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Carbomer powder is a synthetic high molecular weight cross linked water soluble polymer of acrylic acid. It is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and household industries.
Carbomer 934 is a high molecular weight polymer compound used commonly in cosmetic and pharmaceutical. These compounds can absorb large amounts of water, increasing in volume up to 1,000 times to form gels and thick solutions that are stable and resistant to spoilage.
Items | Specifications | Results |
Appearance | White loose powder with a slight odor | |
Viscosity (0.5%W/ V) | 20000-40000 | 38000 |
PH | 2.5-3.5 | 3.0 |
Loss on Drying | ≤2.0% | 1.0% |
Residue on Ignition | ≤2.0% | 0.9% |
Heavy Metals | ≤20ppm | 8ppm |
Containing carboxylic acid groups | 56.0-68.0% | 60% |
transparency | ≥90% | 96% |
Conclusion | The product conforms to the above specifications. | |
| Product parameters | |
| Cas number: | 9007-16-3 |
| Appearance: | White powder |
| Purity: | 56%~68% |
| Package details: | 25kg/drum; 20kg/carton |
| Brand: | Fortunachem |
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Carbomer 934 is a specific, high-molecular-weight synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid. It is a member of the carbomer family, which are widely used as primary rheology modifiers—meaning they are exceptional thickening, gelling, and suspending agents in water-based formulations.
Its key characteristic is its ability to absorb water and swell dramatically, forming a viscous gel or lotion-like consistency, even when used at relatively low concentrations (often less than 1%).
Appearance: A fluffy, white, acidic powder.
Function: Primarily a thickening and gelling agent.
Mechanism: It works by a process called neutralization. In its raw form, Carbomer 934 is acidic and the chains are coiled. When a base (like sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, or AMPD) is added, the polymer chains uncoil and ionize. These negatively charged chains repel each other, absorbing water and expanding, which creates a clear, viscous gel.
Viscosity: It is known for producing very high viscosity and excellent clarity in gels.
Suspension: It creates a stable, three-dimensional network that can suspend solid particles (like drug crystals or pigments) and prevent oil droplets from coalescing.
Carbomer 934 is a workhorse ingredient in the pharmaceutical and, to a lesser extent nowadays, the cosmetic industry.
This is the most significant application for Carbomer 934, especially in sterile products meant for the eye or for injection.
Ophthalmic Gels: Used in eye drops (e.g., for dry eyes or to deliver medication) because it provides prolonged contact time on the eye surface. Its high purity and specific molecular weight make it suitable for this sensitive area.
Topical Gels: Used as a base for medicated gels applied to the skin (e.g., for pain relief, acne treatment, or corticosteroid delivery).
Controlled-Release Drug Delivery: Its gel structure can be used to control the release rate of an active drug ingredient.
While other carbomers (like 940, 980, 981) are more common in modern cosmetics, Carbomer 934 can be found in:
Gels: Such as aloe vera gels, hair gels, and hand sanitizing gels.
Creams and Lotions: To provide a rich, stable texture.
Toothpaste: As a thickener to give it the desired consistency.
It's important to distinguish Carbomer 934 from its cousins (like Carbomer 940, 941, 980, 981, etc.). The numbers indicate slight differences in the manufacturing process and molecular structure, which lead to different performance characteristics:
| Carbomer | Key Characteristics | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Carbomer 934 | Very high viscosity, excellent for clear gels. Historically synthesized with benzene. | Pharmaceuticals (eye drops, topical gels). |
| Carbomer 940 | Forms very clear, high-viscosity gels with brilliant clarity. | Transparent cosmetic gels (hair gels, shower gels). |
| Carbomer 941 | Lower viscosity, good flow properties (shear-thinning). | Lotions, creams, and low-viscosity serums. |
| Carbomer 980, 981, etc. | Modern polymers, benzene-free, offering similar or superior performance to the 900-series. | Versatile; used in both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as safer, modern replacements. |
The Critical Difference: The Benzene Issue
Carbomer 934 was historically polymerized using benzene as a solvent. Benzene is a known human carcinogen.
While the final polymer is extensively purified, regulatory bodies like the US FDA have expressed concerns about potential trace residues.
As a result, Carbomer 934 is no longer the first choice for new cosmetic formulations. It has been largely replaced by "benzene-free" carbomers like Carbomer 974P, 980, 981, ETD 2020, etc., which use safer solvents like ethyl acetate or cyclohexane.
Safety: Carbomer 934 is generally considered non-toxic and non-irritating when used in approved concentrations. Its safety profile is well-established for topical and ophthalmic use.
Regulation: It is approved for use globally. It is listed in major pharmacopoeias like the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and is generally recognized as safe for its intended uses. However, due to the benzene synthesis issue mentioned above, its use is more restricted to established pharmaceutical applications where its specific performance is critical.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| What it is | A high-molecular-weight, synthetic polymer of acrylic acid. |
| Primary Function | A powerful thickening, gelling, and suspending agent. |
| Key Applications | 1. Pharmaceuticals: Ophthalmic gels, topical medicated gels. 2. Cosmetics: Hair gels, creams, lotions (less common now). |
| Critical Note | Historically synthesized with benzene, leading to its replacement by newer, benzene-free carbomers in many cosmetic applications. |
In short, Carbomer 934 is a highly effective and classic gelling agent, prized in the pharmaceutical industry for its ability to create clear, high-viscosity gels, especially for sensitive applications like eye drops. Its legacy is tempered by its manufacturing process, which has led to the development of safer, modern alternatives.
stable at high viscosity in medicine, or used for thick gel, emulsion, suspension, also can be used for cosmetic thickening agent
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