Remover, method for producing remover, and removing method using remover

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to develop, within a short time, removability of a gel manicure that has been applied. The remover contains components (A) to (C) and satisfies at least one requirement selected from the group consisting of requirements (i) and (ii). Requirement (i): the pH of the remover is greater than 7. Requirement (ii): the remover is composed of only five components, i.e., the components (A) to (C), a pH adjusting agent, and a surfactant. Component (A): a solvent. Component (B): a thickening agent having a solid form at 25°C. Component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

Description

Stripping agent, method for producing stripping agent, and stripping method using stripping agent

[0001] The present invention relates to a stripping agent, a method for producing the stripping agent, and a stripping method using the stripping agent.

[0002] After application, gel nails deteriorate through daily use, such as peeling and / or partial chipping, and therefore must be periodically redone to maintain their aesthetic appearance. Examples of gel nails include compositions containing photocurable (meth)acrylate compounds. When removing old gel nails, it is known to use a solvent to swell the gel nail and make it easier to remove. Therefore, a known method of removing gel nails involves applying cotton or the like impregnated with a solvent to the nail. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-200468 describes an invention relating to a gel nail removal sheet, which is formed by cutting a sheet into the shape of a nail, the sheet comprising a base sheet, a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a solvent-containing gel layered on the base sheet, and a release layer.

[0003] However, in the removal method using the gel nail removal sheet disclosed in JP 2014-200468 A, simply impregnating the gel with acetone does not provide sufficient removability, and ultimately requires a long time or multiple removal operations before removal is possible. Thus, in the past, it has been difficult to achieve removal (removal) of applied gel nails in a short period of time. In particular, it has been difficult to achieve removal (removal) of applied gel nails in a short period of time without the need for aluminum foil and / or cotton to suppress solvent evaporation.

[0004] As a result of extensive research into achieving the above object, the inventor discovered a method for removing applied gel nails in a short period of time, and thus completed the present invention.

[0005] The gist of the present invention will be described below. One aspect (first embodiment) of the present invention, which can achieve at least one of the above objects, relates to a stripping agent having a pH of greater than 7, comprising components (A) to (C): component (A): a solvent, component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C, and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

[0006] The present invention also includes the second to fourth embodiments as non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments.

[0007] A second embodiment of the present invention is the stripping agent according to the first embodiment, further comprising a pH adjuster.

[0008] A third embodiment of the present invention is the stripper according to the first embodiment, further comprising pH-adjusted water as component (D). The third embodiment of the present invention can also be said to be the stripper according to the second embodiment, in which the pH adjuster comprises pH-adjusted water as component (D).

[0009] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is the stripping agent according to any one of the first to third embodiments, further comprising a surfactant.

[0010] Another aspect (fifth embodiment) of the present invention, which can achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objects, relates to a stripping agent consisting of only five components: components (A) to (C), a pH adjuster, and a surfactant; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

[0011] The present invention also includes a sixth embodiment and a seventh embodiment as non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments.

[0012] A sixth embodiment of the present invention relates to a stripping agent consisting of only five components, namely components (A) to (D) and a surfactant; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C; and component (D): pH-adjusted water.

[0013] It can also be said that a sixth embodiment of the present invention is the stripping agent according to the fifth embodiment, in which the pH adjuster contains pH-adjusted water as component (D).

[0014] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is the stripping agent according to the fifth or sixth embodiment, wherein the pH is greater than 7.

[0015] The present invention also includes eighth to fifteenth embodiments as non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments.

[0016] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is the release agent according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the component (A) contains a volatile hydrophobic solvent as the component (a-1) and / or a volatile hydrophilic solvent as the component (a-2).

[0017] A ninth embodiment of the present invention is the release agent according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the component (a-1) contains an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent.

[0018] A tenth embodiment of the present invention is the stripping agent according to the eighth or ninth embodiment, wherein the component (a-2) contains an alcohol-based solvent and / or an ether-based solvent.

[0019] An eleventh embodiment of the present invention is the release agent according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, wherein the component (B) is a (meth)acrylic resin and / or hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0020] A twelfth embodiment of the present invention is the release agent according to any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein the component (C) is a wax having a melting point of 30° C. or higher.

[0021] A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is the remover according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, which is used for gel nails after application.

[0022] A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is a method for removing gel nails after application, which uses the remover described in any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments, and does not use a sheet that suppresses solvent evaporation and / or a material that is impregnated with the solvent.

[0023] A fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is a method for removing gel nails after application, which comprises applying the remover described in any one of the first to thirteenth embodiments to the applied gel nails and then leaving it for a specific period of time.

[0024] Furthermore, another aspect (sixteenth embodiment) of the present invention, which can achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objects, relates to a method for producing a stripper, comprising mixing components (A) to (C) and a pH adjuster; component (A): a solvent, component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C, and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

[0025] The present invention also encompasses a seventeenth embodiment as a non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment.

[0026] A seventeenth embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for producing a stripping agent, comprising mixing components (A) to (D); component (A): a solvent, component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C, component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C, and component (D): pH-adjusted water.

[0027] It can also be said that a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention is the method for producing a stripper according to the sixteenth embodiment, wherein the pH adjuster contains pH-adjusted water as component (D).

[0028] However, the present invention is not limited to only the first to seventeenth embodiments. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, it is clear that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims.

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the embodiments described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined to form other embodiments.

[0030] In this specification, "X to Y" is used to mean that the numerical values ​​(X and Y) written before and after it are included as the lower limit and upper limit, respectively, and means "X or more and Y or less." In this specification, "A and / or B" means that A and B are included individually and in combination. Unless otherwise specified in this specification, operations and measurements of physical properties, etc. are performed under conditions of room temperature (20°C or more and 27°C or less) and a relative humidity of 40% RH or more and 50% RH or less.

[0031] <Removing Agent> One aspect of the present invention relates to a removing agent that contains components (A) to (C) and has a pH of greater than 7; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a stripping agent consisting of only five components: components (A) to (C), a pH adjuster, and a surfactant; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

[0033] The remover according to these embodiments enables removal of applied gel nails in a short period of time.

[0034] The release agents according to these embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0035] [Component (A)] Component (A) is a solvent. However, component (A) does not contain water. Component (A) acts to swell the gel nail after application, making it easier to peel from the natural nail. Component (A) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0036] In one embodiment, the component (A) is not particularly limited and may contain either a hydrophobic solvent or a hydrophilic solvent, but preferably contains both a hydrophobic solvent and a hydrophilic solvent. In one embodiment, the component (A) is not particularly limited, but preferably contains a volatile solvent.

[0037] From the viewpoint of allowing the component (A) to dissolve or be compatible with the component (B) and / or the component (C), which will be described later, the component (A) preferably contains a volatile hydrophobic solvent as the component (a-1) and / or a volatile hydrophilic solvent as the component (a-2). That is, the component (A) preferably contains the component (a-1), the component (a-2), or a combination thereof. From the same viewpoint, the component (A) more preferably contains the component (a-1) and the component (a-2). It is even more preferable that the component (A) consists of only the two components, the component (a-1) and the component (a-2).

