Polyurethane-95 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.
- "-95" 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:
poly(1,4-butanediol)-28, poly(1,4-butanediol)-41, Hydrogenated Bisphenol A, Isophorone Diisocyanate, 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate.
Description of raw materials used in production with their functions.
- poly(1,4-butanediol)-28 and poly(1,4-butanediol)-41. Polyols used to provide terminal hydroxyl groups and contribute to the mechanical properties of the polyurethane.
- Hydrogenated Bisphenol A. Provides additional hydroxyl functional groups and increases the toughness and thermal resistance of the polyurethane.
- Isophorone Diisocyanate. A diisocyanate acting as a cross-linking agent, forming urethane bonds.
- 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate. A monomer providing acrylate functionality for polymerization and enhances compatibility with acrylic resins.
Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.
- poly(1,4-butanediol)-28, poly(1,4-butanediol)-41, and Hydrogenated Bisphenol A are reacted with Isophorone Diisocyanate to form a polyurethane prepolymer with terminal isocyanate groups.
- 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate is then added to this prepolymer to introduce acrylate functionality.
- The reaction proceeds until the desired polyurethane is formed with acrylate functionalities distributed along the polymer chain.
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.
Nail Conditioning agent. It is an agent that creates protection against harmful or chemical substances by strengthening the nail structure against external elements and can repair any chipping, cracking or brittle nails. It helps keep the nail's outer layer and keratin protein in good condition. It can also prevent cracking and peeling of the nail.
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.
