Polyurethane-94 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.
- "-94" 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:
Benzoic Acid, Dimethylolpropionic Acid, Isophorone Diisocyanate, Pentaerythritol, Phthalic Anhydride, Trimethylolpropane, Coconut Acid, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Triethylamine, water.
Description of raw materials used in production and their functions:
- Benzoic Acid and Dimethylolpropionic Acid. Provide hydroxyl terminal groups for the reaction with isocyanates.
- Isophorone Diisocyanate. A reactant that forms the urethane linkage with the polyols.
- Pentaerythritol, Trimethylolpropane, and Phthalic Anhydride. Structure modifiers and co-polyols.
- Coconut Acid and Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil. Additives that modify the polymer's properties.
- Triethylamine. Neutralizing agent.
- Water. Used as a blowing agent or for other secondary reactions.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process:
- Preparation. The acids, oils, and polyols are introduced into a reactor and heated to a specified temperature.
- Addition. Isophorone Diisocyanate is slowly added to the reactor while stirring.
- Reaction. The urethane linkage forms between the polyols and the isocyanate reactant.
- Neutralization. Triethylamine is added to neutralize any remaining acids.
- Purification. Any unreacted components are removed, and the polyurethane is purified.
- Finalization. The resulting polyurethane is cooled and prepared for end applications.
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.
Hair fixative. This ingredient has the ability to create, with its protective film, stiffness and hold in the hair, and also has the ability to form, with its hydrophilic and elastic properties, bonds between the hair fibres, to keep the hair in a particular shape for a certain time.
Opacifying agent. It is useful into formulations that may be translucent or transparent to make them opaque and less permeable to light.
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.
