Hello, Chemists/Formulators!
I am using a $12 paint mixer, fitted with a .75 in. dia. drink mixer attachment. See images below. Using an emulsifier at 3-4%, I can make stable 40-50 g. test formulations. My concern is air bubbles. I understand I can use a stick blender. Is there anything anyone could recommend that's less than $100 and that I don't have to hack? Thanks.
Comments
If you are making product that you wish to sell, then neither the mixer your using or a stick blender would be appropriate. A stick blender is strictly a hobbiest tool.
If you are just making product you want to use for yourself, you can probably just keep using what you're using. But you need to make larger batches than 40 or 50g. At minimum you should be making 400 - 500 g batches. You can put the finished product in a warm water bath overnight to let the air bubbles resolve.
When considering the very final formulation, is the use of hobbyist tools distinguishable from that of high-end homogenizers and high shear mixers?
Not if the mixer really is high shear. Some stick blenders are, many are not. It depends on the design of the blade / surround.
Carbopol 940 is a grade specifically designed for extra clear compositions. In order to do this, some other properties of the product type are sacrificed - e.g intolerance of other materials especially ions.
It may not be of particular significance in your current problem but it is something to be aware of.
An inexpensive electric drill can sometimes substitute for a mixer also.
@em88 for $12, it's great!
@Perry for the test, I used a 10g sample
@Bobzchemist although I have a manual pump for vacuum sealing, I can't conceptualize using it as part of formulating; is there something you could refer me to?
Thanks.
UK/Europe:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Blenders-Mixers-Food-Processors/Bosch-MSM2623GGB-Dips-Dressings-Hand-White-Green/B01HODZ19K (use the white attachment for batch sizes of less than 300g and the normal metal attachment for more than 300g).
USA:-
https://www.amazon.com/Cappuccino-Frappucino-Brewologist-Handheld-electric/dp/B01BZMDZGM/?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=thebrewologist-20&linkId=FFEJYSPJ5GYML7LP
The above mixers are more powerful, giving higher shear than the norpro white mixer you have which is sold in various places such as Brambleberry and on ebay/amazon etc. For obvious reasons, please do not use a normal coffee frother - the one with the wire whisk type round head!
The trick to avoid incorporating air bubbles is to hold the head of the mixer deep inside the emulsion and hold the mixer still and upright/vertical. You will need to make a larger batch size than the one in your photo to be able to do this and you can also try a smaller diameter beaker! Do not move the mixer around too much otherwise air will be introduced.
Good luck
www.makingskincare.com
www.learncosmeticformulation.com (free online course)
Formulation discussion forum (18,000 members): www.facebook.com/groups/makingskincare/
I know my comment was off-topic. Just trying to make things easier for you.
@johnb Thanks for your expertise on carbomer. I now understand its senstivity to metal ions. I also think it's the root of my issue, as stated in Chemistry and Technology of the Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry (http://bit.ly/2tplLx9). For kicks, I'd like to try opaque carbomers (i.e., carbomer 934); however, 940 is the only one I've been able to purchase.
Regards.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bamix-Universal-Wand-Immersion-Mixer-NWOT-/122548539598?hash=item1c887650ce:g:6SoAAOSwcgNZLZ5E