Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Singapore Patent Application No. 10201907596V, filed 16 August 2019, the content of it being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a peel-able formulation for waterless cleaning.

Background

[0003] Various formulations may have been developed for cleaning a surface by forming a polymer film for removing unwanted substances, including dirt, stains and any contaminants. The formulations may be formed by dissolving a polymer in a solvent to produce a polymer solution, wherein the solvent tends to be used only for solubilizing the polymer and provides no other functions. To remove the unwanted substances, the formulation (i.e. polymer solution) may be deposited on the unwanted substances. As the solvent dries off from the polymer solution, the polymer film gets formed. The unwanted substances may then be removed along with the polymer film that is peeled off from the surface.

[0004] However, one limitation of such formulations is that the film may be properly peeled off only after the film is completely dried. This renders the cleaning process time consuming. If peeling is attempted when the film is not completely dried, parts of the film may not get peeled off and remain stuck on the surface. The cleaning process becomes more laboriously difficult and time consuming, as residual portions of the film need time to dry and each of the residual portions may have to be individually peeled off. Said differently, the film has to be inconveniently peeled off bit by bit instead of being peeled as one intact piece.

[0005] In one reported formulation, a specifically tailored triblock copolymer and organic solvents which the triblock copolymer was soluble in were used. The formulation had to be developed using the triblock copolymer as it was specifically targeted at cleaning solid stains on a surface, such as soot. In this formulation, the film had to be completely dried before it may be properly peeled off.

[0006] In other formulations developed, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as the polymer for forming the film. The solvent for dissolving PVA was water. To improve peelability, a plasticizer compatible with the solvent was added. In other words, the choice of solvent may be limited to an aqueous solvent, such as water, in order for PVA and the plasticizer to be compatibly used. Moreover, the film had to be completely dried before it may be properly peeled off as one intact piece, and in this instance, the drying may have been more time consuming as the water solvent required longer to dry. A water solvent that takes longer to dry off also means that film formation is slower, which requires a longer waiting time before cleaning may start.

[0007] In another formulation developed for cleaning heavily soiled cookwares and tablewares, the formulation included a polymeric film former, a plasticizer for imparting peelability to the film, a cleaning active agent and a liquid medium to contain such components. The formulation specifically relies on the cleaning active agent for cleaning the soiled cookwares and tableware, wherein the cleaning active agent is a mixture that include, for example, an organic solvent to penetrate/swell the soil for easier removal, a bleaching agent and/or an enzyme that reacts with the soil for easier removal.

[0008] There are also formulations that require a rinsing agent to remove the film, together with the unwanted substances, from a dirtied surface. Such formulations, including some formulations mentioned above, may require a considerable number of reactants/components to achieve effective cleaning. Other existing formulations may produce films that are brittle and fracture easily during peeling, thereby requiring more efforts to peel off the film.

[0009] There is thus a need to provide for a solution that addresses one or more of the limitations mentioned above. The solution should at least provide for a waterless, peel- able cleaning formulation usable for cleaning a surface with reduced labor effort and improved productivity. Summary

[0010] In one aspect, there is provided a peel-able formulation for waterless cleaning, the peel-able formulation includes: a volatile medium including a crosslinkable polymer dissolved therein; a polysiloxane; and a surfactant, wherein the peel-able formulation is applicable on a surface to have the crosslinkable polymer formed a film thereon as the volatile medium evaporates at a reducing rate from the crosslinkable polymer, wherein the surfactant stabilizes the polysiloxane as emulsion droplets in the volatile medium before the volatile medium evaporates from the crosslinkable polymer, wherein the film is already peel-able from the surface when the film is partially dried, and wherein peeling off the film removes undesirable substances from the surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0011] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1A shows a surface of a metallic sheet containing stains and dirt particles. The metallic surface was also vandalized with drawings using a permanent ink marker. [0013] FIG. IB shows the application of a formulation of the present disclosure on the metallic sheet. The formulation is deposited on the stains, dirt and vandalized drawings by simply using a dropper. This demonstrates that an excessive amount of the present formulation need not be used for cleaning. [0014] FIG. 1C demonstrates the spreadability of the formulation. The formulation was spread using a plastic ruler over the stains, dirt, and vandalized drawings. Apart from a ruler, other accessories such as a doctor blade can be used. This shows that without using an excessive amount of the formulation, a sizeable area of the surface can be deposited or coated with the formulation to cover the stains, dirt and vandalized drawings. Moreover, at this stage, the formulation dissolved a considerable amount of stains and some of the vandalized drawings, thereby already cleaning the surface. [0015] FIG. ID shows drying of the formulation by evaporation of the volatile medium to have a film formed on the surface. As the film forms, the dirt particles can be trapped in the film or adhered to the film.

