Handbook of Solvents - George Wypych - ChemTech - Ventech!

14.6 Cosmetics and personal care products 881
process is very energy efficient. Previous experiences with radiation curing technology
show that the process has been successfully implemented in several industries such as paper,
plastic processing, and wood coating where long term economic gains made the
changes viable.
Comparison of solvent-based fluoropolymer and fluorocarbon powder coating developed
in Japan 4 shows that elimination of solvent is not only good for environment but also
improves performance (UV stability especially is improved). The study was carried out
with a very well designed testing program to evaluate the weathering performance of the
material.
These two technologies show that there is extensive activity to improve coil coatings
with simultaneous elimination of solvents. Two recent patents contribute more information
on the developments in the coil coating industry. 5,6 One problem in the industry is with the
poor adhesion of the coating to steel. 2,3 A primer developed contains dipropylene glycol
methyl ether and PM acetate which allows the deposition of relatively thick layers (20-40
μm) without blistering and at suitable rate of processing. However, the primer has a low solids
content (30-45%). 5 A new retroreflective coating was also developed 6 which is based on
ethyl acrylate-styrene copolymer and contains a mixture of xylene with another aromatic
hydrocarbon (Solvesso 150) at relatively low concentration (11-12%).
REFERENCES
1 B P Whim, P G Johnson, Directory of Solvents, Blackie Academic & Professional, London, 1996.
2 A L Perou, J M Vergnaud, Polym. Testing, 16, No.1, 19-31 (1997).
3 G M Miasik, Surface Coatings International, 79, No.6, 258-67 (1996).
4 C Sagawa, T Suzuki, T Tsujita, K Maeda, S Okamoto, Surface Coatings International, 78, No.3, 94-8
(1995).
5 M T Keck, R J Lewarchik, J C Allman, US Patent 5,688,598, Morton International, Inc., 1997.
6 G L Crocker, R L Beam, US Patent 5,736,602, 1998.
14.6 COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
George Wypych
ChemTec Laboratories, Inc., Toronto, Canada
Several cosmetic products contain solvents. These include nail polish, nail polish remover,
fragrances, hair dyes, general cleaners, hair sprays and setting lotions. In most cases,
ethanol is the only solvent. Nail polish and nail polish remover contain a large variety of
solvents. Several recent patents 3-6 give information on current developmental work in this
area.
Nitrocellulose, polyester, acrylic and methacrylic ester copolymer, formaldehyde
resin, rosin, cellulose acetate butyrate are the most frequently used polymers in nail polish
formulations. Solvents were selected to suit the polymer used. These include acetone,
methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl glycol acetate, methyl ethyl ketone,
methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene, xylene, isopropyl alcohol, methyl chloroform, and naphtha.
Solvents constitute a substantial fraction of the composition usually around 70%. Reformulation
is ongoing to improve the flexibility and durability of the nail polish. 3 Other
efforts are directed to improve antifungal properties, 4 to eliminate ketones and formaldehyde
resin (ketones because of their toxicity and irritating smell and formaldehyde resins
because they contribute to dermatitis), 5 and elimination of yellowing. 6 All efforts are di-