What is the Difference Between Carbomer 940 and 980?

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Carbomer 940 and Carbomer 980 are both polyacrylate polymers used as rheology modifiers and thickening agents in various applications. The key differences between Carbomer 940 and Carbomer 980 are:

  • Cross-linked chemical structure: Carbomer 940 is known for its better cross-linked net chemical structure compared to Carbomer 980, resulting in higher viscosity and clarity.
  • Solvent system: Carbomer 940 is polymerized in a benzene system, while Carbomer 980 is polymerized in a cosolvent mixture of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol, making it a more toxicologically preferred product.
  • Applications: Carbomer 940 is commonly used in moisturizing gels, bath gels, hand, body, and face lotions, and other types of creams. On the other hand, Carbomer 980 is used in hair styling gel and moisturizing gel production, bath gel production, hand, body, and face lotions manufacture, and more.
  • Pharmaceutical standards: Carbomer 980 is preferred for certain applications due to its benzene-free composition and compliance with pharmaceutical standards.

In summary, Carbomer 940 is known for its better cross-linked chemical structure and higher viscosity, while Carbomer 980 is preferred for its benzene-free composition and compliance with pharmaceutical standards. The choice between the two depends on the specific application and requirements.

Comparative Table: Carbomer 940 vs 980

Carbomer 940 and 980 are both types of polyacrylate polymers used as rheology modifiers and thickening agents in various applications. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Property Carbomer 940 Carbomer 980
Solvent System Polymerized in Benzene system Polymerized in a cosolvent mixture of ethyl acetate and cyclohexane
Cross-linked Chemical Structure Less cross-linked than Carbomer 980 More cross-linked than Carbomer 940
Viscosity Lower viscosity Higher viscosity
Clarity Lower clarity Higher clarity
Applications Moisturizing gels, bath gels, hand, body, and face lotions, and other types of creams Hair styling gel, moisturizing gel production, bath gel production, hand, body, and face lotions manufacture
Benzene Content Contains benzene Free of benzene
Yellowing Does not yellow over time Yellows over time due to impurities from the cosolvent

Carbomer 940 is important as a rheological modifier, while Carbomer 980 is important as a thickening agent. Both have similar electrolyte tolerance and clarity, but Carbomer 980 is considered more environmentally friendly as it is not polymerized in benzene. However, Carbomer 980 may yellow over time due to impurities from the cosolvent, while Carbomer 940 does not.