Polyurethane-101 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, polyester polyol, Adipic Acid, Glycol, Dimethylolpropionic Acid, Triethylamine.
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.
- "-101" 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. This compound provides isocyanate groups which are essential for the formation of polyurethane by reacting with polyols.
- Adipic Acid. A key raw material in the formation of polyester polyols. It is a dicarboxylic acid.
- Glycol. A dihydric alcohol that reacts with dicarboxylic acids like adipic acid to form polyesters.
- Dimethylolpropionic Acid (DMPA). Acts as a water-dispersing agent and introduces carboxylic groups into the polymer.
- Triethylamine. Used to neutralize the dimethylolpropionic acid, making the polymer water-dispersible.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.
- Adipic acid is reacted with glycol to form a polyester polyol.
- Isophorone diisocyanate is then reacted with this polyester polyol.
- The resulting polymer is reacted with dimethylolpropionic acid.
- This acid polymer is then neutralized with triethylamine.
- Finally, the polymer is dispersed into water, forming Polyurethane-101.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Surfactant - Suspending agent. Cosmetic or pharmaceutical suspensions are known to be thermodynamically unstable and it is therefore essential to include in the formulation a suspending agent capable of dispersing any sedimented particulates and reducing the rate of sedimentation. The presence of this agent increases the consistency of the suspension medium and exerts a protective colloidal action with a surfactant action.
Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions.
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.
