Concentrated Fabric Conditioner Low-Temperature Flowability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated fabric conditioners with high levels of fabric softening actives derived from palm oil or tallow cause unacceptable thickening at low temperatures, posing challenges for supply chains in colder regions.
Innovation Solution
A combination of quaternary ammonium compounds with different levels of saturated fatty acid chains, specifically a ratio of 6.25:3.75 to 2:7, is used to create a concentrated product that remains liquid at low temperatures, with less than 10% water content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high levels of fabric softening actives derived from palm oil or tallow are used, then fabric softening performance is improved, but viscosity increases and the formulation thickens at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by using a blend of quaternary ammonium compounds with different fatty acid chain saturations (30-100% saturated combined with 0-20% saturated). This parameter modification allows the formulation to maintain low viscosity and good flowability at low temperatures while still achieving effective fabric softening performance at high concentration levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite approach by combining two different types of quaternary ammonium compounds with complementary properties. The blend of highly saturated and low-saturated fatty acid chain compounds creates a synergistic effect that prevents excessive thickening at low temperatures while maintaining fabric softening efficacy.
2Quantity of substance
If concentrated fabric conditioner formulations are created, then product efficiency and transport cost-effectiveness are improved, but viscosity control becomes difficult at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the compositional parameters to include a specific blend ratio of quaternary ammonium compounds with different saturation levels, the formulation achieves high concentration (30-90 wt% fabric softening active) while maintaining manageable viscosity and pourability even at low temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by having different components serve specific functions: the 30-100% saturated quaternary ammonium compounds provide fabric softening performance, while the 0-20% saturated compounds act as viscosity modifiers that prevent excessive thickening at low temperatures.
3Reliability
If traditional fabric softening actives are used in high concentrations, then fabric softening efficacy is improved, but the formulation becomes too thick for supply chain distribution in colder regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters by selecting quaternary ammonium compounds with specific fatty acid chain saturation ranges. This parameter optimization allows the product to maintain effective fabric softening performance while ensuring adequate fluidity for supply chain distribution in colder climates.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-saturated quaternary ammonium compounds (0-20% saturated fatty acid chains) act as intermediary substances that mediate between the high-concentration fabric softening actives and the required fluidity for distribution. They prevent excessive thickening without compromising the fabric softening efficacy of the main active ingredients.
Data Source
AI summary
A concentrated fabric conditioner composition comprising 30 to 90 wt.% fabric softening active blend, wherein the fabric softening active blend comprises; a) Quaternary ammonium compounds having 30 to 100 % saturated fatty acid chains; and b) Quaternary ammonium compounds having 0 to 20% saturated fatty acid chains; wherein the ratio of quaternary ammonium compounds a) : quaternary ammonium compounds b) is 6.25:4 to 3:7.