BRANCHED POLYETHOXYLATED DIMETHICONE FOAMING SURFACTANTS

AND ISOPROPANOL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to foamable alcoholic compositions, and more particularly, to foamable alcoholic compositions that include ethanol, a branched polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactant and a select amount of isopropanol.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Foam cleaning products are popular, in part because they are easier to spread on surfaces. Consumers seem to prefer the luxury of foamed soap products. Less foam is needed to produce the same cleaning power as liquids or gels, due at least partly to the higher surface area of the foam. Properly formulated foam products do not produce the drip and splash that is experienced with traditional gelled or liquid products, due to the higher surface tension of the foam. This prevents damage to the floors and walls of facilities where the product dispensers are used. Manufacturing of foam products may be easier than gelled products, which often incorporate powdered thickeners that are difficult to handle.

[0003] Polyethoxylated (PEG) dimethicone surfactants have been used as foaming agents for alcohol foams. U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,725 describes foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants, and states that PEG-8 to PEG- 12 linear dimethicone surfactants are more effective at generating foam than dimethicone surfactants with the same PEG chain length but a different polymer architecture.

[0004] More particularly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,725 states that linear block copolymers of PEG with polydimethylsiloxane (specifically with INCI names of PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG- 10 dimethicone, and PEG- 12 dimethicone) can produce a sufficient foam height to be used as the primary foaming component of a non-aerosol foaming alcohol compositions, but the patent states that copolymers with the same INCI names but different polymer architectures cannot. In fact, U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,725 states that polymers with pendant PEG groups or other highly branched polymer structures, will not produce sufficient foam to be used as a primary foaming surfactant.

[0005] As is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,725 and also generally known in the art, linear PEG dimethicone copolymers are considered to be linear block copolymers wherein the polyethylene glycol chain units are attached to the terminal ends of the linear polydimethylsiloxane backbone. Linear PEG dimethicone copolymers can generally be represented by the structure:

where R=CH ₃ or CH ₂ CH ₃ . U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,725 states that m is 4-20 on average, y is 1-5 and n is 8-12 on average.

[0006] On the other hand, pendant PEG dimethicone copolymers are considered to be linear polydimethylsiloxane polymers with PEG groups attached along the polydimethylsiloxane backbone. PEG groups may or may not be also attached to the terminal chain ends of the polydimethylsiloxane. Thus, in the above structure, one or more R groups would be replaced by a PEG group. Such pendant copolymers are often referred to as branched or comb polymers. U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,725 states that these copolymers may generally be represented by the structure:

R R

I I I I

c¾ -SiO SiO- -SiO SiO- -SiO Si- -c¾

R I R I I I where R is independently=CH ₃ , CH ₂ CH ₃ , or an ethoxylated alkyl chain (for example CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ 0(CH ₂ CH ₂ 0) _n H) attached directly to the silicone end group and a=a repeating silicone group. Although, as described above, one or more of the terminal methyl groups may be replaced by a PEG group, and the copolymer would still be considered to be a branched copolymer. [0007] For some applications, a high level of foam quality may be required, and the use of linear PEG dimethicone surfactants may be restricted. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for improved foamable alcoholic compositions that can be foamed using branched PEG dimethicone surfactants.

[0008] Isopropyl alcohol is listed as a defoaming agent by the Personal Care Products Council.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This invention provides a foamable alcoholic composition comprising a foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants, and combinations thereof, and a select combination of ethanol and isopropanol.

[0010] The invention further provides a non-aerosol foamable alcoholic composition comprising at least about 60 wt. % of ethanol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; a foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants, and combinations thereof, and at least about 3 wt. % isopropanol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0011] The invention still further provides a method for forming a stable non-aerosol alcoholic foam, the method comprising combining at least about 60 wt. % ethanol, from about 0.75 to about 10 wt. % of a foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants and combinations thereof, and at least about 3 to about 15 wt. % isopropanol to form a foamable alcoholic composition, all percentages based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; dispensing the alcoholic composition using a non-aerosol foaming pump to form a foam, wherein the foam has enhanced stability, when compared to a foam formed from a comparable composition that includes from zero to 3 wt. % isopropanol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0012] The invention still further provides a method for forming a non-aerosol alcoholic foam, the method comprising combining at least about 60 wt. % ethanol, from about 0.75 to about 10 wt. % of a foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants and combinations thereof, and at least about 3 to about 15 wt. % isopropanol to form a foamable alcoholic composition, all percentages based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; dispensing the alcoholic composition using a non- aerosol foaming pump to form a foam, wherein the foam has enhanced quality, when compared to a foam formed from a comparable composition that includes from zero to 3 wt. % isopropanol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0013] The invention still further provides a method for forming a stable non-aerosol alcoholic foam, the method comprising combining at least about 60 wt. % ethanol, from about 0.75 to about 10 wt. % of a foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants and combinations thereof, and at least about 3 to about 15 wt. % isopropanol to form a foamable alcoholic composition, all percentages based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; dispensing the alcoholic composition using a non-aerosol foaming pump to form a foam, wherein the foam has enhanced stability, when compared to a foam formed from a composition that contains the same amount of ethanol and isopropanol, but wherein the branched surfactant has been replaced by a linear polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactant.

[0014] The invention still further provides a method for forming a non-aerosol alcoholic foam, the method comprising combining at least about 60 wt. % ethanol, from about 0.75 to about 10 wt. % of a foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants and combinations thereof, and at least about 3 to about 15 wt. % isopropanol to form a foamable alcoholic composition, all percentages based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; dispensing the alcoholic composition using a non- aerosol foaming pump to form a foam, wherein the foam has enhanced quality, when compared to a foam formed from a composition that contains the same amount of ethanol and isopropanol, but wherein the branched surfactant has been replaced by a linear polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of foam stability measurements for alcoholic compositions containing a branched PEG- 10 dimethicone foaming surfactant and from 0 to 10 wt. % isopropanol.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of foam stability measurements for alcoholic compositions containing a linear PEG- 10 dimethicone foaming surfactant and from 0 to 10 wt. % isopropanol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to foamable alcoholic compositions, and more particularly, to foamable alcoholic compositions that include a greater than 60 wt. % ethanol, a foaming surfactant selected from branched polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactants and a select amount of isopropanol.

