FR2934496A1 - Polymer composition, useful e.g. for stimulating biological tissues such as cellulite skin and as textile article in the form of e.g. yarn and fibers, comprises combination of two additives comprising organic additives and inorganic filler - Google Patents

Abstract

Polymer composition comprises a combination of at least two additives comprising organic additives and inorganic fillers having a capacity for emission and/or absorption of infrared radiation in the wavelength of 2-20 mu m, where the polymer composition has number of peaks of infrared radiation absorption of greater than 10 in ten frequency ranges such as 3+- 0.3 mu m, 6.20+- 0.5 mu m, 8+- 0.25 mu m, 8.50+- 0.25 mu m, 9+- 0.25 mu m, 9.5+- 0.25 mu m, 10+- 0.25 mu m, 10.5+- 0.25 mu m, 11+- 0.25 mu m and 14.6+- 2.10 mu m, at least 1 peak is present in at least 7 of the ten frequency ranges. An independent claim is included for the preparation of the polymer composition by incorporating inorganic fillers or organic additives during synthesis of polymer, or by direct mixing to the polymer during spinning of filaments or through a concentration of particles in the form of masterbatch, which is diluted in predetermined concentrations in the polymer mass during the spinning. ACTIVITY : Muscular-Gen. MECHANISM OF ACTION : None given.

Description

USE OF ARTICLES BASED ON A POLYMERIC COMPOSITION FOR STIMULATING THE SKIN

The present invention relates to the use of an article, in particular a textile article, based on a polymeric composition comprising at least one additive having radiation emission and / or absorption properties in the region of the long infrared, to stimulate the skin. The present invention relates in particular to the use of articles, in particular of textile articles, such as fabrics or knits made from yarns, for stimulating the skin of persons having cellulite. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymeric composition which comprises additives having radiation emission properties in the infrared region, in a wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm, as well as a polymeric substrate, the mineral fillers may be at least one type chosen from oxides, sulphates, carbonates, phosphates and silicates, and having an average particle size of less than 2 μm. The interaction between radiation in the infrared region, wavelengths between 2pm and 20pm, and biological tissues has attracted the attention of scientists for two decades. According to published studies, infrared radiation in this range leads to biostimulation such as increased microcirculation of the blood, decreased muscle spasms, increased cellular metabolism, among others. According to one of the proposed mechanisms, the cells of biological tissues are stimulated by a process of resonance with radiation, resulting in an increase in blood circulation and a decrease in the concentration of lactic acid in human skeletal muscle (Niwa et al. al 1993: Niwa, Y .; lizawa O; Ishimoto K; Jiang; X; Kanoh, T; Electromagnetic Wave Emitting products and "Kikoh" Potentiate Human Leukocyte Functions; International Journal of Biometeorology No. 37, p.133; -138, 1993, Perez and Martinez 1995: Perez, ACN, Martinez, AJA, Fibra Photon Plantino, St. John of Compostela, 1995, p.7-71). Other effects such as increased peripheral blood flow, increased body temperature have also been described in the literature.

In recent years patents have been published claiming the use of infrared radiation emitting materials in the above-mentioned range for textile application. In general, the application is directed to the effects of heat absorption (US5053275), antimicrobial (US6316102) and relates to the use of metal titanium particles (US7201945) or a composition of inorganic fillers of oxides, carbides, sulphates and silicates. The materials cited in the patents are applied by means of an aqueous solution (in the case of metallic titanium) or else mixed and treated with a type of polymeric resin and deposited in coating (coatings) (EP1792724) on textile surfaces. These surface applications do not have good resistance to use and washing, nor pleasant contact with the skin, especially in the form of coating (coatings) resins. Some patents seek to solve this problem by incorporating the materials into the polymeric substrate and producing filaments by extrusion, drawing and texturing processes (US4999243, US5880044, WO2007 / 055432). However, the use of high levels of oxides and carbides of high hardness is not adequate for the production of yarns from thermoplastic components because they cause a rapid deterioration of the machinery members. The solution found also has drawbacks: the coloring of certain carbides compromises the mechanical properties of the wire (frequent breaks in filaments). An alternative proposed by the patent EP1094136 relates to the use of a composition of white conductive particles, infrared emitting white oxides and thermoplastic resins for the production of filaments having lower oxide levels. However, the composition has oxides of very high hardness (above 8.0Mohs) and the use of potassium titanate, which is generally in the form of a fibrous powder, which can be classified as breathable fiber, makes handling difficult and disadvantageous from the point of view of hygiene and health.

