pH-Stabilized Peroxide Microemulsion for Hard-Water Cleaning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning solutions face challenges with formulation performance, color stability, odor, and extended shelf life while maintaining environmentally preferred characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A pH-stabilized peroxide-based microemulsion formulation using a two-component buffer system, comprising a first buffering agent and a second buffering agent, to maintain a pH of approximately 2.0 to 2.5 in diluted and non-diluted forms, even in the presence of EPA-defined hard water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a peroxide-based cleaning formulation is used, then cleaning performance is improved, but pH instability and corrosiveness worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidpH stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A two-component buffer system acts as an intermediary between the peroxide-based cleaning agents and the environment, mediating pH control to maintain stability while preserving cleaning effectiveness. The buffer system components work together to resist pH changes without interfering with the peroxide's oxidizing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation uses a two-component buffer system that maintains pH within a specific range (approximately 2.0 to 2.5) through coordinated action of buffer components. This parameter control allows the peroxide to remain effective for cleaning while preventing excessive corrosiveness that would occur at lower pH levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If pH is reduced to enhance cleaning power, then cleaning performance is improved, but corrosiveness worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning powerVSAvoidcorrosiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The two-component buffer system precisely controls pH within the range of approximately 2.0 to 2.5, optimizing cleaning power while minimizing corrosiveness. This parameter optimization allows the formulation to achieve effective cleaning without the excessive metal corrosion associated with lower pH levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer system converts the potential harm of low pH (corrosiveness) into a benefit by maintaining the pH at an optimal level that provides sufficient cleaning power while protecting metal surfaces. The peroxide's oxidizing action provides cleaning effectiveness without requiring excessively low pH levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional buffer systems are used, then pH control is achieved, but colorant and fragrance stability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepH controlVSAvoidcolorant and fragrance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The two-component buffer system acts as a specialized intermediary that provides pH control while being compatible with colorants and fragrances. Unlike conventional single-component buffers that may cause precipitation or degradation, this buffer system maintains stability of all formulation components including aesthetic additives throughout the shelf life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If single-component buffer systems are used, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but pH stability in hard water worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidpH stability in hard water

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The formulation uses a composite two-component buffer system that combines two buffering agents working synergistically. This composite approach provides superior pH stability in hard water conditions compared to single-component buffers, while adding minimal complexity to the formulation. The two components complement each other to resist pH changes from water hardness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 formulation achieves stable pH levels, enhancing the performance and shelf life of cleaning solutions while minimizing corrosiveness and maintaining desired properties.

Implementation Method 1

a pH stabilizing system, wherein the pH stabilizing system comprises: (a) a first buffering agent, and (b) a second buffering agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuffering:

Implementation Method 2

an oxidizing agent, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises a peroxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

peroxide-based microemulsion formulations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicroemulsion: Microemulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20260015559A1POTENTIAL OF HYDROGEN (pH) STABILIZED CLEANING FORMULATIONS

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ENVIROX LLC

AI summary

A microemulsion cleaning solution, including: water; a solvent; an oxidizing agent, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises a peroxide; a pH stabilizing system, wherein the pH stabilizing system comprises a first buffering agent and a second buffering agent; a surfactant; an optional colorant; and an optional fragrance.