Polyurethane-82 is an inorganic chemical compound, a segmented block copolymer derived from urethane and synthesised from isocyanates.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Polyurethane" is a term that describes a class of polymers widely used in various applications due to their versatility and desirable properties such as durability, flexibility and abrasion resistance and temperature variations.
• "-82" is a reference to the specific type or grade of polyurethane, which can be characterized by such factors as the types of isocyanates and polyols used, their relative amounts, and the presence of any additives. . This is a designation used to differentiate different molecular structures or variants of the polymer. In cosmetic chemistry, these numbers can help formulators identify specific characteristics or behaviors of a given ingredient, particularly when a chemical family has multiple derivatives or forms.

Significant substances used in the production method:

Isophorone Diisocyanate, isophorone diamine, PEG-10, Butyl Acrylate, 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, Aminomethyl Propanol.

Description of raw materials used in production with their functions.

• Isophorone Diisocyanate. Provides isocyanate groups for urethane bond formation.
• Isophorone Diamine. Chain extender that provides amine groups to react with isocyanate groups.
• PEG-10. Polyethylene glycol that introduces flexibility and hydroxyl groups into the structure.
• Butyl Acrylate. Monomer that introduces acrylate groups into the structure.
• 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate. Provides hydroxyl and acrylate groups for the polymer network.
• Aminomethyl Propanol. Neutralizes acid groups and aids in urethane bond formation.

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

• React Isophorone Diisocyanate with PEG-10 to form a prepolymer with terminal isocyanate groups.
• The prepolymer is then reacted with isophorone diamine, forming urethane bonds and extending the polymer chain.
• Butyl Acrylate and 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate are then polymerized into the structure, forming a polymer network.
• Aminomethyl Propanol is added to neutralize any acid groups and promote further urethane bond forming reactions.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Film-forming agent. It produces a continuous ultra-thin film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on the skin or hair to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.

It appears as a white powder or colorless liquid.

Safety

Urethane (also called ethyl carbamate) is a by-product of fermentation and is considered a genotoxic agent.

Polyurethanes are rather complex, inert and biostable materials that are also used in biomedical applications. They are typically synthesised by the reaction of a glycol or polyol with polyisocyanate or diisocyanate. It is known that exposure to isocyanates can cause asthma, contact allergies, conjunctival and skin irritation. However, a study by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel in 2017 found that the rates of harmful residues are not significant for human health.