic surfactant in cleaning compositions. The amount of non ionic surfactants was strongly reduced (up to 35%) and phosphonates of the present invention are good ingredients to substitute part of the surfactants system without loss in the performance profile.

[0050] The performance profile was confirmed with other bleachable stains removal, e.g. coffee, red wine, grass, and tomato puree (Fig. 1 and Table 2).

Table 2

[0051] Testing for tomato puree stains removal was of great interest since composition II exhibited superior performance compared to other compositions III, IV and V. The reflectance was around 61.5 for composition II compared to 60 for compositions III, IV and V respectively.

[0052] Fig. 2 represents the results obtained with grease stains such as make-up and hamburger. Reflectance values obtained were summarized in Table 3 for each composition l-V.

Table 3

[0053] The performance profile observed with bleachable stains was confirmed. With hamburger stains, composition II exhibited superior performance than composition V. With regard to make-up stains, performances observed with compositions II and IV are quite similar.

[0054] Finally, enzymatic (chocolate, fruit juice, tomato puree) and difficult

(grass & mud, mustard and blood) stains removal were tested with the compositions l-V. Results are represented in Fig. 3 and summarizes in table 4.

Table 4

[0055] Reflectance obtained with composition III, IV and V were quite similar.

Hence, phosphonates such as HEDP or DTPMP are able to compensate the loss of non ionic surfactants in cleaning compositions. Excellent results were obtained with composition II comprising LTMP as phosphonate. The superior behavior of lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) was confirmed in the total soil removal graph which summarizes the overall performance of each composition. Results were represented in Fig. 4 and reported table 5. The total soil removal values were obtained by adding, with respect to a composition, each reflectance value obtained with each stain.

Table 5

[0056] The total soil removal value obtained with composition V, comprising 3.7 wt% of non ionic surfactant was around 898 while the value obtained with composition I was around 863. However, it was observed that adding 0.7%ai of phosphonate component according to the present invention to composition I strongly increases the stains removal performance of the cleaning composition. Indeed, the total soil removal values of composition II, III and IV were 924, 896 and 910 respectively. While with composition III the performance of composition V was reached, superior performance profile was showed with composition IV and preferably with composition II comprising lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) as phosphonate. This result was totally unexpected.

[0057] Hence, results obtained above show that the phosphonate component of the present invention are good components to substitute part of the surfactant system (up to 35% of the surfactant can be replaced) without loss in the performance profile. Superior performance was observed when lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) and, to a certain extent, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid).

[0058] Example 2

[0059] Additional testing was performed with a cleaning formulation including a base detergent composition. The base detergent composition comprises the following component (table 6). Amounts of all components were expressed by weight of the total composition. The term "SLES" means sodium lauryl ether sulfate; the term "LAS" means linear alkylbenzene sulfonate; the term "I PA" represents isopropyl alcohol; the term "SXS" means sodium xylenesulfonate.

Table 6

[0060] To the base detergent composition, a defined amount of non ionic surfactants (wt%) and phosphonate compounds or aminocarboxylate compounds (%ai) were added to provide compositions VI-XIII (Table 7).

Table 7

[0061] The term EDTA means ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, MGDA means methylglycin diacetic acid and GLDA means glutamic diacetic acid. Testing was performed according AISE protocol. The temperature was 40°C and water hardness was 30°dH. Bleachable, greasy, enzymatic and difficult stains removal were evaluated.

[0062] Bleachable stains removal was first tested with composition VI-XIII. Results were represented in Fig. 5 and summarized in table 8.

