Hair Styling Composition Using Acrylate Polyurethane Latex Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hair styling compositions often result in sticky or tacky films, stiffness, and poor humidity resistance, making them undesirable for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least two latex polymers, where one is a film-forming polymer, forming a film with desirable properties such as a clean, natural feel and high style-hold, achieved by varying the weight ratio of the polymers and potentially adding additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water soluble film-forming polymers are used in hair styling compositions, then the composition can form films on hair, but the films become sticky or tacky as solvent evaporates and polymer concentration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different latex polymers (acrylate and polyurethane) to create a composite film system. This composite approach allows the formulation to achieve film formation while avoiding the sticky feel associated with single polymer systems, as each polymer contributes different properties to the final film.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the film-forming system by using latex polymers with specific glass transition temperatures and molecular weights. By selecting polymers with appropriate Tg ranges and controlling the polymer concentration parameters, the formulation achieves film formation without stickiness.
2Strength
If polymer concentration is increased to provide better hold, then style-hold improves, but viscosity builds up rapidly making the composition less spreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the molecular weight parameters of the latex polymers used (acrylate polymer: 10,000-1,000,000 g/mol; polyurethane polymer: 5,000-500,000 g/mol) to optimize the balance between hold strength and spreadability. By selecting appropriate molecular weight ranges, the formulation achieves effective hold without excessive viscosity buildup.
3Shape
If traditional film-forming polymers are used, then hair styling is achieved, but humidity resistance is low particularly in hot and humid conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite film system using acrylate and polyurethane latex polymers that work synergistically to provide superior humidity resistance. The combination of these two polymer types creates a more stable film structure that maintains hair style in humid conditions better than single polymer systems.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If latex polymers are used to provide extended-wear properties, then wear resistance improves, but the composition may become stiff and crunchy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the glass transition temperature parameters of the latex polymers (acrylate polymer Tg: -50°C to 50°C; polyurethane polymer Tg: -100°C to 100°C) to ensure the film remains flexible and natural-feeling while providing extended wear. By selecting polymers with appropriate Tg ranges, the formulation avoids stiffness and crunchiness.
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 composition imparts a clean, natural feel to hair, provides long-lasting hold, and maintains style even in high humidity, with adjustable hold levels by altering the polymer ratio, and minimizes frizz and breakage.
Implementation Method 1
as the solvent evaporates, the polymer solution becomes thicker on the hair surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are hair styling compositions comprising at least two latex polymers chosen from acrylate and polyurethane polymers, wherein at least one latex polymer is a film-forming polymer. Methods of styling the hair are also disclosed.