In addition, we are always looking for cosmetic products that stimulate the skin, especially for people with cellulite (gynoid lipodystrophy). Indeed cellulite is generally related to the presence of fat in fat cells present under the skin, which causes a distortion of tissue under the skin, and causes the famous orange peel effect. We are always looking for solutions to reduce cellulite. This is to improve the comfort and well-being of the person.

For this purpose it has been found in the context of the present invention that additives having emission and / or absorption properties in the infrared region also interact with another biological tissue which is the skin. Indeed, these additives allow in particular to reduce or even eliminate cellulite, which is particularly interesting. Thus the present invention relates to the use of articles, in particular textile articles, based on a polymeric composition for stimulating the skin; in the polymeric composition, the characteristics of the absorber additives and / or infrared emitters (in the wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm) and the rates used solve the problems posed above concerning the difficulty of treating mineral fillers and yarns, allowing the production of yarns, textile articles and films offering comfort, well-being, better thermal homogeneity, in particular for people with cellulite.

The main object of the present invention is to obtain yarns, fibers, filaments, textile articles and films having skin-stimulating properties to provide better thermal homogeneity and skin elasticity, thanks to the introduction, in a polymer matrix, additives having an emission property and / or infrared absorption, easy to handle and easy from an industrial point of view. These items help to reduce cellulite. The present invention relates to the use of inorganic fillers and / or organic additives introduced into polymers to impart infrared emission properties capable of offering a stimulation of the skin for a better thermal homogeneity and a better elasticity of the skin, to bring comfort and well-being to the person, especially when it has cellulite. The polymers used are those melt spun such as polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins (and their copolymers), among others, or through solutions, such as polyacrylic polymers, polyacrylates and copolymers thereof, and cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, viscose, etc. The additives may be introduced into the polymer according to any method known to those skilled in the art. The introduction can be carried out in the synthesis phase of the polymer, or in the spinning phase by means of a direct mixing of the mineral fillers and / or organic additives in the molten polymer or in solution, or else through a mixture masterbatch, the use of a combination of two input modes that may be appropriate. The composition according to the invention comprises at least one organic additive or a mineral filler having a capacity for emitting and / or absorbing infrared radiation in the wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm, and a polymer the mineral fillers may be at least one type chosen from oxides, sulphates, carbonates, phosphates and silicates, having an average particle size of less than 2 μm.

According to the present invention, there is provided a polymer composition which includes infrared emitting additives in the wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm. The polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyolefins, cellulose-ester-based polymers such as cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, rayon, viscose and polymers of the same family. acrylic polymers and copolymers, polyamides, polyhexamethylene adipamide (PA66) or polycaproamide (PA6), or copolymers thereof in all proportions, or mixtures of any of the polymers mentioned above. According to a preferred embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer which composes the thermoplastic matrix of the polymeric composition is based on polyamide, chosen between polyamide 6, polyamide 66 and copolymers of polyamide 6 / polyamide 66 in all proportions.

