A Surface-Site Interaction Approach to the Prediction of Shampoo Rheology

The design, scale-up and manufacture of stable emulsions is an integral element of the development of Unilever's consumer products across Hair Care, Fabric Conditioners and Foods. Product development usually relies on working within a known formulation space of a few known materials, meaning that stable formulations can be achieved by using an empirical approach to formulation. However, when attempting to introduce new materials for product superiority, differentiation, cost or environmental benefits, it becomes apparent that no reliable models exist to predict suitable emulsion partners. This leads to considerable delays and added costs in the development of new products. We aim to modify a model that uses the electrostatic potential surfaces of molecules to quantify solution thermodynamics, and apply this model to emulsion formation and stability. The ability to successfully model emulsion formation and stability will allow us to work more efficiently in the formulation space in which we currently operate. More importantly, it will allow us to effectively explore and screen the suitability of new materials - expanding our formulation space and enabling us to innovate faster.