Patent Description:
Patent Document <NUM> proposes a crosslinked silicone particle. Furthermore, Patent Document <NUM> proposes adding this silicone particle to an aqueous coating composition in order to provide a coating film with delustering properties. In addition, Patent Document <NUM> and Patent Document <NUM> propose adding the silicone particle to an aqueous cosmetic in order to improve the feeling on use of the cosmetic.

When used as a cosmetic, conventional silicone particles are used for the purpose of imparting dry or smooth feeling on use, etc., spreadability, soft focus effect, and so forth. However, silicone is a material having high water repellency, and there is a problem that it is difficult to disperse silicone in an aqueous cosmetic.

When any of the above-described silicone particles are used to obtain an aqueous suspension in which water is a dispersion medium, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, or a surfactant produced from a mixture of these surfactants is used for stabilizing the suspension.

Particularly, for use in cosmetics, it is necessary to select a surfactant that has little effect on the environment while improving the stability of these suspensions and emulsions themselves and improving dispersibility in a composition. Alkyl polyether having an alkyl group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms is considered to be a chemical substance whose effect on the environment raises concerns, and is a designated chemical substance of the PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register). The reporting of the discharged amount, etc. of such alkyl polyether is made compulsory in accordance with the PRTR, and use of the alkyl polyether is becoming restricted.

In addition, since surfactant raises concerns of irritation to skin, use of a surfactant is sometimes avoided in cosmetics that are externally applied to skin, in particular, skin care cosmetics, make-up cosmetics, antiperspirant cosmetics, UV care cosmetics, etc..

As a means for avoiding such use of a surfactant, Patent Document <NUM> proposes a surfactant-free aqueous dispersion of silicone particles. However, the surface treatment process after producing the silicone particles is complicated, and high costs are involved, so that there has been a problem that the dispersion can only be used for some high-cost uses.

As an example of introducing a hydrophilic group to the surface of a silicone particle in the manner of a chemical bond, Patent Document <NUM> considers the introduction of an amino group to the surface of a silicone particle. However, the water dispersibility and stability of the silicone particles are not reported. <CIT> discloses the preparation of silicone containing particles of spherical shape via the polymerization of methacrylate functional linear polysiloxane.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. An object of the present invention is to provide: a silicone particle that may be readily dispersed in an aqueous material without the use of a dispersant or a surfactant, the silicone particle having a hydrophilic group; and a method for producing the silicone particle.

To achieve the object, the present invention provides a silicone particle comprising:.

Such a silicone particle has an oxyalkylene group in the surface. Therefore, the silicone particle may be readily dispersed in an aqueous material without the use of a dispersant or a surfactant.

In this event, the silicone particle preferably has a volume average particle size of <NUM> to <NUM>.

When the silicone of the present invention has such a volume average particle size, dispersibility in an aqueous material can be made favorable.

In addition, the present invention provides a method for producing one of the silicone particles described above, the method comprising
crosslinking, in a state of being dispersed in water, a radical polymerizable silicone composition containing the following components (A) to (C):.

According to such a method for producing the silicone particle, the above-described silicone particles can be produced efficiently.

In this case, an organopolysiloxane having a radical polymerization reactive group shown in the following general formula (<NUM>) is preferably used as the component (A),
<CHM>
wherein in the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> and R<NUM> are as defined above and "m" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ m ≤ <NUM>,<NUM>.

More specifically, such an organopolysiloxane is preferably used as the component (A) in the present invention.

Furthermore, a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone having a radical polymerizable group shown in the following structural formula (<NUM>) is preferably used as the component (B),
<CHM>
wherein in the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> and R<NUM> are as defined above, "l" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ <NUM> ≤ <NUM>, "m'" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ m' ≤ <NUM>,<NUM>, and "n" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ n ≤ <NUM>.

More specifically, such a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone is preferably used as the component (B) in the present invention.

Furthermore, in the inventive method for producing the silicone particle, the composition is preferably cured by a heating method, a redox method, or a light irradiation method in the presence of the component (C) radical generator.

In the inventive method for producing the silicone particle, these curing methods can be employed suitably.