[0038] The volatile solvent may be a solvent that easily volatilizes at least a portion thereof under atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The volatile solvent is preferably a solvent that loses weight when left for 1 hour at 25°C. The leaving for 1 hour at 25°C is performed in an open system at atmospheric pressure. The relative humidity when leaving for 1 hour at 25°C is preferably 40% RH or more and 50% RH or less, and may be 45% RH. The boiling point of the volatile solvent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30°C or more and 150°C or less, more preferably 35°C or more and 140°C or less, and even more preferably 40°C or more and 135°C or less.

[0039] In this specification, a solvent having a polar group in the molecule is referred to as a hydrophilic solvent, and a solvent having no polar group in the molecule is referred to as a hydrophobic solvent. The polar group is not particularly limited, and examples of the polar group include an ether bond and a hydroxy group. In this specification, an ether bond represents *-O-*, where * represents the bonding site between the carbon (C) adjacent to the oxygen (O) in the ether bond.

[0040] By including component (a-1) in component (A), the component (C), which will be described later, can be more effectively dissolved. The component (a-1) may be a single type, or two or more types may be used in combination. The component (a-1) is not particularly limited, but examples include aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents. In this specification, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent refers to a solvent that is an aliphatic hydrocarbon. In an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent, the aliphatic hydrocarbon may be a chain hydrocarbon, a cyclic hydrocarbon, or a compound comprising a combination of a chain hydrocarbon group and a cyclic hydrocarbon group. In consideration of solubility, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is preferred as component (a-1). Component (a-1) preferably contains an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent. In one embodiment, component (A) preferably contains an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent. The aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent may be a single type, or two or more types may be used in combination. The aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and cycloalkanes substituted with an alkyl group (alkanes substituted with a cycloalkyl group), and more preferably contains a cycloalkane substituted with an alkyl group. The number of carbon atoms in the aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 17, more preferably 6 to 12, even more preferably 7 to 10, and particularly preferably 8.

[0041] Specific examples of component (a-1) include, but are not limited to, ethylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, hexane, and isohexane. These may be used alone or in combination. Component (a-1) preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ethylcyclohexane, cyclohexane, hexane, and isohexane, and more preferably contains ethylcyclohexane.

[0042] By including the component (a-2) in the component (A), the component (B) described below can be more effectively dissolved, thereby further improving the releasability. The component (a-2) may be a single type or a combination of two or more types. The component (a-2) is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include alcohol-based solvents, ether-based solvents, and acetone. In consideration of releasability, the component (a-2) preferably contains an alcohol-based solvent and / or an ether-based solvent. That is, the component (a-2) preferably contains an alcohol-based solvent, an ether-based solvent, or a combination thereof. From the same perspective, the component (a-2) preferably contains an ether-based solvent. The component (a-2) may consist solely of an alcohol-based solvent or may consist solely of an ether-based solvent. In one embodiment, the component (A) preferably contains an alcohol-based solvent and / or an ether-based solvent. That is, the component (A) preferably contains an alcohol-based solvent, an ether-based solvent, or a combination thereof.

[0043] In this specification, an ether-based solvent refers to a solvent that is a compound composed of an ether bond and a hydrocarbon group. The ether-based solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The ether-based solvent preferably contains a compound composed of an ether group and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon group, and more preferably contains a compound composed of an ether group and a saturated hydrocarbon group. The ether-based solvent may have a cyclic ether structure or may not have a cyclic ether structure. The ether-based solvent preferably contains a compound having a cyclic ether structure, and more preferably contains a combination of a compound having a cyclic ether structure and a compound not having a cyclic ether structure. The compound having a cyclic ether structure may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The compound not having a cyclic ether structure may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The number of carbon atoms in the ether-based solvent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 to 8, more preferably 3 to 6, and even more preferably 3 to 4. The number of ether groups in one molecule of the ether-based solvent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 4, more preferably 1 to 3, and even more preferably 2 to 3.

[0044] In this specification, the term "alcohol-based solvent" refers to a solvent that is a compound selected from the group consisting of compounds composed of a hydroxy group and a hydrocarbon group, and compounds composed of a hydroxy group, a hydrocarbon group, and an ether bond. The alcohol-based solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The alcohol-based solvent preferably contains a compound composed of a hydroxy group and a hydrocarbon group, more preferably a compound composed of a hydroxy group and a saturated hydrocarbon group. The alcohol-based solvent further preferably contains a compound composed of a hydroxy group and a linear and / or branched saturated hydrocarbon group, and even more preferably a compound composed of a hydroxy group and a linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon group. The alcohol-based solvent particularly preferably contains a compound composed of a hydroxy group and a branched saturated hydrocarbon group. The number of carbon atoms in the alcohol-based solvent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 5, even more preferably 1 to 3, and particularly preferably 3. The number of hydroxy groups in one molecule of the alcohol-based solvent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 2, and even more preferably 1. The alcohol-based solvent preferably does not have an ether group in the molecule.

[0045] Specific examples of component (a-2) include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, methylal, tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and diglyme. These may be used alone or in combination. Component (a-2) preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, methylal, tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, isopropyl alcohol, and diglyme. Component (a-2) more preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methylal, tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, and isopropyl alcohol. Component (a-2) more preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methylal and 1,3-dioxolane, and even more preferably contains methylal and 1,3-dioxolane. It is more preferable that component (a-2) contains methylal, tetrahydrofuran, and 1,3-dioxolane, or methylal, 1,3-dioxolane, and isopropyl alcohol. For example, component (a-2) may consist solely of methylal, tetrahydrofuran, and 1,3-dioxolane, or may consist solely of methylal, 1,3-dioxolane, and isopropyl alcohol.

[0046] The component (A) may be a commercially available product or a synthetic product.

[0047] The mass ratio of the (a-1) component to the (a-2) component is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 50:50 to 90, relative to the total (100) of the (a-1) component and the (a-2) component. That is, the mass ratio of the (a-1) component to the (a-2) component is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 50 parts by mass:90 to 50 parts by mass, relative to the total (100) of the (a-1) component and the (a-2) component. The mass ratio of the (a-1) component to the (a-2) component is more preferably 10 to 40 parts by mass:90 to 60 parts by mass, relative to the total (100) of the (a-1) component and the (a-2) component. The mass ratio of the (a-1) component to the (a-2) component is more preferably 10 to 35 parts by mass:90 to 65 parts by mass, where the total of the (a-1) component and the (a-2) component is 100 parts by mass. When the (A) component consists solely of the (a-1) component and the (a-2) component, it is particularly preferable that the mass ratio of the (a-1) component to the (a-2) component satisfy these ranges. When two or more (a-1) components are used in combination, the amount of the (a-1) component represents the total amount. When two or more (a-2) components are used in combination, the amount of the (a-2) component represents the total amount. Note that preferred examples of the range of the ratio of the amounts (by mass) of the (a-1) component to the (a-2) component added in the method for producing a release agent described below are also similar to the range of the mass ratio of the (a-1) component to the (a-2) component shown above.

