Phosphate-Free Dishwasher Detergent with Citrate and EDDS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic dishwashing detergents face challenges in achieving cleaning performance comparable to phosphate-containing detergents, especially in removing tea contamination, due to incompatibilities and stability issues with bleach and other ingredients, and environmental concerns limit the use of phosphates and bleaches.
Innovation Solution
A low-alkaline, phosphate- and bleach-free automatic dishwashing detergent formulation containing citrate, ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS), and anionic copolymers, with specific weight ratios and pH levels, to enhance cleaning performance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If phosphate is used as a builder in automatic dishwashing detergents, then cleaning and rinsing performance is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to eutrophication of waterways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing phosphate-based builders with alternative builders (such as citrate, carbonate, or other non-phosphate compounds) that provide similar cleaning and rinsing performance without causing eutrophication. This parameter substitution maintains the functional effectiveness while eliminating the harmful environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs alternative builders that may have shorter environmental persistence or decompose more readily in the environment compared to phosphates. These alternative compounds provide the necessary cleaning function during use but do not accumulate in waterways to cause long-term eutrophication, effectively treating them as environmentally benign substitutes.
2Productivity
If bleach is added to automatic dishwashing detergents to improve bleaching effect, then cleaning performance is improved, but compatibility with other ingredients and storage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes bleach from the detergent formulation, achieving the desired cleaning and bleaching effects through alternative mechanisms that do not require incompatible chemical substances. This elimination of bleach resolves the stability and compatibility issues while maintaining functional effectiveness through other cleaning agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances or alternative cleaning mechanisms that mediate the cleaning and bleaching functions without requiring direct contact between incompatible ingredients. These intermediaries enable the detergent to achieve bleaching effects through enzymatic action, oxidation by alternative agents, or other mechanisms that are compatible with all other detergent components and stable during storage.
3Productivity
If alkalinity is increased to improve cleaning performance, then fat and oil emulsification is improved, but compatibility with bleach and other ingredients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the alkalinity parameter to optimal levels that facilitate fat and oil emulsification while maintaining compatibility with all detergent ingredients, including bleach alternatives. By fine-tuning the pH and using buffered systems, the formulation achieves effective cleaning without the harmful interactions that occur at excessively high alkalinity levels.
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 formulation improves cleaning performance, particularly for tea contamination, while being environmentally friendly by avoiding phosphates and bleaches, thus meeting market standards for both effectiveness and eco-friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
they reduce the water hardness of the cleaning liquor by complexing the calcium ions contained in the aqueous liquor
Implementation Method 2
fats and oils being emulsified and saponified as alkalinity increases
Implementation Method 3
A first essential component of agents according to the invention is citrate... Particular preference is given to using (hydrogen) carbonate(s)... The automatic dishwashing detergents according to the invention contain ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) as a third essential component
Implementation Method 4
2 to 20% by weight of anionic copolymer comprising i) one or polyunsaturated monomers from the group of carboxylic acids ii) one or polyunsaturated monomers from the group of sulfonic acids
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a phosphate- and bleach-free dishwasher detergent containing: a) 5 to 60 wt % citrate, b) (hydrogen) carbonate, c) 2 to 40 wt % ethylenediamine disuccinic acid, characterized in that the weight ratio of the components b) and c) is between 1:5 and 10:1, wherein said dishwasher detergent is characterized by good cleaning performance, particularly improved cleaning of tea.