Hair Fixative Polymer for Low MIR Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hair fixative formulations containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) face regulatory challenges due to high ozone-forming potential, necessitating the development of polymers that are soluble in surfactant systems, provide low viscosity, and low turbidity, while meeting stringent Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hair fixative composition comprising a polymer derived from 18-25 weight percent acid-containing monomers and N-alkyl (meth)acrylamides, such as N-n-octyl acrylamide, dissolved in a solvent system including alcohols, butyl cellusolve, propylene glycol, and water, with optional alkyl (meth)acrylates, to achieve low MIR values and suitable viscosity and turbidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional hair fixative formulations are used, then effective hold and styling performance is achieved, but the MIR value exceeds regulatory requirements of 0.80 or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using polymers derived from specific monomers (acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid) combined with N-alkyl (meth)acrylamides and alkyl (meth)acrylates in controlled weight percentages. This compositional parameter change reduces the MIR value to 0.80 or less while maintaining film-forming and holding properties through the specific polymer architecture and solvent system (ethanol, isopropanol, water mixtures).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polymer systems combining multiple monomer types (acid-containing monomers, N-alkyl (meth)acrylamides, and alkyl (meth)acrylates) to create a multifunctional material that simultaneously achieves low MIR values, appropriate viscosity, low turbidity, and effective hair hold performance. The composite nature allows optimization of environmental compliance and performance characteristics.
2Reliability
If polymer concentration is increased to improve hold performance, then fixing effectiveness increases, but viscosity increases making the formulation difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes polymer concentration parameters within specific ranges (0.1-10% weight percent) and adjusts the solvent system composition (ethanol, isopropanol, water ratios) to maintain viscosity at manageable levels. The specific polymer structure derived from the monomer combinations provides effective hold performance at lower concentrations compared to conventional polymers, allowing easy spray application while achieving the desired fixing effect.
3Reliability
If polymer concentration is increased to improve hold performance, then fixing effectiveness increases, but turbidity increases affecting product clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls polymer concentration and solvent system parameters to maintain formulation clarity. The specific polymer chemistry derived from the disclosed monomer combinations produces soluble polymers that do not precipitate or form suspended particles at effective concentrations, thereby achieving both hold performance and low turbidity suitable for clear spray applications.
4Ease of operation
If conventional polymers are used to achieve low viscosity, then ease of application is improved, but solubility in surfactant systems becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies polymer chemical structure parameters by using specific monomer combinations (acid-containing monomers with N-alkyl (meth)acrylamides and alkyl (meth)acrylates) that enhance solubility in surfactant-based solvent systems. The resulting polymers maintain low viscosity characteristics while being fully soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, and water mixtures, ensuring formulation stability and ease of application.
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 enables hair fixative formulations to comply with stringent MIR regulations while maintaining or exceeding the performance of conventional hair fixatives, ensuring effective hold and styling with reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least one film forming polymer that is soluble in a solvent system
Implementation Method 2
a solvent system comprising one or more solvents selected from the group consisting of a C2-C6 straight or branched chain alcohol, butyl cellusolve, propylene glycol, water and mixtures thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A hair fixative composition includes at least one fixative polymer, a solvent system and, optionally, a propellant. The polymer is derived from at least one acid-containing monomer, at least one N-alkyl (meth)acrylamide and, optionally, an alkyl (meth)acrylate.