Laundry Detergents Research Articles

A method for humidifying fine particles of coking coal: Agglomeration characteristics and dust dynamics analysis

The chemical agglomeration technology can effectively remove fine particles during coking coal loading and unloading. Aiming at the traditional agglomerator has the high price and secondary pollution problems, the new method of viscosifying fine particles was established. The fine particles were contacted with the soap solution through the cyclone circumfluence to increase viscosifying and agglomerate. The regulation and control of uniform humidification of whole particles were studied, and the relations among humidification, agglomeration, dust suppression and agglomeration conditions of fine particles were discussed. By establishing the agglomeration model and mechanical model, the influence of agglomeration on the force and velocity distribution of particles was analyzed based on CFD. The results showed that the soap solution has a strong effect on agglomeration of particle size less than 0.5 mm. The adsorption and flocculation of the polymer chain in the soap can promote the agglomeration of the fine particles. In the area of vortex formed by swirling air, with the mass addition ratio of soap powder increases from 5% to 15%, the coating efficiency of fine particles increases from 82% to 96%. The agglomeration results show that the average concentration of the fine particles decreases by nearly 20% finally.

Artificial Neural Networks and Response Surface Methodology Approach for Optimization of an Eco-Friendly and Detergent-Stable Lipase Production from Actinomadura Keratinilytica Strain Cpt29

This work mainly focused on the production of an efficient, economical, and eco-friendly lipase (AKL29) from Actinomadura keratinilytica strain Cpt29 isolated from poultry compost in north east of Algeria, for use in detergent industries. AKL29 shows a significant lipase activity (45 U/mL) towards hydrolyzed triacylglycerols, indicating that it is a true lipase. For maximum lipase production the modeling and optimization of potential culture parameters such as incubation temperature, cultivation time, and Tween 80 (v/v) were built using RSM and ANN approaches. The results show that both the two models provided good quality predictions, yet the ANN showed a clear superiority over RSM for both data fitting and estimation capabilities. A 4.1-fold increase in lipase production was recorded under the following optimal condition: incubation temperature (37.9 °C), cultivation time (111 h), and Tween 80 (3.27%, v/v). Furthermore, the partially purified lipase showed good stability, high compatibility, and significant wash performance with various commercial laundry detergents, making this novel lipase a promising potential candidate for detergent industries.

Price discrimination and market concentration: Evidence from the laundry detergent market

AbstractI analyse the relationship between price discrimination, with respect to the package size of the product, and market concentration in the liquid laundry detergent market. Specifically, I study how quantity discounts change with market concentration. I estimate a fixed effects model and find that this relationship is non‐monotonic and I provide evidence that it is U‐shaped. These results suggest that firms offer more quantity discounts in less and more concentrated markets, while they offer less quantity discounts in moderately concentrated markets.

Human identification from washed blood stains

BackgroundAmong the physical evidence, bloodstain is one of the most common biological pieces of evidence at the crime scene, especially in violent crimes. Bloodstains are frequently seen at the crime scene and can be easily detected due to their color and structure. Because blood and bloodstains can potentially be evidence of a crime, offenders often tend to clean or wash them to get rid of relevant evidence. Some researchers think that washed bloodstains cannot obtain enough quality DNA for DNA profiling. However, some studies have shown that bloodstains on a piece of fabric can be used for DNA profiling even after washing. This study, it is aimed to determine whether a sufficient amount of DNA can be obtained for DNA profiling used for forensic purposes from blood-stained nylon and cotton fabrics washed at different temperatures such as 40 °C, 60 °C and 90 °C.ResultsIn this study, bloodstains were created on cotton and nylon fabrics in a representative crime scene. After washing with laundry detergent at 40 °C, 60 °C and 90 °C was performed, studies were conducted in order to make bloodstains visible and obtain DNA for genetic profiling. The result is that more DNA is lost due to easy exposure to external factors in the non-absorbent nylon fabric type compared to the absorbent cotton fabric. Moreover, the rates of obtaining DNA from bloodstains on different types of fabrics washed at several temperatures are shown in this study.ConclusionsIt was determined that while a sufficient amount of DNA for the forensic genetic profiling can be obtained from cotton and nylon fabrics washed at 40 and 60 °C, a sufficient amount could not be obtained from the ones washed at 90 °C. And that shows even if bloodstained fabrics are washed at 60 °C, the fabrics still can be considered as physical evidence of the crime and can be associated with the scene, perpetrator and victim triangle.

