PEI Detergent Composition for Bleach-Free Polyphenolic Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cleaning compositions that are substantially free of phosphorous-based and peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, capable of exhibiting excellent cleansing and stain removal performance, particularly on difficult-to-remove stains like polyphenolic-based stains, without causing damage to fabrics or surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of detergent compositions containing low molecular-weight polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers or salts, along with surfactants, builders, and enzymes, which are specifically formulated to enhance stain removal without the use of bleach, and are designed to work effectively across a range of molecular weights and concentrations to avoid stain fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phosphorous-based compounds and bleach compounds are used to remove stains, then cleaning performance is improved, but fabric damage and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using low molecular weight PEI (0.8-25 kDa) with specific charge density (15-25 meq/g) to achieve effective stain removal through chelation and complexation mechanisms, replacing the need for harsh bleach compounds while maintaining cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces PEI as an intermediary substance that mediates between the cleaning requirement and fabric protection. PEI forms complexes with metal ions in stains (such as iron in polyphenolic stains) and facilitates their removal without the direct damaging action of bleach on fabric fibers
2Reliability
If phosphorous-based compounds are used for stain removal, then cleaning performance is improved, but environmental restrictions and formulation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts phosphorous-based compounds from the detergent formulation entirely, replacing them with PEI-based chelation systems. This extraction simplifies the formulation by removing the need to balance multiple phosphorous compounds and their interactions with other detergent ingredients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes PEI a multi-functional ingredient that simultaneously provides water softening, stain removal enhancement, and metal ion sequestration functions, replacing multiple phosphorous-based additives with a single effective ingredient, thereby simplifying the overall formulation
3Reliability
If conventional detergents are used on difficult-to-remove stains, then stain removal is attempted, but fabric damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interaction between metal ions and fabric into a beneficial process by using PEI to chelate metal ions. The metal ions that would normally catalyze fabric degradation are instead sequestered by PEI, forming stable complexes that are easily removed without damaging the fabric
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses low molecular weight PEI (0.8-25 kDa) which provides effective chelation and cleaning enhancement but is used in relatively small quantities (0.001-5% by weight). This lower molecular weight form is more effective per unit mass and can be used in smaller amounts compared to conventional bleach systems
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 compositions effectively remove challenging stains such as chocolate pudding, grass, and polyphenolic stains like cherry juice and red wine from fabrics and surfaces, even under harsh water conditions, while maintaining fabric safety and avoiding bleach-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
The compositions of the invention provide certain benefits in cleaning of textiles (particularly fabrics including clothing), hard surfaces and dishware and utensils, including enhanced removal of certain difficult-to-remove stains such as chocolate pudding and grass, as well as of polyphenolic stains such as cherry juice, blueberry juice, red wine, tea and coffee
Implementation Method 2
Art-known approaches to these problems have included the use of polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers to enhance stain removal. PEI polymers are also known in the art as sequestrants in a variety of contexts
Implementation Method 3
The present invention provides detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, containing one or more surfactants
Implementation Method 4
The present invention provides detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, containing one or more surfactants
Implementation Method 5
The present invention provides detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, containing one or more surfactants, one or more builders, one or more enzymes
Implementation Method 6
The present invention provides detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, containing one or more surfactants, one or more builders
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen or chlorine bleach compounds, containing one or more surfactants, one or more builders, one or more enzymes and one or more low MW (e.g., 0.8-25 kDa) polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers or salts thereof, and methods of producing such compositions. The compositions of the invention provide certain benefits in cleaning of textiles (particularly fabrics including clothing), hard surfaces and dishware and utensils, including enhanced removal of certain difficult-to-remove stains such as chocolate pudding and grass, as well as of polyphenolic stains such as cherry juice, blueberry juice, red wine, tea and coffee. The invention also provides methods of using these compositions in laundry, hard surface cleaning and dishwashing applications.