Table 8

[0063] Compositions VI and XIII are compositions without phosphonate or aminocarboxylate components. Reflectance values decreased when the amount of surfactants in the composition was decreased. For example, the reflectance of composition VI was 15.5 while the one of composition XIII was 13.5 in case of grass stains. Adding 0.7% active ingredient (ai) of a phosphonate component allows increasing reflectance value which means that improve stains removal was observed. For each bleachable stain, better performances were observed with phosphonate components instead of aminocarboxylate components. Compositions X-XII containing aminocarboxylates showed almost the same result than the composition XIII, which tend to show that these latters have no effect on stains removal in that conditions. However, with regard to the phosphonate components, LTMP exhibited superior behavior. Indeed, for grass stains, reflectance value of 18.1 was observed with composition IX containing LTMP while the ones of compositions VII and VIII was 16.1 and 16.9 respectively.

[0064] The performance profile observed was quite similar for greasy stains as depicted in Fig. 6. Reflectance values were summarized in table 9. Compositions X-XII comprising aminocarboxylate components have low impact on stains removal when the amount of surfactants in the composition is decreased. However, when phosphonate compounds were added to the base detergent compositions further comprising 9.75 wt% of non ionic surfactants, reflectance values were increased and were greater than reflectance value observed with 15 wt% of nonionic surfactant (composition VI). Indeed, composition IX showed a reflectance value of 25.1 compared to 21.5 and 19.6 for composition VI (15wt% non ionic surfactants) and XIII (9.75 wt% non ionic surfactants) respectively.

Table 9

[0065] Compositions VI-XIII were also evaluated for enzymatic and difficult stains removal. Results were represented in Fig. 7. Results are dispatched in table 10. Compositions VII-IX comprising a phosphonate component exhibit excellent stain removal compared to compositions VI and XIII. Compositions X-XII shows minor improvements compared to compositions XIII. Hence, aminocarboxylate components are poor ingredients to substitute surfactants such as non ionic surfactants in a cleaning composition. These results confirm that compositions VII-IX wherein a phosphonate component according to the present invention partly substitutes surfactants, such as non ionic surfactants, give superior cleaning properties.

Table 10

VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII

Chocolate 15.7 20.5 21 .5 22.0 16.5 17.4 17.1 14.9

Fruit juice 38.3 40.6 42.0 42.8 40 38.5 39.5 36.3

Puree 39.2 39.3 40.9 41 .5 38.2 38.0 38.4 37.9

Grass & 37.0 38.8 39.4 39.5 37.1 35.2 36.1 36.0

Mud

Mustard 39.4 40.6 41 .0 42.1 39.8 35.5 36.1 37.2

Intense 56.6 63.1 64.0 65.9 58.9 51 .4 53.1 54.0 [0066] Results described herein highlight the ability of a phosphonate component, provided at an efficient concentration, to replace or substitute part of the surfactants such as non ionic surfactants without loss in stains removal. This behavior is highlighted in table 11 which shows the total soil removal for each composition VI-XIII. These results were also represented in Fig. 8.

Table 1 1

[0067] Up to 35% of the non ionic surfactants can be substituted. The cleaning properties of the non ionic surfactants are compensated by the phosphonate component of the present invention. The phosphonate component according to the present invention shows better ability and performance in soil removal than other chelants such as aminocarboxylates. Preferably, LTMP provides excellent results which are superior to the results obtained with HEDP or DTPMP.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] Example 2 was repeated at a temperature of 20°C instead of 40°C.

Although the absolute value of the reflectance was slightly lower, the performance profile was similar. LTMP shows excellent ability to replace part of the surfactants in a cleaning composition. In general, phosphonates shows better properties than aminocarboxylates. Table 12 shows the results obtained for each composition VI- XIII for various stains removal at 20°C and for total soil removal. The results obtained for each composition VI-XIII and for the total soil removal were also represented in Fig. 9a and 9b respectively.