Effective bioconversion of feather-waste Keratin by Thermo-Surfactant Stable Alkaline Keratinase produced from Aspergillus sp. DHE7 with promising biotechnological application in detergent formulations

Keratin-rich wastes are troublesome pollutants that their accumulation could lead to environmental problems. Microbial degradation of keratin wastes has emerged as an alternative bio-catalyst to steam-pressure cooking and alkali hydrolysis for the recycling of such residues to value-added products. The current work investigates the purification and biochemical characterisation of an extracellular keratinase from new Aspergillus sp. DHE7 using turkey feathers as substrate. The enzyme was purified 31-fold with a final yield of 37.5%. Purified keratinase is monomeric and its molecular mass was estimated to be 33 kDa as demonstrated on SDS-PAGE. The enzyme was active in wide range of pH (7.0–11) and temperature (37–70 °C) profiles with maximum activity at pH 8.5 and 60 °C. The activity was strongly suppressed by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (93.4% inhibition) and moderately inhibited by EDTA (41.2% inhibition), suggesting that the current keratinase belongs to serine-metalloprotease. Bivalent cations, such as Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+, enhanced enzyme activity by 165.7%, 176.3%, and 194.8%, respectively. The purified keratinase exhibited a wide proteolytic activity towards soluble and insoluble protein substrates displaying its greater activity toward casein, keratin, bovine serum albumin, and gelatin, followed by feathers, goat hair, and wool, and was substantially stable and compliant with surfactants and commercial laundry detergents. The Km, Vmax, Kcat and Kcat/Km values on keratin were 2.2 mg/mL, 2702.7 U/mL, 136.5 s−1 and 62.04 (s−1/mg mL−1), respectively. According to these characteristics, Aspergillus sp. DHE7 keratinase is suggested as a potential candidate for use in detergent formulations (as an additive) and in various biotechnological applications.

Biodegradation of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LAS): A Mini Review

The most common anionic surfactants in the formulation of detergents are Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LAS), with an anionic sulfonate head group and a hydrophobic alkylbenzene tail group. The two primary synthetic detergents, together with sodium laureth sulphate, have been around for quite some time and may be found in many personal-care items such as shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. LAS is a relatively recalcitrant compound and not easily biodegraded. It is a major source of environmental contamination. Bioremediation can potentially give a significantly higher removal efficiency than standard physicochemical techniques. This review aims to compile information on the toxicity, biodegradation and assimilatory pathway of this class of compound. One of the challenges in the bioremediation of this class of compound is that there have been limited SDBS-degrading bacteria isolated and characterized to date and further work in the field of bioremediation should focus on the isolation of more degraders and carrying out further trials with micro-and mesocosms.

An Added Benefit of Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Ultraviolet Protection.

The widespread use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic presents a new avenue for protecting the lower half of the face from the harms of sun exposure. The increased social acceptability of masks, which may persist post-pandemic, has the potential to impact prevention of photosensitive disorders, photoaging, and skin cancer. The authors sought to review clinically relevant information on the ultraviolet (UV) shielding properties of masks. This synthesis of current research will help physicians counsel patients on optimal mask choices, from both dermatological and public health viewpoints. The variables impacting the UV protection of masks were reviewed, including fabric type, construction, porosity, and color. Other factors related to wear and use such as moisture, stretch, laundering, and sanitization are discussed in the context of the pandemic. Black, tightly woven, triple-layered polyester cloth masks were determined to be optimal for UV protection. The most protective choice against both SARS-CoV-2 and UV radiation is a medical mask worn underneath the aforementioned cloth mask. In order to preserve the filtration capacity of the fabric, masks should be changed once they have become moist. Washing cotton masks before first use in laundry detergents containing brightening agents increases their UV protection. Overall, cloth masks for the public that are safest against SARS-CoV-2 are generally also the most protective against UV damage. People should be encouraged to procure a high-quality mask to simultaneously help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and shield against sun exposure. Further investigation is needed on the UV-protective properties of medical masks.

Opus 12 raises money, changes name

Opus 12, a California start-up aiming to make chemicals from carbon dioxide, has raised $57 million in series A venture capital funding and changed its name to Twelve. Capricorn Technology Impact Fund and Carbon Direct Capital Management led the round, along with DCVC, Munich Re Ventures, Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, Breakout Ventures, and Evok Innovations. Twelve is developing processes based on the electrochemical reduction of CO 2 to make molecules like carbon monoxide, methane, and ethylene. The company has high-profile collaborations, including a deal with Procter & Gamble to make ingredients sourced from CO 2 for Tide laundry detergent.

A new approach to the assessment of changes in air permeability, waterproofness, surface, and thermal properties of polyamide 6.6 fabric with polyurethane coating after washing

The research aim was to analyse the changes in the air permeability, waterproofness, surface, mechanical and thermal properties of the polyamide 6.6 fabric with a polyurethane coating before and after 1, 5, and 10 washes in the same conditions using specialized (V1) and universal (V2) laundry detergent. A new approach based on SEM and DSC techniques and assessment of surface free energy combined with standard methods was proposed to explain the nature of observed changes in waterproof and breathable material after washing treatment. SEM analysis indicated that after 10 washes the porosity of the polyurethane coating increased from 8.94% to 14.56% and 18.75% for V1 and V2, respectively. The air permeability increased from 0.747 mm/s for the reference sample to 0.766 mm/s and 0.774 mm/s after 10 washes for V1 and V2, respectively. The waterproofness of the reference sample of 992 mbar decreased with the increasing number of washes to 246 mbar and 122 mbar for V1 and V2, respectively. After 10 washes the surface free energy (γS) decreased by 18.8% and 24.3% for V1 and V2, respectively. The average tensile strength amounted to 833 N and decreased by 13.5% for V1 and by 20% for V2 after 10 washes. The glass transition temperature of the reference fabric was 47.6°C. After 10 washes it increased by 7.2°C and 8.8°C for V1 and V2, respectively. The temperatures of thermal degradation increased by 24.6°C and 22.2°C and the heat of thermal decomposition decreased by 23.6% and 15.8% after 10 washes for V1 and V2, respectively.

Expression and Characterization of Surfactnt-Stable Calcium-Dependent Protease: a Potential Additive for Laundry Detergents

Expression and Characterization of Surfactnt-Stable Calcium-Dependent Protease: a Potential Additive for Laundry Detergents

The effect of N-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate addition on washing properties of liquid laundry detergents

The use of colorimetric analysis based on a CIELab system to determine detergency of commercial liquid laundrydetergents before and after modification with SB3C14 sulfobetaine (N-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate) is presented. The EMPA 101 standard cotton fabric soiled with carbon black and olive oil was usedin washing tests under the following conditions: temperature 40°C, rotational speed 200 rpm, 30 minute washing cycle,water hardness 5.35 mval/l, the concentration of liquid laundry detergents 1.25–50 g/l. The physicochemical analysis ofcolour, form, odour, pH, density, viscosity and content of anionic surfactants showed compliance with the manufacturers’declarations. The studies demonstrated that with increasing laundry detergent concentration a gradual increase indetergency occurred. At the highest tested concentrations of 50 g/L, detergency of 18.1% and 22.2% for cheaper L1 andmore expensive L2 products was achieved, respectively. Modification with the 5% addition of the zwitterionicsulfobetaine SB3C14 led to an improvement of the washing properties by 4.7% on average. At a concentration of 50 g/l,the modified L1 and L2 solutions demonstrated the highest detergency equal to 22.8% and 35.3%, respectively. Thisproves the existence of synergistic effect by the interaction of all ingredients in the solutions with higher concentrations.Microscopic analysis of EMPA 101 fabrics before and after washing processes showed no serious damage to the fibres,only the presence of slight fraying of individual ones. The results suggest that the SB3C14 sulfobetaine can besuccessfully used in liquid laundry detergents due to its very favourable surface properties

The effect of N-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate addition on washing properties of liquid laundry detergents

