Fabric Conditioner Composition for Stable Perfume Microcapsule Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric softeners, particularly quaternary ammonium compounds, face challenges in formulation stability, which affects the ability to suspend perfume microcapsules and impacts the shelf life of the composition.
Innovation Solution
A fabric conditioner composition comprising a fabric softening active with specific aliphatic groups, anionic groups, and a range of perfume concentrations, formulated using processes such as Piria ketonization, hydrogenation, dehydration, epoxidation, and epoxide ring opening reactions, resulting in improved stability and biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quaternary ammonium compounds are used as fabric softening agents, then fabric softening effect is achieved, but formulation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of quaternary ammonium compounds by introducing specific ester linkages and controlling alkyl chain lengths (C12-C22), thereby changing the physical and chemical properties to achieve both fabric softening efficacy and improved formulation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite molecular structures combining hydrophobic alkyl chains with hydrophilic quaternary ammonium heads and ester linkages, forming amphiphilic molecules that function as effective surfactants while maintaining stability in aqueous formulations
2Reliability
If fabric softening agents are added to suspend perfume microcapsules, then perfume suspension capability is improved, but shelf life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By adjusting the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance parameters of the quaternary ammonium compounds through controlled esterification and alkyl chain selection, the formulation achieves optimal suspension capability for perfume microcapsules while preventing premature degradation during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The quaternary ammonium compounds act as intermediary substances that mediate between the aqueous formulation medium and the hydrophobic perfume microcapsules, providing stable suspension without causing degradation of either component
3Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradability is improved in fabric softening agents, then environmental compatibility is enhanced, but formulation stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of poor biodegradability into a benefit by incorporating ester linkages that are readily hydrolyzed by microorganisms, ensuring complete biodegradation while the controlled structure of these labile bonds maintains formulation stability during the product's shelf life
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of ester functional groups changes the chemical composition parameters to enhance biodegradability, while the overall molecular architecture and hydrophobic character are maintained to preserve formulation stability
Data Source
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.