Thixotropic Cleaning Foam for Non-Horizontal Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning compositions for non-horizontal surfaces face challenges in achieving high retention times, economical and ecological profiles, and stability across varying water electrolyte contents and temperatures, often resulting in unsatisfactory rinsing behavior due to high viscosity and excessive active substance usage.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning composition comprising ether carboxylates, amphoteric surfactants, and non-ionic surfactants at specific molar ratios, which can be formulated as a concentrated, diluted, or highly diluted solution, generating a stable foam with low viscosity and high retention properties, suitable for horizontal and non-horizontal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If highly viscous products are formulated to achieve high retention over treated surfaces, then retention time is improved, but handling and pumping become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thixotropic surfactant blends that change their viscosity parameters based on shear rate. At rest (low shear), the composition maintains high viscosity for retention, while during application (high shear), viscosity decreases for easy handling and pumping. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between retention time and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If concentrated products with low viscosity are formulated for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but retention time over surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The composition exhibits dynamic rheological properties where viscosity is not fixed but responds to environmental conditions and application mechanics. The thixotropic formulation allows the product to be pumped easily (low viscosity under shear) then spontaneously increase viscosity upon contact with the surface, maintaining retention without requiring high initial concentration.
3Productivity
If high amounts of active substances are used to ensure cleaning efficiency, then cleaning performance is improved, but economic and ecological profile deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thixotropic property enables the formulation to be applied as a thin, low-consumption layer that remains in place due to high static viscosity. This maximizes the utilization of active substances by preventing runoff and ensuring prolonged contact time, thereby reducing the total amount of active matter needed while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If viscous formulations are used to improve retention, then retention time is improved, but rinsing behavior becomes unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic viscosity characteristics of the thixotropic formulation allow it to be easily removed during rinsing. The high static viscosity provides retention during the cleaning dwell time, but the formulation's rheological response to water flow during rinsing enables easy removal, satisfying both retention and rinsing requirements.
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 outstanding foam properties with low viscosity at all concentrations, stability across different pH conditions, and compatibility with disinfecting agents, ensuring efficient cleaning and disinfection with reduced active matter usage and improved rinsing behavior.
Implementation Method 1
an ether carboxylate or ether sulphate in combination with an amphoteric surfactant and with a non-ionic surfactant at a certain ratio which can be applied preferably in the form of foam at room temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to cleaning compositions suitable for cleaning and disinfecting non-horizontal surfaces. The invention comprises an ether carboxylate or ether sulphate in combination with an amphoteric surfactant and with a non-ionic surfactant at a certain ratio which can be applied preferably in the form of foam at room temperature, preferably for the use in industrial and institutional cleaning products.A cleaning composition comprises:(a) One or more compounds of formula (I)R1—O—(CH2—CH(R2)—O)n(CH2CH2O)m—X−(A)1/zz+ (I)wherein X− is a CH2COO− group or a SO3− group, preferably a CH2COO− group, R1 is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl or alkenyl chain having from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, R2 is a C1-C3 linear or branched alkyl chain, A is a suitable countercation, n and m are 0 or an integer number between 1 to 30, wherein the sum of m+n is at from 0 to 30, preferably from 1 to 15, and z is 1, 2, or 3;(b) one or more amphoteric surfactants(c) a non-ionic surfactant(d) water up to 100 wt % with respect to the total weight of the compositionwherein the molar ratio between the sum of the components (a) and (b) and component (c), that is ((a)+(b))/(c), is from 3 to 16.5, preferably from 3.7 to 15.9.