[0016] FIG. IE shows peeling of the film when the film is partially dried.

[0017] FIG. IF shows removal of the stains, dirt and vandalized drawings along with peeling of the film. The unwanted substances are removed along with the film from the surface. The film is also peeled off intact, i.e. as a single piece without fracturing. [0018] FIG. 1G shows a stage of the cleaning process where the film is substantially or almost completely peeled off, leaving behind a cleaned surface.

[0019] FIG. 1H shows the film that has been peeled off from the surface, trapping the dirt particles and stains therein. The film can be stretched and contorted without breaking, demonstrating the flexibility and elasticity that renders the film easily peel- able.

Detailed Description

[0020] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced.

[0021] Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and/or combinations and/or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to a formulation for cleaning a surface. The formulation herein may be referred to as a “peel- able formulation” as the formulation can be applied on a stained, dirtied and/or vandalized surface to form a film that can be peeled off and at the same time removes the stains and dirt, including those from the vandalism (i.e. cleaning the surface). As cleaning the surface can be achieved by forming and peeling the film in the absence of using water to rinse off the film, stains and dirt, this may be termed herein “waterless cleaning”. Said differently, the present formulation may be referred to herein as a peel-able formulation for waterless cleaning. [0023] The present formulation may include a volatile medium having a polymer dissolved therein. The volatile medium may be a solvent for dissolving the polymer. As the volatile medium dries off, the polymer forms a film. When the film is partially or substantially dried, the film may already be peeled off from the surface, for example, as one piece without fracturing. This advantageously decreases the amount of time for the film to be peeled for cleaning the surface. The film, peel-able as a single intact piece, also circumvents the laborious efforts of removing a brittle film, which in turn improves cleaning productivity, as a brittle film formed using existing formulations tends to fracture into multiple pieces easily.

[0024] The volatile medium does not only serve as a solvent for dissolving the polymer that forms the film. In other words, the volatile medium is not only a solvent for dissolving the polymer, it may also be a solvent for dissolving and/or dislodging stains and dirt on a surface. For example, when the volatile medium includes an aqueous solvent such as water, stains and dirt that are soluble in water may be dissolved, thereby being cleaned from the surface. In another example, when the volatile medium includes an organic solvent like alcohol, it may dissolve organic contaminants and additionally serves as a disinfecting agent.

[0025] Apart from the volatile medium and polymer, the present formulation may include a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane accelerates drying of the film and improves peelability of the film from a surface even before the film is completely dried.

[0026] The present formulation may also include a surfactant that stabilizes the polysiloxane as an emulsion (e.g. emulsion droplets) in the volatile medium.

[0027] Details of various embodiments of the present peel-able formulation and advantages associated with the various embodiments are now described below. As the various embodiments and advantages are also described in the examples demonstrated herein, they shall not be iterated for brevity where possible/suitable.

[0028] In the present disclosure, there is provided a peel-able formulation for waterless cleaning. The peel-able formulation includes a volatile medium including a crosslinkable polymer dissolved therein, a polysiloxane, and a surfactant. Peeling off the film removes undesirable substances from a surface.

[0029] The peel-able formulation may be applicable on a surface to have the crosslinkable polymer formed a film thereon as the volatile medium evaporates from the crosslinkable polymer. The volatile medium may evaporate from the crosslinkable polymer to form the film. The volatile medium may evaporate at a reducing rate from the crosslinkable polymer. The surfactant may stabilize the polysiloxane as emulsion droplets in the volatile medium. For example, the surfactant may stabilize the polysiloxane as emulsion droplets in the volatile medium before the volatile medium evaporates from the crosslinkable polymer. The film may already be peel-able from the surface when the film is partially dried.

[0030] As mentioned above, the peel-able formulation forms a film for cleaning a surface. The film may be formed from a polymer. In various embodiments, the polymer may start to form the film once the volatile medium begins drying off (e.g. evaporating). During formation of the film, the polymer may crosslink to form a polymer network. In other words, the film may be a network of crosslinked polymer chains. Crosslinking of the polymer during formation of the film may help to trap stains, dirt and undesirable particles from a surface. With the crosslinkages formed, the stains, dirt and undesirable particles are locked in the film. The term “crosslinkable polymer” herein refers to a polymer used in present formulation for forming the film.

