Ester-terminated poly(ester-amides) useful for formulating transparent gels in low polarity fluids

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a resin composition comprising an ester-terminated poly (esteramide), a method of making the same, a personal care product, and a controlled release composition. These resin compositions are useful for forming gels, in particular with low-polar liquids such as hydrocarbons.

Personal care products usually contain one or more active ingredients in a carrier composition. While the active ingredient (s) determine the end performance characteristics of the product, the carrier composition is equally important to the commercial success of the product. The rheology of the carrier (also referred to as the "base") largely determines the runnability of the product, and the runnability largely determines the way in which the user will apply or apply the product.

For example, aluminum hydrochloride and aluminum-zirconium tetrachlorohydrex-Gly are metal salts that are commonly used as active ingredients in deodorant and antiperspirant products. Consumers show a preference for the use of deodorant sticks. Thus, the carrier in a stick deodorant must be a relatively hard substance; in these products a waxy fatty alcohol such as stearyl alcohol is used as the carrier. As another example, the active ingredient in lipstick is a colorant. The lipstick should not be as hard as stick deodorant, but of course it must retain its shape unused at room temperature. It is known that a mixture of wax and oil gives a consistency well suited as a carrier for lipstick. As a final example, the shampoo preferably has a viscosity greater than water - when the active ingredient (s) in the shampoo does not have a sufficiently high viscosity, a high viscosity carrier substance is preferably included in the shampoo composition.

It can be seen from the above examples that personal care product formulators rely on the availability of materials having different rheological properties to compose a successful personal care product. Materials which are gel-like in nature in that they hold shape when left standing but flow when rubbed are often desirable for personal care products.

Transparent (ie transparent) carriers are needed by formulators who are developing a personal care product in which the colorant is the active ingredient because a transparent carrier (as opposed to an opaque one) will minimize, if any, detriment to the appearance of the colorant. However, in recent years, consumers have shown increasing interest in transparent personal care products such as deodorants and shampoos. Thus, there is an increasing need for transparent materials that provide the rheological properties necessary in various personal care products, and particularly those that can impart a gel-like character to a formulation.

A polyamide resin made from polymerized fatty acid and diamine has been reported to act as a gelling agent in formulations developed as personal care products. For example, US Patent No. 3,148,125 relates to a clear lipstick composition made of a polyamide resin composed of a lower aliphatic alcohol and a so-called "polyamide solvent". Similarly, US Patent No. 5,500,209 describes the preparation of a gel or stick deodorant, wherein the composition comprises a polyamide gelling agent and a solvent system including monohydric or polyhydric alcohols. Thus, it is already known in the art to mix certain polyamides with alcohols to form a gel.

Certain modified polyamide resins, e.g., polyamides, which are only partially amidated but contain esterified carboxyl groups, have been described as imparting high gel strength and marked thixotropic properties to coating compositions containing alkyd resins or drying oils (see U.S. Patent No. 3,141,767 Goetze and others). However, the modified polyamide resins of Goetze et al. they are not disclosed as useful gelling agents in personal care products or as useful gelling agents when used as a low polar fluid carrier.

Low polar fluids are preferably present in the personal care formulation as they are often transparent, relatively cheap, and non-toxic. Low-polar liquids are also available in many viscosity and purity grades. However, low-polar fluids often do not have the rheological properties desired in a carrier, e.g., they do not naturally exhibit a gel-like character. There is a need in the art for materials that can be combined with a low polar solvent such as a hydrocarbon or fatty acid ester to form a transparent substance that is

Gel-like nature. The gel-like nature preferably means a feeling of smooth, silky touch when the gel is rubbed into the skin. The compositions of the invention exhibit the same and similar preferred features described herein.

A resin composition comprising an ester-terminated poly (ester-amide) prepared by the reaction of components including a dibasic acid, diamine, polyol and monoalcohol, according to the invention is characterized in that (a) at least 50 equivalent percent of the dibasic acid is polymerized fatty acid;

(b) at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylenediamine;

(c) 10-60 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol, preferably an alcohol of formula R³-OH where R.³ is a hydrocarbyl radical with at least 10 carbon atoms; and (d) no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol is provided by a polyol, preferably a polyol of formula R⁴(OH) n, where R.⁴ represents an n-valent organic group, n is selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Preferably, in the composition, the polymerized fatty acid constitutes at least 75 equivalent percent of the acid equivalents of the dibasic acid.

Preferably, the polymerized fatty acid in the composition comprises at least 90 equivalent percent of the acid equivalents of the dibasic acid.

Preferably, in the composition, ethylenediamine makes up at least 75 equivalent percent of the amine equivalents of the diamine.

Preferably, in the composition, the polymerized fatty acid constitutes at least 75 equivalent percent of the acid equivalents of the dibasic acid, and ethylene diamine constitutes at least 75 equivalent percent of the amine equivalents of the diamine.

Preferably, R.³ represents a C10-C30 hydrocarbon radical.

Preferably, R.³ represents a C30-C70 hydrocarbon radical.

Preferably, R.³ represents an alkyl or aralkyl group.

Preferably, the monoalcohol is selected from decanol, tetradecanol, hexadecanol, octadecanol (stearyl alcohol), behenyl alcohol and linear wax alcohols having 22-70 carbon atoms.

Preferably, R.⁴ represents a C2-C20 organic group without hydroxyl substitution.

Preferably, R.⁴ represents a hydrocarbon radical.

Preferably, the polyol is selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin, tris (hydroxymethyl) propane, pentaerythritol, neopentyl glycol, tris (hydroxymethyl) methanol, di-pentaerythritol and tri-pentaerythritol.

Preferably, the amine equivalents from diamine are 0.3 to 0.75 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol.

Preferably, the hydroxyl equivalents from polyol are 0.05 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol.

Preferably, the hydroxyl equivalents from monoalcohol are 0.20 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol.

Preferably, the amine equivalents from diamine are 0.30 to 0.75 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol; the hydroxyl equivalents from polyol is 0.05 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol; and the hydroxyl equivalents from monoalcohol are 0.20 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol.

Preferably, the dibasic acid reagent comprises a co-diacid selected from 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid and dodecanedioic acid.

Preferably, the diamine reagent comprises a co-diamine selected from 1,6-hexanediamine, xylenediamine, 1,2-propanediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine and 1,12-dodecanediamine.

Preferably, the polymerized fatty acid constitutes at least 75 equivalent percent of the acid equivalents of the dibasic acid, ethylenediamine is at least 75 equivalent percent of the amine equivalents of the amine; amine equivalents from diamine is 0.30 to 0.75 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol

PL 209 901 B1 and monoalcohol; the hydroxyl equivalents from polyol is 0.05 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol; and the hydroxyl equivalents from monoalcohol are 0.20 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol.

