Fabric Softener Stability via Compatibility Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packaged fabric softener compositions with cellulose fibers often exhibit phase instabilities, leading to cracking and compromising the structural integrity and consumer acceptance, especially when packaged in polyethylene or polystyrene bottles.
Innovation Solution
The use of packaging materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene for packaging fabric softener compositions containing quaternary ammonium ester softening active, dispersed perfume, and cellulose fibers, which improves phase stability and consumer acceptance by preventing cracks and maintaining a rich appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cellulose fibers are added to thicken the liquid fabric softener composition, then the composition provides structure and maintains phase stability, but the composition exhibits cracking and phase instabilities when packaged in polyethylene or polystyrene bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compatibility agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the cellulose fibers and the packaging material (polyethylene or polystyrene). This compatibility agent prevents the harmful interaction causing cracking while maintaining the beneficial thickening and structuring effects of cellulose fibers. The agent acts as a bridge that相容izes the cellulose-containing composition with the packaging material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by adding specific compatibility agents that change the surface properties and chemical compatibility of the fabric softener composition. This parameter change allows the composition to interact favorably with polyethylene or polystyrene packaging, preventing cracking while maintaining phase stability.
2Shape
If cellulose fibers are used as rheology modifier, then the composition achieves rich appearance and avoids splashing upon dosing, but the composition compromises structural integrity due to phase instabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The compatibility agent serves as an intermediary that protects the structural integrity of the composition containing cellulose fibers. It prevents the phase instabilities that would otherwise compromise the structural integrity, allowing the composition to maintain both its rich appearance and structural strength throughout storage and use.
3Ease of manufacture
If the composition is packaged in polyethylene or polystyrene bottles, then the packaging provides cost-effective and widely available containment, but the composition exhibits visible cracks that reduce consumer acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The compatibility agent acts as an intermediary that enables the use of cost-effective polyethylene or polystyrene packaging without the harmful cracking effect. This allows manufacturers to continue using widely available and economical packaging materials while eliminating the visual defects that reduce consumer acceptance, thus maintaining both manufacturing ease and product reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to packaged product as well as the methods of using same. Such packaged product containing a liquid fabric softener composition wherein said liquid fabric softener composition comprises a quaternary ammonium ester softening active, dispersed perfume, and cellulose fibers. Such packaged liquid fabric softener compositions exhibit phase stability while also delivering the softening benefits and pleasant smell that are desired by consumers.