Concentrated Detergent Unit Dose Film Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating detergent compositions for water-soluble unit dose articles poses challenges in achieving stability, viscosity control, and compatibility with the water-soluble film, particularly when reducing solvent content to enhance active ingredient concentration and reduce environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a concentrated detergent composition with a non-soap surfactant system of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and alkyl sulfate in a specific weight ratio, combined with alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant, and limited organic solvent and water content, encapsulated within a water-soluble film that dissolves upon use, ensuring stability and efficient release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the amount of solvent in the detergent composition is reduced to increase active ingredient concentration, then the cost and environmental footprint are reduced, but the physical and chemical stability of the composition deteriorates and compatibility with the water-soluble film is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the surfactant system by specifying precise weight ratios between anionic surfactants (linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and alkyl sulphate) and nonionic surfactant (alcohol ethoxylate), with the anionic to nonionic ratio being less than or equal to 1.5:1. This optimized parameter combination enables formulation with 45-65% surfactants and reduced solvent content (5-20% organic solvent) while maintaining stability and film compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite surfactant system combining multiple anionic surfactants (linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and alkyl sulphate) with nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant. This composite material approach creates synergistic effects that provide both the required stability and film compatibility at lower solvent concentrations, resolving the contradiction between concentration and stability
2Quantity of substance
If the amount of solvent in the detergent composition is reduced to increase active ingredient concentration, then the cost and environmental footprint are reduced, but the compatibility with the water-soluble film deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the surfactant composition parameters, specifically the weight ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant (≤1.5:1) and the specific combination of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate with alkyl sulphate and alcohol ethoxylate. These parameter changes ensure proper plasticization of the water-soluble film without premature rupture, achieving both high active ingredient concentration (45-65%) and reliable film compatibility
3Quantity of substance
If the detergent composition is formulated with high active ingredient concentration and low solvent content, then the cost and environmental impact are reduced, but the viscosity control and ease of manufacture become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully controls the parameters of the surfactant system, with total surfactant content at 45-65% by weight and organic solvent at 5-20%. The specific ratio of anionic to nonionic surfactant (≤1.5:1) is optimized to achieve appropriate viscosity for easy dosing during manufacture while maintaining high active ingredient concentration and reducing overall solvent content
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 achieves a stable and efficient detergent release while minimizing solvent usage, reducing costs and environmental footprint, and maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
When the water-soluble unit dose detergent article is added to water, the film dissolves/disintegrates releasing the detergent into the surrounding water to create a cleaning liquor
Implementation Method 2
These solvents can help to prevent physical phase instability, to control viscosity to enable dosebility during manufacture as well as good dissolution profile upon use
Implementation Method 3
as well as to secure proper water-soluble film plasticisation to prevent premature rupture
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a concentrated laundry detergent composition, wherein the laundry detergent composition comprises from 45% to 65% by weight of the composition of non-soap surfactant comprising anionic non-soap surfactant and nonionic surfactant, wherein the anionic non-soap surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and alkyl sulphate in a weight ratio of from 1:2 to 9:1; wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises alcohol ethoxylate surfactant and the weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to non-ionic surfactant is less than or equal to 1.5:1; from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition of organic solvent; and from 5% to 25% by weight of the composition of water.