The Green Profile and High-Efficiency Applications of Trilon M, a Novel Aminocarboxylic Chelant

Trilon M is a classic aminocarboxylic chelating agent with the chemical structure of methyl glycine diacetic acid. It is available in both liquid and solid forms. With a broad range of applications, Trilon M has no usage restrictions—its dosage depends entirely on the specific application.

Trilon M: 100% Bio-Based

A key feature of Trilon M is its green and eco-friendly profile, which is reflected in its bio-based origin and biodegradability. In terms of bio-based content, Trilon M is produced from bio-based raw materials through further modification. The latest generation of Trilon M utilizes an optimized production process where all petroleum-based feedstocks have been replaced with 100% renewable raw materials, certified by REDcert. (Established in 2010, REDcert is a German organization initiated by agricultural and bioenergy sectors to promote the sustainable development of biomass and biofuels.)

Trilon M: Biodegradable

According to the OECD 301 test standard, Trilon M demonstrates a biodegradation rate of over 60% within 28 days, qualifying it as biodegradable. Compared to other common chelating agents on the market, Trilon M offers distinct advantages: it breaks down into harmless small molecules, posing no risk to the environment, and helps avoid potential future regulatory restrictions.

Lower Molecular Weight, Higher Chelation Efficiency

Trilon M forms multiple six-membered chelate rings with heavy metal ions (such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and other polyvalent ions). Under aqueous conditions, it constructs an octahedral structure that effectively encapsulates metal ions. Moreover, it efficiently dissociates both organic and inorganic deposits through its strong chelating action, enhancing cleaning performance.

Compared to GLDA (tetrasodium glutamate diacetate), another bio-based chelating agent, Trilon M offers a lower molecular weight. At equivalent dosage levels, it chelates more metal ions. Its chelation efficiency outperforms most commonly used chelating agents on the market.

Enhanced Fabric Cleaning and Improved Surfactant Efficiency

In laundry detergents and liquid soaps, the addition of Trilon M helps reduce water hardness and enhances the efficiency of surfactants, particularly anionic surfactants. It is also widely used in pre-wash treatments and portable detergent formats such as stain-removal sprays and stain-removal pens.

Trilon M is especially effective against protein-based stains like milk and blood. An experiment was conducted to evaluate its impact in a pre-wash detergent using standardized stained fabric. Two identical blood-stained fabric samples were pre-treated, one with a detergent containing Trilon M and the other without. After washing and drying, the area treated with Trilon M showed visibly better cleaning results, with the grayish stain turning significantly whiter.

Efficient Dish Cleaning: Eliminates Limescale and Tea Stains Without Residue

During dishwashing, inorganic deposits such as limescale can easily form. In the first comparative test, two plates were used for a self-controlled comparison. White substances visible on the surfaces were inorganic deposits, primarily calcium carbonate. One half of each plate was washed, while the other half remained unwashed. In another experiment, one plate was cleaned with a detergent containing Trilon M, and another was cleaned with citric acid.

The deposition of inorganic salts (e.g., calcium carbonate) involves a chemical equilibrium that releases ions. Trilon M chelates heavy metal ions in water, such as calcium ions. Taking calcium carbonate as an example, to re-establish equilibrium, calcium carbonate continues to dissolve. The chelating agent then binds the released calcium ions again. This cycle repeats until all calcium carbonate is completely removed, revealing the original dark surface of the plate.

Findings from the limescale inhibition study show that while no noticeable scale is observed after a single wash, it becomes clearly visible over repeated use. After 30 washing cycles, a distinct white film—composed mainly of inorganic deposits—forms on the surface of glassware and metal utensils such as knives and forks.

A formulation containing 45% Trilon M effectively cleans heavily scaled, fully whitened glass and cutlery. Reducing the Trilon M content to 40% delivers comparable results. At 35%, a small amount of deposit remains, though the cleaning performance is still acceptable. In contrast, formulations with 30% or 25% Trilon M fail to effectively inhibit scale formation.

Trilon M also demonstrates excellent cleaning performance against stains such as tea residue. This is primarily attributed to its ability to chelate with chromophores within the stain or with heavy metal ions. (The color of stains is associated with chromophores in the molecular structure and the presence of heavy metal ions.)

In an experimental comparison, two formulations were used to rinse teacups with tea stains. The results showed that the cup rinsed with the Trilon M-based formulation was completely clean, with all stains transferred into the cleaning solution containing Trilon M. In contrast, the cup rinsed with sodium citrate exhibited significant residual staining.

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