PEG Blend Solvent System for Single Dose Pack Film Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detergent single dose packs with high solvent loadings face film degradation issues, leading to premature rupture and contamination, and require increased energy and time for processing and storage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blend of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with varying molecular weights, including higher and lower MW PEGs, to maintain film stability and reduce energy consumption and processing time, while allowing for higher solvent levels without film degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the solvent loading in the wash composition is increased to maintain constant pack size, then the pack size remains consistent, but the film degrades over time leading to premature rupture and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by selecting specific solvents with appropriate Hansen solubility parameters (δ < 30) and using blends of solvents with different properties. This modifies the interaction between the solvent and the water-soluble film, reducing film degradation while maintaining high solvent loading (5-50% by weight) and constant pack size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite solvent systems combining multiple solvents (e.g., PEG blends with different molecular weights, mixtures of organic solvents) rather than single solvents. This composite approach allows optimization of both film compatibility and solvent loading capacity, maintaining pack integrity while achieving high solvent contents.
2Strength
If organic solvents that are solid at room temperature are used to increase pack rigidity and stability, then the pack becomes more rigid and stable, but more energy is required for processing and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the solvent system by using liquid organic solvents at room temperature instead of solid solvents. This eliminates the need for heating and melting processes during manufacturing and storage, reducing energy consumption while still achieving the desired pack rigidity and stability through proper solvent selection and formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid organic solvents as intermediary substances that provide the necessary rigidity and stability functions previously achieved by solid solvents, but without requiring thermal energy input for phase maintenance. These liquid solvents act as mediators between the detergent components and the film, achieving structural integrity through chemical interaction rather than thermal energy.
3Strength
If solid organic solvents are added to the wash composition, then the pack rigidity increases, but the dissolution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the organic solvents from solid to liquid form at room temperature. This physical parameter change enables the solvents to be added in liquid form, which dramatically reduces dissolution time during the washing process while still providing the necessary pack rigidity and structural stability through proper formulation.
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 PEG blend enhances film stability, reduces energy requirements, and facilitates quicker dissolution, maintaining the structural integrity of single dose packs and improving their handling and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
US 2012/175797 A1 describes a method for controlling the plasticization of a water soluble film comprising preparing a detergent composition comprising anionic surfactant and solvent system comprising at least one primary solvent having Hansen Solubility (δ) of less than about 30
Implementation Method 2
Conversely, if these organic solvents are added to the wash composition initially in solid form, they take a longer time to dissolve as compared to liquid solvent additions
Data Source
AI summary
A single dose pack and methods for producing and using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a single dose pack includes a container, wherein the container comprises a watersoluble film, and a wash composition encapsulated within the container. The wash composition includes a detergent surfactant, water present in an amount of from about 8 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the wash composition, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) blend. The PEG blend includes at least one relatively higher molecular weight (MW) PEG having an average MW of about 1500 Daltons or greater in combination with at least one relatively lower MW PEG having an average MW of about 400 Daltons or less and/or at least one mid-MW PEG having an average MW of between about 400 and about 1500 Daltons.