Functionalized Polymeric Surfactants for Skin Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial alkyl polyglycosides have limited water solubility and drying effects on skin due to their low degree of polymerization, making them less effective in cosmetic applications.
Innovation Solution
Cross-linking hydrophobic alkyl polyglycosides with hydroxypropyl linkages and incorporating functional groups like alkoxy, sulfate, sulfonate, quaternary, and phosphate groups to create high molecular weight polymers that enhance water solubility and skin/hair conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If alkyl polyglycosides are used with low degree of polymerization, then the molecule is more water-soluble, but the product provides drying effects on skin and limited softening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the degree of polymerization parameter from low (commercial products) to high (polymeric structures with multiple glycoside units linked by hydroxypropyl bonds), transforming the product from having drying effects to providing softening and conditioning effects on skin and hair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite molecular structures by combining multiple glycoside units through cross-linking with hydroxypropyl linkages, forming polymeric surfactants that integrate the beneficial properties of individual units while achieving high molecular weight for improved skin feel and conditioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If alkyl polyglycosides are used with low degree of polymerization, then the molecule structure is simpler, but the product has limited water solubility and reduced functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the molecular weight parameter through polymerization, which paradoxically improves water solubility by creating polymeric structures that are more compatible with aqueous environments while maintaining the amphiphilic character needed for surfactant functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functional polymeric surfactants where the same polymeric structure provides multiple functions: water solubility, foam generation, emulsification, alkali tolerance, and skin conditioning, replacing the need for multiple separate additives
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional surfactants are used, then the product provides cleaning action, but the product lacks softening and conditioning properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops polymeric surfactants that simultaneously provide cleaning action and conditioning properties through the same molecular structure, eliminating the need for separate conditioning agents and blends of traditional surfactants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymeric structures that combine the cleaning capabilities of surfactant molecules with the conditioning properties of high molecular weight polymers, achieving both functions in a single ingredient
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 polymers provide improved skin feel, increased foam, alkali tolerance, and emulsification, resulting in more effective and mild hair and skin care products with enhanced softening and conditioning properties.
Implementation Method 1
Cross-linking hydrophobic alkyl polyglycosides with hydroxypropyl linkages and incorporating functional groups like alkoxy, sulfate, sulfonate, quaternary, and phosphate groups to create high molecular weight polymers
Implementation Method 2
The inclusion of the additional functional groups provide increased foam (sulfate and sulfonate), alkali tolerance (phosphate), emulsification (alkoxy), making the products of the present invention highly functionalized
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a series of multifunctional polyglycosides derivatives that are made by the polymerized by the reaction of 1,3 dichloro isopropanl and polyglycosides, together with a functionalizing agent that contains a sulfate, sulfonate, quaternary nitrogen, or a phosphate group. The preferred polymers are cross linked having more than one group per molecule. They are made with mild reagents to avoid discoloration and mal odor.