TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

TDS-187
Edition: October 15, 2007
Previous Edition: January, 2002

Carbopol* ETD 2020 Polymer for

Personal Care Applications
(CTFA Name: Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Cross-Polymer)

Product Overview Aqueous dispersions of Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer

Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer is an "easy-to-disperse" are, therefore, easier to prepare at higher polymer
cross-linked polyacrylic acid copolymer processed in a solids. The unique dispersion performance of
toxicologically-preferred cosolvent system. It delivers Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer allows it to wet quickly,
excellent thickening efficiency and suspending yet hydrate slowly. This helps minimize the lumping
capability, long viscous flow and sparkling clarity in gel which can be troublesome for traditional polymers of
systems. Although Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer has this type when turbulent mixing is not available during
properties similar to Carbopol 1342 and 1382 dispersion. The lower unneutralized dispersion
polymers, it is specifically designed to provide viscosity also means easier handling in mixing tanks
dispersions in water that are less susceptible to and in process lines. Concentrated aqueous
lumping and easier to pump and handle in processing dispersions of Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer are very
due to its low dispersion viscosity before neutralization. fluid and pumpable at levels of up to 4% polymer
(Figure 1). Once the dispersed polymer is neutralized,
Figure 1 it then provides the same type of highly efficient
Dispersion Viscosity versus Polymer Concentration thickening for which Carbopol polymers are known.

Dispersion and Mucilage Properties

100
It is important to note that the appearance of Carbopol
ETD 2020 polymer in water, before neutralization, is
much different from that of Carbopol 1342 and 1382
Viscosity (Brookfield, cP x 1000, 20 rpm)

80
polymers. An unneutralized dispersion of Carbopol
ETD 2020 polymer contains visible aggregate particles
60
which may settle into a separate phase when not
Carbopol 1342 mixed. This is especially true for Carbopol ETD 2020
polymer dispersions containing less than 2% polymer
40
by weight. Therefore, it is recommended that
unneutralized dispersions be prepared using a
minimum of 2% polymer by weight if the dispersion is
Carbopol 1382
20
not going to be used immediately. Upon neutralization,
these gel particles thicken immediately, then gradually
Carbopol ETD 2020 expand to provide the typical properties of Carbopol
1342 and 1382 polymers. In some applications, the
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 appearance of the mucilage changes gradually over a
Resin Concentration in Water (%) period of time, typically 1 to 2 hours, as the polymer
(pH = 2.6 - 3.0) fully hydrates and obtains its maximum thickening
efficiency and clarity.

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. / 9911 Brecksville Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44141-3247 / TEL: 800.379.5389 or 216.447.5000
The information contained herein is believed to be equipment used commercially in processing these Materials, Inc.s direct control. THE SELLER MAKES NO
reliable, but no representations, guarantees or materials, no warranties or guarantees are made as to WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING,
warranties of any kind are made as to its accuracy, the suitability of the products for the application BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
suitability for particular applications or the results to be disclosed. Full-scale testing and end product OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
obtained therefrom. The information is based on performance are the responsibility of the user. Lubrizol PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Nothing contained herein is
laboratory work with small-scale equipment and does Advanced Materials, Inc. shall not be liable for and the to be considered as permission, recommendation, nor
not necessarily indicate end product performance. customer assumes all risk and liability of any use of as an inducement to practice any patented invention
Because of the variations in methods, conditions and handling of any material beyond Lubrizol Advanced without permission of the patent owner.
For further information, please visit www.pharma.lubrizol.com
Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lubrizol Corporation
* Trademark owned by The Lubrizol Corporation
Copyright 2007 / The Lubrizol Corporation
 2

Figure 2 Figure 3
Viscosity versus Polymer Concentration Viscosity Response to Addition of Salt

100 50

45
Viscosity (Brookfield, cP x 1000, 20 rpm)

Viscosity (Brookfield, cP x 1000, 20 rpm)

80 40
Carbopol ETD 2020
35 Carbopol 1382

60 30

25
Carbopol 1382
40 20
Carbopol 1342
15

20 10
Carbopol 1342 Carbopol ETD 2020
5

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

Polymer Concentration (%/wt.) NaCl Concentration (%/wt.)

(Neutralized) (1.0% Polymer Concentration Neutralized)

Figure 4 Salt Tolerance

Performance in Surfactant Systems
(1.0% Polymer, 15% Lauryl Sulfate) Gels formed with Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer
exhibit a response to salts similar to that of Carbopol
8 1342 and 1382 polymers (Figure 3).

Surfactant Systems
Viscosity (Brookfield, cP x 1000, 20 rpm)

Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer, like Carbopol 1342

6
and 1382 polymers, is particularly suitable for
thickening and imparting suspension capability (yield
value) to ionic surfactant systems. Carbopol ETD
2020 polymer, however, is a more efficient thickening
4
agent than either Carbopol 1342 or 1382 polymer in
typical surfactant systems (Figure 4).

Application Suggestions
2
The yield value provided by Carbopol ETD 2020
polymer allows formulators to design products which
contain permanent suspensions of a variety of
0
ingredients, e.g. gelatin beads and insoluble anti-
ALS ALES TEALS dandruff actives, at predetermined viscosities over a
Carbopol Carbopol Carbopol
wide range of surfactant levels. Additionally,

ETD 2020 1382 1342 Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer can provide formulators
with excellent clarity, stability in heat, freezing, and
freeze-thaw conditions as well as providing higher
Thickening Efficiency thickening and suspending efficiencies than
conventional magnesium silica/ hydroxypropylmethyl-
Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer provides performance
cellulose blends. Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer is
properties in aqueous systems that are comparable
recommended as a thickener and light gellant for
to Carbopol 1382 polymer. Thickening efficiency of
systems containing electrolytes and anionic and
Carbopol ETD 2020 polymer is shown in Figure 2.
amphoteric surfactants.