Biodegradable Surfactant via Diblock Copolymer Structure

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surfactants based on branched alcohols lack biodegradability despite having superior surface activity and emulsion stability, whereas those based on linear alcohols are readily biodegradable but lack surface activity, creating a need for biodegradable surfactants with excellent surface properties.

Innovation Solution

Development of branched alkanol alkoxylates with a specific structure, comprising a polyethylene oxide block adjacent to a 2-propylheptyl group, reacted with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide under controlled conditions to achieve a biodegradable surfactant with a diblock copolymer structure, ensuring at least 60% biodegradability according to OECD standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If branched alcohols are used as surfactant base, then surface activity and emulsion stability are improved, but biodegradability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface activityVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a surfactant with distinct functional regions: a biodegradable linear alkyl chain portion and a non-biodegradable branched alkyl chain portion. The linear portion (from straight-chain alcohol) provides biodegradability, while the branched portion (from isobutyl or similar branching) delivers superior surface activity and emulsion stability. This spatial separation of functions within the molecule resolves the contradiction between biodegradability and surface performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The surfactant is constructed as a composite molecular structure combining two different alcohol components: linear alcohols (providing biodegradability) and branched alcohols (providing surface activity). Through controlled alkoxylation reactions, these distinct molecular building blocks are integrated into a single surfactant molecule that exhibits both biodegradability and excellent surface properties, effectively creating a composite material at the molecular level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If linear alcohols are used as surfactant base, then biodegradability is improved, but surface activity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidsurface activity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a surfactant with distinct functional regions: a biodegradable linear alkyl chain portion and a non-biodegradable branched alkyl chain portion. The linear portion (from straight-chain alcohol) provides biodegradability, while the branched portion (from isobutyl or similar branching) delivers superior surface activity and emulsion stability. This spatial separation of functions within the molecule resolves the contradiction between biodegradability and surface performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The surfactant is constructed as a composite molecular structure combining two different alcohol components: linear alcohols (providing biodegradability) and branched alcohols (providing surface activity). Through controlled alkoxylation reactions, these distinct molecular building blocks are integrated into a single surfactant molecule that exhibits both biodegradability and excellent surface properties, effectively creating a composite material at the molecular level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If branched alkanol alkoxylates are synthesized, then emulsion stability is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemulsion stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a surfactant with distinct functional regions: a biodegradable linear alkyl chain portion and a non-biodegradable branched alkyl chain portion. The linear portion (from straight-chain alcohol) provides biodegradability, while the branched portion (from isobutyl or similar branching) delivers superior surface activity and emulsion stability. This spatial separation of functions within the molecule resolves the contradiction between biodegradability and surface performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The surfactant is constructed as a composite molecular structure combining two different alcohol components: linear alcohols (providing biodegradability) and branched alcohols (providing surface activity). Through controlled alkoxylation reactions, these distinct molecular building blocks are integrated into a single surfactant molecule that exhibits both biodegradability and excellent surface properties, effectively creating a composite material at the molecular level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 resulting surfactants exhibit high biodegradability and superior surface activity, making them suitable for various industrial and cosmetic applications while meeting environmental sustainability criteria.

Implementation Method 1

reacting an alcohol of formula R 3 with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlkoxylation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

alkanol alkoxylates as surfactants, emulsifiers and antifoaming agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

excellent emulsifier properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 4

biodegradability is also a desired property of surfactants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP3652285B1Biodegradable surfactant

Publication Date: 2024.10.30 BASF SE

AI summary

The present invention is related to a surfactant comprising at least one C8 to C30 branched alkanol alkoxylate, a process for the preparation of said surfactant, an article comprising said surfactant as well as the use thereof.