Metal Complexes for Burnt-In Soiling Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dishwashing detergents are inadequate in removing stubborn, burnt-in soiling caused by foods high in proteins and starches, leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
The use of metal complexes with specific ligands, such as those of the general formula (Aq+)p[Mn+Lm−](Xo−), where q is 1 or 2, and Aq+ represents alkali, alkaline earth, or ammonium cations, Mn+ is an aluminum or transition metal ion, and Xo− is an anion, incorporated into an automatic dishwashing detergent to enhance cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dishwashing detergents are used, then general cleaning performance is maintained, but cleaning performance on burnt-in soiling remains unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the detergent - specifically incorporating metal complexes with particular ligands (such as N-substituted amino acid derivatives) at optimized concentrations (0.001-10 wt%). This chemical parameter modification enables the detergent to effectively remove burnt-in soiling while maintaining compatibility with various soiling types through the versatile coordination chemistry of the metal complexes
2Reliability
If metal complexes with specific ligands are added to enhance cleaning on burnt-in soiling, then cleaning performance improves, but detergent formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universality by selecting metal complexes (such as aluminum, calcium, or magnesium complexes) that can perform multiple functions: they provide enhanced cleaning on burnt-in soiling through chelation and emulsification, while also maintaining compatibility with other detergent components and various soiling types. This multi-functionality reduces formulation complexity despite the addition of metal complexes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite detergent formulations by combining metal complexes with specific ligands alongside conventional detergent ingredients (surfactants, builders, enzymes). This composite approach allows the metal complexes to target burnt-in soiling specifically while the other components handle general cleaning, achieving enhanced performance without excessive formulation complexity through synergistic interactions
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 metal complexes significantly improve the cleaning performance on burnt-in soiling, providing better removal of tough food residues and enhancing overall dishwashing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
metal complexes with certain ligands in dishwashing results in improved cleaning performance
Implementation Method 2
non-ionic surfactant from the group of hydroxy mixed ethers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to dishwashing products that contain metal complexes of the general formula (I),(Aq+)p[Mn+Lm−](Xo−)r (I)wherein q is 1 or 2 and Aq+ represents a cation, selected from alkali metal cations with q=1, alkaline earth cations with q=2 and ammonium ions with q=1, Mn+ represents an aluminum ion, a transition metal ion or a lanthanoid metal ion, n is a number from 1 to 5, L represents a ligand of formulain which each R independently of each other is OH or O−, m represents a number from 0 to 2, Xo− represents an anion selected from F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, OH−, HSO3+, SO32−, SO42−, HSO4−, NO2−, NO3−, PO43−, HPO42−, H2PO4−, BF4−, PF6−, ClO4−, acetate, citrate, formate, glutarate, lactate, malate, malonate, oxalate, pyruvate, tartrate, methane sulfonate, methyl sulfate, p-toluene sulfonate, p-toluene sulfate and succinate, and o is a number from 1 to 3, and p and r independently of each other represent a number from 0 to 4, with the proviso that the sum of n and the product of p and q is equal to the sum of m and the product of r and o.