Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Development of personal care compositions that achieve effective cleansing and conditioning benefits while avoiding harsh sulfated surfactants, often using alternative, milder surfactant systems.

Novel formulations and mechanisms for initiating or controlling the polymerization and cross-linking of adhesives, including dual-curing systems, radical polymerization, and partial curing for tailored material properties.

Development of adhesive compositions that are applied in a molten state and solidify upon cooling, focusing on specific polymer blends, additives, and their resulting mechanical or optical properties.

Chemical compositions and methods for stimulating hair growth, altering hair structure for styling (e.g., straightening, curling, dyeing), or protecting hair from environmental damage and heat.

Synthesis and modification of polysiloxane polymers to introduce specific functional groups or structures, enhancing properties for applications like composites, coatings, biomedical uses, or powder treatment.

Adhesive technologies focused on environmental benefits such as biodegradability, natural origin, or designed for easy debonding and re-bonding to facilitate recycling, reuse, or specific application needs.

Substances incorporated into polymer systems to control or enhance adhesive properties, cross-linking reactions, or processing characteristics such as mold release and flow.

Development and application of polymer compositions designed for reprocessability, recyclability, or incorporating sustainable additives, often featuring reversible bonds or bio-based components.

Polymer compositions incorporating inorganic or organic filler materials to impart specific functional properties such as thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, or enhanced mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

Chemical additives or surface treatment methods aimed at improving the bonding strength of adhesives to various substrates, including those with challenging surface chemistries or contaminants.

Additives or compositions specifically formulated for surface application or modification to impart protective, decorative, or specialized functional properties to polymer products.

Innovations in creating stable cosmetic formulations, particularly oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions, and developing novel stabilizers or rheology modifiers for desired texture, feel, and shelf-life.

Methods for synthesizing polyurethanes and polyureas, including non-isocyanate routes, using various monomers, catalysts, and curing agents, often for foams, coatings, or adhesives.

Polymer compositions engineered for enhanced heat resistance, thermal stability in molten states, or improved processability at high temperatures, often involving specific copolymers, blends, or stabilizing additives for applications in electronics or automotive.

Compositions specifically developed for maintaining oral hygiene, preventing dental issues like cavities and gingivitis, and improving cosmetic aspects such as teeth whitening.

Containers or packaging components featuring active mechanisms for controlled release, preparation, or delivery of their contents, such as liquids, bulk materials, volatile compounds, or single-serve portions.

Adhesive compositions specifically formulated to bind active materials within battery electrodes, emphasizing properties like electrolyte resistance, adhesion to current collectors, and processability for manufacturing.

Synthesis and formulation of polymers, such as epoxy resins, polyimides, or ionic binders, tailored for specific functions in electronic components like sealing, insulation, or energy storage.

Materials added to polymers to modify their thermal transfer properties, typically increasing conductivity for heat dissipation in applications like electronics or battery packs.

Adhesive systems designed to lose their adhesive properties or debond upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light, often utilized for temporary bonding in sensitive manufacturing processes like semiconductor fabrication.

Multi-layer polymer films engineered to provide superior barrier properties against gases (e.g., oxygen), moisture, or aromas, often incorporating heat-sealing or resealing mechanisms for food and product preservation.

Polymer compositions tailored for medical and biological applications, including implantable devices, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic tools, emphasizing properties like biocompatibility, hydrolysis resistance, optical clarity, and specific mechanical characteristics.

Adhesive formulations designed for high transparency and minimal light distortion, primarily used in optical components, display devices, and protective films where visual clarity is paramount.

Synthesis and modification of high-performance thermoplastic polymers, such as poly(arylene ether ketone) (PAEK) or polycarbonates, to achieve enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, or specific processing characteristics.

Synthesis and formulation of epoxy resins, often derived from phenolic precursors like cardanol and vanillin, for applications requiring specific thermal, mechanical, or electrical properties.

Light-initiated polymerization processes used to create structures, coatings, or components, particularly for electronic devices, displays, or additive manufacturing, often involving photoinitiators and specific monomer/oligomer compositions.

Thin, multi-layered films and structures specifically designed for electronic applications, including flexible substrates for devices, display panel components, and active material layers for battery electrodes.

Technologies focused on encapsulating active ingredients or fragrances to control their release, enhance their substantivity, or improve their stability and efficacy in personal care products.

Formulations and active ingredients designed to counteract signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, or to promote skin repair and regeneration through specific biological mechanisms.

Development of rubber and elastomer compositions, often involving specific polymer blends, additives (e.g., process oils, reinforcing agents), and cure packages, to achieve desired mechanical properties like abrasion resistance, wet grip, shear durability, or flexibility for demanding applications.

Polymers incorporating reversible bonds or crosslinks that enable reprocessing, self-healing, or tunable mechanical properties, often responding to stimuli like heat, light, or pH for de-crosslinking and re-crosslinking.

Additives that enhance a polymer's resistance to thermal degradation, high temperatures, or ignition, including flame retardants and heat stabilizers for improved safety and durability.

Novel methods and reactor designs for polymer synthesis, focusing on improving efficiency, achieving continuous production, or controlling specific polymer architectures and product morphologies like particle size or sheet formation.

Layered glass or film structures designed to optimize optical (e.g., light transmission, reflection, diffusion) and/or thermal (e.g., insulation, heat reflection/absorption) performance in windows, displays, and lighting applications.

Design features and components integrated into containers to improve ease of carrying, handling, or transport, such as specialized handles, wheels, or adjustable elements.

Packaging solutions that incorporate active components such as motors, sensors, or indicators to perform specific functions, provide feedback, or enable tracking of the container or its contents.

Structural elements within a container designed to secure, separate, cushion, or otherwise protect individual items or groups of contents from movement, shock, or damage.