Silicone-Polycarbonate Copolymer Particles for Biodegradable Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silicone elastomer particles are chemically stable and non-biodegradable, posing environmental risks, and there is a need for particles that provide similar texture and feel while being biodegradable.
Innovation Solution
A radical polymerizable polycarbonate modified silicone compound with specific structures is used to form silicone-polycarbonate copolymer particles through radical polymerization, which are biodegradable and offer comparable texture and feel to conventional silicone elastomer particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional silicone elastomer particles are used, then excellent texture and feel are achieved, but biodegradability is poor and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates silicone-polycarbonate copolymer particles that combine silicone elastomer and polycarbonate in a single composite material. The copolymer structure integrates the texture-providing silicone components with biodegradable polycarbonate segments, allowing the material to deliver excellent tactile properties while being environmentally degradable through microbial action on the polycarbonate portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the chemical composition parameters of silicone elastomer particles by incorporating polycarbonate units into the polymer chain. This changes the material's fundamental properties from non-biodegradable to biodegradable, while maintaining the silicone-based texture characteristics through controlled copolymerization ratios and structural design.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used to reduce environmental impact, then environmental safety improves, but texture and feel may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a silicone-polycarbonate copolymer composite, the invention merges the biodegradability of polycarbonate with the tactile excellence of silicone. The copolymer structure allows biodegradable polycarbonate segments to provide environmental safety while silicone segments maintain the desired texture and feel properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The copolymer structure enables different regions of the polymer chain to have different functions: polycarbonate segments provide biodegradability and environmental safety, while silicone segments localized within the same polymer provide excellent texture and feel. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between environmental safety and sensory performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If crosslinked structure is formed for stability, then particle integrity is improved, but biodegradability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the nature of crosslinks from stable silicon-oxygen-silicon bonds to polymerizable vinyl-containing groups that form carbon-based crosslinks. These vinyl crosslinks provide sufficient particle integrity for cosmetic application while being susceptible to microbial degradation, thus maintaining biodegradability despite the presence of crosslinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinked structure undergoes a transition from stable, non-degradable silicone crosslinks to degradable vinyl-based crosslinks through radical polymerization. This phase change in crosslink chemistry enables the particles to maintain structural integrity during use while transitioning to a biodegradable state under environmental conditions.
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 copolymer particles provide excellent texture and feel, are biodegradable, reducing environmental impact, and are suitable for cosmetic and organic resin applications.
Implementation Method 1
capable of forming novel silicone-polycarbonate copolymer particles by radical polymerization using one component
Implementation Method 2
primary particles thereof have a property of disintegrating with the generation of non-crosslinked siloxane molecules due to a decomposition reaction of microorganisms
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a radical polymerizable polycarbonate modified silicone compound capable of forming novel silicone-polycarbonate copolymer particles by radical polymerization using one component, and a method for producing the same. Furthermore, the present invention provides copolymer particles obtained by radical polymerization of the compound, as well as use and a production method thereof. [Solution] A radical polymerizable polycarbonate modified silicone compound having in each molecule two or more polycarbonate structures expressed by the following structural formula (1): (wherein x, y, and z are numbers in a range of 1 to 20, and Ra is a group selected from a hydrogen atom and a (meth)acrylic terminal group) and having in each molecule two or more (meth)acrylic terminal groups; silicone-polycarbonate copolymer particles made therefrom; and use thereof.