Extended Chain Surfactants for Caustic-Free Laundry Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detergents face challenges in effectively and safely removing difficult stains like those from non-trans fats, triglycerides, oxybenzone, and avobenzone, often relying on caustic substances that are harmful to the environment and fabrics, and traditional methods fail to address yellow stains caused by sunscreens.
Innovation Solution
A surfactant system comprising a synergistic combination of anionic and nonionic extended chain surfactants, which reduces dependence on caustics for soil removal, is introduced, along with a booster composition that includes extended chain surfactants, solvents, and amine oxide for enhanced cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surfactants like NPEs are used for stain removal, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but environmental harm increases due to non-biodegradability and estrogen-like properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of surfactants by introducing extended chain surfactants with specific hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, replacing traditional NPEs to achieve both effective cleaning and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite surfactant systems combining extended chain surfactants with builders and other cleaning agents to achieve synergistic effects that maintain cleaning performance while reducing environmental impact
2Reliability
If caustics are increased to maintain detergent effectiveness after NPE removal, then cleaning performance is preserved, but safety hazards increase due to corrosiveness and fabric damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH and alkalinity parameters of the detergent formulation by using extended chain surfactants that effective at lower alkalinity, thereby reducing caustic content while maintaining cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the stain-removal function of caustics through extended chain surfactants that can effectively remove oils and greases without requiring high pH conditions, thus achieving the same cleaning effect with safer ingredients
3Productivity
If traditional detergent combinations are used for sunscreen stain removal, then general cleaning is achieved, but yellow stains from oxybenzone and avobenzone persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using extended chain surfactants with specific hydrophobic-tail lengths and hydrophilic-head structures that are particularly effective at penetrating and removing sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone from fabric fibers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action through pre-treatment formulations containing extended chain surfactants that can be applied to sunscreen stains before washing, allowing the surfactants to penetrate and loosen the stubborn stains for easier removal during the main wash cycle
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 system effectively removes challenging stains with reduced alkalinity requirements, improving safety and reducing fabric damage, while the booster composition effectively addresses yellow sunscreen stains, demonstrating superior performance compared to traditional detergents.
Implementation Method 1
Surfactants reduce the surface tension of water by adsorbing at the liquid-gas interface. They also reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water by adsorbing at the liquid-liquid interface.
Implementation Method 2
Surfactants are a primary component of most detergents. When dissolved in water, surfactants give a product the ability to remove dirt from surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.