[0018] Compositions of the invention are alcoholic, which is meant to require that they include at least 40 wt. % of an alcohol. In one or more embodiments, the majority of the alcohol is ethanol.

[0019] Generally, the amount of ethanol that is present in the alcoholic compositions of the present invention is at least about 40 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises at least about 45 wt. % ethanol, in another embodiment, the alcoholic composition comprises at least about 50 wt. % ethanol, and in yet another embodiment, the alcoholic composition comprises at least about 60 wt. % ethanol, based upon the total weight of alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises at least about 65 weight percent ethanol, in yet another embodiment, the alcoholic composition comprises at least about 70 weight percent ethanol, and in still yet another embodiment, the alcoholic composition comprises at least about 75 weight percent ethanol, based upon the total weight of alcoholic composition. More or less ethanol may be required in certain instances, depending particularly on other ingredients and/or the amounts thereof employed in the composition. In certain embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises from about 40 wt. % to about 98 wt. % ethanol, in other embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises from about 45 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of the ethanol, in yet other embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises from about 50 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of the ethanol, and in still other embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises from about 60 wt. % to about 85 wt. % of the ethanol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the ethanol is SDA 3C, which is a commercially available denatured alcohol that contains a small amount of isopropanol as a denaturant. For purposes of this specification, unless stated otherwise, the amount of ethanol is based upon the amount of actual ethanol, and does not include the denaturant.

[0021] The foaming surfactant is a surfactant that contributes foaming properties to the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes a branched polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactant. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes a branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactant, or a combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the branched foaming surfactant is selected from the group consisting of PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG- 10 dimethicone, PEG- 12 dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

[0022] The foaming surfactant may have a predominantly branched or linear structure. Branched structures include polymers having a backbone chain and one or more pendant groups attached to the backbone chain. Branched structures are sometimes referred to as pendant structures. In one or more embodiments, the branched foaming surfactant includes a silicone backbone chain with one or more polyether groups pendant therefrom. The branched foaming surfactant may or may not also have polyether groups at one or both terminals.

[0023] It will be understood that some amount of linear molecules may be present in a predominantly branched surfactant. In one or more embodiments, up to about 20 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, in other embodiments, up to about 1 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, in other embodiments, up to about 0.5 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, in other embodiments, up to about 0.5 wt. % of the surfactant molecules may have a linear structure, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. Therefore, nothing in this specification should be construed to indicate that the branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants are devoid of linear structures.

[0024] In one embodiment, the branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactant includes a compound that may be represented by the formula

Pv ² - Si (CH ₃ ) ₂ - [O-Si (CH ₃ ) ₂ ] _fl - [O - Si (CH ₃ ) R ³ ] _b - O - Si (CH ₃ ) ₂ - R ² where R ² and R ³ independently include a methyl group or a moiety that may be represented by the formula

-(CH ₂ ) ₃ - O - (CH ₂ CH ₂ 0) _c - [CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ )0] _£/ - (CH ₂ CH ₂ 0) _e H with the proviso that at least one R ³ is not CH ₃ , where a is an integer from about 3 to about 21 , b is an integer from about 1 to about 7, c is an integer from about 0 to about 40, d is an integer from about 0 to about 40, and e is an integer from about 0 to about 40, with the proviso that a > 3 x b and that c + d + e > 5.

[0025] Commercially available examples of branched PEG-8 to PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactants include:

Table 1

Rita Ritasil® SP1008 PEG- 12 Dimethicone

Phoenix Chemical DCF-12 PEG- 12 Dimethicone

[0026] In some embodiments, impurities in the foaming surfactant can negatively impact the foam quality and/or stability. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the foaming surfactant is advantageously limited. For purposes of this specification, VOCs include compounds that have a relatively high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions. In one or more embodiments, VOCs include any organic compound whose boiling point is less than 250 °C, measured at standard atmospheric pressure. In one or more embodiments, VOCs include any organic compound whose boiling point is in the range from about 50 °C to 260 °C, corresponding to having saturation vapor pressures at 25 °C of greater than about 100 kPa. In one or more embodiments, at least the VOC ' s include by-products of the synthesis reaction for the foaming surfactant. In one or more embodiments, some or all of the VOC's are degradation products of the foaming surfactant.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, VOCs include cyclomethicones. Examples of VOCs include hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) decamethylcyclopenta-siloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6).

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the amount of VOCs may be determined by methods known in the art, such as gravimetric analysis. Identification and quantification of the VOCs may also be made by methods that are known in the art, such as gas chromatography (GC).

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 1 wt. % of total VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one embodiment, the foaming surfactant includes less than 0.8 wt. % of VOCs, in other embodiments, less than 0.6 wt. %, in other embodiments, less than 0.4 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant includes from zero to about 0.3 wt. % of total VOCs, based upon the total weight of the foaming surfactant. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is devoid of VOCs. [0030] Foaming surfactants with limited amounts of VOC impurities are further described in International (PCT) Published Patent Application No. 2015/061552, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0031] The amount of foaming surfactant is not particularly limited, so long as an effective amount to produce foaming is present. In certain embodiments, the effective amount to produce foaming may vary, depending upon the amount of alcohol and other ingredients that are present. In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant is present in an amount of at least about 0.25 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 0.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 0.75 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 1 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 1.25 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the amount of foaming surfactant is from about 0.75 to about 15 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 10 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 1.25 to about 8 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 2 to about 5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. It is envisioned that higher amounts may also be effective to produce foam. All such weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include carriers or byproducts that may be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwise specified.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the foaming surfactant is added directly to the alcoholic composition. In other embodiments, the foaming surfactant is added to the alcoholic composition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the foaming surfactant may be premixed with a carrier to form a foaming surfactant solution or emulsion, with the proviso that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the foaming properties of the alcoholic composition. Examples of carriers include water, alcohol, glycols such as propylene or ethylene glycol, ketones, linear and/or cyclic hydrocarbons, triglycerides, carbonates, silicones, alkenes, esters such as acetates, benzoates, fatty esters, glyceryl esters, ethers, amides, polyethylene glycols and PEG/PPG copolymers, inorganic salt solutions such as saline, and mixtures thereof. It will be understood that, when the foaming surfactant is premixed to form a foaming surfactant solution or emulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion that is added to the alcoholic composition may be selected so that the amount of foaming surfactant falls within the ranges set forth hereinabove.

