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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications
Published on: October 7, 2016
Polymer composite principles applied to hair styling gels
Denise Wade Rafferty1, Joseph Zellia, Daniel Hasman
1Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., Noveon Consumer Specialties, 9911 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141-3247, USA.
Abstract:
A novel approach is taken to understand the mechanical performance of fixative-treated hair tresses. Polymer composite principles are applied to explain the performance. Examples are given for polyacrylate-2 crosspolymer that show that the choice of neutralizer affects the film properties of anionic acrylic polymers by plasticization or by hardening through ionic (physical) crosslinking. The effect of these changes in the polymer film on the composite properties was determined by mechanical stiffness and high-humidity curl retention testing. It is shown that both adhesion to the hair and polymer cohesion are important in determining fixative polymer performance. The implications of the results for the formulation of fixative systems are discussed.
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