Desgel HG (Carbomer)
Desgel HG is a high-purity Carbomer-based thickening agent, widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care formulations. It is a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer, neutralized to form high-viscosity gels with excellent clarity and stability. Desgel HG is prized for its thickening, suspending, emulsifying, and stabilizing capabilities, especially in aqueous and hydroalcoholic systems. It is highly efficient at low concentrations and compatible with a wide pH range (when neutralized). This makes it ideal for use in gels, creams, lotions, hand sanitizers, topical formulations, and other semi-solid systems.
Desgel HG (Carbomer) Uses
Primary UsesÂ
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Used in gels, creams, lotions, and emulsions as a rheology modifier and texture enhancer.
- Provides smooth, luxurious feel and excellent spreadability in skin care products.
- Enables clear, stable gel formulations (e.g., aloe vera gels, anti-acne gels, eye gels).
- Functions as a suspending agent for actives like salicylic acid, zinc oxide, and clays.
- Maintains stability of emulsions by preventing phase separation in oil-in-water (O/W) systems.
- Used in alcohol-based hand sanitizers to form thick, transparent gels.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used as a gelling agent in topical drug delivery systems (ointments, creams, gels).
- Functions as a bioadhesive polymer in ophthalmic, nasal, and vaginal formulations.
- Enhances drug release profiles by modifying viscosity and diffusion properties.
- Forms stable, pH-sensitive gels, ideal for controlled release applications.
- Medical & Hygiene Products
- Forms stable gels for ultrasound transmission, surgical lubricants, and wound care gels.
- Used in topical anesthetic and antibacterial gels for ease of application and uniform dispersion.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Industrial Applications
- Used in lubricants, polish emulsions, and aqueous coatings as a thickener.
- Applied in battery gel electrolytes and other specialty gel systems.
- Household Products
- Used in gel-type air fresheners, cleaning pastes, and dishwashing gels.
- Functions as a suspending and stabilizing agent in household cleaners.
- Food & Beverage (only if food-grade variant)
- Note: Not all Carbomers are approved for food use. Food-grade types may serve as stabilizers in chewing gum bases or special applications.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Crosslinked poly(acrylic acid)
- Common/Trade Name: Desgel HG
- CAS Number: 9003-01-4
- HS Code: 3906.90.90
- Molecular Formula: (C₃H₄O₂)ₙ (Polyacrylic acid backbone)
- Synonyms:
- Carbomer
- Acrylic acid polymer
- Polyacrylic acid (cross-linked)
- Carbopol-type polymer
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White, fluffy powder or granular solid
- Color & Odor: Odorless; white to off-white
- pH (0.5% dispersion): 2.5–3.5 (before neutralization)
- Viscosity (after neutralization): Up to 70,000–100,000 cps (depending on grade and concentration)
- Melting Point: Not applicable
- Solubility: Dispersible in water and some polar solvents; swells to form clear gels when neutralized
- Stability: Stable at room temperature; sensitive to strong acids, electrolytes, and high temperatures
- Thickening Efficiency: Very high (effective at concentrations as low as 0.1–1.0%)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: Not established
- Toxicity: Non-toxic in topical applications; not absorbed through intact skin
- Reactivity: Incompatible with strong oxidizers and acids (can hydrolyze or clump)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry area away from moisture and ignition sources
- Container Type: Paper drums with polyethylene liners or sealed HDPE containers
- Shelf Life: 2–3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling:
- Avoid inhaling dust; use dust extraction systems when handling bulk powder
- Use PPE when mixing to avoid eye and respiratory irritation
- Hydrate slowly to prevent clumping or lump formation
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for topical and external pharmaceutical/cosmetic use (not for ingestion unless food-grade variant)
- USP/NF Grade: Available in pharma-grade variants
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not regulated as a hazardous material
- Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to local environmental regulations; biodegradable in dilute forms
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low; non-toxic to aquatic life in typical concentrations
- Persistence: Biodegradable over time
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Swellable polymer; not persistent in treated wastewater environments
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Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment PPE Required:
- Dust mask or respirator (for dry handling)
- Safety goggles
- Gloves (nitrile or latex)
- Lab coat or protective apron
Handling Guidelines:
- Add powder slowly to water with continuous mixing
- Use non-metallic, high-shear mixers to ensure proper hydration
- Avoid generating dust clouds
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage Measures:
- Keep tightly sealed
- Avoid exposure to humidity—absorbs moisture
- Store away from oxidizing agents
Hygiene Practices:
- Avoid ingestion and inhalation
- Use in a clean area to prevent cross-contamination
- Do not eat or drink while handling
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; consult physician if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; not expected to be toxic, but consult medical attention for large amounts
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Slightly combustible as dry powder
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Avoid stirring up powder during firefighting
Decomposition Products: CO, COâ‚‚, and other mild organic vapors upon combustion