[0034] The foaming surfactant contributes foaming properties to the alcoholic composition. Importantly, these polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactants, when used as they come from the supplier can vary greatly in their ability to produce good quality alcohol foams, even from lot to lot. Conventionally, it has been thought that branched polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactants cannot be used to produce good quality alcohol foam.

[0035] However, it has been discovered that a good quality foam can be produced using branched polyethoxylated dimethicone surfactants, when isopropanol is present.

Advantageously, when branched polyethoxylated dimethicone sufactants are employed, the amount of total antimicrobial alcohol can be increased by adding isopropanol, without sacrificing foam quality or stability. Isopropanol may also be referred to as 2-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, or as IPA.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, isopropanol may be included in the foamable alcoholic composition, without decreasing the ethanol, and foam stability may be maintained.

In other words, isopropanol may be included in the foamable alcoholic composition, in addition to ethanol, thus providing an increase in the total amount of antimicrobial alcohol.

Advantageously, the addition of the isopropanol does not decrease the foam stability.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, isopropanol may be included in the foamable alcoholic composition, without decreasing the ethanol, and foam quality may be maintained.

In other words, isopropanol may be included in the foamable alcoholic composition, in addition to ethanol, thus providing an increase in the total amount of antimicrobial alcohol.

Advantageously, the addition of the isopropanol does not decrease the foam quality.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the amount of isopropanol greater than about 3 wt.

%, in other embodiments, at least about 3.2 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 3.3 wt.

%, in other embodiments, at least about 3.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 4 wt.

%, based upon the total weight of the foamable alcoholic composition. [0039] In one or more embodiments, the amount of isopropanol greater than about 4.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 5 wt. %, in other embodiments, at least about 5.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foamable alcoholic composition.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, foam quality may decrease if too much isopropanol is present. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the amount of isopropanol is no more than about 15 wt. %, in other embodiments, no more than about 12 wt. %, in other embodiments, no more than about 10 wt. %, in other embodiments, no more than about 9.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, no more than about 9 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foamable alcoholic composition.

[0041 ] In one or more embodiments, the amount of isopropanol is no more than about 8.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, no more than about 8 wt. %, in other embodiments, no more than about 7.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the foamable alcoholic composition.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, foam stability and/or foam quality is maintained when the amount of isopropanol is selected based upon the amount of foaming surfactant that is present. In one or more embodiments, the weight percent of isopropanol relative to the weight percent of foaming surfactant is no more than about 4: 1, in other embodiments, no more than about 3.5: 1, in other embodiments, no more than about 3: 1. In one or more embodiments, the weight percent of isopropanol relative to the weight percent of foaming surfactant is no more than about 2.5 : 1 , in other embodiments, no more than about 2.25 : 1 , in other embodiments, no more than about 2 : 1. In one or more embodiments, the weight percent of isopropanol relative to the weight percent of foaming surfactant is no more than about 1.5 : 1 , in other embodiments, no more than about 1.25 : 1 , in other embodiments, no more than about 1 : 1.

[0043] As stated above, certain commercially available ethanol products include a small amount of isopropanol as a denaturant. For example, SDA-3C contains about 5 wt. % isopropanol. For purposes of this specification, unless stated otherwise, the amount of isopropanol includes both the isopropanol that comes from the denatured ethanol and isopropanol that is added to the alcoholic composition independently of the ethanol. [0044] In certain embodiments, the alcoholic composition of the present invention further includes at least one foam stabilizer. In one or more embodiments, the foam stabilizer may be polymeric or non-polymeric. In one or more embodiments, the foam stabilizer may be selected from polymeric or oligomeric foam stabilizers. In one or more embodiments, the foam stabilizer comprises a cationic oligomer or polymer.

[0045] Foam stabilizers that may complement the stabilizing effect of the isopropanol and operate to improve foam quality and/or stability include terpolymers of vinylcaprolactam (VCL), vinylpyrrolidone (VP) and dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, including a VP/vinylcaprolactam/dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide copolymer. Polymeric foam stabilizers include polyquatemium polymers. In general, a polyquatemium polymer is one that is designated as such by the CTFA. Polyquatemium polymers are characterized by containing a quaternary ammonium group. Yet another polymeric foam stabilizer includes isobutylene/dimethylaminopropyl maleimide/ethoxylated maleimide/maleic acid copolymer. These and other foam stabilizers are sometimes referred to as film- forming polymers.

