Water-Soluble Unit Dose Articles Segregating Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating fibrous water-soluble unit dose articles that incorporate more hydrophilic surfactants without inhibiting the processability of fibers or their dissolution in wash cycles, as hydrophilic surfactants tend to form gel-like structures that hinder dispersion and leave residues on fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble unit dose article comprising a fibrous structure with a first surfactant of low hydrophilicity and particles containing a second, more hydrophilic surfactant, where the particles are distributed throughout the structure, allowing for improved dissolution and cleaning performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more hydrophilic surfactants are incorporated into fibrous water-soluble unit dose articles, then cleaning performance is improved, but gel-like structures form that inhibit dispersion and dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant system is segmented into two distinct components: hydrophilic surfactants are segregated into discrete particles distributed throughout the fibrous structure, while the fibers themselves contain hydrophobic surfactants. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently - the hydrophilic particles provide cleaning performance without forming gel structures within the fiber matrix, while the hydrophobic fibers maintain processability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic surfactants are extracted from the fiber formation process and placed into separate particles that are then distributed throughout the fibrous structure. This extraction removes the harmful gel-forming effect from the fiber manufacturing process while preserving the cleaning benefits of hydrophilic surfactants in the final product.
2Reliability
If hydrophilic surfactants are used in fibrous structures, then cleaning effectiveness is enhanced, but dissolution in wash cycles is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant system is segmented into two distinct components: hydrophilic surfactants are segregated into discrete particles distributed throughout the fibrous structure, while the fibers themselves contain hydrophobic surfactants. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently - the hydrophilic particles provide cleaning performance without forming gel structures within the fiber matrix, while the hydrophobic fibers maintain processability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilicity parameter of the surfactant system is changed by using different surfactants with different hydrophilic indices in different locations. The fibers use surfactants with lower hydrophilic indices for processability, while the particles use surfactants with higher hydrophilic indices for cleaning effectiveness and rapid dissolution during wash cycles.
3Reliability
If hydrophilic surfactants are incorporated into fibers, then broader stain treatment is achieved, but residues are left on fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant system is segmented into two distinct components: hydrophilic surfactants are segregated into discrete particles distributed throughout the fibrous structure, while the fibers themselves contain hydrophobic surfactants. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently - the hydrophilic particles provide cleaning performance without forming gel structures within the fiber matrix, while the hydrophobic fibers maintain processability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilicity parameter of the surfactant system is changed by using different surfactants with different hydrophilic indices in different locations. The fibers use surfactants with lower hydrophilic indices for processability, while the particles use surfactants with higher hydrophilic indices for cleaning effectiveness and rapid dissolution during wash cycles.
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 enables better dissolving and cleaning performance by segregating hydrophilic surfactants into particles, reducing gel-like formations and ensuring effective dissolution during wash cycles, thus avoiding residues on fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble fibrous structure and active agent-containing particles
Implementation Method 2
each fibrous element comprises at least one filament-forming material and a first surfactant; wherein each of said particles comprises a second surfactant
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a household care composition, which delivers active agents onto fabric or hard surfaces, in the form of a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a water-soluble fibrous structure and one or more particles, as well as methods for making the same.