Preferably, the composition is prepared by reacting ingredients including a polymerized fatty acid, neopentyl glycol, ethylenediamine and a monoalcohol of formula R³-OR, where R.³ represents a linear hydrocarbon radical R16-22.

Preferably, the composition further comprises a hydrocarbon; wherein the composition has the consistency of a gel.

More preferably, 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol.

More preferably, the resin composition is prepared by reacting ingredients including a polymerized fatty acid, neopentyl glycol, ethylenediamine and monoalcohol of formula R³-OH, where R.³ represents a C16-22 linear hydrocarbon radical.

More preferably, the hydrocarbon is mineral oil.

More preferably, the composition is transparent.

Preferably, the composition further comprises an ester compound containing the chemical group -OC (= O) -, the composition having the consistency of a gel.

More preferably, 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol.

More preferably, the resin composition is prepared by reacting ingredients including a polymerized fatty acid, neopentyl glycol, ethylenediamine and monoalcohol of formula R³-OH, where R.³ represents a C16-22 linear hydrocarbon radical.

More preferably, the ester compound has the formula R.³-OC (= O) -R⁴where R.³ and r⁴ are hydrocarbon radicals.

More preferably, the composition is transparent.

Preferably, the composition further comprises a polyester compound, wherein the composition has a gel consistency.

More preferably, 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol.

More preferably, the resin composition is prepared by reacting ingredients including a polymerized fatty acid, neopentyl glycol, ethylenediamine and monoalcohol of formula R³-OH, where R.³ represents a C16-22 linear hydrocarbon radical.

A method of producing a resin composition containing an ester-terminated poly (ester amide) as defined above according to the invention is characterized by reacting "w" hydroxyl equivalents of a polyol or a reactive equivalent thereof, "x" equivalents of a carboxylic acid from a diacid or its reactive equivalent, "y" diamine amine equivalents, and "from" hydroxyl equivalents of a monoalcohol or a reactive equivalent thereof under reaction conditions giving a resin composition with an acid number less than 20 and an amine number less than 20, where at least 50% of the carboxylic acid equivalents are derived from polymerized fatty acid, at least 50 equivalents the amine is derived from ethylenediamine, and monoalcohol is essentially the only monofunctional reagent used to make the resin, wherein w / (w + y + z) ranges from 0.05 to 0.45; y / (w + y + z) ranges from 0.25 to 0.75; and z / (w + y + z) ranges from 0.20 to 0.50.

Preferably, 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol.

Preferably, a resin composition having a softening point in the range of 40 to 150 ° C is prepared.

PL 209 901 B1

The personal care product according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises the resin composition as defined above.

Preferably, the personal care product further comprises at least one cosmetically active ingredient.

Preferably, the personal care product is in the form of a lipstick or a lip pencil.

Preferably, the personal care product further comprises at least one dermatologically active ingredient.

Preferably, the personal care product is in the form of a deodorant stick.

Preferably, the personal care product comprises a resin composition made by reacting ingredients including polymerized fatty acid, neopentyl glycol, ethylenediamine and monoalcohol of formula R³-OH, where R.³ represents a C16-22 linear hydrocarbon radical.

A controlled release composition containing a volatile component according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a resin composition as defined previously.

Preferably, the controlled release composition comprises a resin composition made by the reaction of ingredients including polymerized fatty acid, neopentyl glycol, ethylenediamine and monoalcohol of formula R³-OH, where R.³ represents a C16-22 linear hydrocarbon radical.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising (a) a resin composition formed by the reaction of ingredients including a dibasic acid, diamine, polyol, and mono-alcohol, wherein at least 50 equivalent percent of the dibasic acid is polymerized fatty acid; and at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylene diamine; and (b) a hydrocarbon; wherein the composition has the consistency of a gel. Preferably, 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol. In one aspect of the invention, some or all of the hydrocarbons are substituted with polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) or other silicon-containing substances (such as phenylated silicones such as phenyltrimethicones, phenyldimethicones and phenyltrimethylsiloxydiphenylsiloxanes and the like).

In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising (a) a resin composition made by reacting ingredients including a dibasic acid, a diamine, a polyol, and a monoalcohol, wherein at least 50 equivalents of the dibasic acid are polymerized fatty acid; and at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylene diamine; and (b) an ester compound containing the chemical group -OC (= O) -, wherein the composition has the consistency of a gel. Preferably, 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising (a) a resin composition made by reacting ingredients including a dibasic acid, a diamine, a polyol, and a monoalcohol, wherein at least 50 equivalents of the dibasic acid are polymerized fatty acid; and at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylene diamine; and (b) a polyester compound; wherein the composition has the consistency of a gel. Preferably, 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol.

The resin composition of the present invention can be applied to a candle comprising a wick, the candle further comprising a solvent that is gelled through the resin.

As already mentioned, the present invention provides an ester-terminated poly (ester amide) (ETPEA) and a method of making a gum composition (hereinafter simply "resin") containing, in whole or in part, EPTEA. The resin containing ETPEA ("ETPEA resin") is useful as a gelling agent for hydrocarbons and other low-polar liquids where the resulting gels are useful ingredients, e.g., in personal care products, candles, lubricants, inks, corrosion inhibitors, cosmetic formulations and other products which can take advantage of the gel-like nature.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a resin composition made by reacting ingredients including a dibasic acid, a diamine, a polyol, and a monoalcohol, wherein at least 50 equivalent percent of the dibasic acid is polymerized fatty acid;

And at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylene diamine. Before further describing this resin, and other aspects of the present invention, the reagents useful in making the resin are described.

A dibasic acid is an organic molecule containing two carboxylic acid groups or their reactive equivalents. A preferred dibasic acid is a polymerized fatty acid, and in particular a dimer of the acid component of the polymerized fatty acid component. The polymerized fatty acid is typically a mixture of structures including an acid dimer and an acid trimer, where the individual acid dimer can be saturated, unsaturated, cyclic, acyclic, etc. The polymerized fatty acid used to prepare the inventive resin is a well-known commercial material and thus need not be described in more detail. The polymerized fatty acid is typically formed by heating long chain unsaturated fatty acids, e.g., C18 monocarboxylic acids, to about 200-250 ° C in the presence of an alumina catalyst to polymerize fatty acids. The product typically comprises an acid dimer, that is, a C36 dicarboxylic acid formed by fatty acid dimerization, and an acid trimer, that is, a C54 tricarboxylic acid formed by fatty acid trimerization. For a more detailed discussion of fatty acid polymerization, see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,157,681 and Naval Stores - Production, Chemistry and Utilization, DF Zinkel and J. Russell (eds.), Pulp. Chem. Assoc. Inc., 1989, chapter 23.

