Stabilized Malodor Counteractant Composition for Long-Lasting Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing malodor counteractants are highly volatile and unable to effectively neutralize odors for an extended period, as they are prone to self-polymerization, which reduces their malodor neutralizing activity and stability.
Innovation Solution
Development of malodor counteracting compositions comprising a malodor counteractant with a backbone and reactive end groups, specifically α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moieties, combined with a stabilizer to prevent self-polymerization and maintain long-term effectiveness, such as pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, which are insoluble and have low vapor pressure to minimize impact on product olfactory character.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly volatile malodor counteractants are used, then they can effectively neutralize malodors initially, but they are prone to self-polymerization which reduces their stability and duration of action
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizer is introduced as an intermediary substance that prevents self-polymerization of the malodor counteractant. The stabilizer interferes with the polymerization mechanism without interfering with the malodor neutralizing function, allowing the counteractant to remain stable and effective for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The molecular weight parameter of the counteractant is increased by attaching it to a backbone structure. This parameter change reduces volatility and self-polymerization tendency while maintaining malodor neutralizing capability through the reactive end groups.
2Speed
If small molecular weight counteractants are used, then they have high volatility and can reach malodor sources quickly, but they cannot maintain effectiveness for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The counteractant molecule is segmented into two functional parts: a backbone structure that provides stability and low volatility, and reactive end groups that provide malodor neutralizing activity. This segmentation allows the molecule to have both slow release properties and high effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The counteractant is formed as a composite structure combining a backbone (polymer, oligomer, or surfactant) with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl end groups. This composite structure integrates the stabilizing effect of the backbone with the reactive capability of the end groups, achieving both longevity and effectiveness.
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 compositions effectively neutralize thiol- and amine-based malodors for a prolonged period, maintaining 50% or more of their original activity and preventing self-condensation, thereby providing stable and sustained malodor counteraction.
Implementation Method 1
a malodor counteractant that is capable of neutralizing a malodor and having a backbone and one or more reactive end groups that are covalently attached to the backbone
Implementation Method 2
a stabilizer that is capable of decreasing or preventing self-polymerization of the malodor counteractant
Data Source
AI summary
A malodor counteracting composition contains a malodor counteractant that is capable of neutralizing a malodor and a stabilizer that is capable of decreasing or preventing self-polymerization of the malodor counteractant. The malodor counteractant has a backbone and one or more reactive end groups that are covalently attached to the backbone, the backbone has a molecular weight of 100 to 50,000 Daltons, and the one or more reactive end groups each have an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group. Also disclosed are consumer, industrial or textile products containing the malodor counteracting composition and methods of neutralizing malodor using the composition.