[0031] The crosslinkable polymer in the peel-able formulation may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 wt% to 30 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 30 wt%, 1 wt% to 30 wt%, 5 wt% to 30 wt%, 10 wt% to 30 wt%, 20 wt% to 30 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 30 wt%, 5 wt% to 10 wt%, 5 wt% to 20 wt%, 10 wt% to 20 wt%, etc. The amount of crosslinkable polymer may advantageously affect viscosity of the present formulation, which in turn provides for several options as to how the formulation may be applied to a surface for cleaning. For example, at a lower concentration or amount, the formulation may be conveniently sprayed onto a surface. At a higher concentration or amount, the formulation may be painted or coated on the surface. This demonstrates for the formulation’s versatility in terms of its manner of application without compromising cleaning efficiency.

[0032] The crosslinkable polymer may have a molecular weight which renders the film non-brittle so as to have the film peel-able from the surface. Advantageously, this allows for the film to be peeled off without fracturing easily and/or as a single piece, consuming less time for removal of film and unwanted substances from the surface. The molecular weight of the crosslinkable polymer may be any suitable molecular weight depending on the polymer used. The crosslinkable polymer may include or may be a copolymer in certain instances. In various embodiments, the crosslinkable polymer may include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a polyester-based crosslinkable polymer, a cellulose-based crosslinkable polymer, or an acrylate -based crosslinkable polymer. Non-limiting examples of polyester-based crosslinkable polymer may include sulfopolyester and bis-isostearyl dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate. Non-limiting examples of cellulose-based crosslinkable polymer may include cellulose acetate butyrate and hydroxypropyl cellulose. Non-limiting examlpes of acrylate-based crosslinkable polymer may include an alkyl acrylate -based polymer and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer. For example, a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer having a molecular weight of 360,000 dalton may be used.

[0033] In various embodiments, the volatile medium may be a liquid that evaporates at room temperature (e.g. 20°C to 40°C). In the context of the present disclosure, the volatile medium may have a boiling point of about 150°C or less, about 120°C or less, about 100°C or less. Advantageously, such volatile medium may evaporate more easily, allowing for faster crosslinking of the polymer and formation of the film. The volatile medium may be an aqueous solvent or organic solvent for dissolving (i) the polymer and (ii) any inorganic or organic contaminants on a surface, respectively. This demonstrates the volatile medium not only acts as a solvent for the polymer, but also dislodges or removes any stains and dirt, or even disinfecting/cleaning a surface. [0034] The volatile medium may include or may consist of an alcohol and/or water. Said differently, the volatile medium may contain only alcohol, only water, or a combination of alcohol and water. The alcohol may include or may consist of ethanol, methanol, denatured ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1 -propanol, butanol, or pentanol. The concentration of alcohol may vary as long as it can dissolve the polymer and be dried off by evaporation. When the volatile medium includes water, the drying or evaporation may be slightly slower to allow for contaminants to dissolve substantially or completely. The water may also increase surface tension of the formulation, which improves peelability of the film with respect to surfaces that are porous. [0035] In various embodiments, the polysiloxane in the peel-able formulation may be present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt% to 20 wt%, 0.05 wt% to 20 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 20 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%, 1 wt% to 20 wt%, 5 wt% to 20 wt%, 10 wt% to 20 wt%, 15 wt% to 20 wt%, 1 wt% to 20 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%, etc. The amount of polysiloxane may depend on the surface to be cleaned. Advantageously, for a surface which the polymer film may adhere more closely to, more polysiloxane may be included as the polysiloxane renders better peelability. The film formed may be easier to peel with more polysiloxane included. For a surface which the film adheres less to, less polysiloxane may be used.

