Low-pH Solid-Dissolvable Fibrous Composition with Crystalline Fiber Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry solid-dissolvable compositions based on sodium fatty acid carboxylate produce high pH aqueous treatment liquors, which are unsuitable for applications requiring low pH and maintain a crystalline fiber mesh structure.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising sodium fatty acid carboxylate, an acid converting agent, and optional benefit agents, formulated to create a low pH aqueous treatment liquor while maintaining a crystalline fiber mesh structure by adding the acid converting agent to a pre-formed crystalline mesh of sodium fatty acid carboxylate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If sodium fatty acid carboxylate is used as the base composition, then a stable crystalline fiber mesh structure is formed, but the resulting aqueous treatment liquor has high pH
Solution Approach 1:
The composition is segmented into distinct functional components: sodium fatty acid carboxylate provides the crystalline fiber mesh structure, while separate acid converting agents (citric acid, lactic acid, or malic acid) are incorporated to lower pH. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the structural integrity of the fiber mesh.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining sodium fatty acid carboxylate (structural component) with acid converting agents (functional additives). The composite maintains the beneficial crystalline fiber mesh structure while introducing acidifying agents that release protons in aqueous solution, thereby reducing pH to the desired range without compromising structural stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fatty acid is used to lower pH, then low pH treatment liquor is achieved, but the crystalline fiber mesh structure is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Citric acid, lactic acid, or malic acid serve as intermediary substances that mediate between the basic sodium fatty acid carboxylate and the desired low pH outcome. These intermediaries provide protons to neutralize excess base and achieve low pH without disrupting the crystalline fiber mesh structure, unlike direct use of fatty acids which compromise structural integrity.
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 a low pH treatment liquor with a stable crystalline fiber mesh, suitable for treating sensitive skin, reducing malodor in fabrics, and providing detangling benefits for hair, while ensuring proper dosage and maintaining thermal and humidity stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solid acid converting agent... which when added to water result in a low pH aqueous treatment liquor
Implementation Method 2
The porous microstructures from the mesh can hydrate and/or dissolve faster than completely solid microstructure
Implementation Method 3
A dry solid-dissolvable composition added to water creating a low pH aqueous treatment liquor
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-dissolvable composition comprising: crystallizing agent; water; from 10 wt. % to about 55 wt. % of the solid-dissolvable composition of an acid converting agent; and optional benefit agent; wherein the crystallizing agent is the sodium salt of saturated fatty acids having from 8 to about 12 methylene groups; wherein the crystallizing agent is the form of fibers as determined by the FIBER TEST METHOD; and wherein the water is less than about 15 wt. % of the solid-dissolvable composition.