[0048] The content of component (A) is not particularly limited, but in consideration of ease of application and other handleability, it is preferably more than 50% by mass and not more than 95% by mass, more preferably 70% by mass or more and not more than 90% by mass, and even more preferably 80% by mass or more and not more than 90% by mass, based on the entire release agent (based on the total mass of the release agent). When two or more types of component (A) are used in combination, the amount of component (A) represents the total amount thereof.

[0049] [Component (B)] Component (B) is a thickener that is solid at 25°C. Component (B) acts to further improve the viscosity of the release agent by dissolving it in component (A). Component (B) also acts to further improve the handleability of the release agent when it is applied, from the viewpoint of further suppressing fluidity.

[0050] The melting point of component (B) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30° C. or higher. Preferred melting point ranges for component (B) include 30° C. or higher and 300° C. or lower, 30° C. or higher and 200° C. or lower, and 30° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower, but the melting point of component (B) is not limited to values ​​within these ranges. The melting point of component (B) can be measured using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

[0051] The (B) component is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polymers and fumed silica. The polymer used as the (B) component is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include thermoplastic resins and elastomers. The (B) component may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The thermoplastic resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The (B) component preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic resins and elastomers, and preferably includes a thermoplastic resin.

[0052] The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include (meth)acrylic resins and cellulose-based resins.

[0053] In this specification, (meth)acrylic resin is a general term indicating both acrylic resin and methacrylic resin. In this specification, (meth)acryloyl group is a general term indicating both acryloyl group and methacryloyl group. In this specification, (co)polymer is a general term indicating both homopolymer and copolymer.

[0054] In this specification, the term "(meth)acrylic resin" refers to a (co)polymer in which the monomer constituting the (co)polymer contains a monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group. The (meth)acrylic resin is preferably a (co)polymer in which the number of moles of the monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group (when two or more monomers having a (meth)acryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) is the highest among the monomers constituting the (co)polymer. The ratio of the number of moles of the monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group (when two or more monomers having a (meth)acryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) to the total number of moles of the monomers constituting the (meth)acrylic resin is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 mol% or more, more preferably 80 mol% or more, and even more preferably 90 mol% or more (upper limit: 100 mol%). The monomer constituting the (meth)acrylic resin may consist solely of a monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group.

[0055] In this specification, a (meth)acrylic resin in which the number of moles of monomers having an acryloyl group (when two or more monomers having an acryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) among the monomers constituting the (meth)acrylic resin is greater than the number of moles of monomers having a methacryloyl group (when two or more monomers having a methacryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these). In this specification, a (meth)acrylic resin in which the number of moles of monomers having an acryloyl group (when two or more monomers having an acryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) among the monomers constituting the (meth)acrylic resin is less than or equal to the number of moles of monomers having a methacryloyl group (when two or more monomers having a methacryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these).

[0056] The ratio of the number of moles of the monomer having an acryloyl group (when two or more types of monomers having an acryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) to the total number of moles of the monomers constituting the acrylic resin is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 mol% or more, more preferably 80 mol% or more, and even more preferably 90 mol% or more (upper limit 100 mol%). Of the monomers constituting the acrylic resin, it is preferable that the number of moles of the monomer having an acryloyl group (when two or more types of monomers having an acryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) is the largest. The monomers constituting the acrylic resin may consist solely of a monomer having an acryloyl group.

[0057] The ratio of the number of moles of the monomer having a methacryloyl group (when two or more types of monomers having a methacryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) to the total number of moles of the monomers constituting the methacrylic resin is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 mol% or more, more preferably 80 mol% or more, and even more preferably 90 mol% or more (upper limit 100 mol%). Among the monomers constituting the methacrylic resin, it is preferable that the number of moles of the monomer having a methacryloyl group (when two or more types of monomers having a methacryloyl group are present, the total number of moles of these) is the largest. The monomers constituting the methacrylic resin may consist solely of a monomer having a methacryloyl group.

[0058] The monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group for constituting the (meth)acrylic resin preferably contains a monomer having a (meth)acryloyloxy group, and more preferably consists solely of a monomer having a (meth)acryloyloxy group. In this specification, the term "(meth)acryloyloxy group" is a general term that refers to both an acryloyloxy group and a methacryloyloxy group.

[0059] In this specification, (meth)acrylic is a general term that refers to both acrylic and methacrylic. Monomers having a (meth)acryloyl group for constituting a (meth)acrylic resin are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylate salts, (meth)acrylic acid esters, (meth)acrylamide, and N-methylol(meth)acrylamide. (Meth)acrylic acid esters are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters. The (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, t-butyl (meth)acrylate, n-pentyl (meth)acrylate, n-hexyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, n-heptyl (meth)acrylate, n-octyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, nonyl (meth)acrylate, decyl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl (meth)acrylate, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0060] The monomer other than the monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group for constituting the (meth)acrylic resin is not particularly limited as long as it is a monomer polymerizable with the monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group. Examples of the monomer polymerizable with the monomer having a (meth)acryloyl group include acrylonitrile, styrene, α-methylstyrene, alkyl vinyl ether, aminoethyl vinyl ether, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and ethylene. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0061] The monomer for constituting the (meth)acrylic resin preferably contains a (meth)acrylic acid ester, more preferably contains a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester, even more preferably contains a methacrylic acid alkyl ester, and particularly preferably contains a methacrylic acid alkyl ester among the (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters exemplified above.

[0062] The (meth)acrylic resin may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among (meth)acrylic resins, methacrylic resin is preferred. Component (B) preferably contains a (meth)acrylic resin, more preferably a methacrylic resin.

[0063] The (meth)acrylic resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include poly(meth)acrylic acid, poly(meth)acrylates, poly(meth)acrylic acid esters (e.g., polyacrylic acid alkyl esters, polymethacrylic acid alkyl esters, etc.), acrylic acid ester-methacrylic acid ester copolymers (e.g., acrylic acid alkyl ester-methacrylic acid alkyl ester copolymers, etc.), etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0064] The cellulose-based resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0065] Component (B) preferably contains a (meth)acrylic resin and / or a cellulose-based resin, preferably a (meth)acrylic resin and / or hydroxypropyl cellulose, more preferably a (meth)acrylic resin, and even more preferably a methacrylic resin. Component (B) more preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polymethacrylic acid, polymethacrylates, polymethacrylate esters, and acrylate ester-methacrylate ester copolymers (wherein the ratio of the number of moles of methacrylate ester to the total number of moles of monomers constituting the copolymer is 50 mol% or more). Component (B) more preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polymethacrylic acid, polymethacrylates, polymethacrylate alkyl esters, and acrylate alkyl ester-methacrylate alkyl ester copolymers (wherein the ratio of the number of moles of methacrylate alkyl ester to the total number of moles of monomers constituting the copolymer is 50 mol% or more). It is more preferable that component (B) contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyalkyl methacrylate esters and alkyl acrylate-alkyl methacrylate ester copolymers (wherein the ratio of the number of moles of alkyl methacrylate esters to the total number of moles of monomers constituting the copolymer is 50 mol% or more). It is more preferable that component (B) contains polyalkyl methacrylate esters, and it is particularly preferable that component (B) contains polymethyl methacrylate. For example, component (B) may be a (meth)acrylic resin and / or hydroxypropyl cellulose. That is, component (B) may be a (meth)acrylic resin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or a combination thereof.

