Graft Polymer Detergent Composition for Biodegradability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detergent compositions face challenges in biodegradability and washing performance, particularly with polymers produced by radical polymerization based on carbon-only backbones, which are difficult to degrade and show limited biodegradation in wastewater.

Innovation Solution

The development of detergent compositions incorporating novel graft polymers with a polymer backbone obtained by ethylene oxide polymerization and polymeric sidechains produced by vinyl ester monomer polymerization, optimized to achieve enhanced biodegradability and improved washing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polymers with carbon-only backbones are used in detergent compositions, then washing performance is achieved, but biodegradability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing performanceVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating graft polymers that combine a polyethylene oxide backbone with vinyl ester side chains. This composite structure integrates the water solubility and washing performance benefits of synthetic polymers with the biodegradability advantages of oxygen-containing backbones, resolving the contradiction between effective cleaning and environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental chemical parameter of the polymer backbone from carbon-only to oxygen-containing (polyethylene oxide). This parameter change fundamentally alters the biodegradability characteristic while maintaining washing performance through the amphiphilic nature of the graft structure, where the polymeric side chains provide hydrophobic interaction with soils and the oxygenated backbone ensures water solubility and microbial degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional polymers are used, then detergent functionality is maintained, but environmental compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetergent functionalityVSAvoidenvironmental compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the polymer molecule with different functions: the polymeric side chains (vinyl ester components) provide local hydrophobic zones for stain interaction and cleaning action, while the polyethylene oxide backbone provides local hydrophilic and biodegradable regions. This spatial differentiation of properties within the single polymer structure enables both effective detergent functionality and environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the traditionally harmful aspect of synthetic polymer persistence into a benefit by using controlled radical graft polymerization to create a structured amphiphilic polymer that maintains the functional advantages of synthetic polymers (solubility, cleaning performance) while the oxygen-containing backbone naturally facilitates biodegradation, turning the previous environmental harm into an environmentally friendly solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 proposed graft polymers demonstrate improved biodegradability and washing performance, including enhanced anti-redeposition and stain removal capabilities, while also addressing environmental concerns related to microplastic degradation.

Implementation Method 1

The polymer backbone (A) is obtainable by polymerization of ethylene oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization:

Implementation Method 2

The polymeric sidechains (B) are obtainable by polymerization of at least one vinyl ester monomer (B1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization:

Implementation Method 3

the polymers described by the current Invention are preferably produced by radical graft polymerization and provide enhanced biodegradation properties compared to the state-of-the-art

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP4134421B1Detergent composition comprising detersive surfactant and graft polymer

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

The present invention relates to a detergent composition comprising a detersive surfactant and a graft polymer.