Since fatty acid polymerization typically produces significantly more acid dimer than acid trimer, those skilled in the art can often refer to polymerized fatty acid as acid dimer, even though some acid trimer, and even higher polymerization products, may be present with the acid dimer. Preferably, the polymerized fatty acid comprises less than about 20 wt.% Acid trimer, based on the total weight of the polymerized fatty acid, and the acid dimer comprises at least about 80 wt.% Of the polymerized fatty acid. More preferably, the acid dimer comprises substantially all of the polymerized fatty acid.

Typical unsaturated fatty acids used in the production of polymerized fatty acid include oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, etc. Tall oil fatty acid, which is a mixture containing long-chain unsaturated fatty acids obtained as a by-product in the production of wood pulp, is preferred in the production of polymerized polymerized a fatty acid useful in the invention. While tall oil fatty acid is the preferred source of long chain fatty acid, polymerized fatty acid may alternatively be produced by polymerizing unsaturated fatty acids from other sources, e.g., soybean or rapeseed. A polymerized fatty acid useful in the invention is a liquid with an acid number on the order of about 180 to about 200.

The polymerized fatty acid of the invention may be hydrogenated prior to use in the inventive resin-forming reaction. The hydrogenation tends to give the resin of the invention a slightly higher melting point, as well as imparting to the resin greater stability against oxidation and color stability. The hydrogenated polymerized fatty acid tends to give rise to a lighter colored resin, and is a preferred polymerized fatty acid for use in the practice of the present invention.

Polymerized fatty acid, acid dimer, and hydrogenated versions thereof can be obtained from many commercial suppliers. For example, Arizona Chemical (Jacksonville, Fla.) Markets a polymerized fatty acid under the trade name UNIDYME®.

In addition to the polymerized fatty acid or its reactive equivalents, the dibasic acid can include a dibasic acid of the formula HOOC-R¹-COOH or its reactive equivalents, which may be referred to herein as a co-diacid. In one aspect, R.¹ has 4 to 19, preferably about 4 to 12, and more preferably about 4 to 8 carbon atoms. The carbon atoms can be arranged in a linear, branched, or cyclic manner, and unsaturation can exist between any two carbon atoms. So, R.¹ it can be aliphatic or aromatic. When present, those of the low-carbon R groups¹ they are preferably made entirely of carbon and hydrogen, i.e., are hydrocarbon groups.

An exemplary co-diacid is a so-called "linear" diacid of the formula HOOC-R¹-COOH where R.¹ is a linear C4-12 hydrocarbyl group, and more preferably is a linear C6-8 hydrocarbyl group. Linear co-diacids suitable for the present invention include 1,6-hexanedioic acid (adipic acid), 1,7-heptanedioic acid (pimelic acid), 1,8-octanedioic acid (suberic acid), 1,9-nonanedioic acid ( azelaic acid), 1,10-decanedioic acid (sebacic acid), 1,11-undecanedioic acid, 1,12-dodecanedioic acid (1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid), 1,13-tridecanedioic acid (brassylic acid) and 1,14-tetradecanedioic acid (1,12-dodecanedicarboxylic acid).

Another exemplary co-diacid for use in the present invention is the reaction product of acrylic or methacrylic acid (or an ester thereof, followed by a hydrolysis step to form the acid) and an unsaturated fatty acid. For example, a C21 diacid of this type can be prepared by reacting acrylic acid with a C8 unsaturated fatty acid (e.g., oleic acid), where an ene reaction is presumably taking place between the reactants. An example of a C21 diacid is commercially available from Westvaco Corporation, Chemical Division, Charleston Heights, SC as Product No. 1550.

Aromatic diacids can be used as a co-diacid. An "aromatic diacid" as used herein is a molecule having two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) or reactive equivalents thereof (eg, acid chloride (-COCl) or ester (-COOR)) and at least one aromatic ring ("Ar") . Phthalic acids, e.g., isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid, are exemplary aromatic diacids. The aromatic diacid may contain aliphatic carbon atoms attached to the aromatic ring (s), as in HOOC-CH2-Ar-CH2-COOH and the like. An aromatic diacid can contain two aromatic rings that can be joined together by one or more carbon bonds (e.g., biphenyl with a carboxylic acid substitution) or which can be fused (e.g., naphthalene with a carboxylic acid substitution).

In one aspect, the resin is prepared with the co-diacid and the co-diacid is selected from 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, and dodecanedioic acid.

The diamine reagent has two amino groups, both of which are preferably primary amines, and is represented by the formula HN (R^2a) -R²-N (R^2a) H. R^2a is preferably hydrogen, but may also be an alkyl group or may also combine with R² or another R.^2a formation of a heterocyclic structure. A preferred diamine is ethylenediamine, i.e. a diamine in which R^2a is hydrogen and R² is -CH2CH2-.

Diamines other than ethylenediamine may be referred to herein as co-diamines. When present, co-diamines are preferably used in a low amount compared to ethylenediamine. In co-diamine, R.² it may be a hydrocarbyl group having at least three carbon atoms, where the carbon atoms may be arranged in a linear, branched or cyclic manner, and the group may be saturated or contain unsaturation. So, R.² it can be aliphatic or aromatic. Preferred hydrocarbon groups are R.² in the co-diamine they have 2 to 36 carbon atoms, more preferred R hydrocarbyl groups² have 2 to 12 carbon atoms and even more preferred hydrocarbon groups have 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

Exemplary co-diamines having hydrocarbon R groups² include, without limitation, 1,2-diaminopropane, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminobutane, 1,2-diamino-2-methylpropane, 1,3-diaminopentane, 1,5-diaminopentane, 2,2-dimethyl -1,3-propanediamine, 1,6-hexanediamine (also known as hexamethylenediamine, HMDA), 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine, 1,7-diaminoheptane, 1,8-diaminooctane, 2,5-dimethyl-2 , 5-hexanediamine, 1,9-diaminononane, 1,10-diaminodecane, 1,12-diaminododecane, diaminophenanthrene (all isomers, including 9.10), 4,4'-methylene bis (cyclohexylamine), 2,7-diaminofluorene, phenylenediamine (1,2, 1,3 and / or 1,4 isomers), adamantanediamine, 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine, 1,3-cyclohexanbis (methylamine), 1 , 8-diamino-p-menthane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, diaminonaphthalene (all isomers including 1.5; 1.8; and 2.3) and 4-amino- 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine.

Suitable aromatic co-diamines (by which are meant molecules having two reactive, preferably primary amino groups (-NH2) and at least one aromatic ring ("Ar") include xylene diamine and naphthalenediamine (all isomers).

