Laundry Detergent Viscosity and Cleaning via Surfactant Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic laundry detergents face challenges in enhancing viscosity while maintaining effective cleaning performance, which is not adequately addressed by current formulations containing Linear Alkyl Benzene sulfonate and Alkyl Ether Sulfate surfactants in combination with non-ionic surfactants.
Innovation Solution
The formulation incorporates partial or complete replacement of non-ionic surfactants with alkyl ether carboxylic acid anionic surfactants, along with alkoxylated polyethylene imine and terephthalate polyester soil release polymer, to increase viscosity and improve cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymers are added to enhance cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but viscosity of the formulation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing alkyl ether carboxylic acid anionic surfactants with specific ethoxylation degrees (n=2-20) to counterbalance the viscosity-reducing effect of alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymers, thereby maintaining both cleaning performance and formulation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surfactant system combining anionic surfactants (linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl ether sulfate, alkyl ether carboxylic acid) with alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymers and terephthalate polyester soil release polymers, where the synergistic interaction maintains viscosity while enhancing cleaning performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If more anionic surfactants are added to increase viscosity, then viscosity is improved, but cleaning performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific functions to different surfactant components: linear alkyl benzene sulfonate and alkyl ether sulfate provide baseline cleaning, while alkyl ether carboxylic acid specifically addresses viscosity enhancement, and alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymers provide soil release benefits, creating a balanced formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the ethoxylation parameter (n=2-20) of alkyl ether carboxylic acid to achieve the desired balance between viscosity enhancement and cleaning performance, where the ethoxylate chains contribute to both thickening and surfactant activity
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
This approach effectively increases the viscosity of the detergent formulation, enhancing cleaning performance and stain removal on fabrics, particularly when used in domestic washing machines or by hand washing.
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
Implementation Method 2
from 0.5 to 6 wt%, preferably 1.5 to 4 wt%, of an alkoxylated polyethylene imine, preferably ethoxylated polyethylene imine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an alkoxylated polyethylene imine polymer and surfactant formulation for use in domestic laundry.