Solid Fabric Softening Tablet Disintegrant System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid fabric softening compositions, particularly tablets, face challenges such as poor mechanical stability, incomplete dissolution during the washing step, and the deposition of un-dissolved residues, leading to reduced softening benefits and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A solid fabric softening composition comprising a disintegrant system and 5 to 65% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound, specifically designed to maintain mechanical stability and ensure complete dissolution during the washing step, thereby providing effective fabric softening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solid fabric softening tablets are used, then convenience of use and storage is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates causing disintegration during production and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite binder system comprising a water-soluble binder and a water-insoluble binder in specific proportions (water-soluble: 1-30 wt%, water-insoluble: 70-95 wt%). This composite approach combines the advantages of both binder types: the water-soluble binder provides good tablet formation and initial stability, while the water-insoluble binder maintains mechanical integrity during production, transportation, and storage. This resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and mechanical stability.
2Ease of operation
If tablets are added directly into the washing machine drum during wash sub-cycle, then ease of operation is improved, but dissolution completeness deteriorates leading to residue deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the dissolution parameters by controlling the water solubility characteristics of the binder system and the particle size distribution of the fabric softening active. The water-soluble binder component ensures rapid initial dissolution, while the controlled composition prevents excessive fragmentation. Additionally, the patent optimizes the ratio of active ingredient to binder and uses disintegrant systems that control the dissolution rate, ensuring complete dissolution during the wash cycle without leaving residues on laundry or washing machine surfaces.
3Reliability
If fabric softening composition is applied during washing step with laundry detergent, then softening benefit is improved, but interaction with anionic surfactants deteriorates reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a binder system as an intermediary between the fabric softening active and the washing environment. The binder, particularly the water-insoluble component, acts as a protective carrier that prevents direct premature interaction between the cationic fabric softening active and anionic surfactants in the detergent. During the wash cycle, the binder controls the release rate, allowing the active ingredient to become effective after the main washing action, thereby avoiding undesirable interactions while maintaining softening benefits.
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 effectively softens fabrics during the washing step, maintaining mechanical stability and preventing residue deposition, thus enhancing user experience and softening benefits.
Implementation Method 1
ensure complete dissolution during the washing step
Implementation Method 2
comprising a disintegrant system and 5 to 65% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound
Data Source
AI summary
A solid fabric softening composition is disclosed comprising a disintegrant system and from 5 to 65% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound having a structure represented by formula (I): (R1)(R2)—N+—[(CH2)n—Z—R3][(CH2)m—Y—R4]A−, wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a C1-C4 alkyl group or a C2 to C4 alkenyl group; each R3 and R4 is independently a C7 to C27 alkyl group or alkenyl group; each of Z and Y is independently —O—(O)C— or —C(O)—O—; m and n are each independently a number from 1 to 4; A− is an anionic counterion selected from methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, formate, carbonate, benzoate, tosylate, acetate, lactate, citrate, chloride, bromide, fluoride, iodide, and mixtures thereof, wherein the disintegrant system comprises a combination of salt and acid; and wherein the composition is in the form of a tablet.