Structured Surfactant System for Stable Abrasive Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing liquids fail to effectively remove stubborn encrustations due to sedimentation issues with abrasive particles, which either settle over time or leave a gritty residue, and existing methods to prevent sedimentation either increase viscosity, making the composition hard to pour or are ineffective for coarse particles.
Innovation Solution
A stable, pourable, homogeneous composition is achieved by suspending solid alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal halide salt in a saturated aqueous solution with sufficient surfactant to form a structured surfactant system, which immobilizes particles and maintains stability during use and rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If abrasive particles are incorporated in dishwashing formulations to remove stubborn encrustations, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the abrasive tends to sediment out on standing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the liquid medium by adjusting ionic strength, pH, and temperature to optimize the suspension stability of abrasive particles. By controlling these parameters, the formulation maintains abrasive particles in suspension without sedimentation while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surfactants and polymers as intermediary substances that adsorb onto abrasive particle surfaces, providing steric or electrostatic stabilization. These intermediaries prevent particle aggregation and sedimentation, allowing coarse abrasives to remain suspended in the dishwashing liquid.
2Stability of the object's composition
If viscosifiers such as gums or polymeric thickeners are used to raise the viscosity of the liquid medium to retard sedimentation, then suspension stability is improved, but the composition becomes harder to pour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameters of the liquid medium by selecting specific polymers and controlling their concentration, ionic strength, and pH. This allows achieving sufficient suspension stability while maintaining pourability through precise parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional components to different aspects of the formulation: suspending agents for stability and low-viscosity surfactants for pourability. Each component performs its specific function locally without compromising the other property.
3Stability of the object's composition
If colloidal dispersions are formed to prevent sedimentation by Brownian motion, then suspension stability is improved, but the system is incapable of dispersing relatively coarse particles such as abrasives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite suspension system combining multiple stabilization mechanisms: electrostatic repulsion from charged surfactants, steric hindrance from polymers, and ionic strength control. This composite approach enables stabilization of coarse abrasive particles that are too large for pure colloidal dispersions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a multi-functional suspension system that can handle particles across a wide size range, from fine to coarse abrasives. The formulation achieves universal stabilization capability through combined electrostatic and steric mechanisms that work effectively for different particle sizes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a structured suspending system with yield point is used to immobilize particles, then suspension stability is improved, but the system must balance yield point higher than sedimenting force yet low enough to enable pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the yield point parameter of the structured suspending system by adjusting polymer concentration, ionic strength, and pH. The yield point is optimized to be just high enough to prevent sedimentation but low enough to allow pouring under external stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic suspending system where the yield point adapts to applied stress: maintaining high yield point at rest to prevent sedimentation, but yielding and flowing under pouring or stirring stress. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between stability and pourability.
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 a stable, effective scouring action without leaving residues, as the suspended salt acts as an abrasive during use and dissolves in water, ensuring a pourable and stable suspension that effectively cleans encrusted surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Structured suspending systems depend on the rheological properties of the suspending medium to immobilise the particles, irrespective of size
Implementation Method 2
This requires the suspendding medium to exhibit a yield point which is higher than the sedimenting or creaming force exerted by the suspended particles, but low enough to enable the medium to flow under externally imposed stresses
Implementation Method 3
The suspended salt acts as an abrasive during use
Implementation Method 4
the suspended salt acts as an abrasive during use and dissolves in water, ensuring a pourable and stable suspension that effectively cleans encrusted surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Stable, pourable, homogeneous, abrasive compositions which comprise particulate, solid salt suspended in a saturated aqueous solution of said salt and sufficient surfactant to form, in conjunction with said solution, a stable, pourable, solid-supporting structured surfactant system can be used as cleaning compositions for hard surfaces, especially as manual dishwashing detergents or scouring liquids.