AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry

Rheology ModifiersEnabling you to create the desired texture and function for your formulations

Rheology modifiers are essential ingredients to define product form and function. They affect the flow and feel of a product, determine application properties, and enable the creation of products with consumer preferred textures and visual appeal.

AkzoNobel provides a variety of synthetic and naturally derived polymers and surfactant thickeners to help formulators achieve desired and unique textures when developing the finest personal care products.

AMAZE™ XT polymer

BALANCE® RCFg polymer

ELFACOS® GT 282S nonionic copolymer

STRUCTURE® XL starch

STRUCTURE® ZEA starch

STRUCTURE® SOLANACE™ starch

STRUCTURE® 2001 and 3001 polymers

STRUCTURE® PLUS polymer

Rheology modifiers Defining form and function

Rheology Modifiers

AMAZE™ XT polymerINCI Name: Dehydroxanthan GumA 100% natural rheology modifier that provides exceptional suspension and enables clearer cleansing formulations than competitive polymers. It’s an effective thickening agent ideal for low pH systems. Gels formulated with AMAZE XT polymer suspend beads and air bubbles.

Key Benefits• pH range: 3-10; Optimal suspension at pH 4.5• Thickens and provides superior suspension • Enables different textures and visual appeal• Clear cleansing formulations• Supports natural and sustainable product claims • Sheer thinning• Provides conditioned skin feel in rinse off applications• Powder; easy to disperse in water• No neutralization required• Compatible with cationic ingredients (at low use levels)• Ideal for exfoliating scrubs cleansers• Typical usage: 0.25% to 2.5%• Available globally• Approved in China

SuspensionYield stress (sy) is a material property that relates to the capacity of a fluid to suspend another material, from air bubbles to beads. As long as sy is higher than the stress, the beads apply to the fluid and they will be suspended. This latter stress depends on both the size of the suspended elements and the difference of density between the fluid and the suspended material. In simple terms, air bubbles are more difficult to suspend than polymeric beads, and small bubbles are easier to suspend than larger bubbles. Figure 1 compares the experimental Yield stress with the theoretical one for various beads size and density (reference density of suspending fluid consid-ered to be water). The points were located along the X axis assuming that the suspended beads were 1mm in diameter. Important: Viscosity does not suspend, it slows down beads motion (floating or sedimentation). Only the creation of a network, typically noticed through the presence of elasticity, can provide true suspension. It is important to remember that rheological properties (=suspension here) may change with temperature.

Figure 1: Yield stress comparison

F O R M U L AT I O N U S E D I N T H E S T U D Y

Cleanser base (pH 4.5)10% (active) Sodium Laureth-2 Sulfate

3% (active) Cocamidopropyl Betaine

1% (active) Thickening polymer

ViscosityThe peak viscosity is achievable at pH 4.5 - 6. As the pH decreases, the gel clarity is reduced while when pH increases, the gel clarity improves slightly.

Figure 2: Effect of pH on viscosity and clarity of 1% AMAZE XT polymer in gel solution

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 V

isco

sity

, cP

s*

pH

1% AMAZE XT gel solution Clarity improves slightly with increasing pH

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

100

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

% T

rans

mitt

ance

**

pH

Clear

NotClear

*Viscosity measured at 23ºC using Brook�eld DV-1 spindle #6 @ 10 rpm; 1% active AMAZE XT gel solution

** Transmittance (%) measured at 600nm after 3 weeks of gel preparation

Amaze XT

0.1

1.0

10.0

0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5

Yield Stress σy (Pa)

Diameter (mm)

Float

Suspend

∆ρ = 1g/cm3

∆ρ = 0.2g/cm3

∆ρ = 0.1g/cm

Air bubbles in water

Solid materials in water

Solid materials in water

Xanthan Gum

Suggested Applications• Shower gels• Body washes• Exfoliating body washes• Exfoliating facial cleansers• Liquid hand soaps• Body lotions and creams

Suggested Applications• Shaving shower gels• Shower gels• Body washes• Shampoos• Sulfate-free shampoos• Foaming facial cleansers

BALANCE® RCFg polymerINCI Name: Acrylates CopolymerBALANCE RCFg polymer thickens and creates clear gels and unique rheology profiles for new texture in skin and hair care formulations. It also provides efficient thickening in both surfactant and sulfate-free systems over pH 6.5-12.