The R group of the co-diamine may contain oxygen atoms in the form of a poly (alkylene oxide) group. Examples of poly (alkylene oxide) co-diamines include, without limitation, JEFFAMINE ™ diamines, that is, poly (alkyleneoxy) diamines from Huntsman Chemical (Salt Lake City, Utah), also known as polyether diamines. Preferred poly (alkylene oxide) co-diamines are the diamines of the JEFFAMINE® ED, XTJ and D series. Ether-containing R groups² they are not preferred because they tend to lower the melting point of the resin to an undesirable degree. However, small amounts of poly (alkylene oxide) co-diamine with a high amount of ethylenediamine are suitable for use in the invention.

Group R.² the co-diamines may contain nitrogen atoms, such nitrogen atoms preferably being secondary or tertiary nitrogen atoms. A typical nitrogen-containing group R.² having secondary nitrogen atoms is a polyalkyleneamine, that is, a group containing alternating groups

Alkylene and amino (ie -NH- groups). The alkylene group is preferably ethylene, i.e. -CH2CH2-, and the polyalkyleneamine may be represented by the formula NH2- (CH2CH2NH) mCH2CH2-NH2 where m is an integer from 1 to about 5. Representative examples are diethylenetriamine (DETA) and triethylenetetramine (TETA) . When the diamine contains two primary amines in addition to the secondary amines, the EPTEA-forming reaction is preferably carried out at relatively low temperatures such that the primary amines (favoring the secondary amines) react with the diacid component.

₂

However, the nitrogen atoms in the nitrogen-containing R groups² they may also be present as tertiary nitrogen atoms, e.g., they may be present on a heterocycle of the formula:

-N — R — NN — R —N

H. ^c \ / ^c H where R._C. is group C._1-3-alkyl. Bis (aminoethyl) -N, N'-piperazine and bis (aminopropyl) -N, N'-piperazine can be used to introduce these R groups² to the ETPEA molecule, and these are the co-diamines of the invention. In addition, the co-diamines may have one primary amine group and one secondary amine group (e.g., N-ethylethylenediamine or 1- (2-aminoethyl) piperazine). It is generally preferred that amine compounds having secondary amines are not present to a greater degree in the reaction mixture since their inclusion in the ester-terminated polyamide may result in a lower gelation tendency of the ester-terminated polyamide.

2a 2 2a 2a

In general, the diamine reagent may have the formula NH (R^2a) -R²-NH (R^2a) in which R.^2a is preferably hydrogen, but may also be C1-10 alkyl, preferably C1-5 alkyl, and more preferably C1-3 alkyl. Moreover, R.^2a can combine with R.² or another group R.^2a to form a heterocyclic structure. For example, when piperazine is used as co-diamine, two R groups^2a in the structure of the HN (R.^2a) -R²-NH (R^2a) combine to form an ethylene bridge.

In one aspect, the ETPEA resin of the invention is prepared from a co-diamine, wherein the co-diamine is selected from 1,6-hexanediamine, xylenediamine, 1,2-propanediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, and 1,12-dodecanediamine. Suitable diamines for the present invention are available from a number of commercial sources, including Aldrich (Milwaukee, Wis .; http://www.aldrich.sial.com); EM Industries, Inc. (Hawthorne, NY; http://www.emscience.com); Lancaster Synthesis, Inc. (Windham, NH; http://www.lancaster.co.uk); Spectrum Quality Product, Inc. (New Brunswick, NJ; http://www.sectrumchemical.com).

Mono alcohol can be represented by the formula R.³-OH where R.³ is preferably a hydrocarbyl group having at least 10 carbon atoms. Thus, a mono alcohol can also be described as a monohydric alcohol. in one aspect, R.³ is a C10-30 hydrocarbon, preferably a C12-24 hydrocarbon, even more preferably a C16-22 hydrocarbon and even more preferably a C18 hydrocarbon. As used herein, the term C10-30 hydrocarbon refers to a hydrocarbon group of at least 10 but not more than 30 carbon atoms, and like terms have analogous meanings. The carbon atoms of the hydrocarbyl group can be arranged in a linear, branched, or cyclic manner, and the group can be saturated or unsaturated. However, in one aspect of the present invention, R.³ it is linear, with the hydroxyl group placed on a terminal carbon atom, that is, monoalcohol is primary monoalcohol. Thus, 1-dodecanol, 1-tetradecanol, 1-hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol), 1-octadecanol (stearyl alcohol), 1-eicosanol (arachidyl alcohol) and 1-docosanol (behenyl alcohol) are the preferred monoalcohols for the preparation of the inventive resin. where the names in brackets are the common names or common names by which these monoalcohols are known. While the monoalcohol is exemplified with saturated alkyl groups, the monoalcohol may alternatively contain an alkenyl group, that is, an alkyl group having unsaturation between at least any two adjacent carbon atoms. One or a mixture of these alcohols can be used to prepare the inventive resin.

Another monoalcoholic reagent suitable for the invention is the so-called Guerbet alcohol. Guerbet alcohols have the general formula HC (Ra) (Rb) -CH2-OH where Ra and Rb may be the same or different and preferably represent a C6-12 hydrocarbon group. A further discussion of Guerbet alcohols can be found, for example, in "Dictionary For Auxiliaries For Pharmacy, Cosmetics And Related Fields," HP Fiedler, ed. 3, 1989, Cantor Aulendorf. 2-Hexadecyloctadecanol, which has 24 carbon atoms, is the preferred Guerbet alcohol for use in the present invention.

Another suitable monoalcoholic reagent is a linear wax alcohol. Suitable linear wax alcohols are commercially available from, e.g., Petrolite Corporation (Tulsa, Okla.) Under their UNILIN® trademark. These waxy alcohols are typically a blend of linear alcohols

There are at least about 20 carbon atoms, and more typically at least about 24 carbon atoms. Vapor pressure osmometry (VPO), among many other techniques, can be used to test the number-average molecular weight of an alcohol blend. In one aspect, the mixture of monohydric linear wax alcohols has a VPO number average molecular weight of about 200 to about 800, preferably about 300 to about 600. Pure C22 monohydric linear alcohol has a molecular weight of 326 by VPO.

The monohydric alcohol present as substantially pure alcohol or in a mixture of monohydric alcohols preferably has a straight chain alkyl group. Exemplary alcohols useful in the invention include 1-eicosanol (C20), 1-docosanol (C22), also known as behenyl alcohol), dotriacontanol (C32), tetratriacontanol (C34), pentatriacontanol (C35), tetracontanol (C40), tetraacontanol (C44) ), dopentaacontanol (C54), tetrahexaacontanol (C64), dohexaacontanol (C72), etc.

