Phenolic Compositions for Stable Fabric Malodor Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antioxidant compositions for reducing malodor in fabrics are inadequate in efficiency, stability, and transferability, particularly at lower concentrations, and there is a need for improved methods to prevent oxidation of sebum and oils on fabrics.
Innovation Solution
The use of phenolic compositions comprising multiple phenolic compounds with specific alkyl group variations, such as Formulae (I) to (VIII), which provide enhanced antioxidant strength and stability, allowing for effective malodor reduction over extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antioxidants are used in laundry compositions, then malodor reduction is achieved, but the effectiveness is insufficient at lower concentrations and over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite antioxidant system comprising multiple phenolic compounds (e.g., BHT, BHA, PGPE) in specific combinations and ratios. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the combined antioxidants provide superior malodor reduction at lower concentrations compared to single antioxidants, addressing the contradiction between effectiveness and concentration by leveraging material composition rather than quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the ratios of different phenolic compounds (e.g., BHT:BHA:PGPE ratios), the molecular structure of phenolic compounds with specific alkyl groups, and concentration levels. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the composition achieves enhanced antioxidant strength and stability that maintains effectiveness over extended periods at lower concentrations
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional antioxidants are deposited onto clothing, then some malodor protection is provided, but transferability and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surfactants and fabric softening agents as intermediary substances that facilitate the deposition and anchoring of phenolic antioxidants onto fabric surfaces. These intermediaries improve the wettability and adhesion of the antioxidant composition, enabling better transferability during the rinse cycle while maintaining stability on the fabric after drying
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts parameters such as pH levels, ionic strength, and temperature of the rinse composition to optimize both transferability and stability. Specific pH ranges enhance the ionization state of phenolic compounds for better fabric binding, while controlled temperatures prevent degradation during application, simultaneously improving ease of transfer and long-term stability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If antioxidants are used to prevent oxidation of oils, then malodor generation is reduced, but the composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects phenolic antioxidants that serve multiple functions: they act as primary antioxidants preventing oil oxidation, function as secondary antioxidants scavenging free radicals, and some exhibit mild surfactant properties that aid in soil removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additives, managing formulation complexity while comprehensively addressing malodor generation from multiple pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several phenolic compounds with different mechanisms of action into a single integrated composition. By merging BHT (lipid-soluble antioxidant), BHA (broad-spectrum antioxidant), and PGPE (water-soluble phenolic), the formulation achieves comprehensive protection against malodor generation through synergistic interactions, managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components
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 phenolic compositions effectively reduce malodor by preventing oxidation of sebum and oils on fabrics, offering improved stability and transferability, even at lower concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
These soils that remain on the fabric service may consist of human sebum and other oils that are prone to autoxidation and breakdown into volatile, malodorous compounds
Implementation Method 2
These antioxidants reduce the rate of autoxidation of the oils, and in turn prevent the generation of malodorous compounds
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are phenolic compositions and laundry care compositions comprising such phenolic compositions. The laundry care compositions may reduce malodor of fabrics or articles laundered with the same.