Cellulose reformulated

Researchers soon found that modifying the way in which cellulose nitrate is prepared could significantly change its chemical and physical properties, and, therefore, its uses. For example, the British inventor Alexander Parkes (1813-1890) experimented with using a variety of solutions to dissolve cellulose nitrate, after which the material could be precipitated in one or another form. At first he called the reformulated cellulose nitrate synthetic ivory, because of its similarity to natural ivory, but later referred to the product as parkesine, named after himself. He was unable to obtain financing needed for the commercial manufacture of his invention, however, and it fell to an American inventor, John Wesley Hyatt (1837-1920) to reinvent a similar product less than a decade later. Hyatt and his brother Isaiah developed a mixture of cellulose nitrate and camphor that was an even more... 

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 Ifaction of the composition usually around 70%. Reformulation is ongoing to improve the flexibility and durability of the nail polish. Other efforts are directed to improve antifungal properties,to eliminate ketones and formaldehyde resin (ketones because of their toxicity and irritating smell and formaldehyde resins because they contribute to dermatitis), and elimination of yellowing. All efforts are di-... 

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