Biodegradable Wash Composition for Heat-Stable Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wash compositions suffer from syneresis, discoloration, and malodor when stored at elevated temperatures, which is a concern during increased handwashing frequency in pandemics, and there is a need for environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternatives.

Innovation Solution

A stable wash composition comprising a mixture of naturally derived and biodegradable sulfated polysaccharides, specifically lambda and iota carrageenan, with a viscosity of 700 to 15,000 cps, formulated to prevent syneresis, discoloration, and malodor even at elevated temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wash compositions are used, then washing function is provided, but syneresis, discoloration and malodor occur during storage at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidsyneresis, discoloration and malodor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating sulfated polysaccharides (carrageenan, agar, chitosan) at specific concentrations (0.1-5%) and adjusting pH to 3-10, which fundamentally alters the composition's stability characteristics and eliminates harmful storage effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite wash composition combining multiple components: sulfated polysaccharides, surfactants, and optional additives, where the synergistic interaction between these materials provides both cleaning function and thermal stability during storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If naturally derived and biodegradable sulfated polysaccharides are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidcomposition formulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the formulation by focusing on specific sulfated polysaccharide types (carrageenan, agar, chitosan) with defined sulfation levels and concentration ranges, making the complex natural materials manageable through standardized parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs naturally derived, biodegradable polysaccharides that are relatively inexpensive and environmentally benign, accepting their natural variability in exchange for reduced environmental impact and simplified regulatory requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If viscosity is increased to improve texture, then consumer appeal is enhanced, but syneresis and phase separation occur more readily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture and feelVSAvoidphase separation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves appropriate viscosity (50-5000 cP) through controlled sulfated polysaccharide concentration and molecular weight selection, while using pH adjustment and surfactant composition to prevent phase separation at these viscosities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses surfactants and pH adjusters as intermediary substances that mediate between the sulfated polysaccharides and other formulation components, preventing direct incompatibility and phase separation while maintaining desired texture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 maintains stability, avoiding phase separation, color change, and odor issues for extended periods at elevated temperatures, ensuring effective and safe use during increased hygiene needs.

Implementation Method 1

a polysaccharide that thickens or gels in the presence of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrocolloid:

Implementation Method 2

0.75 to 25% by weight surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP4243765B1Stable wash composition
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

The invention is directed to a stable composition wash composition. The wash composition comprises a mixture of naturally derived and biodegradable sulfated polysaccharides. The wash composition has a viscosity of 40,000 cps or less, and surprisingly, is free of syneresis, discoloration and malodor, even after being stored at elevated temperatures.