Polyhedral Microparticles with Concave Surfaces for Optical and Cosmetic Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fine particles with controlled shapes, primarily spherical, fail to meet the advanced requirements for cosmetic products and optical applications due to limitations in usability, optical characteristics, and durability.
Innovation Solution
Non-spherical fine particles with a polyhedral shape having six or more concave surfaces, specifically sized between 0.1-20µm, with a ratio of minimum to maximum diameter between 0.60-0.97 and 6-14 concave surfaces, are produced using a polysiloxane cross-link structure, comprising siloxane units and silanol group forming silicides, to enhance their properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spherical fine particles are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but optical characteristics and usability in cosmetic products deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from spherical particles to polyhedral particles with multiple concave surfaces. This asymmetric shape creates superior light scattering and diffusing effects, directly improving optical characteristics while maintaining satisfactory manufacturability through controlled polymerization processes
2Productivity
If spherical fine particles are used, then production simplicity is maintained, but cosmetic product usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polyhedral shape with multiple concave surfaces improves cosmetic usability by enhancing light diffusing properties and providing better skin adhesion. The asymmetric geometry creates more surface area and irregular contact points that improve durability and soft focus effects in cosmetic applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls specific parameters including particle size (0.1-20μm), the ratio of minimum to maximum external diameter (0.60-0.97), and the number of concave surfaces (6-14). These parameter changes optimize both production feasibility and cosmetic performance
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional shaped particles are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polyhedral shape with multiple concave surfaces enhances durability through improved mechanical interlocking and adhesion properties. The asymmetric geometry provides more contact points and surface area for bonding, extending the duration of action in cosmetic and resin applications
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Non-spherical fine particles capable of responding to highly advanced requirements of recent years, including further improvements in optical characteristics such as total light transmittance and optical diffusible property related to resin molded products and further improvements in feeling, soft focus, coverage and durability related to cosmetic products, as well as methods of their production and their use are provided. These non-spherical fine particles each have a polyhedral general shape with six or more surfaces each of which is formed as a concave surface, satisfying all of the conditions that the average value of the maximum external diameters L1 of the non-spherical fine particles is in the range of 0.1 - 20µm, that the ratios between the minimum external diameters L2 and the maximum external diameters L1 of the individual non-spherical fine particles have an average value in the range of 0.60 - 0.97, and that they have an average number per particle of 6 - 14 concave surfaces of which the ratio of the maximum diameter m1 with respect to the maximum external diameter L1 is in the range of 0.20 - 0.90,