Carbomer

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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.

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Categories: Emollients, Excipients, Thickeners Tags: Carbomer, Cosmetic gels and creams, Personal care products, Pharmaceutical formulations, Synthetic polymer, Thickening agent, White powder

Description

Table of Contents

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.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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