Sheet-Like Microcapsule Shampoo Composition for Stable Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers desire a shampoo composition that incorporates sheet-like microcapsules for aesthetic appeal while maintaining good consumer use benefits such as dry and wet feel, and clear or conditioning properties, but existing formulations face challenges in maintaining the desired shape and distribution of these microcapsules.

Innovation Solution

A shampoo composition containing 5-35% detersive surfactants, 0.05-10% sheet-like microcapsules, and 0.05-3% cationic deposition polymer, with specific rheological properties and a rheology modifier, suspends sheet-like microcapsules with a thickness of 0.01-1 mm and width of 2-20 mm, made of gellan film components, to maintain shape and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spherical or bead-like microcapsules are used, then the composition provides conditioning benefits, but the microcapsules tend to aggregate and have poor flow properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconditioning benefitVSAvoidflow properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies sheet-like microcapsules with a planar, two-dimensional structure instead of traditional spherical microcapsules. This geometric change from 3D spheres to 2D sheets prevents aggregation by reducing contact points between individual capsules, thereby improving flow properties while maintaining the encapsulated conditioning agents for hair treatment benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional microcapsules are used, then the composition can deliver conditioning agents, but the microcapsules aggregate and do not distribute evenly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconditioning agent deliveryVSAvoiduniform distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet-like geometry fundamentally changes the packing and distribution behavior of microcapsules in the composition. The planar structure prevents the spherical aggregation typical of conventional microcapsules, enabling uniform dispersion throughout the shampoo matrix and ensuring consistent delivery of conditioning agents across all treated hair strands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If microcapsules are incorporated into shampoo, then conditioning effects are provided, but the microcapsules may burst prematurely or fail to release at the appropriate time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconditioning effectVSAvoidrelease timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet-like structure provides enhanced mechanical stability compared to spherical microcapsules. The planar geometry distributes stress more evenly during washing, preventing premature rupture. Simultaneously, the unique structure facilitates controlled release when the capsules contact water and mechanical agitation during hair washing, ensuring timing-appropriate delivery of conditioning agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional microcapsule shapes are used, then the composition can be manufactured, but the microcapsules have poor flow and handling characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemanufacturabilityVSAvoidflow and handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet-like microcapsules maintain manufacturability through established encapsulation techniques while dramatically improving flow and handling characteristics. The planar geometry reduces inter-particle friction and prevents clumping, allowing for easier processing, dosing, and formulation compared to traditional spherical microcapsules that tend to aggregate and stick together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 composition achieves both aesthetic appeal and good consumer use benefits by suspending sheet-like microcapsules effectively, ensuring they maintain their shape and are evenly distributed, providing a visually pleasing and functional product.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a plurality of sheet-like microcapsules having a planar, two-dimensional structure... said sheet-like microcapsules to deliver a conditioning agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled release:

Data Source

PatentEP3894015B1Shampoo composition comprising sheet-like microcapsules

Publication Date: 2026.05.20 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

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AI summary

Shampoo compositions having an anionic surfactant, cationic deposition polymer, sheet-like microcapsules and an aqueous carrier. The shampoo composition delivers both good in use benefits, while maintaining a consumer desirable appearance. The sheet-like microcapsules can also contain perfumes, extracts, dyes, colorants, and/or benefit agents.