Laundry Detergent Viscosity Stabilization via Surfactant Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current domestic laundry detergent formulations with linear alkyl benzene sulfonate and ethoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactants face challenges in maintaining viscosity, which affects cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating alkyl ether carboxylic acid anionic surfactant, alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymer, and terephthalate polyester soil release polymer into the formulation to increase viscosity and enhance cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymer is added to enhance cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but viscosity of the formulation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymer with alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant in a specific formulation. The surfactant counteracts the viscosity-reducing effect of the polymer while both components work synergistically to enhance cleaning performance, resolving the contradiction between improved cleaning and maintained viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of both the alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymer and alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant to achieve the desired balance. By carefully controlling the amounts of each component, the formulation maintains adequate viscosity while achieving superior cleaning performance.
2Reliability
If more surfactant components are added to enhance cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alkyl ether carboxylic acid surfactant serves multiple functions in the formulation: it enhances cleaning performance, counteracts the viscosity-reducing effect of the polymer, and contributes to overall formulation stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing formulation complexity.
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 addition of alkyl ether carboxylic acid anionic surfactant significantly increases the viscosity of the detergent formulation, thereby improving cleaning performance and stain removal.
Implementation Method 1
from 1 to 10 wt%, preferably 2 to 6 wt%, most preferably 3 to 5 wt%, of an alkyl ether carboxylic acid anionic surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymer and surfactant formulation for use in domestic laundry.