Solvent-Based Fabric Treatment Composition for Low-Water Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laundry and cleaning compositions require significant water usage, are unstable in hot and dry conditions, and suffer from high viscosity and patching issues, making them inefficient for delivering cleaning and antimicrobial benefits to fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A fabric treatment composition comprising a solvent mix of a diol, a fatty acid ester, and a glycol ether, combined with surfactants, hydrotropes, and sequestrants, which reduces water consumption and stabilizes the formulation, allowing for effective cleaning and antimicrobial benefits without the need for extensive water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detergents are used for laundry, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the cleaning system by using a solvent-based formulation (methyl laurate, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, octane diol) instead of water-based detergent. This parameter change allows the cleaning active ingredients to be delivered in a non-aqueous medium, dramatically reducing water consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the unique solvency properties of the selected solvent system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a solvent system as an intermediary medium to carry the cleaning and antimicrobial active ingredients. The solvent mix (comprising methyl laurate, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, and octane diol) acts as a mediator that delivers the active substances to the fabric without requiring water, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and water consumption.
2Reliability
If CPC clay is added to provide antimicrobial benefit, then hygiene benefit is achieved, but formulation stability deteriorates in hot and dry conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and chemical environment of the antimicrobial particles by suspending them in a specifically designed solvent system rather than water. The solvent mix (methyl laurate, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, octane diol) provides a stable medium that maintains particle dispersion and prevents aggregation under hot and dry conditions, while still allowing the antimicrobial active ingredients to function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite formulation combining the solvent system with antimicrobial particles and other functional ingredients. This composite structure, where the solvent mix serves as the continuous phase and antimicrobial particles are dispersed throughout, provides both stability and functionality. The composite formulation maintains uniform distribution of active ingredients while resisting phase separation under various storage conditions.
3Reliability
If the formulation contains high viscosity components, then antimicrobial benefit is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in spraying
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the viscosity parameter of the formulation by selecting specific solvent components with appropriate rheological properties. The solvent mix (methyl laurate, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, octane diol) is formulated to provide sufficient viscosity to carry and protect the antimicrobial particles, while remaining low enough to flow easily through spray nozzles and apply uniformly to fabrics. This parameter optimization balances stability and ease of application.
4Reliability
If frequent washing is performed to maintain cleanliness, then hygiene is maintained, but fabric quality deteriorates becoming limp and dull
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the fabric to clean and freshen itself through the application of the composition. The solvent-based formulation with cleaning and antimicrobial active ingredients is applied directly to the fabric, allowing it to maintain its own cleanliness and hygiene without requiring external water-based washing. This self-service mechanism preserves fabric quality by eliminating the mechanical stress and water exposure that cause limpness and dullness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the water-based washing process from the hygiene maintenance routine and replaces it with a solvent-based treatment. By removing water from the cleaning equation and using an alternative solvent system, the invention maintains hygiene without the damaging effects of frequent water washing, thus preserving fabric quality and structure.
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 effectively cleans and freshens fabrics using 70% less water than conventional methods, while maintaining stability and preventing patching, thus addressing the inefficiencies of existing formulations.
Implementation Method 1
This formulation is effective in solubilizing and removing fatty/oily stain
Implementation Method 2
delivering antimicrobial benefits to fabrics
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition and a method for delaying laundry. The present invention provides a fabric treatment composition comprising: a solvent system in combination with surfactants, a hydrotrope, and a sequestrant, wherein the composition has a pH ranging from 2.5 to 5.0. The solvent system comprises a glycol ether; a diol; and a fatty acid ester. The composition of the present invention provides cleaning and anti-microbial benefits when used on a substrate.