Polyurethane-12 is an inorganic chemical compound, a segmented block copolymer derived from urethane and synthesised from isocyanates. Significant substances used: Trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol, dimethylol propionic acid, polytetramethylene ether glycol and isocyanato methylethylbenzene copolymer.
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.
- "-12" 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.
- Trimethylolpropane. A trihydric alcohol introducing additional reactive sites in the polymer and enhancing toughness and flexibility.
- Neopentyl Glycol. A dihydric alcohol used in the formation of polyurethane, contributing to its backbone and flexibility.
- Dimethylol Propionic Acid. An alcohol containing both alcohol and carboxylic acid groups, used to introduce hydrophilic end groups in the polymer.
- Poly(tetramethylene ether glycol). Also known as PTMEG, contributes to the flexibility and elasticity of the polyurethane.
- Isocyanato Methyl Ethyl Benzene. Provides isocyanate groups that react with alcohols to form polyurethane.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.
- Trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol, and dimethylol propionic acid are reacted together to form a prepolymer with alcohol end groups.
- This prepolymer is then reacted with poly(tetramethylene ether glycol) to extend the polymer chain.
- Finally, the extended prepolymer is reacted with isocyanato methyl ethyl benzene to form Polyurethane-12.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.
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.
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.