Key Benefits• Thickens over pH 6.5-12• Optimal viscosity and clarity at pH >6.5• Unique Newtonian rheology at low shear rate and shear thinning at high

shear rate • Enables soft cushioning gels (shaving, shower gels)• Builds viscosity in surfactants systems at low concentration• Synergy effect with salts• Also thickens sulfate-free systems• Supplied as 30% active liquid-form emulsion • Easy to use in typical manufacturing conditions; allows for cold processing• Compatible with cationics• Typical usage: 1.0% to 5.0%• Available globally• Approved in China

Viscosity and clarityIn water solution, optimal viscosity and clarity are observed >pH 6.5

Figure 3: Effect of pH on viscosity and clarity of 2% BALANCE RCFg polymer in water solution

Test results show that BALANCE RCFg polymer provides effective thickening at low concentrations in surfactant systems.

Figure 4: Thickening effect of BALANCE RCFg polymer at low concentrations in a sulfated system at pH 6.5

BALANCE RCFg polymer also provides effective thickening in sulfate-free systems.

Figure 5: Viscosity build in a sulfate-free system

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Turb

idity

, NTU

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

pH

Viscosity (cPs)

Turbidity (NTU)

Viscosity measured at 25ºC, RV 6 @ 10 rpm;2% active BALANCE RCFg polymer in water

1

100

10,000

1,000,000

0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

% Active BALANCE RCFg Polymer

Sulfated system (7.5 SLES/2.5CAPB) F# 2798-70.A, pH 6.5 Viscosity measured at 25ºC, RV #6, 5 rpm

% Active BALANCE RCFg Polymer

1

10

100

1,000

10,000

0 0.6 1.2 1.5 1.95 2.4

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Sulfate-free system(SCI and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) F# 2798-74, pH 6.9Viscosity measuredat 25ºC, RV #5, 5 rpm

Rheology Modifiers

0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000

10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 18,000

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

Anionic

Sodium C14-16 Ole�n

Sulfonate

Sodium LaurethSulfate

Disodium Monolaureth-

Sulfosuccinate

Lauryl Betaine

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Amphoteric Nonionic

Polysorbate 20

0 5

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

2 2.5 5 7 9 12

Turb

idity

, NTU

Not Clear

Clear

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

0 1 2 3 4 5

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

% NaCl

Suggested Applications• Shampoos• Body washes• Facial cleansing systems• Liquid soaps

ELFACOS® GT 282SINCI Name: Ceteareth-60 Myristyl GlycolELFACOS GT 282S nonionic copolymer is a unique rheology modifier (polyalkylene glycol derivative) that enables crystal clear cleansing systems. As a unique Newtonian associative thickener, it exhibits excellent viscosity synergism with surfactants and works in a wide pH range (2-12) with no impact on foam properties.

Key Benefits• Thickens over wide pH range (2-12)• Crystal clear formulations• Synergistic thickening effect with most anionic and amphoteric

surfactants• Synergistic viscosity with salts• No impact on foaming• Newtonian profile; easy to pour• Excellent stability, even at high temperature• Easy to use, 100% active pastille• Typical usage 0.5% to 4.0%• Available globally• Approved in China

ClarityELFACOS GT 282S nonionic copolymer exhibits exceptional clarity in aqueous systems.

Figure 6: Clarity of ELFACOS GT 282S 10% in water solution

Synergistic thickeningELFACOS GT 282S nonionic copolymer exhibits excellent synergistic effect with most anionic and amphoteric surfactants.

Figure 7: Thickening effect of 5% ELFACOS GT 282S with 14% surfactant

Synergistic thickening with saltLow levels of ELFACOS GT 282S nonionic copolymer synergistically boost viscosity with salt.

Figure 8: Viscosity of SLES base with 0.5% ELFACOS GT 282S and salt

F O R M U L AT I O N U S E D I N T H E S T U D Y

SLES Solution (pH 6.5)

INCI Name wt/wt % Water 40

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (20%) 40

Sodium Hydroxide (20%) QS

Water QS to 90%

Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol, ELFACOS GT 282S nonionic copolymer 0.5

Citric Acid (20%) QS

Water QS to 100%

STRUCTURE® XL starchINCI Name: Hydroxypropyl Starch PhosphateA naturally derived and biodegradable rheology modifier, STRUCTURE® XL starch enables more stable and natural emulsions for personal care applica-tions. It reduces the size of emulsion droplets enabling efficient stability and also builds synergistic viscosity with emulsifiers. Easy to use, it takes only two minutes to completely disperse in cold water with no pre-mixes needed. It is also flexible over wide pH range (3-9).