The final component necessary in the production of the ETPEA resin of the present invention is a polyol, which may also be referred to as a polyhydric alcohol. The polyol has the formula R.⁴(OH) n, where R.⁴ represents an n-valent organic group. For example, R.⁴ may be an organic C2-C20 group without hydroxy substitution. In another example, R.⁴ may be a hydrocarbon. Typically, n is selected from 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Suitable polyols to be used in the preparation of the ETPEA resin of the present invention include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin, tris (hydroxymethyl) propane, pentaerythritol, neopentyl glycol, tris (hydroxymethyl) methanol, di-pentaerythritol and tri-pentaerythritol.

Reactive equivalents of diacids and / or diamines can be used in the invention. For example, diesters can be substituted for some or all of the diacids, where "diesters" refer to the product of esterification of a diacid with hydroxyl-containing molecules. However, such diesters are preferably prepared from relatively volatile hydroxyl-containing molecules so that the hydroxyl-containing molecule can be easily removed from the reactor upon reaction of the monoalcohol and / or diamine (both as defined in the invention) with the diester. A lower alkyl diester, e.g., the product of the esterification or diesterification of a diacid as defined in the invention, and a C1-4 monohydric alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol), may be used in place of some or all of the diacids in the ETPEA resin formation reaction according to the invention. A diacid acid halide can likewise be used in place of some or all of the diacids, however such material is typically more expensive and more difficult to handle compared to the diacid, so a diacid is preferred. Likewise, the monoalcohol may be esterified with a volatile acid, e.g., acetic acid, prior to use in the resin-forming ETPEA reaction of the invention. While such reactive equivalents can be used in the reaction, their presence is not preferred since such equivalents introduce undesired reactive groups into the reactor.

In preparing the inventive resin, the above-described reagents can be combined in any order. Preferably, the reactants are simply mixed together and heated for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to achieve substantially complete reaction, thereby forming the inventive resin. The terms "complete reaction" and "equilibrium of reaction" herein have essentially the same meaning, namely that further heating of the resin product will not result in any significant change in the performance characteristics of the resin product, where the most relevant performance characteristic is the ability of the resin product to produce a clear, strong the gel after combining with a solvent (as mentioned above and discussed further below).

Thus, the ETPEA resin can be prepared in a one-step procedure in which all the dibasic acid, diamine, polio, and monoalcohol (including the co-diacid and co-diamine, if present) are combined and then heated to about 200-250 ° C by several hours, typically 2-8 hours. Since one or more of the reactants may be solid at room temperature, it may conveniently be to include each of the components at a slightly elevated temperature and then form a homogeneous mixture before heating the reaction mixture to a temperature sufficient to cause a reaction between the dibasic acid, diamine, polyol and monoalcohol. Alternatively, although less preferred, two or three of the reagents may be combined and reacted, followed by adding the remaining reagents and heating again to obtain the desired product. The progress of the reaction may conveniently be monitored by periodically measuring the acid and / or amine value of the product mixture.

Any catalyst that can accelerate amide formation between carboxylic acid and amino groups and / or ester formation between carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups can be present in the reaction mixture described above. Thus, a mineral acid, such as phosphoric acid, or tin salts, such as dibutyltin oxide, may be present during the reaction.

PL 209 901 B1

In addition, it is preferable to remove water from the reaction mixture that is formed with the formation of the amide and ester. This is preferably done by reducing the pressure in the reaction mixture.

It is important to control the stoichiometry of the reagents to produce the ester-terminated poly (ester-amides) of the invention. In the discussion below relating to the stoichiometry of reagents, the terms "equivalent (s)" and "equivalent percent" will be used and are intended to have their standard meanings as used in the art. However, for added clarity, it should be noted that the equivalents refer to the number of reactive groups present in the mole amount of the molecule such that a mole of a dibasic acid (e.g., sebacic acid) has two equivalents of carboxylic acid, while a mole of monoalcohol has one equivalent of hydroxyl. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the dibasic acid has only two reactive groups (both carboxylic acids), monoalcohol has only one reactive group (hydroxyl group), the diamine has only two reactive groups (preferably both primary amines), and the polyol has at least two reactive groups. groups (i.e., at least two reactive hydroxyl groups) and these are preferably, though not necessarily, the only reactive materials present in the reaction mixture.

According to the invention, preferably the equivalents of carboxylic acid are substantially equal to the combined equivalents of hydroxyl contributed by monoalcohol and polyol and amine contributed by diamine. In other words, if the reaction mixture used to make the ETPEA resin has "x" carboxylic acid equivalents, "y" amine equivalents, and "z" hydroxyl equivalents (from the combination of monoalcohol and polyol), then 0.9 <{x / (y + z) )} <1.1, and preferably {x / (y + z)} is substantially 1.0. Under these conditions, substantially all carboxylic acid groups will react with substantially all hydroxyl and amino groups such that the final product contains very little unreacted carboxylic acid, hydroxyl or amino groups. In other words, each of the acid and amine numbers of the inventive resin is preferably less than about 25, more preferably less than about 15, and more preferably less than about 10, and even more preferably less than about 5.

When a co-diacid is used to prepare the ETPEA resin, the co-diacid preferably contributes no more than about 50% of the carboxylic acid equivalents present in the reaction mixture. In other words, the co-diacid contributes 0-50 equivalent percent of the acid equivalents in the reaction mixture. Preferably, the co-diacid contributes 0-25 equivalent percent, and more preferably contributes 0-10 equivalent percent of the acid equivalents in the reaction mixture.

When a co-diamine is used to prepare the ETPEA resin, the co-diamine present in the reaction mixture preferably contributes no more than about 50% of the amine equivalents present in the reaction mixture. In other words, the co-diamine contributes 0-50 equivalent percent of the amine equivalents in the reaction mixture. Preferably, the co-diamine contributes 0-25 equivalent percent, and more preferably contributes 0-10 equivalent percent of the amine equivalents in the reaction mixture.

The stoichiometry of the reactants will have a significant influence on the composition and properties of the ETPEA resin. For example, ETPEA resins prepared with increasing amounts of monoalcohol will tend to have lower average molecular weights. In other words, the more monofunctional reagent is used, the more the number of amide pairs in the average resin ETPEA molecule is reduced. On the other hand, when less monoalcohol is used, the average molecular weight of ETPEA in the resulting resin will increase. In general, the increasing average molecular weight of the ETPEA in the resin will increase the melting point and melt viscosity of the resin, which tends to form a stronger gel when the ETPEA resin is combined with a low-polar liquid. However, when the average molecular weight of ETPEA increases to a certain point, the ETPEA resins become insoluble in low-polar solvents and thus do not form the desired gels. Thus, in a preferred aspect of the invention, the monoalcohol level in the reactants should be such that at least 10 equivalent percent of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents should come from the monoalcohol.

