Biodegradable Polyester Waterproofing for Anhydrous Sport Sunscreens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunscreen formulations lack biodegradable polymers that provide high static and water-resistant Sun Protection Factor (SPF) performance, especially in anhydrous formulations, which are necessary for sport sunscreens to resist water dilution and UV absorber removal.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable waterproofing polymer is produced through a substantially non-sequential reaction of polyglycerol, dimer acid, and fatty acid, specifically hydrogenated dimer acid, to create longer polymer chains and enhance water resistance in anhydrous sunscreen formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic polymers (PVP/olefin copolymers, acrylate copolymers) are used to provide water resistance and high SPF, then water-resistant SPF performance is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using polyglycerol esters with specific molecular weights (500-5000 Da) and degrees of esterification (30-75%) to achieve both water resistance and biodegradability. This parameter optimization allows the polyester to function effectively while being environmentally friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polyester structures by combining polyglycerol with various fatty acids (C12-C30) and polyfunctional carboxylic acids (C4-C54). This composite approach enables the material to achieve high water-resistant SPF performance while maintaining biodegradability through natural polymer breakdown pathways.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable polyesters are used to replace synthetic polymers, then biodegradability is improved, but water-resistant SPF performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes critical parameters including molecular weight (500-5000 Da), degree of esterification (30-75%), and fatty acid chain length (C12-C30) to achieve the desired balance between biodegradability and water-resistant SPF performance. These parameter adjustments enable the polyester to provide WR SPF values of 30 or higher while remaining biodegradable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the successful functional properties of synthetic polymers into biodegradable polyester structures by emulating the film-forming and water-resistant mechanisms of conventional polymers while using renewable, biodegradable building blocks (polyglycerol and natural fatty acids).
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing biodegradable polyester additives are used in sunscreen formulations, then biodegradability is improved, but WR SPF performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops composite polyester structures by reacting polyglycerol with specific combinations of fatty acids (C12-C30) and polyfunctional carboxylic acids (C4-C54). This composite approach creates polymers with enhanced water-resistant properties while maintaining biodegradability, achieving WR SPF values of 30 or higher.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically adjusts key parameters including the ratio of polyglycerol to acid components, degree of esterification (30-75%), and molecular weight (500-5000 Da) to optimize both biodegradability and WR SPF performance. These parameter optimizations enable the polyester to outperform existing biodegradable additives in water-resistant SPF protection.
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 polymer achieves high static and water-resistant SPF performance, making it suitable for anhydrous sport sunscreens, with a target SPF 50, while being environmentally friendly and maintaining sensory properties.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable waterproofing polymer... to provide high static and water-resistant Sun Protection Factor (SPF) performance... to resist water dilution and UV absorber removal
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 anhydrous sunscreen formulations.