Chelating Agent Powders with Acrylic Polymer for Bleach Yellowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chelating agents used in laundry detergents and automatic dishwashing formulations, such as methyl glycine diacetic acid and glutamic acid diacetate, tend to yellow when contacted with chlorine-free bleaching agents like sodium perborate or sodium persulfate, and existing solutions either degrade the bleaching agent or slow down the dissolution of the chelating agent, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the mixing of chelating agents like methyl glycine diacetic acid and glutamic acid diacetate with homo- or copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid, followed by spray-drying or spray granulation using a hot gas with an inlet temperature of at least 125°C, to produce powders or granules with reduced yellowing behavior when exposed to chlorine-free bleaching agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If chelating agents are mixed with conventional additives to prevent yellowing, then yellowing is reduced, but the activity of the bleaching agent deteriorates or dissolution of the chelating agent slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specific polymer (polyacrylic acid or polyacrylamide) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the chelating agent and the bleaching agent. This polymer prevents direct harmful interactions that cause yellowing, while simultaneously maintaining the bleaching agent's activity and the chelating agent's dissolution rate. The polymer acts as a protective intermediary layer or complexing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system consisting of the chelating agent, the polymer, and the bleaching agent in specific combinations. This composite approach allows the components to work together synergistically, where the polymer matrix protects both the chelating agent and bleaching agent from adverse reactions while maintaining their individual functionalities.
2Reliability
If chelating agents are contacted with chlorine-free bleaching agents, then yellowing occurs, but the bleaching agent activity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer serves as an intermediary that prevents direct contact between the chelating agent and the chlorine-free bleaching agent, thereby eliminating the yellowing reaction while allowing both components to maintain their intended functions. The polymer creates a physical or chemical barrier that mediates their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer is introduced into the system in advance to prevent the yellowing reaction before it can occur. By pre-establishing the polymer-chelating agent complex or dispersion, the system is prepared to resist the harmful interaction with the bleaching agent, preventing yellowing proactively rather than reacting to it afterward.
3Loss of energy
If conventional spray-drying is used with lower temperatures, then energy consumption is reduced, but yellowing behavior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the mixture being spray-dried by incorporating specific polymers and controlling the ratios of chelating agent to polymer. This compositional parameter change allows the drying process to occur at lower temperatures without producing yellowing, as the polymer structure protects the chelating agent from thermal degradation and oxidation during drying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material formulation that is specifically designed to be stable under lower temperature spray-drying conditions. The composite of chelating agent and polymer maintains structural integrity and prevents yellowing even when exposed to reduced thermal energy input, eliminating the need for high-temperature processing.
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 powders or granules exhibit excellent yellowing resistance and maintain the activity of the bleaching agents, extending their shelf-life and performance in cleaning applications.
Implementation Method 1
removing most of said water by spray-drying or spray granulation using a gas with an inlet temperature of at least 125° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards a process for making a powder or granule containing(A) at least one chelating agent selected from methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) and glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA) and iminodisuccinic acid (IDS) and their respective alkali metal salts,(B) at least one homo- or copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid, partially or fully neutralized with alkali,said process comprising the steps of(a) mixing the at least one chelating agent (A) and the at least one homo- or copolymer (B) in the presence of water,(b) removing most of said water by spray-drying or spray granulation using a gas with an inlet temperature of at least 125° C.