Triesterquat Fabric Softener with Cationic Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Esterquat compositions for fabric softening, particularly those based on triethanol amine, face challenges such as high production costs, complex chemistry leading to unstable emulsions, and difficulty in adjusting formulations, resulting in reduced softening and fragrance delivery performance.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least 90 wt% triesterquat and a water swellable cationic polymer, which aids in dispersing and depositing triesterquat, enhancing stability and performance, while minimizing the presence of highly soluble monoesterquat to reduce active loss during the rinse cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If triethanol amine based esterquat is used for fabric softening, then softening performance is achieved, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using a mixture of different amine-based esterquats (triethanol amine, diethanol amine, ethanol amine) in specific ratios, rather than relying solely on expensive triethanol amine based esterquat. This parameter adjustment maintains softening performance while reducing production cost by incorporating less expensive amine variants.
2Reliability
If traditional esterquat composition with multiple ester components is used, then fabric softening is achieved, but emulsion stability deteriorates due to high water solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct emulsion structures with different functionality: a first emulsion structure containing highly water-soluble components for immediate softening effect, and a second emulsion structure containing less water-soluble components for sustained release and stability. This spatial and functional differentiation resolves the contradiction between solubility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the esterquat composition into multiple discrete emulsion structures with different stability characteristics. By dividing the composition into separate functional units (first emulsion structure for solubility, second emulsion structure for stability), the patent achieves both high water solubility for active softening and emulsion stability for consistent performance.
3Reliability
If multiple emulsion structures are present in esterquat composition, then softening efficacy is enhanced, but formulation complexity increases making adjustment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single polymeric thickening agent that simultaneously performs multiple functions: thickens the composition, stabilizes the emulsion structures, controls release kinetics, and maintains viscosity across different temperatures. This universal approach simplifies formulation adjustment compared to using multiple separate additives for each function.
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 solution provides a stable and effective fabric softening composition with improved dispersibility and fragrance delivery, achieving equivalent or higher performance at a lower cost with a simpler formulation and manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a water swellable cationic polymer, which aids in dispersing and depositing triesterquat
Implementation Method 2
a water swellable cationic polymer, which aids in dispersing and depositing triesterquat
Implementation Method 3
a water swellable cationic polymer
Implementation Method 4
a water swellable cationic polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprising (a) an esterquat that is a quaternized reaction product of an alkanol amine and a fatty acid, wherein from at least 90 wt% to up to 100 wt% of the esterquat is comprised of triesterquat and from 0 wt% to up to 10 wt% of the esterquat is comprised of at least one of monoesterquat and diesterquat, and (b) a water swellable cationic polymer. The water swellable cationic polymer aids in dispersion and/or in deposition of the triesterquat. Also, a method of producing such a composition and a method of softening a fabric, and increasing fragrance delivery, comprising treating the fabric with the composition.