Graft Polymer Detergent Composition for Dye Transfer Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dye transfer during laundry processes is a challenge, especially when washing dark-colored items with light-colored items, and existing solutions like sorting by color are time-consuming and environmentally inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a graft polymer with a specific biodegradation profile into laundry detergent compositions, comprising a block copolymer backbone and polymeric sidechains, to prevent dye transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sorting items by color and washing them separately, then dye transfer is prevented, but time consumption and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graft polymer as an intermediary substance in the laundry detergent formulation. This polymer acts as a mediator that prevents dye transfer between different fabric types during washing, eliminating the need for separate washing of dark and light items while maintaining effective cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the laundry detergent by incorporating a specific graft polymer with controlled molecular weight and composition ratios. This parameter change enables the detergent to provide dye transfer prevention functionality without requiring changes in washing procedures or time investment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sorting items by color and washing them separately, then dye transfer is prevented, but energy consumption and carbon emission increase
Solution Approach 1:
The graft polymer serves as a chemical intermediary that prevents dye transfer during the washing process, allowing consumers to wash all items together in a single load. This eliminates the need for additional washing cycles that would otherwise be required for separate dark and light item washing, thereby reducing energy consumption and carbon emission
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the chemical composition parameters of the detergent formulation to include the graft polymer, the patent enables a single-wash solution that prevents dye transfer without requiring the energy-intensive process of separate washing for different colored items
3Object-affected harmful factors
If using conventional polymers in laundry detergent, then dye transfer prevention is achieved, but biodegradability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of the polymer by using a graft polymer with a specific backbone composed of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units, and side chains containing vinyl ester monomers. This parameter change results in improved biodegradability while maintaining the dye transfer prevention functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure combining a biodegradable backbone with functional side chains. The backbone provides biodegradability through its composition of readily degradable monomers, while the side chains provide the dye transfer prevention functionality, achieving both environmental compatibility and 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 graft polymer effectively prevents dye transfer while being eco-friendly and reducing the environmental impact by enhancing biodegradability and maintaining performance in laundering processes.
Implementation Method 1
The graft polymer of the present invention comprises: (A) a block copolymer backbone (A) as a graft base, wherein said block copolymer backbone (A) comprises from 85% to 100%, by weight of the backbone (A), at least two monomers selected from the group of ethylene oxide, 1,2-propylene oxide, 1,2-butylene oxide, 2,3-butylene oxide, 1,2-pentene oxide, and 2,3-pentene oxide; and, (B) polymeric sidechains (B) grafted onto the block copolymer backbone (A), wherein said polymeric sidechains (B) comprises from 85% to 100%, by weight of the sidechains (B), N-vinyl lactam monomer (B 1) and vinyl ester monomer (B2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to use of a graft polymer in a laundry detergent composition that additionally comprise a detersive surfactant, to prevent dye transfer during a laundering process.