Biodegradable Graft Polymers for Detergent Washing Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detergent compositions face challenges in biodegradability and washing performance, particularly with polymers produced by radical polymerization based on carbon-only backbones, which are difficult to degrade and have limited biodegradation in wastewater.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel graft polymers with a copolymer backbone obtained by polymerization of alkylene oxide monomers and polymeric sidechains produced by polymerization of vinyl ester monomers, offering enhanced biodegradability and improved washing behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymers with carbon-only backbones are used in detergent compositions, then washing performance is achieved, but biodegradability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating graft polymers with a copolymer backbone containing heteroatoms (oxygen from alkylene oxide units) combined with polymeric sidechains. This composite structure combines the washing performance benefits of traditional polymers with improved biodegradability, as the heteroatom-containing backbone is more susceptible to microbial degradation while maintaining functional sidechains for detergent activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the polymer backbone by incorporating heteroatoms (specifically oxygen from alkylene oxide monomers like ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide) into the backbone structure. This parameter change transforms the backbone from a difficult-to-degrade carbon-only structure to a more biodegradable heteroatom-containing structure, directly addressing the biodegradability issue while maintaining washing performance through appropriate sidechain selection.
2Ease of operation
If traditional graft polymers with polyethylene glycol backbone are used, then water solubility is achieved, but biodegradation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the backbone composition parameter by using copolymers of alkylene oxides (ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide) instead of pure polyethylene glycol. This parameter change introduces structural diversity and heteroatoms that enhance biodegradability while maintaining water solubility through the hydrophilic nature of the alkylene oxide units. The copolymer structure provides both solubility and improved environmental compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure where the copolymer backbone (containing multiple alkylene oxide units) serves as the water-soluble framework, combined with grafted sidechains that provide additional functionality. This composite approach achieves both water solubility and enhanced biodegradability, overcoming the limitations of traditional polyethylene glycol backbones.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If acid functional monomers are used in graft polymers, then biodegradability is improved, but washing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functions of different parts of the polymer molecule. The copolymer backbone (containing heteroatoms) is optimized for biodegradability and water solubility, while the grafted sidechains are optimized for washing performance through selection of appropriate monomers (vinyl esters, vinyl amides, N-vinylpyrrolidone). This spatial separation of functions allows each part to excel at its specific role without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a biodegradable copolymer backbone with functional sidechains that provide washing performance. This composite structure replaces the need for acid functional monomers by using the heteroatom-containing backbone itself as the biodegradability source, while the sidechains maintain detergent functionality.
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 novel graft polymers demonstrate improved biodegradability and washing performance, including enhanced anti-redeposition and stain removal capabilities compared to traditional polymers, while also addressing environmental concerns related to microplastic degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The copolymer backbone (A) is obtainable by polymerization of at least two monomers selected from the group of ethylene oxide, 1,2-propylene oxide, 1,2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide, 1,2-pentene oxide or 2,3-pentene oxide
Implementation Method 2
The polymeric sidechains (B) are obtainable by polymerization of at least one vinyl ester monomer (B1) and optionally a further monomer (B2)
Implementation Method 3
the polymers described by the current Invention are preferably produced by radical graft polymerization and provide enhanced biodegradation properties compared to the state-of-the-art
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detergent composition comprising a detersive surfactant and a graft polymer.