Associative Acrylate Polymers for Clear Viscous Liquid Cleansers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Isotropic liquid cleanser compositions often struggle to achieve both viscosity and clarity due to the presence of fatty acids, salts, and the choice of polymers, typically resulting in opaque formulations, and are not mild enough for consumer use.
Innovation Solution
The use of specific associative acrylate polymers in combination with alkanoyl glycinate, amphoteric, and alkyl sulfate surfactant systems within a defined pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, which provides a clear and mild, viscous isotropic liquid composition capable of suspending particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If external structurant is used to increase viscosity of isotropic composition, then viscosity is improved, but clarity deteriorates (composition becomes opaque)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by selecting specific associative acrylate polymers with particular molecular structures (hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance, molecular weight, degree of neutralization) to achieve the desired viscosity-clarity balance. This resolves the contradiction by finding optimal parameter ranges where both high viscosity and clarity coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite surfactant systems combining alkanoyl glycinate, amphoteric surfactant, and alkyl sulfate in specific ratios, along with associative acrylate polymers. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the polymer-surfactant complexes provide viscosity enhancement without sacrificing optical clarity.
2Force
If conventional surfactant systems are used to achieve viscosity, then viscosity is improved, but mildness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the surfactant composition parameters by using mild alkanoyl glycinate surfactants combined with amphoteric surfactants in specific proportions, and controls the pH within 6.5-7.5 range. This parameter optimization allows achieving adequate viscosity while maintaining skin compatibility and mildness.
Solution Approach 2:
The associative acrylate polymers act as intermediaries that provide viscosity enhancement without requiring harsh conventional thickeners. These polymers work synergistically with the mild surfactant system to achieve the desired rheological properties while preserving the gentle nature of the cleanser.
3Illumination intensity
If pH is adjusted to optimize clarity, then clarity is improved, but viscosity control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies an optimal pH window (6.5-7.5) where both clarity and viscosity are simultaneously optimized. Within this parameter range, the associative acrylate polymers maintain their viscosifying effectiveness while the formulation remains clear, resolving the trade-off between these two properties.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves desired viscosities of 5 to 25 thousand centipoise while maintaining clarity and mildness, as measured by low visual dryness and erythema scores, surpassing the limitations of traditional formulations.
Implementation Method 1
associative polymers, which are amphiphilic polymers comprising both hydrophilic units (e.g., acrylate or methacrylate) and hydrophobic units (e.g., at least one C 8 to C 30 fatty chain)
Implementation Method 2
specific associative acrylate polymers to ensure the compositions are viscous
Implementation Method 3
isotropic liquid compositions which comprise a dispersion of spherical and/or rod micelles
Implementation Method 4
Clear shower gels are known from US 6 533 873 B1... the applicants have found specific polymers or combinations of polymers that provide clarity
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to clear liquid compositions comprising alkanoyl glycinate, amphoteric, alkyl sulfate and specific acrylate polymers.