Non-Flammable Paint Remover Using TOU and NMP Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paint removers, particularly those containing acetone, are highly flammable and pose hazards to consumers, necessitating the development of safer, less hazardous alternatives for effective paint cleanup.
Innovation Solution
A paint remover composition comprising Tetraoxaundecane (TOU), N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, and a co-solvent, which is safer and non-flammable, meeting VOC laws, and effective for removing paint from surfaces like carpets and hardwood floors without acetone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If acetone is used as the paint remover component, then paint removal effectiveness is improved, but fire hazard and consumer safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing acetone with alternative solvents (TOU, NMP, glycol ethers) that have different flammability characteristics. This substitution maintains paint removal effectiveness while eliminating the fire hazard associated with acetone's high flammability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite solvent systems combining multiple chemical components (TOU, NMP, and various glycol ethers) to achieve the desired paint removal performance. This composite approach allows optimization of both effectiveness and safety properties that cannot be achieved with single solvents alone
2Loss of time
If acetone-based paint remover is used, then paint removal speed is improved, but consumer harm and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition to use solvents with appropriate volatility and solvation properties that maintain fast paint removal action while eliminating the harmful effects of acetone. The selected compounds provide comparable or improved removal speed without the associated safety risks
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safer alternative compounds are used, then consumer safety is improved, but paint removal effectiveness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs composite solvent formulations combining multiple safer chemicals (TOU, NMP, glycol ethers) to achieve paint removal effectiveness comparable to acetone. The synergistic interaction of these components compensates for the individually lower effectiveness of each solvent, maintaining productivity while improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses co-solvents and additives as intermediary substances that enhance the paint removal capability of the safer base solvents. These intermediary compounds facilitate the breakdown and removal of paint residues that the primary solvents alone might not completely eliminate
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 effectively removes paint from various surfaces while being safer and non-flammable, meeting VOC regulations, outperforming competitive products in paint removal efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a chemical component selected from the group consisting of Tetraoxaundecane (TOU), N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for paint or spot removal having a carrier, a chemical component selected from the group consisting of Tetraoxaundecane (TOU), N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol N-Butyl Ether, and a combination thereof, and a co-solvent. A method of using the composition to remove a stain or spot from a carpet or other non-porous or hard surface is provided.