Carpet Repellent Composition for One-Step Neutral pH Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-step process for applying stain and soil repellents to carpets is time-consuming, costly, and resource-intensive, necessitating a more efficient one-step solution.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining a first condensation product of hydroxyaromatic compounds with formaldehyde free of sulphonic acid and carboxylic groups, a second partially sulphonated condensation product, a fluorocarbon compound, foaming agents, water, plasticizers, fluorine-containing surfactants, and optionally blocked isocyanate group-containing polymers, applied together at neutral pH to impart improved stain and soil repellency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-step process is used to apply stain repellent and fluorocarbon compound separately, then effective stain and soil repellency is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stain repellent (condensation product of hydroxyaromatic compounds with formaldehyde) and fluorocarbon compound into a single composition that can be applied in one step. This merging of two separate treatment steps into one unified application process reduces processing time and costs while maintaining the effective stain and soil repellency properties that were previously achieved only through sequential application.
2Reliability
If acid pH is used for applying stain repellent, then good stain repellency is achieved, but fiber damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from acidic (traditional stain repellent application) to neutral. The condensation product of hydroxyaromatic compounds with formaldehyde is specifically designed to function effectively at neutral pH, eliminating the need for acid treatment. This parameter change maintains stain repellency performance while preventing the fiber damage that occurs with acidic applications.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional stain repellents are applied at neutral pH, then fiber damage is minimized, but stain and soil repellency performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite composition that integrates two previously separate materials: the condensation product of hydroxyaromatic compounds with formaldehyde (stain repellent) and the fluorocarbon compound (soil repellent). This composite formulation enables both components to work synergistically at neutral pH, achieving effective stain and soil repellency without the fiber damage associated with acidic treatments. The composite structure allows neutral pH application while maintaining high performance.
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 enables effective stain and soil repellency at neutral pH, reducing the need for rinsing and minimizing fiber damage, with enhanced performance compared to traditional methods, as demonstrated by improved test results on nylon and wool carpets.
Implementation Method 1
the fluorocarbon compound remains on the fiber and bonds to it
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a stain and soil repellent composition for a carpet, especially from polyamide, wherein a first condensation product of hydroxyaromatic compounds and formaldehyde, which is free of sulphonic acid- and carboxyl- groups; and a second condensation product of hydroxyaromatic compounds and formaldehyde, which is at least partially sulphonated is applied to the carpet in a foam application process together with a fluorocarbon compound.