(255bq) The Kinetics of Organic Molecule Diffusion in Water Swollen Keratin Fibres Using GC-MS

There has been considerable progress in understanding the structure and properties of hair. However, we still do not fully understand about the structure of hair and the penetration chemistry of actives in the hair, especially when hair is in a water-swollen state.

Hydration of hair, for example, is a fundamental process, which is of both a fundamental and practical importance. It governs swelling behaviour, structure, diffusion rates and mechanical properties of hair. Despite its importance, keratin water interactions (hydration) are poorly understood. This understanding is particularly true for hydration along single hair fibres and across hairs from different body sites, genders, ethnicities and ages. Addressing these key knowledge gaps will allow us to unlock critical insights in materials behaviour.

Hydration of hair, for example, is a fundamental process. It governs swelling behaviour, structure, diffusion rates and mechanical properties of hair. Despite its importance, keratin water interactions (hydration) are poorly understood. This is particularly true for hydration along single hair fibres and across hairs from different body sites, genders, ethnicities and ages. Addressing these key knowledge gaps will allow us to unlock critical insights to enable innovation.

In this study, the time dependent mass uptake of organic solutes in aqueous solutions by hair has been determined using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The effect of solute concentration and temperature on the kinetic uptake of monoethanolamine by hair fibres has been investigated. Diffusion coefficients have been determined using established first order mathematical analysis.