Water-in-Oil Cleaning Composition for Hard Surface Stain Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning compositions struggle to effectively remove stains from hard surfaces without damaging them and often require excessive mechanical action or soaking, which can be detrimental to delicate substrates like glass and ceramic.
Innovation Solution
A water-in-oil emulsion cleaning composition with specific solvents, surfactants, rheological agents, and emulsifiers that allows the cleaner to cling to surfaces, enhancing its ability to remain in place and effectively clean both hydrophilic and hydrophobic stains without mechanical action, using solvents like Rhodiasolv RPDE, surfactants like Surfynol 104E, and rheological agents like xanthan gum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning action can be achieved, but excessive mechanical action or soaking is required which damages delicate substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by formulating a water-in-oil emulsion with specific rheological properties (viscosity 10-1000 cP at 25°C) and surface tension characteristics. This allows the cleaner to adhere to vertical and overhead surfaces without running off, eliminating the need for excessive mechanical action or prolonged soaking that would damage delicate substrates like glass and ceramic.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition uses a composite water-in-oil emulsion system combining hydrophobic solvents (e.g., Rhodiasolv RPDE), surfactants (e.g., Surfynol 104E), and rheological agents (e.g., xanthan gum). This composite formulation creates a synergistic effect where the emulsion structure provides both adhesion to surfaces and effective stain removal, reducing the need for harsh mechanical cleaning methods.
2Reliability
If conventional cleaning compositions are used, then cleaning effectiveness can be achieved, but the cleaner does not remain in place on hard to remove stains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rheological parameters of the cleaning composition by incorporating thickening agents and rheological modifiers to achieve a viscosity range of 10-1000 cP at 25°C. This enhanced viscosity allows the cleaner to remain in place on vertical and overhead surfaces for extended periods, providing sufficient residency time to effectively remove hard-to-remove stains without running off or dripping.
3Ease of operation
If water-based cleaners are used, then ease of rinsing is achieved, but they cannot effectively clean hydrophobic stains and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite water-in-oil emulsion system that combines the benefits of both water-based and oil-based cleaners. The emulsion contains hydrophobic solvents (e.g., dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl succinate) that effectively dissolve hydrophobic stains and debris, while the water phase provides ease of rinsing. Surfactants bridge the two phases, ensuring stable emulsion and effective cleaning of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surfactants as intermediary agents that facilitate the interaction between the water phase and oil phase of the emulsion. These surfactants reduce surface tension and enable the water-based formulation to effectively clean hydrophobic stains by mediating the interface between polar and non-polar substances, while maintaining ease of rinsing due to the water base.
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 stains from hard surfaces by increasing residency time on the surface, reducing the need for mechanical action, and adhering to VOC and surfactant regulations, outperforming competitors like 'Grunge Off' and 'Formula 420' in cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced rheological properties to permit the cleaning composition to remain in place on hard to remove stains
Implementation Method 2
allows the cleaner to cling to surfaces, enhancing its ability to remain in place
Implementation Method 3
at least one surfactant in an amount of from about 0.1-20% (w/w) of the composition
Implementation Method 4
water in oil emulsion composition...able to clean hydrophilic stains and debris, as well as hydrophobic stains and debris
Implementation Method 5
emulsifiers, in an amount of from about 0.5-20% (w/w) of the composition...water in oil emulsion composition
Implementation Method 6
Solvents are included which are suitable to clean non water soluble stains or debris from hard surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a water in oil cleaning composition is disclosed that may include at least one solvent, in an amount of from about 1-90% (w/w) of the composition, at least one surfactant in an amount of from about 0.1-20% (w/w) of the composition, 3M KOH/de-ionized water, in an amount of from about 1-4% (w/w of the composition, rheological agents, in an amount of from about 0.1-8% (w/w) of the composition, and emulsifiers, in an amount of from about 0.5-20% (w/w) of the composition. Optionally, the composition may include antimicrobials in an effective amount, and may be present in an amount of from about 1-4% (w/w) of the composition, fragrants and colorants as desired.