Polyurethane-77 is an inorganic chemical compound, a segmented block copolymer derived from urethane and synthesised from isocyanates.
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.
- "-77" 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.
Significant substances used in the production method:
- Methyl Ricinoleate, Propanediol, 1,10-Decanediol, Isophorone Diisocyanate.
- Description of raw materials used in production and their functions:
- Methyl Ricinoleate. Derived from castor oil, used as a polyol component to contribute to the flexibility of the final polymer.
- Propanediol and 1,10-Decanediol. Serve as polyol components, imparting both flexibility and mechanical strength to the polyurethane.
- Isophorone Diisocyanate. Acts as the diisocyanate component, reacting with polyols to form the urethane linkage.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process:
- Preparation. Methyl Ricinoleate, Propanediol, and 1,10-Decanediol are introduced into a reactor and heated to a set temperature.
- Addition. Isophorone Diisocyanate is slowly added to the reactor under stirring.
- Reaction. The urethane linkage forms between the polyol components and the diisocyanate. The reaction is exothermic, and the temperature is closely monitored and controlled.
- Cooling. After achieving a complete reaction, the mixture is cooled.
- Purification. Any unreacted components are removed, and the polyurethane is purified.
- Finalization. The resulting polyurethane is cooled and prepared for final applications.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
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.
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.
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.
