Laundry Detergent with Silicone and Cellulose Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laundry detergents often fail to maintain fabric softness effectively, particularly after multiple wash cycles, due to formulation stability issues related to haze caused by fabric softening silicones.
Innovation Solution
A liquid laundry detergent composition comprising 5-40 wt.% surfactant, 0.05-5 wt.% fabric softening anionic silicone, 0.05-2.5 wt.% cationic cellulose polymer with 0.7-1.4% nitrogen content, 0.001-3 wt.% perfume, and 0.005-2 wt.% fluorescer, preferably with anionic silicone in a nonionic emulsion and a pH of 6-10, which includes optional ingredients like fatty acids, dyes, and polymers for enhanced softening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fabric softening silicones are added to laundry detergent composition, then fabric softness is improved, but formulation stability deteriorates due to unacceptable haze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (specific polymer or stabilizer) that mediates between the fabric softening silicone and the aqueous detergent base, preventing haze formation while maintaining softness. This intermediary acts as a compatibility agent that allows the silicone to function without compromising formulation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters of the detergent formulation, including pH level, ionic strength, and surfactant composition, to create an environment where fabric softening silicones remain stable and transparent. By adjusting these parameters, the formulation maintains clarity while preserving the softening effect on fabrics.
2Productivity
If multiple wash cycles are performed, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but fabric softness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functional systems into one unified detergent composition: the cleaning system (surfactants) and the softening system (silicones and polymers). This combination ensures that both cleaning and softening functions are delivered simultaneously in every wash cycle, preventing the loss of softness that occurs when these functions are separated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous softening effect by incorporating multiple softening agents that work synergistically throughout multiple wash cycles. The formulation maintains a reservoir of active softening components that continue to deposit on fabrics over time, ensuring consistent softness across many washes rather than diminishing after the first cycle.
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 effectively softens fabrics by maintaining stability and providing consistent softness through the combination of surfactants, anionic silicone, and cationic cellulose polymer, as demonstrated by panel scores and texture analyzer results, showing improved fabric softness and reduced friction.
Implementation Method 1
comprising 0.05 to 5 wt.% fabric softening anionic silicone, 0.05 to 2.5 wt.% cationic cellulose polymer
Implementation Method 2
comprising 5 to 40 wt.% of surfactant
Implementation Method 3
the silicone is added to the formulation in the form of an emulsion, more preferably in the form of a nonionic emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to liquid laundry compositions containing (a) surfactant, (b) a fabric softening anionic silicone, and,(c) a cationic cellulose polymer having a nitrogen content of from 0.7to 1.4wt.%; (d) a perfume; and, (e) a fluorescer; and to the use of said composition to soften fabrics