Quaternary Ester Ammonium Compositions for Stable Softening

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for compositions comprising quaternary ester ammonium compounds that meet the requirements of fabric softening and hair conditioning applications, providing good performance in terms of softening and conditioning while addressing issues of stability and compatibility with other components.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising quaternary mono-, di-, or tri-ester ammonium compounds, a fatty acid ester mixture, and a fatty alcohol, where the fatty acid esters include both linear and branched variants, formulated in specific weight percentages to enhance performance in fabric softeners and hair conditioners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quaternary ester ammonium compounds are used for fabric softening and hair conditioning, then softening and conditioning performance is improved, but stability and compatibility with other components may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite formulation combining quaternary ester ammonium compounds with specific fatty acid esters (derived from linear and branched fatty alcohols) and fatty alcohols. This composite approach creates a synergistic system where each component contributes to overall stability and compatibility, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and ensuring adaptability with other formulation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of quaternary ester ammonium compounds within specific ranges (0.6-20% for mono-ester, 1.0-29% for di-ester, 0.4-9% for tri-ester) to achieve the desired balance between stability and compatibility. By carefully controlling these compositional parameters, the formulation maintains both reliability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fabric softener compositions are formulated with quaternary ester ammonium compounds, then softening performance is improved, but viscosity stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftening performanceVSAvoidviscosity stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the concentration parameters of quaternary ester ammonium compounds within specific ranges to optimize both softening performance and viscosity stability. By limiting mono-ester to 0.6-20%, di-ester to 1.0-29%, and tri-ester to 0.4-9%, the formulation achieves desired softening while maintaining composition stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite system incorporating fatty acid esters and fatty alcohols works synergistically with quaternary ester ammonium compounds to stabilize viscosity while maintaining softening performance. This multi-component approach resolves the contradiction between performance enhancement and composition stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If hair conditioner compositions use quaternary ester ammonium compounds, then conditioning performance is improved, but compatibility with other components may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconditioning performanceVSAvoidcomponent compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a composite formulation where quaternary ester ammonium compounds are combined with specific fatty acid esters and fatty alcohols. This composite system enhances conditioning performance while the carefully selected components ensure compatibility with other hair conditioner ingredients, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By optimizing the concentration ranges of quaternary ester ammonium compounds and combining them with complementary ingredients, the patent achieves enhanced conditioning performance while maintaining compatibility with other formulation components through controlled compositional parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4019616B1Quaternary ester ammonium compound compositions

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 KAO CORP SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to compositions comprising a combination of a quaternary ester ammonium compound, a fatty acid ester and a fatty alcohol, wherein the fatty acid ester comprises a fatty acid ester derived from a linear fatty alcohol, and a fatty acid ester derived from a branched fatty alcohol and/or a branched fatty acid; and methods of making the composition. The invention also relates to fabric softener compositions comprising the previously described compositions; methods of making and using the fabric softener compositions; hair conditioner compositions comprising the previously described compositions; and methods of making and using the hair conditioner compositions.