Laundry Detergent Amine Neutralizers Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry detergent compositions, particularly those neutralized with amines, do not offer improved performance in terms of stain removal and cleaning efficacy compared to conventional neutralizers like triethanolamine.
Innovation Solution
A laundry detergent composition comprising 4-25 wt% linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, 25-55 wt% nonionic surfactant, 2-10 wt% specific amines (R1 methyl or ethyl, R2 C1-C4 alkyl, R3 C2-C8 alkyl), and 10-35 wt% C3-C6 polyhydroxy compounds, with a pH range of 7.5-10, providing enhanced cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional neutralizers like triethanolamine are used, then the detergent composition is stable and easy to manufacture, but the stain removal efficacy and cleaning performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using specific amine compounds (cyclic amines like piperidine, pyrrolidine, and their derivatives) with defined molecular structures and pKa values (6.5-10.5) instead of conventional linear amines. This parameter change in amine structure and properties directly improves stain removal efficacy while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through well-established chemical synthesis routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite detergent system combining specific ratios of nonionic surfactants (20-40 wt%), anionic surfactants (10-30 wt%), and the novel cyclic amine neutralizers (1-10 wt%). This composite formulation synergistically enhances cleaning performance beyond what conventional single-component neutralizers achieve, while the overall composition remains manufacturable using standard detergent production equipment.
2Reliability
If more amine additive is added to improve cleaning performance, then stain removal efficacy increases, but the cost and complexity of the formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the amine concentration parameter to a specific range (1-10 wt%, preferably 2-5 wt%) where maximum cleaning performance is achieved. Below this range, efficacy is insufficient; above this range, diminishing returns occur and formulation complexity increases. This precise parameter optimization balances performance improvement with formulation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclic amine neutralizers perform multiple functions simultaneously: (1) neutralizing the detergent composition to appropriate pH, (2) enhancing stain removal efficacy, (3) improving overall cleaning performance, and (4) maintaining formulation stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate additives, thereby simplifying the overall formulation despite the enhanced performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry detergent composition comprising: (a) 4 to 25 wt% of a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate; (b) 25 to 55 wt% nonionic surfactant, (c) 2 to 10 wt% of an amine having formula (I), wherein R1 is C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 hydroxyalkyl; or formula (II), wherein R2 is C1-C4 alkyl and R3 is C2-C8 alkyl; or a combination thereof; and (d) 10 to 35 wt% C3-C6 polyhydroxy compounds.