Halogen-free quaternary amines and uses thereof

A an aqueous composition comprising a halogen-free quaternary amine compound having a general formula (I)

• [R1 R2 R3 R4 N+]n[X−]n (I)
• where R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a linear, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbon chain having less than 25 carbon atoms which may be optionally substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups, or wherein R1, R2 and R3 are bound together to form a ring with the nitrogen atom bearing them;
• n is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and an upper limit of the number average of 30,000;
• and
• X is a counter anion whose provider compound is a polycarboxylic acid.