Additives have been developed, which can be used in the production of, for example, yarns, fibers and filaments having biostimulant properties which offer a better thermal homogeneity and a better elasticity of the skin, resulting in greater comfort and well-being. for users of articles containing them, especially users with cellulite. These items help reduce cellulite. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of an additive or a combination of additives in polymeric compositions for stimulating the skin, characterized in that the combination comprises at least one mineral filler chosen from the group oxides (titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide), the group of sulphates (barium sulphate, calcium sulphate, strontium sulphate), the group of carbonates (calcium carbonate or sodium carbonate), the group of silicates (actinolite, tourmaline, serpentine, kaolin and other aluminosilicates) and the group of phosphates (zirconium phosphates, apatite, as well as others possible, or mixtures thereof). The organic additives can be organic compounds containing silicon, such as organoalkoxy silanes, for example dimethyl diethoxy silane, or methyl triethoxy silane. The organic additives may also be organic metal compounds such as, for example, the alkyl-metal ester, the alkyl-metal chelate, the alkyl-metal acylate, the metal-ester chelate, the metal alkoxide, the isopropylate, and the like. aluminum, aluminum sec-butylate or zirconium tetraacetylacetonate, preferably aluminum isopropoxide, aluminum sec-butylate or zirconium tetraacetylacetonate. The mineral fillers used in combination as absorbers and / or infrared emitters in the wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm are in the form of particles having a size of less than 2 μm, preferably less than 1 μm and advantageously less than 0 μm. , 5pm. The particles may advantageously be wrapped or covered to make them inert to the components to which they will be incorporated or to provide better compatibility with the polymeric substrate, without this affecting their characteristic of absorbers and / or infrared emitters. the considered beach. The combinations of two mineral fillers, or of three mineral fillers, are preferred, and in particular the ternary combinations can be chosen from those which comprise titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, silicon dioxide and a silicate group filler. . Even more particularly, the combination comprises three mixed mineral fillers of any proportions, such as those selected from the group consisting of: titanium dioxide / silicon dioxide / tourmaline; titanium dioxide / silicon dioxide / barium sulfate; and titanium dioxide / barium sulfate / tourmaline. Preferentially, titanium dioxide / barium sulphate / tourmaline is used. According to the present invention, the combination of mineral fillers described above is used as an infrared emitting additive in the range of 2pm to 20pm in polymeric compositions for the production of yarns, fibers, filaments and textile articles. The additive is present according to one particular embodiment of the invention in an amount of less than 9.0% of additive relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, preferably less than 6.0%, advantageously less than 4.5% by weight. Similarly, according to another particular embodiment of the invention, the proportion by weight of the combination of mineral fillers relative to the total weight of the polymeric composition is greater than 1.0%, preferably greater than or equal to 1 , 5% and more preferably still greater than or equal to 2.5%. The polymer composition may further contain an antimicrobial or bacteriostatic, flame retardant, UV stabilizing agent, as well as other agents known to those skilled in the art.

According to the present invention, it is possible to use an additive combination such as that described above in any proportions. By way of example, and in a nonlimiting manner, the mineral charges of the ternary associations will be realized in the use of the present invention in proportions advantageously varying from 80:10:10 to 10:30:60, more specifically in proportions of 50:25:25. The fillers or additives may be introduced into the polymeric composition according to any method known to those skilled in the art. The introduction can be carried out by mixing directly with the polymer during the spinning phase of the filaments, or by means of a concentrate of particles in the form of a masterbatch, subsequently diluted to predetermined concentrations in the polymer mass during the course of the phase. spinning. The mineral fillers or organic additives may be added separately according to one or more of the methods of introduction described above. The masterbatch is prepared with amounts of mineral filler advantageously comprised between 10% and 65% by weight relative to its total mass, preferably between 15% and 35%, more preferably between 15% and 25%.

The present invention also relates to the articles and in particular to the yarns, fibers and filaments obtained from the compositions described above, in which at least one or a combination of the inorganic fillers or organic additives of the present invention has been used.

In the case of yarns, fibers and filaments obtained by melt spinning, the additive-containing thermoplastic composition is obtained with the introduction of inorganic fillers or organic additives into the molten polymer by means of a mixing device, for example into upstream of a spinning device. By spinning the additive thermoplastic composition can be obtained continuous multifilament yarns, monofilaments, short and long fibers, or mixtures thereof. The yarns, fibers and filaments obtained from the polymeric compositions presented in the present invention can be subjected to all the textile treatments known to those skilled in the art, such as extrusion, stretching, texturing, dyeing, finishing, etc. The present invention also relates to articles obtained from the yarns, fibers and filaments described above. The articles can be obtained from a single type of yarn, fiber or filament, or from a mixture of yarns, fibers or filaments of different types. By articles is meant in particular fabrics, knits and nonwovens. The article is composed of at least one type of yarn, filament or fiber obtained from polymeric compositions described in the present invention. The article may also be a film obtained from the composition described above. The film can be obtained according to any method known to those skilled in the art. The following illustrative examples will illustrate the advantages of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

Samples of the examples below were prepared with polyamide 66 of relative viscosity (RV) 43, measured in a 90% formic acid solution in water. The incorporation of infrared-emitting inorganic fillers into the polyamide 66 was carried out through the mixture of the powdered mineral fillers and the triturated polymer, in a proportion of 20% by weight of mineral filler to obtain 30% by weight. a master mix. The mixture was extruded, cooled and granulated. The masterbatch thus obtained was introduced into the polyamide 66 during the spinning phase. The molten polymeric composition was spun at a temperature between 280 ° C and 300 ° C (measured in the die), cooled in air (20 ° C, 65% relative humidity) and wound at a speed of 4200m / min. To obtain a multifilament continuous wire. The multifilament yarn formed of 68 filaments of circular section was subsequently textured. The title of the filament in the finished product is 1.2dtex. The yarn thus obtained was used in the production of knitwear for the manufacture of Bermuda shorts using a circular knitter. The bermudas thus obtained have a surface density of 305 g / m 2, and contain 12% elastane. These articles were then used to evaluate the performance of the compositions.