The inventive silicone particle has an oxyalkylene group (hydrophilic group) in the surface. Therefore, the silicone particle may be readily dispersed in an aqueous material without the use of a dispersant, typically, a surfactant. For example, for use in aqueous cosmetics that are externally applied to skin, such as skin care cosmetics, make-up cosmetics, antiperspirant cosmetics, and UV care cosmetics, there is no need to use a surfactant specially for blending the inventive silicone particle. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a product having no risk of skin irritation. Moreover, in aqueous paints and inks, it is unnecessary to add further surfactant for dispersing the silicone particles thereinto, thereby solving the problems of coating film strength being degraded and bubbles not easily disappearing.

In addition, the inventive method for producing the silicone particle makes it possible to produce such silicone particles efficiently.

As described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a silicone particle that may be readily dispersed in an aqueous material without the additional use of a dispersant or a surfactant, the silicone particle having a hydrophilic group.

To achieve the object, the present inventors have earnestly studied and found out that it is possible to obtain a silicone particle having a hydrophilic group in a surface thereof and that the silicone particle can be readily dispersed in water by the following means: emulsifying an organopolysiloxane having a radical polymerization reactive group while using a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone having a radical polymerizable group as an emulsifier; and subjecting the emulsion to emulsion polymerization and crosslinking.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Firstly, the inventive silicone particle will be described in detail.

The inventive silicone particle contains:.

As described above, in the general formula (<NUM>), R<NUM>s each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific examples of R<NUM> include alkyl groups such as a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group; cycloalkyl groups such as a cyclopentyl group and a cyclohexyl group; and aryl groups such as a phenyl group. A methyl group and a phenyl group are preferable.

Meanwhile, in the general formula (<NUM>), as described above, R<NUM>s each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific examples of the monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms of R<NUM> include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, and a hexyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. In addition, in the general formula (<NUM>), as described above, R<NUM>s each independently represent a divalent aliphatic group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Specific examples of R<NUM> include alkylene groups such as an ethylene group, a methylethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, and a hexylene group, preferably an ethylene group or a propylene group. In addition, in the formula (<NUM>), "n" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ n ≤ <NUM>, preferably <NUM> ≤ n ≤ <NUM>.

The inventive silicone particle as described may be readily dispersed in an aqueous material without the use of a dispersant or a surfactant. Such a silicone particle has an oxyalkylene group in a surface thereof, and therefore, can be obtained as a hydrophilic silicone particle having good properties. Specifically, the silicone particle has higher hydrophilicity, causes less skin irritation, and is suitable for cosmetics. Furthermore, regarding the formulation composition when using such silicone particles, there are no restrictions to combinations with anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and zwitterionic surfactants.

As described above, the inventive silicone particle has a polydialkylsiloxane containing a polyoxyalkylene unit crosslinked in the surface of the silicone particle. The inventive silicone particle preferably has a volume average particle size of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, further preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. When the silicone particles have a volume average particle size of <NUM> or more, the silicone particles do not agglomerate too much, so that the silicone particles may be readily dispersed to primary particles in a dispersion medium. Meanwhile, when the silicone particles have a volume average particle size of <NUM> or less, the silicone particles can be used for a wide variety of uses. That is, when the silicone particles have a volume average particle size of <NUM> to <NUM>, dispersibility of the silicone particles is good, so that the silicone particles can be used for various uses such as cosmetics and aqueous paints and inks.

Note that the volume average particle size of spherical silicone particles is measured by a method appropriately selected from microscopy, light scattering method, laser diffraction method, liquid sedimentation method, electric resistance method, etc. in accordance with the particle size of the silicone particles. For example, when the particle size is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, the volume average particle size may be measured by a light scattering method, and when within the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, the volume average particle size may be measured by an electric resistance method. In addition, in the present description, "spherical" indicates not only particles in the shape of spheres, but also includes deformed ellipsoids having an average "length of major axis/length of minor axis" (aspect ratio) of usually within the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and further preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The shapes of the particles can be confirmed by observing the particles with an optical microscope or an electron microscope.

Such a silicone particle can be obtained by crosslinking, in a state of being dispersed in water, a radical polymerizable silicone composition containing the following components (A) to (C).

Hereinafter, the components (A) to (C) will be described.

