Lamellar Gel Composition Stabilizing Polyvinyl Alcohol Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating gels comprising lamellar phase compositions into water-soluble unit dose articles is challenging due to instability and premature rupture of polyvinylalcohol-based films, which affects the compatibility and release of the inner compartment contents.
Innovation Solution
A gel composition comprising 50-100% lamellar phase with a surfactant, fatty acid or fatty alcohol, and a solvent, where the surfactant and fatty acid or fatty alcohol ratio to solvent is between 90:10 and 80:20, and the lamellar phase contains no more than 10% water, enhancing compatibility with polyvinylalcohol films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gels comprising lamellar phase compositions are formulated into water-soluble unit dose articles, then the encapsulation and release function is achieved, but the polyvinylalcohol-based film becomes unstable and ruptures prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the gel by limiting water content to no more than 10% by weight and specifying a particular ratio of surfactant and fatty acid/alcohol to solvent (90:10 to 80:20). This parameter modification resolves the contradiction by making the gel compatible with polyvinylalcohol films, preventing premature rupture while maintaining encapsulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite gel system combining surfactant, fatty acid or fatty alcohol, and specific solvents (glycerol, dipropyleneglycol, etc.) in defined proportions. This composite material approach resolves the film instability issue by formulating a gel composition that is chemically compatible with polyvinylalcohol films, eliminating the harmful interaction that caused premature rupture.
2Ease of manufacture
If water content in the lamellar phase is increased, then the gel formulation is easier to prepare, but the compatibility with polyvinylalcohol films deteriorates and film stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific parameter threshold by limiting water content to no more than 10% by weight in the lamellar phase. This parameter constraint resolves the contradiction by prioritizing film stability over preparation ease, demonstrating that the slight increase in formulation complexity is necessary to prevent film rupture and ensure reliable encapsulation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to gels comprising lamellar phase compositions and water-soluble unit dose articles comprising said gels.