Table 12

VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII

Grass 15.5 16.1 16.8 18.1 14.1 13.9 14.1 13.5

Motor oil 19.8 20.8 21 .0 23.3 19.0 18.4 18.6 18.0

Make up 20.5 25.3 26.1 28.5 21 .2 20.9 21 .0 20.8

Chocolate 13.3 16.4 17.0 19.5 14.0 14.3 15.2 13.6

Fruit juice 33.7 34.4 36.0 39.0 31 .0 32.2 31 .9 30.1

Puree 38.1 39.0 39.2 39.5 36.2 37.0 37.4 35.5

Grass & Mud 35.5 36.3 37.0 37.5 33.2 33.1 33.1 32.1

Intense 52.0 54.0 55.2 56.3 51 .3 50.9 51 .0 50.8

Red Wine 31 .1 34.7 36.2 37.8 31 .2 31 .0 31 .2 30.0

Mustard 35.1 34.8 35.2 37.1 34.8 34.8 35.0 33.1

Total soil

removal

(approx.) 294.6 31 1 .8 319.7 336.6 286 286.5 288.5 277.5 [0070] Example 4

[0071] The capacity of the phosphonate component to replace part of the non ionic surfactant was also evaluated with higher content of non ionic surfactant. This example also demonstrates the ability of the phosphonate component of the present invention to overcome the loss in soil removal when the temperature is decreased. Comparative testing was performed at 40°C and 20°C with a cleaning composition comprising the base detergent composition as defined above, 15 wt% of non ionic surfactant and 0.7 %ai of the phosphonate component. Tea and coffee stains removal were evaluated. Compositions and experimental conditions used are reported in table 13 and the results are summarized in table 14 and Fig. 10.

Table 13

Table 14

[0072] Comparative testing highlights the behavior and the ability of the phosphonate component in a detergent or cleaning composition to close the gap in stain removal performance observed when the washing temperature is decreased from 40°C till 20°C during the washing cycle program. In addition, excellent performance was obtained with a composition comprising lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) LTMP used at an inclusion level of 0.7 %ai. Hence, the phosphonate component of the present invention is able to overcome the loss in cleaning efficiency when the temperature is lowered.

[0073] Examples 1-4 show that phosphonate and specifically lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) and DTPMP or salts thereof are able to enhance soil removal according AISE protocol and/or to stabilize a cleaning composition. Hence, cleaning compositions according to the present invention are suitable for cleaning a surface by contacting said cleaning compositions with said surface. In particular, cleaning compositions are suitable for industrial and institutional surface cleaning and/or domestic surface cleaning. As disclosed in examples 3 and 4, the enhancement in soil removal was observed at 40°C and 20°C which was totally unexpected. In addition, the phosphonate components according to the present invention successfully substitute part of the non ionic surfactants.

[0074] Cloud point test

[0075] The ability of the phosphonate components according to the present invention for stabilizing a composition comprising non ionic surfactants was also evaluated. The cloud point of three non ionic surfactants-containing compositions was measured in presence of a defined amount of phosphonate components. Table 15 reports the cloud point, expressed in °C, of compositions XIX, XX, and XXI in presence of 0 to 6%wt of lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid). Composition XIX comprises 10 wt% of fatty alcohol 7EO in water, composition XX comprises 10 wt% of fatty alcohol 15EO in 10 wt% NaCI water solution, and composition XXI comprises 19 wt% of fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol in 25 wt% butyl diglycol solution. The cloud point represents the temperature at which part of the composition precipitates and at which turbidity appears.

Table 15

[0076] The results are represented in Fig. 1 1. For each composition XIX-XXI, the cloud point is increased by adding phosphonate component to the solution. For example, in composition XX, the cloud point was increased from 72°C to approx. 81 °C by adding 6wt% of lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid). Hence, phosphonate components according to the present invention can be used as surfactants stabilizer, preferably non ionic surfactants stabilizer.

[0077] Enzyme stability testing

[0078] The ability of the phosphonate components according to the present invention for stabilizing overtime a solution comprising enzymes was also evaluated. Solution A was a 4ml solution comprising amylase in CaCI₂ solution. Solution B comprises 4 ml of solution A and 2 wt% of lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (LTMP). The absorbance of solutions A and B was measured after 0, 1 , 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Results are reported in table 16 and represented in Fig. 12.

