Acrylic Maleic Copolymer/Polymer for Detergent
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Acrylic Maleic Copolymer – Polymer for Detergent
Polymer for Detergent is a water-soluble acrylic–maleic copolymer. It is used as a performance additive in laundry detergents, dishwash products, industrial & institutional (I&I) cleaners and textile auxiliaries. It combines strong dispersing power with good calcium binding. It is also thermally and hydrolytically stable, and stable to oxidising and reducing agents. This lets formulators reduce or fully eliminate phosphates (STPP) without losing cleaning performance in hard water.
How It Works
- Co-builder: Binds calcium and magnesium hardness and works alongside soda ash, zeolite and silicate to soften wash water.
- Anti-redeposition agent: Keeps lifted soil suspended in the wash liquor, so dirt does not settle back on fabric.
- Crystal growth inhibitor: Prevents calcium carbonate encrustation on fabrics and machine parts, which reduces greying and stiffness.
- Dispersant: Disperses clay, particulate soil and hard-water scum.
Key Benefits
- Use of polyphosphates can be reduced or fully eliminated
- Boosts detergency and reduces scum formation in hard water
- Enhances soil release and soil suspension
- Better whiteness retention over repeated washes
- Excellent temperature and chlorine stability
- Saves energy during spray drying of detergent powders
- Soft on fabrics. Compatible with enzymes, bleaching agents and common surfactants (LABSA, SLES, AOS)
Applications
- Laundry detergent powders, cakes and bars (phosphate-free and reduced-phosphate)
- Liquid laundry detergents
- Dishwash powders, gels and automatic dishwashing products – reduces spotting and filming
- Industrial & institutional (I&I) and hard-surface cleaners
- Textile auxiliaries – sequestering and dispersing aid in scouring, dyeing and printing
- Water treatment – scale inhibition and dispersion
Recommended Dosage
- Laundry detergents: 3–5%
- Dishwash and I&I cleaners: depends on formulation strength and the properties desired
Run trial batches to set the optimum level for your water hardness and builder system.
How to Use
Detergent powders: Add to the slurry before spray drying, or blend in during dry mixing. Liquid formulations: Dissolve in the water phase with stirring before adding surfactants.
Storage & Handling
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Wear gloves and eye protection while handling. Refer to the SDS for full safety information.
FAQs
Can it fully replace STPP?
It is used together with soda ash, zeolite or silicate to replace STPP. On its own it acts as a co-builder rather than a complete builder.
Is it the same as sodium polyacrylate?
No. Sodium polyacrylate is an acrylic homopolymer. The maleic content of this copolymer gives stronger calcium binding and better anti-encrustation performance.
Can it be used with enzymes and bleach?
Yes. It is stable with enzymes and with oxidising bleaching agents.