Examples 1 and 2 A sample of polyamide 66 yarn containing 1.5% TiO 2 (Example 1), and a sample of polyamide 66 yarn containing 1.5% TiO 2, 0.5% BaSO 4 and 0.2% Tourmaline (Example 2) were prepared according to the previous description. Thermal homogeneity of the skin The thermal variation of the skin (on a region comprising the outer side, the front and the back of the thigh and the buttock) of a group of 15 volunteers who had worn for 60 days was measured. 6 hours a day, one Bermuda shorts, one leg of which was made using the yarn of Example 1, and the other leg was made using the yarn of Example 2. The 15 volunteers presented a degree of cellulite I or II on the NURNBERGER-MULLER SCALE scale (Reference: Nurnberger F, Muller G.

So-called cellulite: an invented disease. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1978; 4: 221-229). The body temperature was measured using the thermography technique (Raytec Fluke TiSO Thermal Image equipment) before and after 60 days.

The thermal heterogeneity index (h) was obtained by calculating the ratio between the standard temperature deviations for the considered region before and after the 60-day wearing of the bermuda:

h = X2 / X1 where, X ~ = standard deviation of the temperature on the region (mean deviation standard for the volunteers) before 60 days, and X2 = standard deviation of the temperature on the region (mean of the standard deviations for the volunteers) after 60 days. Table 1 below summarizes the heat heterogeneity index (h) obtained for the polyamide 66 yarn containing 1.5% TiO 2 for the polyamide 66 containing 1.5% TiO 2 and 0.5% BaSO4. Sample h (%) Polyamide 66 containing 1.5% 0.84 TiO 2 Polyamide 66 TiO 2 + BaSO 4 + 0.67 tourmaline Table 1

The results of Table 1 above show that there was a 33% decrease in thermal heterogeneity following the wearing of the Bermuda shorts for polyamide 66 yarn containing 1.5% TiO 2, 0.5% BaSO 4 and 0.2%, and a 16% decrease in thermal heterogeneity following the wearing of bermuda for nylon 66 yarn containing 1.5% TiO2. These results show the influence of the additive promoting the homogeneity of the body temperature.

Elasticity of the skin In addition to the thermal variation of the body, we also measure the elasticity variation of the skin of the same group of volunteers (on a region including the outer side, the back and the front of the thigh and buttock before and after 60 days.

The elasticity of the skin was measured using the Cutometer MPA580 device marketed by CK Electronic GmbH which uses the principle of the suction method. Negative pressure is created in the device and the skin is drawn into the opening of the probe. Inside the probe, the penetration depth of the probe is measured. The ability of the skin to return to its original position when the negative pressure is no longer applied (elasticity) is measured and expressed using a curve (see Figure 1). The elasticity of the skin corresponds to the ratio R = Ur / Uei the values of Ur and Ue corresponding to the values indicated in FIG.

The elasticity variation F corresponds to F = [(Rf-Ri) lR;] * 100 with R; which corresponds to the elasticity before the 60 days, and Rf which is the elasticity after the 60 days. Table 2 below summarizes the elasticity variation F obtained for the nylon-66 yarn containing 1.5% TiO 2 and for the polyamide 66 containing 1.5% TiO 2 (example 1) and 0.5% BaSO 4 and 0.2% tourmaline (Example 2). Sample F (%) Polyamide 66 containing 1.5% TiO 2 Polyamide 66 TiO 2 + BaSO 4 + 8 Tourmaline 1 Table 2 The results in Table 2 above show a significant increase in elasticity for polyamide 66 yarn containing 1, 5% of TiO2, 0.5% of BaSO4 and 0.2% of tourmaline than for the polyamide 66 yarn containing 1.5% TiO2. These results show the influence of the additive 15 promoting the increase of the elasticity of the skin and thus the reduction of cellulite.

