Acidic Liquid Detergent Catechol Composition Without Discoloration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid detergents and cleaning agents lack the effectiveness of bleach in removing bleachable soils, particularly stains containing polymerizable substances like polyphenolic dyes, leading to incomplete stain removal and potential discoloration, and existing catechol derivatives cause undesirable red or brown discoloration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating specific catechol compounds, such as dihydroxyterephthalic acid diamides, into liquid detergent compositions with a pH of 7 or lower, combined with an alkaline alkanolamine composition, enhances cleaning performance while preventing discoloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If catechol derivatives are incorporated into liquid alkaline aqueous compositions, then cleaning performance is improved, but red to brown discoloration of the composition develops over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the composition from alkaline to acidic (pH 2-7) to prevent the oxidation of catechol compounds that causes discoloration. This parameter change allows the use of effective catechol derivatives while maintaining composition stability and preventing harmful color changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protection by adding antioxidants or chelating agents to the composition before the catechol compounds can oxidize and cause discoloration. This preventive measure addresses the discoloration issue before it occurs during storage or use.
2Reliability
If bleach is omitted from liquid detergents to maintain stability, then shelf life is improved, but removal of bleachable soils is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses catechol derivatives as intermediary substances that perform the stain removal function normally provided by bleach. These compounds can remove bleachable soils through alternative mechanisms while maintaining the stability and shelf life of liquid detergent formulations without requiring actual bleach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical mechanism parameter from oxidative bleach action to catechol-based stain removal. This allows effective soil removal while avoiding the stability issues associated with bleach in liquid formulations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If polyphenolic dyes are present in soils, then staining occurs, but polymerization reactions are intensified without proper treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful polymerization tendency of polyphenolic dyes into a beneficial effect by using catechol derivatives that can control or direct these reactions. The catechol compounds interact with the polyphenolic substances to prevent uncontrolled polymerization while maintaining stain removal effectiveness.
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
Improves the removal of bleachable soils and prevents undesirable discoloration, maintaining effective cleaning performance in liquid detergents.
Implementation Method 1
When this catechol compound is incorporated into an aqueous composition with a pH of no more than 7, undesirable rust-brown to red discoloration of the detergents is simultaneously prevented
Implementation Method 2
the washing process often intensifies and/or worsens the removability of the soils, which is likely due, not least, to initiated chemical reactions, such as the polymerization of certain dyes contained in the soils
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the use of at least one special catechol compound in liquid compositions with an acidic pH value as a detergent additive or component of a multicomponent liquid detergent. The washing and cleaning power is improved while simultaneously preventing a brown- to red-coloring of the detergent composition.