[0036] The polysiloxane may contain one or more terminal functional groups, such as but not limited to, hydroxyl groups and methyl groups. The polysiloxane may include or may consist of polydimethylsiloxane. The polydimethylsiloxane may contain the one or more terminal functional groups. The polysiloxane, such as polydimethylsiloxane, may expel the volatile medium (e.g. alcohol) out of the film to facilitate evaporation. This may help the peel-able film to form in a significantly shorter time (e.g. 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, etc.) even as the polymer crosslinks to form the film. Said differently, as the crosslinkable polymer forms crosslinkages to have the film formed, it reduces the drying rate (e.g. evaporation rate) of the volatile medium from the crosslinkable polymer. However, as the polysiloxane is able to expel the volatile medium, rate of formation of the film is not compromised. Hence, the volatile medium may be partially or even completely dried in a shorter amount of time, rendering the film promptly formed even when the volatile medium dries or evaporates at a reducing rate from the crosslinkable polymer. The polysiloxane is able to expel the volatile medium as the polysiloxane may be incompatible with the volatile medium, which renders the volatile medium to be forced out of the drying film as more polysiloxane is able to be released from the stabilized droplets with the decreasing presence of volatile medium. In addition, during film formation, due to its incompatibility with the volatile medium, the polysiloxane, such as polydimethylsiloxane, tends to migrate to (i) the interface between the film and the air, and/or (ii) the interface between the film and the surface to be cleaned. This reduces the surface energy between the film formed and surface, which allows a partially dried film to be peel off much more easily. [0037] In various embodiments, the surfactant in the peel-able formulation may be present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.05 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%, 1 wt% to 5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 0.5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 1 wt%, etc. The amount of surfactant may depend on the amount of polysiloxane. For example, if more polysiloxane is used, the amount of surfactant may be increased for stabilizing the polysiloxane as an emulsion in the volatile medium. If less polysiloxane is used, less surfactant may be used accordingly. In various embodiments, the surfactant may include or may consist of an amodimethicone, a polyethylene-glycol-7 amodimethicone, or an oil-in- water emulsifying agent. In certain instances, the amodimethicone may be polyethylene-glycol-7 amodimethicone. In various instances, any oil-in-water emulsifying agent that stabilizes the polysiloxane in the volatile medium may be used.

[0038] The peel-able formulation may further include starch. The presence of starch particles increases the surface area of the film that is exposed to the air, thus allowing the volatile medium to evaporate more quickly. The starch particles increase the surface area by rendering “bumps”, for example, at the surface of the film that is exposed to air or atmosphere, which increases the total surface area available for the volatile medium to evaporate. In addition, tiny air pockets arising from the use of starch may be formed or present between the film and the surface to be cleaned, allowing the film to be peeled more easily.

[0039] In various embodiments, the starch in the peel-able formulation may be present in an amount of 10 wt% or less, 9 wt% or less, 8 wt% or less, 7 wt% or less, 6 wt% or less, 5 wt% or less, 4 wt% or less, 3 wt% or less, 2 wt% or less, 1 wt% or less, etc. In various embodiments, the starch in the peel-able formulation may be present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.05 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%, 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%, 1 wt% to 10 wt%, 5 wt% to 10 wt%, etc.

[0040] As demonstrated herein, the film may be partially dried or completely dried prior to peeling from the surface.

[0041] The peel-able formulation may be sufficiently viscous to be applied on the surface via spraying and/or for spreading out smoothly. The peel-able formulation may have a viscosity ranging from, for example, 1 cP to 200,000 cP (0.001 Pa.s to 200 Pa.s). Other various ranges of viscosity may be used depending on the components used. [0042] Advantageously, the peel-able formulation of the present disclosure can be used at least for cleaning hard surfaces in the toilets, like sink, bathtub, counter-top, tiles, with reduced water usage, labour effort and yet improve cleaning productivity.

[0043] The word “substantially” does not exclude “completely” e.g. a composition which is “substantially free” from Y may be completely free from Y. Where necessary, the word “substantially” may be omitted from the definition of the present disclosure. [0044] In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements.

[0045] In the context of various embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately” as applied to a numeric value encompasses the exact value and a reasonable variance. [0046] As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] Unless specified otherwise, the terms "comprising" and "comprise", and grammatical variants thereof, are intended to represent "open" or "inclusive" language such that they include recited elements but also permit inclusion of additional, unrecited elements.

Examples

[0048] The present disclosure relates to a peel-able formulation for waterless cleaning. Conventional methods tend to only improve the efficiency of cleaning by reducing the number of steps and effort during cleaning. However, the time spent to wait for the film to dry tends not to be considered. In the present disclosure, not only is the efficiency improved by reducing the number of steps and effort, the time needed for the film to be ready for peeling is also reduced.

[0049] The present peel-able formulation is described in further details, by way of non- limiting examples, as set forth below.

