Composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic polysaccharide and a nonionic polysaccharide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fabric conditioning compositions using quaternary ammonium compounds face issues with stability and perfume longevity, as they are difficult to biodegrade, leading to eco-toxicity and quick dissipation of fragrances on fabrics.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a biodegradable quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic polysaccharide, and a nonionic polysaccharide, which enhances softening performance and perfume longevity by providing a synergistic effect that extends fragrance deposition and release on fabrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional quaternary ammonium compounds are used for fabric conditioning, then softening performance is achieved, but biodegradability is poor leading to eco-toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftening performanceVSAvoideco-toxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the quaternary ammonium compound by introducing biodegradable ester linkages in the hydrophobic chains, transforming it from a conventional non-biodegradable quat to an eco-friendly alternative that maintains conditioning efficacy while improving biodegradability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite fabric conditioning system combining biodegradable ester quaternary ammonium compounds with polysaccharide polymers (cationic and nonionic), where the composite formulation achieves both eco-toxicity reduction and enhanced softening performance through synergistic interactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If ester quaternary ammonium compounds are used to improve biodegradability, then eco-toxicity is reduced, but stability is unsatisfactory particularly at high levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeco-toxicityVSAvoidcomposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces polysaccharide polymers (cationic and nonionic) as intermediary components that interact with the ester quaternary ammonium compounds to form stable complexes, preventing degradation of the ester linkages while maintaining the biodegradable nature and eco-friendliness of the formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention develops a composite system where ester quaternary ammonium compounds are combined with polysaccharide polymers in specific ratios, creating a synergistic formulation that simultaneously achieves improved stability, biodegradability, and softening performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If fragrance materials are incorporated into fabric conditioning compositions, then pleasant odour is provided, but the fragrance dissipates quickly once adsorbed onto fabrics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepleasant odourVSAvoidperfume longevity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cationic and nonionic polysaccharide polymers as intermediary carriers that adsorb fragrance materials and facilitate their controlled release onto fabrics, extending the duration of fragrance emission through sustained delivery mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the porous and polymeric structure of polysaccharide materials to trap and slowly release fragrance molecules, creating a reservoir effect that prolongs fragrance longevity on fabric surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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 composition achieves improved softening performance and prolonged perfume longevity on fabrics, addressing the stability and eco-toxicity concerns of traditional quaternary ammonium compounds while maintaining effective fragrance delivery.

Implementation Method 1

once adsorbed onto the targeted surface, for example the fabrics, the fragrance materials or the perfumes tend to be dissipated very quickly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11427788B2Composition comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic polysaccharide and a nonionic polysaccharide
Publication Date: 2022.08.30 SPECIALTY OPERATIONS FRANCE

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition, in particular, a fabric conditioning composition, comprising at least a quaternary ammonium compound, a cationic polysaccharide and a nonionic polysaccharide. In particular, the quaternary ammonium compound is a biodegradable quaternary ammonium compound. The composition has excellent softening performance and improved perfume longevity.