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Formula clouding at low temperatures
First let me say thank you guys for sharing your knowledge - its been invaluable. I’m a first time poster, but long time lurker.
We use a formula that works well and is cost effective for us. However, when it gets cold(<50f), it clouds up and almost appears to have a ‘grainy’ texture, like something is precipitating out. The product still works well even when cloudy, but we’ve had a few complaints/questions and I’d like to remedy the situation rather than attempt to explain or sell people on it.
The formula is:
89.6% - h20
5% - Cocamidopropyl betaine
4% - Sodium Coco Sulfate
1% - Cocamidopropylamine Oxide
0.2% - Germal Plus Liquid
.02% - Enzyme BlendAfter everything is thoroughly incorporated, we add a small amount of citric acid to ph it to ~7 and then add salt to thicken it to a viscosity slightly thicker than motor oil. Again, we don’t seem to have any trouble at temperatures above 50f.
Any thoughts on how to prevent the clouding would be much appreciated.
Thank you kindly
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8 Replies
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assume enzymes blend is liquid
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PhilGeis said:assume enzymes blend is liquid
The enzyme blend starts as a powder, its is mixed into water and after 1.5-2hrs, the supernatant is taken. This is done 3 times before being added to the mixing tank, which already contains the majority of the h20 to be used.
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Why you adjust pH nearly 7, cloudy occurs when your amphoteric surfactant in phase neutral ( not in ion form) and crystalized in solution, try to adjust pH to acid or basic based on your purpose , i hope it will resolved
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At pH used in cosmetics, CAPB will only be cationic and zwitterionic. The zwitterion would interact better with highly anionic surfactants. In your system, the kraft point could be a bit low, and adding salt would make things worse. So, either find out what’s the limit of salt you can add, add a hydrotrophe (like Sodium xylene sulfonate) or increase your pH (sometimes that helps, just not too high, since enzymes can be destabilized).
Btw, that’s not a cosmetic, right? I’d worry about the effect of proteases on skin. Also, you need a stabilizing system if you work with enzymes.
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Expanding on ketchito’s excellent point
You should be cautious re enzyme dust as aerosolized it’s quite allergenic - sufficient to risk anaphylaxis. In laundry detergent (with enzyme) manufacturing, dust control is a major safety priority, and employees are periodically tested and moved to jobs of nonexposure if allergy detected. -
ariepfadli said:Why you adjust pH nearly 7, cloudy occurs when your amphoteric surfactant in phase neutral ( not in ion form) and crystalized in solution, try to adjust pH to acid or basic based on your purpose , i hope it will resolved
I’ve increased the PH to 8, 8.5, and 9 without luck. But thank you for the reply and suggestion.
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ketchito said:At pH used in cosmetics, CAPB will only be cationic and zwitterionic. The zwitterion would interact better with highly anionic surfactants. In your system, the kraft point could be a bit low, and adding salt would make things worse. So, either find out what’s the limit of salt you can add, add a hydrotrophe (like Sodium xylene sulfonate) or increase your pH (sometimes that helps, just not too high, since enzymes can be destabilized).
Btw, that’s not a cosmetic, right? I’d worry about the effect of proteases on skin. Also, you need a stabilizing system if you work with enzymes.
Thanks for the reply.
It is not a cosmetic and there should be no skin contact occuring.
I’ve increased the PH without any luck. But I’ve ordered some SXS and will report back with what happens. Thanks for the suggestion.
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PhilGeis said:Expanding on ketchito’s excellent point
You should be cautious re enzyme dust as aerosolized it’s quite allergenic - sufficient to risk anaphylaxis. In laundry detergent (with enzyme) manufacturing, dust control is a major safety priority, and employees are periodically tested and moved to jobs of nonexposure if allergy detected.Wow. I was unaware of that. I use a proper full face mask for most mixing, but had not been for the enzymes. Thank you very much for the warning.
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