[0050] Example 1: Non-limiting Example of a Peel-able Formulation of the

Present Disclosure

[0051] Table 1 below shows a list of some components used for a non-limiting example of a peel-able formulation of the present dislcosure. In this instance, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as the polymer for forming the film. Poly(dimethysiloxane), interchangeably termed herein as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), was used as the polysiloxane. The polysiloxane can contain one or more terminal functional groups, including but not limited to, hydroxyl groups and methyl groups. The function of these main components are also described in table 1. M _w and M _n denote the molecular weight and number average molecular weight, respectively. The number average molecular weight may be a statistical average molecular weight of all the polymer chains in the sample.

[0052] Table 1 - Listing of Components in a Peel-able Formulation [0053] Other components apart from the volatile medium, such as the surfactant, are described in more details in the examples below.

[0054] Example 2: Another Non-limiting Example of a Peel-able Formulation of the Present Disclosure

[0055] Table 2A below shows the components used for another non-limiting example of a peel-able formulation of the present disclosure. Specifically, table 2A shows the amount of each component present the peel-able formulation in terms of its wt%. In this instance, polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as the polymer for forming the film. Polydimethylsiloxane was used as the polysiloxane. A silicone was used as the surfactant. In this instance, Silsense ^® A-21 silicone is an amodimethicone, or more specifically, polyethylene-glycol-7 amodimethicone. Other oil-in-water emulsifying agents that can stabilize polysiloxane in the volatile medium may be used. Ethanol was used as the volatile medium.

[0056] Table 2 A - Listing of Components in terms of wt% [0057] Based on table 2A, the selection of various components can be in any suitable amount, wherein the amount of components add to a 100 wt%. Apart from ethanol, other alcohol can be used as the volatile medium. An aqueous volatile medium may also be used as the volatile medium. The aqueous volatile medium can include or can consist solely of water. For example, if PVA is used as the polymer, water may be present in the volatile medium. In various instances, water can be used alone or in combination with an organic volatile medium, such as alcohol, and vice versa. The volatile medium may be a component added to top up the sum of components to 100 wt%. In other words, the amount of volatile medium used may depend on the amount of other components used. [0058] Table 2B below describes the function of each component and their interaction between the components.

[0059] Table 2B - Description of Function of Components in the Peel-able Formulation

[0060] The method of applying the peel-able formulation is described below. The peel- able formulation may also be termed “cleaning formulation” in the present disclosure, as it is for cleaning surfaces. [0061] The moment the cleaning formulation is applied on the surface either via spraying or spreading, the volatile medium (e.g. ethanol) may start to dissolve, dislodge and/or kill any stains or bacteria present. At the same time, as the volatile medium evaporates from the surface, the polymer (e.g. polyvinylpyrrolidone) may start to intertwine and/or entangle with each other, forming a three-dimensional polymer network. The reduction in volatile medium (e.g. ethanol) may also destabilize the emulsion, causing polydimethylsiloxane to be released from the emulsion. The polysiloxane (e.g. polydimethylsiloxane) is then released into the film, further expelling the ethanol out of the film, facilitating and accelerating the evaporation of ethanol and allowing the peel- able film to form more rapidly. [0062] Furthermore, due to incompatibility with the volatile medium (e.g. ethanol), the released polydimethylsiloxane may migrate to (i) the interface between the film and the surrounding atmosphere (e.g. air) and/or (ii) the interface between the film and the surface to be cleaned, so as to reduce the surface energy to allow the film to be peeled more easily.

[0063] As the film forms with more ethanol evaporated, the presence of starch particles increases surface area of the film that is exposed to the atmosphere or air (i.e. the part of film not facing the surface) for the remaining ethanol to evaporate more rapidly, thereby allowing the peel-able film to form more rapidly. The starch particles increase the surface area by rendering “bumps”, for example, at the surface of the film that is exposed to air or atmosphere, which increases the total surface area available for the volatile medium to evaporate. Also, the starch particles can create tiny air pockets between the film formed and the surface to be cleaned, allowing the film to be peeled more easily.

[0064] Both the addition of polysiloxane (e.g. polydimethylsiloxane) and starch particles can help to accelerate drying of the film, reducing drying time, and allow the film formed to be peeled much easier and earlier (even before the film is completely dry). Once the film is ready, it can be peeled, removing the dislodged stain, entrapped dirt/dust/powder and dead bacteria along with it from the surface.

[0065] Example 3: Discussion/Advantages of Components in the Present Peel-able Formulation

[0066] The present peel-able formulation can clean/remove, e.g. stains and greases, from hard surfaces in the toilets like sink, bathtub, counter-top, tiles, effectively and with much lesser effort and time, so as to improve cleaning productivity.

