Halogen-free quaternary amines and uses thereof

An aqueous composition comprising water and a halogen-free quaternary amine compound having a general formula (I)

• [R1R2R3R4N+]n[X−]n (I)
• where R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a linear, or branched, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbon chain having less than 25 carbon atoms or wherein R1, R2 and R3 are bound together to form a ring with the nitrogen atom bearing them;
• n=1;
• and
• X is a counter anion whose provider compound is a polymer of an unsaturated monomer comprising a carboxyl group having a weight average molecular weight of between 10,000 and 100,000 or a copolymer of an unsaturated monomer comprising a carboxyl group and a vinyl monomer and wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 comprises a hydroxyl group.