Interferential Pigments for UV Screening and Visible Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoprotective compositions face challenges in achieving high spectral selectivity while maintaining transparency in the visible region, as existing screening agents either have limited broad absorption or cause coloration due to light diffusion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating interferential pigments with a multilayered or diffracting structure that are transparent in the visible region and opaque in the UV region, ensuring high transmission factors in the 400-800 nm range and low transmission factors in the 290-400 nm range, thereby providing effective UV radiation screening without affecting the natural appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic pigments are used for UV screening, then the screening spectrum is broadened due to light diffusion, but the compositions appear colored which is not desirable for natural appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the screening function into two distinct components: interferential pigments for UV screening and organic UV filters for supplementary protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the interferential pigments provide spectral selectivity without visible coloration, while organic filters enhance UVA protection without compromising transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite photoprotective system combining interferential pigments (inorganic multilayer structures) with organic UV filters. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both material types: the interferential pigments provide angle-independent UV screening with high visible transparency, while the organic filters add broad-spectrum UVA protection, achieving comprehensive UV protection without unwanted coloration.
2Reliability
If soluble or insoluble organic screens are used, then the absorption spectrum is achieved, but the spectrum is rarely broad enough to cover the whole UV spectrum requiring combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The interferential pigments serve as a universal screening agent that provides broad UV coverage (both UVA and UVB) through a single ingredient. Their multilayer structure creates interference effects that block UV radiation across the spectrum while remaining transparent in the visible region, eliminating the need for multiple organic filters and simplifying the formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of UV screening from chemical absorption (organic filters) to physical interference (multilayer pigments). This parameter change enables broad-spectrum UV protection with a single agent, reducing formulation complexity while maintaining or enhancing screening effectiveness across the entire UV spectrum.
3Reliability
If interferential pigments are used to screen UV radiation, then spectral selectivity is achieved, but the quantity must be precisely controlled to maintain transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback control by using the visible transparency of the composition as an indicator of appropriate interferential pigment concentration. During formulation and quality control, the transparency of the product is assessed, and pigment quantity is adjusted accordingly to ensure optimal UV screening while maintaining natural appearance. This feedback mechanism simplifies quality control by using an observable property (transparency) to guide pigment dosing.
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 ensures high UV radiation screening with spectral selectivity and transparency, maintaining a natural appearance by adjusting the quantity and structure of interferential screening agents to achieve a steep edge at 400 nm and high transmission in the visible spectrum, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
interferential pigments with a multilayered or diffracting structure that are transparent in the visible region and opaque in the UV region
Implementation Method 2
interferential pigments with a multilayered or diffracting structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a photoprotective composition comprising at least one interferential screening agent screening UVA and/or UVB.