Polyurethane Adduct Composition for Residue-Free Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compositions for cleaning textiles, such as carpets and clothing, often result in inconsistent stain removal and leave residues due to the use of certain agents.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising hydrogen peroxide and a polyurethane adduct of an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer reacted with hexamethylene diisocyanate, used as a pre-treatment in laundry or fabric washing, which acts as a softening agent and enhances stain removal without leaving residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard cleaning agents are used for stain removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but residues are left on the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by using hydrogen peroxide as the active cleaning agent and incorporating a specific polyurethane softening agent (sodium hydrogen sulphite adduct of ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer reacted with hexamethylene diisocyanate) at 0.1-0.8 wt%. This parameter change allows effective stain removal through oxidation while the polyurethane ensures complete rinsability without residue formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite cleaning system combining hydrogen peroxide (oxidizing agent) with a specific polyurethane softening agent. This composite formulation achieves synergistic effects where the hydrogen peroxide provides stain removal power and the polyurethane component ensures residue-free cleaning, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and residue prevention.
2Ease of operation
If simple spray and rub method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but cleaning consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters including hydrogen peroxide concentration (1-12 wt%), polyurethane content (0.1-0.8 wt%), and pH balance to create a formulation that works consistently across different application methods. The specific ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide units in the polyurethane is controlled to ensure predictable performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is formulated to be self-activating upon contact with the fabric and stain, requiring minimal user intervention. The hydrogen peroxide naturally activates to produce oxygen for stain breakdown, and the polyurethane automatically provides softening and rinsability benefits without requiring precise application technique from the user.
3Reliability
If polyurethane softening agent is added to enhance cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polyurethane softening agent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fabric softener, enhances stain removal performance, provides rinse-release properties to prevent residue, and contributes to the overall stability of the hydrogen peroxide formulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the polyurethane (0.1-0.8 wt%, specific molecular structure with ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer and hexamethylene diisocyanate) to optimize performance while maintaining formulation simplicity. These controlled parameters ensure consistent results without requiring complex formulation adjustments.
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 achieves better stain removal performance compared to standard softening agents, delivering effective cleaning benefits without residue, as demonstrated in comparative testing against reference additives.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen peroxide...acts as a softening agent and enhances stain removal
Implementation Method 2
The source of oxygen is present in an amount of up to 13wt%...The source of oxygen is hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 3
the polyurethane is a sodium hydrogen sulphite adduct of an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer reacted with hexamethylene diisocyanate...acts as a softening agent
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprises a source of oxygen and a polyurethane for use in a treatment operation in cleaning a fabric material.