Polymeric Viscosity Modifier for Fabric Softener Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric softening compositions that appear thick and creamy are often difficult to dispense from washing machine dispensers, leading to residue issues and poor storage stability, while compositions with lower viscosity are perceived as inferior by consumers.
Innovation Solution
A liquid fabric treatment composition comprising a cationic fabric softening agent and a water-soluble polymeric viscosity modifier with a specific molecular structure, allowing for high viscosity without shear thinning at dispensing shear rates, ensuring effective dispensing and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If high viscosity is achieved to create thick and creamy appearance, then consumer perception and product premiumness are improved, but dispensing performance and storage stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a polymeric viscosity modifier that provides dynamic viscosity control, allowing the composition to maintain high viscosity at rest (thick and creamy appearance) while reducing viscosity under shear stress during dispensing. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between appearance thickness and dispensing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the composition by introducing a polymeric viscosity modifier with specific molecular weight (2,000 to 80,000) and structure (Z-Y-(X-Y)n-Z), which alters the viscosity-shear rate relationship to achieve both thick appearance and good dispensing performance.
2Shape
If high viscosity is achieved to create thick and creamy appearance, then consumer perception and product premiumness are improved, but residue in dispenser increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric viscosity modifier creates a dynamic viscosity profile where the composition flows easily under the shear conditions of dispensing but maintains high viscosity at rest, preventing residue accumulation in the dispenser while preserving the thick and creamy appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
By modifying the rheological parameters through the polymeric viscosity modifier, the composition achieves optimal flow characteristics during dispensing (low residue) while maintaining high apparent viscosity for consumer appeal (thick and creamy appearance).
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 composition achieves a thick and creamy appearance desired by consumers while maintaining low residue and stability, with a unique shear profile that supports effective dispensing without residue, even at non-ambient temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a water-soluble polymeric viscosity modifier represented by the formula: Z—Y—(X—Y)n—Z
Implementation Method 2
X represents a polyether chain
Implementation Method 3
each Z independently represents a hydrophobic group
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid fabric treatment composition comprising a cationic fabric softening agent and a water-soluble linear polymeric viscosity modifier represented by the formula: Z—Y—(X—Y)n—Z in which: X represents a polyether chain, each Y independently represents a linking group derived from a diisocyanate, each Z independently represents a hydrophobic group and optionally includes a spacer linked to Y, n represents an integer of at least 2, and the molecular weight of the polymer is from 2,000 to 80,000.