Mechanistic understanding and design of sustainable solid fabric enhancer
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
The project will investigate the formulation and action of dryer sheet coatings that
is a major P&G business with sales in the region of $12 Billion Pa. Dryer sheets
both assist the drying process and impart attractive texture and aromas to fabrics
by transferring a formulated solid material from sheet to clothes within a tumble
dryer.
The governing relationship between formulation design and transfer efficiency is
not however well understood; better understanding would lead to less waste and
more efficient drying, saving both material and energy.
Previous work between Birmingham and P&G studied drying both by measuring
flows in working dryers [Drying Technology, 2021
doi.org/10.1080/07373937.2021.1918706] and by studying the transfer process at
meso- and nano- scales, using AFM and micromanipulation probes, but was
constrained to the current formulation to establish the basis of product action.
The new project will capitalize on the established measurement capabilities,
fundamental knowledge, and possible Mode of Actions to investigate the
relationship between product formulation, product manufacturing processes, and
transfer efficiency between sheet and clothes. Different formulations will be
studied to better understand the role of each component in the mixture.
The aim is to identify the relationship between manufacturing processes and
product performance, leading for example to better understanding of how to
control product tackiness, adhesion, and transfer profile. The fundamental
engineering science that underpins product performance will be identified using
leading-edge interfacial equipment, including AFM, DVS, nanoidentation,
micromanipulation, and hyperspectral SWIR imaging system.
is a major P&G business with sales in the region of $12 Billion Pa. Dryer sheets
both assist the drying process and impart attractive texture and aromas to fabrics
by transferring a formulated solid material from sheet to clothes within a tumble
dryer.
The governing relationship between formulation design and transfer efficiency is
not however well understood; better understanding would lead to less waste and
more efficient drying, saving both material and energy.
Previous work between Birmingham and P&G studied drying both by measuring
flows in working dryers [Drying Technology, 2021
doi.org/10.1080/07373937.2021.1918706] and by studying the transfer process at
meso- and nano- scales, using AFM and micromanipulation probes, but was
constrained to the current formulation to establish the basis of product action.
The new project will capitalize on the established measurement capabilities,
fundamental knowledge, and possible Mode of Actions to investigate the
relationship between product formulation, product manufacturing processes, and
transfer efficiency between sheet and clothes. Different formulations will be
studied to better understand the role of each component in the mixture.
The aim is to identify the relationship between manufacturing processes and
product performance, leading for example to better understanding of how to
control product tackiness, adhesion, and transfer profile. The fundamental
engineering science that underpins product performance will be identified using
leading-edge interfacial equipment, including AFM, DVS, nanoidentation,
micromanipulation, and hyperspectral SWIR imaging system.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/S023070/1 | 01/10/2019 | 31/03/2028 | |||
2889901 | Studentship | EP/S023070/1 | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 | Lucie Hlubinkova |