Fabric Softener Viscosity Control via Electrolyte Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric softener compositions face challenges in achieving ideal viscosity requirements for pre-dilute products, where the amount of polymer thickener needed for sufficient viscosity after dilution often results in unacceptably high viscosity before dilution.
Innovation Solution
A stable, concentrated aqueous fabric softening composition with a viscosity of 300 to 1000 mPa.s, capable of being diluted 3:1 with water, comprising a cationic fabric softener, cationic cross-linked polymer, and a low level of electrolyte like calcium chloride, which reduces pre-dilution viscosity without compromising post-dilution stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If polymer thickener is added to provide sufficient viscosity after dilution, then the viscosity of the diluted product is improved, but the viscosity of the concentrated product becomes unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing specific electrolytes (calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or sodium chloride) at controlled concentrations (0.01-0.5% by weight) to modify the rheological properties of the polymer thickener. This allows the system to achieve lower viscosity at concentrate stage while maintaining adequate viscosity after dilution, resolving the contradiction between these two states.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrolytes are introduced as intermediary substances that mediate between the polymer thickener and water. The electrolytes interact with the polymer chains to reduce intermolecular forces and hydrophobic associations in the concentrate, facilitating easier dispersion and lowering viscosity, while still allowing the polymer to provide sufficient thickening effect after dilution.
2Ease of manufacture
If the initial product has high viscosity to convey product richness, then consumer appeal is improved, but the product fails to mix satisfactorily on dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rheological parameters of the product by adding electrolytes that reduce the viscosity and improve flow characteristics of the concentrated fabric softener. This enables the product to maintain an appealing consistency while ensuring it disperses uniformly when diluted in the washing machine rinse cycle.
3Ease of operation
If the initial product has low viscosity to ensure satisfactory dispersion, then the diluted product mixes well, but the resulting dilute product is very thin
Solution Approach 1:
Electrolytes serve as intermediaries that allow the polymer thickener to function effectively at lower concentrations. The electrolytes modify the polymer's hydrophobic associations and chain conformation, enabling satisfactory dispersion at low concentrate viscosity while still achieving adequate thickening effect in the diluted product.
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 composition maintains physical stability and desired viscosity in both concentrated and diluted forms, ensuring effective dispersion and dosing in washing machines while providing excellent softening performance.
Implementation Method 1
the thickening properties of surfactant ingredients or added salts to provide a desired rheology
Implementation Method 2
associative polymers having a hydrophilic backbone and at least two hydrophobic groups per molecule attached to the hydrophilic backbone
Implementation Method 3
the inclusion of a low level electrolyte, such as calcium chloride, can reduce the pre-dilution viscosity of a composition comprising a polymeric thickener
Implementation Method 4
aqueous rinse-cycle concentrated fabric softener compositions containing a cationic polymer or mixture of cationic polymers
Data Source
AI summary
A stable, concentrated (pre-dilute) aqueous fabric softening composition having a viscosity of from 300 to 1000, preferably 300 to 850, more preferably 400 to 800 mPa.s at 116 s-1 which composition is capable of being diluted with water in a 3:1 weight ratio of water:softening composition such that the resulting diluted softening composition is physically stable and has a viscosity of from 40 to 100 mPa.s at 116 s-1, preferable 50 to 90 mPa.s at 116 s-1, the composition comprising a) a cationic fabric softener b) 0.7 to 2.5 % by weight of a cationic cross-linked polymer that is desirable from the polymerization of from 5 to 100 mole percent of cationic vinyl addition monomer, from 0 to 95 mole percent of acrylamide and from 50 to 1000 ppm, preferably 350 to 1000 ppm, more preferably 500 to 1000 ppm of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer cross-linking agent, c) from 0.001 to 0.2 by weight of electrolyte.