Firstly, the component (A) is an organopolysiloxane having a radical polymerization reactive group shown in the following general formula (<NUM>). <CHM>
In the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM>s each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms or a group represented by the following general formula (4a) or (4b), provided that at least one group represented by the following formula (4a) or (4b) is contained in one molecule, and "m" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ m ≤ <NUM>,<NUM>. <CHM>
<CHM>
In the formulae (4a) and (4b), R<NUM> represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R<NUM> represents a divalent aliphatic group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

As described above, R<NUM>s in the general formula (<NUM>) each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms or a group represented by the general formula (4a) or (4b). The monovalent hydrocarbon group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and examples thereof include alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-hexyl, and cyclohexyl; aryl groups such as a phenyl group; etc. Among these monovalent hydrocarbon groups, alkyl groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and aryl groups are preferable, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a phenyl group are more preferable.

Furthermore, at least one of the R<NUM>s in the general formula (<NUM>) is a group represented by the formula (4a) or (4b). R<NUM> in the formula (4a) or (4b) is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. In addition, R<NUM> in the formula (4a) or (4b) represents a divalent aliphatic group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and may be linear, branched, or cyclic. Specific examples thereof include alkylene groups such as a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, isobutylene, a pentylene group, and a hexylene group. In particular, a methylene group, an ethylene group, and a propylene group are preferable, and a propylene group is more preferable.

Furthermore, "m" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ m ≤ <NUM>,<NUM>, preferably <NUM> ≤ m ≤ <NUM>. When "m" is <NUM>,<NUM> or less, viscosity is not too high, so that excellent workability can be achieved.

The value of "m" can be calculated, for example, as an average value by <NUM>Si-NMR measurement or the like. Alternatively, "m" can be determined from a number-average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis.

As the component (A), it is preferable to use an organopolysiloxane having a radical polymerization reactive group shown in the following general formula (<NUM>). <CHM>
In the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> and R<NUM> are as defined above and "m" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ m ≤ <NUM>,<NUM>.

Examples of the component (A) organopolysiloxane include the compounds of the following formulae. <CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>.

Next, the component (B) is a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone having a radical polymerizable group shown in the following general formula (<NUM>). <CHM>
In the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> is as defined above and at least two groups represented by the following formula (4a) and/or (4b) are contained in one molecule. R<NUM> represents a polyethyleneoxyalkyl group represented by the following formula (<NUM>). "l" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ <NUM> ≤ <NUM> and "m'" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ m' ≤ <NUM>,<NUM>. <CHM>
<CHM>
In the formulae (4a) and (4b), R<NUM> and R<NUM> are as defined above.

-R<NUM>O(CR<NUM>HCH<NUM>O)n-R<NUM>     (<NUM>).

In the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM>s each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, R<NUM>s each independently represent a divalent aliphatic group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and "n" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ n ≤ <NUM>.

The component (B) polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone having a radical polymerizable group (radical polymerization reactive group) can emulsify and disperse the component (A) in water, and has a radical polymerizable group. That is, the component (B) can be said to act as a surfactant in the reaction. One kind of the component (B) (surfactant) can be used, or two or more kinds thereof can be used in appropriate combination.

Furthermore, when a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone having a radical polymerizable group is used as described, the emulsification stability of the emulsion can be improved. In addition, the surfactant to be fixed to a surface of a produced hydrophilic silicone particle can be a nonionic surfactant. In this manner, a hydrophilic silicone particle having favorable properties can be achieved.

As the component (B), it is preferable to use a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone having a radical polymerizable group shown in the following structural formula (<NUM>). <CHM>
In the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> and R<NUM> are as defined above, "l" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ <NUM> ≤ <NUM>, "m'" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ m' ≤ <NUM>,<NUM>, and "n" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ n ≤ <NUM>.

Examples of the component (B) polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone include the compounds of the following formulae. <CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>.

The component (B) is contained in an amount within a range of <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass based on <NUM> parts by mass of the component (A). This is because if the contained amount of the component (B) is less than <NUM> parts by mass, the dispersibility of the obtained crosslinked silicone particles in water is degraded, and on the other hand, if the contained amount is over <NUM> parts by mass, the obtained silicone particles become too small.

The component (C) is a radical generator. In the inventive method for producing the silicone particle, the composition is preferably cured by a heating method, a redox method, or a light irradiation method in the presence of the component (C) radical generator.

Examples of the radical generator used in the emulsion polymerization include peroxides, azo initiators, redox initiators having a combination of an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, photopolymerization initiators, etc..

Examples of the peroxides include benzoyl peroxide, <NUM>,<NUM>-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, o-methylbenzoyl peroxide, p-methylbenzoyl peroxide, <NUM>,<NUM>-dicumyl peroxide, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane, di-t-butylperoxide, t-butylperbenzoate, etc..

