Polyurethane Thickener Reduces Polymer Load in Hydrogen Peroxide Agents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing color-changing preparations for keratin fibers, such as hair, face challenges in achieving optimal viscosity for application and retention, often requiring high concentrations of anionic polymeric thickeners that can cause production issues and flowability problems, while also needing reduced polymer content to avoid equipment blockages and improve miscibility.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogen peroxide-based agent containing a combination of an anionic polymer thickener and a polyurethane, specifically a polycondensate of polyethylene glycol, diisocyanate, and ethoxylated fatty alcohol, which adjusts viscosity without increasing polymer load, ensuring good miscibility and application properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If high concentrations of anionic polymeric thickeners are used to achieve optimal viscosity for application and retention, then the viscosity is improved, but production issues and equipment blockages occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveviscosityVSAvoidproduction issues and equipment blockages
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A polyurethane thickening agent is introduced as an intermediary substance to mediate between the anionic polymeric thickener and the final formulation. This polyurethane component enhances viscosity while preventing the equipment blockages and production issues associated with high concentrations of anionic polymers alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite thickening system combining anionic polymeric thickeners with polyurethane thickening agents. This composite approach leverages the viscosity-enhancing properties of anionic polymers while the polyurethane component prevents their harmful effects on manufacturing equipment and flowability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If high concentrations of anionic polymeric thickeners are used to maintain viscosity during application, then the agent retention is improved, but the miscibility and flowability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveagent retentionVSAvoidmiscibility and flowability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The polyurethane thickening agent serves as an intermediary that maintains agent retention on hair fibers while preserving the flowability and miscibility of the formulation. It mediates between the need for high viscosity (for retention) and the need for good flow properties (for application)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing polyurethane thickening agents with specific molecular structures that provide viscosity at lower concentrations. This parameter change allows the formulation to maintain both high retention and good flowability simultaneously

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 combination allows for reduced anionic polymer thickener usage, minimizing production issues and maintaining desired viscosity, ensuring the agent can be easily applied and retained on hair fibers, while maintaining effective color-changing performance.

Implementation Method 1

polymeric thickeners in the ready-to-use color change preparation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymer thickening: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

hydrogen peroxide as well as a bleaching powder and/or an alkalizing preparation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP2747743B1Agent comprising hydrogen peroxide having improved viscosity adjustment
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The invention relates to an agent which comprises at least hydrogen peroxide, at least one homopolymer or copolymer of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid and at least one polyurethane in a cosmetically suitable carrier, wherein the polyurethane is a polycondensate made of polyethylene glycol(s), diisocyanate(s) and optionally ethoxylated fatty alcohol(s).