Block Copolymers for Diverse Morphologies in Personal Care

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current block copolymers used in personal care compositions often require post-polymerization processing steps and are limited in their ability to form diverse morphologies and applications due to the use of lauryl (meth)acrylate monomers, which restrict their performance in various industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

Development of block copolymers comprising a block with repeating units from monomers containing lactam and acryloyl moieties, along with a hydrophobic block, excluding lauryl (meth)acrylate, to create versatile compositions suitable for personal care and other industrial uses, including Pickering emulsions and colloidal particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional block copolymers are synthesized using lauryl (meth)acrylate monomers, then the polymerization process is well-established and controllable, but the ability to form diverse morphologies and applications is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediverse morphologies and applicationsVSAvoidpolymerization process flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by substituting lauryl (meth)acrylate with alternative hydrophobic monomers having different chain lengths and structures (e.g., C13-C40 alkyl groups), enabling diverse self-assembled morphologies while maintaining controlled radical polymerization processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal platform using various hydrophobic monomers (not limited to lauryl (meth)acrylate) that can all participate in controlled radical polymerization to form block copolymers with different morphologies, expanding application versatility across personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If post-polymerization processing steps are used to form block copolymers, then the self-assembly can be controlled, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-assembly controlVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates self-assembly control directly into the polymerization step by carefully selecting monomer ratios and polymerization conditions, eliminating the need for separate post-polymerization processing steps while maintaining precise morphological control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the polymerization step with the self-assembly step into a single integrated process, where block copolymer formation and nanoparticle self-assembly occur simultaneously during controlled radical polymerization, reducing manufacturing time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If solid content is increased in the polymerization reaction, then the productivity improves, but the heat management and reaction control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolid content concentrationVSAvoidreaction control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the specific properties of alternative hydrophobic monomers with longer alkyl chains (C13-C40) that enable effective self-assembly and heat dissipation at higher solid contents, maintaining reaction control and reliability while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

These block copolymers enable the formation of diverse morphologies and enhanced performance in personal care compositions, such as improved hair care and sun care products, with the ability to form stable colloidal particles and emulsions, expanding their industrial applications beyond traditional limitations.

Implementation Method 1

AB type of diblock copolymers undergo self-assembly both in the solid state and also in solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-assembly: Self-Assembly

Implementation Method 2

at least one block B comprising repeating units derived from at least one hydrophobic monomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

monomer a1 comprising at least one functionalized or unfunctionalized acryloyl moiety and at least one lactam moiety

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Data Source

PatentUS10905636B2Block copolymers comprising repeating units derived from monomers comprising lactam and acryloyl moieties and hydrophobic monomers, compositions, and applications thereof

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 ISP INVESTMENTS LLC

AI summary

The invention provides block copolymers comprising at least one block A comprising repeating units derived from monomers comprising lactam and acryloyl moieties and at least one block B comprising repeating units derived from hydrophobic monomers. The invention further provides compositions comprising the block copolymers and applications thereof in various industrial areas including personal care. The invention furthermore provides compositions comprising colloidal particles of the block copolymers. The variables x, y, R8 and R9 are described herein.