Карбомер 941

Description

Carbomer 941, also known by the trade name Carbopol 941, is a cross-linked polymer of high molecular weight acrylic acid, a member of a class of synthetic thickening and gelling polymers. In the classification of the section, the product is mistakenly classified as ketones based on the raw material; in fact, carbomer is a network polyacrylate that swells in water to form transparent low-viscosity gels.

Basic Attributes

• CAS No.: 2615966
• Molecular weight (averaged per monomer unit): 713.0798
• Exact weight: 712.585
• EU number: 618-594-0
• PSA Specifications: 105

Properties

Carbomer 941 is a polymer of acrylic acid cross-linked with divinyl glycol; when dispersed in water and subsequent neutralization with a base (sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine), it swells and forms a transparent low-viscosity gel. The brand is distinguished by its moderate thickening ability and high transparency of the resulting gels compared to more viscous brands of carbomer (for example, Carbopol 940/934).

Scope of application

• rheological modifier and thickener in cosmetic gels, lotions and creams
• suspending and stabilizing agent in skin and hair care formulations
• base of transparent low-viscosity gels for eye, hand, foot, sunscreen and repellent formulations
• component of pharmaceutical topical gels to regulate the rate of release of the active substance
• emulsifier and stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsions

Technological characteristics

The viscosity of a 0.5% solution at pH 7.5 is 4000–11000 cP. The polymer provides good stability of emulsions and suspensions with a low final viscosity of the composition, due to which it is widely used where a light texture is required while maintaining suspending properties.

Storage

Store in the original sealed packaging in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture - the polymer is hygroscopic and upon contact with moist air it loses its flowability, cakes and changes the rate of swelling upon subsequent dispersion in water.

Compatibility and dosage of formulations

Working concentrations of Carbomer 941 in finished formulations typically range from 0.1-1.0% by weight depending on the desired viscosity and texture of the product. The polymer is compatible with most nonionic and anionic surfactants, but is sensitive to high concentrations of electrolytes and cationic surfactants, which suppress network swelling and reduce the final gel viscosity. When adding to the formulation, it is important to avoid the formation of lumps - slow dispersion of the powder with constant stirring is recommended, followed by a neutralization step to the target pH value.

Difference from other brands of carbomer

Compared to high-viscosity grades (940, 934), Carbomer 941 has shorter polymer chains and a lower degree of cross-linking, which gives less viscous, but noticeably more transparent and fluid gels - the optimal choice for formulations where ease of application and visual purity of the product is important, and not maximum thickening ability.