NANOK · ToK on Nanostructure and Nanotechnology

Final Activity Report Summary - NANOK (ToK on Nanostructure and Nanotechnology)

The project provided seven researchers with the opportunity to provide, absorb and implement new knowledge in a professional industrial-academic environment with the aim of forging a long-term relationship between YKI AB (YtKemiska Institutet) and Procter and Gamble in the key areas of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials. The objectives of NANOK were to develop new knowledge in the following two research topics: (1) development of dye loaded nanostructured mesoporous silica for cosmetics and skincare; (2) development of nanoparticles for surface care including their application to hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface modification. Continuous ToK was enabled by exchange of senior scientists and the training of three post-docs at the four host sites. Regular meetings ensured project development and knowledge-sharing between P&G and YKI in the key areas of surface chemistry, colour cosmetics and surface care technologies. Several on-going collaborations were established that will benefit both YKI and P& G in their future R&D activities. Dissemination was performed through external presentations at three international conferences and applications have been filed for three international patents based on the particle structure, manufacturing method and FMCG applications of pigment technology. Results were discussed with Dr Alan Smith (AZ-Tech United Kingdom) as a consultant to help develop an appropriate dissemination strategy. With regard to pigmentation technologies, a tri-chromatic dye system (yellow, red and blue dyes) was identified which provided maximum colour flexibility in a cosmetic system and achieved good spectral matching to skin necessary for natural-looking foundations. Pigments containing F, D& C dyes were synthesised, surface treated with various silane chemistries and dispersed into simple cosmetic systems for compatibility testing and colorimetric assessment. Studies relating dye content to percentage leakage were performed and an optimal dye loading of 10-15 wt% identified. Basic sol-gel chemistry was directly linked to the pigment encapsulation properties allowing understanding of how process conditions influence final pigment performance. Collaboration with Cabot Corporation allowed pigment production to be scaled up for use in formulation and consumer trials and a prototype formulations of cosmetics products containing the YKI pigments were developed and proved to deliver superior spectral match to human skin. Significant results have been obtained on performance of organic pigment technologies in cosmetics and skincare products that will inform future development projects. Reapplication of the pigment technology is being explored within P&G. With regard to surface modification technologies, key consumer relevant surface characteristics were identified as cleaning ability, shine, drying time and lime scale removal and a variety of brush-ethoxylated (pegylated) polyanionic polymers were synthesised and formulated into PECs with previously selected polycations. PEC nanoparticles were characterized for size, surface charge, and surface deposition using a number of novel surface analysis methods. PEC nanoparticle systems were screened for their shine and rinse profile, identifying several candidates which perform in line with best performing commercial surface modification technologies. The decision was made not to progress the new technologies to consumer testing as no superior performance had been identified for PECs. Increased knowledge on interactions of oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes in household detergent formulations and new surface characterisation methods has been obtained that will form the basis for new projects planned in the area of surface modification, shine and soil repellency.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз