Unit Dose Detergent Pac Solvent System Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unit dose detergent pacs with high solvent content face instability issues, such as phase separation and loss of rigidity, leading to potential leakage and breakage, due to high solvent loadings which cause the film to sag and become floppy.
Innovation Solution
A solvent system comprising water and a single non-aqueous solvent (NAS) with an optional residual solvent, totaling between 37.5% to 80% by weight, which stabilizes the detergent composition and enhances pac rigidity, using PEG 400 as the NAS and minimizing the use of conventional solvents like glycerin and propylene glycol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high solvent content (over 30%wt) is used in unit dose detergent pacs, then efflorescence is prevented and detergent delivery is improved, but pac rigidity is lost and film structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by replacing conventional solvents (glycerin and propylene glycol) with alternative solvents having different molecular structures and properties. This parameter change allows achieving the same efflorescence prevention benefit while maintaining pac rigidity, as the alternative solvents have different interactions with the film material and detergent components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining multiple alternative solvents in specific ratios, rather than using a single solvent. This composite approach allows optimizing both the efflorescence prevention capability and the rigidity maintenance, as different solvents in the composite system contribute different functional properties that complement each other
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional solvents (glycerin and propylene glycol) are used, then detergent solubility is maintained, but film solubility increases and pac structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alternative solvents as intermediary substances that mediate between the detergent composition and the film material. These intermediary solvents provide the necessary solubility for detergent components while having reduced affinity for the film material compared to conventional solvents, thus preventing excessive film dissolution and maintaining structural integrity
3Reliability
If increased solvent loading is used, then efflorescence-free product is achieved, but pac weight increases causing film sag and potential rupturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes conventional solvents (glycerin and propylene glycol) from the solvent system and replaces them with alternative solvents. This extraction eliminates the harmful weight effect while retaining the beneficial efflorescence prevention property, as the alternative solvents have different density and molecular weight characteristics
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 maintains pac integrity, preventing leakage and breakage, while ensuring a stable and aesthetically pleasing product with improved dissolution properties and reduced weight loss over time.
Implementation Method 1
a solvent system consisting of water and a single non-aqueous solvent, and optionally a residual solvent (from 0 to 5%wt), which, when used in a unit dose pac, not only stabilizes the detergent composition inside the unit dose pac
Implementation Method 2
a water-soluble or water-dispersible film forms a container that entraps the liquid composition
Data Source
AI summary
Stable unit dose detergent pacs are provided which are less prone to leakage or breakage and more aesthetically pleasing during handling. The unit dose pacs include a water-soluble container formed from a water-soluble or water-dispersible film and a wash composition encapsulated in the container. According to one embodiment, the wash composition includes an anionic surfactant present at from about 2% to about 35%, a non-ionic surfactant present at from about 2% to about 30%, and a solvent system present at from about 37.5% to about 80%, characterized in that the solvent system is composed of water and a single non-aqueous solvent only, or composed of water, a single non-aqueous solvent, and a residual solvent (less than 5%) only.