Non-Shear Sensitive Softening Compositions for Stable Tissue Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface softening compositions for fibrous structures like sanitary tissue products suffer from shear sensitivity, leading to viscosity increase, storage instability, and microbial growth, which affect their application and performance.
Innovation Solution
A non-shear sensitive surface softening composition comprising at least 25% by weight of a softener active, with a water/solvent ratio that maintains low viscosity and stability up to 70°C, and is resistant to microbial growth, ensuring long-term storage and effective deposition on fibrous structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known softener actives (e.g., DEEDMAMS at 40% active) are used in aqueous compositions, then softening benefit is provided, but viscosity increases and fibrous structure properties (tensile strength, stretch, embossments) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter by providing highly concentrated softener compositions (at least 25% by weight of softener active) and modifies the compositional parameters by using specific solvent blends (C3-C8 alcohols, C6-C11 esters, C7-C10 ketones) with controlled water content (5-50%), thereby achieving both softening benefit and structural integrity without relying on high water content formulations
2Reliability
If aqueous softening compositions are applied to fibrous structures, then softening is achieved, but storage shelf life decreases to less than six months and microbial growth susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by formulating highly concentrated softener compositions (at least 25% by weight) with controlled water content (5-50%) and specific solvent blends, thereby reducing water activity and creating an environment less favorable for microbial growth, which extends storage shelf life to more than six months while maintaining softening performance
3Ease of operation
If known softener compositions are handled and applied via non-spray methods (e.g., extrusion dies), then material handling is required, but shear sensitivity causes viscosity increase making application unacceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rheological parameters by formulating compositions with specific solvent blends (C3-C8 alcohols, C6-C11 esters, C7-C10 ketones) and controlled water content that maintain shear stability, preventing viscosity increase during high-shear operations such as extrusion die application, while still enabling effective softening performance
4Reliability
If high concentration of softener active is used, then softening performance is improved, but viscosity increases and composition stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite material principles by creating a multi-component solvent system (C3-C8 alcohols, C6-C11 esters, C7-C10 ketones, and water) that works synergistically to dissolve and stabilize high concentrations of softener active (at least 25% by weight), thereby maintaining both high softening performance and composition stability through the combined effects of different solvent types
Data Source
AI summary
Surface softening compositions, such as non-shear sensitive surface softening compositions suitable for application to fibrous structures, such as sanitary tissue products.