Citrate-Functionalized Polymeric Surfactants for Viscosity and Irritation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial alkyl polyglycosides have limited water solubility due to their hydrophobic nature, making them less effective in cosmetic and personal care applications, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for cross-linking or functionalization to enhance their performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of citrate-functionalized alkyl polyglucosides through a polymerized reaction with a functionalizing agent containing a citrate ester group, resulting in cross-linked polymers with improved water solubility and viscosity building properties, suitable for use in shampoos, body washes, and other cosmetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If alkyl polyglycosides are used in cosmetic applications, then surfactant performance is achieved, but water solubility is limited due to hydrophobic nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of alkyl polyglycosides through polymerization and functionalization. The degree of polymerization is increased to n≥2, and citrate ester groups are introduced, fundamentally changing the hydrophobicity parameter to achieve improved water solubility while maintaining surfactant performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining alkyl polyglycoside backbones with citrate ester functional groups through polymerized reaction. This composite structure integrates the surfactant properties of APGs with the hydrophilic and chelating characteristics of citrate groups, resolving the solubility contradiction
2Ease of operation
If cross-linked polymers are formed to improve performance, then viscosity building properties are enhanced, but molecular complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating cross-linked polymer networks where multiple alkyl polyglycoside units are connected through citrate ester linkages. This segmented approach allows controlled molecular weight increase and viscosity enhancement while maintaining manageable structural complexity through defined cross-linking patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality where the cross-linked polymer structure simultaneously provides viscosity building, improved water solubility, and surfactant activity. The citrate-functionalized APGs perform multiple functions (surfactancy, thickening, solubility enhancement) in a single molecular system, reducing the need for additional formulation components
3Productivity
If functional groups are added to enhance performance, then foam and viscosity properties improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synthesis of polymerization and functionalization into a single integrated reaction process. Alkyl polyglycosides are polymerized and functionalized with citrate ester groups in one pot, eliminating separate synthesis steps and simplifying manufacturing while achieving enhanced foam and viscosity properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by using the hydroxyl groups naturally present on alkyl polyglycoside molecules as reaction sites for citrate ester attachment. The existing functional groups on APGs serve their own modification needs, reducing the requirement for additional reagents and simplifying the manufacturing process
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 citrate-functionalized alkyl polyglucosides demonstrate enhanced usability and reduced irritation, acting as effective viscosity builders and anti-irritants in personal care products, offering improved performance without the need for additional salt for viscosity build and exhibiting reduced eye and skin irritation.
Implementation Method 1
The citrate-functionalized alkyl polyglucosides of the present invention are derived entirely from renewable plant resources and are low-irritation, anionic surfactants with excellent foam and viscosity building properties.
Implementation Method 2
Among other benefits, the inclusion of the additional citrate ester functional groups provides increased foam. These polymers have higher molecular weight than the starting materials.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a citrate-functionalized polyglucoside derivatives, and crosslinked variants thereof, that are made by the reaction of an epichlorohydrin/citric acid ester with an alkyl polyglycoside. These functionalized alkyl polyglucosides are viscosity builders and anti-irritants in personal care cleansing products.