Water-Soluble Cleaning Pouch Stabilizing MGDA with GLDA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating a water-soluble cleaning pouch with a high concentration of methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA) is challenging due to its hygroscopicity and instability, leading to crystallization and incompatibility issues with other detergent ingredients and the water-soluble enveloping material, which affects the stability and cleaning efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A liquid composition comprising a mixture of MGDA and glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) as complexing agents, along with a salt of an organic acid and a polyamine, is used to improve stability and solubility, maintaining low equilibrium relative humidity and viscosity, thereby enhancing the stability and cleaning performance of the pouch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly concentrated MGDA solutions are used to achieve good cleaning performance, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but crystallization and precipitation occur bringing stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of MGDA from highly concentrated to a controlled range (5-50% w/w), and introduces a second complexing agent to modify the chemical composition parameters, thereby preventing crystallization while maintaining cleaning efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite liquid composition by combining MGDA with at least one other complexing agent (such as GLDA, IDA, or NTA), forming a synergistic mixture that improves both stability and cleaning performance compared to pure MGDA solutions
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid form aminocarboxylate complexing agents are used to maintain flexibility, then formulation flexibility is improved, but high solvent content increases volume and causes incompatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the solvent content parameter by controlling the concentration of MGDA (5-50% w/w) and optimizing the ratio with other complexing agents, reducing the excessive volume problem while maintaining the advantages of liquid form flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple complexing agents into a single liquid composition, allowing the mixture to achieve the desired cleaning performance with reduced total volume compared to using highly concentrated single agents, while maintaining formulation flexibility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If MGDA is used to replace phosphate for environmental reasons, then environmental compatibility is improved, but hygroscopicity causes formulation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the water activity and humidity parameters by optimizing MGDA concentration (5-50% w/w) and combining it with other complexing agents, reducing the hygroscopic effects that make formulation difficult while preserving the environmental benefits of phosphate replacement
4Reliability
If thick liquids are used to reduce splashing, then handling stability is improved, but more powerful pumps or longer filling duration are required increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter by controlling the concentration and composition of the liquid mixture, achieving a balance where the liquid is thick enough to reduce splashing during dosing but not so thick as to require powerful pumps or extend filling time excessively
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 solution provides a stable and effective cleaning pouch with improved solubility and reduced crystallization, maintaining the physical and mechanical integrity of the enveloping material and ensuring good cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid composition comprising a mixture of complexing agents, the mixture consisting of a first complexing agent and a second complexing agent, the first complexing agent being selected from the group consisting of methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA), its salts and mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 2
Phosphate is not only an excellent cleaning active but also contributes to processability and product stability by adsorbing moisture from the surrounding environment and/or from the product itself
Data Source
AI summary
A single or multi-compartment water-soluble cleaning pouch comprising a cleaning composition and an enveloping material, the pouch comprising at least one compartment comprising a liquid composition said liquid composition comprising a mixture of a first complexing agent and a second complexing agent wherein the first complexing agent is selected from the group consisting of methyl glycine diacetic acid, its salts and mixtures thereof and wherein the mixture of the complexing agents comprises at least 10% by weight thereof of the first complexing agent and the liquid composition has an eRH of about 65% or less at 20 °C.