Rhamnolipid–Sulfonated Ester Compositions for Low-Film Hard-Surface Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard surface cleaning compositions struggle to provide effective cleaning performance while minimizing film/streak properties, and there is a need for sustainable ingredients derived from renewable sources.
Innovation Solution
A hard surface cleaning composition comprising rhamnolipids and sulfonated alkyl ester anionic surfactants, optionally with gluconic acid or sodium gluconate as a builder, in specific ratios to achieve good cleaning and low filming/streaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the amount of surfactants in the cleaning composition is reduced to lessen filming/streaking, then film/streak properties are improved, but cleaning performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite surfactant system combining rhamnolipids (biodegradable glycolipids) with sulfonated alkyl ester anionic surfactants. This composite approach allows the rhamnolipids to provide biodegradability and mildness while the sulfonated alkyl ester surfactants provide strong cleaning power and low film/streak properties, achieving both cleaning performance and low filming/streaking without reducing total surfactant content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the ratio of rhamnolipid to sulfonated alkyl ester surfactant (0.1-5% rhamnolipid to 0.1-5% sulfonated alkyl ester), pH level (6-9), and concentration ranges to achieve the desired balance between cleaning performance and low film/streak properties
2Reliability
If conventional surfactants are used to achieve good cleaning performance, then cleaning performance is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to fossil fuel-based ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical origin parameter by using rhamnolipids derived from renewable biological sources (fermentation of sugars) instead of fossil fuel-based surfactants. The rhamnolipids are produced through microbial fermentation processes, providing a biodegradable, environmentally friendly alternative that maintains cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation combines rhamnolipids (biobased) with sulfonated alkyl ester anionic surfactants to create a composite system that achieves the cleaning performance typically associated with conventional surfactants while incorporating environmentally friendly, biodegradable 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 composition achieves at least 75% soil removal with film/streak scores of 1.0 or less on ceramic and 3.0 or less on polypropylene, demonstrating a surprising combination of effective cleaning and low residue formation.
Implementation Method 1
The present technology relates to hard surface cleaning compositions that comprise biolipids, such as rhamnolipids... at least one sulfonated alkyl ester anionic surfactant... provide both good cleaning performance and low film/streak properties
Implementation Method 2
Desirable attributes for hard surface cleaning compositions, in general, include the ability to emulsify or penetrate greasy or oily soils
Implementation Method 3
suspend or disperse particulates, in order to clean articles or surfaces; and then prevent the soils, grease, or particulates from re-depositing
Data Source
AI summary
Hard surface cleaning compositions that contain at least one rhamnolipid, at least one sulfonated alkyl ester anionic surfactant, and optionally at least one builder are disclosed. The compositions provide a combination of good soil removal and low film/streak properties, and are useful for soil removal applications including, but not limited to, cleaning bathroom and kitchen articles and/or surfaces.