Nonionic Structuring Premix for Stable Cationic Fabric Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid fabric care and laundry detergent compositions face challenges in structuring without anionic surfactants, leading to poor phase stability and compatibility issues with cationic ingredients, and require salt-tolerant structuring agents that maintain stability across various compositions.
Innovation Solution
A structuring premix comprising 1.0% to 16% non-polymeric, crystalline, hydroxyl-containing structuring agents and 4.0% to 20% nonionic surfactants, specifically low and high HLB nonionic surfactants, is used to stabilize liquid compositions with minimal anionic surfactants, ensuring improved rheology and phase stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If anionic surfactants are used to emulsify non-polymeric crystalline hydroxyl-containing structuring agents, then emulsification effectiveness is improved, but compatibility with cationic ingredients deteriorates due to complexation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the charge parameter of the surfactant from anionic to nonionic, eliminating electrostatic complexation with cationic ingredients while maintaining emulsification capability through hydrophobic interactions and HLB balance
Solution Approach 2:
The nonionic surfactant acts as an intermediary that provides emulsification without the harmful side effect of complexing with cationic actives, serving as a compatible bridge between the structuring agent and cationic ingredients
2Stability of the object's composition
If polymeric structurants are used to structure liquid compositions, then structuring capability is improved, but phase stability deteriorates due to depletion flocculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic polymeric component from the structuring system and replaces it with non-polymeric crystalline structuring agents, eliminating depletion flocculation while maintaining structuring capability through crystal network formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structuring system combining non-polymeric crystalline structuring agents with nonionic surfactants, achieving both structuring capability and phase stability through the synergistic interaction of crystalline networks and surfactant stabilization
3Productivity
If viscosity is increased to improve suspension of actives, then suspension capability is improved, but compatibility with cationic ingredients deteriorates when using polymeric structurants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the viscosifying agent from polymeric to non-polymeric crystalline structuring agents, achieving viscosity increase through crystal network formation rather than polymer chains, thereby avoiding complexation with cationic ingredients
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 structuring premix provides enhanced stability and rheology, allowing for effective suspension of actives and compatibility with cationic ingredients, while maintaining phase stability over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
nonionic surfactants in an amount of from 4.0% to 20% by weight, and wherein the nonionic surfactants emulsify the non-polymeric, crystalline, hydroxyl-containing structuring agent
Implementation Method 2
structuring premixes which are compatible across multitudes of different compositions... in order to suspend actives such as encapsulated perfumes
Data Source
AI summary
A structuring premix having a non-polymeric, crystalline, hydroxyl-containing structuring agent and at least two nonionic surfactants having a low HLB and a high HLB. A liquid fabric care composition that includes such a structuring premix. A process for making a structured liquid fabric care composition.