Gel-State Detergent Fixability via Shear-Thinning Nanofibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gel-state detergents fixed to toilet bowl surfaces face challenges in achieving high fixability while being easily squeezable from containers, as excessively high viscosity makes squeezing difficult.
Innovation Solution
A gel-state detergent composition containing 0.02% to 0.2% cellulose nanofibers with an average fiber width of 30 nm to 50 nm, along with a surfactant and water, enhances fixability and squeezability by adjusting viscosity based on shear stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the viscosity of the gel-state detergent is increased to enhance fixability to the toilet bowl surface, then the cleaning effect duration is improved, but the squeezing operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent composition utilizes shear-thinning properties where the viscosity dynamically changes based on applied stress. During squeezing, high shear stress reduces viscosity for easy dispensing. After application, low shear stress allows viscosity to recover for strong adhesion to the toilet bowl surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the detergent by adding cellulose nanofibers (0.02-0.2% by mass) with specific dimensions (average fiber width 30-50 nm, length 1-100 μm). This modifies the viscosity-shear stress relationship to achieve optimal balance between squeezability and fixability.
2Reliability
If cellulose nanofibers are added to increase viscosity and fixability, then the adhesion to surface is improved, but the fiber aggregation may occur reducing homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameters for cellulose nanofibers: 0.02-0.2% by mass concentration, average fiber width 30-50 nm, and length 1-100 μm. These controlled parameters prevent fiber aggregation while maintaining homogeneous distribution and desired viscosity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent forms a composite system combining surfactants, water, and cellulose nanofibers. The nanofibers act as reinforcing elements that enhance adhesion and viscosity without causing aggregation when properly controlled, creating a stable composite formulation.
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 provides high fixability to toilet bowl surfaces and easy squeezability from containers, enhancing cleaning effectiveness and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting viscosity based on shear stress
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~5
AI summary
A gel-state detergent composition which comprises cellulose nanofibers, a surfactant, and water. The content of the cellulose nanofibers is preferably 0.02-0.2 mass%. The cellulose nanofibers have an average fiber width of preferably 30-50 nm. Due to this, a gel-state detergent composition which has high fixability to the inner surface of a toilet bowl, etc. and is easy to squeeze out of the container can be provided.