Streak-Free Cleaning Formulations Using Butylene Oxide Surfactants
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard surface cleaning formulations using polymer surfactants derived from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide fail to provide streak-free, glossy finishes, despite offering good cleaning results.
Innovation Solution
A formulation comprising liquid solvents, film-forming polymers with acid functional residues and polyvalent metal ions, and polymer surfactants derived from ethylene oxide and butylene oxide, applied in layers to hard surfaces to achieve a shiny, streak-free finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer surfactants derived from ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are used in hard surface cleaning formulations, then good cleaning results are achieved, but streaking occurs on the cleaned surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the surfactant by replacing propylene oxide units with butylene oxide units in the polymer structure. This parameter change modifies the surfactant's molecular characteristics and surface activity, thereby eliminating streaking while preserving cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite surfactant system comprising both ethylene oxide and butylene oxide polymerized units in a specific structural arrangement. This composite structure combines the beneficial properties of both oxide units to achieve both effective cleaning and streak-free surfaces
2Illumination intensity
If cleaning formulations are applied to hard surfaces to provide a glossy appearance, then shine performance is improved, but streaking and surface anomalies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surfactant molecular structure parameters by incorporating butylene oxide units with specific chain lengths and ratios, which changes the surfactant's film-forming and leveling properties. This enables the formulation to produce a uniform glossy finish without streaking or surface anomalies
3Manufacturing precision
If film-forming polymers with high molecular weight are used in the formulation, then even distribution and deposition are achieved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the film-forming polymer to be at least 80,000 g/mol, which provides sufficient viscosity and film-forming capability for even distribution. The specific molecular weight threshold balances film uniformity with formulation simplicity and ease of application
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 formulation effectively delivers a glossy, streak-free appearance on hard surfaces by ensuring even distribution and deposition of film-forming polymers, addressing the limitations of previous surfactant-based solutions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more polymer surfactants, each comprising polymerized units derived from ethylene oxide and butylene oxide
Implementation Method 2
one or more film-forming polymers having a weight average molecular weight of at least 80,000 g/mol
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to formulations for cleaning hard surfaces and leaving a glossy, streak-free finish thereon, the formulations comprising one or more liquid solvents, one or more film-forming polymers and one or more polymer surfactants comprising polymerized units derived from ethylene oxide and butylenes oxide.