Triblock Copolymer Suds Stabilization in Dishwashing Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing detergents fail to maintain a good sudsing profile, particularly in the presence of greasy soils, and do not provide sustained suds stabilization throughout the washing process, leading to inadequate cleaning and frequent product re-dosing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition incorporating a surfactant system with a triblock co-polymer of the formula (EO)x-(PO)y-(EO)x, where x is between 5 and 50 and y is between 28 and 60, combined with an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric or zwitterionic co-surfactant, enhancing suds volume and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surfactant systems are used in dishwashing detergents, then the formulation is simple and cost-effective, but the sudsing profile deteriorates with poor suds stabilization in the presence of greasy soils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite surfactant system combining anionic surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate) with non-ionic triblock copolymers (EO-PO-EO structure). This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the anionic surfactants provide primary sudsing while the non-ionic triblock copolymers stabilize suds in the presence of greasy soils, achieving reliable suds performance without excessive formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the triblock copolymer including the EO:PO:EO ratio (where x+y+x totals 5-50 EO units and 28-60 PO units), molecular weight (2000-10000 Daltons), and concentration (0.1-10% of total surfactant system). These parameter optimizations enable the surfactant system to maintain effective suds stabilization against greasy soils while controlling formulation complexity
2Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of surfactants are used to maintain suds volume, then sudsing profile is improved, but the cost and potential harmful effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The triblock copolymer acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the anionic surfactants and greasy soils. It has both hydrophilic (EO blocks) and hydrophobic (PO block) regions, allowing it to stabilize the interface between water and oil, thereby maintaining suds volume with lower overall surfactant concentrations and reducing cost and harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration of individual surfactant components within the system. By adjusting the ratio and concentration of anionic to non-ionic surfactants, and optimizing the triblock copolymer parameters (molecular weight, EO:PO ratio), the formulation achieves effective suds volume with reduced total surfactant loading, lowering cost and potential harmful effects
3Stability of the object's composition
If EO-PO-EO triblock copolymers are used for suds stabilization, then suds consistency is improved, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for the triblock copolymer to achieve effective suds consistency: molecular weight of 2000-10000 Daltons, EO units (x) of 5-50 each side with total EO:PO ratio optimized, and PO units (y) of 28-60. These parameter specifications provide a clear formulation guideline that achieves consistent suds performance while controlling formulation complexity through defined parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The triblock copolymer is integrated as part of a composite surfactant system rather than used alone. This composite approach distributes the functional requirements across multiple components, where the triblock copolymer specifically addresses suds consistency while anionic surfactants handle primary cleaning, thereby managing overall formulation complexity through functional specialization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hand dishwashing detergent composition including a surfactant system and at least one triblock co-polymer of Formula (I): (EO)x-(PO)y-(EO)x wherein each x is independently on average between about 5 and about 50.