Ethylene/propylene copolymer is a linear copolymer which is prepared with a catalyst obtained by contacting a hydrocarbon-soluble compound of a group IVa, Va or VIa metal with an organometalic compound of a group I or IIa metal or aluminium, It is a  polyene with simple hydrocarbon structures with no functional groups other than alkenes or alkanes, produced by the polymerisation of vinyl monomers such as ethylene or propylene, copolymer obtained from the polymerisation of ethylene and octene. It is a polymeric ingredient using an ethylene unit.

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• "Ethylene" is a hydrocarbon with the formula C₂H₄. It is the simplest and most common monomer used in the production of polymers.
• "Propylene" is a hydrocarbon with the formula C₃H₆. It is another common monomer used in the production of polymers.
• "Copolymer" indicates a polymer that is formed from two or more different types of monomers.

Description of the raw materials used in its production.

• Ethylene (C₂H₄) - A gaseous hydrocarbon that is the primary raw material.
• Propylene (C₃H₆) - Another gaseous hydrocarbon used as a comonomer.
• Catalyst - For example, a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, used to initiate polymerization.

Step-by-step summary of its industrial chemical synthesis process. 

• Preparation of Monomers - The gaseous hydrocarbons ethylene and propylene are purified.
• Polymerization - Ethylene and propylene are mixed and react together in the presence of a catalyst to form the copolymer.
• Termination of Reaction - The polymerization reaction is terminated when the copolymer reaches the desired molecular weight.
• Separation and Purification - The copolymer is separated from the reaction products and purified.
• Drying - Moisture is removed from the copolymer.
• Granulation and Cutting - The copolymer is cut into appropriately sized granules.
• Packaging - The copolymer granules are packaged in airtight containers for transport and sale.
• Quality Control - The final product undergoes various quality checks to ensure it meets specifications.

It takes the form of a white crystalline powder or a yellowish transparent liquid. Flammable and incompatible with halogens, chlorinated solvents, oxidants. Insoluble in organic solvents or water, soluble only in special organic solvents.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Film-forming agent. Produces a very thin continuous film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and adhesiveness on skin or hair.

Agente di aumento della viscosità, non acquoso. Poiché la viscosità è importante per aumentare la stabilità chimica e fisica del prodotto, l'Agente di aumento della viscosità non acquoso costituisce un importante fattore di dosaggio in gel, sospensioni, emulsioni, soluzioni. Aumentare la viscosità rende le formulazioni meno sedimentose e più omogeneamente addensate. 

Slightly abrasive on the skin.

Other uses

Used in plasticisers and coatings with reactive additives.

Abrasives. Biomedical sector.

Packaging Material. Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is used in the production of plastic films for food and non-food packaging.

Rubber Component. Used in the production of rubbers to improve elastic and mechanical properties.

Plastic Additive. Used to enhance the properties of plastics, such as resistance and flexibility.

Personal Care Products. Used in cosmetics and personal care products as a viscosity agent and film-former.

Building Product Component. Used in building products, such as waterproofing membranes and insulation materials.

Please note that Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is generally considered to be a safe and effective ingredient in various products, but it is always important to check the regulations in your area.

The most relevant studies on this ingredient have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Ethylene/propylene copolymer studies

• Molecular Formula   C₅H₁₀
• Molecular Weight     70.13
• Exact Mass   70.07830
• CAS  9010-79-1
• UNII    
• EC Number   618-455-4
• DSSTox Substance ID  
• IUPAC  ethene;prop-1-ene
• InChI=1S/C3H6.C2H4/c1-3-2;1-2/h3H,1H2,2H3;1-2H2  
• InChl Key      HQQADJVZYDDRJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES   CC=C.C=C
• MDL number  
• PubChem Substance ID    

Synonyms:

• 1-Propene, polymer with ethene
• ethene;prop-1-ene
• poly(propylene-co-ethylene)