Effect of Dispersion Stirring Speed on the Particle Size Distribution and Rheological Properties of Three Carbomers

Abstract

The influence of stirring speed during the dispersion stage of Carbopol 5984, 974, and 980 on the particle size distributions and rheological characteristics of these carbomers is reported. Previous work showed the importance of monitoring the particle size and the polydispersity of Carbopol 5984 dispersions during manufacturing in order to be able to ensure the rheological properties of the gels produced. This paper compares particle size distributions and rheological behaviors of three carbopols under increasing shear. Carbopol 974 was selected because it belongs to the same viscosity group as Carbopol 5984 and has a similar level of cross‐linking; these carbopols differ by the solvent used for synthesis. Carbopol 980 was selected because it has a higher viscosity range than Carbopol 5984 due to a higher level of cross‐linking. On the other hand, Carbopol 5984 and 980 were both synthesized in the same type of solvent mixture.

Keywords:

• Carbopol
• Process
• Stirring speed
• Particle size
• Viscosity
• Rheology
• Polydispersity