Carbomer

What is Carbomer?

Molecular Formula (Carbomer): (C₃H₄O₂)_n

Molecular Weight: High Molecular Weight

Chemical Name: Polyacrylic Acid

CAS Number: 9003-01-4

Carbomers are rheology-modifying chemicals used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors to increase the viscosity of certain products.

Generally, they function by increasing the viscosity of low-viscosity fluid substances to make them less fluid.

Carbomer structure can generally be seen as Polyacrylic Acid. That is, Carbomers are the commercial names of polyacrylic acids.

Carbomers are chemicals actively used by product developers. These chemicals offer excellent solutions when problems related to viscosity and rheology occur.

This chemical substance can expand up to 1000 times its own volume by absorbing and retaining water.

Some Carbomer derivatives show better effects in the presence of surfactants. For this purpose, anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants are used.

Among the surfactants used are anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Lauryl Glucoside are also processed.

It has the ability to form hydro-alcoholic and foamy gels. In spray applications, flow characteristics are achieved in a short time.

Due to being an acrylic-based thickener, it prevents the product from degrading quickly when used. It ensures longer-lasting products compared to other thickeners.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Carbomer
• Carbopol
• Carbopol
• 940
• 980
• Polyacrylic Acid
• Polyacrylic Acid
• 9003-01-4
• 2-Propenoic Acid
• Polymer
• Acrylic Polymer
• Homopolymer

How is Carbomer Produced?

Carbomers belong to the family of cross-linked acrylic acid polymers. There are many homo and copolymer varieties.

Carbomer production is achieved by light cross-linking of polyalcohols with allyl ethers. The chemical substance obtained here forms polymers of high molecular weight acrylic acid.

There are different types of Carbomers processed as excipients in pharmaceuticals and OTC drug formulations. These are: Homopolymer, Copolymer, and interpolymer.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

Physical appearance is in white powder form.

Boiling Point is 106 °C.

Melting Point is unknown. It is generally soluble.

The density of Carbomers at 25 °C is 1.2 g/cm³.

It is recommended to store this substance in a dry area at temperatures between 2 and 8 °C.

In terms of solubility, it is soluble in water.

Their viscosities and dispersions vary according to production specifications.

The pH level of Carbomers in solution is important. While the dispersions of some carbomers at 0.5% concentrations are between 2.7-3.5, others have higher pH levels.

Reasons for Using Carbomer in Pharmaceutical Applications?

• It ensures controlled release in formulations where solid dosage is desired. It forms high-efficiency gels.
• Compared to many chemicals in excipient structures, it exhibits slower drug release at low concentrations. Thanks to these properties, it allows for the production of lower dosage forms and smaller tablet forms.

What are the Application Areas of Carbomer?

• It is used in the cosmetics industry for the manufacture of antibacterial gels to provide viscosity-increasing, i.e., thickening properties.
• It is used to provide consistency in the manufacture of adhesives.
• In the field of pharmacology, it acts as an auxiliary substance in the manufacture of drugs that can be administered as micelles.
• It is used in the activity of examining the diffusion of Polyvinyl Alcohol during hydrogel production.
• In ultrasound gel production, it is important to obtain a good image in terms of quality and solubility. Therefore, Carbomer types that form transparent gels are used in ultrasound gel production. Glycerin is also used in this application. The purpose of using Glycerin is to provide lubricating properties.
• It is used as an emulsifying agent and suspending agent in pharmaceutical preparations.
• When injuries occur in the body, they need to be treated. For this, it is important whether the area to be treated is moist or dry. During the treatment stage, dry environments pave the way for cells to die again. However, moist environments prepare the environment for cells to heal themselves. It is used in making Hydrogels for the treatment of wounds.
• Carbomer is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic products produced for hair wrapping and curling.
• It is used in creams produced to relieve body pains in patients with colds, together with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory active ingredients. It is used to provide consistency in the cream.
• In addition, in some applications, they are used to disperse insoluble solids in liquids.
• It is used together with Sorbitol in the production of hot and cold complex gels. Hot and cold complex gels are used to prevent swelling events caused by impacts occurring in the bodies of patients or in the case of a hard blow to football players.
• In muscle relaxant complex gel production, it is used together with Menthol, triethanolamine, Polysorbate 20, Methyl Salicylate, and Phenoxyethanol. It acts as a thickener in this application.
• Carbomer is used as a rheology modifier in the manufacture of moisturizing creams produced to prevent dryness in the skin by preventing water loss.
• It is used in the formulations of drugs with caffeine active ingredients produced to relieve swelling in the eyelids in pharmaceutical applications.

Some Application Areas in Cosmetics are as Follows;

• In Styling Gel Production
• In Shampoos
• In the Manufacture of Facial Moisturizing Creams
• In Eye Creams
• In Anti-Aging Treatment Products
• In the Manufacture of Cleansing and Scrubbing Products

What are the Factors Affecting Their Prices?

Carbomer prices have increased since they were discovered. This is because this substance is extremely useful and has the ability to overcome difficult-to-solve problems in many fields.

One of the most important factors affecting prices is directly dependent on the prices of the raw materials used in its production. As Acrylic Acid prices increase, Carbomer will increase in price.

As companies selling Carbomer increase their stocks, prices will experience a short-term decrease.