Technical Data Sheet
ARISTOFLEXTM AVC
Gelling agent for aqueous systems and thickening agent for oil-in-water emulsions
Chmeical Name Polymeric sulfonic acid, neutralized
INCI Designation Ammonium Acryloyidimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Product Properties
Appearance (20℃) White Powder
Solidcontent min. 92.00%
Water max. 7.00%
pH value (1% in dist. Water) 4.0-6.0
Viscosity (1% in dist. Water) 48000-65000 mPas
Application
Aristoflex® AVC is a synthetic polymer used as gelling agent for aqueous systems and as texturizer, thickener for oil-in-water emulsions. The polymer is preneutralized, easy to use and provides formulations with excellent yield value, corresponding to superior stability even in the absence of additional emulsifier.
Emulsions formulated with Aristoflex® AVC provide favorable shear thinning effects and viscoelastic properties. Besides the rheological aspects, excellent sensory properties (good skin feel, low degree of stickiness and/or tackiness) characterize formulations comprising Aristoflex® AVC.
Based on a polymer backbone derived from sulfonic acid, O/W emulsions can be formulated even at low pH, enabling easy incorporation of e.g. AHA’s.with Aristoflex® AVC has a good compatibility with organic solvents (ethanol, acetone) and is stable towards UV radiation and high shear stress. The amount of with Aristoflex® AVC used in personal care formulations is typically in the range of 0.5 – 1.2 %.
Preparation of emulsions
Aristoflex® AVC can be used to prepare O/W emulsions in both hot and cold process. Aristoflex® AVC is typically added to the oil phase (comprising emollient and emulsifier), slight agitation facilitates dispersion. Any small aggregates can be broken up easily with gentle stirring. The mixing reactor should be completely dry of moisture to prevent the polymer from migrating prematurely to any water already present and becoming gummy.
Production facility requirements will usually govern the emulsification method applied. Aristoflex® AVC can be used for both direct emulsification (i.e. adding the oil phase to the water phase) and inverse emulsification (i.e. adding the water phase to the oil phase). As Aristoflex® AVC is pre-neutralized, no neutralization step is required. Finally, the emulsion is homogenized with high shear mixing equipment.
Emulsions comprising Aristoflex® AVC are brilliant and glossy, they provide excellent spreadability and fast absorption. The O/W emulsions are characterized by dry aesthetic feel without tackiness and are especially suitable as light, elegant formulations.
Preparation of emulsifier-free cream-gels
Another special feature of Aristoflex® AVC is the stabilization of water-insoluble liquids (e.g. oil) WITHOUT using additional emulsifiers. The resulting O/W formulations are also known as pseudo-emulsions. Using Aristoflex® AVC, emulsifier-free cream-gels can be formulated, opening the door to novel, modern formulations with special rheological profiles (creamy, not ‘jelly’, non sticky/tacky) and superior skin compatibility. The resulting compositions are light and creamy, differing greatly from the jelly or gelatin-like appearance often achieved by formulating with ‘traditional’ thickeners.
The stabilizing effect of Aristoflex® AVC is explained by the cross-linked structure of the polymer, providing a yield value and thus ‘trapping’ the oil droplets or solids (e.g. pigments) in the water/polymer matrix. ‘Yield value’ reflects the force that must be applied to the liquid to start disrupting the structure imparted by Aristoflex® AVC, so flow can occur.
Limitations
Similar to all other polyelectrolytes, e.g. carbomers, Aristoflex® AVC is sensitive to electrolytes. Therefore, Aristoflex® AVC is not suitable to thicken shampoos, shower gels and other systems comprising larger amounts of salt.
Aristoflex® AVC can be used in a broad pH range of 4.0 – 9.0. As Aristoflex® AVC is an ammonium salt, pH higher than 9.0 will release ammonia.
Storage recommendations
The product is stable when stored in closed original containers. It must be protected from humidity during storage. Further information on handling, storage and dispatch is given in the EC safety data sheet.
Package:
1kg/foil Bag; 25kg/drum;
Storage:
Store at room temperature, keep sealed and away from light.
Shelf life:
Two years.
Disclaimer:
The above information is meant to be informative and for general purpose only.
Greenway Biotech accept no liability arising from or in connection with use or reliance of this information o anything contained in it.
Please seek independent professional advice and perform laboratory test if necessary.