Key Benefits• Multifunctional: thickener and emulsion stabilizer • Flexibility over a wide pH range (3-9)• Easy to use • Quickly and easily disperses in cold water with no pre-mixes needed• Non-dusty powder• Viscosity thickening synergy with nonionic and amino acid surfactants• Good salt tolerance• Positive influence on foam properties• Rich creamy texture• Enables naturally derived skin and hair care products• Typical usage: 1% to 4%• Available globally• Approved in China

StabilityAddition of STRUCTURE XL starch to an emulsion base significantly reduces average emulsion particle size resulting in more stable emulsions.

Figure 9: Effects of STRUCTURE XL starch on emulsion particle size reduction

Synergistic thickeningWhen increasing the use level emulsifier (1.75%), STRUCTURE XL starch synergistically increases viscosity.

Figure 10: Effects of STRUCTURE XL starch on emulsion viscosity in a multi-fruit base at pH 4.0

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

1.75% STRUCTURE XL in a multi-fruit body lotion

5,000

7,000

9,000

11,000

13,000

15,000

17,000

19,000

21,000

2.0 4.0 6.0pH

8.0 10.0 12.0

FlexibilityBecause of its nonionic character and broad compatibility, STRUCTURE XL starch provides the formulator with the flexibility to formulate over a wide pH range with high amounts of mono- and polyvalent salts (up to 20%) and a large variety of raw materials.

Figure 11: Flexibility of STRUCTURE XL starch over a wide pH range

F O R M U L AT I O N U S E D I N T H E S T U D Y

Body Lotion Multi-fruit

INCI Name

4.75% emulsifier + 1.75%

STRUCTURE XLwt/wt %

4.75% emulsifier

+ 0% STRUCTURE XL

wt/wt %

1.1% emulsifier + 1.75%

STRUCTURE XLwt/wt %

1.1% emulsifier

+ 0% STRUCTURE XL

wt/wt %

Phase A

Distilled Water 70.00 71.75 70.00 71.75

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80

Dehydroxanthan Gum, AMAZE XT polymer

0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, STRUCTURE XL starch

1.75 - 1.75 -

Phase B

Capric/Capryllic Triglyceride 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00

Stearyl Alcohol 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Glyceryl Monostearate (Cosmetic Grade)

3.25 3.25 0.75 0.75

Polysorbate 20 1.50 1.50 0.35 0.35

Propylene Glycol Stearate 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50

Cetyl Esters 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75

Glycerin 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Dimethicone 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Phase C

Multiple Extracts, Multifruit BSC D227

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Preservative 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Citric Acid QS QS QS QS

Distilled Water QS to 100% QS to 100% QS to 100% QS to 100%

Total 100 100 100 100

> 95% reduction of particle size

> 95% reduction of particle size

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1.10% Emulsi�er 4.75% Emulsi�er

Ave

rage

Par

ticle

Siz

e, μ

m

0% STRUCTURE XL 1.75% STRUCTURE XL

1.10% Emulsi�er 4.75% Emulsi�er

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000 0% STRUCTURE XL 1.75% STRUCTURE XL

Suggested Applications• Naturally derived skin

care products• Emulsion-based skin and hair care • Creams and lotions• Low-pH cleansing creams

and lotions, body washes and facial cleansers

• Natural shampoos and conditioners

Rheology Modifiers

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

Initial viscosity 45ºC, 8 week

Time

45ºC, 12 week

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

0 200 400 600 800

1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000

pH 3 pH 7 pH 10

Suggested Applications• Hair treatment products• Natural creams• Lotions• Powdered bleach• Powdered hair dyes

STRUCTURE® ZEA starchINCI Name: Hydroxypropyl Starch PhosphateSTRUCTURE ZEA is a naturally derived, corn-based rheology modifier that thickens, stabilizes and provides aesthetic enhancements in emulsion systems. Flexible over wide pH range (3-9), it is also ideal for boosting viscosity in formulations that requires instant dispersion such as peroxide solutions or cold water (pH >10).

