Poly Quaternary Alkyl Polyglucoside Surfactant for Biodegradable Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detergents used in institutional settings, such as alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs), pose environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradability and estrogen-like properties, necessitating an environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternative for hard surface cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A hard surface cleaning composition comprising a poly quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, and water, which is free of APEs, effectively removing soils containing up to 20% proteins and is derived from renewable bio-based resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) are used as surfactants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases due to non-biodegradability and estrogen-like properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the surfactant from APEs to poly quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosides, which have different molecular composition and properties. This substitution maintains cleaning effectiveness while eliminating the harmful environmental characteristics of APEs, specifically the non-biodegradability and estrogen-like properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs biodegradable surfactants that break down quickly in the environment, replacing persistent APEs. The poly quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosides are designed to be environmentally transient, degrading into harmless substances after performing their cleaning function, thus eliminating long-term environmental contamination.
2Reliability
If APEs are used in detergents, then grease removal performance is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surfactant molecular structure from APEs to poly quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucosides, changing the chemical composition to include glucose units and quaternary ammonium groups. This structural change enables rapid biodegradation while preserving the surfactant's ability to effectively remove grease and soils from surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite surfactant structure combining polyglucoside backbone with quaternary functional groups. This composite structure integrates the biodegradability of glucose-based polymers with the effective cleaning properties of quaternary surfactants, achieving both grease removal performance and environmental compatibility.
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 composition provides equivalent or superior cleaning performance to NPE-based detergents while being environmentally friendly and biodegradable, suitable for various industrial applications including ware washing and laundering.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is a cleaning composition including a poly quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside... effective at removing soils containing up to 20% proteins... APEs are used in detergents as a cleanser and a degreaser for their effectiveness at removing soils containing grease
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning composition including a poly quaternary functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent, an acid source, a solvent, and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins. The cleaning compositions include a biorenewable, environmentally friendly alternative to nonyl phenol ethoxylates and exhibit superior cleaning of food soils.