Powder Laundry Detergent Foam Volume via Polymer Molecular Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for powder laundry formulations that can generate more suds during hand washing without increasing the amount of surfactant, as high suds volume is desirable for cleaning effectiveness but adding more surfactant is expensive.
Innovation Solution
A powder laundry detergent formulation comprising 5 to 50 wt% detergent surfactant, 25 to 80 wt% builder, 0.01 to 1 wt% polyethylene oxide with a weight average molecular weight of 750,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons, and 0.01 to 5 wt% poly(acrylic acid) with a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 20,000 Daltons, which improves foam volume and stability when mixed with wash water and used for hand washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If more surfactant is added to improve suds formation, then suds volume and stability are improved, but formulation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameters of existing formulation components. Specifically, it uses polyethylene oxide with Mw of 750,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons and poly(acrylic acid) with Mw of 1,000 to 20,000 Daltons. By optimizing these molecular weight parameters, the formulation achieves enhanced suds volume and stability without adding more surfactant, thereby resolving the contradiction between suds performance and formulation cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining polyethylene oxide and poly(acrylic acid) in specific proportions (0.01 to 1 wt% and 0.01 to 5 wt% respectively) with the surfactant and builder. This composite material approach allows the polymers to work synergistically to enhance foam properties without requiring additional surfactant, thus improving suds volume while maintaining cost effectiveness
2Quantity of substance
If polyethylene oxide and poly(acrylic acid) are added in optimal proportions, then foam volume and stability are enhanced, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise molecular weight ranges and concentration proportions for the polymer additives. By controlling these parameters within defined ranges (polyethylene oxide: 750,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons at 0.01 to 1 wt%; poly(acrylic acid): 1,000 to 20,000 Daltons at 0.01 to 5 wt%), the formulation achieves enhanced foam performance while maintaining manageable complexity through parameter standardization
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 formulation achieves enhanced foam volume and stability, effectively addressing the need for increased suds without the expense of adding more surfactant, thus improving hand washing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a powder laundry detergent formulation including a blend of a polyethylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight, Mw, of 750,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons and a poly(acrylic acid) having a weight average molecular weight, Mw, of 1,000 to 20,000 Daltons has improved foam volume and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A powder laundry detergent formulation is provided having a detergent surfactant; a builder; a polyethylene oxide having a weight average molecular weight, Mw, of 750,000 Daltons to 10,000,000; and a poly(acrylic acid) having a weight average molecular weight, Mw, of 1,000 to 20,000.