Cationic Micelles with Anionic Polymers for Low-Residue Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning product formulations, particularly those containing quaternary ammonium compounds, face challenges in reducing the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and achieving fine control over surfactant interactions, leading to high concentrations of hazardous substances and irritation issues, while also requiring volatile organic solvents that are regulated and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The development of a polymer-micelle complex comprising a positively charged micelle electrostatically bound to a water-soluble polymer with a negative charge, which does not form coacervates or films, and can be formulated without alcohols or glycol ethers, allowing for enhanced control over surfactant interactions and antimicrobial activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If significant amounts of simple electrolytes are added to increase screening of headgroup charges, then micelle size and shape control is improved, but residues are left behind upon drying of formulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of counterion type from simple inorganic electrolytes to biodegradable polymer electrolytes. This substitution maintains the charge screening function needed for micelle formation and stability while eliminating the residue problem, as the polymer electrolytes are designed to be biodegradable and leave minimal residues upon drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polymer electrolytes comprising biodegradable polymer chains with pendant ionic groups. This composite structure combines the charge-carrying capability of inorganic electrolytes with the biodegradability and low-residue properties of organic polymers, resolving the contradiction between effective charge screening and residue minimization.
2Use of energy by moving object
If volatile organic solvents are added to adjust wetting and antimicrobial activity, then surface tension reduction is improved, but health effects and consumer acceptance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation parameter by substituting volatile organic solvents with polymer electrolyte systems. The polymer electrolytes achieve the necessary surface tension reduction and wetting enhancement through their ionic structure and micelle formation, while being non-volatile and free from the health concerns associated with organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer electrolytes act as intermediary substances that mediate between the need for surface active properties and the desire to avoid harmful volatiles. The ionic pendant groups on the polymer chains provide the necessary electrostatic interactions for surface tension reduction, while the biodegradable polymer backbone ensures environmental compatibility and consumer safety.
3Reliability
If high concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds are used to ensure adequate adsorption onto microbes, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but skin and eye irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs composite polymer electrolytes that combine biodegradable polymer chains with ionic pendant groups. This composite structure provides effective charge screening and micelle stabilization, allowing for reduced concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy. The biodegradable nature of the polymer reduces irritation compared to traditional high-concentration formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of quaternary ammonium compounds by utilizing the charge screening effect of polymer electrolytes. The polymer electrolytes enhance the efficiency of the cationic surfactants, allowing effective antimicrobial activity at lower concentrations, thereby reducing skin and eye irritation while maintaining reliability.
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
This approach results in stable, thermodynamically active aggregates that enhance oil solubilization and antimicrobial performance, reducing the need for volatile solvents, minimizing residue, and providing effective antimicrobial action against a broad spectrum of microorganisms without causing irritation.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer-micelle complex comprising a positively charged micelle electrostatically bound to a water-soluble polymer with a negative charge
Implementation Method 2
enhance oil solubilization and antimicrobial performance, reducing the need for volatile solvents
Implementation Method 3
surfactants and surfactant mixtures in aqueous media exhibit the ability to adsorb at the air-water, solid-water, and oil-water interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to polymer-micelle complex. The polymer-micelle complexes include a positively charged micelle selected from the group consisting of a monomeric quaternary ammonium compound, a monomeric biguanide compound, and mixtures thereof. The positively charged micelle is electrostatically bound to a water-soluble polymer bearing a negative charge. The polymer does not comprise block copolymer, latex particles, polymer nanoparticles, cross-linked polymers, silicone copolymer, fluorosurfactant, or amphoteric copolymer. The compositions do not form a coacervate, and do not form a film when applied to a surface.