Automatic dishwashing composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dishwashing detergents face challenges in consistently protecting non-metallic inorganic materials like glassware from corrosion, particularly due to the difficulty in formulating low levels of polyethyleneimine (PEI) in solid powders or granules, leading to inconsistent distribution and performance.
Innovation Solution
Formulating PEI in a gel or liquid phase within the detergent composition, ensuring even distribution and effective protection of glassware, with PEI concentrations as low as 0.0005% by weight, housed in water-soluble or water-dispersible films or containers for monodose applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PEI is added to solid powders or granules at low levels, then glassware corrosion protection is achieved, but inconsistent distribution of PEI throughout the solid occurs leading to variable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the detergent composition from solid powder/granule to liquid or gel phase. This parameter change allows PEI to be uniformly distributed throughout the composition at low levels (0.001-1% by weight), eliminating the distribution inconsistency problems that occur when adding PEI to solid forms. The liquid/gel medium enables homogeneous mixing and consistent delivery of PEI during the wash cycle.
2Reliability
If heavy metal compounds such as zinc are used to prevent glassware corrosion, then corrosion protection is improved, but bleaching performance on bleachable stains is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy metal corrosion inhibitors with organic polymer alternatives (PEI, polypropyleneimine, polyallylamine) that are effective at much lower concentrations and do not interfere with bleaching performance. These organic compounds serve as temporary corrosion protectants during the wash cycle without the detrimental side effects of heavy metals on stain removal capabilities.
3Reliability
If heavy metal compounds are used in detergent formulations, then glassware corrosion protection is achieved, but environmental sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes environmentally problematic heavy metal compounds with biodegradable organic polymers (PEI and related compounds) that provide equivalent corrosion protection without the environmental persistence and toxicity issues associated with heavy metals. These organic alternatives break down more readily in the environment and are less harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
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 provides reliable and consistent protection against glassware corrosion in automatic dishwashing, maintaining performance with minimal PEI usage, while avoiding the drawbacks of heavy metal compounds and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the PEI is contained within a gel or liquid phase of the ADW detergent composition... the PEI seems to be evenly distributed and available in wash conditions to protect glassware
Implementation Method 2
housed within a water soluble or water dispersible film or container for monodose applications
Implementation Method 3
housed within a water soluble or water dispersible film or container
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved detergent composition for use in the protection of non-metallic inorganic materials such as glassware in automatic ware washing machines.