Polyurethane-10 is an inorganic chemical compound, a segmented block copolymer derived from urethane and synthesised from isocyanates. Significant substances used in the production method: isophorone diisocyanate, cyclohexanedimethanol, dimethylolbutanoic acid, polyalkylene glycol and N-methyl diethanolamine monomers.
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- "Polyurethane" is a term that describes a class of polymers widely used in various applications due to their versatility and desirable properties such as durability, flexibility and abrasion resistance and temperature variations.
- "-10" is a reference to the specific type or grade of polyurethane, which can be characterized by such factors as the types of isocyanates and polyols used, their relative amounts, and the presence of any additives. . This is a designation used to differentiate different molecular structures or variants of the polymer. In cosmetic chemistry, these numbers can help formulators identify specific characteristics or behaviors of a given ingredient, particularly when a chemical family has multiple derivatives or forms.
Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.
- Isophorone Diisocyanate. Crosslinking agent used in the formation of the urethane polymer.
- Cyclohexanedimethanol. Alcohol monomer that extends the polymer chain and contributes to its mechanical properties.
- Dimethylolbutanoic acid. Provides hydrophilic functional sites to the polymer and acts as a crosslinking agent.
- Polyalkylene glycol. Increases the polymer's flexibility, enhancing its resilience and durability.
- N-methyl diethanolamine. Monomer that provides amine functional groups, enhancing the polymer's reactivity and properties.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.
- Isophorone Diisocyanate is reacted with cyclohexanedimethanol and polyalkylene glycol to form a prepolymer.
- Dimethylolbutanoic acid is introduced as a hydrophilic component and crosslinking agent.
- N-methyl diethanolamine is then added, supplying amine groups to the polymer.
- The reaction proceeds to form Polyurethane-10.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.
Hair fixative. This ingredient has the ability to create, with its protective film, stiffness and hold in the hair, and also has the ability to form, with its hydrophilic and elastic properties, bonds between the hair fibres, to keep the hair in a particular shape for a certain time.
It appears as a white powder or colorless liquid.
Safety
Urethane (also called ethyl carbamate) is a by-product of fermentation and is considered a genotoxic agent.
Polyurethanes are rather complex, inert and biostable materials that are also used in biomedical applications. They are typically synthesised by the reaction of a glycol or polyol with polyisocyanate or diisocyanate. It is known that exposure to isocyanates can cause asthma, contact allergies, conjunctival and skin irritation. However, a study by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel in 2017 found that the rates of harmful residues are not significant for human health. (Diethanolamine: Safe when formulated to be non-irritating)
