Fabric Softener Active Composition Handling Without Flammable Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fabric softener active compositions face challenges in achieving high softening performance, hydrolysis stability, suitable handling and processing in a liquid state, good odor, and compatibility with other components, particularly with low content or absence of flammable solvents, and efficient viscosity profiles.
Innovation Solution
A fabric softener active composition comprising a combination of quaternary mono-, di-, or tri-ester ammonium compounds, fatty acid esters, and fatty acids, with specific ratios and formulations to achieve improved handling, stability, and viscosity, while minimizing the use of flammable solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flammable solvents (ethanol, isopropanol) are added to quaternary ester ammonium compounds to reduce viscosity and improve handling, then ease of operation is improved, but safety hazards increase due to low flash point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes flammable solvents (ethanol, isopropanol) from the fabric softener composition entirely, replacing them with non-flammable alternatives. This extraction of harmful substances eliminates the safety hazards associated with low flash points while maintaining the desired liquid state and handling properties through alternative non-flammable ingredients.
2Reliability
If quaternary ester ammonium compounds are used in pure solid state, then softening performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high viscosity and lumping tendency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of quaternary ester ammonium compounds from solid to liquid by incorporating non-flammable solvents and adjusting the composition ratios. This parameter change enables the compound to flow easily at lower temperatures without lumping, while maintaining the softening performance through optimized concentration ranges of the active ingredient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite liquid composition by combining quaternary ester ammonium compounds with non-flammable solvents and other ingredients. This composite material approach allows the solid compound to be dispersed in a liquid matrix, improving handling and processing while maintaining the softening efficacy of the esterquat component.
3Ease of operation
If heating is applied to reduce viscosity of fabric softener active compositions, then ease of operation is improved, but chemical stability deteriorates at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by incorporating non-flammable solvents with appropriate viscosity characteristics that allow the composition to flow at lower temperatures. This eliminates the need for high-temperature heating, thereby preserving the chemical stability of the quaternary ester ammonium compounds while achieving the desired flowability for handling and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fabric softener active composition comprising: a component (a), said component being at least one or a mixture of quaternary mono-, di- or tri-ester ammonium compounds; a component (b), said component being a fatty acid ester or a mixture of fatty acid esters, wherein the fatty acid ester is derived from a C3-C10 fatty alcohol or a mixture of C3-C10 fatty alcohols and wherein the component (b) content is in the range from 5 to 50% wt. based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition; a component (c), said component being a fatty acid or a mixture of fatty acids, wherein the component (c) content is higher than 0 and up to 15% wt. based on the total weight of the fabric softening active composition. Further disclosed are a method to obtain the fabric softener active composition; a fabric softener composition comprising the fabric softener active composition; a method to obtain the fabric softener composition, and a use of the fabric softener composition to soften and condition fabrics.