Chitosan-Salt Structurant for Viscosity Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid fabric softener compositions tend to lose viscosity over time, leading to poor phase stability and reduced consumer perceived efficacy, with existing solutions not being completely satisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A liquid fabric softener composition combining chitosan and a specific type of salt, such as alkaline or alkaline earth metal salts, which synergistically enhances viscosity stability and phase stability, using a ratio of 2% to 25% fabric softening active and 0.01% to 1% chitosan, along with 0.002% to 2% salt, to maintain viscosity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional structurants or salts are used to provide viscosity, then initial viscosity is achieved, but viscosity is lost over time leading to poor phase stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines chitosan (a natural polysaccharide) with specific salts (alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal salts) to create a composite structuring system. This composite approach leverages the synergistic interaction between the biopolymer and salt ions to maintain stable viscosity and phase structure over time, overcoming the limitation of single-component structurants that tend to degrade or lose effectiveness during product aging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameter ranges: chitosan at 0.01-1% and salts at 0.002-2%, with a critical salt-to-chitosan ratio of 0.2-200. By controlling these parameters and their ratios, the system achieves maximum structuring efficiency and long-term stability. The parameter optimization ensures that the composite system maintains its rheological properties without the viscosity loss typical of conventional single-component systems.
2Device complexity
If polymeric structurants are used at low levels to provide structuring, then good initial structuring is achieved, but viscosity is lost upon product ageing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where chitosan and salts work synergistically. The salt ions interact with the chitosan polymer chains to form a stable three-dimensional network structure that maintains viscosity over time. This composite approach transforms a low-concentration structuring system into a long-term stable system by adding the salt component that reinforces the polymer network against degradation during aging.
Solution Approach 2:
The salt acts as an intermediary that mediates between the chitosan polymer chains. The ionic interactions between salt ions and chitosan functional groups create cross-links or associations that stabilize the polymer network. This intermediary mechanism prevents the polymer chains from separating or degrading over time, thereby maintaining viscosity stability without requiring high concentrations of polymer.
3Stability of the object's composition
If salts are added to improve stability, then phase stability improves, but the composition requires optimization of multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges that simplify formulation: chitosan at 0.01-1%, salts at 0.002-2%, and salt-to-chitosan ratio of 0.2-200. Within these ranges, the system automatically achieves optimal stability without requiring complex iterative optimization. The parameter specifications provide a clear formulation window that guides manufacturers to stable formulations systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The salt component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structurant, a stability enhancer, and a viscosity stabilizer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate additives and simplifies the overall formulation process. The salt works synergistically with chitosan to achieve multiple objectives (structuring, stabilizing, and maintaining viscosity) through a single additive component.
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 combination of chitosan and salt in the fabric softener composition results in significantly reduced viscosity loss over time, maintaining stability and performance, with a viscosity loss of less than 50% in one month at 50°C, improving both phase and viscosity stability.
Implementation Method 1
A synergistic effect between the salt and chitosan in a liquid fabric softener composition has been surprisingly found. This effect results in less viscosity loss for said composition over time compared to using conventional structurants in a liquid fabric softener composition.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid fabric softener composition and processes for making and using same. In particular a liquid fabric softener composition comprising a structurant providing the desired viscosity which remains stable over time.