Carbomer
Synonyms
Polymer of 2-propenoic acid, cross-linked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol;
Polymer of 2-propenoic acid, cross-linked with allyl ethers of sucrose;
Polymer of 2-propenoic acid, cross-linked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerythritol;
Acrylic acid, polymer with sucrose polyallyl ether (CAS: 9007-16-3);
Category
Polymer Surfactant
> Acrylic Polymers
>> Anionic Acrylic Polymers
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 9007-20-9 / 9007-16-3 / 9062-04-8 / 9003-01-4
EINECS: N/A / N/A / N/A / N/A
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: N/A
Molecular Weight: N/A
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), white solid.
Solubility insoluble in water. The aqueous solution is acidic.
Hygroscopicity hygroscopic.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
2000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
39mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
70mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
4600mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
2500mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
> 1000mg/kg[2] |
Overall carcinogenic evaluation: Group 3 (IARC, CAS: 9003-01-4).
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent film-forming, dispersing, emulsifying, adsorbing abilities. The suitable pH value is 4-10. Poor tolerance to ions; worse poor tolerance to heavy metal ions. Poor tolerance to cation. Some models, such as: Carbomer 1342, Carbomer 941, have a certain tolerance to ions; Carbomer 2020, has strong tolerance to ions.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), QB/T 4530 Carbomer
(1b), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition) Carbomer Copolymer
(1c), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition) Carbomer Homopolymer
(1d), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition) Carbomer Interpolymer
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as film-forming agent.
Use as dispersing agent, emulsifying agent.
Use as thickening agent.
Use as gelling agent.
2, Personal care products
Emulsion stabilizer, gel-forming agent, viscosity controlling agent in personal care products.
3, Medicine
Pharmaceutical excipient, use as ointment base, release blocker. (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
Product members
Carbomer 910;
Carbomer 934;
Carbomer 934P;
Carbomer 940 (CAS: 76050-42-5);
Carbomer 941;
Carbomer 960;
Carbomer 961;
Carbomer 971;
Carbomer 971P;
Carbomer 974P;
Carbomer 980;
Carbomer 981;
Carbomer 1342;
Carbomer C;
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 9003-01-4, Polymer of 2-propenoic acid, cross-linked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerythritol
[2]: ChemIDplus. 9062-04-8, Carbomer
Update: 20140908(1); 20201018(2);