Stable High Internal Phase Emulsions Using Non-Silicone Stabilizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are difficult to manufacture and unstable, often requiring careful mixing to prevent phase inversion and are typically stabilized with environmentally unsustainable silicone compounds, which complicates their production and storage.
Innovation Solution
A stable high internal phase emulsion comprising at least 74% aqueous internal phase, stabilized by a system of lecithin, sodium acrylate copolymer, and polyglyceryl fatty acid ester, with a stabilizing system representing at least 3.2% by weight, allowing for easy manufacturing and extended storage stability without silicone compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional silicone-based emulsifiers are used to stabilize HIPE emulsions, then the emulsion achieves stable rheological properties and lightweight sensory characteristics, but the environmental sustainability and eco-friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the emulsifier system by replacing silicone-based compounds with a specific combination of non-silicone ingredients (lecithin, sodium acrylate copolymer, and polyglyceryl fatty acid ester) that maintain the required stabilizing function while eliminating environmental harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite emulsifier system combining multiple non-silicone components (lecithin, sodium acrylate copolymer, and polyglyceryl fatty acid ester) working together to achieve the stabilizing effect previously attributed to single-component silicone emulsifiers, thereby maintaining performance while improving environmental compatibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If HIPE emulsions are manufactured with small amounts of external phase (less than 26%), then the internal phase volume fraction exceeds 0.74 achieving high viscoelastic flow behavior, but the manufacturing difficulty increases due to phase inversion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the emulsifier concentration parameter (at least 3.2% by weight) and composition to enable stable HIPE formation with higher internal phase content (80-90%) while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing phase inversion risks through optimized stabilizing system properties
3Reliability
If conventional HIPE emulsions are manufactured with careful dropwise addition of water phase to prevent phase inversion, then the emulsion stability is maintained, but the production time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the emulsifier system parameters to enable faster mixing processes while maintaining phase stability, allowing HIPE emulsions to be manufactured with standard mixing procedures rather than requiring time-consuming dropwise addition methods
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 emulsion remains stable for at least one month at room temperature and exhibits excellent sensory characteristics such as quick break sensation and silky finish, while being free of silicones, making it suitable for skincare and makeup compositions.
Implementation Method 1
the emulsion is stabilized by stabilizing system comprising at least: (a) lecithin; (b) a sodium acrylate copolymer; (c) a polyglyceryl fatty acid ester
Implementation Method 2
This invention, therefore, is directed to a HIPE, that is stable and that has desirable characteristics when used
Data Source
AI summary
High internal phase emulsion comprising at least 74% by volume of an aqueous internal phase, and an oily external phase, wherein the emulsion is stabilized by stabilizing system comprising at least: (a) lecithin; (b) a sodium acrylate copolymer ; (c) a polyglyceryl fatty acid ester, preferably polyglyceryl polyricinoleate, wherein the stabilizing system represents at least 3.2% by weight of the emulsion. A process for preparing said high internal phase emulsion by direct emulsification method or by phase inversion method. Cosmetic compositions comprising said high internal phase emulsion.