Alkyl-Modified Polymer Gel for Cosmetic Thickening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thickeners for cosmetic preparations, such as carboxyl group-containing polymers, are prone to decreased viscosity and stability when exposed to emulsifiers, leading to potential polymer precipitation.
Innovation Solution
A gel composition comprising a neutralized alkyl-modified carboxyl group-containing polymer copolymerized with (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester, and a compound with ethylenically unsaturated groups, combined with anionic or nonionic emulsifiers, which maintains high viscosity and stability even in the presence of emulsifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carboxyl group-containing polymers are used as thickeners, then excellent thickening properties and after-feel control are achieved, but viscosity and stability decrease under the influence of emulsifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the polymer by introducing specific monomer compositions (acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester with 10-30 carbon atoms, and crosslinking agents) and controlling neutralization degree (50-90% neutralization). This parameter optimization allows the polymer to maintain stable viscosity and compatibility with emulsifiers while preserving excellent thickening properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining carboxyl group-containing polymer with specific emulsifiers (anionic or nonionic) in controlled ratios. This composite approach allows the polymer-emulsifier interaction to enhance mutual compatibility and stability while maintaining the thickening function, resolving the contradiction between thickening performance and stability.
2Reliability
If carboxyl group-containing polymers are used in small amounts, then excellent thickening properties are achieved, but polymer precipitation occurs under emulsifier influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the polymer composition parameters including the ratio of acrylic acid to (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester (100:2.5-5 to 100:30), neutralization degree (50-90%), and molecular weight distribution. These parameter adjustments enhance the polymer's compatibility with emulsifiers, preventing precipitation even at low concentrations while maintaining high thickening efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces emulsifiers as intermediary substances that mediate between the carboxyl group-containing polymer and the cosmetic formulation. The emulsifiers act as compatibility agents that prevent polymer aggregation and precipitation while allowing the polymer to function effectively as a thickener at low concentrations.
3Ease of operation
If neutral viscous solutions are used, then ease of application is achieved, but viscosity decreases under emulsifier influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the neutralization degree parameter (50-90% neutralization) and polymer composition to create a balanced system that maintains appropriate viscosity for easy application while being resistant to emulsifier-induced viscosity degradation. This parameter optimization ensures both ease of operation and viscosity stability.
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 gel composition exhibits excellent thickening properties and stability, suitable for use in cosmetic preparations, with a significant difference in viscosity before and after emulsifier addition, ensuring consistent performance across various pH ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a gel composition that can be suitably used as a thickener for cosmetic preparations
Implementation Method 2
at least one of an anionic emulsifier and a nonionic emulsifier
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a gel composition that can be suitably used as a thickener for cosmetic preparations and the like. A gel composition comprising a neutralized product of an alkyl-modified carboxyl group-containing polymer, which is a copolymer of monomers comprising 100 parts by mass of (meth)acrylic acid (a), 2.5 to 5 parts by mass of a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester (b) in which the alkyl group has 18 to 24 carbon atoms, and 0.1 part by mass or less of a compound (c) having two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups; and at least one of an anionic emulsifier and a nonionic emulsifier.