External Structuring System for Liquid Detergents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating aqueous detergent compositions with surfactants is challenging due to phase separation and stability issues, particularly when suspending particulate matter, and existing external structuring systems (ESS) often require high water content, which is undesirable in low-water applications.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the preparation of an external structuring system using a combination of crystallizable glycerides, anionic surfactants, and packing parameter adjusting agents, such as 1,2-propanediol or 1,3-propanediol, to enhance structuring ability and stability in liquid and gel-form detergents, involving steps like premixing, neutralization, emulsification, and controlled cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If external structuring systems (ESS) are used to stabilize liquid detergent compositions, then phase separation is prevented and particle suspension is improved, but water content increases which is undesirable in low-water applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the ESS by incorporating specific glycerides (20-60 wt%), surfactants (5-30 wt%), and polymers (1-20 wt%), replacing water-based ESS with an organic composition that achieves stable micellar structures without high water content
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite ESS system combining glycerides, surfactants, and polymers that work synergistically to provide structuring and stabilizing functions, where the polymer component specifically addresses particle suspension while the glyceride-surfactant complex provides micellar structuring without water
2Reliability
If particulate matter is suspended in surfactant-containing liquid compositions, then cleaning performance and fabric care benefits are improved, but particles tend to rise to the top or settle to the bottom over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses polymers as intermediary substances that mediate between the particulate matter and the liquid detergent matrix, providing steric stabilization and preventing particle aggregation, settling, or rising through electrostatic and steric barriers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the rheological parameters of the detergent composition by adding polymers that increase viscosity and provide shear-thinning behavior, ensuring particles remain suspended during storage and handling without settling or creaming
3Stability of the object's composition
If crystallizable glycerides are used as external structurants, then rheology-modifying and structuring properties are achieved, but the ESS requires high water content for effective structuring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameters by using crystallizable glycerides that form structured micellar phases at lower temperatures, achieving effective structuring in the liquid state without requiring water as a solvent or structural medium
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits the phase transition properties of crystallizable glycerides, which undergo ordered micellar phase formation at detergent formulation temperatures, providing structuring ability without water while maintaining the detergent in a liquid state through controlled thermal parameters
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 provides improved structuring properties and stability for suspending particles, maintaining effectiveness with reduced water content, resulting in enhanced rheology and particle suspension capabilities in detergent compositions.
Implementation Method 1
adding 5% to 50% by weight of the external structuring system of an anionic surfactant or a mixture thereof into water and mixing
Implementation Method 2
adding 2% to 10 % by weight of the external structuring system of crystals of a glyceride or a mixture thereof having melting point of from 40 °C to 100 °C and mixing; cooling the emulsification of step iv) down to a temperature between 25°C and 45°C under controlled cooling rate of 1-2 °C/min
Implementation Method 3
emulsification by mixing of the premixture of steps i) - iii)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process to prepare external structuring system(s) (ESS) comprising crystallized triglycerides including crystallized hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) and packing parameter adjusting agent to provide higher structuring ability. The present invention also relates to laundry detergent compositions in liquid or gel form comprising ESS.