Detergent Composition Alkali Carbonate Copolymer Spotting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent compositions containing alkali carbonates in machine dishwashers often result in spotting on glass and metal surfaces due to calcium and magnesium ion scavenging, leading to scale formation and an unclean appearance, while phosphorus-based builders face environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A detergent composition comprising 20-80 wt.% alkali carbonate, 1.0-10 wt.% nonionic surfactant, and 1.0-10 wt.% copolymer with sulfonic acid groups, along with a mixture of 0.1-9.0 wt.% phosphonates and phosphates, which synergistically reduces spotting on glass and metal surfaces while maintaining effective cleaning and shine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If alkali carbonates are used as builder in detergent composition, then cost is reduced and buffering capacity is improved, but spotting and scale formation on dishware increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines alkali carbonate (20-80 wt.%) with a copolymer containing sulfonic acid groups (1.0-10 wt.%) and nonionic surfactant (1.0-10 wt.%) to create a synergistic builder system. This combination allows the use of cost-effective alkali carbonate while the copolymer and surfactant prevent spotting and scale formation by interfering with crystal growth and improving wetting, thus resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and spotting prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The copolymer with sulfonic acid groups acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the alkali carbonate builder and the dishware surface. It binds to calcium and magnesium ions scavenged by carbonate, preventing them from forming visible spots and scale on glass and metal surfaces, while allowing the carbonate to continue providing cost-effective buffering capacity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If phosphorus-based builders are used in detergent composition, then spotting reduction performance is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing phosphorus-based builders with an alternative system consisting of alkali carbonate combined with copolymer and nonionic surfactant. This parameter change eliminates phosphorus discharge that causes eutrophication, while the copolymer-surfactant combination provides spotting prevention performance comparable to or better than phosphorus-based builders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alkali carbonate, a cheap and readily available builder, in combination with copolymer and surfactant to achieve spotting prevention without relying on expensive phosphorus-based builders. The alkali carbonate can be easily replaced and does not persist in the environment like phosphorus compounds, thus resolving the environmental harm issue while maintaining effectiveness.
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 effectively minimizes spotting on treated glass and metal surfaces, providing good cleaning and shine with reduced filming and corrosion, and keeps the phosphorous load low, addressing environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
The main causes of spotting in machine dish washing are incomplete wetting during the main wash-stage
Implementation Method 2
Calcium and magnesium ions in the wash liquor can have a negative effect on the removal of stains/soils by detergent compositions. In order to reduce the negative effects of such ions so called 'builders' (complexing agents) are commonly applied
Implementation Method 3
The additional benefit of alkali carbonate builders is that they provide efficient buffering of the wash liquor
Implementation Method 4
Enzymes help to remove stubborn stains of proteins, starch and lipids by hydrolyzing these components
Implementation Method 5
Bleach is used to remove stains by oxidizing the components that make up these stains
Data Source
AI summary
A detergent composition comprising from 20 to 80 wt. % of alkali carbonate; and from 1.0 to 10 wt. % of nonionic surfactant; and from 1.0 to 10 wt.% of copolymer comprising: i. monomers containing sulfonic acid groups; ii. further ionic and/or nonionic monomers; and from 0.1 to 9.0 wt. % of a mixture of: a) phosphonates, phosphonic acids or a combination thereof; and b) phosphates, phosphoric acids or a combination thereof.