[0046] Still other foam stabilizers include acrylamide/ammonium acrylate copolymer, acrylamides/DMAPA acrylates/methoxy PEG methacrylate copolymer, acrylamide/sodium aery loyldimethyltaurate/acry lie acid copolymer, acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride/acrylamide copolymer, acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride/acrylates copolymer, acrylates/acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/acrylamide copolymer, acrylates/ammonium methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/t-butylacrylamide copolymer, acrylates copolymer, acrylates/Cl-2 succinates/hydroxyacrylates copolymer, acrylates/ethylamine oxide methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/lauryl acrylate/stearyl acrylate/ethylamine oxide methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer, acrylates/octylacrylamide/diphenyl amodimethicone copolymer, acrylates/polytrimethyl siloxymethacrylate copolymer, acrylates/stearyl acrylate/ethylamine oxide methacrylate copolymer, acrylates/trifluoropropylmethacrylate/polytrimethyl siloxymethacrylate copolymer, acrylates/VA copolymer, acrylates/VP copolymer, adipic acid/diethylenetriamine copolymer, adipic acid/dimethylaminohydroxypropyl diethylenetriamine copolymer, adipic acid/epoxypropyl diethylenetriamine copolymer, adipic acid/isophthalic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimethylolpropane copolymer, allyl stearate/VA copolymer, aminoethylacrylate phosphate/acrylates copolymer, aminoethylpropanediol-acrylates/acrylamide copolymer, aminoethylpropanediol-AMPD-acrylates/diacetoneacrylamide copolymer, ammonium VA/acrylates copolymer, amodimethicone/silsesquioxane copolymer, AMPD- acrylates/diacetoneacrylamide copolymer, AMP-acrylates/allyl methacrylate copolymer, AMP-acrylates/Cl-18 alkyl acrylates/Cl-8 alkyl acrylamide copolymer, AMP- acrylates/ diacetoneacrylamide copolymer, AMP-acrylates/ dimethylammoethylmethacrylate copolymer, bacillus/rice bran extract/soybean extract ferment filtrate, behenyl methacrylate/ethylamine oxide methacrylate copolymer, bis-butyloxyamodimethicone/PEG- 60 copolymer, bis-isobutyl PEG-14/amodimethicone copolymer, bis-isobutyl PEG- 15/amodimethicone copolymer, butyl acrylate/ethylhexyl methacrylate copolymer, butyl acrylate/hydroxypropyl dimethicone acrylate copolymer, butyl ester of ethylene/MA copolymer, butyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, calcium/sodium PVM/MA copolymer, chitosan, chitosan lactate, corn starch/acrylamide/sodium acrylate copolymer, dehydroxanthan gum, diethylene glycolamine/epichlorohydrin/piperazine copolymer, dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone/silsesquioxane copolymer, diphenyl amodimethicone, ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, ethyltrimonium chloride methacrylate/hydroxyethylacrylamide copolymer, hydrolyzed wheat protein/P VP crosspolymer, hydroxypropyl dimethiconylpropyl acrylates copolymer, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed corn starch, isobutylene/ethylmaleimide/hydroxyethylmaleimide copolymer, isobutylene/MA copolymer, isobutylmethacrylate/trifluoroethylmethacrylate/bis-hydroxyp ropyl dimethicone acrylate copolymer, isopropyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, lauryl acrylate crosspolymer, lauryl methacrylate/glycol dimethacrylate crosspolymer, lauryl PEG-9 poly dimethylsiloxy ethyl dimethicone, methacrylic acid/sodium acrylamidomethyl propane sulfonate copolymer, methacryloyl ethyl betaine/acrylates copolymer, methoxy amodimethicone/silsesquioxane copolymer, methoxy PEG-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, myristic/palmitic/stearic/ ricinoleic/eicosanedioic glycerides, octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, PEG-800/polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, PEG/PPG-25/25 dimethicone/acrylates copolymer, PEG-8/SMDI copolymer, polyacrylamide, polyacrylate-6, polyacrylate-8, polyacrylate-9, polyacrylate-15, polyacrylate-16, polyacrylate-17, polyacrylate-18, polyacrylate-19, polybeta-alanine/glutaric acid crosspolymer, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester- 1, polyethylacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide-1, polymethacryloyl ethyl betaine, polypentaerythrityl terephthalate, polyperfluoroperhydrophenanthrene, polyquaternium-4/hydroxypropyl starch copolymer, polyurethane-1, polyurethane-6, polyurethane-10, polyurethane-18, polyurethane-19, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinylcaprolactam, polyvinylformamide, polyvinyl imidazolinium acetate, polyvinyl methyl ether, potassium butyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, potassium ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, PPG-70 polyglyceryl-10 ether, PPG-12/SMDI copolymer, PPG- 51/SMDI copolymer, PVM/MA copolymer, PVP/VA/itaconic acid copolymer, PVP/V A/vinyl propionate copolymer, rhizobian gum, rosin acrylate, shellac, silicone quaternium- 16/glycidoxy dimethicone crosspolymer, sodium butyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, sodium ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, sodium polyacrylate, sodium polygamma-glutamate, soy protein phthalate, sterculia urens gum, terephthalic acid/lsophthalic acid/sodium isophthalic acid sulfonate/glycol copolymer, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylsiloxysilylcarbamoyl pullulan, VA/crotonates copolymer, VA/crotonates/methacryloxybenzophenone-1 copolymer, VA/crotonates/vinyl neodecanoate copolymer, VA/crotonates/vinyl propionate copolymer, VA/DBM copolymer, VA/vinyl butyl benzoate/crotonates copolymer, vinylamine/vinyl alcohol copolymer, vinyl caprolactam/VP/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, VP/acrylates/laurylmethacrylate copolymer, VP/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, VP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer, VP/hexadecene copolymer, VP/methacrylamide/vinyl imidazole copolymer, VP/VA copolymer, VP/vinyl caprolactam/DMAPA acrylates copolymer, yeast palmitate, a silicon-based polymer or resin such as phenylpropyldimethyl siloxysilicate, trimethylsiloxysilicate, cyclopentasiloxane, diisostearoyl trimethyllolpropane siloxy silicate, vinyl dimethicone crosspoylmer/blends, and alkyl cetearyl dimethicone crosspolymers.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, suitable foam stabilizers include oxyalkylene polymers. Oxyalkylene polymers include poly(propylene oxide) homopolymers, poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymers, and copolymers of poly(propylene oxide) and poly(ethylene oxide). In one or more embodiments, the foamable compositions include one or more poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymers. In one or more embodiments, the poly(ethylene oxide) homopolymer includes an average number of repeating oxyethylene units of from about 5 to about 50, in other embodiments, from about 7 to about 45. In one or more embodiments, the average number of repeating oxyethylene units is about 30 to about 35.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the foam stabilizer is present in an amount of from about 0 to about 4 wt. % active, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In another embodiment, the foam stabilizer is present in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 3 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition, and in yet another embodiment, the foam stabilizer is present in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0049] In one embodiment, the foam stabilizer is added directly to the alcoholic composition. In one or more other embodiments, the foam stabilizer is added to the alcoholic composition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the foam stabilizer may be premixed with a carrier to form a foam stabilizer solution or emulsion, with the proviso that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the foaming properties of the alcoholic composition. Examples of carriers include water, alcohol, glycols such as propylene or ethylene glycol, ketones, linear and/or cyclic hydrocarbons, triglycerides, carbonates, silicones, alkenes, esters such as acetates, benzoates, fatty esters, glyceryl esters, ethers, amides, polyethylene glycols and PEG/PPG copolymers, inorganic salt solutions such as saline, and mixtures thereof. It will be understood that, when the foam stabilizer is premixed to form a foam stabilizer solution or emulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion that is added to the alcoholic composition is selected so that the amount of foam stabilizer falls within the ranges set forth hereinabove.

