Liquid Detergent Composition for Low-Surfactant Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating liquid laundry detergent compositions with low surfactant levels (15% or less) poses challenges in achieving a consumer-preferred viscosity, as lower surfactant levels often result in thin, water-like compositions that are perceived as inferior despite effective cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid detergent composition comprising specific ratios of anionic and nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactants with defined carbon chain lengths and ethoxylation levels, along with the exclusion of alkyl ethoxy sulphate surfactants, to achieve a viscosity range of 250 cP to 800 cP, enhancing consumer acceptance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If low surfactant levels are used in liquid detergent formulations, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but viscosity deteriorates making the composition thin and water-like
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the ratio of nonionic to anionic surfactants (from 0.8:1 to 5:1) and optimizing the carbon chain length (13-15) and ethoxylation level (6.8-8.25) of the nonionic surfactant. These parameter adjustments enable the formulation to achieve both low surfactant content (0.5-15%) and desired viscosity (250-800 cP), resolving the contradiction between cleaning efficacy and viscosity stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining specific types of surfactants (nonionic alcohol ethoxylate with C13-C15 chain length and anionic surfactants) in optimized ratios. This composite approach allows the formulation to maintain both low surfactant levels for effective cleaning and sufficient viscosity for consumer acceptance, with the specific combination of surfactant types working synergistically
2Device complexity
If low surfactant levels are used in liquid detergent formulations, then formulation simplicity is improved, but consumer perception of quality deteriorates due to low viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters (viscosity, carbon chain length, ethoxylation level) to achieve a balance between formulation simplicity and consumer perception. By optimizing these parameters, the formulation maintains low surfactant content for simplicity while achieving consumer-preferred viscosity (250-800 cP) that signals quality to consumers
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 formulation achieves a desirable pour viscosity within the preferred range, addressing consumer perception issues while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
The formulation of a liquid detergent composition is a balance, among other things, of the ability to sufficiently clean the target substrate without damaging the substrate being cleaned
Implementation Method 2
the viscosity of the liquid detergent composition is from 250 cP to about 800 cP, when measured at 25°C at 20/s
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Liquid laundry detergent compositions can include about 15% or less of surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes a nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant with an average carbon chain length of about 13 to about 15 and an average level of ethoxylation of about 6.8 to about 8.25.