Rheology Performance Study Helped to Predict Long-Term Stability of Suspension System Using Rheometer
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Presented by: Chiew Ngan Liew
A clear surfactant system is a common cleansing system. Formulators are looking for better market positioning. Whereas consumers are not only looking for mild cleansing system but also eye-catching products with appealing texture and appearance. Incorporation of beads, mica, pearling agents, exfoliating abrasive agents into the clear surfactant system would readily make the product to be outstanding on the shelf.
To stabilize the insoluble particles, suspension and yield value are crucial and key factors. Rheology modifiers like cross-linked acrylate copolymers (anionic acrylic acid emulsion polymer) are generally best candidates used in providing viscosity, superior suspension, and elegant flow to support aesthetic characteristics mentioned above. The cross-linked acrylate copolymer is also known as alkaline swellable emulsion polymer that ionizes and expands into a three-dimensional network upon neutralization to pH 5-7 (this is due to the ionic charge repulsion between the carboxyl group, COO along the backbone of the polymer). However, it is time consuming for formulator to follow up stability of the suspension samples over time during the product development stage. It is important to have a quick and reliable method to assess and predict the long-term physical stability of the suspension systems with different rheology modifiers dosages and/or formulation processes. A reliable method will be helpful for the formulator in terms of time and cost saving during formulation development stage.
The study aims to develop an instrumental analysis method to predict the long-term stability of suspension systems using rheometer. Rheology modifiers at different use levels and different formulation process (standard pH adjustment and back-acid) were tested using rheometer. Physical stability of the samples was monitored to evaluate the correlation between the rheology test results and standard inspection data. Different rheological techniques were investigated to optimize the methods, such as oscillatory techniques. Evaluation also done to understand how the patented “back-acid” mechanism (between pH 4-6) has helped to further enhance the superior suspension characteristic and viscosity profile. The method shall also provide insight that correlate to suspension stability.
The results showed a good correlation between the rheological characteristics of the systems and the long-term stability of the samples. It has also demonstrated the capability to predict the different performance of different processing methods. Results obtained by rheology test method indicates that the instrumental analysis method could be an effective screening method prior to final full thermal stability. This will help formulators to have best selection on polymer dosage in used. The instrumental analysis method also indicate that the back-acid mechanism further enhances the superior suspension through higher yield value obtained.
With the rheology test method, it is extremely useful for formulators to understand the suspension pattern offered by different dosage of polymer in used. The rheology test method also serves as an indication if the back-acid mechanism has been applied correctly and hence provide good yield value, good suspension. Overall, this will be time saving in yield value/ suspension’s long-term stability screening.