Water-Soluble Unit Dose with PEG Particles to Prevent Caking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-soluble unit dose articles, particularly powders, are prone to 'caking' when exposed to moisture, which affects consumer aesthetics and retards dissolution, especially when the caked powder sticks to the water-soluble film, impacting the overall dissolution profile.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble film and an internal compartment with a first particle composed of 45-95% carrier material (such as polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, or silica) and 1-50% benefit agent, along with less than 20% surfactant, which reduces moisture absorbance and caking, enhancing dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If powder is used as active material formulation, then stability of actives is improved, but tendency for caking in presence of moisture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific particle formulation comprising carrier material, benefit agent, and surfactant as an intermediary between the active material and moisture environment. This particle structure acts as a mediator that prevents direct interaction between moisture and powder particles, thereby reducing caking while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite particle structure combining multiple materials (carrier material, benefit agent, and surfactant) in specific proportions. This composite formulation creates a material system that simultaneously provides stability, reduces moisture absorbance, and prevents caking, resolving the contradiction between stability and caking tendency.
2Ease of operation
If caked powder adheres to water-soluble film, then consumer aesthetics are affected, but dissolution of powder and film is retarded
Solution Approach 1:
The particle formulation acts as an intermediary that prevents direct adhesion of caked powder to the water-soluble film. The surfactant component in the particles reduces surface adhesion, keeping the powder dispersed and aesthetically pleasing while ensuring both the powder and film dissolve efficiently without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the powder formulation by incorporating specific carrier materials, benefit agents, and surfactants in controlled proportions. These parameter changes modify the surface properties and dissolution characteristics of the powder, preventing caking adhesion and maintaining reliable dissolution performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If moisture absorbance occurs, then caking is promoted, but dissolution is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The particle formulation serves as a protective intermediary layer between the powder and moisture. The carrier material and surfactant components reduce moisture absorbance by creating a barrier that prevents direct moisture-powder interaction, thereby preventing caking while maintaining consistent dissolution characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite particle structure combines materials with complementary properties: carrier material provides structural stability, benefit agent provides functional properties, and surfactant provides moisture resistance. This composite approach simultaneously achieves powder stability and reliable dissolution by addressing both requirements through material composition.
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 significantly reduces moisture-induced caking and improves the dissolution of the water-soluble pouch, ensuring consistent and efficient release of the active ingredients into the wash liquor.
Implementation Method 1
by formulating the specific particles of the present invention into a water-soluble unit dose article, the tendency for moisture absorbance and hence caking was reduced
Implementation Method 2
less than 20% by weight of the first particle of a surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
A water-soluble unit dose article that includes a water-soluble film and at least a first internal compartment, where the first internal compartment includes one or more of a first particle, where the first particle comprises between about 45% and about 95% by weight of the first particle of a carrier material selected from polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, urea, polyurethane, silica, alkoxylated fatty alcohols or mixtures thereof, between about 1% and about 50% by weight of the first particle of a benefit agent, and less than about 20% by weight of the first particle of a surfactant.