Detergent Surfactant System Viscosity and Cost Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid detergent compositions with high surfactant levels appear thick and of high quality, while those with lower surfactant levels appear runny, leading to perceived lower performance and cost inefficiencies due to the use of thickeners that do not provide performance benefits.
Innovation Solution
Formulating liquid detergent compositions with a surfactant system comprising alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES) and linear alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS), where the AES has an average alkyl chain length of 13.9 to 14.6 carbon atoms and an average degree of ethoxylation of 1 to 5, to internally build viscosity and enhance performance without the need for external thickeners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the surfactant level is increased to improve perceived quality and viscosity, then the pouring experience and perceived performance improve, but the cost of the composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant system by specifying AES with 13.9 to 14.6 carbon atoms and 1 to 5 degrees of ethoxylation, creating a synergistic system with LAS that generates viscosity through molecular interactions rather than requiring high concentrations or external thickeners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surfactant system combining AES and LAS in specific ratios, where the interaction between these two different surfactant types produces viscosity enhancement that neither surfactant would achieve alone at the same concentration levels
2Shape
If external thickeners are added to increase viscosity, then the pouring experience improves, but the cost increases without performance benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant system serves itself by generating viscosity through the inherent synergistic interactions between AES and LAS molecules, eliminating the need for external thickeners that would add cost without providing cleaning performance benefits
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 composition achieves a desirable viscosity and performance benefits while maintaining cost efficiency, providing a luxurious pouring experience and perceived high-quality performance without the added cost of thickeners.
Implementation Method 1
the surfactant system including alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES) and linear alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS)
Data Source
AI summary
Detergent compositions having surfactant systems that include alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES) and linear alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS). Methods of treating fabric with such compositions.