Water-Soluble Unit Dose Film with Anionic PVA Copolymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Four-film water-soluble unit dose articles face challenges with undissolved film residue due to higher film concentration in certain regions, leading to potential sticking issues with fabrics or wash articles.
Innovation Solution
A multicompartment water-soluble unit dose article utilizing a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer with an anionic monomer unit, where at least four films are sealed together in specific regions, enhancing dissolution properties and reducing residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four water-soluble films are sealed together in seal regions to create multicompartment unit dose articles, then compartment separation and formulation flexibility are improved, but dissolution performance deteriorates due to higher film concentration causing undissolved residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different polymer compositions in different regions of the film structure. Specifically, the seal regions contain a first polyvinyl alcohol copolymer with anionic monomer units, while other regions may use different compositions. This allows the seal regions to be optimized for dissolution while maintaining the structural integrity and compartment separation functionality throughout the article.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer by incorporating anionic monomer units with specific properties (pKa values, hydrophobicity). This parameter change improves the dissolution behavior of the seal regions, allowing them to dissolve more completely despite the higher film concentration in these areas.
2Reliability
If four films are sealed together in flange regions to create superposed compartments, then barrier against ingredient migration is improved, but dissolution challenges increase due to higher concentration of film material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by tailoring the polymer composition specifically for the seal and flange regions where multiple films are stacked. The first polyvinyl alcohol copolymer with anionic monomer units is used in these high-concentration regions to ensure they dissolve properly, while maintaining adequate barrier properties through the multi-layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material strategies by combining polyvinyl alcohol with anionic monomer units to create a copolymer with enhanced dissolution properties. This composite approach allows the seal regions to maintain both barrier functionality and improved dissolution, reducing the harmful residue effect.
3Shape
If multiple films are sealed together to create superposed unit dose articles, then compact shape and consumer preference are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple films into a integrated structure where the first polyvinyl alcohol copolymer with anionic monomer units provides both structural integrity and dissolution control. This merging approach simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the need for precise alignment of separate films while maintaining the compact superposed shape.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer with an anionic monomer unit in the water-soluble films ensures reduced undissolved film residue, improving the dissolution of the unit dose article in water, thus preventing sticking issues and enhancing washing performance.
Implementation Method 1
water-soluble unit dose articles comprising water-soluble film comprising a polyvinyl alcohol based copolymer having at least one anionic monomer unit provided such benefit
Data Source
AI summary
Multicompartment water-soluble unit dose articles and methods of making them.