Nano-emulsion Composition Using Phase Inversion for Low Viscosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing nano-sized low-viscosity oil-in-water emulsions, such as phase inversion temperature (PIT) and high-pressure emulsification, face limitations in viscosity, particle size control, visual effects, and cost, making them unsuitable for commercial production of white-colored cosmetic agents.
Innovation Solution
An oil-in-water (O/W) type nanoemulsion composition is created using a polyethylene glycol ester-based emulsifier and polyol or polyol derivative, prepared through an oil-in-polyol (O/P) type emulsification method involving heating, agitation, and cooling, which differs from conventional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If high-pressure emulsification method is used to produce nanoemulsion, then particle size is reduced to nano-scale, but viscosity becomes too high and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by using phase inversion temperature (PIT) to control the emulsion state. By heating the system above the PIT, the emulsion inverts from O/W to W/O type, and upon cooling, it forms a stable nanoemulsion. This temperature-based parameter change enables nano-scale particle formation without requiring high pressure, thus avoiding excessive viscosity and high production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits phase transition phenomena through the phase inversion temperature method. The emulsion undergoes phase inversion at a specific temperature, transitioning between O/W and W/O states. This phase transition mechanism allows the formation of fine nano-sized particles with controlled viscosity, resolving the contradiction between particle size reduction and viscosity control.
2Length of moving object
If phase inversion temperature method is used to produce O/W nanoemulsion, then particle size is reduced, but emulsion stability deteriorates and separation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the emulsion system above the phase inversion temperature before final cooling. This preliminary heating ensures complete phase inversion and uniform distribution of phases, which prevents subsequent separation and instability. The pre-treatment step is crucial for achieving both nano-scale particle size and long-term emulsion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses non-ionic surfactants as intermediary substances to mediate between the oil and water phases during phase inversion. These surfactants facilitate the transition and stabilize the nanoemulsion structure, preventing separation while maintaining fine particle size. The intermediary surfactant plays a critical role in resolving the contradiction between particle size reduction and stability maintenance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional emulsification methods are used, then production cost is reduced, but particle size cannot be controlled at nano-scale with low viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure emulsification system with a thermal phase inversion system. Instead of using expensive high-pressure equipment to achieve nano-scale particles, the invention uses temperature control and phase inversion technology, which are simpler and more cost-effective. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision for particle size control while significantly reducing production costs and device complexity.
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
This approach results in a stable, low-viscosity nanoemulsion with small particle size, effective delivery of active ingredients, and a white-colored, creamy appearance, overcoming the limitations of previous methods by enhancing stability and visual properties while reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a PIT emulsification method is one using the principle of hydrophilicity reduction in a ternary composition of water, oil and a non-ionic surfactant through a decrease in hydrogen bonding between ethylene oxide as a hydrophilic group of the non-ionic surfactant and water according to an increase in temperature
Implementation Method 2
a decrease in hydrogen bonding between ethylene oxide as a hydrophilic group of the non-ionic surfactant and water according to an increase in temperature
Implementation Method 3
passing particles through a high-pressure emulsifier to which high shear is applied at 1000-1500 atm to provide nanoparticles
Implementation Method 4
a high-pressure emulsification method is one including passing particles through a high-pressure emulsifier to which high shear is applied at 1000-1500 atm
Implementation Method 5
it is possible to improve the emulsion stability significantly in terms of kinetics through the Brownian movement among the particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an oil-in-water (O/W) type nano-emulsion composition comprising an oil component containing oil and a polyethylene glycol ester-based emulsifier; and a water component containing a polyol or a polyol derivative. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising the oil-in-water type nano-emulsion composition, and to a method for preparing the oil-in-water type nano-emulsion composition. According to the present invention, a nano-sized low-viscosity emulsion having a high inner phase can be obtained through the method that is different from the conventional methods of phase inversion temperature emulsification or high pressure emulsification, thereby significantly improving the stability of the emulsion. In addition, the nano-emulsion composition of the present invention can be added to a variety of cosmetic compositions having a variety of methods of use and can thus deliver active ingredients to the skin effectively since it has small-sized particles.