Content overview
The stability of chemical formulations is a critical aspect in the development and application of a wide range of personal care products including detergents, oils, and fragrances. The chemical and physical stability of these products must be ensured under varying environmental conditions to maintain their efficacy, appearance, and shelf life.
One of the primary concerns in this context is the risk of crystallization, a process that can severely compromise the performance and stability of these formulations. Crystallization can occur due to several factors, including temperature fluctuations, the presence of impurities, and mechanical agitation.
In this app note, we take a look at a study conducted by Summerton et al, which examines crystallization in detergent formulations with and without agitation, offering insights into improving detergent stability, packaging, and testing protocols. It highlights how mixing influences crystallization time in dish liquids with varying stability.
The Crystalline instrument played a key role in the study through real-time transmissivity measurements to monitor phase changes, thus providing valuable insights into the formulation’s resistance to crystallization under varying temperature conditions.
References
We acknowledge the following published study, and we are deeply thankful to the authors for their valuable contributions to research on formulating detergents utilizing the Crystalline instrument.
Summerton, E., Bettiol, J., Jones, C., Britton, M. M., & Bakalis, S. (2018). Understanding the Crystallization Process in Detergent Formulations in the Absence and Presence of Agitation. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 57(48), 16162-16171. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.8b02975
