Alkoxylated Polyamine Biodegradability via Heteroatom Side Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymers produced by radical polymerization with carbon-only backbones are difficult to degrade biologically, particularly in consumer products, and there is a need for more biodegradable alternatives, especially in light of microplastic bans and regulations.
Innovation Solution
Development of alkoxylated polyalkylene imines and polyamines with specific structural definitions, including varying alkylene radicals, etheralkyl units, and branching, which are used in cleaning and home care products to enhance biodegradability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymers with carbon-only backbones are used for radical polymerization, then manufacturing performance and stability are improved, but biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite material principles by combining carbon-containing backbone structures with heteroatom-containing side chains (etheralkyl units with oxygen atoms). This creates a hybrid polymer structure where the carbon backbone provides stability and manufacturability, while the heteroatom side chains enable biodegradability. The composite nature of the polymer resolves the contradiction between stability and biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by introducing heteroatom-containing etheralkyl units at specific positions along the polymer backbone rather than throughout the entire structure. The variables E1-E5 control the distribution and density of these biodegradable units, allowing localized modification of biodegradability while maintaining overall polymer stability and performance characteristics.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If complex alkoxylated polyalkylene imine structures with multiple etheralkyl units are synthesized, then biodegradability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex alkoxylated structure into modular repeating units defined by variables E1-E5. Each unit contains specific etheralkyl configurations that can be independently controlled. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing systematic variation of parameters rather than synthesizing entirely new complex structures, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining biodegradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to control biodegradability and manufacturing complexity. By systematically varying the parameters E1-E5 (which define the number, position, and configuration of etheralkyl units), the patent optimizes the balance between biodegradability and ease of manufacture. This parametric approach allows for standardized synthesis procedures with controlled variations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an alkoxylated polyalkylene imine or an alkoxylated polyamine according to the general formula (I), in which the variables E1 to E5, R, B, y and z are defined below. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing such alkoxylated polyalkylene imines or alkoxylated polyamines as well as to the use of such compounds within, for example, cleaning compositions and/or in fabric and home care products. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to those compositions or products as such.