Unit Dose Film Integrity via PEG Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unit dose laundry products face stability issues due to the introduction of non-aqueous solvents, which are detrimental to encapsulated fragrance slurries when used in water-soluble film materials, leading to potential leaking or dissolution and poor product quality.
Innovation Solution
A fabric treatment unit dose product with a water-soluble compartment containing a liquid composition comprising 20-50% encapsulated fragrance slurry, 8-40% non-aqueous solvent, and 20-50% polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight between 200-1000 Daltons, which maintains stability and prevents separation for at least 24 hours at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-aqueous solvents are introduced to maintain the integrity of the water-soluble film material, then the film integrity is improved, but the stability of the encapsulated fragrance slurry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water-soluble polymer as an intermediary substance that mediates between the non-aqueous solvent and the encapsulated fragrance slurry. The polymer forms a protective network that allows the non-aqueous solvent to maintain film integrity while preventing direct contact between the solvent and fragrance particles, thus maintaining slurry stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite liquid composition containing multiple components: encapsulated fragrance particles, non-aqueous solvent, water-soluble polymer, and optional surfactants. This composite formulation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to resolve the contradiction between film integrity and slurry stability.
2Quantity of substance
If a concentrated amount of encapsulated fragrance slurry is contained inside a water-soluble film material, then the product concentration is improved, but the risk of leaking or dissolution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the liquid composition, including the ratio of non-aqueous solvent to water-soluble polymer, the molecular weight of the polymer, and the concentration of surfactants. These parameter changes optimize the composition to maintain high fragrance concentration while preventing leaking and dissolution of the film material.
3Strength
If non-aqueous solvents are used in the liquid composition, then the film material integrity is maintained, but the encapsulated fragrance slurry stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble polymer acts as a mediator that creates a physical barrier between the non-aqueous solvent and the encapsulated fragrance particles. This intermediary layer allows the solvent to perform its function of maintaining film integrity while preventing it from destabilizing the slurry through direct interaction with the fragrance particles.
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 formulation ensures the stability and integrity of the encapsulated fragrance slurry within the water-soluble film material, preventing separation and maintaining product quality over time.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid composition comprising (1) from about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight of an encapsulated fragrance slurry, or (2) from about 5% by weight to about 18% by weight of encapsulated fragrance particles; from about 8% by weight to about 40% by weight of at least one non-aqueous solvent; and from about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight of a polyethylene glycol
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides the a fabric treatment unit dose product comprising at least one water-soluble compartment formed by a water-soluble film material and comprising a liquid composition; wherein the liquid composition comprises an encapsulated fragrance slurry, at least one non-aqueous solvent, and a polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight between about 200 and about 1000 Daltons.