Wetting Composition for Aqueous Spreading on Low-Energy Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low energy surfaces, such as those found in plants, synthetic fibers, and laminated particle boards, are difficult to wet effectively with aqueous liquids due to high surface tension, leading to poor wettability and reduced effectiveness of applications like herbicides, dyes, and resin spreading.
Innovation Solution
A wetting composition comprising 20-50% C10-C14 alcohol, 25-70% surfactant (non-ionic, cationic, anionic, or amphoteric), and 5-50% polar component, including water or a water-miscible C1-C3 organic solvent, is added to aqueous liquids to lower surface tension and improve wettability on low energy surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surfactants (organosilicone or fluorosurfactants) are used to lower surface tension, then wettability on low energy surfaces is improved, but environmental harm is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using C10-C14 alcohols combined with specific surfactant types (non-ionic, cationic, anionic, or amphoteric) in defined ratios, achieving effective wettability reduction without the environmental harm of conventional surfactants
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite wetting composition combining C10-C14 alcohol with specific surfactants and polar components, achieving both effective wettability and environmental compatibility that neither component alone could provide
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous liquids are used for application, then environmental compatibility is maintained, but wettability on low energy surfaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The C10-C14 alcohol acts as an intermediary substance between the aqueous liquid and the low energy surface, facilitating wetting while maintaining the environmental compatibility of the aqueous system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the surface tension parameter of the aqueous liquid through addition of the wetting composition, enabling effective wettability while preserving the environmentally friendly aqueous base
3Object-affected harmful factors
If surface tension of aqueous liquid is high, then environmental compatibility is maintained, but spreading on low energy surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface tension parameter of the aqueous liquid by adding wetting composition comprising C10-C14 alcohol and surfactants, enabling extensive spreading while maintaining environmental compatibility
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 reduces surface tension, allowing for improved spreading and adherence of aqueous liquids on low energy surfaces without the environmental drawbacks of organosilicone or fluorosurfactants, ensuring effective application of active compounds and resin distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the invention relates to wetting compositions that can lower the surface tension of an aqueous liquid composition
Implementation Method 2
Wetting is a phenomenon determined by the interaction of a liquid with a substrate (either a solid or another liquid) and subsequent spreading of the liquid on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wetting composition comprising (a) from 20 to less than 50 wt % of one or more C10 to C14 alcohol, (b) 25 to 70 wt % of a surfactant selected from a non-ionic, cationic, anionic and amphoteric surfactant, and (c) from 5 to 50 wt % of a polar component comprising at least one selected from (i) water, and (ii) up to 25 wt % of a water-miscible C1-C3 organic solvent, to methods for using the wetting composition, and products and aqueous compositions containing the wetting composition.