Nonionic Soil Release Polymer Detergent Booster for Sebum Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detergent systems with soil release polymers (SRPs) are ineffective in completely removing sebum deposits from fabrics, particularly polyester materials, due to premature interaction with high surfactant amounts and pH-related hydrolysis, leading to persistent odor and residue.
Innovation Solution
A detergent booster containing a nonionic SRP with ester linkages, used separately from the laundry detergent, minimizes exposure to high surfactant amounts and maintains a neutral pH, effectively preventing sebum deposition and odor by being introduced during the wash or rinse cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If soil release polymer (SRP) is included in laundry detergent with high amounts of surfactants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the SRP effectiveness deteriorates due to premature interaction and pH-related hydrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detergent system into two separate components: a laundry detergent containing surfactants and builders, and a separate SRP booster product. This segmentation prevents premature interaction between SRP and surfactants while allowing both to function effectively when used together in the same wash load.
Solution Approach 2:
The SRP booster is prepared and applied separately before the main detergent cycle, allowing the SRP to deposit on fabric surfaces in advance. This preliminary action ensures SRP is already in position to prevent sebum adhesion before high surfactant concentrations are introduced during the main wash cycle.
2Reliability
If SRP is used in fabric softening compositions during rinse cycle, then SRP effectiveness is maintained, but cleaning function is reduced compared to wash cycle application
Solution Approach 1:
The SRP booster is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used during the wash cycle to enhance cleaning and prevent sebum deposition, or during the rinse cycle to maintain SRP effectiveness and provide fabric softening. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between maintaining SRP effectiveness and providing cleaning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary SRP booster product that bridges the gap between wash cycle cleaning requirements and rinse cycle SRP stability requirements. This intermediary product allows SRP to be effectively delivered at the optimal time without compromising either cleaning effectiveness or SRP stability.
3Reliability
If amounts of surfactants are optimized to minimize impact on SRP, then SRP stability is improved, but laundering effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detergent system into separate detergent and SRP booster products, the invention eliminates the need to compromise surfactant amounts. High surfactant concentrations can be used in the detergent for optimal cleaning effectiveness, while the SRP booster provides sufficient SRP at low concentrations to ensure stability and effectiveness without interference.
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 detergent booster significantly reduces sebum build-up on fabrics, maintaining their freshness and softness without compromising the effectiveness of the surfactant mix, as shown by weight analysis and odor reduction in the provided examples.
Implementation Method 1
The SRPs generally function by depositing onto a surface of fibers in the fabric, providing a protective or sacrificial layer that inhibits adhesion of oily substances onto the fibers
Implementation Method 2
premature interaction with high surfactant amounts and pH-related hydrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
Detergent boosters, detergent systems that include a detergent booster, and methods of laundering fabric are provided herein. In an embodiment, a detergent booster includes a nonionic soil release polymer and, optionally, one or more surfactants with a total amount of surfactant present in an amount of up to 4 weight % based upon a total weight of the detergent booster. The nonionic soil release polymer includes a backbone having ester linkages.