[0067] The present peel-able formulation allows cleaning to be done in just 2 steps which is (1) application of cleaning formulation and (2) peeling off the film once it is ready.

[0068] As described above, the present peel-able formulation involves a film-forming polymer, for cleaning. First, upon application of the cleaning formulation on the stained surface, gradual formation of crosslinked polymer network entraps the relatively volatile ethanol on the surface. This allows sufficient time for ethanol to dissolve the stains and kill any bacteria present. If water or other organic solvent is used, the time may be for water or the organic solvent to dissolve any soluble inorganic or organic contaminants, respectively. [0069] Secondly, formation of the film encapsulates the dissolved stains, dislodged dirt and bacteria, tightly, which are removed together with the peeled film. This includes trapping some or all of the stains, dirt and bacteria in the network of the polymer film. Hence, rinsing with water is not needed.

[0070] Furthermore, to shorten the waiting time needed for the film to be ready to peel, a polysiloxane (not limited to polydimethylsiloxane) and starch can be added into the formulation. The polysiloxane, such as polydimethylsiloxane, expels the volatile medium (e.g. ethanol) out of the film to facilitate evaporation while the starch particles increase the surface area of the film that is exposed to air or atmosphere (the part of film not facing the surface) for better evaporation of the volatile medium, thus both allow the peel-able film to form in a significantly shorter time (e.g. 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, etc.). In addition, during film formation, due to the incompatibility with the volatile medium, the polysiloxane, such as polydimethylsiloxane, tends to migrate to (i) the interface between the film and the air, and/or (ii) the interface between the film and the surface to be cleaned. As a result, the reduction in surface energy between the film formed and surface allows the partially dried film to be peel off much more easily. As mentioned above, the presence of starch particles in the formulation also creates tiny air pockets between the film formed and surface to be cleaned, further making the film much easier to peel.

[0071] In conventional methods, the function of the solvent tends to be solely for solubilizing the polymer for forming the film and to aid formation of the film as it evaporates. However, in the present formulation, the solvent besides having this function additionally acts a cleaning and disinfecting agent.

[0072] In conventional methods, all films formed tend to be peel-able after they are completely dry. The film formation may also be too slow for its intended application as the film is properly peel-able only after it is completely dry. To address this, the present formulation has a polysiloxane (e.g. polydimethylsiloxane) and/or starch added to hasten drying time and reduce the interaction between the partially dried film and surface, thus allowing the partially dried film be peeled much earlier and easily. The presence of the polysiloxane, such as polydimethylsiloxane, reduces the interaction between the partially dried film and surface, rendering the partially dried film peel-able much earlier and easily. [0073] The present formulation may be applied onto a surface at a temperature ranging from, e.g. 30°C to 40°C, 30°C to 50°C, 40°C to 50°C, etc. This helps the volatile medium (e.g. alcohol solvent) to evaporate more quickly, allowing for the film to form faster and dry quicker for peeling from the surface. The film that is formed may then dry in, for example, 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less. The film may be peeled off intact when it is partially dried or completely dried.

[0074] Example 4: Additional/Alternative Components

[0075] Table 3 below lists some alternative components for the present peel-able formulation. [0076] Table 3 - Description of Alternative Components

[0077] In addition to the components mentioned above, the present formulation can contain components with antibacterial property like biocides, wherein their addition can further improve the disinfecting effectiveness of the present cleaning formulation. The present formulation can also contain components such as cleaning surfactants that further improve the cleaning property of the present formulation.

[0078] Example 5: Commercial and Potential Applications [0079] In summary, the present peel-able formulation relies on the action of the volatile medium as a solvent for the polymer and to dissolve/dislodge stains from a surface to achieve cleaning/dirt removal. Ethanol, as a non-limiting example of the volatile medium, may be a solvent that (1) helps in dissolution of the film forming polymer, (2) cleaning and disinfecting action, and (3) accelerate film formation due to its volatility. [0080] The present formulation also involves a polysiloxane (e.g. polydimethylsiloxane) and starch for speeding up the drying of the film and improves the peelability of the film from all surfaces even before the film is completely dry. The starch may be optional. [0081] Advantageously, the present formulation can be applied at least on surfaces including toilet surfaces like flooring tile, bathroom accessories like sink, bathtub and counter- top.

[0082] Apart from the applications mentioned above, the present formulation can be used for car washing and in hospitals (disinfecting surfaces). [0083] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.