Associative Thickeners for Foam Stabilization and Oily Soil Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cocamide DEA, a commonly used foaming agent in cleaning compositions, is under regulatory pressure due to its potential to cause contact dermatitis and has been linked to cancer, necessitating a safe, environmentally friendly, and economically feasible replacement for foam stabilization and oily soil removal.
Innovation Solution
The use of nonionic/hydrophobic intermolecular interactions between surfactants and associative thickeners in cleaning compositions, which are cocamide DEA-free, phosphate-free, and contain only ingredients recognized as safe (GRAS) for human use, to achieve foam stability and oily soil removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cocamide DEA is used as a foaming agent, then foam stability and oily soil removal are achieved, but safety and environmental friendliness deteriorate due to contact dermatitis and cancer links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the foaming agent by replacing cocamide DEA with alternative nonionic surfactants and associative thickeners that have different molecular structures and safety profiles, maintaining foam stability through modified chemical compositions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary or biodegradable foaming agents that can be safely disposed of or break down in the environment, replacing persistent harmful chemicals with safer alternatives that fulfill their function and then decompose without causing harm
2Reliability
If cocamide DEA is used as a foaming agent, then foam stability and oily soil removal are achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to regulatory pressure and carcinogenic classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful properties of traditional foaming agents into beneficial alternatives by using nonionic surfactants and associative thickeners that provide similar foam stability functions without the carcinogenic and environmental harms, turning a harmful system into a safe one
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by substituting cocamide DEA with alternative surfactant systems that have different molecular structures, eliminating carcinogenicity while maintaining functional performance
3Productivity
If traditional foaming agents are used, then cleaning performance is maintained, but safety for human use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses safe, biodegradable foaming agents that can be disposed of without health concerns, replacing harmful substances with alternatives that are safe for human contact and environmentally benign, maintaining cleaning effectiveness while eliminating health risks
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 described compositions effectively stabilize foam and remove oily soils, providing a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to cocamide DEA while maintaining commercial cleaning performance, as demonstrated by various formulation tests and stability graphs.
Implementation Method 1
The invention involves foam stabilization/oily soil removal compositions that rely upon a nonionic/hydrophobic interaction. The invention contemplates the use of the hydrophobic part of a surfactant combined with an associative thickener. This intermolecular interaction as provided by the invention, provides foam stability, as well as oily soil removal.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention involves foam stabilization compositions that rely upon anonionic/hydrophobic interaction. According to the invention, an associative thickener is used to provide long range nonionic/hydrophobic interaction with the hydrophobic groups of the surfactants present in the same. The interaction must be of sufficient character so that the components can maintain long range intermolecular networking, causing longer lasting and increased foam production, even in the presence of hydrophobic/oily soils. The system provides an environmentally friendly alternative for traditional foaming enhancers such as cocamide DEA.