Alkali-Soluble Emulsion Polymer Cleaner Composition for Reduced Spray Misting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprayable cleaning compositions generate airborne mists that can cause respiratory distress and reduce cleaning effectiveness due to the use of strong alkaline components, and previous solutions like Xanthan Gum and acrylamide polymers face processing difficulties and misting issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of alkali soluble emulsion polymers in a composition with an alkalinity source, foaming agent, and specific surfactants, along with a non-Newtonian fluid behavior, reduces misting and improves processing efficiency, maintaining cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong alkaline cleaning components are used in sprayable compositions, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but airborne mist generation increases causing respiratory distress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spray composition by adding polymers that modify viscosity and droplet formation. This alters the spray pattern to produce larger droplets that fall faster, reducing the harmful fine aerosol mist while preserving the cleaning effectiveness of the alkaline components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (polymers and surfactants) that mediate between the alkaline cleaning components and the spray delivery system. These intermediaries modify the physical properties of the solution to reduce misting while allowing the alkaline components to maintain their cleaning function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reduced quantities of alkaline cleaning components are used to reduce misting, then respiratory distress is alleviated, but cleaning activity and effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polymers and surfactants as functional copies or substitutes that perform the mist-reducing function previously achieved only by reducing alkaline concentration. These additives create a physical barrier that prevents fine droplet formation, allowing full alkaline concentration to be maintained while reducing harmful misting.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Xanthan Gum is used to reduce misting, then airborne particles are reduced, but processing becomes extraordinarily difficult with high shear viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material systems combining multiple polymers with different molecular weights and viscosities, along with surfactants. This composite approach achieves the desired mist reduction through synergistic effects while maintaining processability, avoiding the extreme viscosity issues of single-component systems like high concentrations of Xanthan Gum.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If acrylamide polymers are used to reduce misting, then spray pattern improves, but running occurs and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer function into multiple components with different roles: some polymers control viscosity, others control droplet formation, and surfactants manage surface tension. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the desired spray pattern and reducing running.
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 composition minimizes airborne particles to less than 10 microns, reduces inhalation risk, and enhances manufacturing ease while maintaining cleaning effectiveness on hard surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The use of alkali soluble emulsion polymers in a composition with an alkalinity source, foaming agent, and specific surfactants, along with a non-Newtonian fluid behavior, reduces misting and improves processing efficiency
Implementation Method 2
The sprayable compositions comprise from about 0.0035 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of an alkali soluble emulsion polymer; an alkalinity source; from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of a foaming agent
Data Source
AI summary
Alkaline sprayable aqueous compositions for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting are disclosed. In particular, the sprayable compositions include an alkali soluble emulsion polymer, an alkalinity source, a foaming agent, and water. Beneficially, the sprayable cleaning compositions have reduced misting and are environmentally safe for users to apply. Further the compositions exhibit less running on non-horizontal surfaces than acrylamide-based compositions.