Functionality

Applicator Material

Controlled Storage, Release & Application of Formula

What is the function of applicator material?

Application is the physical process through which a substance (typically a liquid) is spread across a surface or substrate with specific applicator materials. Items that people use each and every day rely on this functionality, including many personal care and cosmetic products, topical applicators for drug delivery, and writing instruments among others. Without an effective means to manage the storage and output of formula, these devices would fail to work properly. The complexity of these solutions can be easily ignored; however, these seemingly basic designs require a sophisticated interplay between different types of porous material components – each performing different functions – in order to produce a dependable system for precise application. At Porex, we apply our material science expertise across fiber, porous plastics, and foam to support precision formula delivery across a variety of industry needs.

Dual eneded sponge cosmetic sponge — Cosmetic makeup sponges and applicators can be custom engineered to be many 3D shapes and colors.

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Watch our on-demand webinar on how to use porous polymers for applicator materials.

Considerations for finding the right applicator.

How applicator material works with porous polymers

For an applicator device to work properly, the liquid suspension must deliver to the surface through a phenomenon called capillary action. This is simply the force that facilitates liquid transfer from the reservoir, through the nip/tip, and into the pores of the substrate or surface material. It is important that the surface energy of the liquid suspension be controlled so that the substrate is wettable. To promote wettability, a high surface energy, or strong molecular bond, must be present so that the substrate can pull and retain the formula from the device. Depending on the device and its application, there are many considerations to make when designing your applicator solution, including suspension type, its viscosity, its morphology, the level of flow needed, and the user experience desired.

Design challenges solved by applicators

Delivering the precise amount of liquid or solid onto a surface
Having the appropriate softness or hardness for the accepting surface (i.e. skin vs. paper or writing board)
Needing a wispy or rigid applicator tip
Holding up to repeated uses and application cycles
Creating a hypoallergenic applicator for skin/body applications