Shape Memory Polymer Hair Conditioning Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hair-conditioning agents fail to provide a lasting shape memory effect for hairstyles, as polymers used in these agents are easily washed off and do not effectively retain or recover their set shape, making them unsuitable for long-lasting styling solutions.
Innovation Solution
A hair-conditioning agent incorporating a shape memory polymer network, comprising proton accepting heterocyclic groups, proton donating groups, and cross-link moieties, such as polyurethane, acrylic acid copolymer, or pyridine-based copolymers, which can be applied to hair to impart a shape memory effect, allowing for temporary styling and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional polymers are used in hair-conditioning agents, then the agent can be easily applied and removed, but the hairstyle cannot be retained and the setting properties are greatly diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer as a critical parameter. The polymer's physical state changes from glassy (rigid) below Tg to rubbery (flexible) above Tg, enabling the hairstyle to be set firmly at room temperature and then easily reformed with heat application. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between hairstyle retention and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transitions of the polymer material between glassy and rubbery states to achieve both hairstyle retention and ease of removal. The polymer remains in a glassy state during normal wear to maintain the set hairstyle, and transitions to a rubbery state when heated, allowing the hairstyle to be easily changed or removed without compromising the setting properties during the styled period.
2Reliability
If shape memory polymers are used to provide lasting hairstyle retention, then the hairstyle can be retained, but the agent becomes difficult to remove when finished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by exploiting the temperature-dependent glass transition of the polymer. The Tg is specifically selected to be below body temperature but above ambient temperature, creating a clear distinction between the 'set' state (below Tg) and the 'reformable' state (above Tg). This allows the hairstyle to be firmly retained during wear and easily removed or changed with simple heat application from tools like hair dryers or straighteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies phase transitions by utilizing the reversible transition of the polymer from a glassy, shape-retaining state to a rubbery, easily deformable state upon heating. This phase transition mechanism enables the dual functionality of strong hairstyle retention during normal conditions and easy removal or restructuring when heat is applied, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or complex removal processes.
3Shape
If deformation is applied at high temperature to achieve orientation, then the orientation can be achieved, but the orientation becomes partly relaxed before the structure can be frozen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the glass transition temperature as a critical threshold. The polymer is deformed in its rubbery state above Tg where it is highly compliant, then rapidly cooled below Tg to freeze the orientation. The sufficiently low Tg ensures that the polymer remains in the rubbery state long enough to achieve complete orientation before the freezing point is reached, eliminating the time loss issue.
4Shape
If deformation is applied at low temperature to achieve orientation, then the orientation can be frozen, but the deformation is difficult to achieve due to high glassy state modulus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the glass transition temperature to switch the polymer's mechanical properties. The polymer is heated above its Tg to enter the rubbery state where the modulus is sufficiently low to allow easy deformation and orientation. Once oriented, the polymer is rapidly cooled below Tg to freeze the shape. This parameter change eliminates the need for high deformation forces that would be required if attempting to deform the polymer in its glassy state at low temperature.
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 shape memory polymer network allows for a hairstyle to be set and retrievable, with a high shape retentivity and recovery rate, maintaining the style until the temperature transition is reached, and can be easily removed when finished, characterized in one, two, and three dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
Shape memory materials have drawn wide attention because of their ability to recover their original shapes upon exposure to an external stimulus. Shape memory materials can find applications in sensors, actuators, smart devices, and media recorders. Examples of shape memory materials may include shape memory alloys, shape memory ceramics, and shape memory polymers.
Implementation Method 2
The driving force for shape recovery in these shape memory polymers has usually been the elastic strain that is generated by deformation or by raising the surrounding temperature above the response temperature of the polymers.
Implementation Method 3
Traditional shape memory polymers use elastic polymer networks that are equipped with stimuli-sensitive switches. The driving force for shape recovery in these shape memory polymers has usually been the elastic strain that is generated by deformation or by raising the surrounding temperature above the response temperature of the polymers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imparting a shape memory effect to hair may include administrating an effective amount of a hair-conditioning agent to hair. The hair-conditioning agent may include a shape memory polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane, an acrylic acid copolymer, a pyridine-based copolymer, and a pyrrolidone copolymer.