Photonic Particle UV-Screening Composition for Transparent Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoprotective compositions face challenges in providing broad-spectrum UV protection that is photostable, compatible with other ingredients, and non-reactive, while maintaining transparency and not altering mechanical properties or releasing nanoparticles.
Innovation Solution
A composition using a dispersion of photonic particles with a mean size of 1 µm to 500 µm, featuring a diffracting arrangement of monodisperse nanoparticles or voids, which provides a first-order reflection peak in the 250 nm to 400 nm wavelength range, ensuring effective UV screening without coloration and compatibility issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If combinations of soluble organic screens are used to cover the UV spectrum, then broad-spectrum UV protection is achieved, but compatibility problems arise with other ingredients and photostability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UV protection function into two distinct parts: (1) insoluble organic screens that provide broad-spectrum UV absorption without compatibility issues, and (2) photonic particles that provide additional UV screening through physical diffusion and reflection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without interfering with others, resolving the compatibility and photostability problems associated with combining multiple soluble organic screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insoluble organic screens as an intermediary substance that mediates between the need for broad-spectrum UV protection and the requirement for photostability and compatibility. These screens have absorption spectra covering both UVA and UVB regions and are specifically selected to be photostable and compatible with other formulation ingredients, thereby resolving the contradiction between broad protection and reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If monodisperse particles are used to form photonic crystals for UV protection, then UV screening is achieved, but the particles must become organized on the skin which complicates application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate functions into a single composition: (1) insoluble organic screens that provide broad-spectrum UV absorption and (2) photonic particles that provide additional UV screening through physical diffusion and reflection. This merging allows the composition to achieve enhanced UV protection without requiring the photonic particles to self-organize on the skin, as the insoluble organic screens provide the primary broad-spectrum coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses photonic particles in a concentration and size range that provides sufficient UV screening through physical diffusion and reflection without requiring complete lattice formation on the skin. The particles have a mean size of 0.1 µm to 1 µm and are used in combination with insoluble organic screens, allowing partial action that achieves effective UV protection while maintaining ease of application.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If photonic particles with mean size of 0.1 µm to 1 µm are used, then effective UV screening is achieved, but the particles may be perceived as having coloration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting photonic particles with specific size characteristics (mean size of 0.1 µm to 1 µm) that are optimized for UV screening while minimizing visible light scattering. The particles are also used in combination with insoluble organic screens that provide broad-spectrum UV absorption, allowing the photonic particles to focus on enhancing UV protection without compromising visible light transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining insoluble organic screens with photonic particles of controlled size and distribution. This composite approach allows the insoluble organic screens to provide broad-spectrum UV absorption while the photonic particles enhance UV screening through physical diffusion and reflection, with the overall composition maintaining transparency to visible light due to the optimized particle size and distribution.
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 solution achieves high SPF indices, such as at least 10, 15, 30, 45, or 60, with low transmission factors in the UV range, offering enhanced UV protection while being colorless and compatible with various materials, ensuring effective photoprotection without altering mechanical properties or releasing nanoparticles.
Implementation Method 1
photonic particles with a mean size in the range 1 µm to 500 µm, each comprising a diffracting arrangement of monodisperse nanoparticles or voids, the diffraction spectrum of said arrangement including a first order reflection peak in the wavelength range 250 nm to 400 nm
Implementation Method 2
the diffraction spectrum of said arrangement including a first order reflection peak in the wavelength range 250 nm to 400 nm
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of photoprotecting a material against solar UV radiation, consisting in treating said material using a composition comprising a dispersion of photonic particles with a mean size in the range 1 μm to 500 μm, each comprising a diffracting arrangement of monodisperse nanoparticles or voids, the diffraction spectrum of said arrangement including a first order reflection peak in the wavelength range 250 nm to 400 nm, or consisting in integrating said dispersion of photonic particles into said material. In particular, the present invention provides methods of photoprotecting materials such as paints, inks, coatings, materials manufactured from polymers, or fibrous materials such as textiles, papers, or organic or mineral glasses.