Dilution Thickening Composition Using Alkyl Cellulose Ether
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous compositions face challenges in maintaining viscosity when diluted, which affects their thickening properties in use.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous composition comprising alkyl cellulose ether and an acrylic polymer with specific weight percentages of C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, C3-C6 carboxylic acid monomers, and monomers with at least ten carbon atoms, ensuring improved thickening performance even upon dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional thickeners (alkali-soluble acrylic polymers or alkyl cellulose compounds) are used in aqueous compositions, then the composition can be formulated, but the viscosity decreases significantly upon dilution, reducing thickening performance in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different thickener types (acrylic polymer and alkyl cellulose ether) into a composite thickening system. The acrylic polymer provides base thickening while the alkyl cellulose ether maintains viscosity upon dilution, creating a synergistic effect where the combination performs better than either component alone across varying dilution levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise compositional parameters for the acrylic polymer (35-65 wt% C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, 30-60 wt% C3-C6 carboxylic acid monomers, 2-10 wt% monomers with alkyl groups of at least ten carbon atoms) and alkyl cellulose ether content (0.1-5 wt%). By optimizing these parameters, the composition achieves maximum thickening capability that is maintained upon dilution.
2Ease of operation
If the composition is diluted for use (e.g., in laundry detergents or dishwashing liquids), then it becomes more usable, but the viscosity and thickening properties are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thickening system is designed to dynamically adapt to dilution. The alkyl cellulose ether component specifically counteracts viscosity loss upon dilution, allowing the composition to maintain appropriate rheological properties across a range of concentrations from concentrated form to diluted use conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous composition comprising: (1) an alkyl cellulose ether, and (2) an acrylic polymer comprising polymerized units of (i) 35 to 65 wt % C1-C4 alkyl acrylates; (ii) 30 to 60 wt % C3-C6 carboxylic acid monomers; and (iii) 2 to 10 wt % of monomers having an alkyl group having at least ten carbon atoms.