Diol Solvents for High-Concentration Anionic Surfactant Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid detergent formulations face challenges with solvents that lead to high costs, formulatability issues, dissolution rate problems, and adverse effects on cleaning and whiteness, particularly when used at increased concentrations, necessitating the development of new solvents for higher anionic surfactant concentrations and improved stability.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 30% to 75% anionic surfactants, 3% to 18% diol solvents with hydroxyl groups attached to adjacent atoms and Hansen hydrogen-bonding and polarity parameters of 5 to 20 and 5 to 15, respectively, along with a secondary solvent, to enhance stability and efficiency in detergent pastes and formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If known solvents (1,2-propanediol, ethanol, DEG, MPD, DPG, oligamines, glycerine) are used at increased levels, then anionic surfactant concentration can be increased, but cost increases and formulatability problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by introducing specific diols (1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol) with controlled chain lengths and hydroxyl group positions. This parameter change enables higher anionic surfactant concentrations (up to 80% or more) while maintaining formulatability and physical stability, resolving the contradiction between increasing surfactant concentration and ease of manufacture.
2Quantity of substance
If known solvents are used at increased levels, then anionic surfactant concentration can be increased, but dissolution rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes solvent parameters by selecting diols with specific chain lengths (C3-C6) and hydroxyl group positions (terminal or internal). These parameter changes improve dissolution rate while maintaining high anionic surfactant concentrations, as the optimized diol structure enhances solvation efficiency without compromising the concentration level.
3Quantity of substance
If known solvents are used at increased levels, then anionic surfactant concentration can be increased, but film solubility and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameters by introducing diols with specific molecular structures (C3-C6 chain lengths, terminal or internal hydroxyl groups) that are compatible with water-soluble films. This enables high anionic surfactant concentrations while maintaining film solubility and physical stability, resolving the contradiction between concentration and reliability.
4Quantity of substance
If known solvents are used at increased levels, then anionic surfactant concentration can be increased, but cleaning and whiteness performance are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes solvent parameters by selecting diols with specific chain lengths and hydroxyl group positions that do not interfere with cleaning and whiteness performance. This allows high anionic surfactant concentrations to be achieved while maintaining or even improving cleaning efficacy and fabric whiteness, resolving the contradiction between concentration and harmful effects.
5Quantity of substance
If known solvents are used at increased levels, then anionic surfactant concentration can be increased, but formulation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive known solvents (oligamines, specialty glycols) with more cost-effective diols (1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol) that can be sourced at lower costs. This substitution maintains high anionic surfactant concentrations while reducing formulation cost, resolving the contradiction between concentration and cost.
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 proposed composition achieves improved stability and efficiency in fluid detergent formulations, outperforming conventional solvents by maintaining physical integrity and enhancing cleaning performance while reducing costs and adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid or paste composition consisting essentially of from about 30% to about 75% by weight of an anionic surfactant... and from about 3% to about 18% of a solvent that is a diol... wherein the balance of the composition is water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to compositions containing an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof, and a solvent, particularly a solvent comprising one or more diols.