Carbomer
Carbomer is a high molecular weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used primarily as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, and suspension stabilizer. Supplied as a fluffy white powder, it exhibits high viscosity and excellent clarity when neutralized and dispersed in water or alcohol-water systems. Carbomer 940 is widely valued for its ability to form clear gels, control flow properties, and stabilize emulsions. It is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and household formulations due to its consistency, compatibility, and efficient thickening performance at low concentrations.
Carbomer
Primary Uses
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Used in creams, gels, and lotions to provide viscosity, stability, and a smooth skin feel.
- Enables the creation of clear gels in products like hand sanitizers, facial cleansers, and styling gels.
- Acts as a suspending agent for insoluble ingredients (e.g., exfoliants or pigments).
- Stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions in sunscreens, moisturizers, and anti-aging formulations.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Serves as a gel base for topical applications such as analgesics, antimicrobials, and dermatological formulations.
- Used in ophthalmic gels, oral suspensions, and controlled-release drug delivery systems.
- Enhances bioadhesion in mucosal delivery products (e.g., buccal or vaginal gels).
- Functions as a suspending agent for oral and topical liquids.
- Household & Industrial Products
- Included in household cleaners, polishes, and air fresheners to thicken and stabilize formulations.
- Used in detergents and hard surface cleaners for flow control and uniform application.
- Acts as a suspending and gelling agent in air care and odor-control products.
Secondary Uses
- Medical Devices
- Used in hydrogels for wound dressings and transdermal patches due to its biocompatibility and water retention.
- Agricultural Formulations
- Included in agricultural gels and controlled-release carriers for fertilizers and pesticides.
- Textile Industry
- Occasionally used in textile printing pastes to control rheology and reduce bleeding.
- Printing Inks & Paints
- Acts as a rheology modifier and stabilizer in water-based ink and paint systems.
- 3D Printing
- Explored in hydrogel-based bioinks for tissue engineering and pharmaceutical 3D printing applications.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Crosslinked poly(acrylic acid)
- Common/Trade Name: Carbomer 940
- CAS Number: 9003-01-4 (base polymer)
- HS Code: 3906.90.90
- Molecular Formula: (C3H4O2)n (base repeating unit)
- Synonyms:
- Poly(acrylic acid), crosslinked
- Carboxyvinyl polymer
- PAA polymer
- Carbopol 940 (trade name by Lubrizol)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Powder
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Melting Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable
- pH (0.5% in water): ~2.5–3.5 (before neutralization)
- Viscosity (0.5% neutralized to pH 6–7): 40,000–60,000 cP (Brookfield RVT, 20 rpm, 25°C)
- Density: ~1.41 g/cm³ (bulk density lower: ~0.2–0.7 g/cm³)
- Solubility:
- Swells in water, alcohol-water, or glycerin systems
- Insoluble in oils and organic solvents
- Stability: Stable under recommended conditions; requires neutralization for gel formation
- Crosslinker: Usually allyl ethers of pentaerythritol or sucrose
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: Not established
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; not absorbed through intact skin
- Reactivity: Stable; dust may form explosive mixtures with air
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and ignition sources
- Container Type: Tightly sealed, moisture-proof containers (lined fiber drums or HDPE bags)
- Shelf Life: Up to 2–3 years under recommended storage conditions
- Special Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust; minimize static buildup during transfer
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Generally regarded as safe (GRAS); permitted in certain OTC drug products (e.g., topical antiseptics, oral care)
- Pharmacopoeial Status:
- USP/NF: Carbomer Homopolymer Type B (equivalent to Carbomer 940)
- Ph. Eur.: Not always specifically listed, but used in gel formulations
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not regulated as a hazardous substance
- Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local environmental regulations; non-hazardous solid waste
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental risk in typical use concentrations
- Persistence: Non-biodegradable; inert and not bioavailable
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Not readily biodegradable; considered chemically inert
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Dust mask or respirator (if airborne dust is generated)
- Safety goggles
- Protective gloves
- Lab coat or work clothing
Handling Measures:
- Avoid creating dust clouds
- Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume extraction
- Ground equipment to prevent electrostatic discharge
Storage Measures:
- Keep container sealed and moisture-free
- Protect from humidity, heat, and sunlight
- Follow FIFO (first-in, first-out) inventory method
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands and face after handling
- Avoid contact with eyes or prolonged skin contact
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice for irritation
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if large quantities are ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible dust hazard in powdered form
- Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and acrylic monomers
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