Functionalized polymers
Inventors
Amajjahe, Sadik • Mentel, Matthias • Meyer, Juergen • Wang, Andrew Wilson • Fonseca, Arnoldo
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11865374-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to functionalized polymers, a process for producing functionalized polymers and the use of functionalized polymers, especially in the field of personal care.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to functionalized hydroxyl-containing polymers comprising monomeric units of general formula (I). In the polymer, R1 is selected from alkyl radicals and alkenyl radicals, R2 is selected from hydroxyl substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, and R3 and R4 are selected from H and methyl. The monomeric units of general formula (I) make up at least 90 wt.% of the total weight of the polymer.
The polymer is defined by quantitative compositional and physicochemical constraints, including that at least 90 wt.% of all R1 are alkyl and alkenyl radicals having 6 to 32 carbon atoms. The weight ratio of the sum of all R2-bearing-units to the sum of all R1-bearing-units is in the range of 1:100 to 1:0.5. The polymer further requires number average molecular weight Mn in the range of 2,000 to 8,100 g/mol, weight average molecular weight Mw in the range of 12,000 to 250,000 g/mol, and a Mw/Mn ratio in the range of 0.1 to 3.6.
The polymer is also provided as being obtainable by a radical polymerization process using defined monomers and an initiator system, with optional use of a chain transfer agent and optional chasing/removal of excess monomers followed by purification. The described monomers correspond to monomeric units of general formula (I) and allow copolymers (random/graft/block) to be prepared. The resulting polymers are positioned for performance in personal care systems.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim coverage centers on a hydroxyl-functionalized polymer defined by monomeric units of general formula (I) with strict composition and molecular-weight constraints. A further independent claim family extends coverage to a preparation process by radical polymerization of defined monomers using an initiator system, with optional chain transfer agent presence and optional post-processing steps.
Hydroxyl-functionalized polymer with monomeric units of general formula (I)
A polymer comprising monomeric units of general formula (I) wherein R1 is selected from alkyl radicals and alkenyl radicals, R2 is selected from hydroxyl substituted hydrocarbyl radicals, and R3 and R4 are selected from H and methyl; the monomeric units of general formula (I) make up at least 90 wt.% of the total weight of the polymer; at least 90 wt.% of all R1 are alkyl and alkenyl radicals having 6 to 32 carbon atoms; the weight ratio of the sum of all R2-bearing-units to the sum of all R1-bearing-units is 1:100 to 1:0.5; Mn is 2,000 to 8,100 g/mol; Mw is 12,000 to 250,000 g/mol; and Mw/Mn is 0.1 to 3.6.
Preparation by radical polymerization using defined monomers and an initiator system
A process preparing a polymer by providing monomer (1) and monomer (2) defined by general formulas (II) and (III) with substituent/ratio requirements consistent with the polymer definition, and adding an initiator to carry out radical polymerization, optionally removing excess monomers and optionally purifying the polymer.
Overall claim coverage defines a specific hydroxyl-containing polymer architecture by monomer type, composition, and molecular-weight metrics. The coverage also extends to preparing such polymers via radical polymerization using defined monomers and an initiator, with optional presence of a chain transfer agent and optional post-processing.
Stated Advantages
Improved skin feel in personal care applications.
Higher water resistance in sunscreen systems.
Better compatibility with organic UV-filters.
Easier formulation.
Improved pigment dispersion.
Enhanced fragrance retention on hair.
Documented Applications
Personal care formulations containing the polymer.
Sunscreen systems, including performance relating to water resistance and compatibility with organic UV-filters.
Film formation for skin and hair.
Fragrance retention on hair and retention of fragrance/oil on skin/hair.
Pigment dispersion and use in color cosmetic-type formulations involving pigments.
Emulsion formulations including oil-in-water and water-in-oil forms; deodorant sticks/roll-ons; sun care sprays/creams/foams; and solid pigment dispersion examples.
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