Invented by Zhengang Zong, Kun Xiong, Jeremy Moloney, Ashish Dhawan, Ecolab USA Inc

The market for Quaternary Cation Polymers has been steadily growing in recent years, driven by their wide range of applications and unique properties. These polymers, also known as quats, are organic compounds that contain a positively charged nitrogen atom. This positive charge allows them to interact with negatively charged surfaces, making them highly versatile in various industries. One of the key factors driving the market for quaternary cation polymers is their use in water treatment. These polymers are highly effective in removing contaminants from water, such as suspended solids, organic matter, and bacteria. They are often used in wastewater treatment plants, industrial processes, and even in household water filters. The demand for clean and safe water is increasing globally, and quaternary cation polymers play a crucial role in meeting this demand. Another significant application of quaternary cation polymers is in the personal care industry. These polymers are commonly used in hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, as they provide excellent conditioning and detangling properties. Quats help to improve the manageability and appearance of hair by reducing static electricity and enhancing shine. With the growing demand for hair care products, the market for quaternary cation polymers in the personal care industry is expected to witness substantial growth. The textile industry is also a major consumer of quaternary cation polymers. These polymers are used as fabric softeners and anti-static agents, providing a soft and smooth feel to textiles while reducing static cling. Additionally, quats can improve the dyeability of fabrics, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors. As the demand for high-quality textiles continues to rise, the market for quaternary cation polymers in the textile industry is expected to expand. The healthcare sector is another significant market for quaternary cation polymers. These polymers are used in various medical applications, including wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and antimicrobial coatings. Quats have excellent antimicrobial properties, making them highly effective in preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. With the increasing focus on infection control and prevention in healthcare settings, the demand for quaternary cation polymers is expected to grow in this sector. In terms of regional demand, North America and Europe are currently the largest markets for quaternary cation polymers. These regions have well-established water treatment and personal care industries, driving the demand for these polymers. However, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, primarily due to rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India. Overall, the market for quaternary cation polymers is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. The increasing demand for clean water, personal care products, high-quality textiles, and healthcare solutions is driving the adoption of these polymers. As research and development efforts continue to enhance the properties and applications of quaternary cation polymers, their market potential is expected to expand further.

The Ecolab USA Inc invention works as follows

A cationic salt composition includes a reaction product that is derived from a reaction between a polyamine, polyalkyleneimine or substituted alkyl tri-quaternary ammonium. Surfactant compositions are also provided. “The compositions can also contain carriers such as water or methanol.

Background for Quaternary Cation Polymers

Quaternary ammonium compounds are unique in their properties and constitute an important subcategory for surfactants. The unique structure of quaternary compounds is what sets them apart from other surfactants. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds are primarily composed of two moiety, a hydrophobic, such as a long alkyl, and a salt group. “The unique positive charge in the ammonium is key to the electrostatic interaction between the surfactant, and the surface.

Industrial water systems use process water for many purposes, but they can be susceptible to contamination by microbes and fouling. Even industrial water systems that are treated with the most advanced water treatment programs can experience fouling or deposition.

If these industrial water systems do not receive periodic cleaning, they will be heavily fouled. The fouling of industrial water systems can have a negative effect. Mineral scale (inorganic materials) can build up on water contact surfaces.

Evaporative water cooling systems are especially prone to fouling. Fouling can be caused by many factors, including the deposition of contaminants in water or air, stagnation of water, process leaks, and more. “If allowed to continue, the system may suffer from reduced operational efficiency, premature failure of equipment, and increased health risks associated with microbial contamination.

Microbiological contamination can also cause fouling. The sources of microbial contaminants in industrial water systems can be many and include airborne contamination, water make up, process leaks, and improperly cleaned machinery. These microorganisms are able to establish microbial colonies on any wettable and semi-wettable surfaces of the water system.

Exopolymeric substances are secreted by bacteria to aid in biofilm formation as microbial communities form on surfaces. Biofilms are complex ecologies that can be used to concentrate nutrients, offer growth protection, and accelerate other fouling processes. Biofilms not only reduce system efficiency, but also create an ideal environment for Legionella bacteria to grow. To minimize health risks associated with Legionella, it is important to reduce biofilms as well as other fouling processes to the maximum extent possible.

The addition of corrosion inhibitors into oil and gas production fluids is a common practice to protect infrastructure and pipelines made from carbon steel against corrosion. For many years, corrosion inhibitors have included quaternary ammonium compound formulations. However, these compounds are usually bis-quaternary species and species quaternized by benzyl chloride.

There is a need for quaternary compounds to fill the niche of corrosion inhibitors and surfactants.

In some embodiments, it is possible to provide a cationic salt that comprises a product of reaction derived from the reaction between a polyamine (or polyalkyleneimine) and a substituted trialkylquaternary sodium salt.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a cationic salt is provided that comprises a reaction product obtained from a reaction between a polyamine (or polyalkyleneimine) and a substituted Alkyl Trialkyl Quaternary Ammonium Salt of Formula (I):

Each X? “wherein each X? “R2, R3, R4, and R5 are independently C1 to C22 alkyl, or C7 to C22 arylalkyl. R5 is C1 to C6 alkylene substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments, it is provided a cationic salt which contains formula (III)

wherein R6 and R8 are independently C2-C6 arylenes; R7 is independently hydrogen. “wherein each R6 is independently C2-C6 alkylene; each R7 is independently hydrogen,?R8,?R6N(R8)2,?R6N(R8)2 or??R6N(R8)2?

R9, R10, R11 and R12 each are independently C1 to C22 alkyl, or C7 to C22 arylalkyl. R13 is C1 to C6 alkyl. n is a number between 1 and 100. “Each R9 is independently C2-C6 alkylene substituted with hydroxyl or?OR13; R10,R11, andR12 are each independently C1-C22 alkyl or C7-C22 arylalkyl; R13 is a n integer from 1 to 100. Each X?

In certain embodiments, it is provided a cationic salt which includes a reaction product obtained from a reaction between a polyamine and an alkyleneimine or polyalkyleneimine as well as a substituted alkyl tri-quaternary ammonium sodium salt of formula I:

Each X is an anion; R1 is C1-C6 alkylene substituted with a hydroxyl or?OR5 and an X? “wherein each X? End group X; R2,R3,and R4 are independently C1 to C22 alkyl, or C7 to C22 arylalkyl. R5 is C1 to C6 alkyl.

Wherein any of the following is true:

(A), the cationic salt does not contain any substitutions in its main chain and contains at least four quaternary groups.

(B), the cationic salt has one or two terminal tertiary groups with the formula (IV).

wherein R11 represents R1 without X?” “wherein R11 is R1 without the X?

(C), R2 and R3 can be C6-C22 alkyl or arylalkyl, and R4 can be methyl.

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