Table 16

[0079] Amylase is not stable in the stock solution after 2 weeks while when 2 wt% of lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) was added, the activity of the enzyme was maintained for at least 6 weeks. Hence, the phosphonate components according to the present invention can be used as enzymes stabilizer, preferably lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof can be used as enzymes stabilizer.

[0080] The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise indicated. As a consequence, all modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the previous description of the invention. In particular, dimensions, materials, and other parameters, given in the above description may vary depending on the needs of the application.

Claims

Cleaning composition comprising at least one non ionic surfactant, and at least one phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II), or salts thereof:

(I) R¹-N(A¹)(A²) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂ wherein Z is linear or branched C C₂₀ alkylene chain; M is selected from H, C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; A¹ and A² are independently selected from CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, optionally substituted by a C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from Ci-Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂;

or

(II) (R⁵)₄._n-X-(P0₃M₂)n wherein M is selected from H, C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; each R⁵ moiety is independently selected from hydrogen, CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³ and SR⁴, optionally substituted by a C C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C12 linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂; and X is carbon atom, n is an integer from 1 to 4, with the proviso that the phosphonate component has at least one phosphonate functional group P0₃M_2; characterized in that the weight percent content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is higher than 20.

2. Cleaning composition according to claim 1 , wherein said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) is selected from the group consisting of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid), amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1- hydroxyethylidene-1 , 1-diphosphonic acid, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), bis(hexamethylene triamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), or salts thereof, preferably the phosphonate component is lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof.

3. Cleaning composition according to claim 2, wherein said phosphonate component is lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof.

4. Cleaning composition according to any of the previous claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of non ionic surfactant is at least 2wt%. 5. Cleaning composition according to any of the previous claims 1 to 4, wherein the content of the phosphonate component ranges from 0.1 to 2 % active ingredient, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 % active ingredient, more preferably 0.

5 to 1.0 % active ingredient.

6. Cleaning composition comprising

- at least one non ionic surfactant, and

- at least one phosphonate component which is a lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof, characterized in that, the weight % content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is greater than 1 , preferably greater than 10, more preferably greater than 20, and is preferably less than 200, more preferably less than 100, most preferably less than 75.

7. Cleaning composition according to claim 6 further comprising at least one ionic surfactant such that the non ionic surfactant constitutes at least 10wt% of the total amount of surfactants present in the composition, preferably at least 20wt%, more preferably at least 25wt%.

8. Cleaning composition according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the content of non ionic surfactants ranges from 2 to 20 wt%, preferably 5 to 15 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt%.

9. Cleaning composition according to any of previous claims 6 to 8 wherein the content of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) ranges from 0.1 to 2 % active ingredient, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 % active ingredient, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0

% active ingredient.

10. Cleaning composition according to any of previous claims 6 to 9 further comprising enzymes.

11. Cleaning composition according to claim 10 wherein the ratio between the content of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid) and enzymes ranges from 1 : 1 to 1 : 40.

12. Cleaning composition according to any of previous claims 6 to 11 wherein the phosphonate component is lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof.

13. Surfactant composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant, and at least one phosphonate component characterized in that the content of non ionic surfactants is at least 20wt% and the weight % content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is comprised between 1 and 10000.

14. Surfactant composition according to claim 13 wherein the phosphonate component is a component of general formula (I) or (II) : R¹-N(A¹)(A²) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂ wherein Z is linear or branched C C₂o alkylene chain; M is selected from H, C C₂o linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; A¹ and A² are independently selected from CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, optionally substituted by a C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂;

(R⁵)₄-n-X-(P0₃M₂)_n wherein M is selected from H, C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; each R⁵ moiety is independently selected from hydrogen, CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³ and SR⁴, optionally substituted by a C C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂; and X is carbon atom, n is an integer from 1 to 4, with the proviso that the phosphonate component has at least one phosphonate functional group P0₃M₂.

