Consumer Specialties Technologies
Bimodal Polymer Technology
(Patent Pending)
Improving Hair and Skin Care Products Interpolymer's unique bimodal technology is designed to produce quick-setting hold, high humidity resistance and effective curl retention in hair styling aids. Bimodals are also ideal for skin care products where they offer rub and wear resistance, and improved formulation durability. This innovative technology uses a bimodal interpenetrating network to deliver both cationic and anionic functions. Engineered hydrophobic and hydrophilic balance gives the bimodals a pleasant, natural feel without stiffness, flaking, or buildup. Ease of removability is an added benefit.
The illustration below shows the ionic interaction during the drying process. This novel technology relies on the ability to produce stable dispersion and solutions containing polymer molecules with different ionic changes. During the drying process, the bimodal polymer will form an ionic complex, as described above, even before the final film is completely dry and sets. The resultant complex or »gel« prevents the formulation from migrating even before the water or solvent has completely evaporated. The ability of bimodal polymers to set quickly under high humidity conditions make them a reliable alternative to current hair and skin care polymers. Easy removability is achieved by a "Lock and Key" mechanism that is activated by regular soap or shampoo applications whereby the anionic portion of the bimodal polymer is drawn away from the cationic hold on the hair substrate as evidenced by the grey arrow shown below.
Co-manufactured polymers with different ionic charges combine to form ionic and hydrogen bonds during the drying process.
Interpolymer's Bimodal Polymers currently include:
Interpolymer researchers introduce a unique bimodal technology which enhances hair styling products. For a complete reprint of paper from December 2004 International Journal for Applied Science : Bimodal Polymers for Next Generation Hair Styling Products
For a complete reprint of paper from July 2007 Happi: Fast-Acting, Skin-Firming Polymer Technology
Benefits of Bimodal Polymers
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