Textile Treatment Composition Using Unsaturated Fatty Acids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric softeners rely heavily on synthetic ingredients, and there is a need for a textile treatment agent that achieves noticeable fabric softening using natural raw materials, while also being suitable for use as a liquid surfactant-rich formulation and capable of being incorporated into water-soluble dosage units, and metered into the washing liquor at the beginning of the process.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining specific unsaturated C 18-C 24 fatty acids and unsaturated C 20-C 24 fatty alcohols with a surfactant-organic carrier, optimized with a weight ratio of 0.01 to 12% for the fatty acids and 0.01 to 12% for the fatty alcohols, particularly using oleic acid, gondoic acid, erucic acid, cis-11-eicosen-1-ol, and erucyl alcohol, along with surfactants and organic solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fabric softeners use synthetic ingredients (esterquats, silicones, cationic polymers), then fabric softening effect is achieved, but reliance on natural raw materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing synthetic softening agents with natural fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Specifically, it uses unsaturated C18-C24 fatty acids (0.01-12 wt%) and unsaturated C20-C24 fatty alcohols (0.01-12 wt%) to achieve fabric softening without esterquats, silicones, or cationic polymers, thus resolving the contradiction between effective softening and synthetic ingredient usage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available natural raw materials (fatty acids and fatty alcohols from natural sources) instead of complex synthetic compounds. These natural ingredients are simpler, more sustainable, and can be effectively used in small concentrations (0.01-12 wt% each), replacing expensive and persistent synthetic alternatives
2Adaptability or versatility
If fabric softeners are formulated as liquid surfactant-rich compositions, then suitability for water-soluble dosing units is improved, but concentration of active ingredients must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of active ingredients to achieve both liquid formulation and effectiveness. It specifies unsaturated C18-C24 fatty acids at 0.01-12 wt% and unsaturated C20-C24 fatty alcohols at 0.01-12 wt%, with surfactants at 5-80 wt%, creating a liquid composition suitable for water-soluble dosing units while maintaining adequate active ingredient levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional liquid composition that serves as both a fabric softener and is compatible with water-soluble dosing units. The surfactant-rich formulation (5-80 wt%) provides both cleaning and softening functions, while the liquid state enables incorporation into sachets and automated dosing systems
3Duration of action of moving object
If fabric softeners are added at the beginning of washing process, then treatment duration is increased, but conventional softeners are designed for final rinse cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fabric treatment composition that functions effectively whether added at the beginning or end of the washing process. The combination of surfactants (5-80 wt%), fatty acids (0.01-12 wt%), and fatty alcohols (0.01-12 wt%) provides both cleaning and softening properties, allowing flexible dosing timing without compromising performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary action by allowing the composition to be added at the beginning of the washing process. The extended treatment duration during the entire wash cycle allows the fatty acids and fatty alcohols to penetrate and condition fibers from the start, with softening effects accumulating throughout the wash rather than being applied only in the final rinse
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 significant fabric softening effect, reducing dry stiffness and enhancing washing performance, without the need for synthetic softening agents like esterquats, silicones, or cationic polymers, and can be effectively introduced at the start of the washing process.
Implementation Method 1
This dry stiffness is caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between the cellulose fibers. The active ingredients in fabric softeners coat the fiber surface, weakening these bonds.
Implementation Method 2
The active ingredients in fabric softeners coat the fiber surface
Implementation Method 3
combining specific unsaturated fatty acids and fatty alcohols in a surfactant-organic carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition for treating textiles, containing a) at least one unsaturated C18-C24 fatty acid; b) at least one unsaturated 20-C24 fatty alcohol; and c) 5 to 80 wt.% of a surfactant and/or organic solvent. The invention also relates to the use of this composition and textile cleaning methods using such compositions.