Laundry Perfume Particle Stability via Composite Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry perfume particles comprising starch exhibit instability and uneven coloration over time, particularly in open containers, which affects their composition and fragrance release.
Innovation Solution
A composition of particles comprising 10-60 wt% polyethylene glycol, 0.1-50 wt% polysaccharide, 0.1-50 wt% ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant, and 0.1-30 wt% perfume materials, with specific molecular weight ranges and melting points, to enhance stability and fragrance release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If starch is used in perfume particles, then fragrance release is enabled, but particle stability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system comprising polyethylene glycol, starch, and ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant. The polyethylene glycol forms a stable matrix that encapsulates the perfume, while the ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant modifies the starch properties to prevent degradation. This composite approach allows the particles to maintain stability over time while still enabling fragrance release, resolving the contradiction between stability and fragrance release functionality.
2Ease of operation
If particles are stored in open containers, then accessibility is improved, but color uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants with specific melting points (40-60°C) that provide temporary protective functionality. These surfactants form a protective barrier around the perfume particles that prevents oxidation and moisture exposure during storage in open containers. The surfactant layer degrades or transforms under specific conditions (such as during washing), allowing the particles to maintain color uniformity during storage while remaining accessible for use.
3Quantity of substance
If perfume concentration is increased, then fragrance intensity is improved, but particle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes polyethylene glycol with specific molecular weight ranges (4000-12000) and ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants with controlled ethoxylate numbers (8-120) to create a stable matrix that can accommodate high perfume concentrations without compromising particle stability. The specific parameter ranges for these materials allow the system to maintain homogeneity and prevent phase separation even at high perfume loadings, resolving the contradiction between concentration and stability.
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 significantly improves the stability and uniformity of perfume particles, maintaining even coloration and fragrance distribution over time, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a composition of a plurality of homogeneously structured particles. The particles include polyethylene glycol, perfume, and starch granules
Implementation Method 2
The particles exhibit uneven coloration over time... improving the stability of laundry perfume particles
Implementation Method 3
ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant having a general formula: R1O(R2O)xH... and having a melting point between 40 and 60° C.
Implementation Method 4
0.1 to 50 w.t. % polysaccharide
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprising a plurality of particles, wherein said particles comprise: a) 10 to 60 w.t. % polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a weight average molecular weight from 4000 to 12000; b) 0.1 to 50 w.t. % polysaccharide; c) 0.1 to 50 w.t. % ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant having a general formula: R1O(R2O)xH R1=a saturated fatty alcohol or polypropylene glycol. R2=C2H4 or mixture of C2H4 and C3H6x=8 to 120 and having a melting point between 40 and 60° C.; and d) 0.1 to 30 w.t. % perfume materials.