Cellulose Nanocrystal Effect Pigments for Biodegradable Color Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for colorants in the cosmetic industry that are based on renewable sources, biodegradable, and offer color variability, while avoiding heavy metals and TiO2, as existing pigments like PET glitter and TiO2 have environmental concerns and limited color options.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic composition using cellulose nanocrystal flakes with specific size, shape, and surface area, which exhibit iridescence and vary in color based on the dielectric constant of the liquid phase, allowing for multiple color options without heavy metals or TiO2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional effect pigments like PET glitter and TiO2 are used, then pearlescent luster and metallic luster are achieved, but environmental harm increases due to persistence in environment and heavy metal content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from conventional inorganic pigments (PET glitter, TiO2) to organic cellulose nanocrystal flakes, fundamentally altering the chemical composition while maintaining the desired optical effects and eliminating environmental harms associated with heavy metals and persistence
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structure by combining cellulose nanocrystals with organic dyes to create effect pigments that exhibit both the structural color properties of nanocrystals and the color variability of dyed materials, achieving multiple color options while maintaining environmental benefits
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional effect pigments are used, then pearlescent and metallic effects are obtained, but color variability is limited to single hue options
Solution Approach 1:
The cellulose nanocrystal flake serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural basis for iridescence, acts as a carrier for organic dyes, and enables color variability through dielectric constant interactions, allowing a single pigment type to achieve multiple color effects without requiring separate pigments for each hue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits color change mechanisms by using organic dyes that interact with the cellulose nanocrystal structure, where the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium influences the color expression, enabling dynamic color variability while maintaining a relatively simple pigment base structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellulose nanocrystal flakes with specific size and surface area are used, then iridescence and color variability are enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the size parameter of cellulose nanocrystal flakes within a specific range (10-6500 micrometers) to achieve the desired balance between iridescence enhancement and manufacturability, using parameter optimization to resolve the contradiction between performance and production feasibility
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 biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly pigments with variable color effects, enhancing cosmetic products like lip balm, eyeshadow, and nail polish.
Implementation Method 1
the cellulose nanocrystal flakes exhibit iridescence and vary in color based on the dielectric constant of the liquid phase
Implementation Method 2
vary in color based on the dielectric constant of the liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition including an organic effect pigment. The organic effect pigment includes cellulose nanocrystal flakes which have an average size in the range of from 10 to 6500 micrometers.