TONY O’LENICK
Siltech L.L.C., Lawrenceville, USA

Abstract

The interactions can result in thickening, foam enhancement, aesthetics improvement and other desirable factors, however the interactions can cause instability, splitting, foam degradation and even loss of preservative functioning. 

The ability to capitalize on interactions is not only of interest to the formulator; it is of interest to the raw material supplier as well. This article reviews the formation of silicone anionic and silicone cationic complexes and their functionality in formulation.

In a previous article on interaction between anionic and cationic surfactants, it is stated:

“The interaction between ingredients in a formulation is  almost always the most important factor in determining the properties of the formulation (1). ” The interaction between anionic and cationic surfactants are clearly one of the interactions that can be used to improve functional of a formulation. However, the ability to capitalize upon the interaction between anionic and cationic surfactants has been extended to anionic and cationic polymers and has been extended from formulators to raw material suppliers.  This review article will address the development.

FORMULATOR TIP

The formulator should view old assumptions with a healthy degree of skepticism, understanding that assumptions sometimes, but rarely, are universally true; often contain an element of truth to them; and rarely are just wrong.

HARD AND SOFT COMPLEXES

Surfactant molecules interact with the solvent molecules around them. In order for a surfactant to be soluble in water, the surfactant molecules need to hydrogen bond with the water molecule ...