Automatic Dishwashing Composition With PESA for Citrate Builder Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Citrate-based automatic dishwashing detergents face performance challenges due to weaker chelating ability compared to aminocarboxylates, requiring improved co-builder systems to match the performance of conventional MGDA-based formulations, especially in terms of shine and cleaning efficiency, while being environmentally sustainable.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) or its derivatives, acrylic acid-sulphonic acid copolymers, and citric acid, which synergistically enhance cleaning and shine performance by inhibiting limescale growth and soil redeposition, and prevent silver corrosion without using acrylic acid-sulphonic acid copolymers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If citrate is used as a builder in automatic dishwashing detergent, then environmental sustainability is improved, but chelating ability and cleaning performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidchelating ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines citrate with polymer co-builders (such as polycarboxylic acid salts, polyacrylates, or sulfonated monomers) to create a composite builder system. This combination allows the formulation to maintain the environmental benefits of citrate while achieving the necessary chelating performance through the synergistic action of multiple components working together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the working conditions by adjusting pH levels and ionic strength to optimize citrate's chelating ability. By controlling these parameters, the formulation enhances citrate's effectiveness in binding calcium and magnesium ions, thereby improving overall cleaning performance while maintaining sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If citrate is used instead of MGDA, then cost is reduced, but cleaning performance and shine achievement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidcleaning performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite system where citrate works synergistically with polymer co-builders to achieve cleaning performance comparable to or exceeding MGDA-based formulations. This composite approach allows cost reduction through the use of cheaper citrate while maintaining high cleaning effectiveness through the combined action of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges citrate with polymer co-builders in a unified formulation where the components work together to enhance overall performance. This combination allows the formulation to achieve both cost reduction and maintained cleaning performance, as the polymer co-builders compensate for citrate's weaker individual chelating ability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If polymer co-builders are added to enhance chelating ability, then cleaning performance is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechelating abilityVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects polymer co-builders that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as chelating agents, provide alkalinity buffering, and contribute to soil removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing formulation complexity while achieving enhanced chelating ability and cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 composition achieves superior cleaning and shine performance compared to citrate-based formulations and reduces silver corrosion, demonstrating a synergistic effect with acrylic acid copolymers, and improves tablet friability.

Implementation Method 1

builder materials are a key component of ADW detergent formulations and provide a variety of functions during a wash cycle, for example: alkalinity and pH buffering of the wash liquor, ionic strength, removal of alkaline earth metal ions (water hardness)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Implementation Method 2

builder materials are a key component of ADW detergent formulations and provide a variety of functions during a wash cycle, for example: alkalinity and pH buffering of the wash liquor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH buffering:

Implementation Method 3

limescale crystals growth inhibition, where the surface of the growing crystal is blocked and so calcium and magnesium carbonate cannot incorporate freely into the structure of growing crystals limiting their size

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystal growth inhibition:

Implementation Method 4

the lifting and dispersion of soils, where polymers rich in carboxylate and other negatively charged groups electrostatically repulse and prevent aggregation of soil particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction