Polyesters incorporating biobased monomers for soil-release treatment of synthetic textile surfaces

Abstract

Soil release polymers (SRPs) are used in laundry detergent formulations to enable the cleaning of textiles at lower wash temperatures and using shorter cycles. By modifying the fabric surface, SRPs prevent redeposition of soil during the wash cycle, and also assist with the removal of soil in the subsequent wash cycle. Most SRPs currently used in formulations contain petroleum-sourced building blocks, including terephthalic acid, potentially limiting the environmental benefit of their use.To improve the sustainability profile of these key additives, diglyoxylic acid xylose (DGAX, 1), a monomer derived from biosourced lignin, was used to construct SRPs. The ability of these polymers to modify fabric surfaces was explored using anti-redeposition and soil release performance tests, in addition to contact angle and SEM analysis. The introduction of 1 was found to further enhance the anti-redeposition performance on polyspandex fabrics. These polymers present a promising route to the development of high-performance and sustainable SRPs.