TDS-243 - Lubrizol

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
TDS-243
Edition: January, 2002
Optimizing Performance of Carbopol ® ETD 2020 and Ultrez 10
Polymers with Partial Neutralization of Polymer Dispersions
Unique Dispersions from New
Generation Carbopol ® Polymers
Carbopol ETD and Ultrez polymers are "easy to
disperse" crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers
synthesized in a toxicologically preferred cosolvent
system of ethyl acetate and cyclohexane. Although
Carbopol ETD 2020 and Ultrez 10 have properties
similar to traditional Carbopol polymers, they are
specifically designed to provide easily made
dispersions that are less susceptible to lumping as
well as easier to pump and handle in processing
due to its low dispersion viscosity before
neutralization. This unique dispersion performance
is derived from their ability to wet quickly and
hydrate slowly, uncoiling at a relatively slower rate.
Dispersions made with Carbopol Ultrez 10 and ETD
2020 may appear to be non-uniform, containing
visible aggregate particles which may settle into a
separate phase when not mixed. This is typical of
Carbopol "easy to disperse" polymers.
Creating Uniform Dispersions
In order to achieve a homogeneous dispersion
without phase separation, it is recommended to
prepare dispersions with a minimum polymer
concentration of 2% by weight. This is especially
true when preparing a stock dispersion that will not
be completely used. This creates a space-filled
dispersion that does not phase separate.
Another alternative is to partially neutralize the
dispersion, achieving enough viscosity and yield
value to gain homogeneity and the suspension of
aggregate particles in a continuous phase.
Figure 1 – Dispersion Appearance Comparison of Three Types of Carbopol ® Polymers (unneutralized)
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Dispersions of three different Carbopol polymer
types in Figure 1 illustrate the distinct appearance of
dispersions made with these polymers:
• Carbopol 940 - Homogeneous dispersion
• Carbopol ETD 2020 - Layered phases
• Carbopol Ultrez 10 - Softly settled polymer
particles
The varying appearances are unique to each
Carbopol polymer type. Formulators and processors
working with the various Carbopol polymers need to
keep in mind that it is typical for dispersions with
Carbopol ETD 2020 and Carbopol Ultrez 10 to form
separate layers. These dispersions can be made
uniform with gentle mixing.
Optimizing Performance in
Surfactant Systems
Besides uniform dispersion preparation, this concept
is also helpful when formulating Carbopol ETD
polymers in high-active surfactant systems such as
shampoos, bath gels, hand soaps and facial and
body scrubs. In these systems, high concentrations
of surfactants prevent uncoiling of Carbopol polymer
chains if the polymer neutralization is carried out
after the addition of surfactants. This results in either
low viscosity or yield value of the end product,
graininess, insoluble "jelly particles" (or "fish eyes")
and insoluble precipitates. This is particularly true
when cationics or secondary surfactants, such as
amphoterics or alkyl polyglycosides, are present at
higher levels. Clarity of the final product can also be
adversely affected in such cases.
Normally, for partial neutralization, approximately
10% of total neutralizing agent necessary for the
whole batch should be sufficient. Partial neutralization
will result in an increase in the pH of the
dispersion (approximately 3.8 - 4.0) and viscosity
due to the partial uncoiling or swelling of the
polymer.
The following graph (Figure 2) represents typical
viscosity increases during this procedure.
TDS-243
Optimizing Performance of Carbopol ® ETD 2020 and Ultrez 10
Polymers with Partial Neutralization of Polymer Dispersions
Page 2 of 2
Figure 2
Typical Viscosity Response of Carbopol ® Ultrez 10 and
ETD 2020 During Partial Neutralization Procedure
Neutralized with NaOH (18%)
Any conventional neutralizing agent can be used
in this method but the use of a weaker
neutralizing agent such as a TEA is
recommended for better control of the pH.
Figure 3
Dispersion Viscosities of Various Carbopol ® Polymers