Biodegradable Quat Fabric Conditioner With Polysaccharide Fragrance Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fabric conditioning compositions using quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) face issues with biodegradability and eco-toxicity, while ester quats offer better biodegradability but have stability concerns, and fragrance materials in these compositions tend to dissipate quickly, lacking longevity on fabrics.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining a biodegradable quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic polysaccharide, and a nonionic polysaccharide, along with a fragrance material, which enhances softening performance and perfume longevity by providing a synergistic effect that extends fragrance deposition and release on fabrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional quaternary ammonium compounds are used for fabric conditioning, then good softening performance is achieved, but biodegradability is poor and eco-toxicity is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftening performanceVSAvoideco-toxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the quaternary ammonium compound by using biodegradable alternatives with specific chain lengths and functional groups, transforming the molecule to maintain softening efficacy while improving environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite fabric conditioning system combining biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds with polysaccharide polymers, where the composite provides both effective softening and improved biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between performance and environmental impact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ester quats are used to improve biodegradability, then eco-toxicity is reduced, but stability is insufficient particularly at high levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeco-toxicityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces polysaccharide polymers as intermediary substances that interact with ester quats to form stable complexes, where the polysaccharides act as stabilizing agents that prevent degradation of the ester quat molecules while maintaining their biodegradable and eco-friendly properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If fragrance materials are incorporated into fabric conditioning compositions, then pleasant odour is provided, but the fragrance dissipates quickly and lacks longevity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepleasant odourVSAvoidfragrance longevity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite fragrance delivery system where fragrance materials are combined with polysaccharide polymers and quaternary ammonium compounds, forming a multi-component composite that enables controlled release and extended longevity of the fragrance on fabric surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies fragrance materials preliminarily during the fabric conditioning process, allowing the fragrance to be pre-deposited on fabric surfaces along with the conditioning agents, ensuring sustained release over time rather than immediate dissipation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 composition achieves improved softening performance and extended perfume longevity, maintaining a substantive odor on fabrics over time, addressing the stability and biodegradability concerns of previous formulations.

Implementation Method 1

Fabric conditioning compositions can be added in the rinse cycle of the laundering process to soften fabrics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

addition of cationic polymers to fabric conditioning compositions has a variety of benefits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 3

the fragrance materials or the perfumes tend to be dissipated very quickly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3158038B1Composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic polysaccharide, a nonionic polysaccharide and a fragrance material or perfume
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 RHODIA OPERATIONS SAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition, in particular, a fabric conditioning composition, comprising at least a quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic polysaccharide, a nonionic polysaccharide and a fragrance material or perfume. In particular, the quaternary ammonium compound is a biodegradable quaternary ammonium compound. The composition has excellent softening performance and improved perfume longevity.