Alkaline Peroxycarboxylic Acid Generation for On-Site Textile Bleaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peroxycarboxylic acid compositions have stability issues, leading to strong odors and limited storage stability, requiring special shipping conditions and excess stabilizers, while traditional bleach activators are inefficient at balancing pH for optimal peracid formation and performance.
Innovation Solution
Generating peroxycarboxylic acids on-site at alkaline pH using a reaction mixture of esters of polyhydric alcohols and carboxylic acids with an oxidizing agent, without stabilizers, and optionally combining with surfactants for synergistic efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peroxycarboxylic acids are generated using conventional acid catalyzed equilibrium reaction and stored for shipping, then the composition can be transported to customers, but the composition decomposes rapidly, requires special containers, and needs excess stabilizers and reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating peroxycarboxylic acids on-site at the point of use rather than preparing them in advance for shipping. The system pre-mixes ester and oxidizing agent components that will react to form the peracid when needed, eliminating the need for stable pre-formed peracid compositions during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the peroxycarboxylic acid composition into separate stable components (ester and oxidizing agent) that can be stored and transported independently without decomposition issues. These segmented components are then combined on-site to generate the active peracid, avoiding the shipping complexities of unstable pre-mixed compositions
2Duration of action of stationary object
If peroxycarboxylic acids are stabilized with excess reagents and stabilizers, then shelf life is improved, but the composition contains excess amounts of acids, oxidizing agents, and stabilizers that reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the ester component to serve dual purposes: it acts as both the precursor for peracid generation and provides inherent stability during storage. The system generates exactly the amount of peracid needed without requiring excess stabilizers, as the ester-oxidizing agent reaction system self-regulates the peracid formation and decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the composition by using ester derivatives with specific structural characteristics that provide inherent stability. The ester's molecular structure and its reaction kinetics with the oxidizing agent are optimized to provide controlled peracid generation without requiring excess stabilizing reagents, achieving both shelf life and efficiency
3Reliability
If traditional bleach activators are used at pH 10 to balance perhydrolysis rate and peracid effectiveness, then some stability is achieved, but peracid generation efficiency is reduced compared to optimal pH conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from the conventional pH 10 to a higher pH range of 12-14, which simultaneously improves both peracid generation efficiency and composition stability. The ester-oxidizing agent system is specifically designed to function optimally at this higher pH, where the reaction rate is faster and the generated peracid remains sufficiently stable for practical applications
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
This method produces higher concentrations of peroxycarboxylic acids with lower unreacted reagents, eliminating the need for special shipping and stabilizers, and enhances bleaching and antimicrobial performance by optimizing pH conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction mixture comprising: (i) at least one ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a C1 to C18 carboxylic acid; (ii) a source of alkalinity; and (iii) an oxidizing agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods for generating percarboxylic acid compositions and/or peroxycarboxylic acid compositions formed external to a point of use in non-equilibrium reactions for use in certain bleaching and antimicrobial applications, in particular laundry applications. The compositions are generated external to a point of use, at alkaline pH levels, viz. greater than about pH 12, and optionally suitable for use with detergents and/or surfactants for synergistic bleaching efficacy. Methods of bleaching and/or disinfecting are further provided.