Bleaching Composition Stabilizing Starch-Encapsulated Oil

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bleaching compositions containing starch-encapsulated oils are prone to oxidative degradation and browning when stored with hypochlorite-based bleach particles, leading to loss of stability and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A bleaching composition comprising water-sensitive starch or starch derivative particles encapsulating an oil, combined with a dry mixture of hypochlorite alkaline earth salts and mineral particles like calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, and calcium hydroxide, which are stable against oxidation and maintain their properties over shelf life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If starch-encapsulated oil particles are combined with hypochlorite-based bleach particles, then the bleaching composition provides effective bleaching power, but the starch undergoes oxidative degradation and browning during storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebleaching powerVSAvoidstarch stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (antioxidant, UV absorber, or light stabilizer) that mediates between the starch-encapsulated oil particles and hypochlorite-based bleach particles. This intermediary prevents direct oxidative interaction between the starch and hypochlorite during storage, while allowing the bleaching composition to maintain its effective bleaching power when applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a protective environment around the starch particles by incorporating substances that absorb UV light or scavenge free radicals. This effectively creates an 'inert' chemical environment that prevents oxidation of the starch by hypochlorite during storage, while preserving the reactive bleaching capability when the product is used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the composition is stored for extended periods, then shelf life is extended, but the starch degrades and the oil components lose effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf lifeVSAvoideffectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies protective measures in advance by incorporating antioxidants, UV absorbers, or light stabilizers into the bleaching composition before storage. These substances preemptively protect the starch and oil components from degradation during shelf life, ensuring that the composition remains effective throughout the intended storage period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides a protective buffer against degradation by including substances that absorb harmful UV radiation or neutralize oxidizing agents before they can damage the starch or oil. This 'cushioning' effect maintains the integrity and effectiveness of the active components throughout the shelf life of the product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 remains stable during storage, preventing undesired browning and maintaining bleaching power, allowing for effective use in consumer products like fabric and home care items without significant degradation of the perfume or oil components.

Implementation Method 1

a water sensitive starch, or starch derivative, based particle comprising an oil encapsulated/dispersed within the particle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEncapsulation:

Implementation Method 2

a bleach particle comprising a dry mixture of a hypochlorite alkaline earth salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3464543B1Stable bleaching composition
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 FIRMENICH SA
  • EP3464543B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(l)
  • EP3464543B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3464543B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a bleaching composition comprising hypochlorite-based bleach particles and moisture-sensitive particles encapsulating an oil within starch or starch-derivative matrix, the composition being surprisingly stable toward degradation of the starch upon storage.