Cross-linked Gel for Controlled Hydrophobic Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrophobic material gels, such as air freshener gels, face challenges including rapid perfume release, sensitivity to humidity, difficulty in forming complex shapes, and achieving high perfume loadings, especially with non-highly hydrophobic materials, leading to inconsistent odor profiles and syneresis issues.
Innovation Solution
A chemically cross-linked gel composition with a stable, thermally robust structure, utilizing polyols and cross-linking agents like isocyanates to create a network with controlled pore size and reduced shrinkage, allowing for consistent and prolonged release of hydrophobic materials like perfumes, while maintaining transparency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If hydrophobic materials are loaded into gels for air fresheners, then the fragrance function is achieved, but the perfume is released too quickly causing overpowering odor and reduced freshness longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the gel network parameters by incorporating hydrophobic materials and adjusting the gel composition to control perfume release kinetics, transforming the release profile from rapid to sustained over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite gel system combining hydrogel matrix with hydrophobic materials and surface active agents, where the composite structure enables controlled perfume encapsulation and release, achieving both high loading and sustained delivery
2Quantity of substance
If transparent gels are formulated with high perfume loadings, then the visual appearance is improved, but even lower perfume loadings are achievable and high levels of surface active agent are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs surface active agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the hydrophobic perfume molecules and the hydrophilic gel matrix, enabling high perfume loading in transparent gels by reducing interfacial tension and stabilizing the dispersion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the gel network parameters and surface active agent concentrations to achieve a critical threshold where high perfume loading becomes compatible with transparency, reducing formulation complexity through parameter optimization
3Quantity of substance
If anhydrous perfume gels are made with high perfume base content, then the perfume loading is improved, but the gels become highly hydrophobic and challenging to formulate with perfumes having low logP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local hydrophobic microenvironments within the gel matrix through strategic placement of hydrophobic materials and surface active agents, allowing high perfume base content while maintaining compatibility with diverse perfume compositions including those with low logP values
Solution Approach 2:
The invention develops a composite gel system that combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic components in specific ratios, creating a multi-phase structure that can accommodate high perfume base content while maintaining versatility across different perfume types through the composite architecture
4Shape
If perfume loaded gels are formed into complex shapes, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but they are challenging to remove from forming moulds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible components and surface modifiers in the gel formulation that reduce adhesion to mould surfaces, allowing complex shapes to be formed and easily released without compromising the intricate geometry or aesthetic appearance
5Quantity of substance
If gels comprise hydrophobic materials, then the fragrance function is achieved, but syneresis occurs resulting in liquid layer formation and changing odour profile with time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface active agents as intermediaries that stabilize the interface between hydrophobic perfume materials and the gel matrix, preventing phase separation and syneresis, thereby maintaining consistent odour profile over time while achieving high hydrophobic material loading
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates stabilizing agents and optimizes the gel network structure in advance to prevent syneresis before it occurs, creating a robust formulation that resists phase separation and maintains composition stability throughout the product lifecycle
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 cross-linked gel composition achieves a uniform and long-lasting release of hydrophobic materials, reducing syneresis and maintaining transparency, enabling higher perfume loadings and improved stability across varying humidity levels, with flexible formulations for complex shapes and controlled release profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a chemically cross-linked gel composition
Implementation Method 2
the hydrophobic material is released slowly over an extended time
Data Source
AI summary
The gel compositions as described herein, are less affected by changes in humidity, are readily formed into complex shapes, and can contain high loadings of the hydrophobic material, even when the material is not highly hydrophobic, and provide a more controlled release of the hydrophobic material.