Stainless-Steel Cleaning Composition for Eco-Friendly Foam and Water Sheeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a hard surface cleaning composition that provides good environmental profile without compromising consumer satisfaction in terms of cleaning perception and performance, particularly for stainless-steel surfaces, which often requires visual cues like foam formation and water sheeting, and is eco-friendly with high Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) and Biorenewable Carbon Index (BCI).
Innovation Solution
A liquid detergent composition comprising a surfactant system with a specific ratio of anionic and amphoteric surfactants, free of alkylbenzene sulphonates, and optionally including enzymes, inorganic salts, and enzymes, to achieve effective foam formation and water sheeting on stainless-steel surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surfactants like ABS are used, then cleaning performance is improved, but environmental profile deteriorates (low RCI/BCI)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using surfactants with high RCI/BCI values (like APG and rhamnolipids) instead of conventional low-RCI surfactants like ABS, while adjusting surfactant ratios and concentrations to maintain cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surfactant system combining multiple surfactant types (anionic, non-ionic, amphoteric) with complementary high RCI/BCI properties to achieve both environmental sustainability and effective cleaning performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If eco-friendly surfactants with high RCI/BCI are used, then environmental profile is improved, but foam formation and visual cues deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple surfactant types (anionic surfactant A, anionic surfactant B, and amphoteric surfactant) in specific ratios to combine their individual strengths in foam generation while maintaining high RCI/BCI values
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of different surfactants (e.g., surfactant A at 70-90 wt%, surfactant B at 10-30 wt%) to achieve optimal foam formation characteristics with eco-friendly ingredients
3Reliability
If stainless-steel surfaces are cleaned, then cleaning performance is improved, but water splitting effect worsens (indicating poor cleaning)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the surfactant composition parameters and concentrations to modify the surface properties of cleaned stainless-steel, transforming the water interaction from hydrophobic (water splitting) to hydrophilic (water sheeting)
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 provides improved visual cues of foam and water sheeting, ensuring effective cleaning performance while maintaining an eco-friendly profile with high RCI and BCI, addressing consumer satisfaction and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a surfactant system providing for good foam and cleaning performance on stainless-steel hard surfaces
Implementation Method 2
When a stainless-steel dishware item, like e.g. a plate, is cleaned with an implement dipped in cleaning liquid, like e.g. a sponge, the plate is rinsed with water to remove the foam and emulsified soil. On a stainless-steel surface, water will be repelled if the surface is rendered hydrophobic
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to liquid aqueous detergent compositions comprising a surfactant system comprising a primary surfactant being anionic surfactant and a secondary surfactant being amphoteric surfactant, and one or more enzymes whilst the surfactant system is free of alkylbenzene sulphonates and derivatives thereof. The invention further relates to a method of cleaning a stainless-steel hard surface using the composition of the invention, as well as the use thereof.