Sustainable, optimised cleaning by designed release from dishwashing tablets

Normal dishwashing tablets are compact hydroscopic tablets or liquids/gels. The tablets are a proven technology, but have several disadvantages, namely they tend to age badly and clump rather than dispersing in the dishwasher. In addition all the ingredients are delivered simultaneously, whereas in the washing process they are needed at different times. Gels seem to be superior, but for the removal of some types of stain, both enzymes and bleaches are the ideal way to clean. However the presence of bleach in a formulation of enzymes tends to inactivate them, making cleaning sub-optimal in the liquid/gel format.

Project plan:
To develop models of geometry and microstructure dependent release profiles for a new range of solid formats, which will allow dosed delivery of components when and where needed in the washing and rinsing cycles.
To develop prototypes based on the different geometries and structures, at bench top scale using different techniques including 3D printing (ink-jet) or moulding.
To evaluate such systems under realistic washing protocols.
Characterisation of the microstructure by means of e.g. rheology, load testing, optical microscopy, X Ray micro CT, friability and storage testing will also be a component of the study, to relate structural design and modelling results back to washing efficiency to further optimise tablet design.