Aqueous Cleaning Composition Stabilized by Non-Ionic Surfactant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleansing compositions containing calcium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (Ca-LAS) without magnesium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid (Mg-LAS) are prone to phase separation, especially at varying temperatures, and face instability issues due to the lack of Mg-LAS stabilization, which is not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating specific non-ionic surfactants with HLB values between 11 and 20 and carbon chain lengths of 12 to 16, such as alkoxylated fatty alcohols, to stabilize the compositions and maintain stability even in the absence or minimal presence of Mg-LAS, along with viscosity-building agents and polymers to achieve a pH range of 6 to 8.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If Ca-LAS is used as the primary surfactant without Mg-LAS, then the composition is milder and suitable for sensitive surfaces, but the composition becomes unstable and prone to phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
A non-ionic surfactant is introduced as an intermediary substance to mediate between Ca-LAS and water, preventing phase separation and stabilizing the composition. The non-ionic surfactant acts as a bridge that improves compatibility between the calcium salt surfactant and the aqueous phase, resolving the instability issue while maintaining the mildness of Ca-LAS.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite surfactant system combining Ca-LAS (for mildness) with a non-ionic surfactant (for stability). This composite approach allows the composition to simultaneously achieve the beneficial properties of both surfactant types: the gentle cleaning action of Ca-LAS and the stabilizing effect of the non-ionic surfactant.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dolomite is used for neutralizing LAS-acid to produce Ca-LAS and Mg-LAS, then the composition stability is improved, but the proportion of Ca-LAS and Mg-LAS varies significantly depending on dolomite grade and source
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the stabilizing function from the neutralization process. Instead of relying on Mg-LAS (which comes from dolomite) for stability, the invention uses a non-ionic surfactant specifically selected for its stabilizing properties. This allows the neutralization step to focus on producing Ca-LAS with consistent proportions, while the non-ionic surfactant handles the stability function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter for achieving stability from the Ca-LAS:Mg-LAS ratio to the HLB value of the non-ionic surfactant. By selecting a non-ionic surfactant with HLB between 11-20, the invention establishes a new control parameter that ensures stability without being affected by variations in dolomite composition or source.
3Stability of the object's composition
If non-ionic surfactant with appropriate HLB is added to stabilize Ca-LAS composition, then phase separation is prevented, but the device complexity and formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention simplifies the control of stability by focusing on a single critical parameter: the HLB value of the non-ionic surfactant. By specifying HLB between 11-20, the invention provides a clear, measurable parameter that guides surfactant selection and formulation, making the complex task of achieving phase stability manageable through parameter control.
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 use of these non-ionic surfactants and polymers stabilizes the compositions, preventing phase separation and ensuring stability across different temperatures, while maintaining a mild pH and effective cleaning performance without relying on dolomite for neutralization.
Implementation Method 1
aqueous abrasive cleansing composition comprising: (i) calcium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid; (ii) magnesium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid in an amount not more than 1 % of the amount of said calcium salt, and, (iii) alkoxylated fatty alcohol
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an aqueous abrasive cleansing composition comprising: (i) calcium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid; (ii) magnesium salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid in an amount not more than 1 % of the amount of said calcium salt, and, (iii) alkoxylated fatty alcohol; wherein HLB of said alkoxylated fatty alcohol is in the range of 11 to 20 and carbon chain length of said fatty alcohol is in the range of 12 to 16. The composition is stable under a range of temperature conditions.