Embossed Effect Pigments Leafing Additive Surface Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nail polish compositions do not effectively maintain the leafing effect and fail to achieve an optimal rainbow effect and chroma due to the loss of optical properties during application.

Innovation Solution

A nail polish composition containing embossed effect pigments with a periodic diffractive structure, treated with a leafing additive, and a hydrocarbon resin binder, which are applied in specific proportions to enhance the leafing and optical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional binders are used in nail polish compositions, then the formulation is simple, but the leafing effect is lost and optical properties are not maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleafing effect maintenanceVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the binder by specifying a hydrocarbon resin with a glass transition temperature of -50°C to -100°C and a number average molecular weight of 5,000 to 50,000 g/mol. These parameter changes enable the binder to maintain the leafing effect and optical properties of the effect pigments without requiring complex formulation adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If effect pigments are applied in nail polish, then rainbow effect is achieved, but chroma and brilliance are insufficient without proper surface modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverainbow effect and chromaVSAvoidproduction process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a leafing additive to the surface of the effect pigments before incorporating them into the nail polish composition. This preliminary surface modification enhances the rainbow effect and chroma by improving light interaction with the pigment surface, while the overall production process remains straightforward by simply adding the additive during pigment preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Illumination intensity

If the nail polish composition contains proper ingredients for optical effect, then visual appearance is improved, but the composition becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearance and brillianceVSAvoidnumber of ingredients
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrocarbon resin binder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the necessary viscosity for nail polish application, maintains the leafing effect of the effect pigments, and preserves the optical properties including rainbow effect and chroma. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized ingredients, keeping the overall composition relatively simple despite the enhanced visual appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 maintains a pronounced leafing effect and significantly enhances the rainbow effect and chroma, ensuring the pigments align properly on the nail polish surface for improved visual appearance.

Implementation Method 1

an embossed structure which has a periodic pattern with diffractive elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

the effect pigment has been treated with a leafing additive for surface modification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface modification: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

which is produced by PVD processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP3791853B1Surface-modified embossed effect pigments
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 ECKART GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to an embossed effect pigment comprising a platelet-shaped metallic substrate with an embossed structure, which is produced by PVD processes and coated with a leafing additive of phosphoric acid esters of the general formula: (RO)xP(O)(OR1)(3-x) where x = 1 or 2, R = linear and/or branched alkyl group with a carbon chain from the range of C12 to C20, and R1 = H. The invention further relates to a process for producing the embossed coated effect pigment.