Rheology Modifiers

At BASF Care Creations we understand the need for formulation expertise. In this video, we will take a trip back to basics and explore the use of Rheology Modifiers in thick styling products. Rheology modifiers are polymers commonly used in hair styling products to provide changes in product texture and thickening. This video will discuss the swelling mechanism of ionic and non-ionic polymers. Although we will discuss the macroscopic behavior of the polymer in the absence and presence of a neutralizer, we will also discuss the behavior of the polymers in the molecular level. The mechanisms will be illustrated by BASF thickening polymers in aqueous solutions. We will then highlight liquid dispersion polymers, or LDPs, ready-made blends of hydrophilic, swell-able polymer micro-particles; a lipophilic carrier; and an emulsifier. LDPs facilitate the cold-processing of emulsions by taking the “guess-work” out of mixing the correct ratios of emulsifiers, emollients, and thickeners. Similarly to thickening polymers, a sample BASF LDP product will be used to thicken an aqueous solution.