Phosphate-Free Dishwasher Detergent Polymer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phosphate-free automatic dishwashing agents fail to match the cleaning and clear-rinse performance of phosphate-containing agents, particularly in inhibiting deposits, which is a barrier to market acceptance due to performance and price concerns.
Innovation Solution
A phosphate-free automatic dishwashing agent comprising a copolymer system of hydrophobically modified polysulfonic acid and acrylic acid homopolymer, with specific weight ratios, along with additional builders like carbonates and silicates, and nonionic surfactants to enhance cleaning and deposit-inhibiting properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If phosphate-free substitutes (citrates, zeolites, MGDA) are used to replace alkali metal phosphates, then environmental protection is improved, but cleaning and clear-rinse performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite polymer system combining copolymer A (containing sulfonic acid groups and nonionic monomers) with acrylic acid homopolymer B. This composite polymer architecture synergistically provides both environmental compatibility (phosphate-free) and superior deposit-inhibiting performance that matches or exceeds traditional phosphate-containing agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific parameters of the polymer system including the weight ratio of copolymer A to homopolymer B (10:1 to 1:3), molecular weights (10,000-80,000 for copolymer A, 500-12,000 for homopolymer B), and compositional ratios within copolymer A. These parameter optimizations enable the phosphate-free formulation to achieve market-standard cleaning and clear-rinse performance.
2Reliability
If traditional phosphate-containing builders are used, then cleaning and deposit-inhibiting performance is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates phosphates from the dishwashing agent formulation while replacing them with an alternative polymer system. This removal of the harmful substance (phosphate) is achieved without sacrificing cleaning performance through the use of copolymer A and acrylic acid homopolymer B in optimized combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the challenge of phosphate removal into a benefit by developing a phosphate-free polymer system that not only matches but potentially exceeds the deposit-inhibiting performance of traditional phosphates. The copolymer structure with sulfonic acid groups and nonionic monomers provides superior functionality while eliminating environmental harm.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If phosphate-free agents are developed to meet environmental standards, then market acceptance decreases due to perceived performance and price concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes critical parameters including the weight ratio of copolymer A to homopolymer B (10:1 to 1:3), molecular weight ranges, and compositional ratios to ensure the phosphate-free agent delivers cleaning and clear-rinse performance equal to or better than traditional phosphate-containing agents, thereby addressing consumer performance expectations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite polymer architecture that combines copolymer A (with sulfonic acid groups and nonionic monomers) and acrylic acid homopolymer B. This composite structure provides synergistic effects that deliver superior deposit-inhibiting and clear-rinse performance, making the phosphate-free product competitive in the marketplace.
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 solution provides improved cleaning and clear-rinse performance while effectively inhibiting deposit formation, meeting market standards and consumer expectations for both performance and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a copolymer system of hydrophobically modified polysulfonic acid and acrylic acid homopolymer... effectively inhibiting deposit formation
Implementation Method 2
copolymer A comprising... nonionic monomer; and b) an acrylic acid homopolymer B... inhibiting deposit formation
Implementation Method 3
additional builders like carbonates and silicates... reduce the water hardness of the cleaning liquor due to the chelating of the calcium ions
Implementation Method 4
fats and oils are emulsified... nonionic surfactants to enhance cleaning and deposit-inhibiting properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a phosphate-free automatic dishwashing agent containing a builder, said agent comprising: a) a copolymer A comprising i) at least one mono- or polyunsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, ii) at least one mono- or polyunsaturated sulfonic acid monomer, and iii) at least one additional nonionic monomer; and b) an acrylic acid homopolymer B, wherein the weight ratio of copolymer A to homopolymer B is between 10:1 and 1:3. The present agent is characterized by excellent residue inhibition, good cleaning, and clear rinsing performance in automatic dishwashing.