Carbonate Detergent Stain Removal via Protease and AEC
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to enhance stain removal in carbonate built powder detergent formulations containing a high fraction of anionic surfactant relative to non-ionic surfactant, as existing formulations do not effectively address protein-based stain removal.
Innovation Solution
A non-phosphate carbonate built powder detergent formulation combining subtilisin protease enzymes with specific alkyl ether carboxylic acids, which includes 10-40 wt% surfactants, 0.5-10 wt% alkyl ether carboxylic acid, and 0.002-0.2 wt% subtilisin protease, along with sodium carbonate, to create an effective stain removal solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbonate built powder detergent formulations contain a high fraction of anionic surfactant relative to non-ionic surfactant, then cost and cleaning power are improved, but stain removal capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing alkyl ether carboxylic acid dispersants with specific molecular structures (containing ether oxygens and carboxylic acid groups) and optimizes their concentration (0.03-10% wt) to enhance stain removal capability while maintaining the high anionic surfactant fraction formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite detergent system combining anionic surfactants, alkyl ether carboxylic acid dispersants, and protease enzymes working synergistically, where the dispersant molecules with dual functional groups (ether and carboxylic acid) provide both dispersion and stain removal functions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-phosphate carbonate built powder detergent formulations are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but stain removal efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the builder system by eliminating phosphates and using carbonate-based builders, while compensating for stain removal efficacy through the addition of alkyl ether carboxylic acid dispersants and protease enzymes that specifically target protein-based stains
Solution Approach 2:
The alkyl ether carboxylic acid dispersants act as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between environmentally friendly non-phosphate builders and effective stain removal, providing both dispersion and protease-stabilizing functions
3Reliability
If protease enzymes are added to enhance protein stain removal, then stain removal capability is improved, but formulation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alkyl ether carboxylic acid dispersants serve as protective intermediaries that stabilize protease enzymes in the high anionic surfactant environment, preventing enzyme denaturation and maintaining formulation stability while preserving stain removal activity
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation uses relatively small amounts of protease (0.001-0.5% wt) that are replenished with each detergent use, accepting that the enzyme activity may diminish over time but maintaining effective concentrations for each washing cycle
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 combination of protease and alkyl ether carboxylic acid significantly enhances stain removal in a non-phosphate carbonate built powder detergent, demonstrating improved cleaning efficacy compared to formulations without these components.
Implementation Method 1
subtilisin protease enzymes to remove protein containing stains from fabrics
Implementation Method 2
alkyl ether carboxylic acid, provides enhanced stain removal
Data Source
AI summary
The present Invention provides phosphate free carbonate built powder detergent formulations for use in domestic laundry comprising anionic surfactant, alkyl ether carboxylic acid, subtilisin protease, sodium carbonate and optional nonionic surfactant.