Granular Detergent Composition for Fast Suds and Foam Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing granular laundry detergent compositions fail to quickly generate suds at the start of the wash operation and maintain them throughout, while reducing suds efficiently at the end.
Innovation Solution
A granular laundry detergent composition comprising a first granule with a specific ratio of anionic surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and linear alkyl sulphate, and optionally an inorganic salt, formulated to enhance initial foam generation and subsequent reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional granular laundry detergent compositions are used, then the detergent can be manufactured and stored in granular form, but the suds generation speed at the start of wash operation is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent composition is segmented into multiple granules with different functional properties. Some granules contain surfactants optimized for rapid suds generation, while others contain surfactants optimized for suds longevity. This segmentation allows each granule type to perform its specific function at different stages of the wash cycle, resolving the contradiction between fast suds generation and sustained suds longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite granular structures where different materials are combined within or between granules. The composition includes multiple surfactant types (anionic, non-ionic, amphoteric) combined with builders, enzymes, and other additives in specific ratios within the granular matrix. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of rapid suds generation and sustained foam stability through synergistic material interactions.
2Speed
If the detergent formulation is optimized for rapid suds generation, then initial foam formation is fast, but suds are not maintained throughout the wash operation
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent is divided into functional segments within the granular composition. Fast-acting surfactants are positioned to dissolve quickly and generate suds immediately, while slower-acting surfactants and foam stabilizers are formulated to maintain suds throughout the wash cycle. This temporal segmentation of functional actions resolves the contradiction between rapid suds formation and sustained suds maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs parameter changes in surfactant concentration ratios and molecular structures. By adjusting the types, amounts, and combinations of surfactants with different HLB values, critical micelle concentrations, and foam stability characteristics, the formulation achieves both rapid foam formation and sustained foam volume throughout the wash operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the detergent formulation is optimized for suds longevity, then foam is maintained throughout the wash, but suds are not generated quickly at the start
Solution Approach 1:
The granular detergent composition is segmented into fast-acting and slow-acting functional components. Fast-acting surfactants rapidly dissolve and generate suds at the start of the wash, while slow-acting foam stabilizers and builders maintain suds throughout the cycle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both rapid initial suds generation and sustained suds longevity without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite surfactant systems combining multiple anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants with different functional characteristics. This composite material approach enables the formulation to simultaneously achieve rapid foam generation through fast-acting surfactants and sustained foam maintenance through foam-stabilizing surfactants and builders, resolving the contradiction between suds generation speed and suds longevity.
4Reliability
If multiple surfactants are combined in the granule, then both rapid suds generation and suds maintenance are achieved, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes formulation parameters including surfactant concentration ratios, molecular weights, HLB values, and synergistic additives to achieve effective suds generation and maintenance with manageable formulation complexity. By carefully selecting and balancing surfactant types and amounts, the patent achieves reliable performance without excessive formulation complexity.
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 achieves rapid suds formation and maintains higher foam levels during the wash cycle, followed by efficient suds reduction, improving the washing process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate and linear alkyl sulphate
Data Source
AI summary
A granular laundry detergent composition containing a first granule, a method making the granular laundry detergent composition and a method of using the granular laundry detergent composition.