Polymeric Fatliquor Softness and Fogging Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric fatliquors for leather do not provide sufficient softness and lightness, cause fogging in automotive applications, and are not suitable for garments due to volatility and weight issues, while also requiring higher quantities and being less resistant to mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymeric fatliquors based on a combination of glycol polymers with maleic anhydride and fatty substances, including ethoxylated fatty alcohols and acids, sorbitol esters, and modified lanolin, which are phosphated or sulfated to create a stable, soft, and waxy finish that reduces fogging and weight, while maintaining mechanical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If polymeric fatliquors based on natural and/or synthetic raw material from renewable sources are used, then the quantity required per kg of skin is reduced and stability during transportation and storage is improved, but the soft feeling level in the treated skin is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components including polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, sorbitol esters, and modified lanolin to create a composite polymeric fatliquor system. This composite approach allows the formulation to achieve both reduced quantity requirements and enhanced soft feeling properties by synergistically combining the benefits of different raw materials from renewable sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the fatliquor components through ethoxylation and polymerization processes. By changing the molecular weight, degree of ethoxylation, and polymer structure, the formulation achieves improved stability during transportation and storage while maintaining or enhancing the soft feeling effect, thereby resolving the contradiction between quantity reduction and softness achievement.
2Reliability
If polymeric fatliquors are used for automotive finishing equipment, then the skin is treated, but volatile substances are released causing fogging on the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volatility parameters of the fatliquor by using polymerized structures and ethoxylated compounds with higher molecular weights. This reduces the vapor pressure and volatility of the treatment substances, thereby minimizing fogging on automotive glass while maintaining effective leather treatment. The modified lanolin and sorbitol ester components specifically contribute to reduced volatility.
3Reliability
If polymeric fatliquors are used for garments, then the skin is treated, but the required lightness and softness for wearing comfort are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight and structural parameters of the polymeric fatliquor components to achieve the right balance between treatment effectiveness and weight. By controlling the degree of polymerization and ethoxylation, the formulation provides sufficient softness and durability for garments without excessive weight gain, ensuring wearing comfort.
4Reliability
If traditional sulfitated fatliquors are used, then the skin is treated, but the specific weight increases and mechanical resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional sulfitated fatliquors with a composite system based on non-sulfitated components including ethoxylated fatty alcohols, sorbitol esters, and modified lanolin. This composite formulation achieves effective leather treatment without the weight increase associated with traditional sulfitated products, while simultaneously improving mechanical resistance through the synergistic action of multiple 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 new polymeric fatliquors achieve a higher level of softness and lightness, reduce fogging, and allow for lower usage quantities, providing a comfortable and durable leather finish suitable for various applications without increasing weight or compromising mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
Introducing the reactions of phosphating or sulphation, coupled with the use of fatty substances C6-C28 alkyl or alkenyl, leads to obtain products able to give pastiness, softness, waxy feeling and fullness to the skin
Implementation Method 2
Introducing the reactions of phosphating or sulphation, coupled with the use of fatty substances C6-C28 alkyl or alkenyl, leads to obtain products able to give pastiness, softness, waxy feeling and fullness to the skin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the synthesis of a polymeric fatliquor based on a glycol polymer + maleic anhydride previously reacted with at least one amongst a sorbitol ester, a natural or synthetic glycerol monoester, a natural or synthetic glycerol diester, castor oil, ethoxylated castor oil, a modified lanolin fatty acid, lecithin, modified lecithin + sulfitation or phosphating or sulphation. The invention relates furthermore to a method for obtaining such polymeric fatliquor.