Bio-based Polymer Hair Coating with Crosslinker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hair dye technologies cause prolonged application times, potential scalp irritation, and structural damage to hair, leading to unpredictable and uneven color results, with remnants difficult to remove and contributing to environmental pollution due to non-biodegradable polymers.
Innovation Solution
A composition using bio-based polymers dissolved in an aqueous medium with reactive functional groups, combined with crosslinkers and pigment particles, forms a wash-resistant color coating on keratin fibers that minimizes protein damage and is easily removable, while being environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If oxidative dyes are used to achieve long-lasting color, then color duration is improved, but scalp irritation and hair structure damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dyeing system by replacing oxidative dyes with direct dyes that have modified molecular structures and sizes. The dye molecules are designed to be large enough to remain trapped in hair cuticles without penetrating deeply into the cortex, thereby eliminating oxidative damage while maintaining color duration. This parameter change transforms the dyeing mechanism from chemical oxidation to physical entrapment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs direct dye molecules that are intentionally designed to be temporary and easily removable, contrasting with permanent oxidative dyes. These short-living dye molecules provide color for a limited period without causing long-term damage, and can be completely removed without leaving residual effects on hair structure or melanin.
2Loss of time
If direct dyes are applied for quick color change, then application time is reduced, but color duration becomes too short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of direct dyes by increasing molecular size and introducing hydrophobic groups, which enhance entrapment within hair cuticles. This parameter adjustment extends color duration from a few washes to significantly longer periods, while maintaining the simplicity and speed of direct dye application without requiring oxidative processing time.
3Manufacturing precision
If dye molecules diffuse into hair cortex to achieve uniform color, then color uniformity is improved, but hair structure damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the dyeing action from the cortical dimension to the cuticular dimension. Instead of dye molecules penetrating into the hair cortex (internal dimension), the modified direct dyes act on the outer cuticle layer (surface dimension), where they become physically trapped. This dimensional shift achieves sufficient color uniformity through cuticle coverage while completely avoiding cortical damage.
4Reliability
If polymeric coatings with crosslinkers are used to attach pigment particles, then color fastness is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to non-biodegradable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of polymeric coatings by incorporating biodegradable functional groups such as esters, amides, and carbohydrates into the polymer structure. These parameter modifications enable the coatings to maintain adequate color fastness through crosslinking while simultaneously becoming susceptible to biodegradation by microorganisms, thereby eliminating environmental persistence and pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymeric coatings that combine biodegradable polymer matrices with crosslinking agents and pigment particles. This composite structure integrates multiple functions: the biodegradable matrix provides environmental compatibility, the crosslinkers deliver color fastness, and the pigment particles provide coloration. The synergistic combination resolves the contradiction between durability and environmental harm.
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 provides long-lasting, uniform color with minimal hair damage, is easy to remove, and reduces environmental impact by using renewable, biodegradable materials, enhancing the user experience and hair health.
Implementation Method 1
the crosslinker reacts with the at least one bio-based polymer to form a crosslinked polymer matrix
Implementation Method 2
forms a wash-resistant color coating on keratin fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The instant disclosure generally relates to a composition for treating or coloring keratin fibers, the composition comprising at least one bio-based polymer and optionally a crosslinker. The composition may also comprise pigment microparticles. The composition formed and set in situ as a solid linked coating has a substantially permanent pigment lastingness and minimally alters the keratin fibers.