Solidification Matrix Using Polycarboxylic Acid Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid alkaline detergents face issues with dimensional instability due to the swelling of sodium carbonate hydrate-based materials, which affects packaging, dispensing, and use, and there is a need for phosphorous-free and NTA-free alternatives to address ecological concerns.
Innovation Solution
A solidification matrix comprising a polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water is used to form a hydrate solid, which provides dimensional stability and excludes phosphorus and NTA-containing compounds, allowing for environmentally friendly detergent compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If sodium carbonate hydrate-based materials are used for solidification, then solid detergent composition can be formed, but dimensional instability and swelling occur after storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hydration state parameter of sodium carbonate from hydrated forms (7-mole or 10-mole hydrates) to anhydrous form. This parameter change eliminates the dimensional instability and swelling issues that occur when hydrated forms convert between different hydration states during storage. The anhydrous form maintains constant dimensions regardless of environmental humidity changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solidification matrix combining multiple components: anhydrous sodium carbonate, organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid, or acetic acid), and water. This composite system provides dimensional stability through the synergistic interaction of components, where the organic acid moderates the solidification process and prevents the swelling that occurs with pure hydrated sodium carbonate systems.
2Reliability
If phosphates and NTA-containing compounds are used as binding agents and hardness sequestrants, then effective detergent performance is achieved, but ecological harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes phosphates and NTA-containing compounds from the detergent formulation. By eliminating these ecologically harmful substances, the patent achieves environmentally friendly detergent compositions while maintaining effective performance through alternative binding agents and hardness sequestrants such as organic acids and their salts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces persistent ecological pollutants (phosphates and NTA) with biodegradable alternatives like organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid, acetic acid) and their salts. These alternative components provide the necessary detergent functions but degrade harmlessly in the environment, eliminating long-term ecological accumulation issues.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hydrated sodium carbonate forms are used in solid detergent, then solidification is achieved, but hydration state shifts cause structural changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the hydration parameter from hydrated forms to anhydrous form. This eliminates the problem of hydration state shifts that occur during storage and transportation. The anhydrous sodium carbonate maintains a fixed chemical composition and crystal structure, ensuring consistent physical and chemical properties throughout the product shelf life.
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 solution achieves dimensional stability and environmental acceptability by controlling the solidification process and rate, ensuring the detergent compositions remain stable and effective without phosphorus or NTA, suitable for various cleaning applications.
Implementation Method 1
The polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid
Data Source
AI summary
A solidification matrix includes a polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water. Exemplary polycarboxylic acid polymers include a polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, a modified polyacrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 1,000 and about 100,000, and a polymaleic acid polymer having a molecular weight of between about 500 and about 5,000. The polycarboxylic acid polymer, sodium carbonate, and water interact to form a hydrate solid. The solidification matrix may be used, for example, in a solid detergent composition.