Concentrated Liquid Detergents Stabilized by Surfactant System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly concentrated liquid detergents face stability issues due to the incompatibility of polymeric components at increased surfactant concentrations, leading to cloudiness, sedimentation, or phase separation, which affects their aesthetic appearance and performance.
Innovation Solution
A specially adapted surfactant system comprising a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants, along with specific polymeric components, stabilizes the formulation by maintaining a stable single-phase appearance even at high surfactant concentrations above 30% by weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If surfactant concentration is increased to achieve high concentration liquid detergent, then resource efficiency and storage space are improved, but formulation stability deteriorates due to polymer incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant system by introducing a specific nonionic surfactant with a cloud point of at least 60°C and a stabilization factor SBF of more than 0. This parameter change allows the formulation to maintain stability at high surfactant concentrations (30-70 wt.%) by preventing polymer precipitation, thus resolving the contradiction between concentration efficiency and formulation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surfactant system combining anionic surfactants (15-65 wt.%) with specific nonionic surfactants (5-50 wt.%) that have particular properties (cloud point ≥60°C, SBF >0). This composite approach allows the system to achieve both high concentration and stability by leveraging the complementary properties of different surfactant classes working together.
2Reliability
If polymeric components are added to improve washing performance, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but formulation stability deteriorates due to phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific nonionic surfactant as an intermediary substance that mediates between the polymeric components and the aqueous medium. This intermediary has a cloud point of at least 60°C and SBF >0, which allows it to solubilize and stabilize polymers at high concentrations, preventing phase separation while maintaining the polymer's washing performance functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stabilization parameter by selecting nonionic surfactants with specific properties (cloud point ≥60°C, SBF >0). This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction between polymers and surfactants, enabling stable formulation of polymeric components that deliver reliable washing performance without causing aesthetic defects.
3Productivity
If surfactant concentration is increased above 30% by weight, then resource efficiency is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to cloudiness and sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of nonionic surfactant selection to have a cloud point of at least 60°C and SBF >0. This parameter change raises the temperature at which cloudiness occurs and actively stabilizes the formulation, allowing high surfactant concentrations (30-70 wt.%) to be used while maintaining clear, aesthetically pleasing appearance without sedimentation.
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 ensures the stable formulation of non-surfactant organic components, such as soil release polymers and color transfer inhibitors, maintaining the detergent's performance and appearance over longer storage periods.
Implementation Method 1
A specially adapted surfactant system comprising a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants stabilizes the formulation by maintaining a stable single-phase appearance even at high surfactant concentrations above 30% by weight
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to highly concentrated isotropic liquid detergents having a surfactant content of 30 wt. % and more, also containing organic, non-surfactant constituents, preferably a polymer, and having an optimised product stability which is possible due to a specifically adapted, defined surfactant system. The invention also relates to methods for washing textiles using the described detergents and to the use thereof.