[0050] As described hereinabove, the foamable alcoholic compositions of this invention include a combination of isopropanol and at least one other alcohol, and a branched PEG dimethicone foaming surfactant. The alcoholic composition of this invention may further include a wide range of optional ingredients, with the proviso that they do not deleteriously affect the foam forming properties of the alcoholic composition, or the stability of the foam. The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, Eleventh Edition, 20, and the 2004 CTFA International Buyer's Guide, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, describe a wide variety of non-limiting cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the skin care industry, that are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention. Auxiliary surfactants may be included in the alcoholic compositions for the purpose of boosting or modifying the foam quality and characteristics, for modifying the feel of the final formulation during rub in and/or dry time, for providing persistence or long-lasting microbial action of the alcohol, for solubilizing other ingredients such as fragrances or sunscreens, and for irritation mitigation.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises one or more humectants. Examples of humectants include propylene glycol, dipropyleneglycol, hexylene glycol, 1 ,4-dihydroxyhexane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1 ,2-octanediol, sorbitol, butylene glycol, propanediols, such as methyl propane diol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin (glycerol), polyethylene glycols, ethoxydiglycol, polyethylene sorbitol, and combinations thereof. Other humectants include glycolic acid, glycolate salts, lactate salts, lactic acid, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, hyaluronic acid, chitin, tocopheryl acetate, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the humectant is present in an amount of from zero to about 20 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments the humectant is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.25 to about 8 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.4 to about 5 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments the humectant is present in an amount of from zero to about 1 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.01 to about 0.5 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.025 to about 0.2 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.4 to about 5 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.05 to about 0.1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0052] In these or other embodiments, the alcoholic composition comprises one or more conditioning or moisturizing esters. Examples of esters include cetyl myristate, cetyl myristoleate, and other cetyl esters, diisopropyl sebacate, and isopropyl myristate. In one embodiment, the ester is present in an amount of up to 10 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In another embodiment the ester is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, in another embodiment from about 1 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments the ester is present in an amount of from zero to about 5 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.05 to about 2 wt. %, in other embodiments from about 0.1 to about 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition includes one or more emulsifying agents. Examples of emulsifying agents include stearyl alcohol, sorbitan oleate trideceth-2, poloxamers, and PEG/PPG-20/6 dimethicone. In one embodiment, the emulsifying agent is present in an amount of up to about 10 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In another embodiment the emulsifying agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, in another embodiment from about 0.5 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition further comprises one or more of PEG-32, and PCA Ethyl cocoyl arginate (CAE).

[0055] In one or more embodiments, PEG-32 is present in an amount of from about zero to about 5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the amount of PEG-32 is from about 0.2 to about 2 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In another embodiment, the PEG-32 is present in an amount of from about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, tocopheryl acetate is present in an amount of from zero to about 5 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.005 to about 2.5 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the tocopheryl acetate is present in an amount of from about 0.005 to about 0.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.1 to about 0.25 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, CAE is present in an amount of from about zero to about 0.5 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.05 to about 0.40 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one embodiment, CAE is present in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 0.22 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.15 to about 0.20 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the composition may include auxiliary antimicrobial agents in addition to ethanol and isopropanol. Examples of auxiliary antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, triclosan, also known as 5-chloro-2(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol and available from Ciba-Geigy Corporation under the tradename IRGASAN®; chloroxylenol, also known as 4-chloro-3,5-xylenol, available from Nipa Laboratories, Inc. under the tradenames NIPACIDE® MX or PX; hexetidine, also known as 5-amino-l,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methyl-hexahydropyrimidine; chlorhexidine salts including chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and the salts of N,N"-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12- diimino-2,4,1 1,14-tetraazatetradecanediimidi amide; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l; 3-diol, benzalkonium chloride; cetylpyridinium chloride; alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides; iodine; phenol derivatives, povidone-iodine including polyvinylpyrrolidinone-iodine; parabens; hydantoins and derivatives thereof, including 2,4-imidazolidinedione and derivatives of 2,4-imidazolidinedione as well as dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (also known as DMDM hydantoin or glydant); phenoxyethanol; cis isomer of l-(3-chloroallyl)- 3,5,6-triaza-l-azoniaadamantane chloride, also known as quaternium-15 and available from Dow Chemical Company under the tradename DOWCIL™ 2000; diazolidinyl urea; benzethonium chloride; methylbenzethonium chloride; and mixtures thereof. When used, the auxiliary antimicrobial agents may present in amounts of from about 0.05 to about 1 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the amount of auxiliary antimicrobial agent is from about 0.1 to about 0.8 wt. %, in other embodiments, from about 0.2 to about 0.6 wt. %, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one or more embodiments, the compositions of the present invention include CHG.

[0059] The alcoholic composition of the present invention may optionally further comprise a wide range of topical drug actives, with the proviso that they do not deleteriously affect the foam forming properties of the alcoholic composition, or the stability of the foam. [0060] In one or more embodiments, the balance of the alcoholic composition includes water or other suitable solvent.

