Acid Donor Composition for Stable Polyamide Dyeing pH Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acid donors used in textile dyeing processes, such as formic acid esters of polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, are susceptible to hydrolysis and decompose during storage, leading to instability and reduced effectiveness in maintaining pH levels during dyeing.

Innovation Solution

A homogeneous anhydrous liquid formulation comprising a C1-C2 carboxylic acid ester and an N-heterocyclic compound with a pKa value of 6 to 8 is developed, which significantly reduces hydrolysis tendencies and enhances storage stability, allowing for better pH control in textile-processing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If formic acid esters of polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol are used as acid donors, then pH-regulating properties are achieved, but storage stability deteriorates due to hydrolysis and decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH-regulating propertiesVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces N-heterocyclic compounds as intermediary substances that mediate between the acid donor and the environment. These compounds form stable complexes with the formic acid esters, preventing direct exposure to hydrolytic conditions while maintaining pH-regulating functionality. The N-heterocyclic compound acts as a protective intermediary layer that stabilizes the acid donor during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite acid donor system by combining formic acid esters with N-heterocyclic compounds. This composite formulation integrates the pH-regulating capability of the ester with the stabilizing properties of the heterocyclic compound, resulting in a material that maintains both functionality and storage stability. The composite structure prevents decomposition while preserving the desired chemical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If acid donors are added to dyeing liquor, then uniform pH control is achieved, but hydrolysis and decomposition occur during storage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH control uniformityVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

N-heterocyclic compounds serve as intermediary agents that protect the acid donor from premature hydrolysis during storage. The heterocyclic compound forms a stable complex with the formic acid ester, acting as a protective barrier that prevents water from attacking the ester bond. This intermediary protection maintains the acid donor's integrity until it is actually used in the dyeing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the acid donor system by introducing N-heterocyclic compounds with specific pKa values (6-8). This parameter change modifies the overall stability profile of the formulation, creating a system that resists hydrolysis at storage conditions while maintaining pH-regulating capability at dyeing temperatures. The heterocyclic compound's basicity parameters counterbalance the ester's susceptibility to hydrolysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The formulation provides improved storage stability and uniform pH control during textile dyeing, resulting in more consistent and level dyeing outcomes, even at elevated temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

the tendency of certain carboxylic acid ester formulations towards hydrolysis can be substantially reduced by the addition of N-heterocyclic compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

acid donors are frequently added to the dyeing liquor, which hydrolyse in the course of the dyeing process and, in so doing, release an acid, resulting in a slow reduction in pH

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS7728067B2Acid donors for dyeing polyamide
Publication Date: 2010.06.01 HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

An adjuvant composition comprising (A) a C1-C2carboxylic acid ester of a polyhydroxy compound containing from 2 to 20 hydroxyl groups and (B) an N-heterocyclic compound having a pKa, value of from 6 to 8 is storage-stable and suitable as an acid donor in the dyeing of polyamides.