PEG-Free Cold-Processable Emulsifier System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PEG-free oil-in-water emulsifiers are often cloudy, tend to separate, and have a paste-like consistency, making them difficult to process and resulting in moderate emulsion stabilization, limiting their universal use.
Innovation Solution
A combination of liquid polyol partial esters, such as sorbitan and polyglycerol esters, with small amounts of at least partially neutralized acid partial esters, specifically citric acid partial esters, creates a cold-processable, single-phase oil-in-water emulsifier system that is liquid at room temperature and stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If PEG-free emulsifiers based on polyol partial esters are used, then ecological friendliness is improved, but consistency is worsened (paste-like to solid)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple emulsifier components (polyol partial esters with neutralized acid partial esters) to create a synergistic mixture that achieves liquid consistency at room temperature while maintaining PEG-free composition. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by leveraging the complementary properties of each emulsifier type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical state parameter of the emulsifier system by adjusting the composition ratio and molecular structure parameters of the polyol partial esters and neutralized acid partial esters, enabling the system to be liquid at room temperature rather than paste-like or solid, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining ecological benefits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If PEG-free emulsifiers based on polyol partial esters are used, then ecological friendliness is improved, but processing is worsened (require melting before use)
Solution Approach 1:
By merging polyol partial esters with neutralized acid partial esters in specific ratios, the patent creates a emulsifier system that is liquid at room temperature, eliminating the need for pre-heating or melting steps before use, thus simplifying processing while maintaining PEG-free composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from solid/paste to liquid by optimizing the molecular weight distribution, fatty acid chain lengths, and composition ratios of the emulsifier components, enabling direct processing at room temperature without energy-intensive melting steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing liquid emulsifier mixtures are used, then processing is improved (cold-processable), but emulsion stability is worsened (moderate stabilization)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges polyol partial esters with neutralized acid partial esters to create a synergistic emulsifier system that simultaneously achieves cold-processability and high emulsion stability. The combination allows the system to maintain low-temperature processing while forming stable, long-lasting emulsions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite emulsifier system combining multiple functional components (polyol partial esters providing emulsification and neutralized acid partial esters providing stabilization) that works synergistically to deliver both cold-processability and superior emulsion stability, overcoming the limitations of single-component or simple mixture systems.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing PEG-free emulsifier systems are used, then PEG-free composition is improved, but versatility is worsened (restrictions on universal use)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal PEG-free emulsifier system based on polyol partial esters and neutralized acid partial esters that can be applied across multiple industries (cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food) and for various emulsion types, achieving multi-functionality and broad versatility while maintaining PEG-free composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters (fatty acid chain lengths, polyol types, ester ratios) of the PEG-free emulsifier system to create a universally applicable formulation that can be adapted to different emulsion types and applications, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining the PEG-free advantage.
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 solution allows for the production of stable, versatile emulsions with low emulsifier concentrations, suitable for a wide range of cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, while being environmentally friendly and resource-saving.
Implementation Method 1
liquid emulsifiers based on polyol partial esters, preferably sorbitan or polyglycerol partial esters and at least partially neutralized acid partial esters
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid, cold-processable oil-in-water emulsifier system comprises a liquid, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-free emulsifier base consisting of polyol partial ester(s), as first component; and acid partial ester(s) carrying neutralizable acid functions or acid partial ester(s) carrying partially neutralized acid functions, as second component. An independent claim is included for a preparation comprising the emulsifying system.