Carbomer / Carbopol 940

Carbomer/Carbopol 940 is a high-quality cross-linked polyacrylate polymer with excellent clarity, thickening, and dispersion capabilities. It is a high-yielding rheology modifier with outstanding thickening and suspending capabilities at a modest usage rate. It disperses quickly in water for as little as 15 minutes with stirring (batch dependent). It produces sparkling clear water or hydroalcoholic gels and lotions after being neutralized with an alkali.

Benefits of Carbomer / Carbopol 940

• Crystal clear/sparkling gels
• Dispersion ease (15 minutes stirring)
• Excellent suspending powder
• Excellent thickening at a modest application rate
• Gelling agent
• Temperature- and time-dependent gel stability
• Viscosity Modification/Stabilization
• Excellent softness and glide; pleasant feel
• Excellent spreadability
• Protective and moisturizing
• Benzene is absent

Inci: Carbomer
Solubility: Aqua. (Before neutralization, it forms a cloudy solution that is water-dispersible.)
Usage Rate: 0.1 to 1.0% (up to 2.0%)
pH Stability: 5.0 to 7.0
Thermal Stability: Stable
Ionicity: Anionic
Compatibility: not electrolyte-tolerant. Also not stable for sodium.
Pro Tip: Method 1;

Step 1: Rapidly agitate the water with a whisk or similar material (avoid high-shear homogenizers or hand blenders), then add carbomer powder. Mixing should be continued until all particles are dispersed and form a hazy solution free from whitish lumps (Normal dispersion time for lab-scale batches is typically 15-20 minutes.)

Step 2: Finally, neutralize with an alkaline solution (10% sodium hydroxide solution, 18% potassium hydroxide solution, or 30% L-arginine solution). Neutralizers should be added a little at a time, and the pH should be closely monitored until pH 6 is reached. Avoid manipulating the pH again to avoid an irreversible loss of viscosity. Once an alkaline solution is added to the carbomer mixture, the aqueous base will form a crystal-clear gel. At this stage, mix with care to avoid air trapping.

Method 2:

Carbomer 940 can be dispersed in the oil phase (which may include molten waxes and oils) by adding it slowly while stirring. It will result in a smooth and homogeneous dispersion. The dispersion should then be added to the water with the neutralizer, mixing until a smooth and homogeneous emulsion is obtained.

*Add ingredients that cannot tolerate acids after neutralization.