Fabric Softener Composition Viscosity and Flammability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fabric softener active compositions based on bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride fatty acid diesters face challenges with high melt viscosity and instability in the molten state, leading to regulatory issues due to flammability and dealkylation concerns.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride fatty acid ester with specific molar ratios and chain lengths, combined with a fatty acid triglyceride and a specific amount of alcohol, such as ethanol or 2-propanol, to achieve low melt viscosity, high stability, and reduced flammability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flammable solvents (ethanol or 2-propanol) are used to reduce melt viscosity for pumping, then the composition becomes pumpable at 65-75°C, but the flash point drops below 30°C causing regulatory restrictions and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing flammable solvents with non-flammable alternatives (carboxylic acids and their esters), fundamentally altering the flash point parameter from below 30°C to above 60°C while maintaining pumpability through viscosity control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (carboxylic acids and esters) that serve as non-flammable substitutes for the original flammable solvents, mediating between the need for low viscosity and the requirement for low flammability
2Reliability
If conventional fabric softener compositions are used, then softening performance is achieved, but dealkylation occurs in the molten state leading to increased free ester amine content during transport and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful dealkylation reaction into a beneficial outcome by using carboxylic acid components that suppress dealkylation, transforming what would be a degradation pathway into a stable composition formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment parameters by introducing carboxylic acids and esters that alter the reaction equilibrium, suppressing the dealkylation of quaternary ammonium compounds and maintaining stability during transport
3Force
If high concentrations of alcohol are used to achieve low melt viscosity, then the composition becomes sufficiently fluid for handling, but flammability increases and flash point decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-flammable carboxylic acids and esters as intermediary substances that provide the necessary fluidity without the harmful flammability of alcohols, mediating between viscosity requirements and safety constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the composition parameters by replacing flammable alcohol-based viscosity modifiers with non-flammable carboxylic acid and ester-based modifiers, achieving the same rheological effect without the safety hazards
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 solution results in a fabric softener active composition with low melt viscosity, high stability against dealkylation, and improved flammability, as demonstrated by a flash point of 38 °C, enhancing handling and safety while maintaining softening performance.
Implementation Method 1
the compositions taught by WO 2007/026314 have the disadvantage of a low stability in the molten state with respect to dealkylation of the quaternary ammonium salt, which leads to an increase in the content of free ester amine during transport and handling in a molten state
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric softener active composition, comprising from 65 to 95 % by weight of a bis- (2-hydroxyethyl) -dimethylammonium chloride fatty acid ester having a molar ratio of fatty acid moieties to amine moieties of from 1.80 to 1.96, an average chain length of the fatty acid moieties of from 16 to 18 carbon atoms and an iodine value of from 0 to 50, from 2 to 8 % by weight of a fatty acid triglyceride having an average chain length of the fatty acid moieties of from 10 to 14 carbon atoms and an iodine value of from 0 to 15, and from 3 to 12 % by weight of an alcohol selected from ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol has low melt viscosity, high stability towards dealkylation in the molten state and low flammability.