Fixative Polymer Composition for Hair Styling Clarity and Curl Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fixative polymers for personal care compositions, particularly hair styling gels, fail to achieve a balance of rheological and aesthetic properties such as thickening, suspension, stabilization, crystal clarity, high humidity curl retention, and a smooth, non-sticky feel.
Innovation Solution
A fixative polymer composition comprising about 55-60% ethyl acrylate, 30-50% (meth)acrylic acid, 1-5% associative monomer with oxyalkylated ethylenic unsaturation, and 0.01-4% cross-linking agent, specifically pentaerythritol triallyl ether, which provides enhanced viscosity and rheology without compromising clarity or feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fixative polymers are used to achieve thickening and suspension, then viscosity is improved, but crystal clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer by using specific monomer ratios (ethyl acrylate 55-60%, (meth)acrylic acid 30-50%, associative monomer 1-5%, cross-linking agent 0.01-4%) to achieve a balance between viscosity and clarity. This parameter optimization allows the polymer to provide thickening while maintaining crystal clear appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure by combining multiple monomers with different properties: ethyl acrylate for clarity, (meth)acrylic acid for binding, associative monomer for rheology control, and cross-linking agent for stability. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of viscosity and clarity.
2Reliability
If cross-linking agents are added to improve curl retention and stiffness, then durability is improved, but stickiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of the cross-linking agent (pentaerythritol triallyl ether) to a specific range of 0.01-4% to achieve sufficient curl retention while minimizing stickiness. This precise parameter control ensures the polymer provides durability without excessive tackiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an associative monomer with oxyalkylated ethylenic unsaturation that mimics the binding capability of stronger cross-linking systems but with reduced stickiness. This alternative mechanism provides curl retention through a different chemical pathway that avoids the harmful stickiness effect.
3Quantity of substance
If rheology modifiers are increased to improve thickening, then viscosity is improved, but aesthetic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a polymer composition that performs multiple functions simultaneously: ethyl acrylate provides clarity and flow, (meth)acrylic acid provides binding and structure, the associative monomer provides rheology control and thickening, and the cross-linking agent provides stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate aesthetic additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the monomer ratio parameters to achieve a balance where the polymer provides necessary thickening while maintaining aesthetic properties. The specific ranges (ethyl acrylate 55-60%, (meth)acrylic acid 30-50%, associative monomer 1-5%) are tuned to deliver both functional and aesthetic performance.
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 polymer composition achieves high viscosity, crystal clarity, and improved curl retention, making it suitable for hair styling products that maintain stiffness and durability even in high humidity conditions without being sticky.
Implementation Method 1
about 0.01-4% by weight of a cross-linking agent
Implementation Method 2
an associative monomer comprising a methacrylic ester with an oxyalkylated ethylenic unsaturation terminated by a hydrophobic, non-aromatic branched chain with 12 to 22 carbon atoms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fixative polymer derived from about 55-60% by weight of ethyl acrylate; about 30-50% by weight of (meth) acrylic acid; about 1-5% by weight of an associative monomer comprising a methacrylic ester with an oxyalkylated ethylenic unsaturation terminated by a hydrophobic, non-aromatic branched chain with 12 to 22 carbon atoms; and about 0.01-4% by weight of a cross-linking agent, personal care compositions comprising these fixative polymers and the use of these polymers in hair styling products.