Sodium Citrate Solidification Matrix for Detergent Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid alkaline detergents face issues with dimensional instability due to hydration state changes in sodium carbonate hydrate forms, leading to swelling, and the need for phosphorus-containing compounds, which are ecologically concerning, making it challenging to develop stable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A solidification matrix comprising a straight chain saturated carboxylic acid salt, sodium carbonate, and water, with controlled water content to stabilize the solidification process and exclude phosphorus and nitrilotriacetic acid, ensuring dimensional stability and environmental compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If sodium carbonate hydrate is used as the solidification matrix, then solidification can be achieved, but dimensional instability and swelling occur due to hydration state changes
Solution Approach 1:
Sodium citrate acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between sodium carbonate and water, controlling the solidification process. It forms a stable hydrate structure that prevents uncontrolled hydration state changes of sodium carbonate, thereby maintaining dimensional stability while enabling reliable solidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing sodium citrate at specific concentrations (5-50% by weight) and controlling water content (3-20% by weight). This parameter modification creates a stable hydrate form that resolves the contradiction between achieving solidification and maintaining dimensional stability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If phosphates are used in solid alkaline detergents, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm increases due to ecological concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes phosphates and NTA from the detergent composition entirely. It replaces these harmful substances with environmentally friendly alternatives: sodium citrate as the solidification agent and builders like zeolites, polyacrylates, or carboxymethyl cellulose, thereby eliminating environmental harm while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If NTA-containing aminocarboxylate is used as binding agent and hardness sequestrant, then phosphate replacement is achieved, but carcinogenicity concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the problematic NTA-containing aminocarboxylate with sodium citrate, which serves as both the solidification agent and binding agent. This substitution eliminates carcinogenicity concerns while maintaining the necessary functional versatility for binding and hardness sequestration through environmentally safe components.
4Shape
If conventional solidification methods are used, then solid block formation is achieved, but product swelling occurs after storage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by incorporating sodium citrate into the mixture before solidification occurs. This pre-established component controls the hydration process during solidification, preventing subsequent swelling and maintaining block integrity and dimensional stability during storage.
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 solution provides a dimensionally stable and phosphorus-free solid detergent composition with controlled solidification rates, preventing swelling and maintaining product integrity, while being environmentally friendly for various cleaning applications.
Implementation Method 1
combining the at least one straight chain saturated carboxylic acid salt with water to form a stable solidification mixture having a controlled rate of solidification
Implementation Method 2
form a stable solidification mixture having a controlled rate of solidification
Data Source
AI summary
A solidification matrix includes a straight chain saturated carboxylic acid salt, sodium carbonate, and water. The straight chain saturated carboxylic acid salt is selected from a salt of a mono-, di-, or tri- carboxylic acid. The solidification matrix may be used, for example, in a solid detergent composition.