Manufacture of Toothpaste

Toothpastes are generally either white abrasive pastes or clear gels. Although the formulations differ, they share many common ingredients; these may vary from country to country according to legislation on use of ingredients, etc.

The Process

Processing methods vary depending on the product type and ingredients used.

A typical process could be described as follows:

• The liquid base is prepared first - water, sorbitol/glycerin and other liquid ingredients.

• Rheology modifiers may be pre-mixed with a non-aqueous liquid ingredient such as glycerin or the flavoring oil, or dry blended with other powdered ingredients to aid dispersion.

• The active ingredient, sweetener and preservative are added and dispersed.

• The abrasive/filler is then added. This may be supplied as a slurry, or premixed with part of the water prior to blending with the liquid base.

• Flavoring and coloring are added.

• The detergent is added last under slow speed agitation to minimize foaming. It is typically in solid form to avoid adding water to the formulation at this stage.

• Rheological modifiers form lumps that are difficult to break with a stirrer.
• Adding compounds to other liquid or powder materials increases the time and cost of the process.
• Some rheology modifiers require high shear stress to achieve maximum performance.
• Some ingredients, such as hydrated silica, are low in density and very difficult to combine and moisturize.
• Conventional mixers, especially when mixing powders, allow air to enter the mix.
• Abrasives such as calcium carbonate can be prepared as a water dough and mixing equipment must be able to open them apart.

• Construction time is significantly reduced.
• Quick combination and moisturizing powders.
• Product quality and stability are greatly improved.
• By operating under a vacuum homogenizer mixer, the possibility of bubbling the product can be minimized.
• At the end of the process, the components of the deaeration process are possible.

Vacumm Mixer Homognizers of Arkan Felez Company

VMH Series

VC Series

Vacumm Mixer Homognizer - LAB Series