Liquid detergents are a common type of product used in household cleaning. They are water-based and can effectively remove dirt, grease and other impurities. In order to improve their use experience, they often need to be adjusted to the appropriate viscosity. The viscosity of the detergent should not be too low, otherwise it will flow quickly, making it difficult to control the amount, and it will feel "thin" when used; but it should not be too high, as it may be too viscous and difficult to distribute and clean. Thickeners have therefore become one of the key ingredients in liquid detergent formulations.
1. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a thickener widely used in detergents. It is a water-soluble cellulose derivative that can effectively increase the viscosity of liquids. CMC has the following advantages:
Good water solubility: CMC can dissolve quickly in water and form a uniform, transparent solution in an aqueous solution.
Mild and non-irritating: CMC is a naturally derived polymer material that does not have harmful effects on the skin or the environment, meeting the requirements of modern consumers for environmental protection and health.
Good compatibility: CMC is well compatible with other ingredients in detergent formulas, without problems such as stratification or decomposition, and will not affect the washing effect.
2. Xanthan gum
Xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide compound produced by bacterial fermentation, commonly used in food, cosmetics and detergents. The application of xanthan gum in detergents has the following characteristics:
Excellent thickening effect: Even at a low addition amount, xanthan gum can significantly increase the viscosity of the liquid.
Anti-shear dilution performance: Xanthan gum has good shear dilution properties. When stirred or squeezed, the viscosity of the detergent will temporarily decrease, which is convenient for distribution and use; but the viscosity can be quickly restored after use to avoid excessive fluidity.
Strong temperature resistance: Xanthan gum can remain stable at higher or lower temperatures, is not prone to degradation or viscosity reduction, and is a thickener that still performs well under extreme conditions.
3. Polyacrylate thickeners
Polyacrylate thickeners (such as Carbomer) are synthetic polymer materials with very strong thickening ability, especially suitable for thickening transparent detergents. Its main features include:
High transparency: Polyacrylate can form very clear solutions, making it an ideal thickener choice for transparent detergents.
Efficient thickening ability: Polyacrylate can achieve significant thickening effects at lower concentrations and has very precise control over viscosity.
pH dependence: The thickening effect of this thickener is closely related to the pH value of the solution, and usually performs best under weak alkaline conditions, so the pH of the formula needs to be adjusted when used to obtain the best effect.
4. Salt thickeners
Salts (such as sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, etc.) are also common thickeners in liquid detergents, especially in detergents containing surfactants. Its working principle is to change the arrangement of surfactant molecules by adjusting the ionic strength of the system, thereby affecting the viscosity. The advantages of salt thickeners include:
Low cost: Salt thickeners are relatively cheap and easy to obtain, so they have cost advantages in mass production.
Synergistic effect with surfactants: Salt thickeners can effectively enhance the viscosity of the system in formulas with high surfactant content.
Wide range of uses: This method of thickening is used in many commercial detergents, especially in industrial detergents.
However, the use of salt thickeners also has some limitations. For example, the amount added should not be too much, otherwise it may cause the solubility of the detergent to decrease or even precipitation. In addition, the viscosity adjustment accuracy of salt thickeners is not as good as other thickeners.
5. Ethoxylated fatty alcohols (such as sodium C12-14 alcohol ether sulfate)
In addition to its main cleaning function, ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants also have a certain thickening effect. By adjusting the ratio of these surfactants, a certain thickening effect can be achieved. Its advantages are:
Versatility: This type of surfactant can not only play a thickening role, but also enhance the detergency of detergents.
Good compatibility with other ingredients: Ethoxylated fatty alcohols are compatible with common surfactants, flavors, pigments and other ingredients, and will not affect the performance of the final product.
Reduce the need for other thickeners: Since it has both cleaning and thickening functions, the use of pure thickeners can be reduced in the formula, thereby optimizing costs.
6. Acrylate copolymers
Acrylate copolymers are a class of synthetic polymer thickeners that are often used in high-end or special-function detergents. Their main features include:
Precise viscosity control: By adjusting the structure of the copolymer, the viscosity of the product can be precisely controlled to achieve the desired effect.
Good stability: This thickener has good chemical and physical stability and can maintain good viscosity in various temperatures, pH values and surfactant systems.
Not easy to delaminate: Acrylate copolymer thickeners show good anti-delamination ability in liquid detergents, ensuring the stability of the product in long-term storage.
The choice of thickener in liquid detergents depends on multiple factors, including the type of surfactant in the formula, transparency requirements, cost control and user experience. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and xanthan gum are usually ideal choices in conventional household detergents due to their good water solubility, mildness and thickening effect. For transparent detergents, polyacrylate thickeners are preferred. Salt thickeners have cost advantages and are suitable for large-scale production of industrial detergents.
Post time: Oct-18-2024