Ionic Liquid Cleaning Composition for Soap Scum Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning products often have unpleasant odors and are not as effective at removing soap scum or greasy soils, requiring more effort and sometimes using volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be environmentally unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
Development of aqueous cleaning compositions that include an ionic liquid, such as N-alkyl-N,bis(polyethoxyethanol)-N-aliphatic ammonium salts, quaternary ammonium antimicrobial surfactants, and nonionic surfactants, with a high water content and minimal VOCs, formulated to be effective and environmentally friendly, while maintaining antimicrobial activity and a neutral to slightly basic pH.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning products are used to remove soap scum and greasy soils, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but unpleasant odors are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing traditional VOC-based solvents with ionic liquids and water-based formulations. This parameter change maintains cleaning effectiveness through alternative surfactant mechanisms while eliminating the unpleasant odors associated with conventional volatile organic compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material systems combining ionic liquids, quaternary ammonium salts, and nonionic surfactants. This composite approach achieves effective removal of soap scum and greasy soils while the ionic liquid component provides pleasant aromatic properties, resolving the odor issue without sacrificing cleaning performance
2Reliability
If more effort is applied to achieve effective cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of cleaning formulations by incorporating ionic liquids with enhanced solvating power and surfactant properties. These parameter changes enable the cleaner to work more effectively at lower concentrations and with less mechanical effort, improving both cleaning effectiveness and ease of operation simultaneously
3Reliability
If volatile organic compounds are used in cleaning products, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the compositional parameters by replacing volatile organic compounds with ionic liquids and water-based formulations. This parameter change eliminates harmful VOC emissions while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the unique properties of ionic liquids, which provide excellent solvating power without the environmental harm of volatile organics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an environmentally benign formulation system using ionic liquids that do not volatilize into the atmosphere. This inert environmental approach replaces harmful VOC emissions with non-volatile ionic liquid components, effectively eliminating air pollution while maintaining cleaning 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 compositions provide effective cleaning with reduced VOC emissions, improved odor profiles, and enhanced antimicrobial properties, achieving better soap scum removal with less effort and lower environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning compositions include an ionic liquid and are desirably substantially free of solvent and other volatile organic compounds. The ionic liquid component may suitably include polyalkoxylated alkylammonium quaternary salt
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning compositions may also include a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial surfactant, such as a quaternary benzyl ammonium salt and/or a quaternary bis(n-alkyl)dimethylammonium salt
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous cleaning composition, which may be suitable for use in cleaning hard surfaces, is described. The aqueous cleaning composition includes an ionic liquid, a surfactant, a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial surfactant, and a substantial amount of water. The ionic liquid includes an N-alkyl-N,N-bis(polyethoxyethanol)-N-aliphatic ammonium salt. Other than an optional fragrance component, the cleaning composition typically is substantially free of volatile organic compounds. The cleaning compositions may also include a chelating agent, such as an aminopolycarboxylate chelating agent.