Softening agent for textiles, aqueous solution of softening agent for textiles and method for producing same, and textile and method for producing same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional softening agents for textiles with washing durability are highly combustible and exhibit poor flame retardancy due to their primary silicone component.

Innovation Solution

A softening agent for textiles comprising a non-silicone compound (A) with a polyoxyalkylene chain and a crosslinking agent (B), which react to form a durable polymer coating on fibers, improving washing durability without compromising flame retardancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a silicone component is used as a primary component in a softening agent, then washing durability is improved, but flame retardancy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing durabilityVSAvoidflame retardancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing the primary silicone component with a polyoxyalkylene compound containing reactive functional groups. This parameter change allows the softening agent to maintain washing durability through crosslinking while improving flame retardancy by eliminating highly combustible silicone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite softening agent system combining a polyoxyalkylene compound (compound A) with a crosslinking agent (compound B). This composite approach enables the formation of crosslinked polymer coatings that provide both washing durability and flame retardancy, resolving the contradiction between these two properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a crosslinked polymer coating is formed on fibers, then washing durability is improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping the polyoxyalkylene compound (compound A) with reactive functional groups before application. This allows the crosslinking reaction to occur in-situ on the fiber surface during or after softening agent application, forming the crosslinked coating without requiring separate complex manufacturing steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a crosslinking agent (compound B) as an intermediary that facilitates the formation of crosslinked structures. This intermediary enables the polyoxyalkylene compound to form durable coatings through crosslinking reactions, simplifying the overall process compared to pre-synthesized crosslinked polymers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively enhances the washing durability of textiles while maintaining excellent flame retardancy, unlike traditional silicone-based agents.

Implementation Method 1

a softening agent for textiles that contains a specific compound (A) and a crosslinking agent (B)... the compound (A) and the crosslinking agent (B)... has a functional group (R1) capable of producing an ether, an ester, or a nitrogen-containing compound upon reacting with the crosslinking agent (B)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12312739B2Softening agent for textiles, aqueous solution of softening agent for textiles and method for producing same, and textile and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 GOULSTON TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Provided is a softening agent for textiles characterized by containing a compound (A) and a crosslinking agent (B). The compound (A) is a non-silicone compound having a polyoxyalkylene chain in the molecule, and has a functional group (R1) capable of producing an ether, an ester, or a nitrogen-containing compound upon reacting with the crosslinking agent (B).