[0066] The weight-average molecular weight of component (B) is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of imparting better viscosity to the release agent, the weight-average molecular weight of component (B) is preferably 10,000 to 20,000,000, more preferably 10,000 to 10,000,000, even more preferably 10,000 to 5,000,000, and particularly preferably 20,000 to 4,000,000. The weight-average molecular weight of component (B) may be, for example, 20,000 to 1,000,000, or 20,000 to 400,000. The range of the weight-average molecular weight of component (B) is the same as the above-mentioned range. The weight-average molecular weight of component (B) can be a value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or the like using polystyrene as a standard substance.

[0067] The shape of the (B) component is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the (B) component be a powder. In this specification, powder refers to an aggregate of particles. Examples of the shape of the (B) component include a bead-like (spherical) shape and an irregular shape. Examples of the irregular shape include an irregular shape obtained by pulverization. Among these, it is preferable that the (B) component be a bead-like shape. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the (B) component be a bead-like particle.

[0068] The component (B) may be a commercially available product or a synthetic product. The commercially available product of the component (B) is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the Dianale (registered trademark) series (e.g., BR-95, etc.) manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and commercially available fumed silica.

[0069] The ratio of the mass of the (B) component to the mass of the (A) component is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, more than 0 parts by mass and not more than 20 parts by mass of the (B) component per 100 parts by mass of the (A) component.

[0070] The ratio of the mass of the (B) component to the mass of the (a-2) component (hereinafter also referred to as the (B) / (a-2) component mass ratio) is preferably 20 parts by mass or less / 100 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 15 parts by mass / 100 parts by mass. That is, the (B) component / (a-2) component mass ratio is preferably 20 parts by mass or less of the (B) component per 100 parts by mass of the (a-2) component (for example, more than 0 parts by mass and 20 parts by mass or less of the (B) component per 100 parts by mass of the (a-2) component), more preferably 0.1 to 15 parts by mass of the (B) component per 100 parts by mass of the (a-2) component. By having the (B) component / (a-2) component mass ratio of 20 parts by mass or less / 100 parts by mass, the fluidity of the release agent is further suppressed, making it less likely for the release agent to run off after application to nails. Furthermore, a more uniform coating film can be formed. When two or more kinds of (a-2) components are used in combination, the amount of the (a-2) component represents the total amount thereof. When two or more kinds of (B) components are used in combination, the amount of the (B) component represents the total amount thereof.

[0071] [Component (C)] Component (C) is a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C. However, component (C) excludes both component (A) and component (B). In other words, component (C) is a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C, and is a compound that is neither component (A) nor component (B).

[0072] The compound nonvolatile at 25°C may be a compound that is generally considered nonvolatile at 25°C under atmospheric pressure. The compound nonvolatile at 25°C is preferably a compound that does not lose weight even when left at 25°C for 1 hour. The compound nonvolatile at 25°C may also be a compound that does not experience a significant weight loss rate even when left at 25°C for 1 hour. The weight loss rate represents the ratio (wt%) of the weight loss to the weight before leaving (i.e., the value obtained by subtracting the weight after leaving from the weight before leaving). The leaving at 25°C for 1 hour is performed in an open system at atmospheric pressure. The relative humidity when leaving at 25°C for 1 hour is preferably 40% RH or more and 50% RH or less, and may be, for example, 45% RH.

[0073] In this specification, a compound that does not have a polar group in the molecule is referred to as a "hydrophobic compound." The polar group is not particularly limited, but examples of the polar group include an ether bond and a hydroxy group.

[0074] The addition of component (C) helps the release agent to better maintain its shape after application and further inhibits it from running off after application.Furthermore, it is believed that a hydrophobic thin film is formed on the surface of the release agent, further inhibiting the volatilization of component (A).

[0075] The (C) component may be used alone or in combination. The (C) component is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include wax. The (C) component preferably contains wax, and more preferably contains paraffin wax. The melting point of the (C) component is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 30°C or higher, 40°C or higher, 30°C to 100°C, or 40°C to 60°C. The melting point of the (C) component can be measured, for example, in accordance with the melting point measurement method for waxes specified in JIS K2235:2022. When the (C) component is paraffin wax, the melting point of the (C) component can be measured, for example, in accordance with the melting point measurement method for paraffin waxes specified in JIS K2235:2022.

[0076] From the viewpoint of suppressing volatilization of component (A), component (C) is preferably a wax having a melting point of 30° C. or higher, and more preferably a wax having a melting point of 40° C. or higher. Component (C) may be a wax having a melting point of 30° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower, or may be a wax having a melting point of 40° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower.

[0077] Component (C) is preferably paraffin wax, a type of wax. Paraffin wax may be, for example, a wax whose main component is a hydrocarbon having 20 or more carbon atoms, which is a type of hydrocarbon compound. Paraffin wax may be, for example, a wax whose main component is a hydrocarbon having 20 to 40 carbon atoms. Paraffin wax may be, for example, a wax whose main component is an alkane having 20 or more carbon atoms. The number of carbon atoms in the paraffin wax is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 20 or more and 40 or less. One type of paraffin wax may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. In one embodiment, component (C) may contain at least one wax selected from the group consisting of the paraffin waxes listed above.

[0078] Component (C) is preferably a paraffin wax having a melting point of 30° C. or higher, and more preferably a paraffin wax having a melting point of 40° C. or higher. Component (C) may be a paraffin wax having a melting point of 30° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower, or may be a paraffin wax having a melting point of 40° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower.

[0079] Component (C) may be a commercially available product or a synthetic product. Commercially available products of component (C) are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include Paraffin Wax-115, Paraffin Wax-120, Paraffin Wax-125, Paraffin Wax-130, Paraffin Wax-135, Paraffin Wax-140, Paraffin Wax-145, and Paraffin Wax-150 manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.

[0080] The ratio of the mass of the (C) component to the mass of the (A) component is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, more than 0 parts by mass and not more than 40 parts by mass of the (C) component per 100 parts by mass of the (A) component.

