Laundry Detergent Composition for Dye Transfer Inhibition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laundry detergent compositions fail to adequately inhibit dye transfer between colored textiles during wash cycles, leading to issues such as graying of light or white fabrics.

Innovation Solution

A laundry detergent composition combining a graft copolymer and a dye transfer inhibitor (DTI) polymer, specifically comprising polyalkylene oxide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, and vinyl ester, with a weight ratio of 1:0.1 to 1:2, effectively inhibits dye transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional DTI polymers (PVP, PVNO, PVI) are used in laundry detergent compositions, then some dye transfer inhibition is achieved, but the inhibition is not sufficient to meet consumers' expectations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye transfer inhibition effectivenessVSAvoidconsumer satisfaction level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a graft copolymer (comprising polyalkylene oxide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, and vinyl ester) with traditional DTI polymers to create a composite detergent composition. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of different polymer structures - the graft copolymer's specific architecture with polyalkylene oxide backbone and N-vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl ester side chains works together with PVP, PVNO, or PVI to achieve enhanced dye transfer inhibition that neither component achieves alone, thereby meeting consumer expectations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a graft copolymer is used alone in the detergent composition, then some dye transfer prevention is achieved, but the effectiveness is insufficient compared to combined formulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedye transfer prevention capabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the graft copolymer with traditional DTI polymers in a single detergent formulation. The graft copolymer (with polyalkylene oxide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, and vinyl ester components) is combined with PVP, PVNO, PVI, or their copolymers to create a unified composition where both polymer types work together. This merging achieves superior dye transfer prevention while maintaining formulation manageability through defined weight ratios and compatible chemical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4306626B1Laundry detergent composition containing graft copolymer and dye transfer inhibitor polymer

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A laundry detergent composition containing a graft copolymer and a dye transfer inhibitor (DTI) polymer.