Nail Composition Using Composite Latex for Adhesion and Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nail enamel compositions face challenges in achieving good adhesion and easy removal while minimizing damage to nails, with existing water-based alternatives underperforming compared to nitrocellulose-based counterparts in terms of wear properties and removability.

Innovation Solution

A nail composition comprising water, high molecular weight latex with styrene groups, latex lacking styrene groups, and low molecular weight sulfopolyester compounds, optimized to improve both adhesion and removal properties by adjusting the ratios and amounts of these components, and optionally including additional film-forming agents, plasticizers, and coalescents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If water-based nail enamels are used as an alternative to nitrocellulose-based enamels, then safety and natural ingredients are improved, but wear properties and removability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidwear properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite latex system combining high molecular weight latex (for adhesion and wear resistance) with low molecular weight latex (for flexibility and removability). This composite approach allows the water-based formulation to achieve both good wear properties and easy removal, resolving the contradiction between safety and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes molecular weight parameters of the latex components, specifically using high molecular weight latex (100,000-1,000,000 g/mol) for adhesion and low molecular weight latex (1,000-100,000 g/mol) for removability. This parameter differentiation enables the formulation to simultaneously achieve durable wear and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If water-based nail enamels are used, then harsh chemicals are reduced, but adhesion and removability performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharsh chemicalsVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite latex system where high molecular weight latex provides strong adhesion through extended polymer chains that form robust bonds with the nail surface, while low molecular weight latex enhances flexibility and removability. This composite structure achieves both good adhesion and easy removal without harsh chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different molecular weight characteristics to different functional requirements: high molecular weight latex targets adhesion to the nail plate, while low molecular weight latex targets flexibility and removal properties. This local quality differentiation resolves the adhesion-removability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional water-based latex formulations are used, then natural ingredients are improved, but removability and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural ingredientsVSAvoidremoval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes low molecular weight latex (1,000-100,000 g/mol) which creates a less cross-linked, more flexible film structure that allows faster penetration of removal agents. This parameter change reduces removal time while maintaining the water-based natural formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of high and low molecular weight latex creates a composite film with optimized removal characteristics. The low molecular weight component provides pathways for removal agent penetration, reducing removal time while the high molecular weight component maintains film integrity during wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10555888B2Nail compositions containing latex and sulfopolyester compound
Publication Date: 2020.02.11 LOREAL SA

AI summary

The invention relates to nail compositions including water, at least one high molecular weight latex comprising at least one styrene group, at least one latex lacking styrene groups, and at least one low molecular weight sulfopolyester compound, as well as to methods relating to application of such nail compositions.