Multi-functional polyacrylate polymers in detergents

Alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acids are water-soluble, multifunctional polyelectrolytes which exhibit a variety of solution properties useful in laundry and dishwashing detergents. This paper describes a number of studies carried out to identify the multifunctionality of polyacrylates under simulated detergent use conditions. Solution properties of several commercially available polyacrylates, with average molecular weight ranging from about 2500 to 250,000, are presented. These include: adsorption onto model particulate soil materials and fabrics, particulate soil and lime-soap dispersancy, sequestration of calcium, magnesium and ferric ions, calcium carbonate precipitation inhibition, buffer action and detergency. Where appropriate, these solution properties are compared with those of commonly used non-polymeric detergent ingredients. Presented at the 75th Annual AOCS Meeting, Dallas, 1984.