Humectant-Free Toothpaste Composition Viscosity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toothpastes rely heavily on humectants, which can interfere with rheological properties and are expensive, and their presence can affect the stability and viscosity of toothpaste compositions, especially under temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A toothpaste composition comprising 20 to 60 wt% calcium-based abrasive, 0.1 to 5 wt% hydrophilic inorganic thickener that swells by intercalating water, 0.1 to 5 wt% aluminium silicate clay, and 0.05 to 2 wt% sodium chloride, with a total humectant content not exceeding 5 wt%, providing stability and viscosity within a defined range across a wider temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional thickening agents are used to compensate for reduced humectant content, then the toothpaste can maintain viscosity, but the composition complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple thickening agents (carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, and xanthan gum) into a synergistic thickening system that works together to provide viscosity and stability without requiring high levels of individual humectants. This merging of functions allows the formulation to achieve the desired rheological properties with minimal humectant content.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite thickening system comprising multiple polysaccharides and clays working together to provide the necessary viscosity and stability. This composite approach allows each component to contribute differently to the overall performance, enabling the formulation to maintain structure with reduced humectant content.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high humectant content is used to maintain stability, then the toothpaste remains stable across temperature ranges, but the cost increases and rheological properties are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the toothpaste formulation by incorporating specific thickening agents and clays that provide temperature-stable viscosity. This allows the toothpaste to maintain stability across temperature ranges without relying on high humectant content, as the thickening system compensates for temperature-induced viscosity changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickening agents and clays act as intermediaries that mediate between the water content and the structural stability of the toothpaste. These intermediaries provide the necessary stability and prevent phase separation without requiring high levels of humectants, thereby reducing cost and improving rheological properties.
3Quantity of substance
If minimal humectant content is used to reduce cost, then the toothpaste becomes more cost-effective, but the viscosity and stability become difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The thickening system incorporates components that provide feedback control over viscosity through their temperature-dependent and shear-thinning properties. This allows the formulation to automatically adjust its rheological properties in response to temperature changes and application conditions, maintaining consistent viscosity and stability with minimal humectant content.
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 maintains viscosity and stability within a desired range from 5°C to 45°C, reducing the need for high humectant content and minimizing viscosity fluctuations, thus enhancing the robustness and cost-effectiveness of the toothpaste.
Implementation Method 1
0.1 to 5 wt% hydrophilic inorganic thickener which swells by intercalating water
Implementation Method 2
0.1 to 5 wt% aluminium silicate clay other than said hydrophilic inorganic thickener
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a toothpaste composition comprising: (i) 20 to 60 wt% of one or more calcium-based abrasive; (ii) 0.1 to 5 wt% hydrophilic inorganic thickener which swells by intercalating water; (iii) 0.1 to 5 wt% aluminium silicate clay other than said hydrophilic inorganic thickener; and, (iv) 0.05 to 2 wt% sodium chloride wherein sum total of humectants in said composition is not more than 5 wt% humectant.