Examples of the azo initiators include <NUM>,<NUM>'-azobisisobutyronitrile, <NUM>,<NUM>'-azobis(<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylvaleronitrile), dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>'-azobis(<NUM>-methylpropionate), dimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>'-azobisisobutyrate, etc..

Examples of the redox initiators include a combination of ferrous sulfate, sodium pyrophosphate, glucose, and hydroperoxide; and a combination of ferrous sulfate, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, Rongalite, and hydroperoxide.

Examples of the photopolymerization initiators include <NUM>,<NUM>-diethoxyacetophenone, <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphenylethan-<NUM>-one (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), <NUM>-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-phenyl-propan-<NUM>-one (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-{<NUM>-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-propionyl)-benzyl]-phenyl}-<NUM>-methyl-propan-<NUM>-one (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), phenyl glyoxylic acid methyl ester (Irgacure MBF manufactured by BASF), <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-[<NUM>-(methylthio)phenyl]-<NUM>-morpholinopropan-<NUM>-one (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), <NUM>-benzyl-<NUM>-dimethylamino-<NUM>-(<NUM>-morpholinophenyl)-<NUM>-butanone (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), bis(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide (Irgacure TPO manufactured by BASF), mixtures thereof, etc..

Out of the components (C), the following are preferable in view of compatibility with the component (A). <NUM>,<NUM>-diethoxyacetophenone, <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-phenyl-propan-<NUM>-one (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), bis(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF), and <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide (Irgacure TPO manufactured by BASF).

The amount of the component (C) added is within the range of <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass based on <NUM> parts by mass of (A). If the added amount is less than <NUM> parts by mass, curability is insufficient, and if the component (C) is added in an amount of more than <NUM> parts by mass, problems such as odor and bleeding occur due to the reaction residue and so forth being mixed in (contamination).

In the inventive production method, it is possible to prepare a crosslinkable organopolysiloxane composition containing the components (A) to (C) first, and then crosslink the composition in a state of being dispersed in water. Alternatively, it is also possible to prepare a mixture of the components (A) and (B), disperse this in water, then add the component (C) and perform the crosslinking. In the latter case, the component (C) is preferably added as an aqueous dispersion in which the component (C) is dispersed with an average particle size of <NUM> or less in water.

When water is used as a dispersion medium, the water is preferably added in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass based on <NUM> parts by mass of the crosslinkable silicone composition.

To the emulsion used in the inventive method for producing the silicone particle, various additives can be blended as necessary besides the components (A) to (C). Examples include thickeners, preservatives, pH adjusting agents, antioxidants, polymerization inhibitors, etc., and regarding each of these, one kind may be used, or an appropriate combination of two or more kinds may be used in appropriate amounts.

In the inventive production method, a dispersion of a radical polymerizable organopolysiloxane composition containing the components (A) to (C) may be prepared, and then a radical polymerization reaction may be performed. Alternatively, a dispersion of a mixture containing the components (A) and (B) may be prepared, and then the radical generator (C) may be added to perform a radical polymerization.

For dispersing the radical polymerizable organopolysiloxane composition in the dispersion medium homogeneously, a common emulsifying and dispersing apparatus can be used. Examples of the emulsifying apparatus include a homomixer, paddle mixer, Henschel mixer, homogenizing disper, colloid mill, propeller-type agitator, homogenizer, in-line-type continuous emulsifier, ultrasonic emulsifier, vacuum-type continuous mixer, etc..

The emulsion obtained in this manner is subjected to radical polymerization to prepare a dispersion of silicone particles.

When a photopolymerization initiator is used as the radical generator, the crosslinking can be performed by inserting a UV irradiation probe directly into the above-described dispersion of the crosslinkable organopolysiloxane composition or slurry, and performing polymerization for a predetermined time. As the light source of the UV irradiation probe, LED light sources or mercury lamp light sources of various wavelengths can be used, and it is possible to use a light source having a wavelength range in an absorption wavelength of the photopolymerization initiator.

Subsequently, by removing the dispersion medium, unreacted component (B), and so forth from this dispersion or slurry, silicone particles can be obtained.

