MGDA Silicate Granules for Dishwashing Detergent Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in detergent compositions is to find a non-phosphate builder that matches the performance of phosphates, especially in hard water environments, while also addressing the hygroscopic nature of amino acid-derived builders like MGDA, which causes processing difficulties and stability issues with bleach systems.

Innovation Solution

A detergent composition comprising granules with a high percentage of MGDA and silicate, co-granulated to improve stability and corrosion protection, housed in a rigid PVOH capsule for ease of dosing, providing a synergistic effect that enhances corrosion protection and stability when stored with bleach compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MGDA is used as a non-phosphate builder in hard water, then builder performance is improved, but hygroscopicity increases causing processing and storage difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuilder performanceVSAvoidprocessing and storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines MGDA with silicate in a single granule formulation. The silicate component counteracts the hygroscopic properties of MGDA, making the overall composition less prone to moisture absorption while maintaining the builder performance of MGDA in hard water conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite granule material consisting of MGDA and silicate. This composite approach allows the beneficial properties of both components to work together: MGDA provides superior hard water builder performance while silicate reduces hygroscopicity and improves processing characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If MGDA is used as a non-phosphate builder, then ecological profile is improved, but corrosion problems to tableware and glassware increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveecological profileVSAvoidcorrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silicate component acts as an intermediary or buffering agent between MGDA and the dishware surfaces. It moderates the interaction between MGDA and aluminium or glass, reducing the corrosive effect while allowing MGDA to maintain its builder function and ecological advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If MGDA is used in detergent compositions, then builder performance in hard water is improved, but stability problems occur due to incompatibility with bleach system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuilder performanceVSAvoidstability with bleach
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges MGDA with silicate in a co-granulated structure. This physical combination protects MGDA from direct contact with bleach components in the detergent formulation, reducing decomposition while maintaining builder effectiveness when dissolved during the wash cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The co-granulation process performs a preliminary protective action by encapsulating or physically separating MGDA from bleach components before use. This pre-protection prevents premature reactions and maintains stability during storage and handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10392586B2Automatic dishwashing compositions having a detergent granule
Publication Date: 2019.08.27 RECKITT BENCKISER FINISH BV

AI summary

The invention relates to detergent compositions comprising granular non-phosphate builder. The granules comprise an amino acid based builder, preferably MGDA, and s silicate. The composition is housed in a rigid PVOH capsule.