Polyurethane-13 is an inorganic chemical compound, a segmented block copolymer derived from urethane and synthesised from isocyanates. Significant substances used: Trimethylolpropane, dimethylol propionic acid, hexanediol, adipic acid, polyester diol, and isocyanato methylethylbenzene copolymer.
- "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.
- "-13" 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.
- Dimethylol Propionic Acid. An alcohol containing both alcohol and carboxylic acid groups, used to introduce hydrophilic end groups in the polymer.
- Hexanediol. A diol that contributes to the flexibility of polyurethane and serves as a backbone builder of the polymer.
- Adipic Acid. A dicarboxylic acid contributing to the formation of polyurethane via esterification reactions.
- Polyester Diol. Enhances the flexibility, elasticity, and longevity of the polyurethane.
- Isocyanato Methyl Ethyl Benzene. Provides isocyanate groups that react with alcohols and acids to form polyurethane.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.
- Trimethylolpropane, hexanediol, dimethylol propionic acid, and adipic acid are reacted together to form a prepolymer with alcohol and carboxylic end groups.
- This prepolymer is then reacted with the polyester diol to extend the polymer chain.
- Finally, the extended prepolymer is reacted with isocyanato methyl ethyl benzene to form Polyurethane-13.
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.
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.