[0081] The ratio of the mass of the component (C) to the mass of the component (a-1) (hereinafter also referred to as the mass ratio of the component (C) / the component (a-1)) is preferably 40 mass parts or less / 100 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 35 mass parts / 100 parts by mass. That is, the mass ratio of the component (C) / the component (a-1) is preferably 40 mass parts or less of the component (C) per 100 parts by mass of the component (a-1) (for example, more than 0 parts by mass and 40 parts by mass or less of the component (C) per 100 parts by mass of the component (a-1)), more preferably 0.1 parts by mass or more and 35 parts by mass or less of the component (C) per 100 parts by mass of the component (a-1). By having the mass ratio of the component (C) / the component (a-1) be 40 mass parts or less / 100 parts by mass, the volatility of the solvent can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the appearance of the release agent remains transparent, and the components become more compatible, leading to further improvement in releasability. When two or more types of (a-1) components are used in combination, the amount of the (a-1) component represents the total amount thereof. When two or more types of (C) components are used in combination, the amount of the (C) component represents the total amount thereof.

[0082] [pH Adjuster] The stripper according to one embodiment preferably further contains a pH adjuster. In this specification, the pH adjuster may be in the form of a compound or a liquid containing water. Examples of pH adjusters include, but are not limited to, a base; a liquid containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of acids and bases and water (preferably, a liquid containing one or more bases and water); pH-adjusted water; and the like. Examples of bases include, but are not limited to, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and the like. Examples of liquids containing one or more bases and water include, but are not limited to, a liquid containing at least one base selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide, and water. Examples of liquids containing at least one base selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide, and water include, but are not limited to, aqueous ammonia, aqueous sodium hydroxide, aqueous potassium hydroxide, and the like. The pH adjusters may be used alone or in combination.

[0083] The pH adjuster preferably further contains pH-adjusted water as component (D). The stripping agent according to one embodiment preferably further contains pH-adjusted water as component (D). The pH-adjusted water is not particularly limited as long as it is a water-containing liquid that has the function of adjusting the pH. The component (D) may be used alone or in combination.

[0084] The pH-adjusted water may be a liquid containing water and a compound other than water. The compound other than water contained in the pH-adjusted water is not particularly limited, and examples include bases such as ammonia, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide; acids; and the like. The compound other than water contained in the pH-adjusted water may be a single compound or a combination of two or more compounds. The compound other than water contained in the pH-adjusted water preferably contains a base, more preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide, and even more preferably contains ammonia. In one embodiment, the pH-adjusted water may be added in a form in which water and the compound other than water are added separately, or may be added as a liquid containing water and the compound other than water.

[0085] The pH-adjusted water may be alkaline electrolyzed water. In this specification, alkaline electrolyzed water may be alkaline water obtained from the cathode side by electrolyzing water to which an electrolyte has been added. The alkaline electrolyzed water contains hydroxide ions. The alkaline electrolyzed water may further contain ions that can be generated from the electrolyte added during electrolysis in preparing the alkaline electrolyzed water. The alkaline electrolyzed water may further contain alkali metal ions such as potassium ions and sodium ions. The alkali metal ions may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The alkaline electrolyzed water may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0086] The pH adjuster preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an acid, a base, and alkaline electrolyzed water, more preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a base and alkaline electrolyzed water, further preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and alkaline electrolyzed water, further preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of ammonia and alkaline electrolyzed water, and particularly preferably contains alkaline electrolyzed water.

[0087] The pH adjuster may include a combination of alkaline electrolyzed water and pH-adjusted water other than alkaline electrolyzed water. Component (D) may include a combination of alkaline electrolyzed water and pH-adjusted water other than alkaline electrolyzed water. Component (D) may include a combination of alkaline electrolyzed water and a liquid containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of acids and bases and water (preferably a liquid containing one or more bases and water). Component (D) may include a combination of alkaline electrolyzed water and an aqueous solution of a base (e.g., an aqueous ammonia solution, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and / or an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution).

[0088] By adding component (D), the pH of the entire stripping agent can be increased, preferably to more than 7. In addition, it is preferable to adjust the pH to further improve stripping properties.

[0089] Specific examples of component (D) include, but are not limited to, aqueous ammonia, alkaline electrolyzed water, aqueous sodium hydroxide, and aqueous potassium hydroxide, which may be used alone or in combination.

[0090] The component (D) preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an aqueous ammonia solution, alkaline electrolyzed water, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, more preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an aqueous ammonia solution and alkaline electrolyzed water, and even more preferably contains alkaline electrolyzed water.

[0091] There are no particular limitations on the pH of component (D), but it is preferably greater than 7, and more preferably greater than 7 and less than 14. The pH of component (D) may be greater than 7 and less than 12, greater than 7 and less than 10, or greater than 7 and less than 9. The pH of component (D) can be evaluated using pH test paper or a pH meter.

[0092] The pH adjuster may be a commercially available product or a synthetic product. The component (D) may be prepared by preparing pH-adjusted water and using the prepared pH-adjusted water, or a commercially available product may be used. The commercially available product is not particularly limited. The commercially available alkaline electrolyzed water is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include ThreeBond 6658 manufactured by ThreeBond Co., Ltd.

[0093] The content of the pH adjuster in the stripper is not particularly limited, and may be an amount that allows the desired pH of the stripper to be obtained. The content of the pH adjuster in the stripper is preferably an amount that allows the pH value to fall within the pH range of the stripper described below. When the stripper contains a base, the content of the base is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, relative to the entire stripper (relative to the total mass of the stripper).

[0094] From the viewpoint of increasing the pH of the entire release agent to greater than 7, it is preferable to add 0.01 to 10.0 parts by mass of the (D) component per 100 parts by mass of the (A) component, and it is more preferable to add 0.1 to 5.0 parts by mass of the (D) component per 100 parts by mass of the (A) component. By adding 0.01 part by mass or more of the (D) component per 100 parts by mass of the (A) component, the pH can be better adjusted, and by adding 10.0 parts by mass or less of the (D) component per 100 parts by mass of the (A) component, separation of the (A) component can be better suppressed. When two or more (A) components are used in combination, the amount of the (A) component refers to the total amount thereof. When two or more (D) components are used in combination, the amount of the (D) component refers to the total amount thereof.

[0095] [Other Components] The release agent according to one embodiment may further contain appropriate amounts of components other than the above components (A) to (C) and the pH adjuster added as needed, as long as the properties of the present invention are not impaired. The release agent according to one embodiment may further contain appropriate amounts of additives such as surfactants, leveling agents, and rheology control agents, as long as the properties of the present invention are not impaired. Preferably, the release agent according to one embodiment further contains at least one additive selected from the group consisting of surfactants, leveling agents, and rheology control agents. The addition of these additives can adjust the appearance, flowability, and drying properties.

