Two-Component Detergent for Low-Temperature Laundry Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detergent compositions fail to effectively disinfect laundry at low temperatures, particularly for hydrophobic soils and functional textiles, while high-temperature washing can damage materials and require excessive energy.
Innovation Solution
A two-component detergent composition comprising a first component with nonionic low alkoxylated alcohol tensides and a source of alkalinity, and a second component with a bleaching agent, which allows for effective cleaning and disinfection at low temperatures without damaging textiles or causing color loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature washing (above 60°C or 95°C) is used, then disinfection effectiveness and soil removal are improved, but energy consumption increases and textile damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the washing system by introducing a two-component detergent composition with specific surfactant ratios and alkaline sources that enable effective disinfection at low temperatures (30-40°C) without requiring high thermal energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and energy consumption
2Reliability
If high temperature washing (above 60°C or 95°C) is used, then disinfection effectiveness and soil removal are improved, but textile damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters from high temperature to low temperature washing while compensating with optimized chemical composition (specific surfactant ratios and alkaline sources), thereby maintaining disinfection effectiveness without causing thermal damage to textile fibers and their functional coatings
3Reliability
If increased amount of bleaching agents is used to boost disinfection, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but oxidative discoloration and textile damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical mechanism from oxidative bleaching to a surfactant-based low-temperature disinfection system with optimized alkalinity, eliminating oxidative discoloration while maintaining effective germ reduction through the synergistic action of low alkoxylated alcohols, higher alkoxylated alcohols, and alkaline sources
4Use of energy by moving object
If low temperature washing (30°C or 40°C) is used, then energy consumption is reduced and textile quality is maintained, but disinfection effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by formulating a two-component detergent system with specific ratios of low alkoxylated alcohols (1-2 EO units) and higher alkoxylated alcohols (3-40 EO units) combined with alkaline sources, enabling the washing solution to achieve effective disinfection at low temperatures through enhanced chemical activity rather than thermal energy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite detergent composition combining multiple surfactant types (low alkoxylated alcohols and higher alkoxylated alcohols) with alkaline sources to create a synergistic system that achieves disinfection effectiveness at low temperatures, where the combination of components produces greater effect than individual substances alone
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 significant reduction in germs count and soil removal at low temperatures, maintaining textile quality and reducing energy consumption, with the nonionic low alkoxylated alcohol tensides partly replacing bleaching agents to prevent damage and retain hydrophobic impregnation.
Implementation Method 1
nonionic low alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 1 to 2 alkylene oxide units
Implementation Method 2
nonionic higher alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 3 to 40 alkylene oxide units
Implementation Method 3
source of alkalinity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for cleaning and disinfecting laundry items using a two component detergent composition for low temperature washing and and disinfecting containing a first component comprising a low temperature detergent composition comprising: (a) ≥ 2 wt.-% to ≤ 50 wt.-% of a nonionic low alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 1 to 2 alkylene oxide units; (b) ≥ 0 wt.-% to ≤ 60 wt.-% of nonionic higher alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 3 to 40 alkylene oxide units; (c) ≥ 1 wt.-% to ≤ 60 wt.-% of a source of alkalinity; (d) > 0 wt.-% to ≤ 95 wt.-% of at least one solvent; calculated on the total weight amount of the detergent composition of the first component; and a second component containing at least one bleaching agent, wherein in a first step the the first component is added and thereafter in a second step the second component containg at least one bleaching agent is added to the rinsing chamber.