[0061] The alcoholic composition may be prepared by simply mixing the components together. The order of addition is not particularly limited, and will be readily discernible by one of skill in the art. In one or more embodiments, the resulting mixture is a clear, homogeneous solution.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the viscosity of the composition is less than about 100 mPas, in one embodiment less than about 50 mPas, and in another embodiment less than about 25mPas, as measured by a Brookfield RV Viscometer using RV and/or LV Spindles at 22 °C +/- 3 °C.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the foamable compositions of the present invention may be described as clear liquids. In one embodiment, where the antimicrobial composition is in liquid form, the percent solids of the antimicrobial composition is less than about 6 percent, in another embodiment, less than about 5 percent, in yet another embodiment, less than about 4 percent, in still another embodiment, less than about 3 percent, in another embodiment, less than about 2 percent, in yet another embodiment, less than about 1 percent. The percent solids can be determined by various methods known in the art.

[0064] Advantageously, the amount of total Ci_ ₆ monohydric alcohol (i.e. antimicrobial alcohol) may be increased without sacrificing foam quality and/or stability. Thus, rapid antimicrobial activity may be enhanced, for compositions of the present invention, as compared to foam compositions having similar foam quality and/or stability but containing lower amounts of Ci_ ₆ monohydric alcohol. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial alcoholic composition is effective in killing gram negative and gram positive bacteria, fungi, parasites, non-enveloped and enveloped viruses. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial alcoholic composition has rapid antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and fungi such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial alcoholic composition has rapid efficacy against skin microflora, including resident and transient skin microflora. [0065] Thus, the present invention further provides a method for killing or inactivating microbes on a surface comprising applying, to the surface, an effective amount of an antimicrobial alcoholic composition as described herein. The antimicrobial alcoholic composition may be employed on a wide variety of surfaces or substrates, including inanimate surfaces, animate surfaces such as skin, porous, and non-porous surfaces.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the antimicrobial alcoholic composition of the present invention is applied topically to mammalian skin. In one embodiment, the methods of bringing the antimicrobial alcoholic composition into contact with a microbe on human skin includes applying an amount of the composition to the skin, and allowing the composition to remain in contact with the skin for a suitable amount of time. In other embodiments, the composition may be spread over the surface of the skin, rubbed in, rinsed off, allowed to dry via evaporation, or wiped off.

[0067] Thus, the present invention provides a method for skin sanitization, the method comprising contacting mammalian skin with an effective amount of an non-aerosol foamable alcoholic composition comprising at least about 60 wt. % ethanol, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial alcoholic composition, from about 0.75 to about 15 wt. % of a branched foaming surfactant selected from the group consisting of PEG 10-12 dimethicone surfactants, based upon the total weight of the foamable composition; and at least about 3 wt. % isopropanol, based upon the total weight of the foamable composition. In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method for hand sanitization.

[0068] Advantageously, the antimicrobial alcoholic composition of the present invention may be used as a healthcare personnel hand wash. In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides an antimicrobial alcoholic composition that meets the standards of the FDA Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products (TFM) (Federal Register 59 [116], Jun. 17, 1994: pp. 31402-31452) for healthcare personnel hand wash.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic antimicrobial compositions of the present invention are useful as surgical scrub compositions. Requirements for in vitro and in vivo testing of surgical hand scrubs are outlined in the FDA Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products (TFM) (Federal Register 59 [116], Jun. 17, 1994: pp. 31445-31448). The in vivo test procedure described beginning on page 31445 will hereinafter be referred to as the FDA TFM surgical hand scrub test. The antimicrobial efficacy of Surgical Scrubs can also be tested by any appropriate recognized test to demonstrate adequate disinfection of resident skin flora. Examples of such tests are ASTM E 1 115-02, "Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Surgical Hand Scrub Formulations" (ASTM International) and EN 12791 :2005, "Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics, Surgical hand disinfection, Test method and requirement (phase 2, step 2)," (CEN-Comitee Europeen de Normalisation, Brussels, Belgium).

[0070] Embodiments of the antimicrobial compositions and methods of the present invention provide rapid antimicrobial efficacy upon a single use. In one or more embodiments, the rapid, broad-spectrum efficacy makes the compositions useful as skin preparations as described and tested in ASTM E 1173-01 provides "Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Preoperative, Precatheterization, or Preinjection Skin Preparations" and FDA Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products (TFM) (Federal Register 59 [116], Jun. 17, 1994: pp. 31402-31452).

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides an antimicrobial composition that meets the standards of one or more of EN1040 for basic bactericidal activity, EN 1275 for basic fungicidal activity, EN 1500 for activity of products for use as a hygienic hand rub, EN 14348 for tuberculoidal activity, EN 14476 for virucidal activity, and EN 12791 for surgical hand disinfection.

[0072] Although a propellant may be used to produce stable foam, advantageously a propellant is not necessary. In certain embodiments, the amount of propellant is less than about 1000 parts per million by weight, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In one embodiment, the alcoholic composition is substantially free of propellants, such as hydrocarbon propellants. By substantially free is meant that the amount of propellant in the alcoholic composition is less than about 100 parts per million by weight, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.

[0073] The foamable composition of the present invention may be employed in any type of dispenser typically used for foam products. Advantageously, while the foamable composition can optionally be foamed by aerosolizing the composition, an aerosolized product is not necessary for foaming. Any dispenser that is capable of mixing the foamable alcoholic composition with air or an inert gas may be used. Inert gases include gas that does not substantially react or otherwise deleteriously affect the foamable composition. Examples of inert gases include nitrogen, argon, xenon, krypton, helium, neon, and radon.

[0074] The foamable composition of the present invention may be employed in any type of dispenser typically used for foam products. Advantageously, while the foamable composition can optionally be foamed with the aid of an aerosol, the aerosol is not necessary. Any dispenser that is capable of mixing the foamable alcoholic composition with air or an inert gas may be used. Inert gases include gas that does not substantially react or otherwise deleteriously affect the foamable composition. Examples of inert gases include nitrogen, argon, xenon, krypton, helium, neon, and radon.

