Block Copolymer Lip Gloss with Segmented Tg for Comfort and Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available lip treatment compositions, such as lip glosses and lipsticks, often have limited wear time and are uncomfortable to apply due to high molecular weight polymers with high viscosity, which affect the longevity and comfort of shine/gloss.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition comprising a block copolymer with a hard segment having a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or more and a soft segment with a glass transition temperature of 20° C. or less, combined with a tackifier and a solvent or solvent mixture capable of solubilizing either or both segments, along with a gelling agent, to create a comfortable and long-lasting shine/gloss effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If high molecular weight polymers with high viscosity are used to maintain wear of shine/gloss, then longevity of shine is improved, but comfort of application deteriorates and the composition becomes tacky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the polymer structure into distinct hard segments (providing structural integrity and longevity) and soft segments (providing comfort and flexibility). This is achieved through block copolymers with specific glass transition temperatures, where hard segments have Tg ≥ 50°C and soft segments have Tg ≤ 20°C, allowing each segment to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the glass transition temperatures of polymer segments to fundamentally alter the material's physical properties. By selecting hard segments with Tg ≥ 50°C and soft segments with Tg ≤ 20°C, the composition achieves both long-lasting shine and comfortable application, resolving the contradiction between durability and comfort
2Duration of action of moving object
If high molecular weight polymers are used to enhance shine/gloss wear, then longevity is improved, but the composition becomes tacky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the tackiness issue through segmentation of polymer chains into hard segments (Tg ≥ 50°C) that provide structural support and prevent excessive adhesion, while soft segments (Tg ≤ 20°C) provide flexibility. This segmented structure eliminates the tacky sensation while maintaining wear time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining block copolymers with dual glass transition temperature characteristics along with tackifiers and gelling agents. This composite approach creates a balanced system where the hard segments counteract the inherent tackiness of high molecular weight polymers, achieving both long wear time and non-tacky application
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 composition provides a comfortable and long-lasting shine/gloss effect on the lips by optimizing the physical and rheological properties of block copolymers, tackifiers, and solvents, enhancing the wear time and application feel of lip treatment products.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one solvent, or solvent mixture, is capable of solubilizing either the at least one hard segment or the at least one soft segment, or both the hard and the soft segments
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic composition containing at least one block copolymer having a hard segment and a soft segment, at least one tackifier component, at least one solvent, at least one gelling agent, and optionally, at least one colorant, and wherein the at least one hard segment has a Tg value of 50° C. or more, and the at least one soft segment has a Tg value of 20° C. or less, and the at least one solvent, or solvent mixture, is capable of solubilizing either the at least one hard segment or the at least one soft segment, or both the hard and the soft segments.