Liquid Cleaning Composition with Chelating Acids and Abrasives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current scouring compositions, despite improvements in surface safety, do not fully leverage the synergies between abrasive particles and formulation to maximize cleaning performance, particularly at a minimum cost.
Innovation Solution
A liquid cleaning composition comprising abrasive cleaning particles, one or more surfactants, and a chelating acidic component, where the nonionic and anionic surfactant levels are less than 2% by weight, combined with a chelating acidic component that enhances cleaning performance without excessive material addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional scouring compositions with higher surfactant levels are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but formulation cost increases and surface safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by introducing chelating acids (citric, malic, tartaric, gluconic, lactic, or succinic acid) at controlled levels (0.1-5% w/w) to replace excessive surfactants. This parameter change allows achieving cleaning performance through chelation chemistry rather than relying on high surfactant concentrations, thereby reducing surfactant levels while maintaining or improving cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation system combining abrasive particles (natural or synthetic), chelating acids, and reduced levels of surfactants. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of multiple components: abrasives for mechanical cleaning, chelating acids for chemical binding of metal ions and stains, and minimal surfactants for surface wetting and emulsification, achieving superior cleaning with lower overall chemical load.
2Reliability
If more abrasive particles are added to enhance cleaning, then cleaning performance improves, but formulation cost and potential surface damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the abrasive particle parameters by selecting from natural abrasives (groundnut shell, coconut shell, rice husk, corn cob) with controlled particle size distributions. These natural abrasives provide effective mechanical cleaning while being inherently less harsh than synthetic alternatives. The particle size and shape are optimized to balance cleaning power with surface gentleness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts potentially harmful strong chemical cleaners into beneficial chelating acids that work gently on surfaces. Instead of using aggressive alkaline cleaners or high-surfactant formulations that can damage surfaces, the patent employs chelating acids that bind to metal ions and stains through coordination chemistry, providing effective cleaning without the harmful side effects of harsh chemicals.
3Reliability
If chelating acids are used to enhance cleaning, then limescale removal capability improves, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the formulation by using readily available natural chelating acids (citric, malic, tartaric, gluconic, lactic, or succinic acid) that can be easily incorporated into existing cleaner formulations. These acids provide effective limescale and mineral deposit removal through chelation without requiring complex formulation techniques or specialized handling procedures.
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 provides effective cleaning performance on various surfaces, including hard surfaces and animate surfaces, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ensuring the biodegradability of abrasive particles, with improved stability and limescale removal capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first acidic component wherein said acidic component consists of one or more chelating acids
Implementation Method 2
one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric and mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 3
abrasive cleaning particles
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid cleaning and/or cleansing composition comprising abrasive cleaning particles; one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric and mixtures thereof; and a first acidic component wherein said acidic component consists of one or more chelating acids; wherein at least one nonionic surfactant is comprised in said composition and the total level of nonionic surfactant is less than 2% by weight of the total composition and/or at least one anionic surfactant is comprised in said composition and the total level of anionic surfactant is less than 2% by weight of the total composition.