Glutamic Acid Polymer Thickener for Sustainable Liquid Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid detergent compositions rely on petrochemical-based rheology modifiers for thickening aqueous phases, which are not biobased and biodegradable, posing a challenge in meeting consumer demands for sustainable and responsible economy solutions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid detergent composition using a polymer derived from partially or totally salified glutamic acid, crosslinked with a glycidyl-functional crosslinking agent, forming a pulverulent solid that acts as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier, suitable for household or industrial use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petrochemical-based rheology modifiers are used to thicken aqueous phases, then effective thickening and stabilization is achieved, but biodegradability and sustainability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the thickening agent from petrochemical-based polymers to polysaccharide-based polymers derived from renewable plant resources. This parameter change maintains the rheology-modifying functionality while improving biodegradability and sustainability, directly resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs naturally derived, biodegradable polysaccharide polymers that can be readily decomposed by microorganisms, replacing persistent petrochemical polymers. This approach uses renewable, short-cycle natural materials that regenerate quickly, maintaining functional performance while eliminating long-term environmental accumulation issues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural polymers from renewable raw materials are used as thickening agents, then biodegradability and sustainability are improved, but the efficiency and performance may be reduced compared to synthetic polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite polysaccharide polymer systems derived from multiple plant sources (such as starch, cellulose, chitin, alginate) that combine the advantageous properties of different natural polymers. These composite materials achieve enhanced thickening efficiency, viscosity control, and rheological stability comparable to synthetic polymers while maintaining full biodegradability and renewable origin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies specific polysaccharide polymers with tailored molecular structures, degrees of polymerization, and functional group compositions to achieve optimal thickening performance in specific detergent application contexts. By selecting and modifying particular natural polymer types with specific local structural qualities, the patent matches performance requirements while maintaining sustainability
3Reliability
If crosslinking reactions are performed to increase polymer branching and thickening properties, then thickening efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates crosslinking functionality directly into the polymerization process of the polysaccharide polymers, creating crosslinked structures during the initial polymer formation rather than requiring separate post-polymerization crosslinking steps. This preliminary action simplifies the overall manufacturing process while achieving the desired three-dimensional network structure and enhanced thickening properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the polymerization and crosslinking operations into a single integrated process step, merging two distinct chemical reactions that would traditionally require separate processing stages. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity, equipment requirements, and process time while producing the desired crosslinked polysaccharide polymer structure with improved thickening performance
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 provides effective thickening and stabilization of aqueous phases with improved biodegradability and sustainability, enhancing the performance and environmental responsibility of detergent formulations.
Implementation Method 1
The aim of the crosslinking of the polymer chains is to connect several polymer chains to one another which, when added to a polar phase, and more particularly to water, take the form of a three-dimensional network that is insoluble in water but is water-swellable, thus resulting in a chemical gel.
Implementation Method 2
These polymers are mostly linear or branched depending on the plant from which they come or according to their manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 3
the polymers used in the detergent industries can play a functional role as film-forming agents, rheology modifiers, enabling stabilization of the fatty phases in emulsions of the water-in-oil type and of the oil-in-water type
Implementation Method 4
synthetic polymers have the property of being deployed, in the polar phase, under the effect of electrostatic repulsions due to the presence of charges (negative and/or positive) on the linear or branched, crosslinked or noncrosslinked polymer backbone
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a liquid detergent composition (F) for domestic or industrial use, comprising at least one detergent surfactant and, as thickening agent, a polymer (P) in the form of a pulverulent solid consisting of monomeric units derived from partially or totally salified glutamic acid (GA), and monomer units of at least one crosslinking agent (AR) having at least two glycidic functions.