Associative Thickener Composition for Biocide-Free Microbial Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrophobically modified ethylene oxide polymers used as associative thickeners in waterborne paint formulations require biocides like isothiazolinone to prevent microbial growth, which are subject to regulatory restrictions and consumer safety concerns, necessitating a biocide-free alternative.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a hydrophobically modified alkylene oxide polymer functionalized with protonated secondary or tertiary amines and acids such as phosphoric acid, nitrilotris(methylene)triphosphonic acid, or sulfuric acid, in specific mole ratios, to create an environment inhospitable to microbial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocides are used to maintain product quality during storage, then microbial growth is suppressed, but regulatory restrictions and consumer concerns limit biocide usage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the biocide component from the paint formulation while maintaining its protective function through an alternative mechanism. The associative thickener is modified to inherently resist microbial growth through its molecular structure, removing the need for separate biocide additives and enabling compliance with restrictive regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The associative thickener is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides viscosity control and rheological modification while also delivering biocidal protection against microbial growth. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate biocide products and simplifies the formulation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If biocides are used to prevent microbial growth, then shelf life is extended, but safety concerns and regulatory limits reduce acceptable biocide levels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the associative thickener by incorporating specific functional groups and molecular structures that inherently possess antimicrobial properties. This parameter modification allows the thickener to provide biocidal protection without relying on traditional biocide additives, thereby extending shelf life while eliminating safety concerns associated with biocide residues.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional associative thickeners are used, then viscosity control is achieved, but microbial growth occurs without biocide protection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite associative thickener structure that combines hydrophobic domains for viscosity control with antimicrobial functional groups for microbial protection. This composite material integrates both thickening and biocidal functions into a single substance, eliminating the need for separate biocide additives and enabling effective microbial growth prevention without additional biocide concentration.
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 solution effectively prevents microbial biodeterioration in paint formulations without biocides, maintaining product quality and shelf life, as demonstrated by microbial challenge tests.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobically modified alkylene oxide polymer comprising a hydrophobic portion functionalized with a protonated secondary or protonated tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium salt
Implementation Method 2
resists microbial growth in the absence of a biocide
Implementation Method 3
an acid and a salt thereof, which acid is phosphoric acid, nitrilotris(methylene)triphosphonic acid, hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a) a hydrophobically modified alkylene oxide polymer comprising a hydrophobic portion functionalized with a protonated secondary or tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium salt and b) an acid and a salt thereof, which acid is phosphoric acid, nitrilotris(methylene)triphosphonic acid, hydrochloric acid, or sulfuric acid. The composition of the present invention is useful for the preparation of an associative thickener that can be stored for long periods, in the absence of ancillary biocides, without spoilage from biodeteriogenic attack.