Solvent System for Low VOC Aerosol Spray Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol and trigger formulations with high VOC content often result in large particle sizes and slower evaporation rates, leading to increased fallout and undesirable residue, which is not optimal for fragrance dispensing systems.
Innovation Solution
Formulations with a solvent system comprising ethanol, acetone, and an ester such as dimethyl carbonate or methyl acetate, in specific weight percentages, are used to reduce VOC content, improve spray characteristics, and minimize fallout, while maintaining quick evaporation rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water-based formulations are used to reduce VOC levels, then VOC content is reduced, but particle size increases leading to higher fallout and slower evaporation rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple solvent types (water, ethanol, acetone, and esters) in a specific formulation. This composite solvent system allows the composition to achieve low VOC content while maintaining small particle sizes and fast evaporation rates, resolving the contradiction between reducing VOC content and preserving evaporation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the proportions of each solvent component (water: 60-99%, ethanol: 0.5-10%, acetone: 5-20%, ester: 5-20%) and adjusting formulation parameters such as pH and ionic strength. These parameter optimizations enable the formulation to achieve both low VOC content and high evaporation rates by fine-tuning the balance between aqueous and organic components.
2Quantity of substance
If water-based formulations are used to reduce VOC levels, then VOC content is reduced, but particle size increases leading to higher fallout
Solution Approach 1:
The composite solvent system combining water with specific ratios of ethanol, acetone, and esters creates a formulation that maintains low VOC content while preventing particle aggregation. This composite approach ensures small particle sizes that remain suspended in air rather than settling as fallout, thus resolving the contradiction between low VOC content and reduced fallout.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing formulation parameters including solvent ratios, pH levels, and ionic strength, the patent achieves a balance where the formulation maintains low VOC content while preventing particle growth. These parameter adjustments ensure that particles remain fine and suspended, minimizing fallout while maintaining environmental compliance.
3Quantity of substance
If volatile solvents are replaced with water, then VOC levels are reduced, but spray characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-component solvent system that combines water with volatile organic solvents (ethanol, acetone, esters) in optimized proportions. This composite formulation maintains excellent spray characteristics including fine mist formation and rapid drying while achieving reduced VOC levels, thus resolving the contradiction between low VOC content and good spray performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes spray characteristics by carefully adjusting formulation parameters such as solvent ratios, surface tension modifiers, and viscosity control. These parameter changes enable the water-based formulation to achieve proper atomization, spray pattern, and drying performance while maintaining reduced VOC content.
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 solvent system achieves lower percent fallout and quicker evaporation rates, allowing a higher percentage of aerosol to remain suspended in the air, increasing product lifespan and reducing unwanted residue.
Implementation Method 1
quicker evaporation rates
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are formulations with a solvent system that may be used in aerosol, compressed gas, or trigger spray systems. The formulations may achieve a low VOC-content, optimal fallout characteristics, and improved spray characteristics. Both water-based and water-free formulations are provided, and they may include a fragrance. In one example, the formulation includes a solvent system with ethanol, acetone, and an ester selected from dimethyl carbonate and methyl acetate and optionally water.