Water-Based Surfactant Composition for Low-VOC Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning products often contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are caustic, and require personal protective equipment, limiting their safety and environmental sustainability for various cleaning applications.
Innovation Solution
A water-based composition of surfactants, including C6 alkyl glucoside, propylheptanol, ethoxylate, sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine, and sodium ether sulfate, which is diluted with water to create specific cleaning products, minimizing VOCs and ensuring non-toxic, non-abrasive, and biodegradable formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning products are used to effectively remove grease and grime, then cleaning performance is improved, but volatile organic compounds (VOCs) increase and environmental safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using a water-based formula with specific surfactants (C6 alkyl glucoside, propylheptanol, ethoxylate, sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine, and sodium ether sulfate) instead of traditional VOC-based solvents. This maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing harmful emissions to less than 10 grams per liter of VOCs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite surfactant system combining multiple ingredients that work synergistically. The blend of nonionic surfactants (C6 alkyl glucoside, propylheptanol, ethoxylate), glycosides (sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), and other components creates a composite cleaning agent that achieves effective grease removal without relying on harmful VOCs.
2Reliability
If strong caustic cleaners are used to cut through grease and grime, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but safety for workers and environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH and chemical aggressiveness parameters by using mild surfactants instead of strong caustics. The formulation achieves grease cutting through the synergistic action of multiple surfactants and solvents at controlled concentrations, eliminating caustic burning action while maintaining cleaning power.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-based surfactant system acts as an intermediary that mediates between the cleaning requirement and safety concern. The surfactants lower surface tension and emulsify grease without the need for harsh caustic chemicals, providing a safe intermediate solution that protects both workers and the environment.
3Productivity
If concentrated cleaning formulas are used to reduce shipping costs and storage space, then logistics efficiency is improved, but product versatility for different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a concentrated formula that can be dynamically diluted to different concentrations based on specific application requirements. The base concentrate contains all necessary surfactants and ingredients, and users can adjust the water ratio to optimize performance for different tasks such as glass cleaning, metal parts cleaning, or general purpose cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrated surfactant formula serves as a universal base that can be adapted for multiple applications. By adjusting dilution ratios, the same concentrate can function as a heavy-duty industrial cleaner, a gentle glass cleaner, or a general purpose cleaner, making the product versatile across different sectors including automotive, aviation, manufacturing, and household use.
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 effective, safe, and environmentally friendly cleaning products that cut through grease and grime without streaking, are safe for workers and the environment, and meet stringent air quality standards, eliminating the need for personal protective equipment and volatile organic ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
The blend of surfactants includes (a) a mixture of C6 alkyl glucoside, propylheptanol, and ethoxylate, (b) sorbitan monolaurate, (c) polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, (d) trietanolamine, (e) sodium ether sulfate
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous composition comprising a blend of surfactants including (a) a mixture of C6 alkyl glucoside, propylheptanol, and ethoxylate, (b) sorbitan monooleate, (c) polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, (d) trietanolamine, and (e) sodium ether sulfate.