Bio-Based Polyurethane Elastomer for Biodegradable Cosmetic Gels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silicone elastomers used in cosmetics are derived from non-renewable petroleum sources and are not inherently biodegradable, leading to environmental concerns and a demand for sustainable alternatives.
Innovation Solution
Development of a bio-based and biodegradable cross-linked polyurethane elastomer rubber, synthesized using a bio-based polyol and isocyanate, which forms a gel when milled and diluted with a cosmetic emollient, providing a sustainable alternative to silicone elastomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If silicone elastomers are used in cosmetics, then desirable texture and sensory aesthetic profile are achieved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to non-renewable petroleum origin and lack of biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the elastomer by replacing petroleum-based silicone with bio-based polyols and isocyanates, achieving comparable texture and sensory properties while improving biodegradability and renewable content to greater than 85%
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite elastomer system combining bio-based polyols, isocyanates, and crosslinking agents to achieve the desired balance between performance (texture, elasticity) and environmental sustainability (biodegradability, renewable content)
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cross-linked polyurethane elastomer is synthesized from bio-based feedstocks, then biodegradability and renewable content are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into distinct stages: synthesis of bio-based polyol, isocyanate reaction, crosslinking, and milling/dilution steps, making the complex bio-based elastomer production more manageable and scalable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cosmetic emollients as intermediary substances to facilitate the incorporation of bio-based elastomer into final cosmetic formulations, simplifying the integration process and reducing manufacturing complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If elastomer is milled and diluted with cosmetic emollient, then skin feel and textural attributes are enhanced, but processing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary milling and dilution of the elastomer with cosmetic emollients during the synthesis stage, creating a pre-prepared elastomer composition that requires fewer additional processing steps in final product formulation
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 bio-based elastomer achieves high performance comparable to silicone elastomers, offering a smooth, non-tacky skin feel and enhanced textural attributes, while being fully biodegradable and derived from renewable sources.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a polyisocyanate with a prepolymer having at least two free hydroxyl groups in the presence of a urethanation catalyst and a cosmetic emollient under conditions sufficient to form a cross-linked polyurethane rubber
Implementation Method 2
the emollient forms a solvent matrix which substantially surrounds the cross-linked polyurethane elastomer rubber
Implementation Method 3
The rubber is converted to a dispersion via high shear milling whereby an optional additional charge of the same or different bio-based emollient is added to the rubber composition before or after milling
Data Source
AI summary
A polyurethane elastomeric rubber composition containing a bio-based polyol cross-linked with a bio-based isocyanate using a urethanation catalyst such as a bismuth catalyst in the presence of a cosmetic emollient is disclosed. The cross-linked polyurethane elastomer rubber is in further aspect of the invention included in a gel after being milled in the presence of a bio-based emollient or mixture of bio-based emollients. The polyurethane elastomeric gel has good compatibility with cosmetic and natural oils and can be used as a gelling agent for these oils among other desirable cosmetic formulary roles.