The use of colorimetric analysis based on a CIELab system to determine detergency of commercial liquid laundrydetergents before and after modification with SB3C14 sulfobetaine (N-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate) is presented. The EMPA 101 standard cotton fabric soiled with carbon black and olive oil was usedin washing tests under the following conditions: temperature 40°C, rotational speed 200 rpm, 30 minute washing cycle,water hardness 5.35 mval/l, the concentration of liquid laundry detergents 1.25–50 g/l. The physicochemical analysis ofcolour, form, odour, pH, density, viscosity and content of anionic surfactants showed compliance with the manufacturers’declarations. The studies demonstrated that with increasing laundry detergent concentration a gradual increase indetergency occurred. At the highest tested concentrations of 50 g/L, detergency of 18.1% and 22.2% for cheaper L1 andmore expensive L2 products was achieved, respectively. Modification with the 5% addition of the zwitterionicsulfobetaine SB3C14 led to an improvement of the washing properties by 4.7% on average. At a concentration of 50 g/l,the modified L1 and L2 solutions demonstrated the highest detergency equal to 22.8% and 35.3%, respectively. Thisproves the existence of synergistic effect by the interaction of all ingredients in the solutions with higher concentrations.Microscopic analysis of EMPA 101 fabrics before and after washing processes showed no serious damage to the fibres,only the presence of slight fraying of individual ones. The results suggest that the SB3C14 sulfobetaine can besuccessfully used in liquid laundry detergents due to its very favourable surface properties

Dark side of laundry pods: Analysis of exposure to laundry detergent capsules in children.

We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristic and clinical features of laundry detergent capsule (LDC) exposure in children. Retrospective review of medical records of patients hospitalised due to the exposure to LDC at the Department of Paediatrics and Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland, from 2014 to 2019 was conducted. During the study period, 38 children including 19 (50%) boys and 19 (50%) girls were admitted to our department due to exposure to LDC. The age of patients ranged from 11 months to 9 years, with a mean 48.61 ± 28.85 months of age. About 66% of patients were younger than 5 years. The major route of exposure was ingestion (n=37; 97%). Most patients (n=27; 71%) exhibited symptoms of exposure to the LDC. The most common symptoms were vomiting (n=23; 60%), cough (n=7; 18%) and salivation (n=5; 13%). Seven patients required gastroscopy. Abnormalities were subsequently identified in three children. Accidental exposure to LDC usually occurs in children younger than 5 years. Although the majority of cases had mild or moderate clinical outcomes, ingestion of LDC may lead to some severe consequences. Improvements in parental education regarding the risks of LDC, and in the packaging of LDC may prevent serious injury.

Evaluation of microfiber release from jeans: the impact of different washing conditions

Microplastic particles are a burgeoning population crisis in the marine environment. This research examines the emission of microfibers from three different jeans (garments) during domestic washing. The jeans types, washing temperature, washing duration, spin speed, detergent types, and addition of conditioner are the main factors for this research work. The average length and diameter of the microfibers for the 100% PET jeans (jeans-P) has 7800 ± 4000 μm and 11.9±3.2 μm and for polyester/cotton jeans (jeans-PB) has 4900 ± 2200 μm 17.4±4.8 μm, respectively. The maximum microfiber released was observed in the rigorous washing treatment (90 min, 60°C, 1400 rpm, powder detergent with the presence of conditioner). The surmised number of microfibers discharged from the 1 kg wash load of jeans-P was calculated within the extent of 2300000–4900000 microfibers, and it is varied by the washing treatments.

It is Easy Being Green and Low Allergen! Hypoallergenic and Environment-Friendly Laundry Detergents and Travel Hand Soaps.

It is Easy Being Green and Low Allergen! Hypoallergenic and Environment-Friendly Laundry Detergents and Travel Hand Soaps.

Biosurfactants from Soil Microorganisms as a Possible Detergent Replacement

Biosurfactants belong to the amphiphilic molecules category and are formed by a range of microorganisms. Similar to chemical surfactants, properties of Biosurfactants that make them unique include minimizing the surface and interfacial tensions. Biosurfactants also have Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) in organic and aqueous solutions. Recent studies confirm the toxic nature of chemically synthesized surfactants and the advantages of biosurfactants prove their potential than commercially artificial counterparts. Rhamnolipids are well-characterized and promising compounds among other biosurfactants. In this study, biosurfactants producing microorganisms were isolated from the soil. The isolated microorganism was identified with different biochemical tests and found to be Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 16s rRNA locus was utilized for DNA bar-coding. Production of biosurfactants was done at shake flask level and 5L lab-scale fermenter using minimal media optimized for high yield. Cell-free supernatant was purified using LLE and biosurfactants characterization was performed on HPTLC and HPLC using standard Rhamnolipids. The isolated biosurfactants were tested to remove common stains and were found effective. This shows the potential of biosurfactants as a Laundry detergent.

