Methods, compositions and uses relating thereto
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dyed materials, particularly hair, experience significant color loss due to leaching of dye molecules when exposed to water or solvents, with small dye molecules being more mobile and prone to faster leaching, leading to color shift and loss over time, and existing alternatives to formaldehyde are not satisfactory.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of alpha-substituted aldehydes to combat color loss from dyed materials, where the alpha-substituted aldehydes are applied to the material before, during, or after the dyeing process, either as part of a composition or as a standalone treatment to enhance color retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If formaldehyde is used to prevent color loss, then color retention is improved, but health safety deteriorates due to carcinogenic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces formaldehyde with alternative aldehydes (acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, valeraldehyde, caproaldehyde) that are less harmful. These alternative aldehydes serve the same function of preventing color loss through crosslinking but with reduced carcinogenic risk, effectively substituting a harmful substance with safer alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using aldehydes with different chain lengths and structures (C2-C6 aldehydes instead of formaldehyde). This parameter change maintains the crosslinking functionality while reducing the harmful effects associated with formaldehyde's specific molecular structure.
2Illumination intensity
If small dye molecules are used for coloring, then color vibrancy is improved, but color loss increases due to faster leaching rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies aldehyde treatment either before dyeing (pre-treatment) or after dyeing (post-treatment) to establish crosslinks that will prevent dye leaching. This preliminary or subsequent action creates a protective network that addresses the inherent mobility of small dye molecules, allowing vibrant colors to be maintained without rapid fading during washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by forming crosslinks between keratin chains through aldehyde treatment. This composite network integrates the dye molecules within a stabilized protein matrix, preventing their migration and leaching while maintaining the desired color properties.
3Ease of operation
If repeated washing is performed to clean the material, then hygiene is improved, but color loss accelerates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies aldehyde treatment to create crosslinks that cushion against the damaging effects of repeated washing. This pre-established protective network absorbs the mechanical and chemical stress of washing cycles, preventing dye molecules from being progressively leached away with each wash while still allowing normal hygiene practices.
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 effectively reduces color loss from dyed materials by at least 10% to 90% compared to untreated controls, significantly improving wash fastness and color retention, with 2-hydroxyoctanal being a particularly effective compound in reducing color fade after multiple washes.
Implementation Method 1
it is believed to work by forming crosslinks between chains of keratin, the protein of which hair is made
Data Source
AI summary
A method of combatting colour loss from a dyed material, the method comprising contacting the material with a composition comprising an alpha-substituted aldehyde.