Non-Cellulosic Polysaccharide Derivative for Split End Mending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair care compositions fail to effectively repair split ends and hair cuticle damage, with known polyelectrolyte complexes being unstable when combined with other ingredients, and conventional cationic polymers causing undesirable dry hair effects.

Innovation Solution

A non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative with a cationic degree of substitution greater than 0.15, such as a galactomannan derivative, is used to mend split ends and repair hair cuticle damage by depositing substances that restore axial cohesion and smooth lifted cuticle scales.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyelectrolyte complexes (polyquaternium-28 and methylvinylether/maleic acid copolymer) are used to repair split ends, then split end mending is achieved, but stability is compromised when other ingredients are added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplit end mending effectivenessVSAvoidpolyelectrolyte complex stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polysaccharide derivative, specifically requiring a cationic degree of substitution greater than 0.15, which optimizes the balance between split end mending effectiveness and formulation stability. This parameter threshold ensures sufficient cationic charge for effective split end repair while maintaining compatibility with other hair care ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional cationic polymers are used to mend split ends, then split end repair is achieved, but greasy or sticky feelings occur on hair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplit end mending effectivenessVSAvoidgreasy or sticky feeling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by specifying that only the cationic groups on the polysaccharide derivative interact with the damaged hair areas, while the overall polymer structure maintains appropriate hydrophilicity. This localized interaction ensures effective split end mending at the damage site without excessive adhesion that would cause greasy or sticky feelings on the hair surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters by requiring a cationic degree of substitution greater than 0.15, which optimizes the charge density to achieve effective split end repair while avoiding excessive cationic charge that would cause unwanted greasy or sticky sensations on the hair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If charged compounds and polymers are added to hair care formulations, then additional hair care functions are provided, but the structure of polyelectrolyte complexes is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation compatibilityVSAvoidpolyelectrolyte complex structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a minimum cationic degree of substitution greater than 0.15, which provides sufficient cationic charge for effective split end mending while maintaining formulation stability. This parameter optimization allows the polysaccharide derivative to function effectively even in the presence of other charged compounds and polymers commonly found in hair care formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 specific non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative achieves substantial split end mending and hair cuticle repair without causing greasy or sticky feelings, maintaining a healthy appearance and combability even under stress, and can be combined with other hair care ingredients for enhanced performance.

Implementation Method 1

a non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative containing at least one cationic group, wherein said non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative has a cationic degree of substitution DScat greater than 0.15

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20230414480A1Hair repair composition
Publication Date: 2023.12.28 RHODIA OPERATIONS SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for mending split ends of hair comprising contacting the hair with split ends with a composition comprising at least one non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative containing at least one cationic group, wherein said non-cellulosic polysaccharide derivative has a cationic degree of substitution DScat greater than 0.15.