Chelating Agent Granules With Polymer Mediation Against Yellowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing chelating agent-based granules and powders for cleaning formulations, particularly in the presence of bleaching agents, lead to issues such as yellowing and deterioration of builder properties, which are commercially unattractive and affect product quality.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the preparation of an aqueous solution or slurry of chelating agents and polymers, followed by spray drying or granulation, to produce granules and powders with improved stability, using specific chelating agents and polymers in controlled ratios and conditions to minimize yellowing and maintain builder properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chelating agents are co-granulated with polymers such as polyacrylic acid to improve stability, then stability is improved, but colorization of the resultant powders or granules occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specific polymer (polyaspartate or copolymer with N-containing monomer) as an intermediary substance that prevents direct harmful interaction between the chelating agent and bleaching agents. This intermediary polymer forms a protective complex with the chelating agent, preventing colorization while maintaining stability during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by selecting specific polymer types (polyaspartate with MW 1,000-20,000 g/mole or copolymers with N-containing monomers) and controlling their molecular weight and composition. These parameter changes enable the polymer to provide protection without causing colorization, resolving the contradiction between stability and color retention.
2Reliability
If chelating agents are co-granulated with polymers to improve stability, then stability is improved, but builder properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the molecular weight parameter of the polymer (1,000-20,000 g/mole for polyaspartate) and the compositional parameters of copolymers to maintain optimal builder properties. By adjusting these parameters, the polymer provides stability enhancement without interfering with the chelating agent's builder function.
Solution Approach 2:
The selected polymer acts as a mediator that stabilizes the chelating agent without compromising its builder properties. The specific polymer structure (polyaspartate or N-containing copolymer) mediates between the need for stability and the need to preserve builder functionality, allowing both requirements to be met simultaneously.
3Reliability
If conventional co-spraying or co-granulation is used, then stability is improved, but yellowing or brownish stains form during long-term storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a specifically selected polymer as an intermediary that prevents direct contact or reactive interaction between the chelating agent and bleaching agents during storage. This intermediary polymer forms a protective complex that prevents oxidation and color formation, maintaining product appearance during long-term storage while providing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic interaction between chelating agents and bleaching agents by introducing a third component (the specific polymer) that separates their functions. The polymer takes out the harmful interaction by binding to the chelating agent in a way that prevents it from reacting with bleaching agents, thereby preventing yellowing and stain formation.
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 process results in granules and powders with enhanced stability, reducing the tendency for yellowing and brownish stains, and maintaining effective builder performance, suitable for long-term storage and use in cleaning formulations.
Implementation Method 1
spray drying or granulating said solution or slurry
Data Source
AI summary
Process for manufacturing granules or powders comprising the steps of (a) providing an aqueous solution or slurry of (A) at least one chelating agent according to general formula (I a) [CH3—CH(COO)—N(CH2—COO)2]M3-XHX (I a) wherein M is selected from alkali metal cations and ammonium, same or different, and x is in the range of from 0.01 to 1.0 or (I b) [OOC—CH2CH2—CH(COO)—N(CH2—COO)2]M4-XHX (I b) wherein M is as defined above, and x in formula (I b) is in the range of from 0.01 to 2.0, and (B) at least one polymer selected from (B1) polyaspartates with an average molecular weight Mw in the range of from 1,000 to 20,000 g/mole, and (B2) copolymers comprising, in copolymerized form, (α) at least one ester of an ethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid, and (β) at least one ethylenically unsaturated N-containing monomer, and (b) spray drying or granulating said solution or slurry.