Water-Soluble Unit Dose Articles with Solvent-Sealed Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-soluble unit dose articles for laundry and dishwashing face issues with seal failures between films, leading to premature rupture and incomplete dissolution during short or cold wash cycles, especially when using polyvinylalcohol homopolymer films.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble unit dose article with multiple compartments sealed using solvent sealing, where the second water-soluble film comprises a higher degree of polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a more uniform solvent sealing solution is applied to achieve reduced seal failures and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a water-soluble film is used to encapsulate detergent composition, then the unit dose article provides convenient and efficient laundry or dishwashing, but the film may suffer from premature rupture due to seal failures between films
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and physical properties of the sealing layer. The sealing layer contains 5-20 mass% polyvinyl alcohol with specific viscosity (5-20 dPa·s), 20-70 mass% polyethylene glycol with specific molecular weight (400-2000), and 10-30 mass% carboxymethyl cellulose, creating optimal parameters for seal strength and water solubility balance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple polymers in the sealing layer: polyvinyl alcohol (for water solubility), polyethylene glycol (for flexibility and adhesion), and carboxymethyl cellulose (for structural integrity). This composite approach creates a sealing layer that maintains both seal strength and dissolution performance
2Productivity
If the water-soluble film dissolves quickly during wash cycle, then complete dissolution is achieved, but the film may lack sufficient structural strength during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the unit dose article structure. The sealing layer has specific composition (5-20 mass% PVOH, 20-70 mass% PEG, 10-30 mass% CMC) optimized for adhesion and controlled dissolution, while the main film body uses different polyvinyl alcohol formulations optimized for structural strength, allowing each zone to perform its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the viscosity and molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (400-2000) and the viscosity of polyvinyl alcohol (5-20 dPa·s), along with precise compositional ratios, to achieve the optimal balance between structural integrity during storage and rapid dissolution during washing
3Strength
If polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer film is used, then structural strength is improved, but dissolution completeness decreases during short or cold wash cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by formulating the sealing layer with a blend of polyvinyl alcohol (5-20 mass%), polyethylene glycol (20-70 mass%), and carboxnymethyl cellulose (10-30 mass%). This composite formulation ensures complete dissolution during short or cold wash cycles while maintaining adequate structural strength, overcoming the limitations of pure homopolymer films
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 solution reduces seal failures and ensures complete dissolution of the unit dose article even under short and cold wash conditions, minimizing film residues on fabrics or dishware.
Implementation Method 1
sealed using solvent sealing, where the second water-soluble film comprises a higher degree of polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a more uniform solvent sealing solution is applied
Implementation Method 2
the film dissolves/disintegrates releasing the internal contents into the surrounding water to create a laundry or automatic dishwashing wash liquor
Data Source
AI summary
Water-soluble unit dose article comprising a laundry or automatic dishwashing detergent and a method of making.