Liquid Esterquat Formulations for Solvent-Free Hair Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current esterquats used in hair conditioning are solid substances that require solvents for formulation, limiting flexibility and containing solvents in the final product, while also having limitations in conditioning effects and stability.

Innovation Solution

Development of cosmetic formulations containing specific esterquats with acyl radicals of monounsaturated fatty acids or isostearic acid, which are liquid at room temperature, allowing solvent-free incorporation and providing enhanced conditioning, stability, and ecological benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid esterquats are used in hair conditioning formulations, then conditioning effects are achieved, but solvents must be added which limits formulation flexibility and introduces unwanted ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconditioning effectVSAvoidformulation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the esterquat from solid to liquid at room temperature through specific molecular structure design (using isopropanolamine or tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine with monounsaturated fatty acids having 10-22 carbon atoms). This parameter change eliminates the need for solvents and enables formulation flexibility while maintaining conditioning efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional esterquats are used, then conditioning is provided, but they show limited stability and require higher concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconditioning effectVSAvoidhydrolysis stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite molecular structure combining specific amine components (isopropanolamine or tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine) with monounsaturated fatty acids. This composite structure provides enhanced hydrolysis stability and conditioning performance, allowing effective use at lower concentrations (0.01-5% by weight) compared to conventional esterquats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If solid esterquats requiring solvents are used, then formulation is possible, but the final product contains solvents that may have ecological impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation capabilityVSAvoidecological impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the solvent component from the formulation by providing esterquats that are inherently liquid at room temperature. This removes the need for additional solvent ingredients, reducing ecological impact while maintaining ease of manufacture and formulation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If esterquats are used at higher concentrations for effective conditioning, then conditioning effect is improved, but the formulation becomes less economical and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconditioning effectVSAvoidusage concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the effectiveness parameter of the esterquat through optimized molecular structure (specific amine-fatty acid combinations), enabling high conditioning performance at lower concentrations. This reduces the quantity of substance needed while maintaining or improving conditioning effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2997959B1Formulation containing ester quats based on isopropanolamin and tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP2997959B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2997959B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2997959B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to cosmetic formulations containing certain esterquats based on isopropanolamine or tetrahydroxypropylethylenediamine, and the use of these esterquats in cosmetics.