Furan-Based Polyester Detergent for Soil Release and Dye Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyester soil release polymers (SRPs) based on terephthalate exhibit lower soil release performance when partially or fully replaced with bio-based 2,5-furandicarboxylate units, and there is a need for improved dye transfer inhibition and soil release performance in laundry detergents.
Innovation Solution
A laundry detergent composition comprising a specific polyester with high levels of nonionic surfactant and optionally low levels of alkyl ethoxylated sulfate (AES) surfactant, where the polyester includes structural units derived from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and other components, enhancing soil release and dye transfer inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terephthalate structural units are replaced with bio-based 2,5-furandicarboxylate structural units in polyester SRP, then renewable resource utilization is improved, but soil release performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polyester structure combining 2,5-furandicarboxylate structural units (from renewable resources) with glycol terephthalate and polyglycol terephthalate structural units (providing soil release performance). This composite approach allows the polymer to simultaneously achieve renewable resource utilization and effective soil release performance, resolving the contradiction between environmental sustainability and functional effectiveness.
2Reliability
If high levels of nonionic surfactant are used in laundry detergent composition, then soil release performance is improved, but surfactant concentration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration range of nonionic surfactant to 5-50 wt% of the total composition, with a preferred range of 10-30 wt%. By carefully controlling this parameter, the formulation achieves effective soil release performance while avoiding excessive surfactant usage. The specific concentration optimization allows balancing performance with economical and environmental considerations.
3Reliability
If polyester SRP deposits on fibers during washing, then fabric surface properties change to reduce soil deposition, but dye transfer inhibition may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different functional zones within the polyester SRP molecule: the polyglycol terephthalate segments provide hydrophilic properties for soil release performance, while the glycol terephthalate segments and terminal groups provide hydrophobic interactions for dye transfer inhibition. This local differentiation of functional properties within the same polymer allows simultaneous achievement of soil release and dye transfer prevention without compromising either function.
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 composition achieves good soil release performance and dye transfer inhibition while utilizing renewable resources, offering improved cleaning benefits with reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
polyester SRP can deposit on fibers, which change the surface properties of fabric
Implementation Method 2
from 10.0 to 50.0 wt% a nonionic surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a laundry detergent composition comprising from 0.1 to 7.0 wt.% polyester, from 10.0 to 50.0 wt.% nonionic surfactant, and optionally, if present, less than 3.0 wt.% alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant. The polyester comprises a structural unit derived from furan. The composition provides good dye transfer inhibition benefit and good soil release performance. A method of treating a surface using the composition, wherein the surface is a fabric comprising polyethylene terephthalate, is also disclosed.