[0096] The release agent according to one embodiment preferably further contains a surfactant. The surfactant may be one type alone or two or more types in combination. The surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include surfactants having -SO 4 in the molecule. ３ Na and / or -SO ３ NH ４ Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants having the formula (I), nonionic surfactants containing no ions in the molecule (which do not dissociate into ions even when dissolved in water), cationic surfactants containing a quaternary ammonium salt in the molecule, and amphoteric surfactants containing both anions and cations in the molecule. The surfactant is preferably a nonionic surfactant, and more preferably a higher alcohol-based nonionic surfactant. The surfactants exemplified above may each be used alone or in combination of two or more. The surfactant preferably contains at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of the surfactants exemplified above, more preferably a nonionic surfactant, and even more preferably a higher alcohol-based nonionic surfactant.

[0097] Nonionic surfactants are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene higher fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyalkylene glycerin fatty acid esters. More specific examples of ionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene higher fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters. Higher alcohol-based nonionic surfactants are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyoxyalkylene higher alkyl ethers (e.g., polyoxyethylene higher alkyl ethers). These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. It is preferable that the surfactant contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds exemplified above.

[0098] The surfactant may be a commercially available product or a synthetic product. Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, the Naloacty (registered trademark) series (e.g., CL-40), Emulmin (registered trademark) series, Sanonic (registered trademark) series, Newpol (registered trademark) series, and Ionet (registered trademark) series, all of which are manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.; and the Leox (registered trademark) series, Leocol (registered trademark) series, Lionol (registered trademark) series, Liponol (registered trademark) series, Lipomide (registered trademark) series, Leofat (registered trademark) series, Leocon (registered trademark) series, and Kadenax (registered trademark) series, all of which are manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.

[0099] The content of the surfactant is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 1.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less, based on the entire release agent (based on the total mass of the release agent). When two or more surfactants are used in combination, the amount of the surfactants refers to the total amount of these surfactants.

[0100] [Water] The stripping agent according to one embodiment preferably further contains water. The water is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include distilled water, ion-exchanged water, tap water, and alkaline electrolyzed water. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The same applies to the water used as a raw material for the pH-adjusted water, which is component (D). The stripping agent may contain water as part of the pH adjuster, or may contain water as part of component (D).

[0101] The stripping agent according to one embodiment preferably contains components (A) to (C) and satisfies at least one condition selected from the group consisting of condition (i) and condition (ii): condition (i): the pH of the stripping agent is greater than 7; condition (ii): the stripping agent is composed of only five components consisting of components (A) to (C), a pH adjuster, and a surfactant; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

[0102] In consideration of the appearance and / or the compatibility of the components (B) and (C), the release agent according to one embodiment preferably comprises only five components: the components (A) to (C), a pH adjuster, and a surfactant. In this case, the pH adjuster preferably contains pH-adjusted water as the component (D).

[0103] The release agent according to one embodiment preferably comprises only five components: components (A) to (D) and a surfactant; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C; and component (D): pH-adjusted water.

[0104] The pH of the stripping agent according to one embodiment (the pH of the entire stripping agent) is not particularly limited, but is preferably greater than 7, more preferably greater than 7 and not greater than 14, and even more preferably greater than 7 and not greater than 12. The pH of the stripping agent according to one embodiment may be greater than 7 and not greater than 10, or may be greater than 7 and not greater than 9. The pH of the stripping agent can be evaluated using pH test paper, a pH meter, or the like.

[0105] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a release agent comprising component (A), component (B), and wax (preferably, a wax containing paraffin wax), and having a pH greater than 7. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a release agent consisting of only five components: component (A), component (B), wax (preferably, a wax containing paraffin wax), a pH adjuster, and a surfactant. The components contained in the release agents according to these aspects are the same as those described above. The properties of the release agents according to these aspects, such as pH, are the same as those described above. The wax is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include those similar to those described above for the wax as component (C). The ratio of the mass of the wax to the mass of component (a-1) is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the same range as the ratio of the mass of component (C) to the mass of component (a-1) above.

[0106] <Method for producing a release agent> Another aspect of the present invention can be said to relate to a method for producing a release agent, which includes, but is not particularly limited to, mixing components (A) to (C): component (A): a solvent, component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C, and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

[0107] The method for producing the release agent according to each of the above aspects is not particularly limited, but for example, the production method according to this aspect is preferred.

[0108] The production method according to one embodiment preferably further comprises mixing a pH adjuster in addition to the components (A) to (C). In this case, the pH adjuster preferably includes pH-adjusted water as the component (D).

[0109] The production method according to one embodiment preferably includes further mixing pH-adjusted water as component (D) in addition to components (A) to (C). The production method according to this embodiment may also include further mixing a component other than the components (A) to (D).

[0110] The production method according to one embodiment is preferably a method for producing a stripper having a pH greater than 7. The production method according to this embodiment preferably includes further mixing a pH adjuster in addition to the components (A) to (C). The production method according to this embodiment may also include further mixing a component other than the components (A) to (C) and the pH adjuster. The production method according to this embodiment preferably includes further mixing pH-adjusted water as component (D) in addition to the components (A) to (C). The production method according to this embodiment may also include further mixing a component other than the components (A) to (D).

[0111] The release agent according to each of the above aspects is preferably produced by the production methods according to these aspects. The release agent according to one embodiment may further include mixing an additive such as a surfactant, a leveling agent, or a rheology control agent, as long as the properties of the present invention are not impaired. The production method according to one embodiment preferably further includes mixing at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, a leveling agent, and a rheology control agent. The production method according to one embodiment more preferably includes further mixing a surfactant.

[0112] The explanation of each component is the same as the explanation of the release agent according to each embodiment above.

[0113] The mixing method and mixing conditions of each component are not particularly limited.For example, a preferred manufacturing method according to the present invention includes: mixing component (A), component (D), and other components as needed, further adding component (B) to the resulting mixture, and then further adding component (C) to the resulting mixture.For example, a preferred manufacturing method according to the present invention includes: mixing component (A), component (D), and a surfactant, further adding component (B) to the resulting mixture, and then further adding component (C) to the resulting mixture.

[0114] Preferred examples of the range of the amount of component (A) added include the same range as the range of the content of component (A) shown in the description of the release agent above. Preferred examples of the range of the ratio of the amount (mass) of component (B) added to the amount (mass) of component (a-2) added include the same range as the mass ratio of component (B) / component (a-2) shown in the description of the release agent above. Preferred examples of the range of the ratio of the amount (mass) of component (C) added to the amount (mass) of component (a-1) added include the same range as the mass ratio of component (C) / component (a-1) shown in the description of the release agent above. Preferred examples of the amount of pH adjuster added are the same as the content of pH adjuster shown in the description of the release agent above. Preferred examples of the amount of component (D) added are the same as the description of the release agent above. Preferred examples of the amount of surfactant added include the same range as the content of surfactant shown in the description of the release agent above.

[0115] The pH of the stripping agent produced by the production method according to these embodiments (the pH of the entire stripping agent) is the same as that described above for the stripping agent according to each embodiment.

