Self-Stabilizing Opacifying Polymers for Detergent Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymers used in cleaning compositions lack opacity and effective cleaning benefits, and existing opacifier technologies rely on high molecular weight emulsion polymers that are not suitable for detergent formulations, while also requiring surfactants for stabilization.
Innovation Solution
Development of low molecular weight solution polymers that are self-stabilizing, allowing for the production of extremely hydrophobic copolymers with opacifying properties, which can be used in aqueous systems without surfactants, providing dispersancy and anti-redeposition benefits in detergent formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high molecular weight emulsion polymers are used as opacifiers, then opacity is achieved, but cleaning benefits are lost and surfactants are required for stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter from high (greater than 100,000 Da) to low (less than 50,000 Da), transforming the polymer's properties to simultaneously achieve opacity and maintain cleaning benefits without requiring surfactants
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer is designed to be self-stabilizing through its own molecular structure, eliminating the need for external surfactant stabilization while maintaining both opacity and cleaning functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If emulsion polymerization is used to produce hydrophobic polymers, then hydrophobicity is achieved, but the polymers cannot be formulated in aqueous systems without surfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymerization method from emulsion to solution polymerization and adjusts molecular weight parameters, enabling hydrophobic polymers to be formulated in aqueous systems without surfactants while maintaining their hydrophobic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a water-miscible solvent as an intermediary during polymerization that allows hydrophobic monomers to be polymerized in an aqueous system, with the solvent being removed afterward to leave a stable dispersion
3Adaptability or versatility
If solution polymerization is used with water-miscible solvents, then polymerization can occur in aqueous systems, but the solvents must be removed from the final formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water-miscible solvents through evaporation or distillation during the polymerization process, allowing the solvent to be removed and leaving behind a stable polymer dispersion suitable for aqueous formulations
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 self-stabilizing dispersion polymers offer improved opacity and cleaning benefits in detergent formulations, eliminating the need for surfactants and enabling the use of hydrophobic monomers in aqueous systems, while maintaining particulate nature upon dilution.
Implementation Method 1
They can lend opacity to aqueous formulations such as liquid detergents
Implementation Method 2
the copolymers can be used as opacifiers in aqueous formulations. Examples of such hydrophobically modified copolymers include solution polymers of acrylic acid and styrene
Data Source
AI summary
A self-stabilizing dispersion composition having a copolymer having at least one polymerizable acid-containing moiety, wherein the at least one acid-containing moiety is at least partially neutralized before or during polymerization, and at least one hydrophobic moiety. A process for producing such compositions is also provided, as well as a process for encapsulating water-insoluble actives in such copolymers.