Optimization of the Solution Components Using in the Wet Wipes by the Response Surface Methodology for Reduce the Harmful Effects on the Environment

ABSTRACT In this research, optimization of the solution chemicals used in wet wipes was carried out with response surface methodology (RSM). Surface‐active chemicals such as monopropylene glycol (MPG) and cocamidopropyl betaine, protective mixture such as phenoxyethanol–benzoic acid–dehydroacetic acid chemicals, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were selected independent variables, and pH values were used as response. Experimental design was created with the Design Expert program, and central composite design (CCD), which is part of RSM, was applied to determine the optimum conditions. Wet wipes samples were prepared with different concentrations of chemical solutions, which were applied to dry fabrics by drip method. pH measurements and microbiological analyses of prepared wet wipes were carried out, and the results were evaluated for the level to be supplied to the market. The measured pH values of wet wipes were processed in the program, and the created three‐dimensional (3D) figures were interpreted. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis examined the interaction between response and independent variables with the program. pH values calculated with the optimization solutions and experimentally measured were compared, and differences between pH values were less than 5%. The optimum concentrations of solution chemicals (g/mL), PBD conc. (X 1 ), EDTA conc. (X 2 ), MPG conc. (X 3 ), and betaine conc. (X 4 ) of wet wipes were determined as 0.823, 0.197, 0.122, and 0.949, respectively. The results showed that RSM is a suitable method for the optimization of solution chemicals used in wet wipes. It was observed that there was growth in the dry fabrics without adding any solution, but no microorganisms were detected on wet wipes samples prepared for optimization, which were suitable for the market because the amount of protective mixture in microbiological cultivation provided full protection.