Liquid Crystal Emulsion Surfactant HLB Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing liquid crystal emulsions are inefficient and result in unstable products that are destroyed by dilution, requiring high shear forces and resulting in cloudy, sticky, and poorly stable liquid crystals with limited viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of specific hydrophilic surfactants with high HLB values, combined with lipophilic surfactants and oil components, is employed to create a stable liquid crystal emulsion composition with a viscosity of 30,000 mPa·sec or more at 2-fold dilution without applying shear forces, using a streamlined production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional hydrophilic surfactants (decaglyceryl fatty acid esters, POE addition polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters) are used, then good emulsification is achieved, but stable liquid crystal formation cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the HLB parameter of the hydrophilic surfactant from conventional values (typically 10-16) to a specific high HLB range of 16-20. This parameter change enables the surfactant to simultaneously provide good emulsification and stable liquid crystal formation, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If high shear force is applied using Manton Gaulin homogenizer to form liquid crystals, then liquid crystal structure is created, but the structure is destroyed by dilution with water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the HLB parameter of the hydrophilic surfactant to a high value (16-20), which fundamentally alters the interfacial properties and strengthens the interface membrane. This enables the liquid crystal structure to maintain stability even upon dilution with water, eliminating the need for high shear force equipment and preventing structure destruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system (Manton Gaulin homogenizer applying high shear force) with a chemical solution (surfactant with HLB 16-20). The chemical properties of the surfactant alone enable stable liquid crystal formation without requiring complex mechanical equipment, and the resulting structure resists dilution-induced destruction.
3Manufacturing precision
If oil components and water phase components are separately admixed and heated with high shear force, then liquid crystals are formed, but the process is complicated and the products are clouded and sticky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the HLB parameter of the hydrophilic surfactant to a high value (16-20), which fundamentally alters the emulsification and liquid crystal formation mechanism. This single parameter change simplifies the entire production process: components can be mixed in any order without separate heating stages, high shear force equipment is unnecessary, and the resulting product is transparent and non-sticky, eliminating all the complications of conventional methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a liquid crystal emulsion composition which has a viscosity of 30,000 mPa·sec or more at a 2-hold dilution and an improved stability, includes admixing a hydrophilic surfactant which is a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether having an HLB of 10 to 20 with a hydrophilic surfactant having an HLB of 13 or more which is comprised of a polyoxyethylene fatty acid derivative; admixing the resulting admixture with a mixture of 5 to 10 parts by weight of the thus combined surfactants with 5 to 30 parts by weight of an oil component; admixing the resulting admixture with a mixture of 40 to 80 parts by weight of a water-soluble polyvalent alcohol and 8 to 40 parts by weight of water; and heating, homogeneously mixing and then cooling the thus obtained admixture.