Anhydrous Fabric Softener Composition for Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabric softeners face challenges in stability during long-term storage and require larger packaging due to water content, leading to increased costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of fabric softener formulations with 70-80 wt % methyl bis (canola amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate and other specific ingredients, which are anhydrous and super-concentrated, enhancing stability and reducing packaging needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fabric softeners contain water content, then they provide adequate stability during storage, but they require larger packaging and increase energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the water content parameter from conventional levels (typically 20-50% water) to near-zero or anhydrous conditions. This parameter change enables the formulation to achieve both improved storage stability and reduced packaging volume, as the concentrated liquid softener maintains stability without water while occupying significantly less space
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fabric softeners use standard concentration levels, then they are easier to manufacture, but they require larger packaging and increase shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies concentration parameter changes by formulating the fabric softener as a super-concentrated or anhydrous liquid product. This increases the active ingredient concentration from typical levels to 90% or higher, thereby reducing the total quantity of substance required per use and the packaging volume needed, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through direct mixing of concentrated components
3Volume of stationary object
If fabric softener formulations are made anhydrous and super-concentrated, then packaging needs and energy consumption are reduced, but formulation stability during long-term storage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material formulation by combining specific ingredients in a concentrated matrix: quaternary ammonium compounds (softening agents), esters (emollients), and proprietary stabilizers. This composite structure provides mutual stabilization where the specific combination of concentrated components prevents degradation, oxidation, and phase separation that would normally occur in anhydrous conditions, thereby maintaining stability while achieving reduced packaging volume
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric softener formulation according to one embodiment includes 70-80 wt % methyl bis (canola amidoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate; 2-4 wt % dicocoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium CL; >0-12 wt % of a glycol; >0-10 wt % solvent; 0-5 wt % methyl laurate; 0-5 wt % alcohol; and 0-5 wt % fragrance. A fabric softener formulation according to another embodiment includes 20-30 wt % solvent; >0-2 wt % coco methyl ester ethoxylate; >0-3 wt % glycerin; >0-3 wt % dicocoethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate with propylene glycol; 1-5 wt % alcohol; 35-45 wt % methyl bis(canolaamideoethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium methyl sulfate with propylene glycol; 0-5 wt % fragrance; 0-2 wt % acid; and 20-30 wt % water.