Microfibrous Cellulose Suspension Stability Without High-Shear Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous suspensions of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) are unstable during storage, requiring high shear mixing to maintain their properties, which is costly and inefficient, and they are prone to syneresis, microbial growth, and loss of functionality under temperature stress.
Innovation Solution
A stable suspension of microfibrous cellulose and/or hemicellulose is created by dispersing a natural thickening agent in a polyol before mixing with an aqueous suspension, eliminating the need for high shear mixing and ensuring stability and microbial resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high shear mixing is used to maintain MFC suspension stability, then the suspension stability is improved, but the production cost increases and the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A natural thickening agent is introduced as an intermediary substance to stabilize the MFC suspension. This thickening agent modifies the rheological properties of the aqueous phase, preventing fiber aggregation and sedimentation without requiring high shear mixing. The thickening agent acts as a mediator between the MFC fibers and the continuous phase, maintaining suspension stability through steric hindrance and increased viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical high shear mixing system with a chemical/rheological stabilization approach. Instead of continuously applying mechanical energy through high shear mixers to prevent sedimentation, the system uses a thickening agent to create a stable suspension structure that resists gravitational settling and fiber aggregation passively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If high shear mixing is used to maintain MFC suspension stability, then the suspension stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex high shear mixing equipment with simple low shear mixing or even manual mixing. The thickening agent enables suspension stability to be achieved with basic mixing devices, eliminating the need for expensive and complex high shear mixers, homogenizers, or continuous mixing systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If MFC suspension is stored for prolonged periods, then the production efficiency is improved, but the suspension undergoes syneresis and sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The natural thickening agent is added in advance to the MFC suspension formulation to prevent syneresis and sedimentation during storage. This preliminary stabilization action ensures that the suspension maintains its homogeneity and stability throughout the storage period, eliminating the need for periodic re-mixing or special storage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the rheological parameters of the suspension by adding a thickening agent, which increases the viscosity and elastic modulus of the continuous phase. This parameter change prevents fiber沉降 and syneresis by creating a more robust network structure that can support the MFC fibers against gravitational forces during prolonged storage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If MFC suspension with high water content is used, then the product versatility is improved, but the microbial growth risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The natural thickening agent serves as an intermediary that allows high water content to be maintained while preventing microbial growth. By modifying the rheological properties and creating a more structured continuous phase, the thickening agent makes the environment less favorable for microbial proliferation while preserving the versatility of high-water formulations.
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 suspension maintains a uniform semi-solid to semi-liquid paste or gel form, is stable across temperature extremes, resistant to microbial infestation, and has a long shelf life, enabling efficient use in aqueous formulations without high shear mixing.
Implementation Method 1
a stable suspension of microfibrous cellulose and/or microfibrous hemicellulose... dispersing a natural thickening agent in a polyol before mixing with an aqueous suspension
Implementation Method 2
dispersing a natural thickening agent in a polyol before mixing with an aqueous suspension... resistant to microbial infestation
Implementation Method 3
MFC is characterized by having a large surface area per volume... high water-binding capacity... uniform semi-solid to semi-liquid paste or gel form
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to a stable suspension comprising: microfibrous cellulose, microfibrous hemicellulose or mixtures thereof (MF(H)C), in an amount of 1 to 10 percent by weight of the suspension; at least one natural thickening agent, in an amount up to 2 percent by weight of the suspension; at least one polyol, in an amount up to 20 percent by weight of the suspension; and water, in an amount of 50 to 98 percent by weight of the suspension. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing aforementioned stable suspension. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of aforementioned stable suspension in a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, dermatological or hygienic preparation. In a fourth and fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, dermatological or hygienic product comprising aforementioned stable suspension and a method for the production thereof.