Spherical Polysilsesquioxane Particle Agglomeration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing spherical polysilsesquioxane particles fail to control agglomeration behavior, leading to clumping issues when applied, which affects their fluidity and skin feel in cosmetic applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the hydrolysis of trialkoxysilane with acidified water, followed by mixing with an alkali metal hydroxide solution, and maintaining the mixture for at least 8 hours to produce spherical polysilsesquioxane particles that are highly agglomeration-free, allowing them to exhibit a liquid-like behavior and velvety skin feel without grinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to produce spherical polysilsesquioxane particles, then particle formation is achieved, but agglomeration control is poor leading to clumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the hydrolysis process by using acidified water with controlled pH (maximum pH 6) and specific acid types/concentrations, which fundamentally alters the particle formation mechanism to prevent agglomeration. This parameter change transforms the agglomeration-prone conventional process into one that produces free-flowing spherical particles with reliable agglomeration control.
2Loss of time
If particles are produced without grinding, then processing time is reduced, but agglomeration occurs affecting fluid behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the agglomeration behavior during the particle formation process itself, rather than addressing agglomeration afterward through grinding. The acidified water hydrolysis and controlled condensation create particles with inherent anti-agglomeration properties, eliminating the need for subsequent grinding operations while maintaining reliable agglomeration-free state.
3Ease of operation
If particles show fluid behavior, then spreadability improves, but volume increase may cause rapid sedimentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the particles by controlling the hydrolysis and condensation process in acidified water, which produces spherical particles with optimized surface properties and size distribution. These parameter changes enable the particles to exhibit fluid behavior for excellent spreadability while maintaining stability resistance to rapid sedimentation through their controlled agglomeration-free state.
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 method results in polysilsesquioxane particles with a significant volume increase, demonstrating fluid behavior and a velvety skin feel, especially in cosmetic applications, as they remain free-flowing and easy to spread, unlike agglomerated particles.
Implementation Method 1
trialkoxysilane of the general formula (I) RSi(OR1)3 (I), in which R is a hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 16 carbon atoms, the carbon chain of which can be interrupted by non-adjacent groups -O-,R1 is a C1- to C4-alkyl radical, is reacted with acidified water with a maximum pH of 6, with mixing, to form a hydrolyzate
Implementation Method 2
in a second step the hydrolyzate is mixed with a solution of alkali hydroxide selected from NaOH and KOH or a mixture thereof and in a third step the mixture is kept for at least 8 hours before the polysilsesquioxane particles are isolated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for producing spherical polysilsesquioxane particles in which in a first step trialkoxysilanes of general formula (I) RSiOR13 (I), in which R represents a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 16 carbon atoms whose carbon chain may be interrupted by nonadjacent -O- groups, R1 represents a C1- to C4-alkoxy radical, are reacted with acidified water having a pH of not more than 6 with commixing to afford a hydrolysate, in a second step the hydrolysate is mixed with a solution of alkali metal hydroxide selected from NaOH and KOH or a mixture thereof and in a third step the mixture is stored for at least 8 h before the polysilsesquioxane particles are isolated, and to the polysilsesquioxane particles producible by the process.