Key Benefits• Multifunctional: Thickener and emulsion stabilizer• Naturally derived polymer• Biodegradable• Shear thinning• Does not require neutralization• Flexible over pH range 3-9 • For instant viscosity applications: pH >10 • Excellent tolerance to electrolytes and cationics• Enhances hair treatment formulations (curly and colored hair) • Ideal for boosting viscosity in formulations that requires instant dispersion

such as peroxide solutions or cold water• Typical usage: Instant soluble powders: 1%; Emulsion stability: 1% to 5%• Available globally• Approved in China

ThickeningSTRUCTURE ZEA starch thickens at very low pH, though viscosity can be built up to pH 10. Optimal pH stability: 3-7.

Figure 12: Effect of pH on viscosity; 5% active polymer in water solution

Figure 13: Thickening efficiency of STRUCTURE ZEA starch when used in different levels (supply form) in water solution

Emulsion stabilizationSTRUCTURE ZEA starch provides good stabilization in emulsion systems over a period of 12 weeks.

Figure 14: Stability of emulsion over 12 weeks at 45ºC

F O R M U L AT I O N U S E D I N T H E S T U D Y

Curl Control and Hydrating Cream (14590-33.E) pH 6.5-7.5

INCI Name wt/wt %Phase A Deionized Water 90.41

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, STRUCTURE® ZEA starch 2.00

Polyurethane-14 (and) AMP-Acrylates Copolymer (and) Water, DynamX® H2O (25% Solids) 2.00

Phase B Cetearyl Alcohol 2.20

Ceteareth-20 0.30

Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol 1.00

Phase C Cetrimonium Chloride (and) Water, ARQUAD® PC 16-29 (29% active) 0.79

Phase D Dimethicone (and) Laureth-4 (and) Laureth-23 (and) Water 1.00

DMDM Hydantoin (and) Water 0.30

Total 100

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

5.0% STRUCTURE ZEA 6.0% STRUCTURE ZEA

pH 3 pH 7

Viscosity measured at 25ºC, Brookfield RV, 10 rpm

Vis

cosi

ty, m

Pa.

s

20 4 6 8 10 12 14pH

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

Suggested Applications• Creams and lotions• Sun care products• Color cosmetics (liquid makeup)• Low surfactant emulsifier systems• Aerosol shave foams or

skin mousses

STRUCTURE® SOLANACE™ starchINCI Name: Potato Starch ModifiedIdeal for low pH skin care emulsion systems, STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch is an effective thickener and emulsion stabilizer. Derived from potato (non-GM) and biodegradable, it enables naturally derived skin and hair care formulations with a light, creamy texture.

Key Benefits• Formulation pH range: 3.5-11• Optimal viscosity stability in emulsion systems at pH 4• Ideal for low pH skin care emulsions• Effective thickener and emulsion stabilizer • No neutralization required• Naturally derived and biodegradable• Non-GM agriculturally derived product• Extremely shear thinning• Suitable for emulsion in spray or pump delivery• Typical usage: 2% to 6% (above 3% the starch will yield more gel-like

rheological properties)• Available globally• Approved in China Texture STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch provides formulations with a light, creamy texture, when compared to competitive products.

Figure 15: Simple cream base formulated with STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch at pH 4.5

2% STRUCTURE SOLANACE 4% STRUCTURE SOLANACE

Stability in emulsion systemsStudy shows simple cream base pH 4.5 with STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch is the most stable after four weeks under 50°C.

Figure 16: Four week stability test results

Broad pH rangeSTRUCTURE SOLANACE starch can be used over a broad pH range. The recommended range is from pH 3.5 to pH 11. It allows the formulation of low pH emulsions containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that exhibit exceptional skin feel, and excellent pH and viscosity stability.

Figure 17: Viscosity using 1.75% of STRUCTURE SOLANACE in body lotion multi-fruit emulsion formula (1008-76)

Stability in emulsion systemsOne of the important properties of the STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch is its effect on emulsion stability. The starch functions to reduce the particle size of an emulsion and increase the stability of a formulation. Figure 18a shows the particle size of a TEA/Stearate emulsion evaluated by microscopy analysis. With no starch, the formula exhibits a large particle size, about 50 microns, and poor shelf stability. As the amount of starch is increased, the particle size of the emulsion decreases and the formulation stability increases. Figure 18b shows the same emulsion containing 2% STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch. The particle size is <<10 microns, but more importantly the formula exhibits excellent stability under ambient and accelerated aging conditions of the starch.

