Development of a methodology for evaluating porosity by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images in cross-sections of hair samples

• Grant number: 23/00155-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Angela Cristina Vargas Calle
• Grantee: Angela Cristina Vargas Calle
• Company: Kosmoscience Consultoria e Assessoria Técnica em Cosméticos Ltda (KosmoScience)
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• Associated researchers: Viviane Cristina Albarici
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/15526-0 - Development of methodology for inclusion and cross-section of hair strands, BP.TT

Abstract

The clinical and pre-clinical research market for the cosmetic industry, in the capillary area, offers several methods that are used to validate claims and prove the effectiveness of products before regulatory bodies. The availability of new methods, capable of differentiating formulas, allows companies to more precisely communicate the effects of products to an increasingly demanding consumer public. The porosity and the effects of cosmetic products on hair is one of the attributes that, despite being in consumer concerns, has been communicated through indirect evaluations. Since the available methods are very expensive, and they require very specialized equipment, it makes them almost impossible to use for commercial purposes. In this context, this work seeks to develop a methodology for assessing porosity at an affordable price and capable of differentiating the effects of chemical treatments on hair. The success of this project will help position our company as a leader in the development of new methods for evaluating the physicochemical properties of hair. (AU)