Dishwashing Liquid Viscosity Control Through Solvent-First pH Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwashing liquids face challenges in achieving a homogeneous mixture due to viscosity peaks, which makes the manufacturing process energy-intensive and time-consuming, while also requiring environmentally friendly production and good skin compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A method for producing hand dishwashing detergents involving the use of anionic surfactants, inorganic salts, and organic solvents like ethanol and cumenesulfonate, with pH adjustment after solvent dosing to achieve a viscosity of 1000-4000 cps, ensuring stable viscosity profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If viscosity is increased to improve perceived quality, then consumer perception of quality improves, but mixing homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperceived qualityVSAvoidmixing homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the pH value before adding the viscosity-modifying polymer. This sequence prevents the polymer from interacting with high concentrations of surfactant and碱, avoiding excessive viscosity increase that would hinder mixing. The pH adjustment is performed in advance, allowing subsequent polymer addition to occur under controlled conditions that maintain mixability while achieving desired viscosity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If pH is adjusted before adding solvent, then viscosity control is easier, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviscosity controlVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the pH value before adding the viscosity-modifying polymer. This sequence prevents the polymer from interacting with high concentrations of surfactant and碱, avoiding excessive viscosity increase that would hinder mixing. The pH adjustment is performed in advance, allowing subsequent polymer addition to occur under controlled conditions that maintain mixability while achieving desired viscosity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If pH is adjusted before adding solvent, then viscosity control is easier, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviscosity controlVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the pH value before adding the viscosity-modifying polymer. This sequence prevents the polymer from interacting with high concentrations of surfactant and碱, avoiding excessive viscosity increase that would hinder mixing. The pH adjustment is performed in advance, allowing subsequent polymer addition to occur under controlled conditions that maintain mixability while achieving desired viscosity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method results in a high-quality dishwashing liquid with stable viscosity, facilitating easy mixing and reducing energy consumption, while being environmentally friendly and gentle on the skin.

Implementation Method 1

the process takes advantage of the good viscosity profile achieved through the interaction of inorganic salt and solvent at pH values ​​of about 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH-dependent viscosity interaction:

Implementation Method 2

the essential point being that the pH value adjustment is carried out after dosing of the solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant-salt-solvent interaction: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP4098728B1Method for the preparation of viscosity modified dishwashing agents
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP4098728B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4098728B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for producing a hand dishwashing composition comprising the steps of: providing at least one surfactant; providing at least one inorganic salt; providing organic solvent; and adjusting the pH of the composition to a value between 7 and 8.5, characterized in that the provision of the solvent takes place before the adjustment of the pH.