Figure 18: STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch functions to reduce the particle size of an emulsion and increase the stability of a formulation

Figure 18b: TEA/Stearate Emulsion2% STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch

(Avg. Particle Size <<10 microns)

Figure 18a: TEA/Stearate Emulsion0% STRUCTURE SOLANACE starch

(Avg. Particle Size = 50 microns)

2% STRUCTURE SOLANACE

starch

4% STRUCTURE SOLANACE

starch

2% HydroxyethylMethylcellulose

1% HydroxyethylMethylcellulose

2% HydroxyethylCellulose

Rheology Modifiers

STRUCTURE® 2001 and 3001 polymersINCI Name: Acrylates/Steareth-20 Itaconate Copolymer (STRUCTURE 2001)

INCI Name: Acrylates/Ceteth-20 Itaconate Copolymer (STRUCTURE 3001)Easy-to-use, aqueous–based emulsion polymers designed for use in highly alkaline and hard-to-thicken formulations in a broad pH range (6.5-12). Both provide long-term viscosity stability over time even at 50ºC. STRUCTURE 3001 polymer has stronger salt tolerance than 2001, while STRUCTURE 2001 has provide superior thickening effect.

Key Benefits• Ideal for highly alkaline and hard-to-thicken formulations • High viscosities at low use levels• Extremely user-friendly; can simply be added to water, neutralized and

easily mixed• Can be neutralized by most commonly-used counter ions• Stable over time in the presence of heat and high pH; stable to

hydrogen peroxide • Shear-thinning; formulation can be easily squeezed from an applicator, or

mixed in a bowl, but will set up readily on the hair.• Can also be used in one-component, pre-neutralized formulations such

as hair dyes, gels and relaxers.• With just water, product will easily rinse from the hair.• Solvent tolerant• STRUCTURE 2001 and 3001 polymers can be blended to optimize the

performance attributes of both (thickening + salt tolerance)• Typical usage: Aqueous gels, Hair treatment and Relaxers: 1.0% to 3.0%;

Hair dye: 2.0% to 4.0%• Available globally• Approved in China

ViscosityAt low use levels, STRUCTURE 2001 gives very high viscosity. The relationship between polymer solids and viscosity is logarithmic, not linear, meaning that small increases in solids produce large boosts in viscosity.

Figure 19: Effects of STRUCTURE 2001 polymer concentration on viscosity

StabilityThe STRUCTURE 2001/3001 polymer thickeners are stable over time in the presence of heat and high pH.

Figure 20: Stability of neutralized thickeners at pH 9.5, 45ºC

Salt ToleranceSTRUCTURE 3001 shows outstanding salt tolerance and can build the viscosity of even a 2% solids sodium chloride solution.

Figure 21: Salt tolerance of neutralized thickeners 5:1 polymer base in water

Suggested ApplicationsSTRUCTURE 2001: • Hair color/dyes• Hair treatment• Hair relaxers• Specialty hair gels

and depilatories

STRUCTURE 3001:• Hair color/dyes• Depilatories

pH Effects on Viscosity for STRUCTURE 2001 Polym er

Polymer Concentration Effects on Viscosity

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Vis

cosi

ty (p

H)

pH

STRUCTURE Associative Thickeners Synergy with Surfactants

020406080

100120140160

0 1 2 3 4 5

cps

x 10

00

grams surfactant

HLB 8.0 HLB 13.6

Brook�eld. 5 rpm 1% polymer solids

Stability of Neutralized Thickeners at pH 9.5, 45ºC

Salt Tolerance of Neutralized Thickeners 5:1 Polymer : Base in Water

IPA Tolerance of Neutralized Thickene rs 5:1 Polymer : Base in Water

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

STRUCTURE 2001 STRUCTURE 3001

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Brook�eld 10 rpm, Thickener concentration = 1%, Base = NH4OH

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

STRUCTURE 2001 STRUCTURE 3001

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Thickeners

0% solvent

1% solvent

5% solvent

10% solvent

Thickener concentration = 1%

Base Reference = 5:1 Thickener : NH4OH

Brook�eld, 10 rpm

0% NaCl 0.25% NaCl

0.50% NaCl 1.0% NaCl

2.0% NaCl 5.0% NaCl

STRUCTURE 2001 STRUCTURE 3001

30,000

35,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,0000 40

20 60 100 140 180 220 26080 120 160 200 240

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Days

Viscosity measured by Brookfield 10 rpm, Thickener concen-tration = 1%, Base = NH4OH

