Biodegradable Polyester Waterproofing Polymer for Sunscreen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sunscreen formulations struggle to provide high Water-Resistant Sun Protection Factor (WR SPF) while being biodegradable and free from microplastics, which are non-biodegradable and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable waterproofing polymer is developed through a reaction of polyglycerol, dimer acid, and fatty acid, with specific molar ratios and a non-sequential reaction process to enhance molecular weight and viscosity, thereby improving water resistance and SPF performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic polymers (PVP/olefin copolymers, acrylate copolymers) are used to provide high WR SPF and water resistance, then water resistance and SPF performance are improved, but biodegradability deteriorates and microplastic pollution is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using biodegradable polyester polymers with specific molecular weights (5,000-1,000,000 Da) and specific structures (polyester based on polyglycerol and dicarboxylic acids) to achieve both water resistance and biodegradability, replacing traditional synthetic polymers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite approach by combining biodegradable polyester polymer with sunscreen actives and other formulation components to achieve synergistic effects where the polyester provides water resistance and film formation while the sunscreen actives provide UV protection
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable polyesters are used to replace synthetic polymers, then biodegradability is improved, but WR SPF performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters including molecular weight (5,000-1,000,000 Da), degree of esterification (30-75%), and fatty acid chain length (12-22 carbons) to achieve the desired balance between biodegradability and water resistance performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polyester structures combining polyglycerol backbone with dicarboxylic acid crosslinking to create a material that exhibits both biodegradability and sufficient water resistance for sunscreen applications
3Reliability
If polymer molecular weight is increased to improve water resistance, then water resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymerization process into controlled steps with specific reactant ratios (polyglycerol:dicarboxylic acid = 1:0.5 to 1:2 molar ratio) to achieve target molecular weights without requiring overly complex continuous polymerization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for molecular weight (5,000-1,000,000 Da) and degree of esterification (30-75%) that can be achieved through standard esterification processes, avoiding the need for complex high-molecular-weight polymerization techniques
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 biodegradable polymer effectively enhances the WR SPF and static SPF of sunscreen formulations, providing strong water resistance and sensory performance, while being environmentally friendly and free from microplastics.
Implementation Method 1
a class of materials, typically polymers, are used to provide film-formation and water-resistant properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a waterproofing polymer that is a substantially non-sequential reaction product of the following components: (i) at least one polyglycerol; (ii) at least one dimer acid; and (iii) at least one fatty acid having 8-30 carbon atoms, wherein (iii) and (i) are in a molar ratio of less than 2:1. The components are charged to a reaction vessel and subsequently reacted to produce a polyester polymer having excellent waterproofing properties. The polymers impart high static and water-resistant SPF to oil-in-water sunscreen formulations.