Noveon Consumer Specialties of The Lubrizol Corporation has introduced Novethix L-10 polymer, a new hyper-HASE solution for difficult-to-thicken surfactant systems.
The new Novethix L-10 polymer thickens and controls the rheology of challenging surfactant cleansing systems such as mild, sulphate/amide-free shampoos and facial cleansers or very low surfactant content formulations for economy markets. A highly efficient, hydrophobically modified, alkaliswellable emulsion polymer designed for structuring most cleansing formulations containing anionic, nonionic and zwitterionic surfactants, the company also describes the new polymer as a cost effective improvement over many nonionic thickeners. It works synergistically with electrolytes and is an easy-to-use, cold-processable liquid. The new polymer overcomes deficiencies generally found in surfactant systems containing nonionic thickeners, such as poor viscosity reproducibility, jelly-like flow aesthetics and instability when stored at elevated temperatures. Nonionic thickeners often require controlled heating and cooling protocols to achieve formulation reproducibility. Since Novethix L-10 polymer is an aqueous dispersion, formulations can be cold processed without the need for heat and long mixing times. The shear-thinning rheology of Novethix L-10 polymer provides smooth, honey-like flow and excellent temperature stability.