Precipitation Polymerized Copolymer for Hydroalcoholic Gel Transparency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydroalcoholic compositions with polymers based on acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, obtained by inverse or dispersion polymerization, lack effective rheological properties and transparency in hydroalcoholic gels, particularly in alcohol-rich solutions.

Innovation Solution

A branched or crosslinked copolymer obtained by precipitation polymerization, comprising 20-94.99 mol% of a monomer with an acrylic group and a weak acid function, 5-79.99 mol% of a monomer with a strong acid function, and 0.01-4.0 mol% of a crosslinking agent, using solvents like tert-butanol, which provides improved viscosity and transparency in hydroalcoholic compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If polymers based on acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid are used in hydroalcoholic compositions, then thickening effect is achieved in aqueous medium, but rheological properties and transparency are not effective in hydroalcoholic compositions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverheological propertiesVSAvoideffectiveness in hydroalcoholic medium
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the polymerization parameters by using precipitation polymerization in alcohol-rich solvents (50-95% v/v alcohol) instead of aqueous media, and by adjusting the monomer composition ratio (acrylic acid to 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid between 1:4 to 4:1) to optimize rheological properties and transparency in hydroalcoholic compositions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer system combining acrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid monomers with specific molar ratios, forming a copolymer that exhibits synergistic thickening and stabilizing properties in hydroalcoholic compositions, achieving both rheological effectiveness and transparency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If polymers are obtained by inverse emulsion or dispersion polymerization, then polymer formation is achieved, but transparent hydroalcoholic gel cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymer formationVSAvoidtransparency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses alcohol-rich solvents as intermediaries during precipitation polymerization to mediate between the polymerization process and the final gel transparency, allowing the polymer to form while maintaining clarity in the hydroalcoholic composition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits phase transition during precipitation polymerization where the polymer precipitates from the alcohol-rich solvent system, forming a transparent gel network that maintains optical clarity while achieving the desired rheological properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 copolymer enhances the viscosity and transparency of hydroalcoholic gels, making them more practical and effective for skin application while maintaining virucidal properties without skin irritation.

Implementation Method 1

The invention also relates to the use of this branched or crosslinked copolymer to thicken a hydroalcoholic composition comprising at least water and at least one alcohol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity enhancement:

Implementation Method 2

said copolymer being obtained by precipitation polymerization in a solvent comprising at least one alcohol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation polymerization: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentEP4028438B1Utilisation dans des compositions hydroalcooliques d'un copolymere obtenu par polymerisation par precipitation
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 S P C M SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use, for the manufacture of an aqueous-alcoholic composition comprising at least water and at least one alcohol, of a branched or crosslinked copolymer obtained from: (i) 20 mol% to 94.99 mol% of at least one monomer comprising an acrylic group and bearing at least one weak acid function, (ii) 5 mol% to 79.99 mol% of at least one monomer bearing of at least one strong acid function, (iii) 0.01 mol% to 4 mol% of a crosslinking/branching agent, said copolymer being obtained by precipitation polymerization, in a solvent comprising at least one alcohol.