Polyurethane-100 is an inorganic chemical compound, a segmented block copolymer derived from urethane and synthesised from isocyanates. Significant substances used in the production method: Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer, pentamethylene diisocyanate.
Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.
- Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer. This is the main monomer used in the formation of the polyurethane. Dilinoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid while propanediol is an alcohol, and their copolymerization provides a polymer backbone with desired properties.
- Pentamethylene Diisocyanate. Crosslinking agent that reacts with the functional groups of the dilinoleic acid/propanediol copolymer to form the polyurethane.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.
- Dilinoleic Acid is reacted with Propanediol to form the Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer.
- This copolymer is then reacted with Pentamethylene Diisocyanate.
- The reaction proceeds to form Polyurethane-100.
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.
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.
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.