15. Surfactant composition according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the content of non ionic surfactants is at least 50wt%, preferably at least 80wt%, more preferably at least 90%.

16. Surfactant composition according to any of the previous claims 13 to 15, wherein the weight content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component ranges from 1 to 1000, preferably from 4 to 1000, more preferably from 9 to 1000.

17. Surfactant composition according to any of the previous claims 13 to 16 consisting of at least one nonionic surfactants and at least one phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II), or salts thereof, wherein the content of non ionic surfactants is at least 50wt%, preferably at least 80wt%, more preferably at least 90%, and the weight % content ratio of non ionic surfactant to phosphonate component is comprised between 1 and 10000, preferably between 4 and 1000, more preferably between 9 and 1000.

18. Method for enhancing soil removal of a cleaning composition, and/or for stabilizing a cleaning or a surfactant composition comprising at least one nonionic surfactant, said method comprising the step of adding to said composition an efficient amount of at least one phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II), or salts thereof:

(I) R¹-N(A¹)(A²) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂ wherein Z is linear or branched C C₂₀ alkylene chain; M is selected from H, C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; A¹ and A² are independently selected from CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, optionally substituted by a C Ci₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZPO₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂;

(II) (R⁵)₄._n-X-(P0₃M₂)n wherein M is selected from H, C C₂₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moieties and from alkali, earth alkali and ammonium ions and from protonated amines; each R⁵ moiety is independently selected from hydrogen, CrC₅₀ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³ and SR⁴, optionally substituted by a C C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic group which moiety and/or which group is optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹¹ R¹², OR³, SR⁴, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹¹ , R¹², R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by one or more of the following functional groups OH, COOH, F, NR¹³R¹⁴, OR⁹, SR¹⁰, P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂, wherein R¹³, R¹⁴, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ linear, branched, cyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon moiety optionally substituted by P0₃M₂ or ZP0₃M₂; and X is carbon atom, n is an integer from 1 to 4,

with the proviso that the phosphonate component has at least one phosphonate functional group P0₃M₂.

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein the content of nonionic surfactants in the cleaning composition is at least 2 wt%, or ranges from 2 to 20 wt%, preferably 5 to 15 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt%.

20. Method according to claim 18, wherein the content of non ionic surfactants in said surfactants composition is at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 80 wt%.

21. Method according to any of the previous claims 18 to 20, wherein said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) is selected from the group consisting of lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid), amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid), 1-hydroxyethylidene-1 , 1-diphosphonic acid, diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), bis(hexamethylene triamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid)), or salts thereof, preferably the phosphonate component is lysine tetra(alkylene phosphonic acid or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof, and more preferably lysine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) or diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or salts thereof.

22. Method according to any of the previous claims 18, 19 or 21 , wherein the content of said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) in said cleaning composition ranges from 0.1 to 2 %ai, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 %ai, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 %ai.

23. Method according to any of the previous claims 18, 20 or 21 , wherein the content of said phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) in said surfactant composition ranges from 0.04 % ai to 30 %ai, preferably from 0.4

%ai to 15 %ai.

24. Method for increasing the cloud point of a cleaning composition including surfactants comprising the step of adding, to said composition, a phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) as defined in claim 1 or salts thereof.

25. Use of a phosphonate component of general formula (I) or (II) as defined in claim 1 as stabilizer for nonionic surfactants, or as stabilizer for enzymes.

26. Method for cleaning a surface comprising the step of contacting said surface with a cleaning composition as defined in any of the claims 1 or 6 in industrial and institutional surface cleaning and/or domestic surface cleaning.

27. Method for preparing a cosmetic or personal care formulation comprising the step of mixing a composition as defined in any of the claims 1 , 6, or 13 to a cosmetic or personal care composition.

28. Cosmetic or personal care formulation obtained by the method of claim 27.