Non-cationic softeners and methods of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric softening compositions, particularly those used in industrial settings, face challenges such as yellowing and degradation of textiles under alkaline conditions and high temperatures, toxicity concerns from quaternary ammonium compounds, and formulation instability, especially in solid forms with poor dispensing rates.
Innovation Solution
Development of non-cationic amine epoxide adducts formed by reacting amines with epoxides, which are stable, non-toxic, and effective under harsh conditions, with formulations that can be solid or liquid, and include additional functional ingredients for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as fabric softeners, then softening efficacy is improved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by replacing quaternary ammonium compounds with amine epoxide adducts having specific molecular structures (formula I and II). This substitution maintains the softening function while eliminating the toxic cationic properties, directly resolving the contradiction between efficacy and toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite molecular structures combining amine groups with epoxide adducts of specific fatty acids. This composite approach creates a new class of softening agents that achieve the desired softening performance without the harmful effects of traditional quaternary ammonium compounds.
2Reliability
If conventional fabric softeners are used, then softening performance is achieved, but fabric yellowing and degradation occur under high-temperature and alkaline conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the softening agent by using non-cationic amine epoxide adducts with specific pH ranges (5-9). This parameter change allows the softener to remain stable and effective in alkaline conditions without causing fabric yellowing or degradation, directly addressing the contradiction.
3Productivity
If industrial detergent compositions with high alkaline pH are used, then soil removal efficacy is improved, but softener stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameter of the softening composition to range from 5 to 9, making it compatible with high alkaline detergent compositions. This parameter adjustment allows the softener to maintain stability even when used with industrial detergents having pH greater than 9, resolving the contradiction between soil removal efficacy and softener stability.
4Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compound-based softeners are used, then softening effect is achieved, but dispensing performance and stability in solid compositions are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the softening agent by using amine epoxide adducts with specific molecular weights and structures. These parameter changes improve dispensing performance and stability in solid compositions while maintaining the softening effect, directly resolving the contradiction.
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 amine epoxide adducts provide effective softening without yellowing, maintain textile integrity, and offer stable, controlled dispensing, addressing the limitations of traditional quaternary ammonium compounds.
Implementation Method 1
reacting specific amines with epoxides, which are used in lubricating compositions for textiles and paper
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprising a non-cationic amine epoxide adduct is disclosed, along with methods of making the same. Use of a composition comprising a non-cationic amine epoxide adduct on textiles and paper, particularly woven textiles, tissues, and nonwoven textiles to soften the textiles and paper, along with methods of using a non-cationic amine epoxide adduct to treat a target, are also disclosed.