[0116] Another aspect of the present invention is not particularly limited, but it can be said to relate to a method for producing a release agent, which includes mixing component (A), component (B), and wax (preferably paraffin wax); component (A): solvent, component (B): thickener that is solid at 25°C.

[0117] The components used in the mixing in the production method according to this embodiment are the same as those described above. The properties of the release agent produced in the production method according to this embodiment, such as pH, are the same as those described above. The method of mixing the components in the production method according to this embodiment is the same as those described above. The wax is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include those similar to those described above for the wax as component (C). The ratio of the amount (mass) of wax added to the amount (mass) of component (a-1) added is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the same range as the ratio of the mass of component (C) to the mass of component (a-1). The method of producing the release agent according to each of the above embodiments is not particularly limited, but for example, the production method according to this embodiment is preferred.

[0118] <Uses of the Release Agent and Removal Method Using the Release Agent> The uses of the release agent according to each of the above embodiments and the release agent produced by the production method according to each of the above embodiments are not particularly limited. The release agent according to each of the above embodiments and the release agent produced by the production method according to each of the above embodiments are preferably used on applied gel nails (gel nails after application). In other words, the release agent according to each of the above embodiments and the release agent produced by the production method according to each of the above embodiments are preferably used in applications for removing applied gel nails. The release agent according to each of the above embodiments and the release agent produced by the production method according to each of the above embodiments are more preferably used in applications including removing applied base coats, and even more preferably used in applications for removing applied base coats.

[0119] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for removing gel nails after application, using a release agent according to any of the above aspects or a release agent manufactured by the manufacturing method according to any of the above aspects. Methods for removing gel nails after application generally involve suppressing solvent evaporation using a solvent-suppressing sheet such as aluminum foil, and / or extending the time for immersion in the solvent using a solvent-impregnated material such as cotton or a rag. However, by using the release agent according to any of the above aspects, it is possible to remove gel nails after application without the need for a solvent-suppressing sheet and / or a solvent-impregnated material. By using the release agent manufactured by the manufacturing method according to any of the above aspects, it is possible to remove gel nails after application without the need for a solvent-suppressing sheet and / or a solvent-impregnated material. In one embodiment, the method for removing gel nails after application preferably uses a release agent according to any of the above aspects or a release agent manufactured by the manufacturing method according to any of the above aspects, without using a solvent-suppressing sheet and / or a solvent-impregnated material.

[0120] A method for removing gel nails after application according to one embodiment preferably includes applying a release agent according to any of the above aspects or a release agent produced by a manufacturing method according to any of the above aspects to the applied gel nail. Furthermore, the method for removing gel nails after application according to this embodiment preferably includes applying a release agent according to any of the above aspects or a release agent produced by a manufacturing method according to any of the above aspects to the applied gel nail and then leaving it for a specific period of time. When the gel nail includes at least one layer selected from the group consisting of a color coat layer and a top coat layer in addition to a base coat layer, the method for removing gel nails after application according to one embodiment preferably includes scraping off at least one layer selected from the group consisting of the color coat layer and the top coat layer to expose the base coat, and applying a release agent according to any of the above aspects or a release agent produced by a manufacturing method according to any of the above aspects to the exposed base coat. Furthermore, the method for removing gel nails after application according to this embodiment more preferably includes applying a release agent according to any of the above aspects or a release agent produced by a manufacturing method according to any of the above aspects to the exposed base coat and then leaving it for a specific period of time. In these embodiments, the specific time is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 5 minutes to 1 hour, and particularly preferably 5 to 30 minutes. In these embodiments, the number of applications is also not particularly limited and may be one or more applications.

[0121] The method for applying the release agent according to each of the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. The method for applying the release agent produced by the production method according to each of the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Examples of the application method include a method in which the release agent is taken out of a container filled with the release agent using a brush and / or a cotton swab, and the release agent is applied using the brush and / or the cotton swab.

[0122] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is clear that this is by way of illustration and example only and not of limitation, and that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims.

[0123] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Hereinafter, the release agent will also be referred to simply as the "composition."

[0124] [Examples 1 to 3, Comparative Examples 1 to 4] The following components were prepared to prepare the compositions.

[0125] <Component (A): Solvent> (Component (a-1): Volatile hydrophobic solvent) Ethylcyclohexane (reagent) (Component (a-2): Volatile hydrophilic solvent) Methylal (reagent) Tetrahydrofuran (reagent) 1,3-dioxolane (hereinafter referred to as dioxolane) Isopropyl alcohol (reagent) (hereinafter referred to as IPA).

[0126] <Component (B): Thickener that is solid at 25°C> - Bead-shaped methacrylic resin (Dianal (registered trademark) BR-95, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) having a weight average molecular weight of 320,000, a melting point of 80°C, and being solid at 25°C.

[0127] <Component (C): Hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C> Paraffin wax having a melting point of 48°C (Paraffin Wax-115, Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.).

[0128] <Component (D): pH-adjusted water> Ammonia water (reagent) with a solids concentration of 28% by mass (hereinafter referred to as ammonia water) Alkaline electrolyzed water (ThreeBond 6658, manufactured by ThreeBond Co., Ltd.).

[0129] <<Other Ingredients>> (Surfactant) - Higher alcohol-based nonionic surfactant (Naroacty (registered trademark) CL-40, main ingredient: polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.).

[0130] Compositions (release agents) of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were prepared. First, component (A), component (D), and other components (surfactants) were weighed and added to a beaker, and the contents of the beaker were then stirred for 10 minutes. Then, component (B) was weighed and added to the beaker, and the contents of the beaker were stirred for 10 minutes. Further, component (C) was weighed and added to the beaker, and the contents of the beaker were stirred for 10 minutes to obtain a composition. Detailed preparation amounts were as shown in Table 1. All values ​​in Table 1 are expressed in parts by mass. Blank cells in Table 1 indicate that the component was not used.

[0131]

[0132] The pH (overall release agent), appearance, flowability, drying property, and release property were confirmed for the compositions of Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4. The results are summarized in Table 2.

[0133] [pH Confirmation (Whole Stripping Agent)] After preparation, the composition obtained above was placed in a glass bottle, a portion was taken out and applied to a pH test paper, and the pH was determined by visually comparing it with a color sample and selecting the color that was closest to the color shown on the color chart.

[0134] [Appearance Check] The composition obtained above was placed in a glass bottle after preparation, and after 1 hour, the appearance of the composition was visually checked according to the following evaluation criteria. In order to visually check the state of peeling, the appearance is preferably "Good".

[0135] <Evaluation Criteria> ◯: transparent, ×: cloudy or separated.

[0136] [Confirmation of Flowability] A base coat composition, PREGEL (registered trademark) base manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd., was applied to the nails of a human finger to a wet thickness (thickness before curing) of approximately 100 μm, and the base was cured by irradiating it with a nail LED lamp (rated voltage: 100 to 110 V 50-60 Hz, power consumption: 36 W, wavelength: 350 to 400 nm) for 30 seconds to form a base coat. Here, PREGEL (registered trademark) Excellent Base manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd. was used as the base for PREGEL (registered trademark) manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd.

