Bacterial Cellulose Network Liquid Detergent Rheology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid detergent compositions face challenges in providing both shear thinning capabilities and bead suspension properties while avoiding issues like excessive viscosity and compositional opacity, which are often caused by high levels of external structuring agents.
Innovation Solution
A liquid detergent composition incorporating a bacterial cellulose network activated under intense high shear processing conditions, combined with a surfactant system comprising anionic, nonionic, cationic, and zwitterionic surfactants, to achieve the desired rheological benefits at lower agent levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high levels of external structuring agents are added to provide bead suspension capability, then particle suspension capability is improved, but the liquid composition becomes overly viscous and non-pourable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the structuring agent by using bacterial cellulose with specific crystallinity (30-70%) and degree of polymerization (100-500), and controlling its concentration (0.01-5% wt) to achieve optimal balance between suspension capability and pourability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining bacterial cellulose with surfactants and other detergent ingredients, where the bacterial cellulose forms a network structure that enhances suspension capability while the composite formulation maintains overall fluidity and pourability
2Reliability
If high levels of external structuring agents are added to provide particle suspension capability, then particle suspension capability is improved, but compositional opacity and cloudiness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the concentration of bacterial cellulose at low levels (0.01-5% wt) and adjusts its physical parameters (crystallinity, degree of polymerization) to provide sufficient suspension capability while minimizing light scattering and maintaining composition clarity
3Ease of operation
If conventional gums are used as external structuring agents, then shear thinning benefits are provided, but the gums are pH dependant and fail at pH above 10
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bacterial cellulose which has different rheological properties compared to conventional gums, providing shear thinning capability through its network structure that remains stable across a broader pH range including pH above 10
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining bacterial cellulose with surfactants and other ingredients that work synergistically to maintain shear thinning behavior and stability across different pH conditions, overcoming the pH limitation of conventional gums
4Reliability
If conventional gums are used as external structuring agents, then structuring benefits are provided, but certain gums are susceptible to degradation in the presence of detersive enzymes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses bacterial cellulose which has different chemical structure and properties compared to conventional gums, making it more resistant to degradation by detersive enzymes while maintaining structuring benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation where bacterial cellulose works synergistically with surfactants and other ingredients to provide enhanced stability against enzyme degradation while maintaining rheological control
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 composition achieves sufficient particle suspending and shear thinning capabilities with improved yield stress, stability, and reduced viscosity, maintaining effectiveness over time without excessive opacity or cloudiness.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid matrix has a yield stress of from about 0.003 Pa to about 5.0 Pa at about 25° C.
Implementation Method 2
achieves sufficient particle suspending and shear thinning capabilities with improved yield stress, stability, and reduced viscosity
Data Source
AI summary
A structured liquid detergent composition in the form of a liquid matrix made up of an external structuring system of a bacterial cellulose network; water; and surfactant system including an anionic surfactant; a nonionic surfactant; a cationic surfactant; an ampholytic surfactant; a zwitterionic surfactant; or mixtures thereof, wherein said liquid matrix has a yield stress of from about 0.003 Pa to about 5.0 Pa at about 25° C. and provides suitable particle suspension capabilities and shear thinning characteristics.