Ringing gel composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fragrance delivery systems in consumer products face challenges in achieving long-lasting fragrance performance and stable suspension of microcapsules, particularly due to low Newtonian viscosity and compatibility issues with charged surfactants, which limit their application across various substrates.
Innovation Solution
A self-thickened ringing gel composition with a viscoelastic behavior and viscosity between 0.1 and 1000 Pa.s at 0.01 s^-1 shear rate, comprising an aqueous phase, a non-ionic surfactant system with a mean HLB between 10 and 14, and an oil phase with a hydrophobic active ingredient, capable of suspending microcapsules without sedimentation and requiring no external thickener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If microemulsion systems are used for fragrance delivery, then fragrance solubilisation is improved, but microcapsule suspension stability deteriorates due to low Newtonian viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the formulation by incorporating viscoelastic polymers that modify the viscosity profile. The system transitions from a purely Newtonian low-viscosity microemulsion to a non-Newtonian formulation with shear-thinning behavior and enhanced low-shear viscosity, enabling microcapsule suspension while preserving fragrance solubilisation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system combining microemulsion components (surfactants, oils, water) with viscoelastic polymer networks. This composite structure provides dual functionality: the microemulsion phase solubilizes fragrance while the polymer network provides structural support for microcapsule suspension
2Stability of the object's composition
If external thickeners are used to achieve stable microcapsule suspension, then suspension stability is improved, but formulation complexity and compatibility issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thickening function with the existing surfactant and polymer components already present in the microemulsion formulation. Rather than adding separate external thickeners, the system utilizes the synergistic interactions between surfactants and polymers to generate the required viscoelasticity and suspension stability
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation components themselves (surfactants and polymers) provide the thickening and suspension-stabilizing functions inherently, without requiring additional external thickening agents. The system self-organizes to provide the necessary structural properties through component interactions
3Stability of the object's composition
If lyotropic liquid crystalline phases are used for microcapsule suspension, then suspension stability is improved, but viscosity becomes excessively high requiring high energy shearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the viscosity parameters by creating a non-Newtonian shear-thinning system rather than using high-viscosity Newtonian liquid crystals. The formulation exhibits low viscosity at high shear rates (facilitating mixing and application) while maintaining high viscosity at low shear rates (providing suspension stability)
4Stability of the object's composition
If charged surfactants are used in the formulation, then microcapsule suspension is improved, but compatibility with consumer products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses non-ionic surfactants as intermediary agents that provide steric stabilization for microcapsule suspension without the electrostatic interactions that cause compatibility issues. These surfactants act as mediators between the microcapsules and the consumer product matrix, enabling stable suspension while maintaining broad compatibility
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 ringing gel composition enhances fragrance deposition and retention on substrates, providing stable suspension of microcapsules and improved fragrance performance compared to microemulsion systems, while maintaining low viscosity and compatibility with different consumer products.
Implementation Method 1
a non-ionic surfactant system with a mean HLB between 10 and 14
Implementation Method 2
a self-thickened ringing gel composition with a viscoelastic behavior and viscosity between 0.1 and 1000 Pa.s
Implementation Method 3
an oil phase comprising a hydrophobic active ingredient
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of liquid solubilizing systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ringing gel composition i.e. a self-thickened composition having a viscoelastic behavior and a viscosity comprised between 0.1 and 1000 Pa.s at 20°C at 0.01 s-1 shear rate, said ringing gel comprising an aqueous phase, a surfactant system essentially consisting of non-ionic surfactant(s), a linker and an oil phase comprising an hydrophobic active ingredient, preferably a perfume. Consumer products comprising said ringing gel composition, such as a self-thickened liquid laundry scent booster are also part of the present invention.