The amount of polyol used in the reagent formulation will also affect the properties of the ETPEA resin. Increasing levels of polyol relative to other reactants tend to lower the softening point of the ETPEA resin. When the polyol contributes greater than about 50 equivalent percent of the total equivalents of the hydroxyl groups and amine present in the ETPEA-forming reaction mixture, the resulting ETPEA resin becomes disadvantageously "soft" and a mixture of such a soft resin with a low-polar fluid tends to produce more of a highly viscous oil than gel. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, the hydroxyl equivalents of the polyol make up 50% or less of the total hydroxyl and amine equivalents input through the total of the polyol, monoalcohol, and diamine reactants. In other aspects, the hydroxyl equivalents of the polyol is 40%,

Or 30% or 20% or less of the total hydroxyl and amine equivalents input through the total of the polyol, monoalcohol, and diamine reactants.

In one aspect of the invention, the amine equivalents from diamine are 0.3 to 0.75 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol, and monoalcohol. In another aspect, the hydroxyl equivalents of the polyol are 0.05 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol, and monoalcohol. In another aspect, the hydroxyl equivalents of monoalcohol are 0.20 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol, and monoalcohol.

For example, in one aspect the invention pertains to a resin prepared as described herein in which the amine equivalents from diamine are 0.30 to 0.75 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol; the hydroxyl equivalents from polyol is 0.05 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol; and the hydroxyl equivalents from monoalcohol are 0.20 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol. As another example, the present invention relates to a resin prepared by the reaction of a dibasic acid, diamine, polyol and monoalcohol, wherein the polymerized fatty acid is at least 60 equivalent percent of the acid equivalents of the dibasic acid, ethylenediamine is at least 75 equivalent percent of the amine equivalents of the amine; the amine equivalents from diamine are 0.30 to 0.75 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol; the hydroxyl equivalents from polyol is 0.05 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol; and the hydroxyl equivalents from monoalcohol are 0.20 to 0.45 of the total amine and hydroxyl equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a resin composition containing an ester-terminated poly (ester amide) comprising reacting "w" hydroxyl equivalents of a polyol or a reactive equivalent thereof, "x" equivalents of a carboxylic acid from a diacid or a reactive equivalent thereof. , "Y" diamine amine equivalents, and "from" hydroxyl equivalents of a monoalcohol or a reactive equivalent thereof under the reaction conditions to form a resin composition with an acid number less than 20 and an amine number less than 20, wherein at least about 60% of the carboxylic acid equivalents are derived from polymerized fatty acid. at least about 60% of the amine equivalents are derived from ethylenediamine, and monoalcohol is essentially the only monofunctional reagent used in making the resin. wherein w / (w + y + z) ranges from 0.05 to 0.60; y / (w + y + z) ranges from 0.20 to 0.75; and z / (w + y + z) ranges from 0.20 to 0.50.

As stated above, the ester-terminated poly (ester amides) described in the invention are suitable for forming gels with solvents at room temperature, and accordingly preferably have a softening point greater than room temperature. The exact definition of "gel" is not easy to formulate, although most, if not all, researchers recognize "gel". Generally, the gel is more viscous than the liquid or paste, and maintains its shape when left standing, i.e. self-supporting. However, a gel is not as hard or compact as a stick or wax. Gels can be penetrated more easily than waxy solids, with "hard" gels being relatively more resistant to penetration than "soft" gels.

Almdale et al. (Polymer Gels and Networks, Vol. 1, No. 5 (1993)) lists two criteria for defining a system as a gel: (1) the gel consists of two or more components, one of which is a liquid, present in greater amounts; and (2) gel means a soft material that is solid or similar to a solid. The latter requirement can be described more precisely in the rheological measurement. Typically, gels show a real component of the complex modulus G '(w) with a clearly marked plateau at higher frequencies (in the order of 1-100 radians / s), and an imaginary component of the complex modulus G (w) which is much smaller than the real component of the complex modulus in plateau region. Strictly speaking, the term "gel" applies to systems having a G '(w) value higher than the G (w) value at low frequencies. Many of the compositions of the present invention are gels within one or both of the above definitions. The gel is free-standing or self-supporting in the sense that its yield point is greater than the shear stress applied by gravity.

It is a desirable aspect of the invention that the gel may be (but need not) be substantially transparent. Thus, gels are preferably combined with coloring agents as well as other ingredients to form lipstick and other cosmetic products. The benefit of a clear gel in these

In applications, the gel does not impart or gives a slight undesirable color to the lipstick or cosmetic. The gels can be combined with aluminum and zirconium salts as well as other ingredients to produce colorless underarm deodorants / antiperspirants, which are quite popular these days. The gels according to the invention are also useful in other personal care products, e.g. cosmetics, such as eye makeup, lipsticks, make-up base, make-up agents, as well as baby oil, make-up remover, bath oil, skin moisturizers, sunscreen products, lip balm, anhydrous hand cleanser, medicated ointments, hair treatments for African Americans, perfumes, colognes, and suppositories. In addition, the gels can be used in household products such as car wax / polish, candles, furniture polish, metal cleaners / polishes, household cleaners, paint removers, and insecticide carriers.

Gels can also be used in industrial products such as fuels (sterno lighter, lighters), toilet bowl rings, greases / greases, wire rope grease, joint and cable fillers, welding flux, buffing compounds, crayons and markers , modeling clay, anti-rust agents, printing inks, protective / removable coatings, and inkjet inks. For example, the hydrocarbon oil gelled with the ETPEA resin of the invention can be used as a heat source, e.g. in a cooking appliance used in camping and tourism. Such a composition will not flow when tilted and therefore may be safer and cleaner than similar products made from liquid substances.

Compositions for making such materials are well known in the art. For example, US Patent Nos. 3,615,289, 3645705, 6111055, 6129771, and 6214063 describe compositions of candles and pigmented objects embedded in candles, referred to in the art as "icons." U.S. Patent Nos. 3,148,125 and 5,538,718 describe the formulation of lipstick and other cosmetic sticks. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,275,054, 4,937,069, 5,069,897, 5102656, and 5,500,209 describe the formulation of a deodorant and / or antiperspirant. Each of these US patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The ETPEA resin of the invention can be incorporated into commercial products such as those mentioned above by mixing the ETPEA resin with the other ingredients of the product. Typically, the ETPEA resin will be present at a concentration of about 1% to about 50% of the composition, based on the total weight of the composition. It is routine to optimize the amount of ETPEA resin present in the composition, and in fact the amount will vary depending on the actual product and the desired consistency of the product. In general, the more ETPEA resin used in the formulation, the more pronounced the product will have a gel character.

Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is a gel formed between the components comprising the ester-terminated poly (ester amide) as described above and a non-aqueous liquid, preferably a low-polar liquid. A preferred low-polar liquid is a hydrocarbon, and a preferred hydrocarbon is solvents and oils. Solvents and oils can be distinguished by the fact that degreasing takes place when solvents are rubbed into human skin, leading to drying and irritation. However, degreasing does not occur when oils are rubbed into human skin. Oils are preferable to the solvents in most personal care formulations and so are preferred in the formation of the gels of the present invention. Preferably, the hydrocarbon has a relatively high number of carbon atoms, e.g., 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and is therefore not a volatile hydrocarbon.

A preferred oil is mineral oil, also sometimes referred to as medicated oil. Mineral oil is a highly refined, colorless, tasteless, and odorless petroleum oil (i.e., obtained by processing crude oil) used medicinally as an internal lubricant and in the manufacture of lotions and ointments. Such mineral oils are highly refined, with substantially all volatile hydrocarbons removed, and hydrogenated (also referred to as hydrotreated) to remove substantially all unsaturation, e.g., aromatic groups have been reduced to fully saturated analogs. A preferred mineral oil for producing a gel of the invention is a so-called "white" mineral oil, which is water-white (i.e., colorless and transparent) and is generally considered safe for contact with human skin. Mineral oil can also be characterized in terms of its viscosity, where light mineral oil has a relatively lower viscosity than heavy mineral oil, and these terms are defined more fully in US Pharmacopoeia, 22nd Revision, p. 899 (1990). Any mineral oil can be used in the invention to form a gel.

Other hydrocarbons that may be used in the invention include those of relatively lower molecular weight, including linear saturated hydrocarbons such as tetradecane, hexadecane,

Octadecane, etc. Cyclic hydrocarbons such as decahydronaphthalene (DECALIN), fuel hydrocarbons, branched hydrocarbons such as PERMETHYL from Permethyl Corporation and ISOPAR from Exxon Corp., and hydrocarbon mixtures such as product PD-23 from Witco (Greenwich, Conn.), can also be used to prepare the gels of the invention. Such hydrocarbons, especially saturated hydrocarbon oils, are the preferred gel forming liquids of the invention because such hydrocarbons are often less irritating to the skin than liquids containing aromatic, ketone and other functional groups.

Another class of suitable low polar liquids are esters, and particularly fatty acid esters. Such esters may be monofunctional esters (i.e., have a single ester moiety) or may be multifunctional (i.e., have more than one ester group). Suitable esters include, but are not limited to, the reaction products of C1-24 monoalcohols with C1-22 monocarboxylic acids, where the carbon atoms may be linear, branched and / or cyclic, and unsaturation may optionally be present between the carbon atoms. Preferably, the ester has at least about 18 carbon atoms. Examples include, but are not limited to, fatty acid esters such as isopropyl isostearate, n-propyl myristate, isopropyl myristate, n-propyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, hexacosanyl palmitate, octacosanyl palmitate, octa cosanyl palmitate, triacontanyl palmitate, tetraacontanyl palmitate, tetraacontanyl palmitate, tetraacontanyl palmitate, tetraacontanyl palmitate, tetraacontanyl palmitate. triacontanyl stearate, dotriacontanyl stearate, and tetracontanyl stearate; salicylates, eg, C 1-10 salicylates such as octyl salicylate, and benzoate esters including C 12-15 alkyl benzoate, isostearyl benzoate, and benzyl benzoate.

Suitable esters are those commonly used in the cosmetic industry for formulating lipstick and makeup, eg the fatty acid esters mentioned above, and are often referred to as "cosmetic esters". Other cosmetic esters include glycerin and propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, including so-called polyglycerol fatty acid esters and triglycerides. Exemplary cosmetic esters include, without limitation, propylene glycol monolaurate, polyethylene glycol (400) monolaurate, castor oil, triglyceryl diisostearate, and lauryl lactate. Thus, the liquid may have more than one ester, hydroxyl, and ether functionality. For example, C10-15 alkyl lactate may be used in the gel of the invention. In addition, esterified polyols such as polymers and / or copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and butylene oxide reacted with C 1-22 monocarboxylic acids are useful. The carbon atoms of the C1-22 monocarboxylic acids may be linear, branched and / or cyclic arrangement, and unsaturation may be present between the carbon atoms. Preferred esters are the reaction products of an alcohol and a fatty acid, wherein the alcohol is selected from a C1-10 monohydric alcohol, a C2-10 dihydric alcohol and a C3-10 trihydric alcohol, and the fatty acid is selected from a C8-24 fatty acid.

The gels of the invention preferably do not contain significant amounts of unreacted monoalcohol, that is, a monohydric alcohol having a single hydroxyl group as the only functional group. Thus, the gels of the invention preferably contain less than 25 wt%, more preferably less than 10 wt%, and even more preferably less than 5 wt% unreacted monoalcohol.

The gels according to the invention are preferably self-supporting, that is, they retain their shape at room temperature and in the absence of shear forces. Also, the gels according to the invention are preferably transparent or translucent. The terms clear, transparent and clarity should have the usual dictionary definitions; thus the clear gel allows you to easily see the objects behind you. In contrast, a translucent gel, while allowing light to pass through, scatters the light so that it is impossible to clearly see objects behind the translucent stick. As used herein, a gel is transparent or transparent if the maximum light transmittance of any wavelength in the 400 to 800 nm range through a 1 cm thick sample is at least 35%, preferably at least 50% (see e.g. European Patent Publication No. 291334 A4). The gel is translucent if the maximum transmittance of such light through the sample is between 2% and less than 35%. The transmittance can be measured by placing a sample of the aforementioned thickness in a light beam of a spectrophotometer whose operating range covers the visible spectrum, such as a Bausch & Lomb Spectronic 88 Spectrophotometer.

The gels according to the invention preferably do not show syneresis. As defined in the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms (3rd Edition), syneresis is the spontaneous separation of a liquid from a gel or a colloidal suspension due to gel shrinkage. Typically, syneresis is observed as liquid separating from the gel, and is sometimes referred to as "sweating" because moisture can be observed on the surfaces of the gel exhibiting syneresis. From a commercial point of view, syne14

This is a typical undesirable feature, and the gels of the present invention preferably and unexpectedly exhibit no syneresis.

To prepare the gel of the invention, the poly (ester amide) ester-terminated resin is combined with the liquid. Both components are heated, e.g., to about 80-150 ° C, until the resin is completely dissolved in the liquid. Lower temperature can be used if the solution can be produced at a lower temperature. After cooling, the mixture forms the gel according to the invention. Preferably, the liquid is a low-polar liquid as described above, and more preferably the liquid is a hydrocarbon. The liquid may contain more than one component, e.g., a hydrocarbon as well as an ester-containing substance. In any event, the ester-terminated poly (ester-amide) is combined with the liquid such that the weight percent of ETPEA in the ETPEA + solvent mixture is about 5-50%, preferably about 10-45%. Such gels can be transparent, translucent or opaque, depending on the identity of the ester-terminated poly (ester amide) and the liquid, as well as the concentration of ETPEA in the mixture.