[0075] Generally, a nozzle adapted to produce and/or maximize the inclusion of air into the ejected liquid compositions of the present invention may be employed to generate a foamed composition. Many suitable nozzles are available in the art, and generally include, but are not limited to, tortuous paths, fine pin-hole orifices, fine screens and/or porous webs positioned between the liquid composition and a pressurisable portion of the dispenser capable of forcing the liquid composition through the nozzle. The turbulent flow thus produced by the various means introduce air in the form of tiny bubbles into the liquid composition during the dispensing process so as to result in the dispensing of a foamed composition. These foamable compositions deliver a stable foam which breaks on pressure application such as when a user rubs their hands or when applied over a surface. Such devices are available from the WaterGuard® Line, by Airspray®.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition is used in dispensers that employ foaming pumps, which combine ambient air or an inert gas and the alcoholic composition in a mixing chamber and pass the mixture through a mesh screen. Other non- aerosol foam pumps are known, and may be used.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, compositions of the present invention have improved foam stability, when compared to the same compositions that do not contain an effective amount of isopropanol. Advantageously, isopropanol operates as a foam stabilizer, i.e. it increases the foam stability. Particularly, it has been found that, when the foaming surfactant comprises a branched PEG- 10 to PEG- 12 dimethicone, the presence of isopropanol improves the stability of the foam.

[0078] Advantageously, the foam of the present invention has good foam quality and stability, even when branched polyethethoxylated dimethicone surfactants are employed as foaming surfactants, so long as the composition includes an effective amount of isopropanol. The foamable compositions of the present invention provide good foam quality and stability, even at levels of ethanol that equal or exceed 60 wt. %. Embodiments of the present invention provide good foam quality and stability, even at levels of ethanol that equal or exceed 70 wt. %. Surprisingly, when it is considered that the isopropanol is also an antimicrobial alcohol, the foamable compositions of the present invention provide good foam quality and stability, even at levels of alcohol that equal or exceed 70 wt. %. Embodiments of the present invention provide good foam quality and stability, even at levels of alcohol that equal or exceed 80 wt. %.

[0079] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of forming a non-aerosol alcoholic foam having improved foam quality and/or stability. The method includes the steps of combining a Ci_ ₆ alcohol, a branched polyethoxylated dimethicone foaming surfactant, an effective amount of isopropanol to stabilize the foam, and water, to form a foamable composition, wherein the foamable composition includes at least 60 wt. % of a Ci_ ₆ alcohol, based upon the total weight of the foamable compositions.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, foam stability may be measured as the amount of time that it takes for the foamed composition to break down to a liquid state. This may be referred to as a drainage test method. Foams having good stability are advantageous, because once the foam breaks down to a liquid state, it is more likely to drip from the surface to which it is applied, the foaming pump and/or associated dispenser elements.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the foam stability may be assessed by using the following method. The foamable mixture may be passed through a non-aerosol foaming pump. Tygon® (or the like) tubing may be secured onto the pump tip, ensuring no air gaps. The pump may be primed by activating it slowly a few times, and during this time, the pumped product may be discarded. In one or more embodiments, the pump is primed by activating it five times. After the pump is primed, one or more test aliquots may be pumped into a graduated container. In one or more embodiments, the graduated container may be a conical centrifuge tube. In one or more embodiments, the centrifuge tube may be about a 100 milliliter (mL) oil centrifuge tube. In one or more embodiments, about four test aliquots may be pumped into the graduated container. Pumping the aliquots into the graduated container in a uniform manner may be beneficial to achieve consistent results.

[0082] As the foam collapses to a liquid, the liquid level in the graduated container increases, and this may be visually apparent. In one or more embodiments, the amount of time that is takes for the liquid level to rise to a pre-determined point may be measured. For example, in one or more embodiments, when a 100 mL conical oil centrifuge tube is employed and when approximately 6 mL of the foamable composition are pumped into the tube, the amount of time that it takes for the liquid level to rise to 3.5 mL may be recorded. The test may be repeated and the results may be averaged.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the foam stability of the foam produced when the foamable alcoholic composition is passed through a non-aerosol foaming pump at room temperature is at least about 20 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about 30 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about 1 minute, in other embodiments, at least about 80 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about 90 seconds, in other embodiments, at least about three minutes. In other words, in one or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition maintains its foam form and doesn't break down into liquid form for at least three minutes. In other embodiments, the foam stability is at least about five minutes, and in yet other embodiments, the foam stability is at least about 15 minutes. In one or more embodiments, the foam stability is at least as long as the period of time required for the composition to evaporate.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, foam quality may be measured by visual inspection. The average size of the bubbles, and the relative proportion of large bubbles to small bubbles, the height and density of the foam, and the dissipation rate of the foam can be observed by visual inspection. In one or more embodiments, foam height may also be an indicator of foam quality. In one or more embodiments, a visual rating scale may be established in order to rate the foam quality.

[0085] In one or more embodiments, the height of the foam may be measured. As stated above, the initial foam height may be used as an indicator of foam quality. In one or more embodiments, the change in the foam height over time may also be measured.

[0086] It will be understood that various methods may be employed to measure foam height. In one or more embodiments, the following method may be employed. A foam pump nozzle may be used to generate foam from each composition. In one or more embodiments, the pump may be product Code F2, type F2-L11 255/150, available from Albea (formerly Airspray International Inc.). Vials may be used to collect foam from the pump dispenser, while the foam height is being measured. The exact size and composition of the vials is not limited, so long as it is consistent from one test sample to the next. In one or more embodiments, the vials may be made of glass and may be 40 or 80 millimeters (mm) in height, with a 25 mm internal diameter and a 27 mm outer diameter.

[0087] The pump may be rinsed between samples with deionized water or ethanol by pumping water through the pump until it comes out clear. The pump dip tube may then be removed from the water, pumped dry of residual water, and then placed in the composition to be tested.

