Polyurethane-60 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.
• "-60" 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:

saturated methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (SMDI), dimethyl aminopropylamine (DMAPA), isopropylidenediphenoxypropanol, and dimethylcarbonate-1,6-hexanediol, water, dimethylethanolamine, ethylenediamine.

Description of raw materials used in production with their functions.

• Saturated Methylene Diphenyldiisocyanate. Provides isocyanate groups for urethane bond formation.
• Dimethyl Aminopropylamine. Acts as a catalyst and can react with isocyanate groups.
• Isopropylidenediphenoxypropanol. A polyhydric alcohol used as a reactant for urethane bond formation.
• Dimethylcarbonate-1,6-Hexanediol. Polyol reactant involved in urethane bond formation.
• Water. Acts as a blowing agent in foam production.
• Dimethylethanolamine. Functions as a catalyst and stabilizer.
• Ethylenediamine. Acts as a cross-linking agent, reacting with isocyanate groups.

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

• React Saturated Methylene Diphenyldiisocyanate reacts with Isopropylidenediphenoxypropanol and Dimethylcarbonate-1,6-Hexanediol to form a prepolymer with terminal isocyanate groups.
• Dimethyl Aminopropylamine, Water, Dimethylethanolamine, and Ethylenediamine are added to the prepolymer.
• Reaction between the isocyanate groups and the various hydroxyl and amine groups present to achieve the desired polymer network of Polyurethane-60.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Nail Conditioning agent. It is an agent that creates protection against harmful or chemical substances by strengthening the nail structure against external elements and can repair any chipping, cracking or brittle nails. It helps keep the nail's outer layer and keratin protein in good condition. It can also prevent cracking and peeling of the nail.

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. (Polyurethane-60 and -61 contain approximately 0.0075% MI and 0.0075% benzisothiazolinone as preservatives, and approximately 1.3% and 1.5% by weight, respectively, dimethylethanolamine as a neutralizing agent.)