STRUCTURE 2001

30,000

100,000

10,000

3,000

1,000

300

1000% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0%

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

% Polymer Solids

Viscosity measured by Brookfield 20 rpm

pH Effects on Viscosity for STRUCTURE 2001 Polym er

Polymer Concentration Effects on Viscosity

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Vis

cosi

ty (p

H)

pH

STRUCTURE Associative Thickeners Synergy with Surfactants

020406080

100120140160

0 1 2 3 4 5

cps

x 10

00

grams surfactant

HLB 8.0 HLB 13.6

Brook�eld. 5 rpm 1% polymer solids

Stability of Neutralized Thickeners at pH 9.5, 45ºC

Salt Tolerance of Neutralized Thickeners 5:1 Polymer : Base in Water

IPA Tolerance of Neutralized Thickene rs 5:1 Polymer : Base in Water

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

STRUCTURE 2001 STRUCTURE 3001

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Brook�eld 10 rpm, Thickener concentration = 1%, Base = NH4OH

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

STRUCTURE 2001 STRUCTURE 3001

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Thickeners

0% solvent

1% solvent

5% solvent

10% solvent

Thickener concentration = 1%

Base Reference = 5:1 Thickener : NH4OH

Brook�eld, 10 rpm

0% NaCl 0.25% NaCl

0.50% NaCl 1.0% NaCl

2.0% NaCl 5.0% NaCl

STRUCTURE 2001 STRUCTURE 3001

30,000

35,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,0000 40

20 60 100 140 180 220 26080 120 160 200 240

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Days

20 Hour Boil Stability in 6% Hydrogen Peroxide/0.1% H3PO4

Polymer % H2O2 RetainedBlank 100

STRUCTURE 2001 99

STRUCTURE 3001 99

Thickener concentration = 1% solids

STRUCTURE® PLUS polymerINCI Name: Acrylates/Aminoacrylates/C10-30 Alkyl PEG-20 Itaconate CopolymerDesigned for low-pH (3-6) systems, STRUCTURE PLUS polymer thickens suspends and stabilizes surfactant-based formulations. Its cationic compatibility, coupled with surfactant thickening synergies, makes it ideal for conditioning gels, two-in-one shampoos and body washes.

Key Benefits• Multifunctional: Thickens, stabilizes and suspends• Enables low-pH formulations (3-6)• Also thickens in the neutral pH region when used with surfactants• Compatible with functional cationics• Sheer thinning, minimal flow at rest with good workability• Clear formulations• Salt tolerance• Its acid-swelling nature makes it ideal for low pH gels, lotions and creams

and pH balanced cleansing systems• Typical usage: Cleansers: 0.75% to 2.0%; Clear gels: 2.5% to 3.0%;

Emulsions: 0.2% to 1.0% • Available in NA

Viscosity in surfactant systemsBecause personal care surfactant systems are rarely composed of a single surfactant type, it is important to understand how surfactant blends interact with the STRUCTURE PLUS polymer. We find the interactions are not simply additive. For example, the combination of the STRUCTURE PLUS polymer and a binary blend of 10% ALES and 5% CAPB yields a viscosity over 30,000 cps, and further addition of 5% CAA yields a system viscosity approaching 60,000 cps. These values are much higher than would be expected given the viscosities of the polymer in combination with the individual surfactants.

Studies also show that the STRUCTURE PLUS polymer can thicken in the neutral to alkaline region in the presence of surfactants, even without pre-swelling the polymer in an acid. This is unexpected because in higher pH environments the polymer is uncharged. However, surfactants can solubilize the hydrophobic portions of the STRUCTURE PLUS polymer, enabling the uncharged polymer to swell.

The presence of surfactants can improve the polymer’s thickening efficiency in the acid region as well.

Figure 22: Viscosity response of STRUCTURE PLUS polymer to pH

Figure 23: Viscosity response of STRUCTURE PLUS polymer to pH vs. surfactant mechanism

Cationic compatibilityOne of the most unique attributes of the STRUCTURE PLUS polymer is its ability to thicken in the presence of a variety of functional cationics. Formulators can create conditioning, shear-thinning gels as well as rich, creamy emulsions.

Figure 24: Viscosity response of STRUCTURE PLUS polymer to cationics

SuspensionThis evaluation indicates the suspension property level of STRUCTURE PLUS polymer.

