Polyurethane-80 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.
• "-80" 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:

Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Epsilon-Caprolactone, Isophorone Diisocyanate and 2-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl hydroxypivalate (hydroxyneopentyl hydroxypivalate), 2-Hydroxypropyl Acrylate.

Description of the raw materials used in production and their functions.

• Glycol. A diol commonly used in the production of polyurethanes. It functions as a chain extender and as a component of the soft phase of the polymer.
• 1,2-Hexanediol. Another diol serving as a chain extender, enhancing the mechanical properties of the polyurethane.
• Epsilon-Caprolactone. A cyclic monomer that can react to form polyester polyols.
• Isophorone Diisocyanate. A diisocyanate that reacts with diols or polyols to form the polyurethane backbone.
• 2-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl hydroxypivalate (hydroxyneopentyl hydroxypivalate). A diol that introduces specific properties into the polymer and also serves as a chain extender.
• 2-Hydroxypropyl Acrylate. An acrylic monomer that introduces acrylic functionalities into the polymer, allowing further cross-linking or functionalization reactions.

Step-by-step industrial synthesis.

• Preparation. A mixture of Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, and Epsilon-Caprolactone is prepared.
• Reaction. Isophorone Diisocyanate is added to the mixture, initiating the formation of the polyurethane prepolymer.
• Addition. 2-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl hydroxypivalate (hydroxyneopentyl hydroxypivalate) is added for further reactions and to introduce specific functionalities into the polymer.
• Modification. 2-Hydroxypropyl Acrylate is then added to introduce the acrylic functionalities.
• Cross-linking. Depending on the application specifications, further cross-linking reactions may be performed.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

CAS: 139352-65-1

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.