CrystaSense™ IM700

Cure time

CrystaSense IM700 polymerises significantly faster than CrystaSense IM800 under the same conditions to give the same end product; therefore they should be used together in varying ratios to control the desired cure time of formulations. Initially while a formulation is in development the recommended ratio of CrystaSense IM700 to CrystaSense IM800 is 1:3. Table 3 shows example cure times for a formulation containing 50% fragrance oil and different ratios of CrystaSense oil gellants.

Table 3: Example cure times for a formulation containing 50% fragrance oil and different ratios of the CrystaSense IM Series. Results are fragrance dependant.

Table 4: Example cure times for a formulation containing 50% fragrance oil and 50% of either CrystaSense IM700 or CrystaSense IM800

Curing

The CrystaSense IM series require the addition of approximately 4% curing agent for the material to harden. Recommended curing agents are solvent-free isocyanurate trimers available from Bayer Corporation under the trade name DESMODUR; DESMODUR N 3300 is used in all Croda formulations.

Diluents

Diluents are primarily used to bulk formulations where low levels of fragrance are used, however they can also be used to reduce viscosity, reduce syneresis (when liquid exudes to the surface of an object), and to a limited extent adjust final object flexibility and fragrance release. Polyamide polyamines are compatible with a wide range of medium-polarity organic compounds but not well suited to very low and very high polarity liquids like hydrocarbons, linear silicone oils, diols and water. Dipropylene glycol is a compatible diluent, and both Crodamol AB and Span 80 show compatibility with the CrystaSense IM series. It is important that the diluent polarity should match the fragrance polarity.

Dyes and Fragrance

Many oil-soluble dyes can be used to color gels made with the CrystaSense IM series, however some dyes may lose stability in the presence of the other gel ingredients, and a slight color change may occur. Table 5 shows 12 dyes that were assessed for change in color when used in a CrystaSense IM gel; C12 -15 alkyl benzoate was used as a diluent.

Table 5: Color changes observed for formulations containing dye, C12-15 alkyl benzoate and a CrystaSense IM gellant

Fragrances of all polarities can be used with the CrystaSense IM gellants; however incompatibilities with other ingredients can cause syneresis. This can be solved by replacing or adding a more compatible diluent or adjusting the proportions of the liquids.

Formulating

Production of gels containing the CrystaSense IM series requires no heat. The CrystaSense IM gellants are quickly mixed together with the liquid active and dye until homogeneous, the curing compound is mixed in, and the mixture is poured into molds and allowed to set. Gels then can be removed from flexible molds without cracking or distortion. Although curing requires no heat, it can be used to accelerate the reaction of the polyamide polyamines with the curing agent.

Table 6 shows a typical immobilized fragrance oil formulation. The percentage of fragrance and diluent will depend on the end cost and application.

Table 6: Guide formulation for an air freshener gel

Air Care with Appeal

Air care is a highly innovative area within household cleaning which is shown in the consistently high level of product launches relative to the market size (Figure 1 ). Trends predict that consumers will continue to seek new concepts and a more sensory experience from their air care purchases.

Figure 1: Percentage of air care product launches within global household launches and percentage of overall household market size since 2009.

The CrystaSense series effectively gels high levels of fragrance oil and satisfies consumer needs with a product that is also visually striking. CrystaSense IM700 transform functional oils into transparent, solid gels with the option of embedding glitter or other articles for further sensory appeal.

Gels made with CrystaSense IM are water-resistant and heat-resistant to 250°C. The gels will not melt in hot vehicles or other areas of high temperature, and are also suitable for aqueous environments within the home and in industrial applications.

Steady Fragrance Release

Figure 2: Fragrance release rates of formulations containing 35% fragrance, 35% Crodamol™ AB, 26% CrystaSense IM and 4% isocynaurate curing agent.

CrystaSense IM700 exhibit steady release of volatile components and are therefore an ideal solution for fragrance formulations. Gels formulated with the CrystaSense IM series provide long-lasting steady fragrance, ensuring that the product smells the same over its lifetime.

The fragrance release of two gels made with the CrystaSense IM series was measured over a 28-day period. The results of the testing show that the fragrance release of the two products is linear and predictable, but will vary depending on the fragrance used.