Polymer-Micelle Complexes for Low-CMC Surfactant Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning product formulations face challenges in reducing the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of quaternary ammonium compounds, leading to high concentrations that are hazardous and difficult to apply effectively, especially in dilution scenarios, while also relying on volatile organic solvents that are regulated and potentially irritating.
Innovation Solution
The development of a composition comprising a polymer-micelle complex with a negatively charged micelle electrostatically bound to a water-soluble polymer bearing a positive charge, which does not form coacervates and is free of alcohols and glycol ethers, allowing for fine control of surfactant interactions and reduced CMC, enhancing adsorption and oil solubilization without the need for volatile organic solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds are used to ensure adequate adsorption onto microbes, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but skin and eye hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of quaternary ammonium compounds from high to low by introducing anionic surfactants that form micelles. These micelles enhance the adsorption efficiency of the cationic surfactants, allowing effective antimicrobial action at lower concentrations, thus reducing skin and eye hazards while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining anionic surfactants (forming micelles) with cationic quaternary ammonium compounds. This composite approach allows the micelles to act as carriers that enhance the delivery and adsorption of the antimicrobial agent, improving efficacy at reduced concentrations and thereby reducing harmful effects.
2Ease of operation
If volatile organic solvents are added to adjust formulation properties, then wetting and cleaning performance is improved, but health risks and regulatory concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes volatile organic solvents from the formulation by using alternative mechanisms. The micellar system formed by anionic and cationic surfactants provides the necessary wetting and cleaning performance through surfactant-protein interactions and surface tension reduction, eliminating the need for harmful volatile solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces micelles as intermediary structures that mediate between the surfactants and the surfaces to be cleaned. These micellar complexes act as intermediaries that enhance wetting and cleaning performance through controlled surfactant release and interaction, replacing the function previously performed by volatile organic solvents.
3Manufacturing precision
If significant amounts of simple electrolytes are added to increase screening of headgroup charges, then micelle size and shape control is improved, but residues are left behind upon drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the ionic composition parameter by using cationic quaternary ammonium compounds as counterions instead of simple electrolytes like sodium chloride. This substitution allows for charge screening and micelle structure control while the organic nature of the cationic surfactants reduces residue formation upon drying compared to inorganic salts.
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
This approach provides enhanced adsorption activity, reduced skin irritation, and environmental sustainability by allowing for effective antimicrobial performance at lower surfactant concentrations, eliminating the need for volatile organic solvents and reducing hazardous chemical exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer-micelle complex comprising a negatively charged micelle that is electrostatically bound to a water-soluble polymer bearing a positive charge
Implementation Method 2
surfactants and surfactant mixtures in aqueous media exhibit the ability to adsorb at the air-water, solid-water, and oil-water interfaces
Implementation Method 3
lowering of the surface tension of water
Implementation Method 4
At the CMC, surfactants begin to form aggregates in the bulk solution known as micelles
Implementation Method 5
the solubilization of oils in the detergency process
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polymer-micelle complex. The polymer-micelle complexes include a negatively charged micelle that is electrostatically bound to a water-soluble polymer bearing a positive charge. The polymer does not comprise block copolymer, latex particles, polymer nanoparticles, cross-linked polymers, silicone copolymer, fluorosurfactant, or amphoteric copolymer. The compositions do not form a coacervate, and do not form a film when applied to a surface.