Alkyl Amide Solvent for Hard Surface Cleaning and Asphalt Dissolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
D-limonene, a biodegradable cleaning solvent, lacks water miscibility and slow drying properties, limiting its applicability in cleaning compositions, particularly in applications requiring easy water rinsability and efficient surface cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Development of a cleaning composition using an environmentally friendly alkyl amide solvent derived from renewable bio-based resources, which is water-miscible and provides equivalent or superior cleaning performance to d-limonene, including surfactants, chelating agents, and optional additives, allowing for effective removal of soils and dissolving petroleum or asphalt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If d-limonene is used as a cleaning solvent, then environmental friendliness and biodegradability are improved, but water miscibility and rinsability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent by replacing d-limonene with alkyl amide compounds that have different molecular structures and properties. These alkyl amides are specifically selected to provide water miscibility while maintaining environmental benefits, thus resolving the contradiction between eco-friendliness and rinsability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - the alkyl amide - that acts as a bridge between the desired environmental properties and the required water compatibility. This intermediary solvent component enables both eco-friendliness and easy water rinsability simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If d-limonene is used as a cleaning solvent, then biodegradability is improved, but drying speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the solvent system by substituting d-limonene with alkyl amides that have different evaporation rates. The alkyl amides are selected to provide appropriate drying speeds while maintaining biodegradability, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and drying performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If d-limonene is used as a cleaning solvent, then environmental properties are improved, but cleaning effectiveness for certain soils deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning system by replacing d-limonene with alkyl amide compounds that have different solvation properties. These alkyl amides are specifically selected to enhance cleaning effectiveness for various soil types while maintaining superior environmental properties compared to d-limonene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite cleaning formulations that combine alkyl amide solvents with complementary surfactants and additives. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect that enhances overall cleaning effectiveness while maintaining the environmental benefits of the alkyl amide base solvent.
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 alkyl amide solvent-based composition offers improved water rinsability and cleaning performance, making it a suitable replacement for d-limonene in various cleaning applications, including hard surface cleaners and petroleum recovery methods, while being environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Implementation Method 1
asphalt dissolution
Implementation Method 2
about 5.0 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of one or more surfactants
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a hard surface cleaning composition including an environmentally friendly alkyl amide solvent, derived from renewable bio-based resources that works at least as well as d-limonene. In one embodiment, the present invention is a cleaning composition including an anionic surfactant salt, a saturated C8 to C10 alkyl amide solvent, a cosolvent and water. The composition is substantially free of d-limonene and can remove red food soils with up to 20 percent protein, and also functions as an asphalt removal composition.