The gels of the invention can be formulated into personal care products according to techniques well known in the art. The gel can be combined with ingredients conventionally included in personal care products such as chelating agents, colorants, emulsifiers, fillers, hardeners, perfumes, fortifiers, water and wax, to name a few. Such additives are well known in the art, and are also listed, e.g., in the following documents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent Nos. 3,255,082 to Barton, 4,049,792 Elsnau, 4,137,306 Rubino et al, and 4,279,658 Hooper et al. See also US Patent Nos. 3,148,125 and 5,538,718 (describing the formulation of lipstick and other cosmetic sticks). See also European Patent Applications Nos. 1068855 A1 and 1068856 A1, where the disclosure of these two documents is hereby incorporated by reference, and where these documents provide additional formulation suggestions for the inclusion of an organic gelling agent in a cosmetic or other personal care product. and wherein such formulation suggestions can be used to formulate a suitable product with the ETPEA gelling agent of the present invention in place of some or all of the gelling agents, e.g., UNICLEAR ™ 80 and 100 gelling agents, disclosed therein.

Personal care products can be made from the ETPEA resin of the invention by mixing the various components of the product at elevated temperature and then cooling to form a gelled (solidified) composition. Preferably, any volatile components are added to the mixture at a relatively late stage in mixing to minimize volatilization of the component. Preferably, the liquid and the ETPEA gelling agent are mixed and heated until the ETPEA is fully dissolved in the liquid (e.g., at a temperature of 80 ° C-150 ° C). The active ingredient (e.g., active antiperspirant) can be added after the ETPEA is fully dissolved, and mixed. Stirring can be continued while cooling with a coloring agent or other ingredient added during the cooling step.

Thus, the present invention provides a personal care product comprising a resin composition prepared by the reaction of ingredients including a dibasic acid, diamine, polyol and monoalcohol, where at least 50 equivalent% of the dibasic acid is polymerized fatty acid; and at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylene diamine. The personal care product preferably further comprises at least one cosmetically active ingredient and / or at least one dermatologically active ingredient. The personal care product can be a personal care composition and / or treatment and / or makeup with horny substances. Suitable compositions include make-up products for the lips such as lipsticks and lip pencils, as well as for personal care and / or treatment of the skin, including the scalp and lips, such as daily skin care creams, sunscreen for lips and skin. , skin makeup products, body care products such as deodorants, in particular as sticks, and eye makeup products, such as eye makeup products, in particular in the form of a pencil or mascara, and in particular in solid form.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a controlled release composition comprising a volatile component and a resin composition made by reacting components including a dibasic acid, diamine, polyol, and monoalcohol, wherein at least 50 equivalent% of the dibasic acid is polymerized fatty acid; and at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylene diamine.

In addition, the ETPEA resins of the present invention can be combined with a suitable solvent to form a gel, where the gel in combination with a wick forms a candle. Thus, the candle comprises a wick and a resin composition of the invention prepared by reacting ingredients including a dibasic acid, diamine, polyol and monoalcohol, wherein (a) at least 50 equivalent% of the dibasic acid is polymerized fatty acid; (b) at least 50 equivalent percent of the diamine is ethylenediamine; (c) 10-60 equivalent% of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by monoalcohol; and (d) no more than 50 equivalent percent of the total of the hydroxyl and amine equivalents provided by diamine, polyol and monoalcohol are provided by the polyol; the candle further comprises a solvent that is gelled by the resin. In one aspect, the candle includes icons. An exemplary icon is the second gelled phase, preferably visually distinct from the gel formed with ETPEA. The icon (s) may be embedded in the candle or may be on the surface of the candle. The second gelled phase may or may not be ETPEA. In one aspect, the second gelled phase is transparent.

The candle may, in one aspect, contain a hydrocarbon, wherein the hydrocarbon and the ETPEA resin form a gel. The candle may also, in one aspect, include a fragrance material. In addition, the candle may contain an ester.

Methods of using gels to make candles, including wicks, icons, the use of hydrocarbons, suitable flavoring materials, and suitable esters, are well known in the candle making art, and these methods and ingredients can be used to make candles from ETPEA resins.

Again, regarding the manufacture and ingredients used in candles, personal care products, and fragrance compositions, reference may be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 3,615,289, 3,645,705, 6,111,055, 6,129,771 and 6,214,063 (describing the formulation of candles and pigmented objects molded into candles, which are an example of an "icon"); U.S. Patent Nos. 3,148,125 and 5,538,718 (describing the formulation of lipstick and other cosmetic sticks); and U.S. Patent Nos. 4,275,054, 4,937,069, 5,069,897, 5,102,656, and 5,500,209 (describing the formulation of a deodorant and / or antiperspirant).

The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention; they should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection.

Examples

Example 1

ETPEA resin

The following reagents and relative amounts of reagents were used to prepare the ETPEA resin:

<td>Reagent</td><td>Equivalents</td><td>% by weight</td>

<td>PRIPOL ™ 1015, acid dimer</td><td> 100</td><td> 76,7</td>

<td>Stearyl alcohol</td><td> 28</td><td> 17,3</td>

<td>Neopentyl glycol</td><td> 16</td><td> 2,0</td>

<td>Ethylenediamine</td><td> 56</td><td> 4,0</td>

ETPEA was synthesized by introducing the PRIPOL ™ 1015 acid dimer, stearyl alcohol and neopentyl glycol into a reactor at room temperature, heating the mixture to 100 ° C, adding ethylenediamine, heating to 220 ° C and leaving it for 3 hours and maintaining a reduced pressure of 800-1000 Pa. at 220 ° C for 2 hours. The ETPEA had a softening point of 76.7 ° C and a color of 596 (APHA).

Example 2

ETPEA resin

The following reagents and relative amounts of reagents were used to prepare the ETPEA resin:

<td>Reagent</td><td>Equivalents</td><td>% by weight</td>

<td>EMPOL ™ 1008, acid dimer</td><td> 100</td><td> 75,8</td>

<td>Stearic alcohol</td><td> 25</td><td> 17,1</td>

<td>Neopentyl glycol</td><td> 25</td><td> 3,3</td>

<td>Ethylenediamine</td><td> 50</td><td> 3,8</td>

PL 209 901 B1

ETPEA was synthesized according to the procedure described in Example 1, using the relative amounts of the reagents shown in the table above. The ETPEA product has a softening point of 74.7 ° C and a color of 238 (APHA).