Liquid Dishwashing Detergent Polymer Blend for Glass Shine and Scale Inhibition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashing detergents face challenges in achieving effective cleaning performance, shine on glassware, reducing filming and spotting, and preventing scale buildup while being biodegradable and free of bleach and phosphates.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising polyaspartic acid or modified polyaspartic acid and graft polymers based on oligo- and polysaccharides, combined with complexing agents and anionic surfactants, is used in a two-phase liquid formulation to enhance cleaning, shine, and inhibit scale formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional polymer mixtures are used to improve glass shine, then shine performance is improved, but filming and spotting occur and biodegradability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglass shineVSAvoidfilming and spotting

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite polymer system combining polyaspartic acid (or modified polyaspartic acid) with graft polymers based on oligo- and polysaccharides. This composite approach leverages the scale-inhibiting properties of polyaspartic acid and the shine-enhancing properties of the graft polymers to achieve both improved glass shine and reduced filming/spotting without compromising biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes specific parameters including the weight ratio of polyaspartic acid to graft polymer (1:1 to 5:1), molecular weights of the polymers, and concentrations in the detergent formulation. These parameter optimizations ensure effective glass shine while preventing filming and spotting, and maintaining high biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If polyaspartic acid and graft polymers are used to improve glass shine, then shine and anti-spot performance are improved, but cleaning performance may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglass shineVSAvoidcleaning performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer combination serves multiple functions simultaneously: polyaspartic acid provides scale inhibition and water softening, while the graft polymers based on oligo- and polysaccharides provide glass shine and anti-spot properties. This multi-functionality ensures that cleaning performance is maintained while achieving improved glass shine and reduced filming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If biodegradable polymers are used to reduce environmental impact, then biodegradability is improved, but cleaning and shine performance may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidglass shine

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention selects specific biodegradable polymers with optimized parameters: polyaspartic acid with controlled molecular weight and degree of substitution, and graft polymers with specific grafting densities and side chain lengths. These parameter optimizations ensure that the polymers maintain effective glass shine and cleaning performance while being fully biodegradable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If complexing agents are used to prevent scale buildup, then scale inhibition is improved, but filming and spotting may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale inhibitionVSAvoidfilming and spotting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines polyaspartic acid (a complexing agent for scale inhibition) with graft polymers based on oligo- and polysaccharides. This composite approach ensures that scale inhibition is effective while the graft polymers prevent filming and spotting, achieving both goals simultaneously without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides superior cleaning performance, improved glass shine, reduced filming and spotting, and effective scale inhibition, with high biodegradability and absence of phosphates and bleach.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a polymer combination of polyaspartic acid or modified polyaspartic acid and graft polymers based on oligo- and polysaccharides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplexation:

Implementation Method 2

contains anionic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

composition A (enzyme phase)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 4

comprising at least two compositions A and B, that are liquid at 20°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation:

Data Source

PatentEP4574940A1Liquid dishwashing detergent

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The invention concerns liquid, phosphate free dishwashing detergents that are essentially free of bleach, contains anionic surfactant and comprise a polymer combination of polyaspartic acid or modified polyaspartic acid and graft polymers based on oligo- and polysaccharides that improves shine on glass and additional cleaning benefits.