Detergent Composition Saccharide Efflorescence Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unit dose detergent products experience efflorescence, a phenomenon where solvated salts precipitate out, affecting their aesthetic appearance and cleaning performance, especially when containing anionic surfactants, and existing solutions to reduce yellowing can exacerbate this issue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating mono-, di-, or oligosaccharides, such as high fructose corn syrup, into the detergent formulation to replace or supplement non-aqueous solvents, which significantly reduces or eliminates efflorescence while maintaining high detersive performance and using a solvent system with water and non-aqueous solvents having not more than three hydroxyl groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If whitening/brightening agents and yellow color reducing agents are added to reduce yellowing of detergent solution, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but efflorescence is aggravated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the detergent formulation by incorporating specific saccharides (mono-, di-, or oligosaccharides) in controlled amounts (1-50% by weight). This parameter change modifies the solution's chemical environment to prevent efflorescence while maintaining aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between yellowing reduction and efflorescence prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Saccharides serve as intermediary substances that mediate between the conflicting requirements of aesthetic appearance and efflorescence prevention. These saccharides interact with the detergent components to stabilize the solution, preventing both yellowing and efflorescence simultaneously by acting as a buffering medium that controls crystal formation and color development.
2Reliability
If conventional detergent formulations are used, then cleaning performance is maintained, but efflorescence occurs affecting appearance and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite detergent formulation by combining conventional detergent ingredients with saccharides (mono-, di-, or oligosaccharides). This composite material approach integrates the cleaning functionality of traditional detergents with the efflorescence-preventing properties of saccharides, maintaining cleaning performance while eliminating the harmful efflorescence effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of saccharides (which could contribute to efflorescence as crystallizable substances) into a beneficial effect by selecting specific types and concentrations of saccharides that actually prevent efflorescence formation. The saccharides modify the crystallization behavior of salts in the detergent, transforming what could be a harmful crystallization process into a beneficial stabilization mechanism that prevents unsightly efflorescence while maintaining cleaning efficacy.
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 use of saccharides like high fructose corn syrup in detergent formulations prevents or suppresses efflorescence, maintaining product stability and cleaning efficacy, and provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
Glycerin and propylene glycol are typically used in an amount sufficient to bind water, solvate materials, and fill volume within the detergent pack
Implementation Method 2
Mono-, di- and oligosaccharides... bind water, solvate materials, and fill volume within the detergent pack
Implementation Method 3
Efflorescence is a phenomenon when solvated salts in a liquid formulation precipitate out, on, or in the PVOH films of unit dose detergent products
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are detergent formulations which can effectively suppress efflorescence in unit dose detergent packs. In accordance with one embodiment, the detergent formulations comprise an alkyl ethoxysulfate component having an alkyl chain length of about 12-18 carbon atoms and about 2-9 moles of ethylene oxide and a cation, an alcohol ethoxylate component having an alkyl chain length of about 12-18 carbon atoms and about 5-9 moles of ethylene oxide, high fructose corn syrup, and a liquid carrier.