Thermoplastic Elastomer Mascara Applicator Water Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cosmetic applicator materials, such as Hytrel, have high costs and water absorption issues, leading to formulation imbalances and increased costs in manufacturing, while alternatives like SEBS offer lower water absorption but insufficient elasticity and makeup performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic elastomer material with a tensile strength of at least 10 MPa, preferably 15 MPa, and an elongation at break of 500% or more, combined with a hardness of 60 Shore A or higher, is used to create an applicator member that mimics the elasticity and dynamics of Hytrel while reducing water absorption and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Hytrel material is used for applicator member, then elasticity and makeup performance are improved, but cost and water absorption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer base polymer combined with specific additives and fillers. This composite approach allows achieving the desired elasticity and makeup performance of Hytrel while reducing water absorption through careful selection of hydrophobic fillers and optim化的 polymer composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material parameters by controlling the molecular weight, polydispersity index, and compositional ratios of the thermoplastic elastomer components. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves optimal balance between elasticity (for makeup performance) and water resistance, effectively resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Reliability
If Hytrel material is used for applicator member, then elasticity and makeup performance are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a cost-effective thermoplastic elastomer formulation that can be processed using standard injection molding techniques, replacing the more expensive Hytrel material. The material is designed to achieve sufficient performance for single-use or limited-life cosmetic applicators, reducing material cost while maintaining acceptable makeup application performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the molecular weight distribution and compositional parameters of the thermoplastic elastomer, the patent achieves the desired balance between performance and cost. The material parameters are tuned to provide adequate elasticity and durability for cosmetic application while using more economical raw materials and processing conditions compared to Hytrel.
3Quantity of substance
If SEBS material is used for applicator member, then water absorption and cost are reduced, but elasticity and makeup performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances SEBS (styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene) thermoplastic elastomer by combining it with specific plasticizers, extenders, and reinforcing fillers. This composite formulation compensates for SEBS's inherent lower elasticity compared to Hytrel while maintaining its advantages of low water absorption and reduced cost. The synergistic interaction between components restores the elastic properties needed for effective makeup application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of SEBS by adjusting the ethylene/butylene ratio, molecular weight, and adding specific additives. These parameter changes enhance the elasticity and dynamic properties of SEBS, bringing it closer to Hytrel's performance level while preserving the cost and water absorption advantages.
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 solution provides a cost-effective applicator with low water absorption and makeup performance similar to Hytrel, ensuring elasticity and comfort during application, while maintaining the desired shape characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
These properties disappear at the processing temperature, making subsequent processing possible, but reappear when the material returns to the service temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an applicator member (8) for a cosmetic product applicator, in particular for applying cosmetic product to keratin fibres, and especially for applying mascara to eyelashes, said applicator member being obtained at least partially by moulding at least one thermoplastic elastomer material, characterized in that said material is a TPS having a tensile strength greater than or equal to 10 MPa, preferably greater than or equal to 15 MPa.