[0088] The pump may be pumped 3 times to prime the pump, and then 3 more times to purge solution through the nozzle to ensure that the system is ready. Three test aliquots of foam may be collected in a collection vial by pumping slowly at a speed of about 1 second for each pump. The vial containing the foam may be placed on a flat surface, a timer may be started, and a small ruler with millimeter increments may be used to measure the approximate height of the foam, ignoring the height of any remaining unfoamed composition.

[0089] The time that is taken to measure the foam height should be consistent, and in one or more embodiments will be about 5 seconds. This may be referred to as the initial foam height. Any composition producing a foam that is not stable for at least the amount of time needed to measure the foam height may be considered to be unstable and given a foam height rating of 0 mm. Furthermore, a rating of 0 mm may be given if the top of the solution was void of foam in any spot, such as the center. In one or more embodiments, the foam height was recorded after a pre-determined amount of time, such as after 1 , 3 and 5 minutes, to assess the stability of the foam.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable initial foam height. In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable foam height after about 1 minute. In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable foam height after about 3 minutes. In one or more embodiments, foamable compositions of the present invention form foam that has a measurable foam height after about 5 minutes.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, foam that is formed from an inventive composition has a greater initial foam height than foam that is formed from a comparative composition that does not contain isopropanol.

[0092] In order to demonstrate the practice of the present invention, the following examples have been prepared and tested. The examples should not, however, be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention. The claims will serve to define the invention.

Examples

[0093] In Test A, 6 samples were prepared by combining an amount of water, various amounts of isopropanol, as shown in the table below, and about 74.1 grams (g) SDA-3C, with slow to moderate agitation until homogeneous mixtures were achieved. The SDA-3C contained about 95 % v/v ethanol and 5 % v/v isopropanol. It should be understood that, in the table below, the indicated amount of isopropanol is the amount that was added, and does not include the isopropanol that was included in the SDA-3C. Next, an amount of branched PEG- 10 dimethicone foaming surfactant (obtained from Siltech Corporation under the tradename Silsurf E1310) of between 0.5 to 4 grams (the same amount was used in all examples) was dispersed into the water and alcoholic mixtures, and mixed until homogeneous dispersions were achieved. If necessary, water was added to bring the total to 100 grams, with mixing. The solutions were agitated until a homogeneous mixture was achieved. The concentrations of each ingredient are summarized in the table below. The term "qs" indicates a sufficient amount to total 100 percent.

[0094] The foamable mixtures were passed through an Airspray® foaming pump. Using a 100 mL graduated oil centrifuge tube, tubing, and a stopwatch, the foams were rated for stability as described hereinbelow, and the results are summarized in Table 2.

[0095] The formulation to be tested (-300 ml) was poured into a 535 ml foamer bottle, and a foaming pump was tightened onto the bottle. A 4" piece of Tygon® tubing was secured onto the pump tip, ensuring no air gaps. The tubing portion covering the pump tip was about 5/8".

[0096] To prime the pump, the pump was activated slowly five (5) times, and the pumped product was discarded. Immediately after the pump was primed, the stopwatch was started.

[0097] During about 8 to 10 seconds, with slow even pumps, four aliquots of foamed sample was pumped (~2 seconds each) into the conical graduated centrifuge tube.

[0098] As the foam collapsed to a liquid, the liquid level in the centrifuge tube increased. When the liquid level in the bottom of the centrifuge tube rose to 3.5 mL, the stopwatch was stopped, and the time was recorded. The test was repeated and the results were averaged.

[0099] In Test B, 6 samples were prepared as described for Test A, except that a linear PEG- 10 dimethicone surfactant was employed instead of the branched foaming surfactant. The linear PEG- 10 dimethicone surfactant was obtained from Siltech Corporation under the tradename Silsurf DI- 1010. The foamable mixtures were passed through a foaming pump and rated as for Example 1. The results are summarized in Table 2.

[00100] In Test C, 6 samples were prepared as described for Test A, except that a linear PEG- 12 dimethicone surfactant was employed instead of the branched foaming surfactant.

[00101] In Test D, 6 samples were prepared as described for Test A, except that a silicone quaternary surfactant was employed instead of the branched foaming surfactant. The silicone quaternary surfactant was obtained from Siltech Corporation under the tradename Silquat.

[00102] In Test E, 6 samples were prepared as described for Test A, except that a silane surfactant was employed instead of the branched foaming surfactant. The silane surfactant was obtained from Grant Industries under the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) name of Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane.

Table 2

[00103] The foam stability was assessed by using the following method. The foamable mixture was passed through a non-aerosol foaming pump. Tygon® (or the like) tubing was secured onto the pump tip, ensuring no air gaps. The pump was primed by activating it slowly a few times, and during this time, the pumped product was discarded. In one or more embodiments, the pump was primed by activating it five times. After the pump was primed, one or more test aliquots was pumped into a graduated container. In one or more embodiments, the graduated container was a conical centrifuge tube. In one or more embodiments, the centrifuge tube was about a 100 milliliter (mL) oil centrifuge tube. In one or more embodiments, about four test aliquots was pumped into the graduated container. Pumping the aliquots into the graduated container in a uniform manner was beneficial to achieve consistent results.

[00104] As the foam collapsed to a liquid, the liquid level in the graduated container increased, and this was visually apparent. In one or more embodiments, the amount of time that it took for the liquid level to rise to a pre-determined point was measured. For example, in one or more embodiments, when a 100 mL conical oil centrifuge tube was employed and when approximately 6 mL of the foamable composition was pumped into the tube, the amount of time that it took for the liquid level to rise to 3.5 mL was recorded. The test may be repeated and the results were averaged.

[00105] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the foam stability of for the Examples in Test A. FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the foam stability of Examples in Test B. It can be seen that, as IPA concentration increases, the foam stability decreases when a linear PEG- 10 dimethicone surfactant is employed. However for branched PEG- 10 dimethicone, the foam stability is improved when the IPA concentration is about 2 to about 5 wt. %.

[00106] Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scope and spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. This invention is not to be duly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.