Latex Polyurethane Hair Styling Composition for Humidity Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hair styling products often result in a sticky or tacky feel due to the formation of hard and brittle films, which are undesirable for consumers, and they also suffer from issues with product spreadability, manageability, and low humidity resistance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a composition comprising at least two latex polyurethane polymers, where one is a film-forming polymer, applied in specific ratios and amounts to create a film with desirable properties such as a clean, natural feel and strong styling hold, while maintaining flexibility and humidity resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If water soluble film-forming polymers are used in current hair styling products, then the products can provide film formation and styling hold, but the products become sticky or tacky and produce a hard and brittle film that feels crunchy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite system comprising a water-soluble film-forming polymer combined with latex polymers (specifically acrylic or acrylate latexes). This composite approach allows the water-soluble polymer to provide initial film formation and styling hold, while the latex components modify the film properties to reduce stickiness and prevent brittleness. The synergistic interaction between these different polymer types resolves the contradiction by combining their complementary strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the film-forming system by controlling the molecular weight, concentration, and composition ratios of the polymers used. Specifically, it adjusts the ratio of water-soluble polymer to latex polymer, controls the solids content, and optimizes the glass transition temperature range to achieve a film that is neither too sticky nor too brittle, thereby resolving the sensory contradiction.
2Strength
If the concentration of polymer in the solution increases, then the styling hold and film strength improve, but the viscosity builds up rapidly making the product less spreadable and manageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters by controlling the solids content of the latex polymer (5-50% by weight) and the overall polymer concentration in the composition. It also adjusts the molecular weight of the polymers used, selecting specific ranges that provide adequate film strength at lower concentrations, thereby maintaining good spreadability while achieving sufficient styling hold.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite polymer system allows for lower overall polymer concentrations to be used effectively. The combination of water-soluble polymer and latex polymer creates a synergistic effect where each component contributes to film formation at optimized levels, reducing the total polymer load needed and thus maintaining low viscosity and good spreadability while still achieving strong styling hold.
3Reliability
If current hair styling products are used, then they can provide some styling benefits, but they exhibit low degree of humidity resistance particularly in hot and humid countries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite polymer system where latex polymers (acrylic or acrylate latexes) are combined with water-soluble film-forming polymers. The latex components provide enhanced humidity resistance due to their water-insoluble nature and ability to form hydrophobic barriers. This composite structure protects the hair styling from humidity-induced frizz and style degradation, particularly in hot and humid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different functional zones within the film structure. The water-soluble polymer provides initial adhesion and film formation, while the latex polymer components create hydrophobic regions that specifically resist humidity. This local differentiation of properties within the film allows simultaneous achievement of good styling hold and enhanced humidity resistance.
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 method provides a broad range of hair styling benefits, including varying levels of style hold and curl retention, with a film that is clean-feeling, flexible, and resistant to humidity, reducing frizz and breakage, and allowing for long-lasting hold and style memory.
Implementation Method 1
wherein at least one latex polymer is a film-forming polymer
Implementation Method 2
resistant to humidity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are hair styling compositions comprising at least two latex polyurethane polymers, wherein at least one latex polyurethane polymer is a film-forming polymer. The hair styling compositions can optionally comprise at least one component chosen from coalescing agents, plasticizers, and/or thickening agents. Methods of styling the hair are also disclosed.