When the dispersion medium is water, examples of methods for removing the unreacted component (B) and so forth include: a method of concentrating the dispersion by a method such as dehydration by heat, filtration, centrifugation, decantation, etc., then washing with water if necessary, and furthermore, heating and drying under normal pressure or reduced pressure; a method of performing the heating and drying by spraying the dispersion in a flow of hot air; and a method of performing the heating and drying by using a flow of hot medium. In addition, methods for removing the dispersion medium by solidifying the dispersion and then reducing pressure include freeze-drying. If the crosslinked silicone particles obtained by removing the dispersion medium is agglomerated, the particles may be pulverize with a mortar, a jet mill, or the like.

Furthermore, a silicone particle produced by the inventive method for producing the silicone particle has a polyoxyalkylene group fixed to the particle surface by a chemical bond produced by radical polymerization. In addition, a polyoxyalkylene-modified silicone is used as the raw material component (B), so that the silicone particle contains a polyoxyalkylene group in the particle surface. Such polyoxyalkylene groups fixed to the surface of the particle can be observed by NMR analysis with heavy water.

The inventive silicone particle is preferably not sticky, and preferably has a rubber hardness of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> as measured by Type A Durometer according to JIS K <NUM>. When the rubber hardness is <NUM> or more, in particular, <NUM> or more, agglomeration property of such silicone particles does not become too high, so that the particles easily disperse to primary particles in the dispersion medium. Meanwhile, when the rubber hardness is <NUM> or less, in particular, <NUM> or less, the silicone particles can retain elastic characteristics.

Note that rubber hardness of the silicone particles cannot be measured using particles. Therefore, as a temporary measure, a cured material is made using the component (A) and the component (C) in the same ratio as in the Examples, and a test piece having the shape and dimensions defined in JIS K <NUM> is fabricated. The value measured using the test piece is referred to as the rubber hardness.

The inventive silicone particle has rubber elasticity, has low agglomeration property, and has high dispersibility in water, and is therefore useful for aqueous cosmetics, aqueous paints, printed substrates, adhesives, etc..

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described specifically with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following Examples. Note that in the examples, the kinematic viscosity is the value measured at <NUM>, and the "%" indicating concentration and content indicates "mass%". In addition, the evaluation of dispersibility was performed in the manner described below.

<NUM> of a difunctional methacryl polysiloxane (component (A)) shown by the following formula (<NUM>) and having a kinematic viscosity of <NUM><NUM>/s and <NUM> of <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-phenyl-propan-<NUM>-one (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF) (component (C)) were charged into a glass beaker having a capacity of <NUM> liter, and were stirred and dissolved by using a homomixer at <NUM> rpm for <NUM> minutes. Next, <NUM> of a difunctional methacryl polyethylene glycol-modified polysiloxane (component (B)) shown by the following formula (<NUM>) and having a kinematic viscosity of <NUM><NUM>/s and <NUM> of water were added thereto, and stirred using a homomixer at <NUM> rpm. The obtained mixture was of an oil-in-water type, thickening was observed, and stirring was continued for a further <NUM> minutes. Subsequently, <NUM> of water was added for dilution while stirring at <NUM> rpm. The mixture was passed through a homogenizer under the condition of a pressure of <NUM> MPa to obtain a homogeneous white emulsion. <CHM>
<CHM>.

This emulsion was transferred to a glass flask equipped with an agitator having an anchor paddle and having a capacity of <NUM> liters, and the temperature was adjusted to <NUM> to <NUM>. Then, a probe of an LED light source for photochemical reaction (wavelength: <NUM>, <NUM> mW) of Techno Sigma Co. was inserted into the solution, and irradiation was started. By continuing the irradiation at the same temperature for <NUM> hours while stirring, an aqueous dispersion of silicone particles was obtained.

When the shape of the silicone particles in the obtained aqueous dispersion was observed with an optical microscope, the shape was spherical. When the volume average particle size was measured using an electric resistance method particle size distribution analyzer (Multisizer <NUM>, manufactured by BECKMAN COULTER), the volume average particle size was <NUM>.

Furthermore, the hardness of the silicone elastomer constituting the silicone particles was measured as follows. <NUM> of the methylvinylpolysiloxane shown by the formula (<NUM>) and <NUM> of the <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-phenyl-propan-<NUM>-one (Irgacure <NUM> manufactured by BASF) were mixed, and poured into a glass petri dish so as to have a thickness of <NUM>. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, the mixture was irradiated with a UV-LED irradiator (<NUM>, <NUM> mW) for <NUM> minutes to obtain a silicone elastomer having no stickiness. When the hardness of the silicone elastomer was measured with a Durometer A hardness meter, the hardness was <NUM>.

