Water-Soluble Capsule Film Strength and Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bio-based films struggle to form deep, high-volume capsules that can contain aggressive cleaning chemicals without dissolving in the hand or leaking, while maintaining processability and performance.
Innovation Solution
Development of water-soluble capsules with films comprising polysaccharides of specific molecular weight, branching, and functionalization, combined with controlled film thickness, allowing for the creation of strong yet dissolvable capsules that withstand handling and dissolve quickly in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bio-based films are used to contain cleaning chemicals, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the films dissolve too quickly in the hand or leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the molecular weight (100K-1000K), branching structure (max one side chain of four or more units per four backbone units), and functional group composition (sulfate, sulfonate, or carboxylate groups) of the polysaccharide film to achieve optimal balance between strength and dissolution rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polysaccharide-based film with specific functional groups and controlled molecular architecture to create a material that exhibits both mechanical strength for handling and controlled water solubility for dissolution in wash liquor
2Strength
If film thickness is increased to improve strength, then capsule integrity is improved, but dissolution speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing film thickness to a specific range (40-200 micrometres) combined with controlled polysaccharide molecular weight and branching, achieving the right balance where the film is strong enough for handling but thin enough to dissolve quickly in wash liquor
3Ease of operation
If films are made to be water-soluble for easy dissolution, then ease of operation is improved, but capsule integrity during handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree of functionalization (sulfate, sulfonate, or carboxylate groups) and molecular weight to achieve a film that is sufficiently hydrophilic to dissolve in wash liquor but maintains adequate mechanical strength to prevent dissolution during handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a film with spatially differentiated properties - the polysaccharide structure provides mechanical strength while the functional groups provide localized hydrophilicity that enables dissolution only under appropriate conditions (in wash liquor rather than in hand)
4Quantity of substance
If deep, high volume capsules are formed to contain sufficient cleaning chemicals, then quantity of substance is improved, but film processability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing film thickness (40-200 micrometres) and polysaccharide molecular weight to achieve a film that is thick enough to form deep, high-volume capsules containing sufficient cleaning chemicals while remaining thin enough to be processable and formable
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 solution provides bio-based capsules that effectively contain cleaning chemicals, maintaining integrity during handling and rapid dissolution in water, addressing the challenges of existing films.
Implementation Method 1
water-soluble film which can be formed and stretched into deep, high volume capsules... capsules do not dissolve too quickly in the hand or leak but which will dissolve quickly once in a wash liquor
Data Source
AI summary
A water-soluble capsule comprising a water-soluble film and at least one internal compartment enclosed by the water-soluble film, the compartment having an internal space and containing a home care composition within the internal space, where film comprises a comprises a polysaccharide having:(i) an average molecular weight in the range 100K-1000K g/mol;(ii) one or more functional groups comprising one or more of a sulfate, sulfonate or a carboxylate group or any combination thereof; andwherein branching side chains comprising four or more units are present at a maximum of one side chain for every four units of the backbone;and wherein the film thickness is from 40 to 200 micrometres (microns).