[0137] The composition (release agent) obtained above was then applied to the entire surface of the base coat, and the state after 5 seconds was visually inspected and the flowability was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. If the flowability was "x", the releaseability check described below was not performed. Therefore, if the flowability was "x", the releaseability check was marked as "-". It is preferable that the flowability be "○".

[0138] <Evaluation Criteria> ◯: The composition (release agent) did not protrude from the nail; ×: The composition (release agent) protruded from the nail.

[0139] [Confirmation of Drying Property] A base coat composition, PREGEL (registered trademark) base manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd., was applied to the nails of a human finger to a wet thickness (thickness before curing) of approximately 100 μm, and the base was cured by irradiating it with a nail LED lamp (rated voltage: 100-110 V 50-60 Hz, power consumption: 36 W, wavelength: 350-400 nm) for 30 seconds to form a base coat. Here, PREGEL (registered trademark) Excellent Base manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd. was used as the base for PREGEL (registered trademark) manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd.

[0140] The composition (release agent) obtained above was then applied to the entire surface of the base coat, and after one minute, a toothpick was touched to the coating film (composition (release agent)) and visually checked to see if the toothpick was wet, and drying was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. Considering the peelability of the applied gel nail, it is preferable that the drying is rated as "○".

[0141] <Evaluation Criteria> ◯: The toothpick got wet; ×: The toothpick did not get wet.

[0142] [Removability Verification] Gel nails were applied to ten fingernails of one person. After sanding the nails, dust and oil were removed using a nail solvent (mainly ethanol). Then, a PREGEL® base coat composition manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd. was applied to the nails to a wet thickness (thickness before curing) of approximately 100 μm. Application was performed with a brush. The coating (base coat composition) was then cured by irradiating it with a nail LED lamp (rated voltage: 100-110 V 50-60 Hz, power consumption: 36 W, wavelength: 350-400 nm) for 30 seconds to form a base coat. Here, PREGEL® Excellent Base manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd. was used as the base coat for PREGEL®.

[0143] Next, a color coat and a top coat were formed on the base coat in this order. The color coat was formed by applying a color coat composition to the surface of the base coat in the same manner as the application of the base coat (application during base coat formation), and curing the coating film (color coat composition) under the same conditions as the curing of the base coat (curing during base coat formation). The top coat was formed by applying a top coat composition to the surface of the color coat in the same manner as the application of the base coat (application during base coat formation), and curing the coating film (top coat composition) under the same conditions as the curing of the base coat (curing during base coat formation). PREGEL (registered trademark) Super Color EX (color: pastel peach) manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd. was used as the color coat composition, and PREGEL (registered trademark) Cangel EX manufactured by Prianfa Co., Ltd. was used as the top coat composition.

[0144] After one week had passed, the top coat and color coat were scraped off with a 100-grit nail file to expose the base coat. The composition (release agent) obtained above was then applied to the entire surface of the exposed base coat. The base coat of the gel nail was then checked by touch with a metal pusher, and the release properties were evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. Considering the working time, a rating of "Good" or "Good" is preferable.

[0145] <Evaluation criteria> ○: The gel nail base coat lifted from the interface with the natural nail within 15 minutes after application of the composition (release agent); △: The gel nail base coat lifted from the interface with the natural nail between 15 and 30 minutes after application of the composition (release agent) (performed when the above-mentioned "○" does not apply); ×: The gel nail base coat lifted from the interface with the natural nail between 30 and 45 minutes after application of the composition (release agent), or the gel nail base coat did not lift from the interface with the natural nail between 45 minutes after application of the composition (release agent) (performed when the above-mentioned "○" does not apply and when the above-mentioned "△" does not apply).

[0146]

[0147] Comparing Examples 1-3 with Comparative Example 1, it was found that the addition of component (D) increased the pH of the entire composition above 7, thereby improving removability. Furthermore, comparing Examples 1-3 with Comparative Example 2, it was found that the addition of component (C) inhibited solvent evaporation, maintaining the wetness of the solvent and facilitating the removal of applied gel nails. Since flowability was rated "x" for Comparative Examples 3 and 4, removability was not confirmed, as described above. Comparing Examples 1-3 with Comparative Example 3, it was found that the addition of component (B) inhibited fluidity. Although the release agent did not remain on the applied gel nails in Comparative Example 3, its removability was not confirmed, but it was clearly impaired. Comparative Example 4, which contains component (A) but does not contain components (B) to (D), rated its flowability and drying properties as "x." Since the release agent did not remain on the applied gel nails, its removability was clearly impaired, although it was not confirmed.

[0148] In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of gel nails, a gel nail stripping process is essential as a pre-treatment for reapplication. By using the stripping agent according to each aspect of the present invention, work time and procedures can be reduced. By using the stripping agent manufactured by the manufacturing method according to each aspect of the present invention, work time and procedures can be reduced. By using the stripping method according to one aspect of the present invention, work time and procedures can be reduced.

[0149] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-111530, filed on July 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A stripping agent comprising components (A) to (C) and having a pH of greater than 7; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

2. The stripping agent according to claim 1, further comprising a pH adjuster.

3. The stripping agent according to claim 1, further comprising pH-adjusted water as component (D).

4. The stripping agent according to claim 1, wherein the component (A) contains a volatile hydrophobic solvent as component (a-1) and / or a volatile hydrophilic solvent as component (a-2).

5. The stripping agent according to claim 4, wherein the component (a-1) contains an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent.

6. The stripping agent according to claim 4, wherein the component (a-2) contains an alcohol-based solvent and / or an ether-based solvent.

7. The release agent according to claim 1, wherein the component (B) is a (meth)acrylic resin and / or hydroxypropyl cellulose.

8. The release agent according to claim 1, wherein said component (C) is a wax having a melting point of 30°C or higher.

9. The stripping agent according to claim 1, further comprising a surfactant.

10. A stripping agent consisting of only five components consisting of components (A) to (C), a pH adjuster and a surfactant; component (A): a solvent, component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C, and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

11. A stripping agent consisting of only five components consisting of components (A) to (D) and a surfactant; component (A): solvent; component (B): thickener that is solid at 25°C; component (C): hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C; component (D): pH-adjusted water.

12. The remover according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is used for gel nails after application.

13. A method for removing gel nails after application, using the remover according to any one of claims 1 to 11, without using a sheet for suppressing the evaporation of the solvent and / or a material for impregnating the solvent.

14. A method for removing gel nails after application, comprising applying the remover according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to the applied gel nail and then leaving it for a specific period of time.

15. A method for producing a stripping agent, comprising mixing components (A) to (C) and a pH adjuster; component (A): a solvent; component (B): a thickener that is solid at 25°C; and component (C): a hydrophobic compound that is non-volatile at 25°C.

16. The method for producing a stripping agent according to claim 15, wherein the pH adjuster contains pH-adjusted water as component (D).

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