Solid Particulate Detergent Composition Using Eutectic Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detergents and cleaning agents using water-soluble carrier polymers like polyethylene glycol (PEG) face issues with delayed solubility, leading to residue formation on laundry and in washing machines, especially under unfavorable conditions such as short wash cycles or low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A solid, particulate composition comprising a water-soluble carrier material, such as sodium acetate trihydrate, and a rheology modifier, which dissolves in its own crystal water at specific temperatures, improving solubility and processing, and preventing residue formation by adding a water-miscible organic solvent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water-soluble carrier polymers like polyethylene glycol (PEG) are used, then the composition can be processed and shaped, but delayed solubility occurs leading to residue formation on laundry and in washing machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from conventional PEG to a specific eutectic mixture of organic compounds (benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, and water in 40:30:30 weight ratio). This parameter change fundamentally alters the solubility characteristics, enabling complete and rapid dissolution in washing water while maintaining processability during manufacturing through controlled cooling and solidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite eutectic mixture of multiple organic compounds (benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, and water) rather than a single polymer material. This composite system provides both manufacturability through solidification and complete solubility in water, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability of solubility.
2Productivity
If short wash cycles or low temperatures are used, then energy consumption and time are reduced, but residue formation increases due to delayed solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The eutectic mixture's physical and chemical parameters are specifically selected to ensure complete solubility across a wide temperature range including low temperatures. The composition maintains rapid dissolution kinetics even in short wash cycles, eliminating residue formation while allowing reduced wash times and lower energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the carrier material dissolves completely, then fragrance is released effectively, but the composition becomes difficult to handle and transport before use
Solution Approach 1:
The eutectic mixture exploits phase transition between solid and liquid states. During manufacturing and transport, the composition solidifies into handleable particles or tablets. Upon contact with washing water, it undergoes complete dissolution (solid to liquid transition), ensuring effective fragrance release. This phase transition resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability of solubility.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is segmented into individual particles or tablets that are easy to handle and transport. Each segment contains the complete eutectic mixture formulation, which dissolves completely upon contact with water, ensuring effective fragrance release while maintaining ease of operation during storage and dosing.
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 ensures improved solubility and fragrance release, reducing residue formation and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the product while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
the salt melts in its own crystal water at this temperature
Implementation Method 2
which thermodynamically is a dissolution process
Implementation Method 3
adding specific rheology modifiers to the melt... such that a by heating the Composition melt obtained at 70 °C has a yield point above 1 Pa, preferably above 5 Pa and in particular above 10 Pa
Implementation Method 4
preventing residue formation by adding a water-miscible organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid, particulate composition comprising at least one water-soluble carrier material, at least one fragrance, and at least one rheology modifier from the group of heteroglycans, wherein the carrier material is a hydrated salt whose water vapor partial pressure at a specific temperature in the range of 30 to 100°C corresponds to the H₂O partial pressure of the saturated solution of this salt, such that the salt melts in its own water of crystallization at this temperature. The invention further relates to methods for producing the solid composition, as well as a washing or cleaning agent containing the solid composition.Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of such a washing or cleaning agent for cleaning textiles or hard surfaces, as well as corresponding methods for cleaning textiles or hard surfaces using such a washing or cleaning agent.