Fabric Conditioner Composition for Stable Perfume Microcapsule Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fabric softeners face challenges in formulation stability and biodegradability, particularly with quaternary ammonium compounds, which affect the suspension of perfume microcapsules and shelf life of the composition.

Innovation Solution

A fabric conditioner composition comprising a fabric softening active with a specific formula (I) and a combination of monoammonium and diammonium compounds, along with a range of aliphatic groups and anionic groups, is developed to enhance stability and biodegradability, using processes like Piria ketonization, hydrogenation, dehydration, epoxidation, and amine condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as fabric softening agents, then softening properties are achieved, but formulation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidformulation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of the quaternary ammonium compound by specifying particular alkyl chain lengths (C16-C22) and ester linkages, which fundamentally alters the formulation stability while maintaining softening properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite fabric softening system combining specific quaternary ammonium compounds with ester linkages and particular alkyl group configurations, achieving both stability and softening performance through material composition optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional quaternary ammonium compounds are used, then softening effect is provided, but biodegradability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftening effectVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters by introducing ester linkages and controlling alkyl chain lengths within C16-C22, which enhances biodegradability while preserving the cationic surfactant properties necessary for softening effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the previously harmful persistent nature of quaternary ammonium compounds into a benefit by incorporating biodegradable ester linkages, transforming the molecular structure to be environmentally friendly while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If fabric softener composition is stabilized, then shelf life is extended, but perfume microcapsule suspension capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidperfume microcapsule suspension

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the HLB value and molecular structure parameters of the quaternary ammonium compound to achieve a balanced formulation that simultaneously provides shelf stability and adequate suspension capability for perfume microcapsules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates different functional zones within the formulation by using specific alkyl chain configurations that provide localized stability while maintaining interfacial properties for microcapsule suspension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4314218B1Fabric conditioner composition

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

A fabric conditioner composition comprising: a) Fabric softening active according to formula (I), wherein each R, is independently selected from C5-C27 aliphatic groups, Y is a divalent C1-C6 aliphatic group, R', R'' and R''', are independently selected from hydrogen or a C1 to C4 alkyl group, and X is an anionic group; b) 0.1 to 30 wt. % perfume; and c) Water.