Carbomers hydrated

Figure 14.11 A tightly coiled carbomer molecule will hydrate and swell when dispersed in water [a). The molecule will completely uncoil to achieve maximum thickening when it is converted from the acid form to the salt form upon neutralization (b).

Figure 14.12 Hydrated carbomer molecules may be uncoiled in water by adding hydroxyl donors such as propylene or polyethylene glycols (PEG).

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