This oral presentation explores the fundamental interactions between the polymer and surfactant components present in a shampoo which define the formulations rheology and microstructure, ultimately dictating its function. Having a better understanding of these interactions allows for the efficiency and sustainability of a shampoo formulation to be improved vastly. The formulations are comprised of hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers and cationically modified cellulose in the presence of a mixed micelle system of anionic and zwitterionic surfactant. The use of small angle x-ray scattering, and rotational rheology provides insight into the microstructure of the formulations.<br/>The SAXS and rheology data details the formation of ordered structures in the formulations. At high concentrations of HASE polymer the formation of lamellar is observed. However, under the influence of pH and concentration these structures are observed to transition through a hexagonally packed phase. It is hypothesised that the HASE polymer swells with increased pH as well as increased surfactant concentration which influences structure formation. It is further hypothesised that the presence and concentration of the cationically modified cellulose has minimal effect on the formation and structure of the ordered artifacts, other than to contract the structure owing to its positive charge in the presence of net negatively charge mixed micelles. The formation of such ordered structures can prevent the shampoo from meeting the consumer and commercial standards of deposition efficiency of beneficiary agents onto the hair. For this reason, discovering them and gaining an understanding of how they form and interact is crucial in the formulation process.

Shampoo science: Fundementals of polymer-micelle interactions and the formation of ordered structures

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.