Polyurethane-86 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.
- "-86" 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. In this case it is a chronological reference.
Significant substances used in the production:
Ethylene Carbonate, Hexanediol, 1,5-Pentanediol, Isophorone Diisocyanate, HEMA.
Description of the raw materials used in production and their functions.
- Ethylene Carbonate. A cyclic carbonate used either as a reactive solvent or as a raw material for the production of polyols.
- Hexanediol and 1,5-Pentanediol. These are diols that act as chain extenders in the polymer, improving the mechanical and thermal properties of the polyurethane.
- Isophorone Diisocyanate. A diisocyanate that reacts with diols or polyols to form the polyurethane backbone.
- HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate). An acrylic monomer that introduces acrylic functionalities into the polymer, allowing further cross-linking or functionalization reactions.
Step-by-step industrial synthesis.
- Preparation. A mixture of Ethylene Carbonate, Hexanediol, and 1,5-Pentanediol is prepared.
- Reaction. Isophorone Diisocyanate is added to the mixture to form a polyurethane prepolymer.
- Chain Extension. The reaction continues until the isocyanate ends have fully reacted.
- Modification. HEMA is then added to the prepolymer to introduce the acrylic functionalities.
- Cross-linking. Depending on the application specifications, further cross-linking reactions may be performed.
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.
