Menthol Solid Composition Anti-Caking via Silica Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Menthol-containing solid forms tend to clump and cake over time, affecting their pourability and handling, and existing solutions with anti-caking agents either fail to provide stability or impart undesirable sensory properties.
Innovation Solution
A menthol-containing solids composition with a high menthol content and a silicon dioxide component, where silicon dioxide particles adhere to the menthol component's surface, reducing sublimation and evaporation, and are present in amounts not exceeding 4 wt.%, ensuring high storage stability and free-flowing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If menthol is stored as solid forms (crystals, flakes, pressed articles), then it maintains its refreshing taste and cooling effect, but it tends to clump and cake over time, impairing pourability and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid peppermint oil as an intermediary substance that coats the menthol crystal surfaces. This oil layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between menthol crystals, thereby eliminating clumping and caking while preserving the desired sensory properties of pure menthol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of menthol crystals by controlling the adsorption of liquid peppermint oil. By adjusting parameters such as oil content (0.1-5 wt%), temperature, and humidity during storage, the menthol maintains improved flowability and resistance to caking while retaining its characteristic taste and cooling effect.
2Ease of operation
If liquid peppermint oil is added to prevent caking, then pourability improves, but the sensory profile is marked by the oil's presence rather than pure menthol characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid peppermint oil is applied locally and selectively on the surface of menthol crystals rather than mixing throughout the bulk material. This localized application ensures that the oil only performs its anti-caking function on the crystal surfaces while the interior menthol remains pure, preserving the authentic menthol sensory profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controlled, small amount of liquid peppermint oil (0.1-5 wt%) - just enough to coat the crystal surfaces and prevent caking, but not excessive amounts that would alter the sensory profile. This partial action approach achieves the anti-caking effect while minimizing impact on the pure menthol characteristics.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If high purity synthetic l-menthol is used, then sensory intensity and purity are improved, but the material becomes more prone to caking and clumping during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid peppermint oil serves as a protective intermediary layer on the surface of high-purity synthetic l-menthol crystals. This coating prevents direct crystal-to-crystal contact that would otherwise cause caking, allowing the high sensory purity of synthetic menthol to be maintained without the storage stability problems.
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 exhibits exceptional storage stability, maintaining flowability and preventing clumping for extended periods, while ensuring a fresh and intense menthol taste without the drawbacks of water content or silica gel's sensory impact.
Implementation Method 1
particles of the silicon dioxide component adhere to the surface of the bodies of the menthol component
Data Source
AI summary
A menthol-containing solids composition comprising or consisting of(a) a solid menthol component consisting of bodies having a content of 95 wt. % or more menthol, based on the total weight of the bodies, and(b) a solid silicon dioxide component comprising or consisting of particles having a particle size of not more than 100 μm,wherein particles of the silicon dioxide component adhere to the surface of the bodies of the menthol component and whereinthe amount of the silicon dioxide component is not more than 4 wt. % and the amount of the menthol component is at least 95 wt. %, in each case based on the total weight of the solids composition.