Segmented Bleach Adjunct Particles for Detergent Spotting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large particle detergent formulations often exhibit localized spotting and dye damage, particularly when using smaller bleach particles, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A bleach adjunct particle with specific dimensions and composition, comprising phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic-acid (PAP) dispersed in a water-soluble material carrier, is combined with a coated detergent particle to minimize spotting and dye damage, where the bleach adjunct particle is uncoated and the detergent particle is coated with surfactants and inorganic salts, both having similar shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smaller bleach particles are used in detergent formulations, then the bleach is more effective at removing stains, but localized spotting and dye damage occur on fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The detergent product is segmented into two distinct particle size populations: large particles (0.5-2mm) serving as the detergent base and small particles (10-200 microns) containing the bleach adjunct. This segmentation allows the bleach to be delivered in controlled micro-doses through the larger detergent particles, preventing concentrated bleach contact that causes spotting while maintaining effective stain removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bleach adjunct particles are locally embedded within or associated with specific regions of the larger detergent particles. This local quality ensures that bleach is released only where and when needed during the wash cycle, rather than being uniformly distributed, thereby preventing localized spotting while maintaining effective stain removal at targeted locations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If larger detergent particles are used to reduce spotting, then fabric damage is minimized, but bleach effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The small bleach-containing particles are nested within or associated with the larger detergent particles, creating a hierarchical structure where the large particles serve as carriers for the small bleach particles. This nesting allows the system to benefit from both size regimes: the large particles prevent spotting by providing a gentle matrix, while the nested small particles deliver effective bleach action.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent product is formulated as a composite system combining two different particle size populations with distinct functions. The large particles (0.5-2mm) provide a gentle matrix that prevents spotting, while the small particles (10-200 microns) containing bleach adjunct provide effective stain removal, creating a synergistic composite material that overcomes the limitations of using either particle size alone.
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 reduces spotting and dye damage compared to smaller particle formulations, as demonstrated by reduced color change in dye damage assessments and minimized fabric damage during washing.
Implementation Method 1
wherein when 1 gm of the bleach adjunct particle is dissolved in 100 ml of demineralised water the pH to the solution is in the range from 3 to 6
Implementation Method 2
from 5 to 60 wt % dispersed in the composition susceptible to aqueous attack particles of PAP
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention large bleaching particle adjunct to use with similar sized detergent particles.