Polyquaternium-81 is a chemical compound, copolymer, the polymeric quaternary ammonium salt, the complex polymer formed by crosslinking Lauryl Glucoside with 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol, followed by quaternization of the residual chloropropanol groups with stearyldimethylamine
The name defines the structure of the molecule
- "Poly". Indicates a polymer structure, meaning many repeating units.
- "Quaternium". Refers to the quaternary nature of nitrogen. These compounds have a nitrogen atom bonded to four different atoms, making them cationic or positively charged.
- "81". Is a specific number that differentiates this particular variant of Polyquaternium from others. The number is a chronological reference to the date of registration.
Description of the raw materials used in its production:
- Cationic functional group monomers - These can be derived from amines, amides, or other nitrogenous compounds.
- Neutral monomers or co-monomers - To modulate the properties of the polymer.
- Initiator - To start the polymerization.
Industrial chemical synthesis of Polyquaternium-81, step by step:
- Pre-polymerization - The monomers are mixed in a reactor with the initiator.
- Polymerization - The mixture is heated, allowing the monomers to polymerize and form the polymer chain.
- Neutralization - The polymer is then neutralized (if necessary) to ensure the desired properties.
- Purification - Any residual monomers or impurities are removed through various processes.
- Quality Control - Once Polyquaternium-81 is obtained, it undergoes various quality checks to ensure it meets specifications.
It occurs as a colourless to light yellow liquid, soluble in water, insoluble in ester, hydrocarbons and ketone or in the form of a white powder.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.
Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.
Commercial applications
Hair Conditioners - Acts as a conditioning agent, improving the combability and softness of the hair.
Hair Styling Products - Helps to form a film on the hair, providing hold and styling control.
Skin Care Products - Functions as an emollient and humectant agent, helping to retain skin moisture.
Cosmetics - Used in cosmetic formulations for its ability to form a thin film on the skin, thereby improving product texture.
Personal Cleansing Products - Used in shampoos, body washes, and other cleansing products to enhance the skin feel during and after use.
