Alpha-Gel Emulsion Production via Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing α-gel-containing O/W emulsion cosmetics face challenges with viscosity stability over time, difficulty in cooling processes, and the generation of unwanted crystals, leading to high energy consumption and environmental impact, as well as the inability to produce emulsions with small particle sizes without using cooling devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a low-viscosity liquid phase by mixing higher alcohols and nonionic surfactants with specific ratios and water-soluble solvents, followed by the sequential addition of heated oil and room-temperature water to induce α-gel formation, resulting in a stable emulsion with high viscosity stability and small particle sizes without the need for cooling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling process is used to prepare α-gel-containing O/W emulsion, then α-gel is formed and emulsion stability is improved, but energy consumption increases and cooling devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cooling to heating (70°C or higher), fundamentally altering the thermal condition to eliminate the need for cooling devices while still achieving α-gel formation and emulsion stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the cooling device from the production process entirely, replacing it with a heating-based method that achieves the same stabilization effect without requiring complex cooling equipment
2Manufacturing precision
If cooling rate is adjusted with cooling device, then crystal deposition is controlled, but waste water is generated and environmental burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using heating instead of cooling to control the phase transition and α-gel formation, thereby eliminating waste water generation from cooling device washing while maintaining precise control over the emulsion structure
3Productivity
If conventional emulsification method is used, then emulsion is prepared, but small emulsion particle sizes (1 μm or less) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to 70°C or higher during emulsification, which modifies the physical properties of the components and enables the formation of much smaller emulsion particles (1 μm or less) that cannot be achieved with conventional temperature methods
4Reliability
If α-gel is formed in external phase, then emulsion stability is improved, but viscosity increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high temperature (70°C or higher) emulsification to create a specific molecular arrangement and phase structure that allows α-gel formation for stability while preventing excessive viscosity increase over time, achieving a balance between stability and viscosity control
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 method enables the production of α-gel-containing O/W emulsions with excellent stability and small particle sizes, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact while maintaining viscosity stability over time.
Implementation Method 1
a low-viscosity liquid consisting of a bicontinuous microemulsion phase or a lamellar liquid crystal-dispersed phase
Implementation Method 2
a low-viscosity liquid consisting of a bicontinuous microemulsion phase
Implementation Method 3
a low-viscosity liquid consisting of a lamellar liquid crystal-dispersed phase
Implementation Method 4
it is a liquid consisting of a bicontinuous microemulsion phase or a lamellar liquid crystal-dispersed phase at 50 to 80° C. and a solid at room temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an intermediate composition enabling to prepare easily and steadily an α-gel-containing O/W emulsion cosmetic that has a very small viscosity change over time and is excellent in emulsion stability, without using a cooling device that has a heavy burden on cost and the environment, and a production method thereof.An α-gel intermediate composition consisting of (A) 20 to 80 mass % of a mixture containing one or more higher alcohols having 16 or more carbon atoms and a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 7 to 17 in the mole ratio of 3:2 to 5:1, and (B) 20 to 80 mass % of a mixture containing one or more water-soluble solvents having the IOB value of 1.5 to 3.5 and water in the mass ratio of 4:6 to 8:2, andwherein the composition is a liquid consisting of a bicontinuous microemulsion phase or a lamellar liquid crystal-dispersed bicontinuous microemulsion phase at 50 to 80° C. and a solid at room temperature.