Fabric-care composition comprising silicone materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fabric-care compositions face challenges in protecting fabrics from harsh laundry conditions, such as pilling, shrinkage, and loss of color intensity, while also failing to provide effective static reduction and color retention.

Innovation Solution

The use of uncured silicone-based polymers in fabric-care compositions, specifically with the formula (R1O)3-x—Si(R2)x—(Z)d—(O)q—(R32SiO)N—(SiR32—Z)d—Si(R2)y(OR1)3-y, combined with fabric-care ingredients in a medium, which can be in the form of liquid, paste, or granular formulations, to enhance fabric softening, color care, and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fabric-care compositions are used, then basic cleaning function is provided, but fabric protection from harsh laundry conditions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric protectionVSAvoidfabric damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs uncured silicone-based polymers as a composite material that forms a protective coating on fabric surfaces. This silicone polymer composition creates a flexible protective layer that shields fabric from mechanical damage, chemical degradation, and color fading during laundry processes, thereby enhancing fabric protection while maintaining flexibility and softness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the uncured state of silicone-based polymers as a key parameter change, allowing the material to remain flexible and adaptable during application and washing. The uncured polymer can penetrate and bond with fabric fibers more effectively, providing superior protection compared to cured silicone materials, while still delivering the desired fabric care benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If fabric-care compositions are used, then some fabric softening is achieved, but effective static reduction is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric softnessVSAvoidstatic cling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The uncured silicone-based polymer composition performs multiple functions simultaneously: it softens fabric by coating fibers, reduces static cling through its conductive properties, and provides protection during washing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate treatments for softening and static reduction, addressing both issues with a single composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional fabric-care ingredients are used, then basic color care is provided, but effective color retention and fastness are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor retentionVSAvoidcolor loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone-based polymer acts as a composite protective layer that encapsulates and protects fabric colors from fading and loss during washing. This protective coating prevents direct exposure of colored fibers to harsh washing conditions, thereby improving color retention and fastness while maintaining the fabric's original color intensity and shade.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If fabric-care compositions are used, then some fabric protection is provided, but comprehensive protection against pilling, shrinkage, and color loss is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabric protectionVSAvoidfabric degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The uncured state of the silicone polymer provides enhanced flexibility and adaptability, allowing it to conform to fabric structures and provide comprehensive protection against various forms of degradation including pilling, shrinkage, and color loss. The uncured polymer can better penetrate fabric matrices and form stronger bonds, delivering superior multi-faceted protection compared to conventional cured silicone materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11359167B2Fabric-care composition comprising silicone materials
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 DOW SILICONES CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to fabric-care compositions comprising an uncured silicone based polymer. In particular, the present disclosure relates to fabric-care compositions comprising at least one uncured silicone based polymer; and at least one fabric-care ingredient, optionally in an acceptable medium. Also disclosed are processes to prepare the fabric-care compositions and uses of the fabric-care compositions.