Silanol-Hemiaminal Composition for Keratin Reshaping Without Formaldehyde

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reshaping keratin-rich substrates like wool and hair often rely on toxic formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen, and fail to provide a smooth feel and gloss while maintaining strength and durability.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising an organosilanol component and an organic hemiaminal component is applied in a two-step process, involving a substrate-activating and fixative composition, to create a wash-resistant, flexible film that reshapes and repairs keratin-rich substrates without using formaldehyde, thereby enhancing softness and gloss while maintaining strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If formaldehyde or glyoxal treatments are applied to reshape keratin-rich substrates, then the substrate can be relaxed and reshaped, but the substrate does not gain smooth feel or gloss and formaldehyde exposure creates health risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate reshapingVSAvoidformaldehyde toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes formaldehyde from the treatment composition entirely, replacing it with alternative agents such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or other non-toxic chemicals that can achieve substrate relaxation and reshaping without the harmful effects of formaldehyde exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment by using different pH levels, alternative aldehydes like glyoxal at controlled concentrations, or entirely different chemical mechanisms (such as acid-based relaxation) to achieve the desired reshaping effect without formaldehyde

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If formaldehyde or glyoxal treatments are applied to reshape keratin-rich substrates, then the substrate can be relaxed, but the substrate does not gain smooth feel or gloss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate relaxationVSAvoidsmooth feel and gloss

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single treatment composition: substrate relaxation, reshaping, smoothing, and gloss enhancement are all achieved through one integrated formulation containing multiple active ingredients that work synergistically rather than requiring separate treatment steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment composition uses composite chemistry combining multiple active agents (acids, aldehydes, conditioning agents) in specific concentrations and ratios to simultaneously achieve relaxation, smoothing, and gloss effects that single-ingredient treatments cannot provide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Shape

If traditional reshaping treatments are applied to keratin-rich substrates, then the substrate can be relaxed, but the strength and durability of the substrate are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate relaxationVSAvoidsubstrate strength and durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment includes preliminary conditioning agents and protective components that prepare and protect the keratin structure before relaxation occurs, preventing damage during the reshaping process and maintaining substrate strength and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation includes cushioning agents and protective ingredients that absorb excess stress and prevent over-relaxation or structural damage to the keratin substrate, ensuring that the substrate maintains its strength and integrity throughout the treatment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 method effectively reshapes and repairs keratin-rich substrates, providing a durable, wash-resistant smooth film with enhanced gloss and strength, while eliminating the use of formaldehyde, thus reducing health risks and maintaining performance through multiple washings.

Implementation Method 1

A composition comprising an organosilanol component and an organic hemiaminal component is applied in a two-step process... to create a wash-resistant, flexible film that reshapes and repairs keratin-rich substrates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

create a wash-resistant, flexible film that conforms to keratin-rich substrates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

the substrate-activating component is an aqueous solution having a pH of about 1 to 4 or a pH of about 10 to 13

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH-induced chemical modification: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12171863B2Compositions and methods for reshaping keratin-rich substrates and forming adherent flexible films

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 GELEST TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Compositions and methods for reshaping keratin-rich substrates while forming adherent flexible films contain emulsified or soluble mixtures of silanols and hemiaminals or the reaction products of silanols and hemiaminals including silylated hemiaminals. A method for treating split-ends in hair is also described.