Commercial Applications

Commercial Applications of Block Copolymers Photonic Gels by Sally S. Lou

1. Color Cosmetics Market

1) Technology Requirements
Polymers have been used extensively in cosmetics

Fig. 1. Blemish concealer (stimuli responsive polymers)

Fig. 2. Wrinkle filler (polymers fill in defects)

Volume contraction of a polymer

Exhibit both thermal and solvent evaporation color change effects

Another potential use in new sunscreen technology

UV filters can be produced using BCPs (Block Copolymers)

1. Color Cosmetics Market

1) Technology Requirements
General requirements
Product durability on the skin Relatively ease of removal with alcohols or surfactants Ability to encapsulate other features Remain stable over shelf life of the product Have a suitable matrix

The most technical challenge : Finding a suitable matrix

Structural imparted color of gel Disruption of the structure and the color

The most feasible application : Colorful glitter

Using non-volatile solvent The gel can be applied to surfaces for extended periods of time without significant evaporation of the solvent and loss of color

The angle dependence of the wavelength of reflected light : Iridescence

Uniformly layered structure disruption A range of colors observed Desired property for a new color cosmetics technology

Fig. 3. Iridescence in soap bubble

1. Color Cosmetics Market

2) Regulatory Issues
Cosmetics market is regulated by the FDA

Pre-market approval is not required

Two major regulations
The 1938 Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act (FD&C) The 1967 Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA)

Manufacturers : Responsible for not misbranding or mislabeling

1. Color Cosmetics Market

3) Market Drivers
Changing fashions and the desire for new products
Cosmetic products have short life span

New product development

New products drive sales charge higher margins Companies typically spend 2% of their revenues on R&D Not all product launches successfully (only 15% make it to the market) Constantly seeking new products

Importance of branding to achieve brand loyalty Benefit of the gel technology

New way to achieve color in cosmetic products to satisfy the desire

Manufacturer`s interest in developing the technology

Fast turnover of products Not a long-term strategy Finding another market where a long-term revenue is desired

2. Food Preservation Market

1) Technology Requirements
Sensing the freshness of packaged food
Determined through a certain color at particular high temperature

Irreversible color change

Possible to engineer by careful selection of the solvent The solvent might phase separate from the gel at a particular temperature Structural permanent disorder
Fig. 4. Sensor color change recorded during industry field trial.

Activation method
Sensor not be turned on until the label is on the product Using a fluid reservoir to encapsulate the lightly sealed solvent next to a dry gel Physical breaking of the reservoir seal Introduce the solvent into the gel : Activate the polymer

The gel needs to be stable for a given temperature range Possible to develop several gels (irreversible at different temperature regions)

Shelf life of the sensor

2. Food Preservation Market

2) Regulatory Issues
Regulations by the FDA on safety and labeling

The safety and labeling of food products Regulated by the FD&C act and the FPLA

2. Food Preservation Market

3) Market Drivers
Food and beverage market is a mature market in U.S.
Small annual growth (<1%) Limited opportunity for a company

Food packaging company

Focusing on value-added products such as pre-packaged food (much higher margins)

Global food safety issues : Safety of the food supply RFID technology
Provide the most quantitative history Not economically feasible Relatively high costs

The gel sensor technology : Ideal type of label

Currently the sell by date is the only information for consumers Gel sensor can introduce the food conditions on a consumer level High incentive to keep the food supply safe, but consumers pay extra Lack of demand by consumers Unsuccessful in the food preservation market

3. Security/Anti-counterfeiting
Counterfeiters
Steal intellectual property or trademarks Produce goods without the R&D expenses Earn large profit margins (low cost of replication)

Awareness of counterfeits Consumers still purchase them Safety issue : Counterfeit pharmaceuticals

Knowledge of counterfeit items is valuable for consumers

3. Security/Anti-counterfeiting
1) Technology Requirements
Two ways to approach the security of pharmaceutical devices
Use a proof of authenticity label An anti-tampering device (Already commonly used)

Fig. 5. Authenticity label

Fig. 6. Anti-tampering tape

Variables to make the authenticity label difficult for counterfeit

Color pattern fabrication by varying the cross-link density Changing the index of reflection by changing the solvent Changing the index of refraction contrast by changing the blocks of the diblock copolymer

Due to pressure and temperature The pattern dynamically change color

3. Security/Anti-counterfeiting
2) Regulatory Issues
Highly regulated by the FDA

Pre-market approval required for drugs and medical devices

Developed countries
No more than 1% of drugs counterfeit Up to 50% of drugs can be counterfeit online sales more difficult to regulate

Undeveloped countries
Counterfeit drugs ranges from 10% to 70%

3. Security/Anti-counterfeiting
3) Three categories of competition for the gel technology
Inks, pigments, and holograms
Used on existing packages Relatively low fixed costs (inexpensive fabrication method) Low variable costs (small amount of material) Low costs of production Possible to reverse engineer

RFID and Barcodes

Benefit of the manufacturer rather than consumer Implementation of RFID High costs and a capital investment Barcodes : The least expensive and most easily reverse engineered

Fig. 7. Hologram label

Fig. 8. Barcode label

4. Reference of Pictures
Fig. 1. : http://with.gsshop.com/prd/prd.gs?prdid=719098101&vodFlag=N Fig. 2. : http://cafe.naver.com/feko.cafe?iframe_url=/ArticleRead.nhn%3Farticleid=385211&

Fig. 3. : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Soap_Bubble_-_foliage_background_-_iridescent_colours__Traquair_040801.jpg
Fig. 4. : http://www.dcu.ie/chemistry/asg/pacquita/ Fig. 5. : http://www.alibaba.com/productgs/468554892/Anti_counterfeit_Rainbow_Security_Hologram_sticker/showimage.html Fig. 6. : http://www.scotgold.com/acatalog/ScotGold_Catalogue_Warranty_Serial_stickers_6.html Fig. 7. : http://www.hlhologram.com/2d3d6.htm Fig. 8. : http://www.adcal-labels.co.uk/bar-code-labels.htm