Pemulen™ polymeric emulsifiers are high molecular weight, copolymers of acrylic acid and C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosslinked with allyl pentaerythritol. They are offered as fluffy, white powders and are primarily used to form stable oil-in-water emulsions. Pemulen polymers contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions within the molecule. The hydrophobic portion of the polymer adsorbs at the oil-water interface, and the hydrophilic portion swells in the water forming a gel network around the oil droplets to provide exceptional emulsion stability.
Pemulen polymers form stable oil-in-water emulsions without the need for any additional surfactants. Therefore, they are ideal for developing low irritancy lotions and creams with elegant skin feel. Pemulen polymers provide viscosity building and high yield value to allow for suspension and stabilization of insoluble materials and particulates.
| Pemulen
Polymer |
Solvent
System |
Product
Type |
Viscosity, cP
(1.0 wt% at pH 7.5)1 |
Suggested Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR-1 NF | Cosolvent1 | Copolymer | 10,000 - 26,500 | Low irritancy emulsions (lotions and creams) and high clarity gels |
| TR-2 NF | Cosolvent1 | Copolymer | 4,500 - 13,500 | Low irritancy emulsions (lotions and creams), high clarity gels and ionic systems |
1Colsolvent system made using cyclohexane and ethyl acetate
| Typical Properties | Pemulen™ TR-1 NF Polymer | Pemulen™ TR-2 NF Polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Emulsion Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Oil Loading1 | Up to 30% | Up to 65 - 80% |
| Relative Viscosity | Medium | Low |
| Yield Value | High | High |
| Effective pH Range2 | 4 - 9 | 4 - 9 |
| Typical Use Concentration3 | 0.15 - 0.3% | 0.15 - 0.3% |
1 With no secondary emulsifiers
2 Higher oil levels typically require lower pH
3 Higher levels may be needed in formulations with high electrolyte content