Solid Shampoo Composition Using Superabsorbent Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid shampoo compositions are wasteful, environmentally unfriendly, and harsh on hair and skin due to high sulfate content, which strips color and feels harsh.
Innovation Solution
A solid shampoo composition comprising at least 60 wt% of one or more solid surfactants, with at least 10 wt% being compounds of formula (I), providing a mild and effective cleansing without excessive water usage, including a mixture of sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate and other surfactants for improved foam and rinse properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid shampoo composition is used, then good foam and rinse properties are achieved, but the composition is heavy, contains large volumes of water, and is wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the shampoo composition from liquid phase to solid phase by using superabsorbent polymer particles that absorb water to form a gel structure. This phase transition allows the shampoo to maintain water-based foam and rinse properties while eliminating the weight and volume issues of liquid formulations. The solid gel particles dissolve upon contact with water during washing, providing the desired liquid-like performance without the transport burden.
2Ease of operation
If high-sulfate shampoo composition is used, then good foam and rinse properties are achieved, but the composition is harsh on skin and hair and strips color
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by completely eliminating sulfates and replacing them with alternative surfactant systems including alkyl polyglucosides, fatty acid salts, and amino acid-based surfactants. This parameter change maintains effective cleansing and foam properties while significantly reducing harshness and color-stripping effects on hair and skin. The new surfactant combination provides gentle yet effective cleaning action.
3Weight of moving object
If solid shampoo formulation is used, then portability and waste reduction are improved, but the formulation must achieve adequate foam and cleanse without traditional sulfate surfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite solid shampoo formulation combining superabsorbent polymer particles with multiple types of gentle surfactants, conditioning agents, and foam boosters. This composite structure allows the solid bar to generate adequate foam and provide effective cleansing without relying on traditional sulfates. The combination of materials works synergistically to deliver solid-state portability with liquid-like performance characteristics.
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 solid shampoo composition is more portable, reduces waste, is gentle on hair and skin, and effectively cleanses with good foam and rinse characteristics, maintaining hair softness and shine.
Implementation Method 1
The composition comprises 1-60 wt % superabsorbent polymer particles
Implementation Method 2
comprising at least 60 wt % of one or more solid surfactants
Data Source
AI summary
A solid personal care composition comprising at least 60 wt % of one or more solid surfactants of which at least 10 wt % comprises one or more compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 represents a C4-36 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; each of R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group and wherein at least one of R2, R3, R4 and R5 is not hydrogen; and M+ represents a cation.