Biodegradable Polyamine Polymers for Detergent Soil Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for polyamines and alkoxylated polyamines that provide improved washing performance in detergents while enhancing biodegradability compared to existing commercial products.

Innovation Solution

Formulations comprising specific ratios of amines with at least two amine groups, acrylates, and mono-acrylates, including polyethylenimine and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, are used to create biodegradable polymers that enhance washing performance and dispersant properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional polyamines and alkoxylated polyamines are used in detergent formulations, then washing performance is achieved, but biodegradability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidbiodegradability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of polyamines by incorporating biodegradable backbone structures (amino acids, sugars, vitamins) and controlling molecular weight, branching degree, and functional group composition. These parameter changes enable the polymer to maintain washing performance while improving biodegradability through enzymatic recognition and breakdown pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite polymer structures combining hydrophobic segments (for soil attachment), hydrophilic segments (for water solubility), and biodegradable core structures. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously achieve effective washing performance and enhanced biodegradability through multiple functional components working together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If polyamines with improved biodegradability are developed, then environmental sustainability increases, but washing performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidwashing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating polymers with distinct functional segments: biodegradable core structures for environmental compatibility, hydrophobic regions for soil interaction, and hydrophilic regions for water solubility. Each local region performs its specific function optimally, ensuring both biodegradability and washing performance are maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic properties by controlling the flexibility and mobility of polymer chains through selective bonding and molecular weight adjustment. This allows the polymer to dynamically adapt its conformation for effective soil binding during washing while remaining accessible to enzymatic degradation after use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If complex polymer structures are used to improve washing performance, then detergent efficacy increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the polymer synthesis into modular stages: first forming the biodegradable backbone from natural compounds, then adding functional side chains, and finally adjusting molecular weight and branching. This segmented approach simplifies manufacturing by breaking down complex structure creation into manageable, sequential steps with standardized intermediate products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 biodegradable polymers effectively remove and disperse solids and water-insoluble substances, improving washing performance and environmental sustainability in fabric and home care applications.

Implementation Method 1

to disperse such substances within liquids and/or solids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

They can be used in effective amounts to remove or release solids or water-insoluble substances from surfaces and/or to disperse such substances within liquids and/or solids

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP4263777B1Biodegradable polymers
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 BASF SE
  • EP4263777B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4263777B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4263777B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers, a process to produce such polyamines and alkoxylated polyamines, the use of and formulations and compositions comprising such polyamines and alkoxylated polyamines, the use of such polyamines and alkoxylated polyamines as ingredients in formulations and compositions within the field of application of fabric and home care, industrial and institutional cleaning, cosmetics, personal care, agricultural formulations, technical formulations and construction formulations.