Quaternary Polysiloxane Microemulsions for Low-Viscosity Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-viscosity quaternary polysiloxanes with a (multi)T structure are difficult to handle and incorporate into cosmetic formulations due to their viscous nature, and existing microemulsions often use alkoxylated nonionic surfactants and siloxanes with limited effectiveness as conditioning agents for hair and textiles.
Innovation Solution
Development of microemulsions containing quaternary polysiloxanes with a (multi)T structure as the oil phase, which are converted into a low-viscosity state, enhancing their activity and incorporating them into formulations without alkoxylated components, utilizing nonionic surfactants and co-surfactants to improve conditioning properties and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If higher molecular weight quaternary polysiloxanes with T structure are used, then conditioning and shine-generating effect is improved, but viscosity increases making them unhandleable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of polysiloxanes by introducing multimeric T structures with specific ratios of T units (c ≥ 2) and controlling the distribution of quaternary ammonium groups along the chain. This structural modification allows achieving high conditioning efficacy while maintaining lower viscosity compared to linear cationic polysiloxanes of equivalent molecular weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite polysiloxane structures combining multiple T units with quaternary ammonium groups at specific positions (a, a1, a2, a3) and side chains (b, b1, b2, b3). This composite architecture provides both the conditioning performance of high molecular weight polymers and the handling properties of lower viscosity materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If polysiloxanes are administered as emulsions or microemulsions, then incorporation into cosmetic formulations is improved, but thermodynamic stability and phase separation become concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surfactants as intermediary substances to stabilize the microemulsion system containing quaternary polysiloxanes. The surfactants act as mediators between the polysiloxane oil phase and aqueous phase, preventing phase separation and ensuring thermodynamic stability while allowing easy incorporation into cosmetic formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) parameters of surfactant systems and controls the water content and temperature parameters during microemulsion preparation. These parameter adjustments ensure thermodynamic stability and prevent phase separation while maintaining ease of formulation incorporation.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing microemulsions with alkoxylated nonionic surfactants are used, then incorporation of silicones is achieved, but compatibility and conditioning effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surfactant system by selecting nonionic surfactants with specific HLB values and molecular structures that are compatible with quaternary polysiloxanes having T structures. This parameter optimization enhances both the stability of microemulsions and their conditioning effectiveness on hair and textiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite surfactant systems combining nonionic surfactants with specific hydrophilic and lipophilic components that are tailored to work synergistically with multimeric T-structure polysiloxanes. This composite approach improves both compatibility and conditioning performance compared to conventional alkoxylated surfactant systems.
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 microemulsions effectively reduce the viscosity of high-viscosity quaternary polysiloxanes, enhancing their conditioning properties for hair and textiles, improving manageability, shine, and softness, while being free of alkoxylated compounds and suitable for cosmetic and dermatological applications.
Implementation Method 1
Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable mixtures of water (aqueous phase), oil (water-immiscible phase) and surfactant (solubilizer). Microemulsions in which the oil phases are largely formed by polysiloxanes are known.
Implementation Method 2
Polysiloxanes with quaternary groups and their use as additives for hair care or textile softeners are known from the patent literature.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to microemulsions which comprise, as oil phase, a polysiloxane containing at least one quaternary ammonium group, methods for production thereof and also to the use of such microemulsions.