Transparent textile care agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric softener formulations containing ester quats are turbid, require high concentrations, and use solvents, leading to high costs and handling difficulties, while also having stability and odor issues.
Innovation Solution
A liquid composition comprising a cationic compound obtainable by reacting a mixture of dicarboxylic and monocarboxylic acids with a tertiary amine, followed by quaternization, combined with a nonionic emulsifier of high HLB value and cationic thickeners, to create a clear, viscous, and stable fabric softener formulation with reduced softening substance concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ester quats are used in fabric softener formulations, then good application technology and biodegradability are achieved, but the formulations become turbid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the ester quat by using specific fatty acid compositions (mixing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in controlled ratios) and modifying the quaternary ammonium group structure to achieve both transparency and desired functionality. This resolves the contradiction by adjusting molecular parameters rather than simply adding solvents or acceptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite ester quat molecules combining different fatty acid chains (saturated and unsaturated) with specific quaternary ammonium groups to create a material that simultaneously provides transparency, stability, and good application properties. The composite structure allows optimization of multiple properties that cannot be achieved with single-component ester quats.
2Illumination intensity
If high concentrations of ester quats are used to achieve clear formulations, then optical clarity is improved, but the cost and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter by developing ester quats with enhanced transparency efficiency, allowing effective formulations at lower concentrations (0.1-10% range). The modified molecular structure increases the transparency-per-concentration ratio, reducing the amount needed while maintaining clarity and functionality.
3Illumination intensity
If solvents are added to achieve clear fabric softener formulations, then optical clarity is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for additional solvents by incorporating transparency-enhancing features directly into the ester quat molecular structure. This removes the separate solvent component while maintaining optical clarity, thereby reducing overall formulation cost and complexity.
4Ease of operation
If formulations are made viscous to improve handling, then ease of operation is improved, but thread-forming tendency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the viscosity parameter by modifying the ester quat molecular weight, fatty acid chain length, and formulation temperature to achieve optimal flow characteristics. The optimized viscosity range provides ease of handling while preventing thread formation by maintaining molecular mobility and preventing aggregation.
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 solution results in a clear, stable, and fragrant fabric softener with improved storage stability, reduced turbidity, and pleasant odor, maintaining effectiveness over a wide temperature range and long storage periods.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first emulsifier is a nonionic emulsifier with an HLB value of at least 12.0
Implementation Method 2
at least one first emulsifier, wherein the at least one first emulsifier is a nonionic emulsifier with an HLB value of at least 12.0
Implementation Method 3
reacting (i) a mixture of at least one dicarboxylic acid of formula (I) and at least one monocarboxylic acid of formula (II), with (ii) at least one tertiary amine of formula (III)
Implementation Method 4
reacting the resulting product with (iii) at least one quaternizing agent for quaternization of at least one amino group contained in the reaction product
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to textile care agents and to optically clear and transparent fabric softener formulations which also have a viscous consistency, containing a combination of special ester quats with nonionic emulsifiers and cationic thickeners, to the use of said textile care agents and fabric softener formulations. The present disclosure also relates to a method for washing textiles using said textile care agent and fabric softener formulations. The present disclosure relates to methods for producing the special ester quats, to the thus resulting ester quats and to the use thereof.