Cationic Polymer Thickener via Inverse Emulsion for Fabric Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thickeners for fabric softeners and detergents face challenges in deposition, shear thinning, stability, and viscosity, particularly in maintaining effective performance at low concentrations and preventing re-soiling during washing processes.
Innovation Solution
A cationic polymer is produced through inverse emulsion polymerization at a constant temperature of at least 40 °C, using a combination of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers, associative monomers, and optional crosslinkers, resulting in a thickener with enhanced deposition, shear thinning, and stability properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing thickeners are used in fabric softeners and detergents, then viscosity is achieved, but deposition performance deteriorates and re-soiling occurs during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by incorporating specific functional groups (quatternized amino groups, carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups) and controlling the polymerization process at constant temperature to achieve optimal deposition performance while maintaining viscosity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining cationic monomers (for deposition on fabric), associative monomers (for viscosity enhancement), and functional monomers (for stability), achieving multiple performance requirements simultaneously
2Productivity
If conventional polymerization processes are used, then production efficiency is maintained, but polymer stability and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optimization of the polymerization process by maintaining constant temperature throughout the reaction, which pre-establishes optimal conditions for polymer stability before the polymerization completes, ensuring high performance without sacrificing production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses associative monomers as intermediaries that bridge the hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions of the polymer structure, enhancing both stability and performance while maintaining efficient production through a single polymerization step
3Stability of the object's composition
If high concentrations of thickeners are used, then viscosity is improved, but dosing comfortability and residue-free use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of the polymer to achieve high viscosity at low concentrations through optimized functional group ratios and associative monomer incorporation, eliminating the need for high dosing concentrations and improving user comfort
4Use of energy by moving object
If standard polymerization temperature is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but deposition and shear thinning properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary heating to a constant temperature of at least 40°C before and during polymerization, which pre-establishes optimal conditions for deposition and shear thinning properties, ensuring high performance while minimizing additional energy consumption during the reaction
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 thickener exhibits improved deposition of active ingredients, increased stability, and effective shear thinning, allowing for comfortable dosing and residue-free use, even at low concentrations, while minimizing re-soiling and adhesion during washing.
Implementation Method 1
a cationic polymer is produced by inverse emulsion polymerization of a) at least one water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising at least one cationic monomer
Implementation Method 2
at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or a monomer mixture comprising at least one cationic monomer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a thickener which can be obtained according to a method, characterized in that a cationic polymer is obtained by an inverse emulsion polymerization of a) at least one water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising at least one cationic monomer, optionally at least one anionic monomer and/or optionally at least one non-ionic monomer, b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated associative monomer, c) optionally at least one cross-linking agent, d) optionally at least one chain transfer agent. The temperature is kept constant during the inverse emulsion polymerization and is at least 40 °C, preferably between 50 - 90 °C, and the activator is added after the inverse emulsion polymerization in order to obtain the thickness.