Degradation of Polyvinyl Alcohol in US Wastewater Treatment Plants and Subsequent Nationwide Emission Estimate.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a water-soluble plastic commercially used in laundry and dish detergent pods (LDPs) for which a complete understanding of its fate in the environment and subsequent consequences is lacking. The objective of this study was to estimate the US nationwide emissions of PVA resulting from domestic use of LDPs, corroborated by a nationwide, online consumer survey and a literature review of its fate within conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Peer-reviewed publications focusing on the degradation of PVA in critical processes of WWTPs were shortlisted as a part of the literature review, and subsequent degradation data was extracted and applied to a model with a set of assumptions. Survey and model results estimated that approximately 17,200 ± 5000 metric ton units per year (mtu/yr) of PVA are used from LDPs in the US, with 10,500 ± 3000 mtu/yr reaching WWTPs. Literature review data, when incorporated into our model, resulted in ~61% of PVA ending up in the environment via the sludge route and ~15.7% via the aqueous phase. PVA presence in the environment, regardless of its matrix, is a threat to the ecosystem due to the potential mobilization of heavy metals and other hydrophilic contaminants.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainable consumption

Recent findings on COVID-19 indicate that during a pandemic consumers focus on themselves and protection of their health and safety as an immediate major concern. However, there is little understanding of how the perceived threat of an infectious disease influences sustainable consumption behavior. Through a series of laboratory experiments on chocolate bar and laundry detergent choices, I found that the COVID-19 pandemic increased consumers' perceived threat, leading to a decrease in sustainable (vs. nonsustainable) products. Further, the results of a survey comprising 402 U.S. consumers show that perceived threat from the pandemic increased their self-centeredness, the effects of which were driven by a series of consequence-related negative emotions. My findings provide insights for firms promoting socially responsible products and citizens who consider sustainability a major long-term concern.

Simultaneous optimization of the design of the product, process, and supply chain for formulated product

In this work, an integrated framework and a solution procedure are developed for the design of formulated products. The framework considers the design of the manufacturing process, the products, and supply chains simultaneously. The problem is a multi-period MINLP. A solution procedure consisting of two stages is developed. In stage 1, the model is initialized with the data provided by the market analysis and the optimal formulation for each product and for each location, individually. In stage 2, the model is optimized within the feasible region using the information from stage 1, and the amounts of raw material purchased from each supplier, product manufactured at each location, and product purchased by each customer are determined. The algorithm is used to evaluate the design of powder detergents in Europe. Together with the location of the facilities, product composition, suppliers and price policies are selected.

Exploring of the Potential of Parthenium Weed Ash as Substitute for Commercial Alkali for Preparation of Laundry Soap: As a Means to Control Invasion of Parthenium

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) weed is a noxious plant which inhabits many parts of the world. It is responsible for rapid environmental pollution causing a reduction in crop productivity by infesting farm lands and grazing lands. It also causes severe human and animal health problems. The aim of this study was assessing the potential of parthenium weed ash as a substitute for commercial alkali for the preparation of soap. Alkali solution was prepared from partheniun weed ash. Tests on its alkalinity properties revealed that the lye can be used for soap making. Similarly, the tests on physicochemical properties of the collected used cooking oil samples were found to be 141.0 ± 0.4–153.8 ± 0.33 mg KOH/g, 11.28 ± 0.5–14.1 ± 0.5 mg KOH/g, and 0.16 ± 0.2–0.19 ± 0.25 milieq/g for saponification value, acid value, and peroxide value, respectively. The data indicated that both the prepared lye solution and the collected used cooking oils would be suitable for soap preparation. Moreover, analyses of the moisture content, total alkali content, total fatty matter, the pH value, and chloride content of the prepared soap materials were found to be in the ranges of 10.5 ± 0.01–13 ± 0.01, 0.39 ± 0.01–1.63 ± 0.05%, 64.5 ± 0.16–76.4 ± 0.15%, 10.5 ± 0.03–10.63 ± 0.04, and 0.39 ± 0.2–0.45 ± 0.39%, respectively. The finding of the present study, is that it is possible to conclude that the Parthenium weed ash (or lye solution from this ash) and leftovers of used cooking oils can be used as cost-effective substitutes for commercial alkali solution and palm oil, respectively, for laundry soap preparation of acceptable grades. The finding also suggests that preparation of lye solution from parthenium weed ash can be used as an option for controlling the pollution of this invasive weed.