PVOH Film-Forming Polymers for Alcohol-Based Sunscreen Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synthetic polymers used in sunscreen applications are not biodegradable and face challenges in solubility and compatibility with alcohol-based systems, making it difficult to formulate stable and sustainable sunscreen formulations.
Innovation Solution
Development of biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film-forming polymers with specific degrees of hydrolysis and ester functionalities that are soluble in volatile solvents like ethanol and compatible with propellants such as dimethyl ether, enabling the formulation of stable sunscreen compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional synthetic polymers are used in sunscreen formulations, then cost and performance requirements are met, but biodegradability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by using biodegradable polymers with specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine) and controlled molecular weights (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol) to achieve both sustainability and performance requirements in alcohol-based sunscreen formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite formulations by combining biodegradable polymers with alcohol-based solvents and sunscreen active ingredients, achieving a system that integrates environmental sustainability with effective sun protection and film-forming properties
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable polymers are used in sunscreen formulations, then sustainability is improved, but solubility in alcohol-based systems is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes polymer parameters by selecting biodegradable polymers with specific functional groups and molecular weights that enable solubility in alcohol-based systems while maintaining biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between environmental sustainability and formulation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses alcohol-based solvents as intermediaries that bridge the compatibility between biodegradable polymers and sunscreen active ingredients, enabling solubility and stability in the formulation system
3Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable polymers are used in aerosol sunscreen sprays, then sustainability is improved, but compatibility with propellants is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adjusts polymer parameters including molecular weight (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol) and functional group composition to achieve compatibility with aerosol propellants while maintaining biodegradability and film-forming properties in spray formulations
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 PVOH polymers provide excellent compatibility and solubility in alcohol-based systems, allowing for the creation of stable, biodegradable sunscreen formulations that can be used in aerosol sprays, offering effective sun protection.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film-forming polymers with specific degrees of hydrolysis and ester functionalities that are soluble in volatile solvents like ethanol
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sunscreen formulation comprising: (a) a volatile solvent; and (b) at least one film-forming polymer comprising at least one of: (i) polyvinyl alcohol or (ii) polyvinyl alcohol ester said polyvinyl alcohol ester having ester functionality other than solely acetate, and (i) and (ii) being soluble in the volatile solvent, provided that if the at least one film-forming polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol, then the polyvinyl alcohol has a degree of hydrolysis less than about 60%. Methods of using the sunscreen formulations to protect skin against the damaging effects of sun are also disclosed.