Liquid Detergent Emulsion Stabilization via Acrylic Polymer Mix
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid detergent compositions require an expensive and time-consuming production process involving cross-linked or partly cross-linked polyacrylic acid/polymethacrylic acid thickeners, which complicates the formulation and increases costs due to the need for a premix and milling step.
Innovation Solution
A liquid detergent concentrate composition using a mixture of two acrylic polymers as stabilizing agents, which can be readily introduced as liquid emulsions without the need for a premix or milling, simplifying the production process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-linked or partly cross-linked polyacrylic acid/polymethacrylic acid thickeners are used to stabilize the emulsion, then the emulsion stability is improved, but the production process complexity and cost increase due to the need for premix and milling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the thickener from solid (cross-linked polyacrylic acid) to liquid (acrylic acid emulsion polymer). This parameter change eliminates the need for premixing and milling steps, as the liquid polymer can be directly added to the emulsion formulation, thereby reducing production process complexity while maintaining emulsion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive, complex-to-process cross-linked polyacrylic acid with a more economical liquid acrylic acid emulsion polymer. This substitution uses a simpler, more cost-effective material that achieves the same stabilizing function without requiring additional processing equipment or steps.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cross-linked polyacrylic acid thickeners are used, then the emulsion remains stable during storage, but the production time increases due to the additional premix and milling steps
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the thickener from solid to liquid form, the invention eliminates time-consuming preprocessing steps. The liquid acrylic acid emulsion polymer can be directly incorporated into the emulsion during the main formulation process, significantly reducing production time while the thickener continues to provide stable emulsion characteristics during storage.
3Reliability
If solid cross-linked polyacrylic acid is used as stabilizer, then the emulsion stability is achieved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to the complex addition process involving premix and milling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the thickener into a liquid emulsion form, which fundamentally changes the ease of manufacture. The liquid acrylic acid emulsion polymer can be easily pumped, measured, and mixed into the detergent composition using standard liquid handling equipment, eliminating the need for complex solid material handling, premixing, and milling operations.
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 new stabilizing system provides stable emulsions that maintain viscosity and prevent phase separation, even under temperature stress, thus offering a more efficient and cost-effective production method.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid detergent concentrate composition according to the invention is a stable emulsion which does not separate when being stored
Implementation Method 2
As component (C) an alkali soluble acrylic polymer emulsion (ASE) and as component (D) a hydrophobically modified alkali soluble acrylic polymer emulsion (HASE) can be used
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a liquid detergent concentrate composition comprising an emulsion having a water phase and an oil phase, the composition comprising based on the whole concentrate: (A) 1 - 50 wt.-% of a source of alkalinity; (B) 1 - 70 wt.-% of a at least one non-ionic surfactant; (C) 0.1 - 10 wt.-% of a copolymer of (1) at least one monomer of the formula (I): H2C=C(R1)-COOH, wherein R1 is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl group; and (2) at least one monomer of (meth)acrylic acid (C1-C6) alkyl or phenyl ester; (D) 0.1 - 10 wt.-% of a copolymer of (i) acrylic and/or methacrylic acid; (ii) at least one monomer of the formula (III): H2C=C(R3)-C(O)-O-(CH2CH2O)n-R4, wherein R3 is H or CH3, n is at least 2 and preferably has an average value of at least 10, preferably 10 to 70, 10 to 60, 10 to 30, and R4 is a hydrophobic group containing 8 to 24 carbon atoms; and (iii) at least one monomer of C1-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylate.