Liquid Laundry Detergent with Anionic Silicone and Cationic Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry detergents often fail to maintain fabric softness effectively, particularly after multiple wash cycles, due to formulation stability issues such as unacceptable haze caused by fabric softening silicones.
Innovation Solution
A liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a specific ratio of anionic and nonionic surfactants, fabric softening anionic silicone, and cationic cellulose polymer, with optional additives like perfume and builders, formulated to provide stable softening in the wash while minimizing haze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fabric softening silicones are used to provide softness to fabrics, then fabric softness is improved, but formulation stability deteriorates due to unacceptable haze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the silicone by using anionic silicones with specific molecular weights (1,000 to 100,000) and anionic group contents (at least 1 mol%, preferably 2 mol%). It also changes the surfactant ratio parameters to achieve both softness and stability. This resolves the contradiction by finding optimal parameter ranges that satisfy both fabric softness and formulation stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation by combining anionic silicones with specific anionic and nonionic surfactants in defined ratios. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both fabric softening performance and formulation stability, as the interaction between the anionic silicone and the surfactant mixture prevents haze formation while maintaining softness.
2Productivity
If multiple wash cycles are performed, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but fabric softness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating fabric softening agents directly into the wash detergent formulation rather than requiring a separate rinse step. The anionic silicone and cationic polymer are pre-combined in the detergent to work synergistically during the wash cycle, providing both cleaning and softening effects simultaneously that persist through multiple wash cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses specific parameter ranges for the anionic to nonionic surfactant ratio (5:1 to 1:3) and the inclusion of cationic cellulose polymer to enhance the durability of fabric softness. These parameter optimizations ensure that the softening effect accumulates and maintains consistency over multiple wash cycles rather than diminishing.
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 effectively softens fabrics by maintaining stability and reducing haze, ensuring consistent softness throughout multiple wash cycles.
Implementation Method 1
fabric softening anionic silicone
Implementation Method 2
cationic cellulose polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to liquid laundry compositions containing (a) surfactant, comprising both anionic and nonionic surfactant at a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1 :3, (b) a fabric softening anionic silicone, and, (c) a cationic cellulose polymer; and, (d) a perfume, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises one or more from the following group: linear alkyl benezene sulphonates, sodium lauryl ether sulphonates with 1 to 3 average moles of ethoxylation, primary alkyl sulphonates, methyl ether sulphates and secondary alkyl sulphonates or mixtures thereof; and to the use of said composition to soften fabrics.