Inverse Latex Thickener for Detergents Using Sequestrant

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to develop a detergent composition that is compliant with changing European regulations and effectively addresses the inhibition of radical polymerization reactions in the production of self-invertible inverse latices, which are used as thickeners and emulsifiers in detergents, while ensuring consistent quality and performance.

Innovation Solution

A detergent composition is formulated using a self-invertible inverse latex comprising a crosslinked anionic polyelectrolyte with specific monomer units and ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid as a sequestrant, which is prepared through a process involving radical polymerization under controlled conditions to minimize the impact of metal contaminants and ensure reproducible thickening properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radical polymerization is used to produce self-invertible inverse latices, then thickening performance is achieved, but metal contaminants inhibit the polymerization reaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymerization reaction consistencyVSAvoidmetal contaminant inhibition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sequestrant is introduced as an intermediary substance that selectively binds to metal contaminants (Fe2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, etc.) in the polymerization system, forming stable complexes and preventing these metals from inhibiting the radical polymerization reaction. This allows the polymerization to proceed consistently without requiring complete elimination of metal contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The polymerization is conducted under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) to exclude oxygen, which is another harmful factor that can inhibit radical polymerization by reacting with propagating radicals. This creates a protected environment that enhances reaction reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If deoxygenation steps are added to remove oxygen inhibition, then polymerization consistency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymerization reaction reproducibilityVSAvoidprocess steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sequestrant serves as a chemical mediator that addresses multiple inhibition issues (metal contaminants and potentially oxygen) through a single additive, rather than requiring multiple separate deoxygenation steps. This simplifies the overall process while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If strict control of polymerization kinetics is implemented, then polymer quality is consistent, but manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer thickening propertiesVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The use of sequestrants stabilizes the polymerization kinetics by eliminating variable inhibition from metal contaminants, allowing for more predictable and consistent reaction profiles. This enables optimization of reaction conditions to achieve desired polymer properties within reasonable timeframes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 consistent and effective thickening and emulsification, maintaining performance in various conditions, including saline solutions, and is stable over time, addressing the regulatory compliance and quality assurance issues.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sequestrant chosen from the group consisting of ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid in trisodium salt form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplexation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

have the property of spreading out under the effect of electrostatic repulsions due to the presence of the (negative and/or positive) charges on the linear or branched, noncrosslinked or crosslinked polymer backbone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 3

a crosslinked anionic polyelectrolyte (P) consisting of: at least one first monomer unit derived from 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-1-propanesulfonic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadical polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11946024B2Detergent composition comprising an inverse latex comprising a particular sequestrant and a polyelectrolyte combining a strong acid function and a weak acid function

Publication Date: 2024.04.02 SOC DEXPLOITATION DE PROD POUR LES IND CHEM SEPPIC

AI summary

Detergent composition (F) for domestic or industrial use including, as thickener, a self-invertible inverse latex including an aqueous phase including: a) a crosslinked anionic polyelectrolyte (P) consisting of: —at least one first monomer unit derived from 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-1-propanesulfonic acid in free acid form or partially or totally salified form; and —at least one second monomer unit derived from at least one monomer chosen from the elements of the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, 2-carboxyethylacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, 3-methyl-3-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]butanoic acid, the carboxylic function of the monomers being in free acid, partially salified or totally salified form; —at least one third monomer unit derived from a polyethylenic crosslinking monomer (AR), b) ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid in trisodium salt form.