Talc Fireproofing in Powdered Microcapsule Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Powdered microcapsules used in perfumery and flavoring industries pose a risk of dust explosions due to their combustible nature, requiring effective fireproofing agents that are costly and unstable under high humidity conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating talc as a fireproofing agent in a powdered composition with perfume or flavor oils dispersed in a polymeric matrix, which reduces the violence of explosions and hygroscopicity, allowing for safe handling and storage without the need for high amounts of anti-caking agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fireproofing agents are used to prevent dust explosion risk in powdered microcapsules, then safety is improved, but the cost increases and stability under high humidity conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by using talc (magnesium silicate) instead of traditional fireproofing agents like antimony trioxide or aluminum hydroxide. This substitution maintains fireproofing effectiveness while reducing cost and improving stability under high humidity conditions, as talc is naturally hydrophobic and does not require high amounts to achieve the desired safety level

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs talc, which is a cost-effective alternative to expensive traditional fireproofing agents. Talc can be used in smaller amounts compared to conventional agents, reducing the quantity of substance required and overall cost while maintaining effective dust explosion prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If traditional fireproofing agents are used in powdered microcapsules, then explosion risk is reduced, but stability under high humidity conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstability under high humidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition to talc, which has inherent hydrophobic properties due to its magnesium silicate structure. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing both fireproofing protection and improved stability under high humidity conditions, as talc does not absorb moisture like traditional fireproofing agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Talc acts as an intermediary substance that provides both fireproofing protection and humidity resistance. Its unique properties allow it to function as a dual-purpose additive that protects the powdered microcapsules from both explosion risks and humidity-related degradation without requiring additional stabilizing agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If high amounts of anti-caking agents are used to maintain stability under humid conditions, then stability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability under humid conditionsVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes talc a multi-functional additive that simultaneously provides fireproofing protection and humidity resistance. This eliminates the need for separate anti-caking agents, reducing the total quantity of substances required and overall cost while maintaining stability under humid conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of fireproofing and humidity protection into a single additive (talc). This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate additives, reducing cost and simplifying the composition while achieving both safety and stability objectives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 use of talc effectively increases the minimum ignition energy of the powdered composition, reducing the risk of explosions and maintaining stability under humid conditions, making the composition cost-effective and safe for manufacturing and handling.

Implementation Method 1

the powdered composition contains a fireproofing agent. The fireproofing agent defined in the present invention comprises talc that prevents a dust explosion risk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFireproofing:

Implementation Method 2

talc that prevents a dust explosion risk when said composition is manufactured, handled or dosed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11773328B2Powdered composition comprising a fireproofing agent

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 FIRMENICH SA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of delivery systems. Described herein is a powdered composition comprising including granules having a hydrophobic active ingredient dispersed in a polymeric matrix, wherein the powdered composition contains a fireproofing agent. The fireproofing agent defined in the present disclosures includes talc that, when present in the powdered composition, prevents a dust explosion risk when the powdered composition is manufactured, handled or dosed into a consumer product.