Polyalkyl Methacrylate Composition Transesterification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-chain crystalline polymers derived from acrylic acid esters, such as Intelimer compounds, are difficult and time-consuming to procure and process due to the challenges of free radical polymerization, which limits their application in personal care products.
Innovation Solution
A polyalkyl[meth]acrylate composition is developed through a transesterification reaction involving a long chain alcohol, resulting in a substituted polyalkyl[meth]acrylate with a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 250,000 g/mol, which can be used as a thickener and encapsulation vehicle in personal care products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If free radical polymerization is used to create side-chain crystalline polymers, then the polymers can be synthesized, but the process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymerization method from free radical polymerization to anionic polymerization, which fundamentally alters the reaction conditions and mechanism. This parameter change enables the synthesis of side-chain crystalline polymers with controlled molecular weights and structures in a more efficient and straightforward manner, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and time consumption.
2Ease of manufacture
If large (alkyl)acrylic monomers are used in free radical polymerization, then side-chain crystalline polymers can be formed, but the monomers are difficult to procure and process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anionic polymerization as an intermediary process that enables the use of more readily available monomers. By employing this intermediate polymerization method, the process becomes more reliable and easier to manage, while still achieving the desired side-chain crystalline polymer structure through controlled polymer chain growth.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional side-chain crystalline polymers are used in personal care products, then thickening and encapsulation functions are achieved, but the complexity and time of processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex free radical polymerization process and replaces it with a simpler anionic polymerization approach. This extraction of the problematic process element maintains the essential functional performance of side-chain crystalline polymers in personal care applications while significantly reducing processing complexity and time requirements.
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 resulting composition is easier to procure and process, offering desirable characteristics for personal care applications, including effective thickening and encapsulation of active ingredients, while reducing the complexity and time associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A polyalkyl[meth]acrylate composition is developed through a transesterification reaction involving a long chain alcohol, resulting in a substituted polyalkyl[meth]acrylate
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric composition is disclosed for use in personal care products. The composition is, at room temperature, a solid solution of a long-chain alcohol having ten to fifty carbon atoms and a polyalkyl[meth]acrylate polymer having some alkyl side chains pendant the ester group having ten to thirty carbon atoms and other alkyl side chains pendant the ester group having one to eight carbon atoms. The polymer can be formed by a transesterification reaction of a polyalkyl[meth]acrylate and the long chain alcohol in the presence of a catalyst.