Silicone Polyether Microemulsions for Clear Personal Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to identify aqueous emulsions with a dispersed phase of silicone polyethers, particularly those forming microemulsions with an average particle size of less than 100 nanometers, which are optically clear and transparent, and to develop formulations for personal care products that utilize these microemulsions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of silicone polyether microemulsions comprising at least 20% by weight of a water-immiscible dispersed phase, including a polydialkylsiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymer and optionally a water-immiscible silicone or hydrocarbon fluid, stabilized with at least 5% by weight of an emulsifier, which are optically transparent and maintain clarity upon dilution, suitable for use in personal care products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrophobic silicone polyether is used as the oil phase in an emulsion, then the emulsifying properties are improved, but the emulsion forms a water-in-silicone polyether emulsion instead of an aqueous emulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance parameter by selecting specific polyoxyalkylene chain lengths (a=7-12) and compositions in the copolymer structure, transforming the emulsion type from water-in-oil to oil-in-water while maintaining effective emulsifying properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite copolymer structure combining polydialkylsiloxane and polyoxyalkylene components with specific molecular weight ratios, creating a material that achieves both hydrophobic emulsifying properties and aqueous emulsion formation
2Illumination intensity
If the average particle size of the dispersed silicone polyether phase is reduced to less than 100 nanometers, then the microemulsion clarity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including the polyoxyalkylene chain length (a=7-12), copolymer molecular weights (x and y values), and emulsifier concentration to achieve and maintain particle sizes below 100 nm with consistent optical clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific emulsifiers as intermediary substances that facilitate the formation and stabilization of ultra-fine dispersed phases, enabling particle size control below 100 nm without requiring extreme manufacturing precision
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 silicone polyether microemulsions achieve optical transparency and stability, allowing for the creation of clear personal care products with improved performance and functionality, such as enhanced conditioning properties in hair care formulations.
Implementation Method 1
aqueous silicone polyether microemulsions comprising: i) at least 20% by weight of a water immiscible dispersed phase
Implementation Method 2
a polydialkylsiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymer having the average formula: R1[0005]
Implementation Method 3
the present silicone polyethers are dispersed within the microemulsion composition having an average particle size of less than 100 nanometers. As such, the microemulsions are essentially clear and/or transparent to visible light
Data Source
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AI summary
Silicone polyether microemulsions are disclosed containing i) at least 20% by weight of a water immiscible dispersed phase comprising certain polydialkylsiloxane-polyoxyalkylene copolymers having 0.1 to 10 wt% ethylene oxide (C2H4O) groups, optionally a water immiscible silicone or hydrocarbon fluid, and ii) at least 5% by weight of an emulsifier. The silicone polyether microemulsions are optically transparent and have an average particle size of less than 100 nanometers. They may be used in a variety of personal care product formulations. In particular, the silicone polyether microemulsions may be used to prepare "clear" personal care products.