Laundry Detergent Powder Segmentation for Flowability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry detergent powders using sulphate as a bulking agent face issues with stickiness, affecting flowability and dissolution, leading to sedimentation and perceived poor cleaning performance, which consumers associate with ineffective washing.
Innovation Solution
A laundry detergent powder composition comprising two distinct particles: a first particle with less than 55wt% sulphate and a bulk density of 300g/l to 1100g/l, and a second particle with at least 55wt% sulphate and a bulk density of 350g/l to 600g/l, enhancing flowability and reducing sedimentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sulphate is used as a bulking agent in laundry detergent powder, then flowability is improved, but sedimentation occurs and dissolution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detergent composition into two distinct particle types: first particles containing detersive surfactants and secondary ingredients, and second particles comprising at least 55wt% sulphate. This segmentation allows the sulphate-rich second particles to provide flowability without causing the stickiness and poor dissolution associated with conventional homogeneous sulphate-containing particles. The second particles act as dedicated flowability agents that do not interfere with the detersive function of the first particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating particles with different compositions and functions within the same detergent system. Second particles are specifically designed with high sulphate content (at least 55wt%) and controlled bulk density (350-600g/l) to provide flowability in specific regions of the detergent powder, while first particles maintain detersive functionality. This localized functional distribution resolves the contradiction between flowability and dissolution performance.
2Ease of operation
If sulphate is added to water, then flowability is maintained, but it sinks and forms sediment at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the sulphate-containing particles by controlling their bulk density to be between 350-600g/l. This parameter modification allows the second particles to maintain flowability benefits while reducing their tendency to sink and form sediment. The controlled bulk density creates a balance between providing sufficient flowability and minimizing sedimentation in the wash liquor.
3Ease of operation
If sulphate sediments in wash liquor, then flowability is maintained in powder form, but cleaning performance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of detergent components into distinct particle types ensures that the detersive surfactants remain primarily in the first particles, which dissolve effectively. The second particles provide flowability but constitute a smaller portion of the total composition (20-80wt%), limiting their negative impact on cleaning performance while maintaining powder flowability benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to a laundry detergent powder comprising: (i) from 20 to 80wt% of a first particle comprising less than 55wt% sulphate, anionic detersive surfactant, and having a bulk density of from 300g/l to 1100g/l: and (ii) from 20 to 80wt% of a second particle comprising at least 55wt% sulphate and, having a bulk density of from 350g/l to 600g/l, and a process to making the laundry detergent powder.