Gel-Stabilized Particle in Liquid Laundry Detergent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating cleaning active materials in particle form for liquid laundry detergent compositions is challenging due to their tendency to dissolve in water-based compositions, leading to degradation and reduced effectiveness during wash operations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid laundry detergent composition is developed, featuring a gel with a lamellar phase composition and a particle containing an active material, where the gel includes surfactants, fatty acids, and viscous hydrophobic ingredients like silicone and petrolatum, maintaining stability and effective deposition on fabrics during washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If particles comprising active material are formulated in liquid laundry detergent composition, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the particles tend to dissolve in the liquid composition leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gel phase as an intermediary medium between the particle and the liquid detergent composition. This gel phase acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the particle and the liquid environment, thereby preventing dissolution while allowing the particle to be delivered to the fabric during washing. The gel phase comprises a lamellar liquid crystalline phase formed by surfactants and fatty acids, creating a structured environment that stabilizes the particle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the detergent composition by incorporating a gel phase with specific temperature-dependent properties. The gel phase transitions between gel and liquid states based on temperature, providing particle stability during storage at room temperature while allowing particle release during warm wash cycles. This parameter change enables the composition to maintain particles stable without dissolution.
2Ease of operation
If water content is increased in liquid laundry detergent composition, then detergent流动性 is improved, but particle dissolution and degradation are accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the water content parameter within specific ranges (5-50 wt%) and utilizes the gel phase's temperature-responsive properties to achieve optimal flowability without excessive water. The gel phase provides pseudoplastic flow characteristics that improve ease of pouring and application while maintaining low water content to prevent particle dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining gel phase, liquid phase, and particle components. This composite material approach allows the formulation to achieve desirable flow properties through the gel's pseudoplastic behavior rather than relying on high water content, thereby maintaining particle stability while ensuring adequate flowability for consumer use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gel phase is added to liquid laundry detergent composition, then particle stability is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the gel phase formation by controlling specific parameters such as surfactant-to-fatty acid ratio, water content, and temperature. By defining narrow parameter ranges for these components, the formulation achieves reliable gel phase formation without requiring complex processing equipment or multiple formulation steps, thereby reducing overall formulation complexity while maintaining particle stability.
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 ensures that the active particles remain stable and are effectively released onto fabrics during washing, enhancing cleaning performance while maintaining the integrity of the active materials.
Implementation Method 1
the gel comprises a lamellar phase composition
Implementation Method 2
comprising a gel, where the gel comprises a lamellar phase composition
Implementation Method 3
the viscous hydrophobic ingredient comprises silicone and/or petrolatum
Implementation Method 4
the lamellar phase composition comprises a mixture of surfactant and a material selected from a fatty acid, a fatty alcohol or a mixture thereof
Implementation Method 5
the particle does not dissolve in the detergent composition but is released onto fabrics during the wash operation
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid laundry detergent compositions. Water-soluble unit dose articles that include a gel and a particle.