Eutectic Mixture Melting Point Depression

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high melting points of 12-hydroxystearic acid and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane make them difficult to formulate in personal care compositions, leading to issues such as re-crystallization and texture destruction due to gellation, especially when incorporated in non-solid forms.

Innovation Solution

A ternary eutectic mixture of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, isopropyl myristate, and 12-hydroxystearic acid with a specific weight ratio and concentration, resulting in a lower melting point, which is stable and can be used in personal care compositions to prevent re-crystallization and maintain texture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 12-hydroxystearic acid is used in personal care compositions, then beneficial cosmetic effects are achieved, but high melting point causes formulation difficulties and re-crystallization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic effectsVSAvoidmelting point
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by creating a eutectic mixture that fundamentally alters the melting point parameter of 12-hydroxystearic acid. The eutectic composition of BMDM, IPM, and 12-HSA produces a mixture with a melting point significantly lower than that of pure 12-HSA, enabling the active ingredient to remain in a non-solid state at formulation temperatures and preventing re-crystallization during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining 12-hydroxystearic acid with specific ratios of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane and isopropyl myristate to form a eutectic mixture. This composite approach creates a new material system with superior properties - the mixture maintains the beneficial cosmetic effects of 12-HSA while achieving lower melting point and improved formulation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If 12-hydroxystearic acid is incorporated in non-solid form, then bioavailability and ease of use are improved, but re-crystallization occurs upon storage destroying texture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidtexture stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The eutectic mixture changes the temperature parameter of 12-hydroxystearic acid by creating a lower melting point system. This parameter change ensures that the active ingredient remains in a non-solid, stable state at storage temperatures, preventing re-crystallization and maintaining both ease of use and texture stability throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies prior cushioning by formulating the eutectic mixture before incorporation into the personal care composition. This pre-formed eutectic system provides a buffer against re-crystallization, cushioning the product against texture degradation by maintaining the non-solid state of 12-hydroxystearic acid during storage and use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If elevated temperatures or solvents are used to formulate 12-hydroxystearic acid, then formulation is achieved, but product stability and texture are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation capabilityVSAvoidproduct stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The eutectic mixture fundamentally changes the temperature parameter required for formulation. By creating a mixture with a lower melting point than pure 12-HSA, the system enables formulation at lower temperatures without requiring elevated heat or problematic solvents, thereby maintaining both formulation capability and product stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane and isopropyl myristate as intermediary substances that facilitate the formulation of 12-hydroxystearic acid. These intermediaries form a eutectic system that lowers the melting point, acting as a mediator that enables stable formulation without requiring extreme temperatures or aggressive solvents that would compromise product stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 eutectic mixture lowers the melting point of the components, ensuring stability and preventing re-crystallization, thus maintaining the texture and bioavailability of personal care products.

Implementation Method 1

The present inventors have found that certain mixtures comprising BMDM and isopropyl myristate ('IPM') also including 12-HSA have a lower melting point than BMDM and 12-HSA itself.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEutectic mixture:

Implementation Method 2

A ternary eutectic mixture of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, isopropyl myristate, and 12-hydroxystearic acid with a specific weight ratio and concentration, resulting in a lower melting point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting point depression:

Implementation Method 3

Another drawback associated with the high melting point of 12-HSA is that it may re-crystallize upon storage after being incorporated in a personal care product in non-solid form like e.g. in a solvent. Such re-crystallization may cause the undesired gellation of such personal care products thereby destroying the texture thereof.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRe-crystallization prevention:

Data Source

PatentEP2934458B2Eutectic mixtures in personal care compositions
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 UNILEVER GLOBAL IP LTD
  • EP2934458B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2934458B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2934458B2 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to active eutectic mixtures of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, isopropyl myristate and optionally 12-hydroxystearic acid, personal care products comprising such active eutectic mixtures, a method for preparing such personal care compositions and a method of applying to human skin such personal care compositions.