About <NUM> of the aqueous dispersion of silicone particles was transferred to a <NUM>-liter glass flask equipped with an agitator having an anchor paddle, and an aqueous solution of <NUM> of water and <NUM> of sodium sulfate was added thereto. After stirring this for <NUM> minutes, the washing water in a lower layer was removed. An aqueous solution of <NUM> of water and <NUM> of sodium sulfate was added again, and after stirring for <NUM> minutes, the washing water in a lower layer was removed to obtain an aqueous dispersion of silicone particles. Furthermore, the dispersion was washed twice with <NUM> of heated water of <NUM>, and an approximately <NUM>% aqueous dispersion of silicone particles was freeze-dried to obtain white silicone particles.

When the obtained silicone particles were dispersed in water without using a surfactant and measured using an electric resistance method particle size distribution analyzer (Multisizer <NUM>, manufactured by BECKMAN COULTER), the particle size distribution was equivalent to that of the above-described aqueous dispersion of silicone particles, and the volume average particle size was <NUM>. When the silicone particles were observed with an electron microscope, it was observed that the silicone particles were spherical silicone elastomer particles. When the silicone particles were subjected to NMR analysis in heavy water, -(CH<NUM>CH<NUM>O)- groups were detected, and it was judged that the silicone particles had a polydimethylsiloxane containing a polyoxyalkylene unit crosslinked to the surface of the silicone particles.

An aqueous dispersion of silicone particles was obtained by the same method as in Example <NUM> except that a compound of the following formula (<NUM>) was used instead of the difunctional methacryl polysiloxane of the structural formula (<NUM>) used in Example <NUM>.

When the shape of the silicone particles in the obtained aqueous dispersion was observed with an optical microscope, the shape was spherical. When the volume average particle size was measured using an electric resistance method particle size distribution analyzer (Multisizer <NUM>, manufactured by BECKMAN COULTER), the volume average particle size was <NUM>. In the same manner as in Example <NUM>, a silicone elastomer was fabricated to measure hardness, and the hardness was <NUM>. The volume average particle size of the silicone particles obtained by the same purifying method as in Example <NUM> was <NUM>. When these silicone particles were observed with an electron microscope, it was confirmed that the silicone particles were spherical silicone elastomer particles. When the silicone particles were subjected to NMR analysis in heavy water, -(CH<NUM>CH<NUM>O)- groups were detected, and it was judged that the silicone particles had a polydimethylsiloxane containing a polyoxyalkylene unit crosslinked to the surface of the silicone particles.

An aqueous dispersion of silicone particles was obtained by the same method as in Example <NUM> except that a compound of the following formula (<NUM>) was used instead of the methacryl polyethylene glycol-modified polysiloxane of the structural formula (<NUM>) used in Example <NUM>.

When the shape of the silicone particles in the obtained aqueous dispersion was observed with an optical microscope, the shape was spherical. When the volume average particle size was measured using an electric resistance method particle size distribution analyzer (Multisizer <NUM>, manufactured by BECKMAN COULTER), the volume average particle size was <NUM>. In the same manner as in Example <NUM>, a silicone elastomer was fabricated to measure hardness, and the hardness was <NUM>. However, although silicone particles were obtained by the same purifying method as in Example <NUM>, the silicone particles did not disperse in water on their own. Therefore, the volume average particle size was measured, using a common surfactant, and the volume average particle size was <NUM>. When these silicone particles were observed with an electron microscope, it was confirmed that the silicone particles were spherical silicone elastomer particles. However, when the silicone particles were subjected to NMR analysis in heavy water, no peak attributable to -(CH<NUM>CH<NUM>O)- groups was detected.

Claim 1:
A silicone particle comprising:
a dialkylsiloxane unit represented by the following general formula (<NUM>),

        R<NUM><NUM>SiO<NUM>/<NUM>     (<NUM>)

wherein in the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM>s each independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; and
a poly(alkyleneoxyalkyl)methylsiloxane unit represented by the following general formula (<NUM>),
<CHM>
wherein in the formula (<NUM>), R<NUM>s each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, R<NUM>s each independently represent a divalent aliphatic group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and "n" is a number that satisfies <NUM> ≤ n ≤ <NUM>,
wherein the silicone particle has an oxyalkylene group in a surface thereof.