Fabric Softening Composition Stability via Molecular Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid fabric softening compositions face instability issues during storage, especially at high temperatures and under shear conditions, leading to viscosity changes and poor dispensing characteristics, exacerbated by the use of quaternized ester-amines which are prone to hydrolysis.
Innovation Solution
A fabric softening composition comprising a fabric softening active, a hydrophobic ester with a Clog P greater than 4, and a chelant such as penta sodium salt of Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic acid (DTPA), which provides improved stability and resistance to shear, allowing for highly concentrated and compact formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional liquid fabric softening compositions are formulated as dispersed colloidal particles, then fabric softening performance is achieved, but product stability and viscosity characteristics deteriorate during prolonged storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the fabric softening active from dispersed colloidal particles to dissolved molecular form by selecting highly water-soluble compounds (e.g., diester quaternary ammonium compounds with specific molecular structures). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by eliminating the colloidal dispersion structure that causes instability while maintaining fabric softening performance through molecular dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation system combining highly water-soluble fabric softening actives with specific solvents (polyols, esters, ethers) and optional co-surfactants. This composite approach maintains molecular dissolution for stability while providing fabric softening through the synergistic interaction of multiple components in a homogeneous liquid solution.
2Manufacturing precision
If fabric softening compositions are subjected to high-shear mixing during manufacturing, then homogeneous dispersion is achieved, but product stability deteriorates under subsequent shear conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rheological parameter of the composition by using highly water-soluble fabric softening actives that dissolve molecularly rather than forming colloidal particles. This creates a Newtonian or near-Newtonian fluid with consistent viscosity that resists shear degradation, eliminating the structure-building colloidal network that is sensitive to shear forces.
3Reliability
If quaternized ester-amines are used as fabric softening agents, then fabric softening efficacy is improved, but hydrolytic stability deteriorates upon prolonged storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the fabric softening active by selecting diester quaternary ammonium compounds with specific molecular architectures that balance water solubility and hydrolytic resistance. These compounds have modified ester linkages and quaternary ammonium groups that reduce susceptibility to hydrolysis while maintaining fabric softening efficacy through cationic interaction with fabric surfaces.
4Quantity of substance
If fabric softening compositions are formulated in concentrated form, then product compactness and convenience are improved, but stability upon prolonged storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solubility parameter by using highly water-soluble fabric softening actives that can be formulated at high concentrations in the molecular dissolved state. This eliminates the need for stabilizing colloidal structures at high concentrations, allowing concentrated formulations to maintain stability through simple molecular dissolution rather than complex particle dispersion.
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 exhibits enhanced stability and resistance to shear, maintaining performance even at elevated temperatures and during transportation, enabling the formulation of highly concentrated and compact products with improved dispensability and dispersibility.
Implementation Method 1
said fabric softening composition is substantially free of nonionic surfactant
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophobic ester and a chelant, wherein the hydrophobic ester has a Clog P of greater than 4
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to fabric softening compositions providing improved stability upon storage as well as improved resistance to shear.