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Working with Aqua SF-1, any tips?
Hello everyone,
I am about to incorporate aqua sf-1 (acrylates copolymer) into a body wash formula for its ability to suspend particles, mica in this case. It’s my first time using it and I’m just wondering if any one has any suggestions for how to work with it, specifically the best way to disperse it.
Looking at the literature from Lubrizol it seems like it has some pretty particular needs when it comes to dispersion, like the exact type of blade on your mixer to the ideal rpm to use while mixing.
How have you successfully used this material and any tips for a first timer?
Thanks.
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10 Replies
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@GeorgeBenson All Carbopols are better incorporated using a turbine blade rather than a homogenizer (especially the highly reticulated ones), to prevent degradation of the polymer. I never had good experiences with Aqua SF-1 (higher formulation costs, higher levels of use to reach good viscosity, low shelf life), but I’d strongly suggest you follow Lubrizol guidelines when using it.
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adding it then mixing it at low speed works best, it minimises the amount of trapped airback-acid thickening allows you to get the maximum benefit - you have to neutralise the polymer to pH 7-8, then ajust the pH downwards to your desired range with acid(also, SF-2 does the job better and is more acid-tolerant) -
Thanks for the input.
@ketchito is there a material you prefer over aqua sf-1 that also has suspending properties? Is synthalen comparable?
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@Bill_Toge when you say neutralize the polymer, would this mean that when I am first mixing it into water that I adjust that mixture (of water and sf-1) up to pH 7-8, and then after the rest of the formula (surfactants, etc.) is mixed in I adjust it back down to my desired range?
Forgive me I an an idiot with this stuff. Thanks for your help. -
In a shampoo, I added about 5% Aqua SF 1 to base water first with slow mixing, then added all other ingredients. The pH was around 7.5 (due to APGs), which I brought down to 5.5-6 with citric acid. Final product was clear, with about 5000-5500 cps viscosity. Surfactant active concentration was around 14-15%.
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GeorgeBenson said:Thanks for the input.
@ketchito is there a material you prefer over aqua sf-1 that also has suspending properties? Is synthalen comparable?
As I mentioned, I prefer working with powder rheology modifiers. For a body wash, I’d use Carbopol 980, Carbopol Ultrez 20 or Carbopol Ultrez 21. In the case of Carbopol 980, it even shows viscosity building when low amount of salt is added (its low electrolyte tolerance shows when the polymer is used alone, but when in combination with anionic surfactants, its behavior is different). The only thing about them is that they are a bit harder to add them during the process compared to the liquid versions, but once you find the right conditions, things become easier.
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@GeorgeBenson, why not use Synthalen W-600 (3V Sigma USA), same INCI, same 30% liquid for easy drop-in use in surfactant systems such as your body wash, but no need to back-acid titrate. Adjust final pH to 5.5 - 6.0 and go easy on the amphoterics, just as you must with Carbopol Aquas. Best means of thickening those pesky sulfate-free APG formulations. Did I mention W-600 costs less per kg too?
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@chemicalmatt @Bill_Toge can carbopol aqua sf-1 be good thickener for liquid soap with actif surfactant lower then 10%? because I read that it works for 10% actif surfactant.
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@Fekher Synthalen W600 can work with LESS surfactant more readily than with MORE surfactant, as may Aqua SF-1. Only diff is W600 costs much less.
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Thanks @chemicalmatt for the input
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