Liquid Detergent Viscosity via Branched Amine Oxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid cleaning compositions with naturally derived surfactants face challenges in achieving a desired viscosity profile without the addition of costly materials that do not contribute to cleaning benefits, as they tend to become too thick or too thin upon dilution, affecting their solubility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid detergent composition comprising naturally derived C10-20 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl sulphate or sulphonate surfactants combined with mid-chain branched amine oxide surfactants, which maintains a desired viscosity profile upon dilution without the need for additional materials, by using a specific formulation that includes an aqueous liquid carrier and optional surfactants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If naturally derived alkyl or hydroxyalkyl sulphate or sulphonate surfactants are used, then environmental sustainability and cost are improved, but viscosity profile becomes undesired (too thick or too thin)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines naturally derived alkyl or hydroxyalkyl sulphate or sulphonate surfactants with mid-chain branched amine oxide surfactants in a specific formulation. This merging of two different surfactant types with complementary properties allows the composition to achieve a balanced and stable viscosity profile while maintaining the environmental benefits of naturally derived materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite surfactant system by formulating a combination of naturally derived sulphate/sulphonate surfactants and mid-chain branched amine oxide surfactants. This composite approach leverages the distinct properties of each surfactant type to achieve optimal viscosity characteristics that neither component could provide alone.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional materials such as solvents, salts, or polymers are added to adjust viscosity, then viscosity profile is improved, but cost increases and cleaning benefits are not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using the surfactants themselves to regulate the viscosity profile through their inherent properties and interactions. The mid-chain branched amine oxide surfactants work synergistically with the naturally derived sulphate/sulphonate surfactants to provide appropriate viscosity characteristics without requiring external thickening agents or solvents, thereby avoiding additional costs.
3Reliability
If linear amine oxides and naturally derived alkyl or hydroxyalkyl sulphate or sulphonate surfactants are combined, then cleaning performance is maintained, but viscosity profile becomes undesired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically selecting mid-chain branched amine oxide surfactants with particular molecular structures (containing a mid-chain branch) rather than using conventional linear amine oxides. This structural parameter change in the surfactant molecule enables the composition to maintain cleaning performance while achieving a stable and desirable viscosity profile.
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 a stable viscosity profile upon dilution, enhancing solubility and usability, thereby improving the dissolution and cleaning performance without increasing costs through unnecessary additives.
Implementation Method 1
surfactants in the liquid cleaning composition are believed to undergo a phase transition which increases viscosity and decreases solubility of the liquid detergent composition
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid laundry detergents having a specified surfactant system of naturally derived alkyl or hydroxyalkyl sulphate or sulphonate surfactant and mid-chain branched amine oxide surfactants having a desired viscosity profile.