Extended Chain Surfactant Blend for Ultra-Low Interfacial Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surfactant systems fail to achieve ultra-low interfacial tension between oil and water phases, limiting the solubilization of hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules effectively in cleaning and personal care applications.
Innovation Solution
A single-phase microemulsion comprising water, an oil component, and a surfactant blend of extended chain anionic and intermediate surfactants, with a specific molecular structure and ratio, which provides ultra-low interfacial tension without the need for electrolytes or alcohols, allowing for enhanced solubilization of water-insoluble oils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional surfactant systems are used, then the formulation is simple, but ultra-low interfacial tension between oil and water phases cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines extended chain anionic surfactants with extended chain intermediate surfactants to create a composite surfactant system. This composite approach enables ultra-low interfacial tension between oil and water phases, which cannot be achieved with conventional single surfactant systems. The synergistic interaction between the two surfactant types creates a more effective interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of surfactants by incorporating extended chains with specific polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide units. This structural parameter change allows the surfactant to achieve ultra-low interfacial tension while maintaining formulation simplicity through optimized molecular architecture rather than complex multi-component systems.
2Quantity of substance
If electrolytes or alcohols are added to enhance solubilization, then solubilization capacity improves, but formulation complexity and potential harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for electrolytes and alcohols from the formulation by using an optimized extended chain surfactant system. The extended chain structure with specific polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide units inherently provides the solubilization capacity that would otherwise require additional electrolytes or alcohols to achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended chain surfactant system is self-sufficient in providing both interfacial tension reduction and solubilization capacity. The molecular structure itself performs multiple functions without requiring auxiliary substances like electrolytes or alcohols, making the formulation simpler and potentially safer.
3Quantity of substance
If extended chain surfactants are used to improve solubilization, then solubilization capacity increases, but the molecular structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the extended chain structure, including the length and composition of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide units. By carefully controlling these molecular parameters, the surfactant achieves high solubilization capacity while maintaining reasonable molecular complexity through systematic structural optimization rather than arbitrary complexity.
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 surfactant blend effectively solubilizes a wide range of oils, including mineral, vegetable, and silicone oils, enabling efficient removal of oily substances from surfaces without the use of electrolytes or alcohols, making it suitable for various cleaning and personal care applications.
Implementation Method 1
a surfactant blend comprising an extended chain anionic surfactant and an extended chain intermediate surfactant
Implementation Method 2
groups of intermediate polarity, such as polypropylene oxides or copolymers of propylene oxides and ethylene oxides, are inserted between the hydrocarbon tail and hydrophilic head group
Implementation Method 3
providing a more suitable environment for solubilizing hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules
Implementation Method 4
the surfactant extends further into both the oil and water phases, resulting in a greater interaction between the 2 phases
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a surfactant blend containing (i) an extended chain anionic surfactant and (ii) an extended chain intermediate surfactant. The surfactant blend may be used in the preparation of cleaning compositions, or compositions for use in oil field treatment applications, water based metal working applications and polyurethane foam applications.