Crystal Type III MGDA Salt Humidity Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Methyl glycine-N,N-diacetic acid and its salts are sensitive to humid conditions, leading to water absorption and loss of free-flowing properties in powders, making them unsuitable for dry applications like automatic dishwashing products, and high water content negatively impacts detergent formulations.
Innovation Solution
A new crystalline form of methyl glycine-N,N-diacetic acid trisodium salt, referred to as crystal type III, is developed through a heat treatment process that converts crystal type I into a form with improved stability and reduced water content, along with a process to convert it back to hydrated crystal type I for enhanced free-flowing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If MGDA is isolated as an amorphous solid, then it is easy to obtain, but it absorbs water under humid conditions and loses free-flowing properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming MGDA from an amorphous solid state to a crystalline solid state through controlled crystallization processes. This phase transition fundamentally alters the material's properties, making it resistant to water absorption while maintaining ease of manufacture through optimized crystallization conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transitions by converting MGDA from amorphous to crystalline form. This phase change is achieved through controlled cooling, evaporation, or other crystallization methods that promote ordered molecular arrangement, thereby eliminating the hygroscopic nature of amorphous MGDA while preserving its chelating functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If MGDA is crystallized to improve free-flowing properties, then storage stability improves, but water content must be controlled to maintain formulation stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-controlling the water content and crystalline structure of MGDA before it is incorporated into detergent formulations. Through controlled crystallization and drying processes, the material is prepared in advance with optimal properties, preventing subsequent formulation instability and eliminating the need for additional protective measures.
3Ease of operation
If crystal type I is used, then it shows good free-flowing properties, but it requires additional disintegrants in formulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a crystalline MGDA form that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains excellent free-flowing properties for easy handling while also providing inherent disintegrant functionality that eliminates the need for separate disintegrant additives. This multi-functional crystal structure simplifies the overall formulation while maintaining operational ease.
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 new crystal type III maintains better free-flowing properties under high humidity and reduces the need for additional disintegrants, offering higher active content and cost-effectiveness in formulations, while rehydrated crystal type I retains improved flowability.
Implementation Method 1
A new crystalline form of methyl glycine-N,N-diacetic acid trisodium salt, referred to as crystal type III, is developed through a heat treatment process that converts crystal type I
Implementation Method 2
a process to convert it back to hydrated crystal type I for enhanced free-flowing properties
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid trisodium salt in the form of a crystal, comprising a crystalline modification referred to as crystal type III characterized by the below reflections when analyzed with X-ray diffraction analysis using Cu Kα radiation. The invention furthermore relates to compositions containing the crystal type III salt, to a process to prepare it, to the use thereof and to the rehydrated crystal type I that can be obtained by contacting crystal type III with water. (Type III)