Star-Shaped Thickening Polymer for Clear Gels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thickening polymers fail to produce clear gels with low tan δ values, pH below 6.4, compatibility with anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants, and insensitivity to electrolytes, while maintaining stability and foam development, especially in personal cleansing products.
Innovation Solution
A polymer is synthesized through radical emulsion polymerization without associative monomers, using acidic vinyl monomers, nonionic vinyl monomers, monomers with unsaturated end groups and polyoxyalkylene moieties, and cross-linking monomers, with controlled polymerization to achieve the gel effect and high molecular weights, ensuring compatibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If associative monomers are used to thicken aqueous preparations, then viscosity and gel formation are improved, but clarity (haze values) deteriorates and tan δ values increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes associative monomers from the polymer composition entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes haze and high tan δ values while maintaining thickening functionality through alternative polymer architecture (star-shaped polymer with polyoxyalkylene moieties)
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite approach by combining multiple monomer types (acidic vinyl monomer, nonionic vinyl monomer, monomer with polyoxyalkylene moiety) in a star-shaped polymer architecture to achieve both thickening and clarity without relying on associative monomers
2Productivity
If the polymerization rate is increased to improve productivity, then the Trommsdorff effect causes temperature increase and safety issues, but slower polymerization reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The polymerization process is segmented into controlled stages with specific monomer addition sequences and timing, allowing heat management while maintaining productivity. The star-shaped polymer synthesis with controlled arm formation prevents runaway reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback control through monitoring polymerization progress and adjusting monomer addition rates accordingly, preventing excessive temperature rise while maintaining efficient polymerization through controlled radical polymerization mechanisms
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 resulting polymer achieves clear gels with low tan δ values, stability at high temperatures, and compatibility with various surfactants, maintaining foam development and sensory properties, suitable for personal cleansing products.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to a novel thickening polymer... A polymer is synthesized through radical emulsion polymerization
Implementation Method 2
controlled polymerization to achieve the gel effect and high molecular weights
Implementation Method 3
The water causes the polymers to swell into gels in order to influence viscosity and flow behavior
Implementation Method 4
monomers with unsaturated end groups and polyoxyalkylene moieties
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to polymer that can be obtained by the radical emulsion polymerization of (A) at least one acidic vinyl monomer or the salt thereof; (B) at least one nonionic vinyl monomer, particularly preferably a hydrophobic nonionic vinyl monomer; (C) at least one monomer containing an unsaturated end group and a polyoxyalkylene part; (D) at least one crosslinking monomer; and (E) optionally, a protective colloid. The invention is characterized in that the polymerization is controlled such that (F) the gel effect occurs, at least at times, achieved by adding monomers of type (A), (B), and (C) (dosing time) within 120 minutes; and such that (G) the crosslinking monomer (D) is added, at the very earliest, 10 minutes after the first addition of the monomers (A), (B), and (C).