Increasing skin elasticity and better thermal homogeneity are associated with improved comfort and well-being, and decreased cellulite. Thus, the results presented in the examples above indicate a better comfort and well-being in connection with the use of the article produced with the polyamide yarns added by the use of inorganic fillers or organic additives that emit infrared remote defined in the present invention.

Antibacterial Activity Antibacterial activity was measured according to JIS L 1902: 2002 on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P and Klebsiella Pneumoniae ATCC4352 bacteria for polyamide 66 yarns containing 1.5% TiO 2, 0.5% BaSO 4 and 0.2% of tourmaline (Example 2): 2934496] 1 Said activity is also compared to cotton threads having no additive. The tests are carried out on knitted surfaces of 0.4g. The surface differences of the samples are contacted with the same number of bacteria for incubation at 37 ° C for 18 hours. At time t = 0 and t = 18h the number of bacteria is counted. After verification of the good growth of the bacteria in the control samples, the average number of active bacteria immediately after inoculation on the different samples and the average number of active bacteria after 18 hours of incubation on the samples are determined for each sample. different samples, cfu (colony forming unit / unit forming a colony). The bacteriostatic specific activity S corresponding to the difference between the logarithm of the average number of active bacteria after 18 hours of incubation on the control sample (cotton thread without additive) and the logarithm of the average number of active bacteria after 18 hours is then measured. incubation hours on the sample (polyamide yarn 66 of Example 2). The results are shown in Table 3: Table 3 Specific activity Bacteriostatic specific activity Si Bacteriostatic S2 (Staphylococcus (Klebsiella aureus) Pneumoniae) Son of Example 2 0.76 0.48 The results of Table 3 above show a good Bacteriostatic activity of polyamide 66 yarns containing 1.5% TiO 2, 0.5% BaSO 4 and 0.2% tourmaline. These results are very interesting for articles, in particular textile articles, which are in contact with the skin.

Claims (19)

REVENDICATIONS1. Use of an article based on a polymeric composition comprising a polymer and at least one organic additive or a mineral filler having a capacity for emitting and / or absorbing infrared radiation in the wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm, for stimulating the skin by emission and / or absorption of infrared radiation in the wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm, the mineral filler being chosen from oxides, sulphates, carbonates, phosphates and silicates, and having a size particle average less than or equal to 2 μm; the organic additive being selected from organic compounds comprising silicon and metal organic compounds. 2. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the skin of people with cellulite. 3. Use according to claim 2 for reducing the cellulite of persons 4. Use according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the composition comprises at least two additives having a capacity for emission and / or absorption of infrared radiation in the wavelength range between 2pm and 20pm . 5. Use according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the polymer is selected from polyesters, polyolefins, cellulosic polymers such as cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, rayon, viscose, acrylic polymers and copolymers, and polyamides in general, such as polyamide 66 or polyamide 6, or their copolymers or mixtures thereof. 6. Use according to claim 5, characterized in that the polymer is based on polyamide. 7. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that the polymer which composes the matrix of the polymeric composition is a polyamide chosen between polyamide 6, polyamide 66 and polyamide 6 / polyamide 66 copolymers. 8. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oxide is selected from titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide and magnesium oxide. 10 9. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sulfate is selected from barium sulfate, calcium sulfate and strontium sulfate. 10. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carbonate is selected from calcium carbonate or sodium. 11. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the silicate is selected from actinolite, tourmaline, serpentine, kaolin and other aluminosilicates. 12. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phosphate is selected from zirconium phosphates, apatite or mixtures thereof. 13. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mineral fillers are selected from titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, and a charge of the group of silicates. 30 14. Use according to claim 13, characterized in that the polymeric composition comprises at least two mineral fillers selected from titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, and tourmaline. 35 15. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymeric composition comprises three mineral fillers. 25 2934496 1.4 16. Use according to claim 15, characterized in that the combination of the three mineral fillers is the combination of titanium dioxide / barium sulfate / tourmaline 5 17. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proportion by weight of the combination of inorganic fillers relative to the total weight of the polymeric composition is greater than 1.0%, preferably greater than or equal to 1 , 5% and more preferably still greater than or equal to 2.5%. 18. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proportion by weight of the combination of inorganic fillers relative to the total weight of the polymeric composition is less than 9%, preferably less than 6%, advantageously less than at 4.5%. 19. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article is in the form of son, fibers, filaments, or a mixture thereof, tissues, nonwoven, knit, or film.