Laundry Detergent Viscosity via Surfactant Parameter Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic laundry formulations face challenges in increasing viscosity without reducing surfactant levels, which is essential for enhancing cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
The formulation replaces partial or complete alkyl ether sulfate anionic surfactant with alkyl ether carboxylic acid anionic surfactant, combining it with linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, zwitterionic surfactants, alkoxylated polyethylene imine, and other components to achieve increased viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If alkyl ether sulfate anionic surfactant is used in the formulation, then cleaning performance is maintained, but viscosity increase is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the anionic surfactant from alkyl ether sulfate to alkyl ether carboxylic acid, which fundamentally alters the formulation's rheological properties. This structural parameter change enables viscosity enhancement without requiring increased surfactant concentration, as the carboxylic acid variant inherently provides better viscosity contribution at equivalent or lower concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surfactant system combining alkyl ether carboxylic acid with linear alkyl benzene sulfonate and zwitterionic surfactants. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each surfactant type: the carboxylic acid provides viscosity enhancement, the sulfonate maintains cleaning efficacy, and the zwitterionic component balances the formulation. The synergistic interaction of these materials achieves both viscosity increase and maintained cleaning performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If viscosity of the formulation is increased, then textile treatment outcomes improve, but surfactant levels may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the anionic surfactant to alkyl ether carboxylic acid, which has inherent viscosity-enhancing properties. This parameter change allows the formulation to achieve higher viscosity without sacrificing cleaning performance, as the carboxylic acid variant maintains effective surfactant activity while contributing to thicker, more manageable formulation that improves textile treatment outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite surfactant system where alkyl ether carboxylic acid works synergistically with linear alkyl benzene sulfonate and zwitterionic surfactants. This composite material approach ensures that viscosity enhancement does not compromise cleaning reliability, as each component contributes specific functions: the carboxylic acid provides viscosity and softening, the sulfonate ensures cleaning efficacy, and the zwitterionic component maintains formulation balance and performance consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymer and surfactant formulation for use in domestic laundry.