Figure 25: Yield stress comparison

F O R M U L AT I O N U S E D I N T H E S T U D Y

Cleanser base (pH 4.5)10% (active) Sodium Laureth-2 Sulfate

3% (active) Cocamidopropyl Betaine

1% (active) Thickening polymer

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

pH

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Viscosity response of STRUCTURE PLUS to pH

Viscosity measured by Brookfield 10 rpm, Brookfield heliopath2.5% STRUCTURE PLUS polymerpH adjusted with glycolic acid

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

0.5% Cationic solids 2.5% Cationic solids

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

Polymer, No cationic

Polyquaternium-10

Polyquaternium-4

Quaternized protein

Polyquaternium-7

Cetrimonium chloride

Viscosity measured by Brookfield heliopath, 10 rpm; 3% glycolic acid; 2.5% STRUCTURE PLUS

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

pH

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Viscosity response: pH vs. surfactant mechanism

STRUCTURE PLUS + Sulfate Surfactants

STRUCTURE PLUS alone

Viscosity measured by Brookfield heliopath, 10 rpm;3% glycolic acid;2.5% STRUCTURE PLUS

AMAZE XT Polymer

0.1

1.0

10.0

0.5 0.75 1 1.25 1.5

Yield Stress σy (Pa)

Diameter (mm)

Float

Suspend

∆ρ = 1g/cm3

∆ρ = 0.2g/cm3

∆ρ = 0.1g/cm

Air bubbles in water

Solid materials in water

Solid materials in water

STRUCTURE PLUS Polymer

Rheology Modifiers

Our rheology modifiers at a glance

Rheology Modifier Type of Polymer

pH Range Formulation Systems

Functionality Compatibility Salt Tolerance Formulation Clarity

Form Process

Thickener Stabilizer Suspension

AMAZE™ XT polymer

Bio-polymer

3-10 Water-base, surfactant, gel systems

Yes No Yes Surfactants and silicones

Yes (low levels) Clear Powder Cold

BALANCE® RCFg polymer

Synthetic

6.5-12 Water-base, surfactant, sulfate-free, and gel systems

Yes No No Surfactants and cationics

Yes Clear Liquid Cold

ELFACOS® GT 282Snonionic copolymer

Copolymer 2-12 Water-base and surfactant systems

Yes Yes No Anionic and amphoteric surfactants

Yes (low levels) Crystal Clear

100% pastille

Hot

STRUCTURE® XL starch

Bio-polymer

3-9 Emulsions Yes Yes No Oils, emollients, silicones, UV filters, AHA/BHA, surfactants

Yes Not Clear Powder Cold/Hot

STRUCTURE® ZEA starch

Bio-polymer

3-9 Water, peroxide (instant viscosity) and emulsion systems

Yes Yes No Peroxide solutions, salts, powdered perborates, cationics

Yes Not Clear Powder Cold/Hot

STRUCTURE®

SOLANACE™ starchBio-polymer 3-11 Emulsions Yes Yes No Oils, emollients,

silicones, AHA/BHAn/a Not Clear Powder Hot

STRUCTURE® 2001 and 3001 polymers

Synthetic 6.5-12 Neutral to highly alkaline systems

Yes No No Nonionic and anionic ingredients

Yes Clear Liquid Cold

STRUCTURE® PLUS polymer

Synthetic 3-6 Water base and surfactant systems

Yes Yes Yes Surfactants and cationic polymers

Yes Clear Liquid Cold

Suggested Applications• Shampoos• Body washes• Creams and lotions

Salt toleranceSTRUCTURE PLUS polymer provides stable viscosity above 2% salt addition.

Figure 26: Viscosity of cleanser base with 1.0% STRUCTURE PLUS polymer and various levels of salt

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

% NaCl

Vis

cosi

ty, c

Ps

F O R M U L AT I O N U S E D I N T H E S T U D Y

Cleanser base STRUCTURE PLUS (#1002-65)

INCI Name wt/wt % Deionized Water 50.00

Sodium Laureth Sulfate 30.00

Cocamidopropyl Betaine 8.00

20% Sodium Hydroxide QS

Water QS 

Total 90.00

STRUCTURE PLUS 1.00

Deionized Water QS

NaOH or Citric Acid QS (pH 3 or pH 6)

Total 100.00

North AmericaUSA and Canada: Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC 525 West Van Buren Street Chicago IL 60607-3823 T +1-800-906-9977T +1-312-544-7000E personalcare.usa@akzonobel.com

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www.akzonobel.com/personalcare

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 45,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.

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