Stannous-Compatible Spherical Silica Particles for Reduced RDA

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stannous fluoride in dentifrice compositions is less effective due to interactions with silica materials, and spherical silica particles have limitations in Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA) performance.

Innovation Solution

Development of spherical silica particles with specific characteristics, including a d50 median particle size of 4 to 25 µm, sphericity factor of 0.9, BET surface area of 0.05 to 8 m²/g, total mercury intrusion pore volume of 0.4 to 0.65 cc/g, and pack density of 61 to 72 lb/ft³, produced using a continuous loop reactor process, enhancing stannous compatibility and reducing RDA.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional silica materials are used in dentifrice compositions, then stannous fluoride effectiveness is reduced due to interactions, but using stannous-compatible silica materials typically increases Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestannous fluoride effectivenessVSAvoidRelative Dentin Abrasion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling silica particle characteristics including sphericity (0.5-2.0 µm diameter, spherical shape), surface area (5-20 m²/g), and pore volume (0.5-1.5 cm³/g). These parameter modifications enable the silica to maintain stannous compatibility while achieving reduced RDA values below 200, resolving the contradiction between stannous effectiveness and dentin abrasion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite functionality by combining specific silica particle morphology (spherical precipitated silica) with controlled surface properties and pore structure. This composite material design achieves both stannous fluoride compatibility and low RDA performance simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of traditional silica materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If spherical silica particles are used to reduce RDA, then dentin abrasion improves, but stannous compatibility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRelative Dentin AbrasionVSAvoidstannous compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating silica particles with specific localized properties: spherical morphology for low RDA, while maintaining specific surface area and pore volume characteristics that provide stannous compatibility. The heterogeneous pore distribution and surface characteristics enable different regions of the particle to fulfill different functional requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By changing key parameters including particle size (0.5-2.0 µm), shape (spherical with sphericity factor 0.9+), surface area (5-20 m²/g), and pore volume (0.5-1.5 cm³/g), the invention achieves optimal balance between stannous compatibility and reduced RDA, demonstrating that precise parameter control can resolve apparent contradictions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3806963B1Dentifrice formulations having spherical stannous compatible silica particles for reduced rda
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3806963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3806963B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3806963B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Dentifrice containing silica particles having a d50 median particle size from 4 to 25 µm, a BET surface area of less than 10 m2/g, and a total mercury intrusion pore volume from 0.2 to 1.5 cc/g, are disclosed.