Anionic-Amphoteric Hard Surface Composition for Stainless-Steel Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a hard surface cleaning composition with a good environmental profile that provides effective cleaning performance and visual cues like foam formation and water sheeting on stainless-steel surfaces without compromising consumer satisfaction, while addressing the limitations of surfactant systems with high Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) and Biorenewable Carbon Index (BCI).
Innovation Solution
A liquid detergent composition comprising a surfactant system with a specific ratio of anionic and amphoteric surfactants, including sodium lauryl ether sulfate and betaine, along with optional alkylbenzene sulphonates, enzymes, and inorganic salts, to enhance cleaning efficacy and visual cues on stainless-steel surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If surfactant systems with high RCI and BCI (like APG and rhamnolipids) are used, then environmental profile is improved, but cleaning efficacy and foam formation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surfactant types (anionic surfactants like APG and rhamnolipids, amphoteric surfactants like betaine, and non-ionic surfactants) into a synergistic surfactant system. This merging allows the formulation to achieve both high RCI/BCI values and effective cleaning performance, as each surfactant type contributes different cleaning mechanisms that work together to maintain both environmental sustainability and cleaning efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite surfactant system comprising multiple chemical compounds with different properties. The anionic surfactants provide strong cleaning action and foam formation, while amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants supplement these properties and enhance environmental profile. This composite approach allows optimization of both cleaning performance and environmental characteristics simultaneously.
2Reliability
If conventional surfactants like alkylbenzene sulphonates are used, then cleaning performance is maintained, but environmental profile deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the surfactant system by replacing or reducing conventional surfactants like alkylbenzene sulphonates with alternative surfactants having higher RCI and BCI values. The formulation adjusts the ratios and concentrations of different surfactant types to maintain cleaning performance while improving environmental profile, thereby changing the chemical parameters to achieve both goals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If eco-friendly cleaning products are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but consumer perception of cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual cues into the cleaning composition, including foam formation and water sheeting properties, which are visible indicators of effective cleaning. These visual characteristics help consumers perceive the cleaning effectiveness of eco-friendly products, bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and consumer satisfaction by providing tangible evidence of cleaning performance.
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 achieves adequate foam formation and water sheeting, providing enhanced cleaning perception and performance on stainless-steel surfaces while maintaining a high RCI and BCI, thus meeting consumer expectations and environmental standards.
Implementation Method 1
a surfactant system comprising: i. primary surfactant being anionic surfactant comprising a surfactant A of formula I... and a surfactant B of formula II... ii. secondary surfactant being amphoteric surfactant comprising betaine
Implementation Method 2
On a stainless-steel surface, water will be repelled if the surface is rendered hydrophobic, e.g. because of traces of fatty soil. This will show as 'water splitting'
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are liquid aqueous detergent compositions having a surfactant system with a primary surfactant being anionic surfactant and a secondary surfactant being amphoteric surfactant, and one or more enzymes whilst the surfactant system optionally includes alkylbenzene sulphonate or derivatives thereof, in which the amount of alkylbenzene sulphonate or derivatives thereof is up to 25 wt % of the anionic surfactant calculated on total amount of anionic surfactant. A method of cleaning a stainless-steel hard surface using the composition is also provided.